We have a lot to learn from our elders. My Grandfather "Poppo" loves sharing his marriage wisdom. As he and my Grammie were married for 69years - I would consider him a Marriage Guru. Really - how often do you hear of couples standing the test of time and that length of time?
My grandparents were married young and spent a lot of their early married life apart. Poppo at war and Grammie at home taking care of children and the house. Their love was to be admired throughout their marriage. They shared the same interests, they had their own 'inside jokes', they believed in traditional roles and thrived in them, they presented a united front for their children (from my experiences, perception) they were loyal to eachother and respected eachother.
My Poppo loves to talk about my Grammie. Everytime he mentions her he smiles and tears up. We were at coffee this morning and he was asking me what it felt like to be a married woman. My first emotion was that I was feeling sad about changing my last name to Chaloner. Only because I've been "Stephanie Gee" for almost 31years. I had a love, hate relationship with my last name. Many times people would pronounce it "Guy" or say "Stephanie Wha?" or write "Stephanie G.", "Stephanie Geek" was a common childhood occurrence. "Stephanie Gee Hover", "Stephanie Gee Willikers", "Gee Stephanie!" and the list goes on. I accomplished a lot as Stephanie Gee. I'm proud of my family and loved having the family name. "So why change?" my Poppo asks.... Good question.
I respect tradition and love my husband. I'm proud of being married to him and will proudly represent the "Chaloner's". I respect 'our' family. I tear up as I'm explaining this at Walmart McDonald's and my Poppo tears up thinking of my Grammie. We're a great pair. haha.
Shelly, our wedding photographer (and friend), mentioned my Poppo in her latest blog. http://photographybyshelly.ca/blog/mike-stephanie/ She said it touched her to see the love for my grandmother and when asked what's the secret to a long lasting marriage, with tears in his eyes, he says "You have to be a good listener".
Today, Poppo wanted to share more advice. He says "If you and your husband get into an argument, walk away for a few minutes, you may be able to see a different side". "Don't hold onto things, laugh your arguments off". "Never go to bed without saying I love you". This is when we both were crying.
"Respect your husband/wife", "Don't talk down to them".
Everyone deserves the love and marriage that my grandparents shared. Their marriage was a great model for me and after my few "false starts" (as my Dad would say), I held out for something like they have. I found it and now it's our job (Mike and I) to keep it.
I've heard people say before that "Marriage won't change things - won't solve your problems". I'm glad because I don't want things to change.
At 90 years old and 69 years of marriage Poppo still loves my Grammie like the day he met her. I think it's so sweet that he still gets emotional, she can still make him laugh, smile or tug at his heart strings. He almost forgot his coffee sticker off the side of his cup this morning. He says "Oh Jeez Freda (Grammie) would kill me if I forgot this" "She was great at counting pennies". And that's why they have/had so many. What a woman!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Honeymooners - Part Deux
Another amazing Spa visit. We decided to spend our last night at the Secrets in the Hydrotherapy Circuit (again) and a dinner at my favorite a la carte. Just when you think your skin can't get any smoother, hair silkier, muscles looser - it happens. I think on the final day I can honestly say that every ounce of me was relaxed. What a great feeling.
Our 'last' supper was excellent - I ordered a new york steak with 3 different sides. The waiter looks at me and says "Ahh big plate". What are you trying to say Senor? - mind your bizness... I thought...haha. I asked for orange juice and what he brought me was a powdered kool aid type deal. Off of refined sugar for 6 months, I decided to have a couple of 'sips' of this tangy/sweet goodness.
Special Advisory: A Sugar Rush DOES exist. For all of the people that say sugar does not affect your body. Wrong.
I was on a high, chattering up a storm, I couldn't stop myself. I had great ideas and conversation with my new husband. I walked a little faster, little extra sway in my hips. Ahhh the amazing things that sugar can do.
