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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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.