As I write this, I’m a healthy 168 pounds, but three years ago that wasn’t the case. Having battled with my weight my entire life, I reached a pinnacle in 2016 tipping the scale at 250 pounds. It took a coveted invitation to Amsterdam for the 325th Anniversary Gala of NOLET’S Spirits, the makers of Ketel One Vodka, to motivate me to make a change.
The Squire’s Story
TravelSquire.com was born from my love of traveling as well as a desire to make it a bigger part of my life. Over the years (despite having a corporate job) I’d managed to visit over 60 countries by judiciously using three weeks of vacation to extend national holidays and make my stays longer. Also, I’d do short trips to places like Kyoto—which I did in four days. My philosophy was it was simply better to spend a few days than none. Armed with this renegade travel philosophy I managed to reach the four corners of the world during my time in the structured corporate world.
I also loved studying languages and had eight under my belt studying as many as three at one time. My passion with this fueled my obsession with travel, arming me with the ability to speak to practically everyone – almost! Some languages I spoke better than others but having a basic knowledge of a variety served as a catalyst for meeting people. When I couldn’t travel, the languages kept me close to other countries.
Faced with the realities of an ever-changing publishing field in the late nineties and the early millennial years, I changed jobs six times in one year. That inconsistency motivated me to venture on my own and I launched TravelSquire.com. My goal was to do something different—to create an online travel magazine that showed the possibilities of experiential travel through the eyes of people doing it.
The Reality Check
Fast forward about eight years after launching. My site was growing – but so was I … all the way to 250 pounds! When I received that invitation to the black-tie 325th anniversary gala I was thrilled, but then realization sunk in. My once coveted Gucci tuxedo was tucked away in the back of my closet, but I knew it would never fit. I looked for it anyway and found it covered in a little dust thanks to lack of use over the last ten years. As I suspected, the pants were so tight I couldn’t even get them up to my waist let alone zip them, and the jacket seemed to have shrunk. Obviously, this was not going to work, and I had to find a solution.
Desperate to find something, I went to (of all places) Bloomingdales. Arriving to the formal wear floor, the salesperson politely informed me they had nothing that would fit me and suggested I go to Men’s Wearhouse where they stocked larger sizes. Yes, at Men’s Wearhouse I did find a tux – in size 48! I had grown four sizes.
Off to Amsterdam
Finally outfitted I was ready for Amsterdam and the big event. The NOLET’S family gave the best tour of the city complete with a boat ride on its iconic canals. The main event was held at the Ketel One distillery in Schiedam about an hour away. Drinks flowed as fireworks launched above an ubiquitous windmill at midnight. The party was a blast and I temporarily forgot about my weight thanks to friends, several fun writers, bartenders and influencers who were there.
Back Home and Back to Reality
At home again I looked at the photos and realized I was the fattest I’d ever been. Looking at a triple chin in the mirror, I knew that things had gone too far. My father had died suddenly of a massive heart attack at the age of 60. I was in my 50s and couldn’t even bend over without getting short of breath. This was the revelation I needed to do something.
With the help of Weight Watchers and Soul Cycle and the continuous support of family and friends, I began a new journey. Now, weighing 168 pounds, I have endless energy. Travel is still a huge part of my life and I enjoy tasting all the delicious foods and imbibing in the wines and spirits when I’m away. But I make sure I seek out opportunities to be active on the road because balance is the key to keeping my weight and health where it needs to be.
Before I sign off on this first post, I want to thank my friend Tracy Gavant, who suggested I start this blog and suggested its name. Also, thanks to everyone who helped me along this journey. You’ll be hearing more from me … I am (now) the Skinny (Travel) Squire.