Sarah & Brad
On my sugar high we retired to our room. Lying in bed reading and thinking (again, amazing what sugar can do:) )I suddenly hear what sounds to be someone crying. About 5mins later - I confirm that it, in fact, a girl is crying in the room next to us. I put down my trashy romance novel and listen. Not sure why - maybe I would knock on her door to see if she needed help. For the next hour, Mike and I had front row seats to the Sarah & Brad domestic dispute.
Sarah: Why do you think I had to get room service on my own? You weren't there for me!
Brad: Sarah, I love you but I'm tired of you acting like a fool when you're drunk!
Sarah: You've never made me feel like this before. Like nothing. I've never felt so upset. I'm lying here crying and you don't care!! (she was, we heard it)
Brad: F**K you Sarah. (Brad starts to get belligerent, then head's to the deck for another drink..)
This went on for approx an hour. I was concocting a plan of how to make it stop. It was a typical drunken couple argument. Dramatic, silly and the 2 kept saying the same things over and over... I finally decided I would call their room and pretend I was the front desk (Why? not sure - guess it was the sugar). I was practicing (in my head) my Spanish accent when it FINALLY stopped. Mike was confident they'd fight themselves to sleep, me... not so much.
The next morning was going home day. I was gitty as we hadn't been a married couple on PEI for more than 24hours. I was ready to come home and had a sugar hangover. We, both relaxed and rested, were ready for our own food. The food in Mexico was awesome - everything so flavorful and fresh but we did suffer from the traveler's diareese. We didn't hold back at any meal and paid for it in the mornings. We were apprehensive about our plane ride home. I decided to head to a mexican drugstore (in the airport - not THAT adventurous) to find some Immodium - just in case. I looked around everywhere to no avail. Finally asked the guy at the counter for it and in broken english he pulls out a 'no name' package with a mexican label and says "Here take 1". Mike and I looked at each other with the "Here goes nothing" look and down the hatch the tiny white pills went. Still not sure what they were but we didn't have any rushed trips to the bathroom on the plane.
We arrived in Moncton at 11:30pm, picked up our car and hit the open road. I, by this time, was slightly cranky. I had a case of the back seat driver and so was trying to tell Mike how to drive.
Screeeechhh! He pulls over to the side of the highway:
"Do you want to drive" he says in a stern voice
"Yes!" I say with confidence
We switched sides and away I went. Put the cruise control on and thought to myself Now THIS is how you do it.....
Karma's a bitch. 30mins later I was cross eyed and rubber necking. Damn! I thought. I should have let him drive. Note: We had been driving in complete silence at this point. I turned to him and in a sweet voice say "Do you want to drive?".... He smiles and shakes his head. We switch sides and I fight sleeping the whole way back.
All in all it was an amazing honeymoon. We made lasting memories and so much enjoyed each others company. I couldn't have asked for more! I made the mistake of when asked my name said "Stephanie Gee". The concierge says "No, no - you're Mrs Chaloner now". That's right Senor, I am.
Our 'last' supper was excellent - I ordered a new york steak with 3 different sides. The waiter looks at me and says "Ahh big plate". What are you trying to say Senor? - mind your bizness... I thought...haha. I asked for orange juice and what he brought me was a powdered kool aid type deal. Off of refined sugar for 6 months, I decided to have a couple of 'sips' of this tangy/sweet goodness.
Special Advisory: A Sugar Rush DOES exist. For all of the people that say sugar does not affect your body. Wrong.
I was on a high, chattering up a storm, I couldn't stop myself. I had great ideas and conversation with my new husband. I walked a little faster, little extra sway in my hips. Ahhh the amazing things that sugar can do.
Sarah & Brad
On my sugar high we retired to our room. Lying in bed reading and thinking (again, amazing what sugar can do:) )I suddenly hear what sounds to be someone crying. About 5mins later - I confirm that it, in fact, a girl is crying in the room next to us. I put down my trashy romance novel and listen. Not sure why - maybe I would knock on her door to see if she needed help. For the next hour, Mike and I had front row seats to the Sarah & Brad domestic dispute.
Sarah: Why do you think I had to get room service on my own? You weren't there for me!
