Today being New Year's Eve, people around me are talking about their coming New Year's resolution. I've never made a New Year's resolution. I never understood new year's resolutions. Okay, that's not entirely true. I never understood why at new year's beginning. I know, that seems silly and short-sighted of me because for most, the beginning of a new year offers the opportunity for reflection of the year past and the promise of new direction for the coming year. It's a tradition that has been handed down from the Babylonians who looked to start their year off on the right foot by earning the favour of their Gods via promises made at the turn of the year.
I get it. It's about renewal. Another chance to do something that you've been promising yourself for awhile. (How long has it been for you? Months? Years?) It's an opportunity to reflect on what you have (or not) accomplished off your list of goals and reset and refocus. By making a promise to yourself you might just push ahead to your goals.
But, did you know that "...88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail,despite the fact that 52% of the study's participants were confident of success at the beginning." It actually takes a lot of willpower to stick to big goals (and most New Year's resolutions are big goals). We struggle with that amount of willpower to be used in one sitting. According to those studies, it's best to break down your goals into smaller steps
So why is it that most wait a year to revisit that list? Why is it that it takes a change in the date for us to pause and reflect upon our path and direction it's taking us? Haven't we learned, through our failure rates over the years, that it's too much all at once to set lofty goals once a year?
I ask these questions because inevitably someone asks the question about resolutions on this day.
For me, I've always preferred to revisit my list of goals more often. It also allows for there to be multiple goals instead of one big one. I like to break out my goals into baby steps. Sometimes, as my nearest and dearest may attest to, I break them down into teeny-tiny steps. Some might call that micromanaging or overly attentive to detail, but for me, it's more about feeling like I can accomplish the steps I sets before me. I love to cross things off my list. What a sense of accomplishment that is for me.
Ultimately, I prefer to look upon every day as an opportunity to be a better me. An opportunity to revisit and refocus. It offers the ability to work on baby steps that I gravitate to that day, thus needing less willpower and energy. Every day I'm able to work just a little bit on the bigger picture. Does that mean I am successful daily? Hell no! But I guarantee you, that even with those failed days, I manage to move myself more forward at the end of a month than I would if I set myself a lofty one-off goal at the beginning of the year. For me, I need to pause and reflect often - each moment is a learning opportunity. I've never really formally dissected my beliefs on resolutions, so this has been a good exercise for me.
My resolution then, if push came to shove, is to be better at taking a moment every day to reflect upon the day passed. I want to continue to learn from the day before and to see opportunity in the day ahead of me in what I can do differently today. Sometimes it's to be more efficient. Sometimes it's to be more patient. Sometimes it's to be more kind to myself. Sometimes it's to focus more energy on my health, or offer more love to those in my circle. Some days I'm content to keep moving forward on that path and other days I find ways of slightly altering that path. You get the point.
I resolve to take a more conscious moment every day to reflect upon my path and the direction it's taking me. Every morning when I wake, I will pause and reflect upon the choices ahead of me for the day. Is today going to be a good day? Is today going to be a productive day? Is today going to be a day that I help someone else with their goals?
That's my moment today, recognizing that I have my own tradition of New Year's resolutions. And now, it will be a more formal daily activity. I wonder where that will take me.
One last thought for in my travels of finding the origins of resolutions I also came across this article about other New Year's traditions. Some of these other traditions celebrating the end of one year and the promise of a new one are interesting. Me, I think I may have to eat 12 grapes tonight and think of what I'd like each month to bring to me.
Moments reflection upon popular traditions that you don't follow.
Moments realizing you have your own and formalizing them.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Moments D616: Back into the Groove
Today it was the first day back at work. Back into the groove of every day life.
And I loved it. It was easy to slide back into. After a productive day at work, EQ and I went to an early movie and then dinner. We were back early enough to finish watching the end of "Despicable Me2".
Bangarang.
Sometimes it's just that simple to have a lovely moment.
Moments appreciating a typical day in the life.
Moments enjoying the groove of every day.
And I loved it. It was easy to slide back into. After a productive day at work, EQ and I went to an early movie and then dinner. We were back early enough to finish watching the end of "Despicable Me2".
Bangarang.
Sometimes it's just that simple to have a lovely moment.
Moments appreciating a typical day in the life.
Moments enjoying the groove of every day.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Moments D615: Home
Today EQ & I headed back to California. The flight was uneventful, which is always a good thing! We took a slight detour on the way back home so that we could have lunch at EQ's favourite burger place. It was early for lunch, only 11:30 am, but our bodies were still on EST and at 2:30 pm time we were hungry!
When we finally arrived home, it was early afternoon and we were happily unpacking and settling in when we had MooCow and a couple of others drop by for quick hellos and to catch up on our mutal holidays. It was good to be welcomed home.
But the best moment was when EQ & I finally crawled into bed. It was early by PST standards, but it felt delicious to curl into EQ's arms and attempt to watch "Despicable Me2". I say attempt because within 30 minutes we were both out cold. I woke near the end of the movie to turn off the lights, the TV and tuck us in deeper into the duvet.
Sometimes, it's just nice to be home. In bed. Curled up in a duvet. Falling asleep with the TV on.
Moments enjoying the comforts of home.
Moments realizing what those comforts are.
When we finally arrived home, it was early afternoon and we were happily unpacking and settling in when we had MooCow and a couple of others drop by for quick hellos and to catch up on our mutal holidays. It was good to be welcomed home.
But the best moment was when EQ & I finally crawled into bed. It was early by PST standards, but it felt delicious to curl into EQ's arms and attempt to watch "Despicable Me2". I say attempt because within 30 minutes we were both out cold. I woke near the end of the movie to turn off the lights, the TV and tuck us in deeper into the duvet.
Sometimes, it's just nice to be home. In bed. Curled up in a duvet. Falling asleep with the TV on.
Moments enjoying the comforts of home.
Moments realizing what those comforts are.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Moments D614: Birds on a Wire
This morning was our last on the ship. Our week of fun in the Caribbean had come to a close.
We rose early and had our final breakfast with Mom & Dad. And before we all knew it, our time was up and we headed in separate directions. Mom and Dad home to Canada, EQ & I off to spend the night in Miami.
At least that was the plan. Until we realized that finding a hotel might be a bit more challenging that we had expected it to be. What we thought would be an easy last minute find, turned out to be an Orange Bowl headache. We actually spent the rest of the morning looking for a hotel room. We stayed on the ship for as long as we could, but that wasn't long enough to search out a hotel room. Miami was sold out of hotel rooms and those left available were outrageously priced.
And so, we had to be flexible. We looked into changing our flight to fly out today. That turned out to be as expensive as the remaining hotel rooms in the city. It's a busy time of year for travellers. Strike one.
We thought we struck lucky when we booked a 5-star hotel on one of those discount sites. Then the first email from the broker site informed us that we would have to wait 24-hours for an actual reservation code. Well. That was helpful. An hour plus later and a phone call to the broker and hotel booked reveals that there is no availability. The hotel is overbooked. Strike two.
EQ complained that travelling with me wasn't the same as travelling without me. Well duh, I suppose it isn't, but I'm no fancy princess. I can roll with it. I actually figured we might end up sleeping at the airport at this point!
Then I started looking a little deeper into the folds of possibilities. Motels. Honestly, they are really a hit or miss thing. Sometimes I've been lucky and found a gem. Other times it was a complete dive. Unfortunately (or in our case fortunately!) not all of them are online with websites and/or listed on the big broker sites which means they don't get the traffic of the bigger hotels. I figured it was worth calling a few.
And so we did. After a lot of apologetic conversations about being booked for the past two months due to the Orange Bowl, we struck gold with a motel very close to little Havana.
It was a stressful morning and afternoon as we fought through the piles (and piles!) of non-available conversations. Arriving at the motel was a relief. EQ called it a "hooker-hotel". It really wasn't too far off that, but at least it was clean and close to the airport. From my perspective it was quaint, and obviously not a high class place. It was also outrageously priced for what they offered, but it under the circumstances, it was a room and a bed for the night. It would certainly do the trick.
And then it rained. It poured actually. I spent the afternoon in this hooker hotel catching up on emails as EQ took a calming bath. It was good to catch up and reconnect with my world back home. It was strange to be disconnected for a week.
And then it was time for our dinner date with EQ's business partner; he offered to take us out for dinner. It was my first time meeting EQ's business partner. What an incredible soul! Not that I'm surprised, knowing that EQ respects and trusts him without falter.
Phew - all this to bring you around to today's moment. It felt necessary to share the high stress of today because today's moment presented the exact opposite of the rest of the day. The moment happened when EQ & I were on our way to dinner with his business partner who lives in the area. I sat in the back seat of the car so that EQ and his partner could catch up - it's been months since they last saw one another. It allowed me to be more focused on the surroundings flying past as I partially listened to their conversation.
The rains had stopped and the clouds had parted. It was dusk as we drove into little Havana to the well known Cuban restaurant for dinner. And there they were:
Tons and tons of black birds sitting on the wires above the street happily chirping and enjoying the last of the day, fresh from the rain. I enjoyed their song for the fleeting moment that I was beneath them.
I smiled and enjoyed this passing moment. As we drove on, I reflected back over our stressful day and how we conquered it. (maybe not in style, but we conquered none-the-less!) Now with the rain behind us, we were out celebrating with a delightful tour of the area and were about to feed ourselves with delightful local Cuban flavours. I found myself greatly enjoying those last moments of our day, much like those black birds sitting and singing high above the street.
Given our roller coaster day, I was reminded that storms will come and go and when they do pass, life around dries and the birds come to sing once again. Much like life. Storms in life will pass and when they do and things settle down, those around you sing once again. My heart was singing once again.
I love when that happens.
Moments pushing through the stressful moments of life.
Moments celebrating the song around you.
We rose early and had our final breakfast with Mom & Dad. And before we all knew it, our time was up and we headed in separate directions. Mom and Dad home to Canada, EQ & I off to spend the night in Miami.
At least that was the plan. Until we realized that finding a hotel might be a bit more challenging that we had expected it to be. What we thought would be an easy last minute find, turned out to be an Orange Bowl headache. We actually spent the rest of the morning looking for a hotel room. We stayed on the ship for as long as we could, but that wasn't long enough to search out a hotel room. Miami was sold out of hotel rooms and those left available were outrageously priced.
And so, we had to be flexible. We looked into changing our flight to fly out today. That turned out to be as expensive as the remaining hotel rooms in the city. It's a busy time of year for travellers. Strike one.
We thought we struck lucky when we booked a 5-star hotel on one of those discount sites. Then the first email from the broker site informed us that we would have to wait 24-hours for an actual reservation code. Well. That was helpful. An hour plus later and a phone call to the broker and hotel booked reveals that there is no availability. The hotel is overbooked. Strike two.
EQ complained that travelling with me wasn't the same as travelling without me. Well duh, I suppose it isn't, but I'm no fancy princess. I can roll with it. I actually figured we might end up sleeping at the airport at this point!
Then I started looking a little deeper into the folds of possibilities. Motels. Honestly, they are really a hit or miss thing. Sometimes I've been lucky and found a gem. Other times it was a complete dive. Unfortunately (or in our case fortunately!) not all of them are online with websites and/or listed on the big broker sites which means they don't get the traffic of the bigger hotels. I figured it was worth calling a few.
And so we did. After a lot of apologetic conversations about being booked for the past two months due to the Orange Bowl, we struck gold with a motel very close to little Havana.
It was a stressful morning and afternoon as we fought through the piles (and piles!) of non-available conversations. Arriving at the motel was a relief. EQ called it a "hooker-hotel". It really wasn't too far off that, but at least it was clean and close to the airport. From my perspective it was quaint, and obviously not a high class place. It was also outrageously priced for what they offered, but it under the circumstances, it was a room and a bed for the night. It would certainly do the trick.
And then it rained. It poured actually. I spent the afternoon in this hooker hotel catching up on emails as EQ took a calming bath. It was good to catch up and reconnect with my world back home. It was strange to be disconnected for a week.
And then it was time for our dinner date with EQ's business partner; he offered to take us out for dinner. It was my first time meeting EQ's business partner. What an incredible soul! Not that I'm surprised, knowing that EQ respects and trusts him without falter.
Phew - all this to bring you around to today's moment. It felt necessary to share the high stress of today because today's moment presented the exact opposite of the rest of the day. The moment happened when EQ & I were on our way to dinner with his business partner who lives in the area. I sat in the back seat of the car so that EQ and his partner could catch up - it's been months since they last saw one another. It allowed me to be more focused on the surroundings flying past as I partially listened to their conversation.
The rains had stopped and the clouds had parted. It was dusk as we drove into little Havana to the well known Cuban restaurant for dinner. And there they were:
Tons and tons of black birds sitting on the wires above the street happily chirping and enjoying the last of the day, fresh from the rain. I enjoyed their song for the fleeting moment that I was beneath them.
I smiled and enjoyed this passing moment. As we drove on, I reflected back over our stressful day and how we conquered it. (maybe not in style, but we conquered none-the-less!) Now with the rain behind us, we were out celebrating with a delightful tour of the area and were about to feed ourselves with delightful local Cuban flavours. I found myself greatly enjoying those last moments of our day, much like those black birds sitting and singing high above the street.
Given our roller coaster day, I was reminded that storms will come and go and when they do pass, life around dries and the birds come to sing once again. Much like life. Storms in life will pass and when they do and things settle down, those around you sing once again. My heart was singing once again.
I love when that happens.
Moments pushing through the stressful moments of life.
Moments celebrating the song around you.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Moments D613: Takes a chillin' and keeps on swimmin'
Okay, the title of today's blog is not nearly as catchy as "...takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'...", but it gets my point across and it makes me laugh. That counts, right?
Today my parents, EQ and I spent part of the day snorkelling in the waters around Nassau. Only a three hour tour (no joke!) as our day in Nassau was a short one. That didn't stop us from enjoying a cooler, partially cloudy day in the water surrounded by many, many, brightly coloured fish of all shapes and sizes.
Me - I was chilled on the boat ride out to the reef. Absurd. I know! That said, it wasn't as warm as it had been in days past, the sun wasn't hot on our faces because of the coming and going clouds and I was a touch tired and drained feeling this morning. All a good combination to create a slight chilled feeling.
Today my parents, EQ and I spent part of the day snorkelling in the waters around Nassau. Only a three hour tour (no joke!) as our day in Nassau was a short one. That didn't stop us from enjoying a cooler, partially cloudy day in the water surrounded by many, many, brightly coloured fish of all shapes and sizes.
Me - I was chilled on the boat ride out to the reef. Absurd. I know! That said, it wasn't as warm as it had been in days past, the sun wasn't hot on our faces because of the coming and going clouds and I was a touch tired and drained feeling this morning. All a good combination to create a slight chilled feeling.
That chill was not going to stop me from snorkelling today. No way, no how. I was ready for the promised 60 minutes in the water and come hell or high water I was going to enjoy every single second in the water.
I was not disappointed! It was incredible. I honestly wish I could share a snippet of my video with you, but I haven't had a chance to process the videos I took just yet. But boy, oh boy did I have fun! I chased schools of fish. I dove and was up close and personal with different corals in the reef. For awhile, I simply floated in the waves and watched the marine life do their thing below me.
And I had goosebumps the entire time. Yes. That's right, as soon as I hit the water my body exploded into goosebumps. I ignored them. And I was good for about 45 minutes at which point I admitted to EQ that I was cold. He nearly convinced me to get out at that point. Instead, we swam off and enjoyed the reef for another 10 minutes or so.
And then I was really, truly cold through to my bones. My teeth chattered as I swam. I found EQ, and told him it was time, that I needed to get out of the water. We weren't the last to board the boat (darn it all!), but we certainly weren't the first either.
My chattering teeth were with me the entire boat ride home. I was curled up in EQ's arms, in the partial sun/cloud, covered up in two dry (now damp) towels and shivering. I couldn't help but laugh.
I used to do that as a kid all the time. Swim until my teeth started to chatter. I haven't been like that in years. It felt good. I felt alive. And I've made myself a promise. In the next two years, I'm going to learn how to scuba. It's been on my list of things to learn for some time and after the past two snorkelling trips, I'm inspired. It's time to shuffle that up closer to the top of my "to do" list!
Moments ignoring body discomfort and focusing on the joy of nature.
Moments that take you back in time to relive younger days.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Moments D612: Disappearing
Today was a day at sea. It rained. Personally, I thought it was a good day to rain. A good time to sleep in and time to enjoy the ship inside.
But the energy was off. Something wasn't quite right. Maybe it was the post excitement lull. Maybe it was the rain. Maybe it was boredom. Either way, it was a slow, lazy day. For me, that was perfect after the hubbub of the last few days.
Today's moment came during the afternoon magic show with Chip Romero, a comedic magician. He was good. He was funny. Bonus! (Here's a one of his tricks performed at the evening show.)
But the moment was when he had a young boy join him on stage to do a vanishing egg trick. This young lad, of around 8 or so, was handsomely dressed in a pressed white shirt, black slacks and shiny black shoes. He looked ready for the stage. His personality shone nearly as brightly as his shoe too! Chip's new assistant was fun and interactive with Chip and even took a lot of extra bows when the crowd cheered him on for more.
It made me smile because on the ship there were a lot of misbehaved and/or unsupervised children. It was a delight when we came across a family that was functional and not chaotic. This young lad, most certainly seemed to come from a more positive, structured environment.
Moments shrugging off odd energies and enjoying the change in pace.
Moments enjoying the excitement and engagement of a magician's assistant.
But the energy was off. Something wasn't quite right. Maybe it was the post excitement lull. Maybe it was the rain. Maybe it was boredom. Either way, it was a slow, lazy day. For me, that was perfect after the hubbub of the last few days.
Today's moment came during the afternoon magic show with Chip Romero, a comedic magician. He was good. He was funny. Bonus! (Here's a one of his tricks performed at the evening show.)
But the moment was when he had a young boy join him on stage to do a vanishing egg trick. This young lad, of around 8 or so, was handsomely dressed in a pressed white shirt, black slacks and shiny black shoes. He looked ready for the stage. His personality shone nearly as brightly as his shoe too! Chip's new assistant was fun and interactive with Chip and even took a lot of extra bows when the crowd cheered him on for more.
It made me smile because on the ship there were a lot of misbehaved and/or unsupervised children. It was a delight when we came across a family that was functional and not chaotic. This young lad, most certainly seemed to come from a more positive, structured environment.
Moments shrugging off odd energies and enjoying the change in pace.
Moments enjoying the excitement and engagement of a magician's assistant.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Moments D611: New Christmas Traditions
The first moment of my day was realizing that Santa found me in the middle of the ocean overnight! I had a stocking of fun to open first thing. That was followed by shared smiles between EQ and I as I opened his gift to me and he my gift to him. All around that was a tender moment, broken by the flight of nerf darts shooting around our cabin. (Silly, yes. But aren't you supposed to be a little silly Christmas morning?)
But today's big moment was while we were snorkelling. Yes, that's right, today my parents, EQ and I went snorkelling in St. Thomas. Snorkelling on Christmas day. How cool is that?
We saw sea turtles and reefs and lots of brightly coloured fish. We were even visited by a large barracuda as we boarded the boat to head back into town. It was spectacular, truly.
At one point I lifted my mask and snorkel from my face and said to EQ, "...this would be a lovely new family Christmas tradition. I love the idea of snorkelling on Christmas day again!"
It was a great moment. For my family, the holiday has never really been about the date. It's about spending time with people you love. And while I was missing some of my favourite people later today, I was also so very, VERY happy to have spent the day doing something I love (snorkelling) with some of the people I love! What a beautiful combination!
Moments breaking tradition.
Moments realizing that new activity could be a new tradition.
But today's big moment was while we were snorkelling. Yes, that's right, today my parents, EQ and I went snorkelling in St. Thomas. Snorkelling on Christmas day. How cool is that?
At one point I lifted my mask and snorkel from my face and said to EQ, "...this would be a lovely new family Christmas tradition. I love the idea of snorkelling on Christmas day again!"
It was a great moment. For my family, the holiday has never really been about the date. It's about spending time with people you love. And while I was missing some of my favourite people later today, I was also so very, VERY happy to have spent the day doing something I love (snorkelling) with some of the people I love! What a beautiful combination!
Moments breaking tradition.
Moments realizing that new activity could be a new tradition.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Moments D610: Dolphin love
Today was an incredible day. Today I did something I swore I'd never do. Not because I didn't want to. No. In fact, I've dreamed of this moment many many times. In fact, I've pretended and dreamt of being a dolphin many times over the years. Today, finally I had an opportunity to swim and play with a dolphin named Aya. An incredible experience, but I'll get back to sharing that moment after I explain why I've avoided this dream for so very long, because part of today's moment is about stretching beyond old belief systems.
Given my dream and love of dolphins, what exactly was holding me back from jumping into a pool (or cove) with a dolphin at the first chance given? After all, most people dream of this opportunity. They are beautiful, magical, intelligent creatures. For me, I simply couldn't forgive myself for participating in caging up such a beautiful wild animal.
And then, I had a deep conversation with EQ about just that. For me, the only way I'd be able to experience swimming with the dolphins was to be very comfortable that they were well cared for and that they were not overworked. (i.e. that they were happy, not that you can really know that they are happy!)
EQ then asked how I felt about having an intelligent dog as a pet. After some discussion, and comparing dolphins to dogs, I couldn't deny that with the right care and love, a dolphin centre could be okay to participate in. We then tackled the subject of overworking the animals. My worry is that in an organized setting such as this, that the dolphins may be overworked. I needed to be reassured that this wasn't the case. EQ brought up the idea of working dogs and horses on a farm. His point, we've been using animals to work for much harder labour than simply showing off for people. His secondary point, not all these animals are abused and overworked. Many times, their owners care for them well, possibly even better than those owning non-working animals. And from personal experience, I know, just how proud some dogs can been when they've accomplished something. So maybe, just maybe it would be okay! I had a glimmer of hope at that point of booking in for the swim.
We finally dug in a little deeper into the subject and it came to my attention that most of the dolphins in these man-made coves are actually born in captivity. They are more domesticated than wild. And some organizations treat their dolphins with great respect and check in on their health frequently.
After that deep discussion, I was sold on the idea and once we watched the video from Dolphin Discovery about how their story and how they treat their dolphins, I was even more comfortable with the decision to participate in a dolphin swim.
And so, I signed up for an experience I've only dreamed of.
EQ and I had a couple hours of beach time to enjoy before slipping into the cove and meeting Aya, our female dolphin and playmate for 30-40 minutes.
Given my dream and love of dolphins, what exactly was holding me back from jumping into a pool (or cove) with a dolphin at the first chance given? After all, most people dream of this opportunity. They are beautiful, magical, intelligent creatures. For me, I simply couldn't forgive myself for participating in caging up such a beautiful wild animal.
And then, I had a deep conversation with EQ about just that. For me, the only way I'd be able to experience swimming with the dolphins was to be very comfortable that they were well cared for and that they were not overworked. (i.e. that they were happy, not that you can really know that they are happy!)
EQ then asked how I felt about having an intelligent dog as a pet. After some discussion, and comparing dolphins to dogs, I couldn't deny that with the right care and love, a dolphin centre could be okay to participate in. We then tackled the subject of overworking the animals. My worry is that in an organized setting such as this, that the dolphins may be overworked. I needed to be reassured that this wasn't the case. EQ brought up the idea of working dogs and horses on a farm. His point, we've been using animals to work for much harder labour than simply showing off for people. His secondary point, not all these animals are abused and overworked. Many times, their owners care for them well, possibly even better than those owning non-working animals. And from personal experience, I know, just how proud some dogs can been when they've accomplished something. So maybe, just maybe it would be okay! I had a glimmer of hope at that point of booking in for the swim.
We finally dug in a little deeper into the subject and it came to my attention that most of the dolphins in these man-made coves are actually born in captivity. They are more domesticated than wild. And some organizations treat their dolphins with great respect and check in on their health frequently.
After that deep discussion, I was sold on the idea and once we watched the video from Dolphin Discovery about how their story and how they treat their dolphins, I was even more comfortable with the decision to participate in a dolphin swim.
And so, I signed up for an experience I've only dreamed of.
This is the cove for the dolphins in Anguilla. When we arrived in Anguilla for our dolphin swim encounter, I was happy to find out that we had some beach time first and that we'd be having our swim after the first group did. I don't know, I've always been one to save the best for last, so this timing seemed to be a perfect fit!
EQ and I had a couple hours of beach time to enjoy before slipping into the cove and meeting Aya, our female dolphin and playmate for 30-40 minutes.
I was the third person to get a dolphin kiss from Aya. INCREDIBLE. There really are no words to explain. I think I could have kept her in the palm of my hand for long, long time and had a silly smile upon my face the entire time.
That was my first moment with Aya. But, the best moment, by far with Aya, was the belly-to-belly swim. This is where she is on her back and I held onto her flippers on my front. Is was easy to feel her powerful tail pushing us along, we went so very fast through the water. I had a goofy-grin the entire time. (The photos taken of the experience proves this!)
We had picked up quite a bit of speed on our belly-to-belly ride and I was surprised at how far into the group she swam. As I splashed off the ride, the speed she had pulled with in vanished quickly as the water's drag caught me. But the smile forged during our ride together stayed with me for the rest of the day and evening.
Moments exploring old understandings and beliefs.
Moments realizing you can fulfil a dream that you never thought you could fulfil!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Moments D609: Memories of a little girl
After a day of many adventures, the four of us headed to the Jazz bar to enjoy a set of The Bart Walker Band before calling it a night. First, before I share my moment of the day, I have to say that Bart and his crew were intense and sounded amazing. Please do go and check out his smooth and gravelly bluesy sound!
Today's moment arrived while the four of us were sitting, feeling the music and enjoying a glass of wine. A young father and his daughter came into the bar. They sat in the third row from the stage, just in front of EQ, my parents & I. If I had to guess, the daughter was likely 7 or 8 years old. She was a petite thing and was quick to sit and curl her legs under her and lean into her father as they sat down.
Dad wrapped an arm around her curled up body and held her close. The two of them swayed to the music Bart and his crew shared with us. It was a special moment for me because it brought a flood of memories back to me.
Daddy's little girl. Even at nearly 40, I'm still Daddy's little girl and I remember moments that he and I shared just like this when I was actually a little girl.
I was a lucky child that way. My parents took me places that some parents wouldn't dare to bring children. (as this father did). I suppose part of the reason they were confident enough to do that is because my brother and I were (mostly!) well behaved children.
And so, as I watched that father and daughter sit and watch the band, I couldn't help but to think back to 32 years ago and remember when my own father and I enjoying music together. Sitting beside him on the piano bench as he played piano, singing along to tunes in the car, and even starting up chants and jingles while in a restaurant! We were a silly fun young family.
And you know what? We're still a silly fun family. Just older now.
Moments enjoying music with family.
Moments remember enjoying music and family 32 years ago!
Today's moment arrived while the four of us were sitting, feeling the music and enjoying a glass of wine. A young father and his daughter came into the bar. They sat in the third row from the stage, just in front of EQ, my parents & I. If I had to guess, the daughter was likely 7 or 8 years old. She was a petite thing and was quick to sit and curl her legs under her and lean into her father as they sat down.
Dad wrapped an arm around her curled up body and held her close. The two of them swayed to the music Bart and his crew shared with us. It was a special moment for me because it brought a flood of memories back to me.
Daddy's little girl. Even at nearly 40, I'm still Daddy's little girl and I remember moments that he and I shared just like this when I was actually a little girl.
I was a lucky child that way. My parents took me places that some parents wouldn't dare to bring children. (as this father did). I suppose part of the reason they were confident enough to do that is because my brother and I were (mostly!) well behaved children.
And so, as I watched that father and daughter sit and watch the band, I couldn't help but to think back to 32 years ago and remember when my own father and I enjoying music together. Sitting beside him on the piano bench as he played piano, singing along to tunes in the car, and even starting up chants and jingles while in a restaurant! We were a silly fun young family.
And you know what? We're still a silly fun family. Just older now.
Moments enjoying music with family.
Moments remember enjoying music and family 32 years ago!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Moments D608: Bad Breakfast Service - What?
Today was the first full day of the cruise. Officially it was Day 2 of the cruise. We agreed to start it off with breakfast in one of the restaurants with service instead of the buffet because Mom likes to be served. (To be honest, who doesn't!?)
Well, weren't we in for a surprise!
The service was terrible. Not only did it take forever to get our breakfast, but coffee refills were hard to come by.
Fortunately, the four of us were all so excited to be on the cruise and to plan out our day, that we barely noticed! Instead, we dove deep into conversations and took the elongated breakfast time to plan out our afternoon and some of the days to come. It was as we were doing so, that I realized that the bad breakfast service didn't even phase us.
Well, weren't we in for a surprise!
The service was terrible. Not only did it take forever to get our breakfast, but coffee refills were hard to come by.
Fortunately, the four of us were all so excited to be on the cruise and to plan out our day, that we barely noticed! Instead, we dove deep into conversations and took the elongated breakfast time to plan out our afternoon and some of the days to come. It was as we were doing so, that I realized that the bad breakfast service didn't even phase us.
Moments realizing that bad service won't ruin the day, though it would have if we had let it.
Moments focused on planning instead.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Moments D607: Awed by Big Boats
This morning we flew into Miami to meet up with the Norwegian Epic for the Christmas cruise leaving today at 4 pm. We arrived early. Not that we needed to. Our plane was early, arriving in Miami at 5:40 am. Normally this is a good thing, but today, we could have been 2 hours late and had a lot of time to reach the port for our cruise. It was awfully early! Amusing on some level I suppose, but it's hard to be amused that early in the morning! (To give you some perspective, nothing was open in the airport!)
Too early to head to the port to board the ship, EQ and I sat in the dog park, ate our breakfast and soaked up some rays as we waited for the first shuttle of the day (10:30 am!) to leave the airport to the sea port. A strange way to start our day, but it was relaxing and laid back at least.
And then we arrived to the sea port. Oh my. Those are some humongous boats! I have never cruised before and have never even had the experience of standing beside one of them before. What can I say? Wow. I was speechless. (shocking, I know!)
As I stood and EQ took my picture in front of the boat (which I have come to learn is a SHIP), I felt so small.
Perspective. It's everything! Incredible that something so large and heavy can stay afloat, let alone manage the rolling sea to (hopefully) keep people from getting sea sick. I was in awe of this beast before me.
Moments questioning how something so big can be so sea worthy.
Moments arriving at your destination, looking ahead to the next.
Too early to head to the port to board the ship, EQ and I sat in the dog park, ate our breakfast and soaked up some rays as we waited for the first shuttle of the day (10:30 am!) to leave the airport to the sea port. A strange way to start our day, but it was relaxing and laid back at least.
And then we arrived to the sea port. Oh my. Those are some humongous boats! I have never cruised before and have never even had the experience of standing beside one of them before. What can I say? Wow. I was speechless. (shocking, I know!)
As I stood and EQ took my picture in front of the boat (which I have come to learn is a SHIP), I felt so small.
Perspective. It's everything! Incredible that something so large and heavy can stay afloat, let alone manage the rolling sea to (hopefully) keep people from getting sea sick. I was in awe of this beast before me.
- Gross Register Tonnage: 155,873
- Overall Length: 1,081 feet
- Max Beam: 133 feet
- Draft: 28.5 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 4,100 (but I don't think our cruise was sold out)
- Crew: 1,753
- Cruise Speed: 20.2 knots
Moments questioning how something so big can be so sea worthy.
Moments arriving at your destination, looking ahead to the next.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Moments D606: Cold before the heat
It's always an exciting day when you know the next day you are going on vacation. Today was that day. My last day of work for an entire week. While there was much to get through, it was easy to stay focused and push through to get it done. Skip lunch, skip the breaks. No problem, if it means everything is all laid out for the time I'm away.
And it was all done. Phew.
And then it was a mad dash to pack for the coming Christmas cruise. Three hours. LOTS of time, right? Nope! As usual, there were more things to deal with than expected and EQ and I were rushing right to the last moment we had before heading to the airport.
We took his bike to the airport. Good thing too as the traffic was crazy busy. On the upside, we were able to use lane sharing to keep us moving towards the airport. And we arrived there on time! On the downside, the ride into the airport was very cold. So cold that even with my three layers on, with a scarf and a hat, I was very chilled by the time we arrived.
As we sat and ate our dinner at the gate, I shivered the entire time. But you know what? As we were boarding the plane, me still wearing my hat to keep warm, I realized, I was soon going to be in Miami. I was soon going to be in the Caribbean. The sun and heat were only hours away.
Sometimes it's darkest before the dawn. In my case it was coldest before the heat would hit me.
It was a fun moment of realization.
Moments shuddering in the cold.
Moments knowing that the cold will be replaced soon.
And it was all done. Phew.
And then it was a mad dash to pack for the coming Christmas cruise. Three hours. LOTS of time, right? Nope! As usual, there were more things to deal with than expected and EQ and I were rushing right to the last moment we had before heading to the airport.
We took his bike to the airport. Good thing too as the traffic was crazy busy. On the upside, we were able to use lane sharing to keep us moving towards the airport. And we arrived there on time! On the downside, the ride into the airport was very cold. So cold that even with my three layers on, with a scarf and a hat, I was very chilled by the time we arrived.
As we sat and ate our dinner at the gate, I shivered the entire time. But you know what? As we were boarding the plane, me still wearing my hat to keep warm, I realized, I was soon going to be in Miami. I was soon going to be in the Caribbean. The sun and heat were only hours away.
Sometimes it's darkest before the dawn. In my case it was coldest before the heat would hit me.
It was a fun moment of realization.
Moments shuddering in the cold.
Moments knowing that the cold will be replaced soon.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Moments D605: Rush hour Accident Traffic
Today I had to finish up my last minute Christmas present shopping. I was going to go alone. In the end, I asked EQ to join me even though part of the surprise for his gift would be revealed.
Boy! Am I glad that I decided to bring him along.
The freeway we were on was full of rush hour cars. Top that off with a serious accident and we suddenly found ourselves on the freeway for over an hour for a drive that should have taken 15-20 minutes.
But, all was not lost. I had my love with me! But that was not the best part. The best part was how we just dove into deep conversation about the many big changes pressing upon us. It was deep, but it was light. It was meaningful, but filled with pauses of laughter and silliness.
Beautiful.
A moment I would not have had, if I didn't ask him to join me. I would have been anxious to get back, mulling over all the to do's in my own mind and likely getting even more anxious.
Instead, we didn't care how long it took us to get to the mall. We were deep in conversation.
Moments where the universe aligns pieces of the puzzle for you.
Moments reclaimed from an otherwise annoying situation.
Boy! Am I glad that I decided to bring him along.
The freeway we were on was full of rush hour cars. Top that off with a serious accident and we suddenly found ourselves on the freeway for over an hour for a drive that should have taken 15-20 minutes.
But, all was not lost. I had my love with me! But that was not the best part. The best part was how we just dove into deep conversation about the many big changes pressing upon us. It was deep, but it was light. It was meaningful, but filled with pauses of laughter and silliness.
Beautiful.
A moment I would not have had, if I didn't ask him to join me. I would have been anxious to get back, mulling over all the to do's in my own mind and likely getting even more anxious.
Instead, we didn't care how long it took us to get to the mall. We were deep in conversation.
Moments where the universe aligns pieces of the puzzle for you.
Moments reclaimed from an otherwise annoying situation.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Moments D604: Music as a bridge
Today was filled with a few magical moments, from a long, LONG hot shower to melt away the last of yesterday's grime to learning about the "love bubble". (And believe me, learning about the love bubble could be a blog post on its own!) But today's moment comes the most special of moments that found me today.
Tonight EQ & I went to have dinner with Tree and her husband and my moment comes from an unexpected tender moment while we were visiting with them. But before I share that moment, I want to take the time to share the naming of Tree's husband. Over the time I've spent with him, more and more of his personality has shone through. The people, the places, the reputation he has, all tie to the name that I found to best encompass his energy. Baldr. A Norse God representing beauty, innocence, peace, and rebirth. The brave, shining one. It's perfect in my very biased opinion!
So, back to my moment with a little history to fill out the story.
Tree & Baldr have their 14 year old niece living with them. As with any big life change, there have been challenges along the way with their niece staying with them. Fortunately, Tree & Baldr have been shining their light ever so brightly on their niece to help her find her own bright path in life and from what little I know of the bigger picture, I can't help but feel deep in my heart that they are making big steps forward with her.
