Wedding Picture Failure

I think that the honeymoon for this couple was over before it even began.  Check out the video of these unlucky newlyweds and their posse. 

It would completely suck to fall into the lake all dolled up on your wedding day.  What would make it worse, you ask?  How about your new hubbie bolting straight for the dock to save himself while you awkwardly float and flair around partially submerged.

I can almost hear his train of thought...."Holy cow that was crazy!  Hey man, can you believe that?  I gotta get on that dock so my suit isn't ruined.... Wait, a second...(Groom Scratches Head)....  Oh Sh!t, Wifie I'm coming for you!"  

I'd start researching an anullment. 

Gulp..

Driving home from work tonight I was trying to decide whether I should go to yoga, or take my bike out for a ride.  With my window down and sunroof open, I decided that the sunny 82 degree evening was too good to waste sweating indoors.  Bike ride it is!
The first few miles were a little rough because I haven't rode in a couple of weeks... but after that I was feeling fantastic. I was about 7 or 8 miles in to my 11 mile ride when my mind started to freely wander....

...."wow, Eminem is such a badass...."
..."oh look, a bunny!  if it jumps out in front of me and I fall, I may have to throw a rock at it"...
..." 'on your left. '  what a dumb phrase.  I wonder how I could say it cooler"....
..."should have drank more water today.  This headache is going to take me out"....
..."well hello fellow biker sans-shirt!"....
..."if I started singing outloud to this song, would anyone notice?".....
..."I wonder if these woods have too much sunlight for Edward..."
..."I can't believe I just thought about Edwa" GULP.  GAG.  COUGH.  
That's right friends, I swallowed my first bug.  Somewhere between my super fast biking skills and my gaping mouth, I choked down some sort of flying insect.  And what did I do?? Laugh out loud. And then try to make myself swallow an unreasonable (and kind of gross) amount of saliva to keep the little bugger from crawling back up my throat.  I know it was probably dead on impact (I was going really fast :) ), but I couldn't take any chances!

Happy Monday! 

Lessons to a high school grad

I spent this afternoon at my cousin's high school graduation party.  T graduated in the top of her class, has a good group of friends, and a great big heart.  As I was driving to the party tonight, I started thinking about the adventure that lies ahead of her... and I started flashing back to the same time of my life.  That's when I decided that I have to share with her the lesson I learned the hard way.... You're worth more. 

I went through high school in a similar spot at T.... I got good grades, didn't get in much trouble, had a good group of friends, was active as a dancer and cheerleader, and overall good girl.  I didn't really date much but had the usual crushes that most high schoolers have. 

It was right around graduation that a classmate of mine started to pay more attention to me.  He was attractive and had played football but our circles of friends hadn't really crossed paths.  I initially liked him but after a couple of weeks he decided that we shouldn't start something when we would both be moving away for school.  I was not happy about it one bit.  And I hung on to my feelings for him throghout the summer and into my freshman year of college. 

I should have gotten over it... so we kissed at a graduation party and hung out a couple of times... If he didn't want me, why should I stilll care about him?

Later that fall our paths crossed again.   (Mom, you should probably stop reading here) We were both home from school and ran into eachother at a mutual friend's fraternity party.  He started sweet talking me again, and I ate it up.  I so wanted to be adored.  Two nights later, he called me and asked me to come hang out at his parents house.  Of course, still wanting to be loved by him, I dropped everything and went over there.  J answered the door and quickly led me downstairs to the basement where his room was.  We were watching tv when suddenly he was on top of me.  I was terrified and started to panic... but no words would come out of my mouth; before I could convince myself what was truly happening, it was all over. 

I blamed myself.  I must have led him on.  Maybe I wasn't clear enough that I was a virgin up until that point becasue I was waiting for a serious relationship. Maybe because I didn't punch and kick, it was consentual. 

I deserved so much more than to be raped and lose my virginity in the basement of his parents house on a nasty futon.  But I didn't believe it.