Brad: Sarah, I love you but I'm tired of you acting like a fool when you're drunk!
Sarah: You've never made me feel like this before. Like nothing. I've never felt so upset. I'm lying here crying and you don't care!! (she was, we heard it)
Brad: F**K you Sarah. (Brad starts to get belligerent, then head's to the deck for another drink..)
This went on for approx an hour. I was concocting a plan of how to make it stop. It was a typical drunken couple argument. Dramatic, silly and the 2 kept saying the same things over and over... I finally decided I would call their room and pretend I was the front desk (Why? not sure - guess it was the sugar). I was practicing (in my head) my Spanish accent when it FINALLY stopped. Mike was confident they'd fight themselves to sleep, me... not so much.
The next morning was going home day. I was gitty as we hadn't been a married couple on PEI for more than 24hours. I was ready to come home and had a sugar hangover. We, both relaxed and rested, were ready for our own food. The food in Mexico was awesome - everything so flavorful and fresh but we did suffer from the traveler's diareese. We didn't hold back at any meal and paid for it in the mornings. We were apprehensive about our plane ride home. I decided to head to a mexican drugstore (in the airport - not THAT adventurous) to find some Immodium - just in case. I looked around everywhere to no avail. Finally asked the guy at the counter for it and in broken english he pulls out a 'no name' package with a mexican label and says "Here take 1". Mike and I looked at each other with the "Here goes nothing" look and down the hatch the tiny white pills went. Still not sure what they were but we didn't have any rushed trips to the bathroom on the plane.
We arrived in Moncton at 11:30pm, picked up our car and hit the open road. I, by this time, was slightly cranky. I had a case of the back seat driver and so was trying to tell Mike how to drive.
Screeeechhh! He pulls over to the side of the highway:
"Do you want to drive" he says in a stern voice
"Yes!" I say with confidence
We switched sides and away I went. Put the cruise control on and thought to myself Now THIS is how you do it.....
Karma's a bitch. 30mins later I was cross eyed and rubber necking. Damn! I thought. I should have let him drive. Note: We had been driving in complete silence at this point. I turned to him and in a sweet voice say "Do you want to drive?".... He smiles and shakes his head. We switch sides and I fight sleeping the whole way back.
All in all it was an amazing honeymoon. We made lasting memories and so much enjoyed each others company. I couldn't have asked for more! I made the mistake of when asked my name said "Stephanie Gee". The concierge says "No, no - you're Mrs Chaloner now". That's right Senor, I am.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Honeymooners
Senor!! Seeeennnnooorrr!!!!!
A man in the Mexico airport yells at Mike and I as we dart from his grips. The Time Share people. I've heard of you and we're not getting sucked in. Yet.
7hours of sleep in 2 days as newlyweds - we arrive at the Secrets Capri Rivera Cancun happy to finally be here. As we drive up it looks like a 5star paradise. Just what the Doctor ordered, I thought. Exactly what we need!
Our first few hours in paradise were spent exploring the resort, resting, eating and freshening up to finally pass out at 8pm. Our room was beautiful. Marble floors, shower to die for, separate tub, king sized bed, tv, dvd, internet. All the amenities of home and I assume that's why the staff say "Welcome Home" (throughout the 1st day of your stay).
Each morning we woke up at 6:00am, got ourselves ready for a workout which I would like to call Hot CrossFit as we were working out in 28degree temps. I know, there was a furnace stat. We, along with a couple other brave sorts, were usually the only ones in the gym at that time. This made it great for us so we could rig up the cybrex equipment to suit our needs. Makeshift racks and pull up bars - if anything you could give us an "A" for effort.
The food at the Secrets Capri was amazing. The sweetest salsa and creamiest guacamole this side of tulum, beef was incredible, fresh fresh fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, juicy fish, assortment of cheeses. We did not go hungry. Thank Gosh for the early morning workouts - I'm sure I gained 5lbs as it is (hate to see if I did nothing all week). The resort has 4 'a la carte' restaurants - italian, japanese, steak, pub food. No reservations needed which was a bonus. Each of them we'd walk in and in 30mins we were walking back to our room - speedy service and always topped off with "It's a pleasure Mrs. Chaloner" (pronounced itsa pleashure).
