Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Self Care
If you haven't noticed I am becoming have become a seminar junkie. I love love love a good seminar especially one that focuses on becoming the best you. I have been following an amazing therapist Tiffany Roe who is the owner of Mindful Counseling in Orem Utah.
It was a wonderful day. Bit stressful finding the location in Provo in the blizzard Mother Nature sent our way but none the less it all worked out.
I got my front row Joe spot and all was well in the world for me. Thankful for a supportive husband who sees my needs and allows me to act and do what I need.
OK, lets get to the good stuff. So this seminar was all about self care. Some would say self care is getting a pedicure or taking a bath and as it can be part of it self care is so much more.
We live in a society and I belong to a religious group that promotes putting yourself last or else you are selfish. Never say no and always put others needs above our own. Service is next to Godliness
On social media there are tests floating around where moms can brag how many days it has been since they took a shower or how little they give to themselves for the sake of grand ole motherhood. I use to buy what was sold. I depleted myself for everyone else and I wore that depletion proudly. I was doing what was expected until one day I looked in the mirror, and the person staring back was miserable empty body hollow and void of any passion except what others told her to do. It was a changing day.
I want this message heard loud and clear, it is not selfish it put yourself first even above your screaming child. We are all familiar with the airplane oxygen analogy. We are instructed to put our own oxygen mask on before any one else why? Why do we put ours on first? Well, when the oxygen levels go to zero and you pass out and die how good will you be to anyone else you helped first? In real life it is pretty much the same, if we deplete our tanks daily, never refueling we will eventually die and I am sorry but a dead mom can't be there for any needs. Graphic I know ha ha but I am passionate. I hear so many mom, especially moms of young children who will be at their last straw but refuse to ask for help or put themselves first by simply getting alone time or whatever their tank needed. It is like asking or help is a sign of weakness. You must do this thing called life all alone. You are worth it my friends. You are worth the money spent on a sitter so you can enjoy a movie or pedicure or a hot bath, really whatever it is that fills your tank. Do you believe me?
Let's keep talking
"Self -care is the right and responsibility to take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well being." Pauline Salvucci
In the seminar we created a list of our needs. We got to the make the list free of what we thought others would expect us to have on our list and what we thought we "should" have on the list. We got to just live in judgment free zone and really dig deep to feel what it is we need. We also went through a list and put a symbol next to the words that we felt we were fulfilled in and where we aren't fulfilled. It was liberating
It was a wonderful day. Bit stressful finding the location in Provo in the blizzard Mother Nature sent our way but none the less it all worked out.
I got my front row Joe spot and all was well in the world for me. Thankful for a supportive husband who sees my needs and allows me to act and do what I need.
OK, lets get to the good stuff. So this seminar was all about self care. Some would say self care is getting a pedicure or taking a bath and as it can be part of it self care is so much more.
We live in a society and I belong to a religious group that promotes putting yourself last or else you are selfish. Never say no and always put others needs above our own. Service is next to Godliness
On social media there are tests floating around where moms can brag how many days it has been since they took a shower or how little they give to themselves for the sake of grand ole motherhood. I use to buy what was sold. I depleted myself for everyone else and I wore that depletion proudly. I was doing what was expected until one day I looked in the mirror, and the person staring back was miserable empty body hollow and void of any passion except what others told her to do. It was a changing day.
I want this message heard loud and clear, it is not selfish it put yourself first even above your screaming child. We are all familiar with the airplane oxygen analogy. We are instructed to put our own oxygen mask on before any one else why? Why do we put ours on first? Well, when the oxygen levels go to zero and you pass out and die how good will you be to anyone else you helped first? In real life it is pretty much the same, if we deplete our tanks daily, never refueling we will eventually die and I am sorry but a dead mom can't be there for any needs. Graphic I know ha ha but I am passionate. I hear so many mom, especially moms of young children who will be at their last straw but refuse to ask for help or put themselves first by simply getting alone time or whatever their tank needed. It is like asking or help is a sign of weakness. You must do this thing called life all alone. You are worth it my friends. You are worth the money spent on a sitter so you can enjoy a movie or pedicure or a hot bath, really whatever it is that fills your tank. Do you believe me?
Let's keep talking
"Self -care is the right and responsibility to take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well being." Pauline Salvucci
In the seminar we created a list of our needs. We got to the make the list free of what we thought others would expect us to have on our list and what we thought we "should" have on the list. We got to just live in judgment free zone and really dig deep to feel what it is we need. We also went through a list and put a symbol next to the words that we felt we were fulfilled in and where we aren't fulfilled. It was liberating
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Malia Ruth Hansen
This girl, Malia Ruth, sure keeps me on my toes. Her schedule is not for the faint of heart. I want to remember this crazy full, exciting, exhausting time, so I will give you a play by play of our last week with Malia Ruth!
Please know that this is a very typical week schedule.
We had Parent Teacher Conference on Monday. Most of my friends don't feel the need to attend especially if their child is doing great but I love the opportunity to hear others share their feelings about my children. I get teary eyed several times knowing this is my last PTC for Malia ever. So final!!! Her teachers are all pretty outstanding and since she is in honors or AP classes its not your typical students. We discussed the upcoming AP tests and making sure she is registered and all her fees are paid for. Good thing we have a money tree in our backyard because these tests aren't cheap and she is taking 3 tests. Every teacher raved about how amazing Malia is and what a kind attentive young woman she is. I love that others can see what I see. I love being her mother. So blessed!
Then we go to Seminary PTC. Now let me back up a bit, Malia has struggled this year. Her teacher is such a critical, push Malia's buttons type of guy. Last PTC he was like if you have concerns I want to hear about them. As the months have gone on, I have listened to Malia's concerns so I felt it was a great opportunity to address some of them. I asked Malia before hand and she said it was fine. So when he asked if I had any concerns I said as a matter of fact I do. I shared that he is so hard on Malia and to constantly tell her she isn't doing enough as seminary council member was a little too much. He, in his type 4 nature, didn't take any personal ownership for the situation and even asked Malia to look deep to see what she was doing that was causing this. It was a nightmare situation, one I immediately regretted beginning. We left feeling like yikes! Next day in class he called Malia out of class and demanded she tell him more reasons why she feels the way she does. She was being attacked and she was scared so she began to cry and long story short it was ultimately embarrassing as Malia then had to sit in class with everyone staring knowing she had been crying. I am so proud of Malia because she eventually found her voice and told the teacher exactly what he does that is hard and hurtful. Yay sweetie I am proud of you for doing hard. You have got this thing called life by the horns girl.
A few days later, while I was on my cruise, the teacher phoned me and requested we talk but obviously I didn't get the message and by the time I was back to be contacted he removed Malia from his class. Now Malia has a new teacher and she is so much happier. So I am glad I brought it up. Not all personalities area a good fit and that's ok. Malia sent me a text after day one with a new teacher
"Mom, I was transferred out of seminary and for the first time I could sit and feel the spirit and not feel judged"
Wednesday, