Moments D495: Parental Insights

While today is an exciting day (Chapter 6 officially begins later today!) my moment of the day came started early (VERY EARLY) today and was repeated this morning.  I suppose it's like a prequel to Chapter 6.  Yes, yes.  I realize that doesn't make a lot of sense, after all, wouldn't the prequel simply be Chapter 5?  Right, yes.  I suppose it would be.  Okay.  Let's call this the closing of Chapter 5.   This moment being when my parents shared their (individual and combined) impressions of my boyfriend with me. It's the first time we've had a chance to do so post-family BBQ last weekend.

Now, as a side bar, I know that EQ has been eager to hear the feedback, worried about the possibility that he wouldn't be embraced into the family.  HA!  What a laugh.  He's AMAZING.  My family is AMAZING.  OF COURSE he was accepted into the folds!  Still, I understand the need for the words, and I have yet to share them all with him.  That will come as we open Chapter 6.

Back to today's moment.  Late last night (which was actually early this morning), after my Dad retired to bed, Mom and I sat and chatted about where my life has travelled in the past 6 months.  Her first comment:  "This is moving fast."  My reply, "Yes Mom.  It is, but remember, I've known him well for over 2 years.  We've were friends first before we ever crossed into the realm of love."    She nodded and off we went about how much she enjoyed meeting EQ and that she could see how much he adores me.  She asked, "Are you happy?"  My answer was quick to surface, "Yes Mom, more than I've ever been."  We spoke into the wee hours of the morning before retiring ourselves.

And then, a similar conversation surfaced with my Dad.  He is an early riser.  I was up early (after a quick call with EQ on his way to work, and yes, I do tend to burn the candles at both ends!), so I joined my Dad on the deck with a cup of coffee.  With a twinkle in his eye and a smile that spoke volumes he asked, "Are you excited about your coming trip?"  "Yes Dad, very.  This is a new chapter in my life about to begin."  His reply, "Yes, I can tell that it is.  Your mother and I are just so happy to see you so happy."  And off we went talking about what the future may bring.

Both conversations were amusingly similar even though they were (obviously) distinct conversations.  It warmed me, for my dear sweet love has captured the a piece of my Mom & Dad's hearts. (or so they shared when they each had me alone!)  They enjoy talking to him, they were impressed with the video he took the time and energy to put together for my family to enjoy, they were grateful for the little offerings that he's brought to them since their meeting last weekend and they both, they both enjoyed experiencing his music and both, individually, and later together, reminded me that they very much look forward to spending some quality time with just the four of us.  (A family BBQ is very busy after all!)  All very sweet, warm, loving, supportive words.

And as I left to travel to the start of Chapter 6, Dad's hug and encouraging words goodbye said it all.    "You deserve happiness kiddo.  Go enjoy it."

Moments feeling the love and support of your family.

Moments knowing that you are on the right path.

Moments D446: Familiar Faces Parked Outside

This evening I was running late to get to a friends BBQ.  In a mad dash out of my apartment, my step quickly slowed as I noticed there was someone sitting in the car just outside my home.  I slowed enough to realize that the gentleman in the car was someone I knew.  Someone I would never expect to be in my neighbourhood.  I know this gentleman from work.  He and his wife are fellow foodies, in fact, his wife has a food blog focused on some of her recipes and creations.

What a surprise!  My co-worker jumped from his car looking as shocked as I felt!  He promised that he wasn't stalking me (we had a laugh over that) and explained that his wife's elementary school friend lived, you guessed it, next door to me.  It's crazy how small our world can be sometimes!

My co-worker was surprised that I was living here, as he was unaware of my separation and my relocation.   It's strange to work with someone and them not be aware of a major life shift nearly 2 years ago in the making.  Granted, I only see this co-worker sporadically, but I found it  pretty incredible given the well known information grapevine within my company!  So I gave him a brief run down of my situation.   That in itself was odd.  I haven't shared that story in months now and my co-worker received a very short, watered-down version.

And then I was on my way.

But before I could get into the car I was invited to join my neighbours should I return early enough from my own BBQ.  I never made it back in time, but it felt lovely to be invited.

Moments of surprise.
Moment connecting a little deeper with a co-worker outside work.

Moments D391: BBQ Smokefest

Today I woke feeling lazy and so I switched my day up. Originally I was going to head to the beach to play volleyball all day before heading to my baseball coach’s BBQ. Instead, I was lazy and planted my herb garden. It felt good to have my hands in the earth. I missed that last summer, but last year I was hurting about leaving my gardens behind at my old home. I wasn’t ready to have my hands in the earth again. Today however, I was ready. And I loved every minute of it.

And then my oldest girlfriend came over. Stop the presses…..

I’m going to give “my oldest girlfriend” a nickname because here in my blog it’s easier and I think it’s time. Heini. She is now dubbed Heini because while I’ve known her forever, she’s not my oldest girlfriend, just one that’s been in my life for a very long time.

Phew. I’m glad we have that sorted out.

So Heini came over just as I had hopped out of the shower. I finished prettifying and she tossed the salad we were bringing to the BBQ and off we went.

The BBQ was a smokefest. Ribs, burgers, salads, beer, caesars, oh my! So much food. The company was great, the food was amazing, but the best moment of the day was when Heini offered to help clean away the paper plates after we ate.

Now, Heini is shorter than I am. I’m 5’4.75”. The gent hosting the BBQ is likely close to 6’ tall. He scopped the plates from the table before she could dive in and literally held them high above her head. And Heini jumped for them.

It was like a bad scene out of a comedy. And on cue, we all laughed deeply about it. How amusing to watch. Of course, she lost that battle. (if you’re going to lose a battle that’s not such a bad one to lose!)

Moments with friends & great food.

Moments of belly hurting laughter.

Moments D390: Deep Discussions

Today was an interesting day. I woke a little slowly, but we moved quickly to get to the hospital to wait for Dad to get his discharge papers. Unfortunately it took a little longer than expected, but the time was well spent. I was able to meet one of Dad’s “cell mates” Bob. Bob was delightful and, at 78, he had much to share and I rather enjoyed his stories and his energy.

Hours later, Dad was in the passenger seat and Mom was driving them home.

I made my way home and puttered around for a bit cleaning up the week. And then, I packed a bag, some tasty beverages and I made my way to my BFF’s place. After the week, after having my core shaken again it was exactly what I needed. Low key, backyard sunshine and the best company ever!

We had many deep discussions and we watched the sun go down. We had a delightful first BBQ of the season - BBQ’d meat, veggies and yes, salad. And then the sprinkling rain came. We were finishing up our third bottle by then.

And then the discussion of the day: Was this what we hoped for?

Life. Never as straightforward as you hope for and it’s always offering you learning opportunities. We sat with this idea for a bit as we watched music videos under the big umbrella in the cold spring rain.

Was this what we hoped for?

My philosophy is that if it’s not what you hoped for, it is still well within your control. If you find yourself in a place that you aren’t happy with, then it’s time to take a good hard look at why and find a way to work towards that end goal. Often we settle. Often we find comfort in something that is known, but comfort alone isn’t enough. Sometimes, we’re aware of a deficiency, but we keep ourselves busy and ignore the deeper signs. But truly, we all have the ability to work towards what we hope for. That path isn’t easy. Sometimes it forces you to have a long hard look in the mirror and sometimes it breaks your heart. But after all that hard work, when you get to your goal, it’s that much sweeter.

So today, is a celebration of deep discussions. Of revisiting what’s most important in my life and finding the best path towards that end. It’s about friends, it’s about family and it’s about enjoying the walk along that path, not running too hard and fast that I miss out.

Moments with your best friend.

Moments digging deeper into self..