We decided to indulge in their award winning spa on day 3. Well, I'm not sure if it has actually won any awards but it should. When we arrived the concierge gave us $200 in coupons for spa services so we thought we'd use them up. Massages, hydrotherapy, seaweed wraps, manicure and waxing - I started to feel guilty from all of the pampering. The spa was amazing - relaxation was key and the staff would constantly encourage you to 'have a seat in the relaxation chaise's' or seats or bench. It was soooo worth the $ and time. I would come back to go to the spa everyday. I'm over the guilt.
Upon our checkin Javier (a concierge assistant) explained to us that we could go and tour the Secrets Maroma (new secrets resort) and receive a $100 spa coupon and 3 days, 2 nights free to return to the Capri for our time. As a Grand Opening Special - per se. Mike and I, hearing 'spa' politely agreed to go and so we made our tour time on our spa day (the next day). Javier gave us this sad story that if we did not show up for the tour, he'd have to pay the taxi fare out of his paycheck so we made sure we were there. As soon as we arrived at Maroma we were whisked away to a private room where a woman explained at the end of the 'tour' we would receive our coupons. 10 mins into our visit - I knew something was fishy. This was not a tour - it was a sales meeting for a 'vacation club' membership! Our tour guide/sleasy mexican sales rep - ate lunch with us, walked us around the resort explaining how this could be our 'love nest', showed us the suites that we could stay in, fed us every line in the book and for the small, pocket change price of $129,900 to join the club. I was pissed by this point (3hours later) and Mike decided to play their game and give the man a sob story that we were going through expensive medical treatments (may have even saw his eyes well up - good one Mike!) and that we couldn't possibly afford an extra $2000.00 a month. The sales guys accepts that and calls over his manager. This is a heads up to other travelers in case you are roped into something like this, the price goes down drastically! The manager takes approx $30,000 off the price, adds 2 weeks all inclusive trips for us and vacation credits to entice us. Of course, our answer is NO again. Thinking we were in the clear another manager comes over and tries to sell us another package for $111.00 a month. Again NO. This manager FINALLY asks us - "Senor, what could we offer you that you'd accept?" Mike scratches out the $111.00/month and puts $48.00 total. He laughs and says "we couldn't possibly!" That's when they got rid of us. We were back at our hotel coupons in hand, pissed off and chuckling at the same time 20mins after that.
We decided to book some excursions as we had received gifts from our wedding guests through our honeymoon registry. We had looked around our hotel for our travel rep (couldn't find one) so we decided to go with the first available tour booker we saw. A friendly senorita we'll call her Brenda (actually I believe that's her name...) booked us 2 awesome excursions and sent us on our way. Our first included a trip to the Mayan ruins - COBA, rappelling, ziplining, hiking, canoeing, lunch and swimming in a cenote. All were out of my comfort zone. I made it 1/2 way to the top of the COBA ruin, panic hit and I had to go down on my bum to the bottom (did I mention this is the tallest ruin?!?). Ziplining was scary as we were over crocodile infested water. As we were getting hooked on to the line our tour guide "Cristina" asked us our names, age, where we worked...I was thinking she was getting our personal information in case of an accident. Maybe slightly dramatic but still! Swimming in the cenotes was "excellent" - it was a dark cave filled with bats and fish (in the water), cold fresh water and I floated happily on the inner tube. Not brave enough to actually swim in the water.... We rappelled into the Cenote and of course, fearless Mike, volunteered us to go first. Thanks Hubby. Your new wife is scared sh**less... A touch of rope burn later, I made it down. A cute Mexican dude was at the end of the rope saying "relax senorita, this is beautiful". Yes senor it is... Our final activity was canoeing. Note to self: IF I want to stay married DO NOT canoe with my hubby. We don't have rhythm, he gets pissed at me for my lack of 'effort', I get pissed at him for his lack of direction and so on... 11 hours later, we made it back to the hotel in 1 piece. We were pleased with the amount you get to do for the price. Gotta love organized tours!