Long, long story short, J and I didn't work out (shocking).  In fact, he didn't talk to me after a couple of weeks.   I went through years of therapy to overcome my denial and self destructive blame, and episodes where tears that would pour out whenever I'd had any alcohol in me.  I drank a lot and I gained a lot of weight.  My relationships with family got strained and I would have occasions of word vomit more times than I'd like.

I was 19 at the time, and it wasn't until 25 that I finally got over what had happened to me on that fall evening.  I actually ran into J at a bar downtown.  I was very aprehensive to talk to him when he approached me but I decided to listen to what he had to say. He admited to it all.... He told me that he knew exactly what he had been doing, what it would do to me, and at the time he didn't care.  He told me that what he had done to me was the biggest mistake that he had ever made, and that his actions have stuck and will continue to stick with him for the rest of his life.  After 6 years of recovery, I forgave him.  And then I officially moved on.

I was worth more, and I want T to know that she is too.  That the sexual pressures in college don't matter... That she does not need to sacrifice anything for another person....  That a night with someone doesn't mean that they'll love you...  That she deserves to be chased, to be the center of someone's world, and that if something doesn't feel right she doesn't need to do it.  That she doesn't owe anyone anything.... that she is worth much, much more.

30 Days til 30

Wow.  I can't believe I'm entering my last month in my 20's.  Not necessarily becasue I think that 30 is "old" or anything like that.  But because a 30th birthday seems so iconic.  

It feels like I shouldn't be approaching this birthday, yet I have grown and experienced so much when I look back.

Age 20 - Recovered from a traumatic incident and found my strength through friends and family.  Conquered mono, changed majors, and completed my sophomore year
Age 21 - Roadtripped with my best college friends to Vail over the summer, traveled to London on spring break, and completed my junior year
Age 22 - Completed an internship, lived in a small house with 4 other girls throughout senior year, Graduated college
Age 23 - Bridesmaid in my 2 Bennie's weddings.  Started work at Company T in a great job; Post-college/"real world denial" partying began
Age 24 - I bought my first house and became an Auntie to beautiful AJ.  Post-college partying slowed down.... 40-50 hour work weeks and the "groundhog day" effect of the bars lost its luster
Age 25 -  Promoted at work; Bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding
Age 26 -  Promoted at work; Dated B and then a few months later M
Age 27 - Promoted at work. Anxiety disorder diagnosed and treated.  Met and started dating my would-be boyfriend
Age 28 - Stood up as a bridesmaid as my brother married an amazing woman.  Promoted to manager at work; Reached a relationship high when I fell in love and a relationship low sending my boyfriend off to Iraq
Age 29 - Baby R came into my life and I became a very proud Auntie again.  Broke up with boyfriend upon his return to the US and found my independence and confidence as a single woman again.   Took a trip of a lifetime to Europe

But it's the pieces in between each of those events and birthdays that have made my 20's something special. 

It's hearing the newborn cries of my nieces, my heart melting the first time they smile at me, and being dubbed Auntie Syssa. 
It's watching my siblings become loving and amazing parents, standing up for 5 of my dear friends as they've gotten married. 
It's finding my place, confidence, and capabilities at work and being able to support my self independently. 
It's about the amazing friendships I've made along the way.... through work, high school friends of my high school friends, and college friends of high school friends' high school friends :). 
It's about the close relationships formed with my family, celbrating holidays, enjoying afternoons on the lake, and numerous happy hours on patios.
There have been kickball, flag football and broomball leagues, crutches and a torn ligament in my foot, vacations to Florida, trips to cabins up north, and girls' nights galore.
There have been experiences I looked forward to and things that I thought would break me. 

I've definitely had my fill of tears, hurt, and a broken heart. 
But more importantly, my 20's have been filled with hysterical laughing, smiles, more blessings than I could count, an overwhelming amount of love, and a true feeling of self confidence, purpose, and faith. 

