We're just got back from our vacation to Salvador. What an incredible time we had. We stayed at a little bed and breakfast called the Manga Rosa which was great. Airia and I will definitely be going back to Brazil, it was one of the best trips of our lives. Check out our pictures under the Traveling section of our pictures page.
The Mitso and Jan came for visits.
Friday April 18th, 2008
My little brother, Demetri, came down to visit with his girlfriend and we had a blast. Its always good to see my brother makes me home sick. Then barely a week later we got a visit from Airia's mom Jan and her little sister Deanna. We all had a blast and went to Disney's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. As old as Airia and I may get we never get tired of seeing our family especially if we get to go to theme parks.
I Passed my Pro B(X) Test
Wednesday April 2nd, 2008
I finally passed my Pro B(X) test. My trainers run physical fitness challenges every 3-4 months to keep us all motivated. This time I upped the ante and passed my Pro B(X). That's passing Military Boot Camp graduation requirements (2 mile run in 18 mins, over 26 pushups in 2 mins and over 36 sit ups in 2 mins) and being at or under 10% body fat. I got down to 9.2% and blew my old scores away. My next challenge is the (X)1. Wish me luck.
I tested into 1st Degree Black Belt!!!
Saturday January 12th, 2008
After 2 years of hard training I am proud to say I successfully tested into 1st degree black belt in Kung Fu. I can't tell how how it feels to accomplish something like this when two years ago I was a 265 pound couch potato and today I am a 165 pound black belt. Thanks to Airia for her patience with all the time I had to spend in class, to my Sifu Bill Essex who was patient in teaching me, to my trainer Amanda who helped keep me on the right path and to all my friends in Kung Fu.
Wedding Celebration
Friday January 26th, 2007
After more than seven years of dating, we finally decided to tie the knot. 25 guests whose ages ranged from 6 weeks to 70+ years, traveled from California, New York, Michigan, and Florida met us in the Bahamas for a celebration weekend that we will never forget! Family and friends flew into Nassau and stayed at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Paradise Island resort from Friday, Jan 19 through Sunday, Jan 21, 2007. The weekend started with a meet/greet casual dinner on Friday evening. We exchanged vows on Saturday afternoon at the British Colonial Hilton Resort in Nassau, where we also hosted a buffet-style dinner and dancing reception. Wedding celebrants topped off the evening with an all-night karaoke bash back at Hotel Riu. Over the course of the weekend, guests swam, gambled at the Atlantis Resort, tanned in the 80º Bahamian sun, jet skied, and ate and drank to their hearts’ content. Click here for pictures and videos from the weekend’s events. The magic of the weekend touched us all, and we felt blessed that so many people who love us were able to join us for a weekend in Paradise!
Weight Loss – 100+ pounds
Friday December 1st, 2006
Between them, Sotiris and Airia have lost a combined 115 pounds since August 2006. Working with trainers Mike and Amanda, they have taken on an ambitious eating plan and weight train twice per week. Additionally, Amanda prescribed cardiovascular workouts that they conduct five times per week on their own. “It’s been tough,” Sotiris quips in between running three miles and dead lifting a bar that weighs almost 300 pounds. “But every time I feel soreness in a new muscle group, I know I’m building strength I did not have before. Losing 85 pounds was worth the effort.” Airia’s weight loss totals 31 pounds so far. “It’s not about weight,” she adds in between dead lifting 185 pounds in her workout. “It’s about body fat. My body at 20% fat is much leaner than the average woman, and comparing myself to other women allowed me to think I was healthy when I was really in dangerous shape.” Airia has since gained control of her blood pressure, formally 150/110 and presently at 100/70. Sotiris, on the other hand, feels he has gained a new lease on life. “I want to be around for my new wife and the family that we’re planning. This is the beginning of a life-long effort to maintain health. The best part is that with trainers, different activities and Kung Fu workouts, we have fun!”
Airia wants a PhD
Monday November 27th, 2006
Airia has worked for several months to prepare her application to continue her graduate studies in public health. The dual-degree program would allow her to emerge with a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and a second M.A. in Biocultural Medical Anthropology. She submitted her application in November three weeks before it was due. Additionally, she took the GRE examination twice. The first exam produced scores as follows:
Verbal: 550 (out of 800)
Quantitative: 580 (out of 800)
Analytical Essay: 5.5 (out of 6)
Re-testing is not always recommended but certainly proved worthwhile. The second time around, Airia improved her Quantitative score by 100 points (score of 680, which is extremely competitive). She hopes to hear that she is accepted into the dual program this Spring. Airia anticipates commencing full-time study this fall.
Vacation to Greece
Sunday August 27th, 2006
In August 2006, Sotiris traveled to Athens for the first time in 20 years (literally – his last trip was August 1986). He was joined by brother Demetri and sister Athena as they visited their father’s older brother and Sotiris’ namesake, Theo Sotiri, as well as cousins on mom’s side of the family. Airia and Sotiris plan to take a trip to Greece together this summer.
We've Got a New Site
Tuesday August 1st, 2006
As you all know we're getting married pretty soon so being that I'm white and nerdy I needed to build us a website.. and here it is, let me know what you think....