Our second excursion was the "Royal Swim" with the Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. This was more expensive but since we were lucky enough to get some thoughtful gifts on our registry - we decided to go for it! What an amazing experience it was - 1 hour swimming with a mother, daughter dolphin, snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, hugging manatees and feeding them lettuce. We were thrilled with the amount we could do with this tour. They also have a empire of taking pictures and selling them to you for an obscene prize. We bought a CD. We figured - this experience may not happen again.
We had 2 good days of suntanning. Thankfully my new hubby is on 'sun control' and would remind me when to flip, lather up, and get into the shade. I did well to not burn too much - except for the patch work art I have on my arms and back - last time I'll apply my own sunscreen. I read a whole book while on this vacation and onto my second. It's been YEARS since I've read and think I should do it more often. Very relaxing and time passes soo quickly. Maybe too quick.
To be continued..... Spa time, again.
A man in the Mexico airport yells at Mike and I as we dart from his grips. The Time Share people. I've heard of you and we're not getting sucked in. Yet.
7hours of sleep in 2 days as newlyweds - we arrive at the Secrets Capri Rivera Cancun happy to finally be here. As we drive up it looks like a 5star paradise. Just what the Doctor ordered, I thought. Exactly what we need!
Our first few hours in paradise were spent exploring the resort, resting, eating and freshening up to finally pass out at 8pm. Our room was beautiful. Marble floors, shower to die for, separate tub, king sized bed, tv, dvd, internet. All the amenities of home and I assume that's why the staff say "Welcome Home" (throughout the 1st day of your stay).
Each morning we woke up at 6:00am, got ourselves ready for a workout which I would like to call Hot CrossFit as we were working out in 28degree temps. I know, there was a furnace stat. We, along with a couple other brave sorts, were usually the only ones in the gym at that time. This made it great for us so we could rig up the cybrex equipment to suit our needs. Makeshift racks and pull up bars - if anything you could give us an "A" for effort.
The food at the Secrets Capri was amazing. The sweetest salsa and creamiest guacamole this side of tulum, beef was incredible, fresh fresh fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, juicy fish, assortment of cheeses. We did not go hungry. Thank Gosh for the early morning workouts - I'm sure I gained 5lbs as it is (hate to see if I did nothing all week). The resort has 4 'a la carte' restaurants - italian, japanese, steak, pub food. No reservations needed which was a bonus. Each of them we'd walk in and in 30mins we were walking back to our room - speedy service and always topped off with "It's a pleasure Mrs. Chaloner" (pronounced itsa pleashure).
We decided to indulge in their award winning spa on day 3. Well, I'm not sure if it has actually won any awards but it should. When we arrived the concierge gave us $200 in coupons for spa services so we thought we'd use them up. Massages, hydrotherapy, seaweed wraps, manicure and waxing - I started to feel guilty from all of the pampering. The spa was amazing - relaxation was key and the staff would constantly encourage you to 'have a seat in the relaxation chaise's' or seats or bench. It was soooo worth the $ and time. I would come back to go to the spa everyday. I'm over the guilt.