As for their niece, I've met her on a couple of occasions now. She's a bright, engaged and aware. Truly an old soul in a 14 year old temple. I shouldn't have been surprised at what happened just before dinner, but I was. Pleasantly so.
The tender moment was inspired by a Pink Floyd concert t-shirt that Tree & Baldr's niece was wearing. EQ immediately connected with her speaking the universal language of music. Within seconds they were swapping music preferences and stories related to music. This was no quick, light conversation. It went on for some time. I just sat and watched and enjoyed the energy exchange between the two of them. Both were fully engaged and nearly oblivious to the rest of us mulling about the table. I was mesmerized.
It was a beautiful moment.
And then our delightful homemade veggie curry dinner was ready, and the magical musical moment dissipated into good positive conversation amoungst the 5 of us.
Moments connecting with a younger generation through music.
Moments enjoying friends and their family.
Tonight EQ & I went to have dinner with Tree and her husband and my moment comes from an unexpected tender moment while we were visiting with them. But before I share that moment, I want to take the time to share the naming of Tree's husband. Over the time I've spent with him, more and more of his personality has shone through. The people, the places, the reputation he has, all tie to the name that I found to best encompass his energy. Baldr. A Norse God representing beauty, innocence, peace, and rebirth. The brave, shining one. It's perfect in my very biased opinion!
So, back to my moment with a little history to fill out the story.
Tree & Baldr have their 14 year old niece living with them. As with any big life change, there have been challenges along the way with their niece staying with them. Fortunately, Tree & Baldr have been shining their light ever so brightly on their niece to help her find her own bright path in life and from what little I know of the bigger picture, I can't help but feel deep in my heart that they are making big steps forward with her.
As for their niece, I've met her on a couple of occasions now. She's a bright, engaged and aware. Truly an old soul in a 14 year old temple. I shouldn't have been surprised at what happened just before dinner, but I was. Pleasantly so.
The tender moment was inspired by a Pink Floyd concert t-shirt that Tree & Baldr's niece was wearing. EQ immediately connected with her speaking the universal language of music. Within seconds they were swapping music preferences and stories related to music. This was no quick, light conversation. It went on for some time. I just sat and watched and enjoyed the energy exchange between the two of them. Both were fully engaged and nearly oblivious to the rest of us mulling about the table. I was mesmerized.
It was a beautiful moment.
And then our delightful homemade veggie curry dinner was ready, and the magical musical moment dissipated into good positive conversation amoungst the 5 of us.
Moments connecting with a younger generation through music.
Moments enjoying friends and their family.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Moments D603: Shadow Dance
Today's moment surprised me, as many moments over the days passed have. The full moon, the coming holiday season, current life shifts and questions, so many unanswered questions. It's been a circling swirl of energy and none overly productive. The path is forward, but it feels like two steps forward, one back. It's not how I typically work. That said, I too am learning, changing and evolving. I have learned that not everything needs to be driven hard forward. Taking time, investigating, mulling over. These are qualities that only fortify the path followed. But it's not easy for me as here are too many unanswered questions. That makes me uneasy. Too many possibilities floating around me and, at times, it makes me feel a touch lost on the direction.
But I digress. Today's moment appeared during a particularly stressful conversation, I found myself watching the shadows cast by the full moon on the landscape and the cars all around us. And then I saw it, a big, beautiful shadow of the truck we were driving along the freeway in. It was picture perfect.
In that moment, I couldn't help but smile and think back to when I was a kid and playing with toy cars. My brother and I used to make shadows with them. You know, a Hot Wheels car (or truck!), a flashlight, and a background. What fun we had!
And just as quickly as my moment arrived, the shadow and memory vanished.
Moments stolen away from a stressful situation.
Moments recalling fond childhood memories.
But I digress. Today's moment appeared during a particularly stressful conversation, I found myself watching the shadows cast by the full moon on the landscape and the cars all around us. And then I saw it, a big, beautiful shadow of the truck we were driving along the freeway in. It was picture perfect.
In that moment, I couldn't help but smile and think back to when I was a kid and playing with toy cars. My brother and I used to make shadows with them. You know, a Hot Wheels car (or truck!), a flashlight, and a background. What fun we had!
And just as quickly as my moment arrived, the shadow and memory vanished.
Moments stolen away from a stressful situation.
Moments recalling fond childhood memories.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Moments D602: Everything ok?
Sometimes that's all it takes. Someone to notice. Someone to care. That, for me, is today's moment. EQ did that for me, even though he was busy with his own list of things.
So when you see something that doesn't quite fit in with the norm. Don't ignore it. Take a moment. Pause and ask, "...is everything okay?" because it really does make a difference in someone else's day.
Moments appreciating being noticed.
Moments knowing you are being taken care of.
So when you see something that doesn't quite fit in with the norm. Don't ignore it. Take a moment. Pause and ask, "...is everything okay?" because it really does make a difference in someone else's day.
Moments appreciating being noticed.
Moments knowing you are being taken care of.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Moments D601: Walk down memory lane
Today EQ received the last of his cards in the mail from me. Cards. Yes, that's right. I wrote him a card a day while we were apart this last time. I believe that was 19 cards in total. Crazy? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely, especially when they didn't arrive in order!
Today, he received the last four cards. One of them was lost from early on in my writings. What fun it was to have it arrive today. The other three were the last, and he read them in order, as they were meant to be received.
And frankly it was a good day for him to have received them, after having a couple of very challenging days under his belt.
The last card I wrote was on the morning I was flying to California. In it, I summarized our relationship milestones and moments that I thought would help us both to remember deeper into those milestones. Key words if you will.
Today's moment was the two of us enjoying a glass of sparkling red wine as we walked through the last 6 months of milestones together. For each noted milestone moment from the card, I asked EQ to share with me some of his fondest memories of those moments. The minutes turned to hours as we both, luxuriously, enjoyed the walk down memory lane.
Moments pausing to reflect on the past.
Moments knowing that the future is bright.
Today, he received the last four cards. One of them was lost from early on in my writings. What fun it was to have it arrive today. The other three were the last, and he read them in order, as they were meant to be received.
And frankly it was a good day for him to have received them, after having a couple of very challenging days under his belt.
The last card I wrote was on the morning I was flying to California. In it, I summarized our relationship milestones and moments that I thought would help us both to remember deeper into those milestones. Key words if you will.
Today's moment was the two of us enjoying a glass of sparkling red wine as we walked through the last 6 months of milestones together. For each noted milestone moment from the card, I asked EQ to share with me some of his fondest memories of those moments. The minutes turned to hours as we both, luxuriously, enjoyed the walk down memory lane.
Moments pausing to reflect on the past.
Moments knowing that the future is bright.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Moments D600: Fearless Parents
First of all - WOW. This is my 600th blog post. It's also an amazing blog post to share. Today, my 65 year old parents went up in a plane and then jumped out for their first skydive!
Yes - that's right, they dove into the sky!
How more fitting a moment to share for my 600th blog post? Incredible really. I couldn't have planned it this way. I love when significant things align. For me, on some level, it makes those separate moments feel a touch more significant because they happen at the same time.
Crazy? Perhaps. But today, on a day when I'm crazy proud of my Mom and Dad for being so fearless and for being my most amazing parents, I'm also proud to have reached 600 blogs. Two milestones in one day. That's an incredible moment no matter how you slice it!
So back to my most amazing parents. I have been teasing them about jumping out of a plane since July when I had my first tandem skydive. Both of them were quick to change the subject at first. Over time, they warmed to, "maybe one day".
And then they showed up to surprise me late this week for a visit in California. Now, in EQ's territory, with the opportunity right before them, they could have passed and waited for "one day". Instead, with a few gentle pushes (and a small exchange of - if we do this, EQ will do something else) they took the bull by the horns and rode it hard all the while smiling and laughing. ('Tis the family way I think!)
They arrived right on time, bright eyed and eager to experience their tandem jump. After reading every line of the waiver forms, my Dad was advised to speak to the most senior skydive person about his recent heart surgery. He was advised by the drop zone to skip the jump as he didn't have a written pass from his cardiologist on this specific activity. If Dad wanted to jump, he would have to sign an additional waiver to do so. After some debate, my Dad simply looked at my Mom and said, well what do you think? Her response was immediate: "If you don't do it, you'll regret it."
And so, he signed the additional waiver. (I'm not surprised, after all my Dad's feeling better than he has in many years after his heart surgery!)
I could tell that both Mom and Dad were a touch nervous on the ground as they suited up and readied themselves for the plane, but they were filled with big smiles and lots of laughter as they did so. Each had an incredible tandem instructor, so I wasn't worried about that at all. I knew that they were in good hands.
And then I watched them board the plane and fly away. I had the briefest of moments of worry, after all, both my beloved parents were on the same plane, jumping out one after the other. The thought passed as quickly as it came.
Before long, I could see them jump from the plane and I watched as their parachutes opened. Cheering from the ground, I knew that they would have loved the freefall and the canopy ride in. Now for the landing to go smoothly!
Dad approached the drop zone landing area first. Fine form; he was definitely ready to land! Dad and his tandem partner landed without any issue at all. With a slight hop, Dad was quick to smile and share the excitement of his jump with the camera. And then all eyes were on the sky for Mom.