With all of these amazing experiences, I can't help but to look forward to what new adventures, experiences, and people that 30 will bring me.... but not for another 30 days :)

Vaca Entry #7

May 24
Yesterday bright and early we got on another bus to Florence.  At first the weather was cloudy with drizzle.  But after about an hour, the sun made its way out.  It was an amazing day.
I had a few "Italy things" on my bucket list that I needed to cross off and I did just that: 
1. Pizza.... I ordered Margarita and Dad got Ham/Mushroom... both were to die for.
2.  Lemonchello.... fantastic liqueur to sip on
3.  Gelato
4.  Caffelatte
5.  Wine
The architecture in Florence was absolutely breathtaking and the detail in the buildings is incredible.  Hard to believe the city is 500 years old. 
We ventured through cathedrals, squares, markets, museums, and past the "fake" statue of David. We also saw the Duomo and the iconic bridge.
Seville has to take second place to Florence... words cannot describe how much I fell in love with the city. 
Today we went into the island of Corsica for a couple of hours.  The area near port is pretty small, so we saw most of it in a 45 minute tour.  The city reminds me a little of the Caribbean.  But they say that were relics found on the island that are thought to be from the stone age. 
After our visit, we headed back to the ship and enjoyed the weather poolside.

 Florence

Florence

Florence

Duomo - Florence

Duomo - Florence

Florence

Best Pizza EVER!

Bridge in Florence

 

Ship at port in Corsica

Napoleon's monument

Corsica

Corsica

Corsica

Vaca Entry #6

May 22

Early this morning we braved the rain for an all day excursion to Rome.  Unfortunately, the mild to heavy rain didn't let up for the entire day which made for some very wet feet and jeans.  However, I am so thankful for the trip and what I was able to see.
Our first stop was the Coliseum.  I'm in awe of how old the structure is and what all went on within it.  Gladiator fights, chariot races, and even the persecution of Christians.  After the Coliseum, we stopped a restaurant for a traditional Italian lunch.  The first course was an amazing pasta followed by turkey/potatoes, and tiramisu. 
We then went to Vatican City and started out tour in the museum.  The detailed paintings, sculptures, and all in all grandeur was overwhelming.  And with the background and history on top of the art itself is even more amazing .
We went from the museum into the Sistine Chapel.   The painting of the Last Judgement as well as the ceiling mural were almost too much to take in.  I was also interested to learn that Conclave with the Cardinals is held in there when they go through the process of electing a new Pope.
Finally, we went to St. Peter's Cathedral.  That immaculate Church was the most stunning to me.  Every turn I took, I felt  the need to take a picture (and I often did!).  Walking down St. Peter's square outside of the Cathedral was surreal but made me proud to be a Christian.
Back on the ship, we had another feast with our hilarious table mates (one couple from Ireland and another from San Antonio).  We also say a show in the theater with 45 minutes of fantastic dancing and singing.  I loved it.
As the night closed out, I finished my glass of wine on the balcony listening to the waves and looking at the stars.  It's an "early" night; tomorrow we hit Florence!

 at the Coliseum

 Outside view of Coliseum

 Coming into Vatican City

 Vatican Museum

 Vatican Museum

 St. Peter's Cathedral

 St. Peter's Square

 St. Peter's Square

Show on the ship

Vaca Entry #5

May 21
Today was our day at sea and we traveled into a pretty decent storm.  The waters have been very rough and it has been raining fairly heavily for moswt of the day.  But I didn't care... I loved it.
I can't think of the last time I was completely relaxed.
Dad, Bev (my step mom) and I grabbed a booth overlooking the ship's deck in then sky bar around noon and played cards for a few hours.  We went to the dining room for a late lunch and were served a 4 course meal.  Not sure that has ever happened.  My favorite part was the cherry custard crepe for dessert.  Who has dessert after lunch?? Me.
Tonight was formal night so we got dressed up for dinner.  Another amazing meal - shrimp cocktail, caesar salad, beef tenderloin, and a double strawberry cheesecake.  I can't remember the last time I had food this great.  We rounded out teh night wtih a couple drinks at the bar while listening to live Latin music.  Tomorrow bright and early: Rome!