Upon our checkin Javier (a concierge assistant) explained to us that we could go and tour the Secrets Maroma (new secrets resort) and receive a $100 spa coupon and 3 days, 2 nights free to return to the Capri for our time. As a Grand Opening Special - per se. Mike and I, hearing 'spa' politely agreed to go and so we made our tour time on our spa day (the next day). Javier gave us this sad story that if we did not show up for the tour, he'd have to pay the taxi fare out of his paycheck so we made sure we were there. As soon as we arrived at Maroma we were whisked away to a private room where a woman explained at the end of the 'tour' we would receive our coupons. 10 mins into our visit - I knew something was fishy. This was not a tour - it was a sales meeting for a 'vacation club' membership! Our tour guide/sleasy mexican sales rep - ate lunch with us, walked us around the resort explaining how this could be our 'love nest', showed us the suites that we could stay in, fed us every line in the book and for the small, pocket change price of $129,900 to join the club. I was pissed by this point (3hours later) and Mike decided to play their game and give the man a sob story that we were going through expensive medical treatments (may have even saw his eyes well up - good one Mike!) and that we couldn't possibly afford an extra $2000.00 a month. The sales guys accepts that and calls over his manager. This is a heads up to other travelers in case you are roped into something like this, the price goes down drastically! The manager takes approx $30,000 off the price, adds 2 weeks all inclusive trips for us and vacation credits to entice us. Of course, our answer is NO again. Thinking we were in the clear another manager comes over and tries to sell us another package for $111.00 a month. Again NO. This manager FINALLY asks us - "Senor, what could we offer you that you'd accept?" Mike scratches out the $111.00/month and puts $48.00 total. He laughs and says "we couldn't possibly!" That's when they got rid of us. We were back at our hotel coupons in hand, pissed off and chuckling at the same time 20mins after that.
We decided to book some excursions as we had received gifts from our wedding guests through our honeymoon registry. We had looked around our hotel for our travel rep (couldn't find one) so we decided to go with the first available tour booker we saw. A friendly senorita we'll call her Brenda (actually I believe that's her name...) booked us 2 awesome excursions and sent us on our way. Our first included a trip to the Mayan ruins - COBA, rappelling, ziplining, hiking, canoeing, lunch and swimming in a cenote. All were out of my comfort zone. I made it 1/2 way to the top of the COBA ruin, panic hit and I had to go down on my bum to the bottom (did I mention this is the tallest ruin?!?). Ziplining was scary as we were over crocodile infested water. As we were getting hooked on to the line our tour guide "Cristina" asked us our names, age, where we worked...I was thinking she was getting our personal information in case of an accident. Maybe slightly dramatic but still! Swimming in the cenotes was "excellent" - it was a dark cave filled with bats and fish (in the water), cold fresh water and I floated happily on the inner tube. Not brave enough to actually swim in the water.... We rappelled into the Cenote and of course, fearless Mike, volunteered us to go first. Thanks Hubby. Your new wife is scared sh**less... A touch of rope burn later, I made it down. A cute Mexican dude was at the end of the rope saying "relax senorita, this is beautiful". Yes senor it is... Our final activity was canoeing. Note to self: IF I want to stay married DO NOT canoe with my hubby. We don't have rhythm, he gets pissed at me for my lack of 'effort', I get pissed at him for his lack of direction and so on... 11 hours later, we made it back to the hotel in 1 piece. We were pleased with the amount you get to do for the price. Gotta love organized tours!
Our second excursion was the "Royal Swim" with the Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. This was more expensive but since we were lucky enough to get some thoughtful gifts on our registry - we decided to go for it! What an amazing experience it was - 1 hour swimming with a mother, daughter dolphin, snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, hugging manatees and feeding them lettuce. We were thrilled with the amount we could do with this tour. They also have a empire of taking pictures and selling them to you for an obscene prize. We bought a CD. We figured - this experience may not happen again.
We had 2 good days of suntanning. Thankfully my new hubby is on 'sun control' and would remind me when to flip, lather up, and get into the shade. I did well to not burn too much - except for the patch work art I have on my arms and back - last time I'll apply my own sunscreen. I read a whole book while on this vacation and onto my second. It's been YEARS since I've read and think I should do it more often. Very relaxing and time passes soo quickly. Maybe too quick.
To be continued..... Spa time, again.