Mom came in last and at the time she was arriving, the winds had picked up some. With a few skills turns, she and her tandem partner landed. Thought it looked perfect, Mom crumpled to the ground after they landed. From where I was, I couldn't tell what had happened. All I could do was wait (and worry) to find out.
Before long, I could see she was on her feet, hugging & kissing Dad. Hugging EQ. All seemed well as they made their way back from the landing area.
When they were close enough, I joined them on the rest of the walk in. The excitement was palpable. They loved it. All of it. There was no best part. (I asked!) For Mom though, her motion sickness kicked in as they approached the landing. She was a bit queasy when they landed, thus why she sat down when they first landed. Phew. Queasiness we can easily deal with!
So, did they have a great experience? Here it is in my Dad's own words:
Now to see if they'll jump for ALS this coming summer. Any bets?
Moments that confirm just how awesome my parents are.
Moments being the proud daughter.
Yes - that's right, they dove into the sky!
How more fitting a moment to share for my 600th blog post? Incredible really. I couldn't have planned it this way. I love when significant things align. For me, on some level, it makes those separate moments feel a touch more significant because they happen at the same time.
Crazy? Perhaps. But today, on a day when I'm crazy proud of my Mom and Dad for being so fearless and for being my most amazing parents, I'm also proud to have reached 600 blogs. Two milestones in one day. That's an incredible moment no matter how you slice it!
So back to my most amazing parents. I have been teasing them about jumping out of a plane since July when I had my first tandem skydive. Both of them were quick to change the subject at first. Over time, they warmed to, "maybe one day".
And then they showed up to surprise me late this week for a visit in California. Now, in EQ's territory, with the opportunity right before them, they could have passed and waited for "one day". Instead, with a few gentle pushes (and a small exchange of - if we do this, EQ will do something else) they took the bull by the horns and rode it hard all the while smiling and laughing. ('Tis the family way I think!)
They arrived right on time, bright eyed and eager to experience their tandem jump. After reading every line of the waiver forms, my Dad was advised to speak to the most senior skydive person about his recent heart surgery. He was advised by the drop zone to skip the jump as he didn't have a written pass from his cardiologist on this specific activity. If Dad wanted to jump, he would have to sign an additional waiver to do so. After some debate, my Dad simply looked at my Mom and said, well what do you think? Her response was immediate: "If you don't do it, you'll regret it."
And so, he signed the additional waiver. (I'm not surprised, after all my Dad's feeling better than he has in many years after his heart surgery!)
I could tell that both Mom and Dad were a touch nervous on the ground as they suited up and readied themselves for the plane, but they were filled with big smiles and lots of laughter as they did so. Each had an incredible tandem instructor, so I wasn't worried about that at all. I knew that they were in good hands.
And then I watched them board the plane and fly away. I had the briefest of moments of worry, after all, both my beloved parents were on the same plane, jumping out one after the other. The thought passed as quickly as it came.
Before long, I could see them jump from the plane and I watched as their parachutes opened. Cheering from the ground, I knew that they would have loved the freefall and the canopy ride in. Now for the landing to go smoothly!
Dad approached the drop zone landing area first. Fine form; he was definitely ready to land! Dad and his tandem partner landed without any issue at all. With a slight hop, Dad was quick to smile and share the excitement of his jump with the camera. And then all eyes were on the sky for Mom.
Mom came in last and at the time she was arriving, the winds had picked up some. With a few skills turns, she and her tandem partner landed. Thought it looked perfect, Mom crumpled to the ground after they landed. From where I was, I couldn't tell what had happened. All I could do was wait (and worry) to find out.
Before long, I could see she was on her feet, hugging & kissing Dad. Hugging EQ. All seemed well as they made their way back from the landing area.
When they were close enough, I joined them on the rest of the walk in. The excitement was palpable. They loved it. All of it. There was no best part. (I asked!) For Mom though, her motion sickness kicked in as they approached the landing. She was a bit queasy when they landed, thus why she sat down when they first landed. Phew. Queasiness we can easily deal with!
So, did they have a great experience? Here it is in my Dad's own words:
Now to see if they'll jump for ALS this coming summer. Any bets?
Moments that confirm just how awesome my parents are.
Moments being the proud daughter.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Moments D599: Game-play-talk
The energy today was strange. The full moon is definitely on its way. Strange questions. Stranger answers (or worse, non-answers). I was happy that it was Friday, even if I did work late. But believe me, it felt damn good to put it all aside and focus on my family this evening.
That said, I was worried that my energy levels would be low as my day was so taxing. But as shortly after my very excited parents arrived, their energy was easily transferred over. I was grateful that it worked out that way! Why? Because we had a big night planned. Dinner and a card game!
Dinner at Don Jose's was delightful. Two delicious lime margaritas for me, two delicious strawberry margaritas for Mom, and two delicious mango margaritas for Dad. Too bad we didn't have a bottomless drinks like EQ's pink lemonade! We luxuriated over our food and drinks for nearly 3 hours. It was a perfect dinner. Lots of laughs, some serious stories, challenging questions to answer and taking a moment to catch up EQ's server-friends. We were stuffed both with food and love by the time we left the restaurant.
But though our dinner was fantastic, today's moment was really about sharing one of our favourite family games with EQ. Bohnanza! We have (seriously!) proliferated the awareness of this game....far and wide. From friends of family, to friends-of-friends. It`s a quick game to learn, and a ton of fun to play.
And so, the four of us played a round of Bohnanza to close out the night. Having not played many games (cards or otherwise) EQ was cool to the idea. My parents, on-the-other-hand, love this game. And so, we gently encouraged EQ to give it a go. In the end, so many laughs. And the quote of the evening: "you are useless to me."
And you know what? EQ used the line once or twice too! Haaa HA!
EQ may have been a touch shocked at "game-play-talk", but 'tis our family way. We laugh, we poke, we may even tease and cajole, but it's all in the name of the fun. Yes, even competitive me. I may poke a little more, but it is still only for fun. (I promise!)
If you haven't played Bohnanza, I suggest you give it a go. It makes a great hostess gift too!
Moments enjoying family time on a Friday night.
Moments digging into an old game with a new player.
That said, I was worried that my energy levels would be low as my day was so taxing. But as shortly after my very excited parents arrived, their energy was easily transferred over. I was grateful that it worked out that way! Why? Because we had a big night planned. Dinner and a card game!
Dinner at Don Jose's was delightful. Two delicious lime margaritas for me, two delicious strawberry margaritas for Mom, and two delicious mango margaritas for Dad. Too bad we didn't have a bottomless drinks like EQ's pink lemonade! We luxuriated over our food and drinks for nearly 3 hours. It was a perfect dinner. Lots of laughs, some serious stories, challenging questions to answer and taking a moment to catch up EQ's server-friends. We were stuffed both with food and love by the time we left the restaurant.
But though our dinner was fantastic, today's moment was really about sharing one of our favourite family games with EQ. Bohnanza! We have (seriously!) proliferated the awareness of this game....far and wide. From friends of family, to friends-of-friends. It`s a quick game to learn, and a ton of fun to play.
And so, the four of us played a round of Bohnanza to close out the night. Having not played many games (cards or otherwise) EQ was cool to the idea. My parents, on-the-other-hand, love this game. And so, we gently encouraged EQ to give it a go. In the end, so many laughs. And the quote of the evening: "you are useless to me."
And you know what? EQ used the line once or twice too! Haaa HA!
EQ may have been a touch shocked at "game-play-talk", but 'tis our family way. We laugh, we poke, we may even tease and cajole, but it's all in the name of the fun. Yes, even competitive me. I may poke a little more, but it is still only for fun. (I promise!)
If you haven't played Bohnanza, I suggest you give it a go. It makes a great hostess gift too!
Moments enjoying family time on a Friday night.
Moments digging into an old game with a new player.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Moments D598: Family Firsts
Mom & Dad arrived at the drop zone just as I finished working for the day. Brilliant timing because EQ had just headed out to his next jump of the day. We had the perfect opportunity to watch the skies for the canopies coming in - it was a bright sunny day, with not a cloud to be seen. Easy to spot the plane, easy to see people leaving the plane. Perfect for a first experience on a drop zone!
I could see the excitement in their eyes as they searched the skies for hints of skydivers and their canopies. In a moment, I fondly remembered my own first experience on a drop zone. It was magical watching the bright canopies sailing through the bright blue skies. While the shine of the experience has worn off some, I find it's still magical to watch the skydivers swoop & sail into their landings.
For me, instead of enjoying the skies as much I would normally, I found myself watching and enjoying this new experience again through the eyes of my Mom and Dad. They eagerly watched the sky for the plane. Then for the skydivers leaving the plane and then, eagerly waiting to see the canopies open. They asked a million and one questions about the drop zone and skydiving in general. I loved answering their questions about the drop zone and skydiving in general (what I could anyway!). And when we finally saw his canopy open, it was fun to follow EQ's and track him all the way into the landing zone. A special moment because I found I was very much enjoying them enjoy themselves. Simply incredible to watch them soak it all in.
Moments enjoying the excited twinkle in their eyes.