Formal Night Dinner

 Drinks and live music

Vaca Entry #4

May 20

We arrived on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas yesterday early afternoon.  I checked into my interior cabin and decided to treat myself to a suite... why not, right?  Amazing.  My room has a seating area, king bed, bar, large bathroom, and a balcony with a table/chairs and lounge chair.  Also with the upgrade I get access to other amenities.
We explored the ship to find a beautiful 3 story dining room, casino, promenade with shops and restaurants, theater, skating rink, mini golf, and multiple themed bars and lounges. 
And the food is amazing!  Thus far my dinners have been pork medallions and turkey tenderloins both with elaborate desserts.
At 2:00 today we headed into Valencia, Spain.  We stopped at the arts  area complete with museums, aquarium, opera house, etc.  It had really  modern architecture - I've never seen anything like it. 
After that, we went into the "downtown" area.  The houses and buildings have a style reminded me of what I think Paris would be like.  We saw the Cathedral which was built in the 1200's - but from the time it was started it took 400 years to finish it (sometime in the 1600s).  We also went to a Tapas bar and had some fantastic Tapas and a glass of wine.
We also toured the caves of San Jose.  They're about 45 minutes outside of Valencia and are thought to be at least 1500 years old.  We took a small boat through the caves and had a chance to walk around one area.  Hard to believe nature can do that. When we came out of the cave, a large group of locals were dancing in the square and drinking wine, laughing and eating.  I loved it.
I really enjoyed Spain and am glad I get to go back for one additional day when the cruise is finished.

Sunset view from my balcony

 My room on the ship

 Valencia - City of Arts and Sciences

 Valencia

 Caves of San Jose

Vaca Entry #3

May 18

Today we hopped on another bus and headed to Gibralter.  I wasn't expecting much but a large rock and I was definitely surprised by how much I enjoyed the tour.
We zig zagged our way up the rock and learned a ton about the history with Britian, Spain and the Morrs.  We went through one of the caves, saw wild monkeys, had lunch in teh cortyard/shopping center, and snapped pics of some other sights as well.  At one point, we had the Atlantic Ocean on our left, the Strait of Gibralter in front, the Mediterranean Sea on teh right, Africa to one side, and Spain at the other.  Pretty cool.

Vaca Entry #2

May 17

Today we got up early and took a coach bus from Malaga to Seville.  What an amazing city!  I fell in love  instantly with the architecture, the history, and the culture. 
We first went into the Plaza de Espana - an amazing compound built  for the 1912 world expo.  There were 4 bridges connecting the building to the parkway and fountain and everything was created to the smallest detail.  Ceramics were intricately worked into every aspect and the area was stunning.
After that we walked through Santa Cruz... a city with narrow streets, homes with iron, ceramic, and wooden features, and tons of history dating back to the 1200's.  Each turn revealed a small square or neighborhood cafe.  It was fantastic. 
We then worked our way to the Cathedral - built in the 1600's.  It's the 3rd biggest Church in the world and is where Christopher Columbus is buried. 
We took a 45 min horse and carriage ride around to see the rest of the sights and finished our day with a glass of sangria at a sidewalk cafe across from the Cathedral.
I loved every minute of Seville and am so glad we signed up for the tour on a whim.  Last night and tonight we wandered down the beach to various restaurants for dinner.  The food has been great and the ambiance is unbeatable. 
As I write this and get ready for bed, I can hear the waves crashing against the beach outside of my patio door... Amazing.

Plaza de Espana

 Plaza de Espana



Plaza de Espana

 Plaza De Espana

 Santa Cruz

 Santa Cruz

 Cathedral

Seville