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Dating Game
I've had 2 other significant relationships and maybe a bakers dozen of insignificant relationships. The 2 'significant ones' which I consider gifts both had their learning curves - as I'm sure all relationships do. I wouldn't consider myself a pro at relationships moreso a pain in the butt (I see it now, then - not so much). I was needy, codependent and of course, perfect. :)
What always got my goat was the 'search for the next one'. While I was single for approx 2 years (between sig rel 2 and Mike) I was always searching for the next "one". I did my research - I would scope out the scene looking for the men without rings (which I've come to learn that a lot of married men do not wear rings - not a sure sign ladies), I would try to market myself (not to single men but to people who were already attached or my friends as that was my comfort zone), I would go for the occasional cruise (not sure what I'd find but thought that maybe a single man would jump out in front of my car), I would wait home for the 'one' to ring my doorbell, I would frequent the same spots as I was determined to find someone at the places I liked. As you probably can tell, this did not work for me. At the time, I was hopeful and told myself one day it would come. From time to time, during my lonely moments/periods, I would research dating. I purchased books like "Don't be That Girl" and "Codependent No More" to help find the answers on how to attract a mate. (I can't say that I found the answers but I did become self aware and let's face it, it killed time). I would google "how to find a man" for insight. The hunting period was exhausting and an emotional rollercoaster for me.... Excited because of a prospect, disappointed as it may not develop into anything. Energetic to go out in a new outfit, buyers remorse at the end of the night as it was slim pickin's.
Oh the memories.....
After my research period, I tried dating a couple of guys and found that it was physically and mentally demanding. Some people love it, and to them - I applaud. It was tiring for me, it was like a sport and I was in the pre-competitive portion of the season, all the time. Rejection or a 'low score' would be crushing. I tried 'plenty of fish' for 3 days until someone asked for my picture and when I sent it, I never heard back from him. That was my 1st experience with someone out and out rejecting me because of my looks.
I deleted my account the next day.
I tried meeting men in bars, which never worked. I was too nice and would give my number (yes, my real number) to anyone. Then I wouldn't answer my phone for days - just in case the bar man would call. When I did get up the nerve to give a fake number (lesson learned) to someone - I had a uncomfortable confrontation at University where the guy 'called me out' in front of a full computer lab about giving a fake number. I even, in a drunken stuper put my name in his phone as Steppphdidn - as he was calling me out he was calling me "Stepphididn". How embarrassing.
While I was out at a party one night, I met a foreigner and instantly my prospect radar went off. I chatted with him all night, trying to be funny yet sweet. I met up with him a couple of weekends - in a row - and let my heart start to wonder. Thinking that he may be interested I tried to give him my number - this is when he told me he had a girlfriend.
In between embarrassing moments I practiced convincing myself that some guys I already knew would be good to date. Conscious - check, Breathing - check, Chemistry - ......ch...ec...k..... Who needs Chemistry anyways eh?
I then started to enjoy the dating game. I was a player and the world of men was my oyster. I developed confidence in myself and was able to laugh at the uncomfortable situations. I was learning from my mistakes and would sometimes just not give my number at all (imagine!). I grew an inch taller and things started coming together for me. I opened my mind to any possibility and the walls came down. I started to take control of my single life and that's when it happened.
Mike and I worked together a year before starting to date. I was going through the dating ups and downs and he was starting to talk to me more at work. I would kid around with him and I would catch myself giggling or smiling when he entered the room. When he finally asked me out - I was feeling great about myself and was ready for a relationship. (The previous 2 years I hadn't been - thought I was but my actions were different). Dating him wasn't a game or sport - it was exciting, comfortable and 'felt right'. This is how I knew on Date 2 that we would get married. Of course, I didn't say that to him (come on strong much?) but I did tell everyone else.... hehe....
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Good Morning Lungs!
6:00am this morning, I was reunited with my lungs. It's been a while since I felt the burn, gasp and vomity feeling. As it was our first nice morning in a while (Thank God!), the CrossFit instructor decided to get us outside and wake up our lungs.