Moments experiencing a first for my parents.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Moments D597: Italian Servers..... not
Today felt like an incredibly long day. Getting up at 5:30am after going to bed late last night, was a bit of a challenge! After finally making it through the day, I was very much looking forward to our dinner with friends.
Which ended up being a touch delayed. Oooh tired soul. You can make it. Right?
When our dinner reservation finally arrived, I was happy to enjoy a few appetizers as we waited for the last of our guests, who were running late.
And then things started to get a little strange. Strange questions. Wine coming and then being taken away. Extra servers coming by. Yup. Spidy-sense was on high.
And then I had three people coming out of the kitchen with a tray with the wine. I wasn't sure why. I noticed that the gent holding the tray had a big white ball hat down very low on his head. I couldn't see his eyes. Then I noticed my Mom standing beside this "guy". And it hit me. That's my parents. My parents have flown into California. They were here in front of me!
After a while lot of laughs, our wine was opened and poured and we toasted friends and family.
What a wonderful, beautiful surprise.
Moments when family randomly shows up for dinner.
Moments realizing they flew 3000 miles to do so! Awesome.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Moments D596: Volcanic Sunsets
Funny. I actually had another moment blog drafted. And then I stepped outside to head out to a show with EQ. We were running a touch late, but I couldn't help myself. I stopped and stared at the beautiful sunset over the Ortega mountains.
Stunning.
The world stopped spinning for a moment.
And I snapped a couple of photos.
And within a couple of minutes, the moment was gone. That magical angle of the sun hitting the ocean on the other side of the mountains, reflecting upon the perfectly positioned clouds. Gone. Five minutes, at most, of one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.
A perfect reminder of how fleeting life can be. Hold on tight to things that matter. Focus on the things the things that matter. Share your energy in places where it will be amplified and reflected back. Because life is too short to be sad.
Moments running late, but pausing to experience the joy of natural beauty.
Moments where natural beauty reminds you to appreciate the things that matter most.
Stunning.
The world stopped spinning for a moment.
And I snapped a couple of photos.
And within a couple of minutes, the moment was gone. That magical angle of the sun hitting the ocean on the other side of the mountains, reflecting upon the perfectly positioned clouds. Gone. Five minutes, at most, of one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.
A perfect reminder of how fleeting life can be. Hold on tight to things that matter. Focus on the things the things that matter. Share your energy in places where it will be amplified and reflected back. Because life is too short to be sad.
Moments running late, but pausing to experience the joy of natural beauty.
Moments where natural beauty reminds you to appreciate the things that matter most.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Moments D595: Warm Reunions
Today was EQ's staff party. Perfect right? It's my first day back in California and we had a chance to share an evening with his closest friends and co-workers.
But I was a little nervous. I didn't tell him that. In fact, I didn't tell anyone that. Why would I? It's been awhile since I've been here and seen his friends and co-workers. It built up some nerves.
How wonderful it felt to have those nerves melt away so quickly shortly after we arrived at the party. It was this warm wave of positive energy and acceptance from his closest friends and co-workers. With smiles and hugs, it was easy to let the nerves go.
What incredible people. What a delightful party.
It`s good to be back.
Moments feeling a little like a fish out of water.
Moments realizing, it`s okay to be out of the water, you`re not a fish!
But I was a little nervous. I didn't tell him that. In fact, I didn't tell anyone that. Why would I? It's been awhile since I've been here and seen his friends and co-workers. It built up some nerves.
How wonderful it felt to have those nerves melt away so quickly shortly after we arrived at the party. It was this warm wave of positive energy and acceptance from his closest friends and co-workers. With smiles and hugs, it was easy to let the nerves go.
What incredible people. What a delightful party.
It`s good to be back.
Moments feeling a little like a fish out of water.
Moments realizing, it`s okay to be out of the water, you`re not a fish!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Moments D594: And then I saw him.....
Today was a travel day for me. With delays and near missed connections, I was more than a little relieved to finally make it into LAX as I knew that EQ and his mother were going to be picking me up at the airport. Yes, that's right, today I was going to be able to meet EQ's mother in person and I certainly didn't want them to be waiting too long for me.
I didn't know where I'd meet up with EQ and his mother. In the past he's simply picked me up instead of parking and coming in to meet me. But today, today I had a special treat.
As I came around the corner, into the baggage claim area, I caught EQ`s profile in my peripheral vision. What a treat! I was not expecting to see him in the baggage claim area. My heart jumped a little, but I wasn't ready to let on that I had seen him! Instead of acknowledging him right away, I kept walking, so I could be closer to him when our eyes met. (What can I say, I thought it would be more fun that way!)
As I turned the corner of the second baggage claim he was walking fast to meet me on my side. We both broke out in to big, bright smiles and quickly fell into each others arms. It was perfect timing.
The moment was a welcomed and long awaited one. Add in the small element of surprise to add in another level of depth to the moment and it really was perfect.
Moments that sneak up on you.
Moments enjoying the surprise of a loved one finding you in a crowded room.
I didn't know where I'd meet up with EQ and his mother. In the past he's simply picked me up instead of parking and coming in to meet me. But today, today I had a special treat.
As I came around the corner, into the baggage claim area, I caught EQ`s profile in my peripheral vision. What a treat! I was not expecting to see him in the baggage claim area. My heart jumped a little, but I wasn't ready to let on that I had seen him! Instead of acknowledging him right away, I kept walking, so I could be closer to him when our eyes met. (What can I say, I thought it would be more fun that way!)
As I turned the corner of the second baggage claim he was walking fast to meet me on my side. We both broke out in to big, bright smiles and quickly fell into each others arms. It was perfect timing.
The moment was a welcomed and long awaited one. Add in the small element of surprise to add in another level of depth to the moment and it really was perfect.
Moments that sneak up on you.
Moments enjoying the surprise of a loved one finding you in a crowded room.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Moments D593: New Family
Tonight was an interesting moment. A moment where a first and a last happened at the came time. (Like someone's last first date.) Today my parents and I met, via Skype, EQ's mother.
It was a brief moment as EQ and his mother were just about to enjoy their dinner, but it was a moment filled with such an interesting energy. EQ was beaming, with a huge smiled an his face the entire time. His mother also looked happy. On our side, I could tell that my mother was sitting a little straighter/taller and I naturally found myself doing the same.
Ah....first meetings. Always a little bit of anxious energy.
It was a brief moment as EQ and his mother were just about to enjoy their dinner, but it was a moment filled with such an interesting energy. EQ was beaming, with a huge smiled an his face the entire time. His mother also looked happy. On our side, I could tell that my mother was sitting a little straighter/taller and I naturally found myself doing the same.
Ah....first meetings. Always a little bit of anxious energy.
Though brief, our meeting was fun and filled with such a positive energy. A perfect ending to my day.
Moments where two families meet.
Moments where two families meet.
Moments filled with positive loving energy.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Moments D592: Holiday warm fuzzies
Today was an intense day with much to accomplish before the weekend arrived. My moment today surprised me, as many do.
It came from an early Christmas card from Mr. B. His words are always filled with depth, even if there are only few to be had. His holiday wishes were warm and heartfelt and I beamed when I read them. Yes, definitely the best moment of my busy day.
Moments to take pause in a hectic day to appreciate another's words.
Moments when my heart fills with light and loving energy because I paused. Beautiful.
It came from an early Christmas card from Mr. B. His words are always filled with depth, even if there are only few to be had. His holiday wishes were warm and heartfelt and I beamed when I read them. Yes, definitely the best moment of my busy day.
Moments to take pause in a hectic day to appreciate another's words.
Moments when my heart fills with light and loving energy because I paused. Beautiful.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Moments D591: Old friends, new energy
Today's moment comes from an unexpected blast from my past. As I was walking into the office this morning, I was stopped on the stairs by a fellow co-worker. But before I share today's moment, I need to share some of the strange background history.
This lovely woman once, many years ago, dated my then best friend. The three of us were nearly inseparable for about a year before life's shifting self had other ideas. (As is does sometimes.) What was the catalyst?Well, eventually my best friend and co-worker split. It became awkward very quickly for me as I found myself in the middle of a very difficult and highly emotional breakup; I ended up drifting away from them both.
Fast forward ten or so years later and much has happened in all our lives. Marriages, divorces, separations and an MS diagnosis. Just this past Tuesday I had coffee with my old friend. I haven't seen her in about 3-4 years and the last time was also just a quick lunch outing as well. It's been many more years since we've been close. Our coffee break catch up was great. She's doing well even though she's had a challenging year.
Back to today's moment and being stopped in the staircase. My co-worker paused me to share with me her early morning thoughts, as she woke. In her words, she shared that she and I might have remained and possibly become closer friends had she never dated my old best friend. She paused and further explained that she wished that she hadn't gone so deep into that relationship and neglected her other friendships.
I reassured her that I never felt neglected and that life shifts and changes just cause drifting sometimes. She didn't seem to buy it though. She pressed the issue of our lost friendship. All I could do was offer her a hug and another assurance that her actions alone didn't cause us to drift.
About an hour later she shared these words with me via email:
Moments reflecting on what could have been.
Moments recognizing that we choose our path in life conscious or not. I prefer to be conscious.
This lovely woman once, many years ago, dated my then best friend. The three of us were nearly inseparable for about a year before life's shifting self had other ideas. (As is does sometimes.) What was the catalyst?Well, eventually my best friend and co-worker split. It became awkward very quickly for me as I found myself in the middle of a very difficult and highly emotional breakup; I ended up drifting away from them both.
Fast forward ten or so years later and much has happened in all our lives. Marriages, divorces, separations and an MS diagnosis. Just this past Tuesday I had coffee with my old friend. I haven't seen her in about 3-4 years and the last time was also just a quick lunch outing as well. It's been many more years since we've been close. Our coffee break catch up was great. She's doing well even though she's had a challenging year.
Back to today's moment and being stopped in the staircase. My co-worker paused me to share with me her early morning thoughts, as she woke. In her words, she shared that she and I might have remained and possibly become closer friends had she never dated my old best friend. She paused and further explained that she wished that she hadn't gone so deep into that relationship and neglected her other friendships.
I reassured her that I never felt neglected and that life shifts and changes just cause drifting sometimes. She didn't seem to buy it though. She pressed the issue of our lost friendship. All I could do was offer her a hug and another assurance that her actions alone didn't cause us to drift.
About an hour later she shared these words with me via email:
After having a recent friend breakup, her words touched me deeply. Sometimes life just takes two people into separate directions, it doesn't make with one of them bad people. Sometimes the fit changes. Sometimes needs do. Sometimes physical locations do. Whatever the changes, it takes two to make it work and sometimes that energy is lost on other priorities.Today's moment: appreciating and recognizing that life changes happen. It doesn't need to be seen as a negative thing.
Moments reflecting on what could have been.
Moments recognizing that we choose our path in life conscious or not. I prefer to be conscious.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Moments D590: Mirrors and Reflections
Today's energy was surreal. I don't know what's going on out there, but it sure has been interesting. My moment today stems from an on going shift in my life and before I share the moment, I must share a bit of background story, so bear with me.
You may recall that I've been dealing with a crumbling friendship. It hasn't been easy and I've had to dig deep to find the strength to stay true to myself. I don't know what I did to deserve the angry (at times vicious) onslaught of words. I know they were chosen to cut deeply because my "friend" was angry at me for expecting a discussion over an apology. Attacking because I expressed that I haven't felt valued in our friendship. None of it makes sense to me, but I suppose it doesn't need to.
What I do know, is that the subsequent apology to those vicious words was lacking a sense of true contrition. It fell short and I didn't/don't know what to do with it because, in the end, I'm still not feeling valued.
And that doesn't work for me.
The past two years, I have been on a mission to surround myself with people that value me. People that respect me, my words and my needs. It's been a painful shift (most change is!), but it's been eye opening.
Today, on Facebook I shared a lovely thought that my ex-aunt-in-law shared with me. (Yes, that's right, my ex-husband's aunt emailed me.) I was touched that she had reached out to share it with me. Her timing was brilliant given the personal drama I've been trying to shake. The sentiment was this:
There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life getting back up is living."
Quote: "Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Not only was I touched that this was shared with me, I was further touched at the responses received by sharing it forward.
What happened was soul warming. I had a friend of a friend reach out and share with me that she too had recently gone through a similar friend-breakup. Today because of this share and because of our brief discussion, I find my moment as she lifted the mirror to me and caused me to reflect and, ultimately, share again as my day's moment. In her words:
Thank you. The feelings that I was experiencing earlier... well, they came, and now I have let them go! I wish for both of us to release all of the hurt and be free to remember the good times. I actually feel like I have turned the corner on it just today - that I am really ready to just let it go. This conversation with you seemed to be the final piece that got me there, so, again, I thank you.Wow. I was incredibly touched by those words. In sharing, not only did I help this friend of a friend move on, I found I had dug a little deeper within and reminded myself that I have amazing people orbiting me. I needed that mirror today because my own resolve on this crumbling relationship was shaky. My innate desire is to explain so that we can keep working on our friendship. But I know she's moved on, without the awareness that I need. And I deserve people who are aware in my life.
Small steps forward.
It helps to be surrounded by such beauty.
Moments reflecting about shifting relationships.
Moments paying attention when the mirror is held up to me.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Moments D589: Ferocious Love
Sometimes words just come to me. Sometimes I filter and I don't share them. Other days, like this evening, I just go with it and see where the ride takes me.
Tonight I told EQ that I loved him ferociously. What? What on earth anyway?
As I explained to him the why behind that word, it all came to make sense. I love this man so much that the protector in me rises to the surface. I want to ensure that his best interests are always at the forefront, even if he's not really paying attention to those needs. That protective nature, that need to provide that world of safety, that's a raw, primal emotion.
And for us, it works. I love him ferociously and I stand as protector to him (as he does for me). My priority is always to protect the love and light that my dear, sweet, loving, generous EQ shares with the world around him. To support him and energize him for more....and to make sure that he isn't taken advantage of.
He does it for me all the time.
Today, I realized, that I'm doing it for him too.
Kinda cool.
Moments stepping beyond self.
Moments realizing that you can be raw and real with your emotions and it's not only acceptable, it's desired.
Tonight I told EQ that I loved him ferociously. What? What on earth anyway?
As I explained to him the why behind that word, it all came to make sense. I love this man so much that the protector in me rises to the surface. I want to ensure that his best interests are always at the forefront, even if he's not really paying attention to those needs. That protective nature, that need to provide that world of safety, that's a raw, primal emotion.
And for us, it works. I love him ferociously and I stand as protector to him (as he does for me). My priority is always to protect the love and light that my dear, sweet, loving, generous EQ shares with the world around him. To support him and energize him for more....and to make sure that he isn't taken advantage of.
He does it for me all the time.
Today, I realized, that I'm doing it for him too.
Kinda cool.
Moments stepping beyond self.
Moments realizing that you can be raw and real with your emotions and it's not only acceptable, it's desired.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Moments D588: Screaming tires
Tonight was the long awaited P!nk concert with my BFF, Big Sis and my niece. We had an early dinner at an area favourite, which, surprisingly, ended up being the best part of the night.
Cue the crazy girl driving a standard car that wasn't (likely) hers, up a ramp and directly towards us.
Why the best part you ask? Well, that's really two fold. Unfortunately P!nk's performance tonight was not stellar. To P!nk's credit, I think she wasn't feeling well. Given that likelihood, she performed brilliantly as she actually did all of her acrobatic stunts. But, there was no encore (which was brilliant back in March when I saw her) and she had her backup singers sing quite a bit for her. Disappointing. So that's first reason.
That said, here's a decent picture from the concert. See - P!nk is way up in the air!
The second reason? Well, that's because I had three pretty awesome ladies at the table with me and we had a lot of fun sharing stories over a delightful dinner. We even talked, at length, about my grandma who had passed away this past weekend. It was incredible and, at moments, quite deep. Had we not had tickets to the concert, I think we all would have enjoyed sitting around the table for the rest of the evening, sharing drinks and stories.
So my moment today. It's not dinner. After all, I'm trying to be somewhat unique and interesting here! No, today's moment was when we were leaving the parking garage after the concert. The four of us tucked into BFF's Volkswagen, curling up the tight corridors of an underground parking garage, with traffic from the concert all around us.
Cue the crazy girl driving a standard car that wasn't (likely) hers, up a ramp and directly towards us.
But first: Why crazy? Well, we don't think the standard car was hers as it looked like the guy in the passenger seat was out cold and she was one nervous nellie! As she took her foot off the brake, she immediately began to roll down the ramp. You could see the panic in her eye. We watched in horror as she eventually rolled back into the car behind directly her with a crack. Thank goodness for bumpers!
She rolled down the window and asked the guy behind her to back up because she wasn't comfortable driving a standard. Blocked in with a car behind him, there was no where for him to go.
How did we see and hear all this? Well, we were at the very top of the ramp waiting to go around the next corner.
And then the crazy girl gunned it. The car comes squealing up the ramp.
Right. At. Us.
Big Sis screamed. And then screamed again louder (just in case we didn't hear her the first time) that then prompted my niece to start screaming. BFF was looking for options, be we too were blocked in with no where to go.
Me. I stared on at the scene with mild amusement. I didn't think she was going to hit us, but here she was with the car screaming up the ramp at us.
And just as quickly (and loudly!) as it happened, the crazy girl slammed on her brakes with a squeal and stopped about three feet from us.
The four of us broke out into laughter.
A second after our laughter erupted, the traffic ahead moved and we turned the corner.
As traffic continued to merge into the exit lane, we never did see the crazy girl and the standard car again, but we could hear her squealing the tires around every inclined corner.
The four of us laughed nearly all the way home about the silly moment.
Sometimes, it's the strangest things that can bring a smile and create a conversation.
Moments watching someone push outside their comfort zone.
Moments enjoying the silly reactions and conversations that we found ourselves in.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Moments D587: Card Writing
Today was a lazy day catching up on one, of many, of my to do lists. A lazy day that turned out to be quite productive!
I spent a good portion of my day writing out cards. Christmas cards, cards to remind those I love that I love them, and just notes that I have need to send out to finalize things from my past.
I spent a good portion of my day writing out cards. Christmas cards, cards to remind those I love that I love them, and just notes that I have need to send out to finalize things from my past.
It was a great lazy productive day and a great moment of sharing my words.
Moments taking it easy.
Moments sharing loving words.
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