Workout:
400m run
10,8,6,4,2 - Front Squat (55lbs) and Burpees
400m run
The 1st 400m, I was happy to be back out on the pavement - going at a faster pace than I usually would (as I usually 'jog') I could feel the lungs wake up. By the time I got in to the gym to start the workout I knew I was in for a 'gasper'. Front squats were my rest period - burpees were slower than usual. As I headed out for the last 400m run, I couldn't feel my legs -jello they were - I was panting before I even started. By 200m I had the "I'm going to puke" feeling. Let's just say, the lungs were awake! It took me about 5mins to recover and when I arrived home my face was still bright red.
Gotta love the 6am lung wake up calls!
Workout:
400m run
10,8,6,4,2 - Front Squat (55lbs) and Burpees
400m run
The 1st 400m, I was happy to be back out on the pavement - going at a faster pace than I usually would (as I usually 'jog') I could feel the lungs wake up. By the time I got in to the gym to start the workout I knew I was in for a 'gasper'. Front squats were my rest period - burpees were slower than usual. As I headed out for the last 400m run, I couldn't feel my legs -jello they were - I was panting before I even started. By 200m I had the "I'm going to puke" feeling. Let's just say, the lungs were awake! It took me about 5mins to recover and when I arrived home my face was still bright red.
Gotta love the 6am lung wake up calls!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Long Term Forecast
In a world where illness and personal struggle is on the rise, I know this post is insignificant. I get it.
Yesterday, I made the mistake of checking the weather forecast for the wedding. The 14 day trend shows 5 rain droplets on the 28th. In the weather network world 5 droplets means rain, 3 may mean light showers.... As I was smart (knowing myself) and didn't plan an outdoor wedding adventure - We're ok. 95% is inside and the 5% that is outside would be fun with some umbrella's and smiles:) So, needless to say - this I can deal with.
I then took a look at the Riveria Maya weather for the week we're there on our honeymoon and low and behold - rain and lightening forecasted for the week. This I can't deal with! Mike nonchalantly says "we're going down to relax so we can still do that if it rains". I would rather a "stop the game" kind of response. This is not the end of the world (which is supposed to be on Saturday, May 21st when Mike and my stag/stagette's are - how ironic http://www.queensu.ca/news/media/hottopic/end-world-may-21) but close. I've been looking forward to our honeymoon since engagement day (Christmas, 2009). I have imagined myself laying on the beach surrounded by a blanket of warmth, reading a book (never do this), and only having to make a decision of when to eat next. Oh, and of course spending time with the new hubby!
As the wedding draws closer - I realize the emphasis that is placed on this 1 day. It's like Christmas X a million. Maybe that's why the 'glitches' seem to affect me more than a usual event. I have become very sensitive to changes in the 'plan'.
What do you mean we can seat 12 people at a table? (When I thought you could only have 10)
The cards were supposed to be like..... (insert any color or design here)
How can I manage to get a hairstyle that suits NOW.... (haha - ok this has be overdone)
I think Mother Nature, for the past 2 weeks, has been emulating me with the nonstop rain - Drama Queen!
And as I keep telling myself - no matter what happens on the day - the result is the same, I'll be marrying my best friend. That's all I need to think about:)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Hair Do Take 2
On Friday, I went to my second trial hair appointment for the wedding style. This time I went in with a different idea of what I'd like my wedding hairstyle to be...
Different from my usual straight short do
BUT
Not too different so Mike could still see 'me' in the do
My hairstylist again was superb. She had brought some ideas that would suit the 1st look I was going for but not as drastic.
In the end - myself, hairstylist, Mike, Mom all agreed that it was a better look for the wedding. As I wanted to see how long the 'look' would last, I decided to go with it for the day. I went for groceries in the look, I stood outside unpacking my car in the wind, light rain in the look. I had a nap in the look, slept on the look, got up and went to CrossFit in the look (got a compliment the next morning in the look). I did a: 500m row, 20 wall balls, and a triplet of 10,8,6,4,2 - squat cleans, sit ups, pushups - in the look and was sweating like it was my job - in the look.
When I arrived home from CrossFit I snickered as it was fancy do for working out but it passed the test. I will certainly be able to carry the look off for approx 12hours on the big day. Gotta love modern hair products!
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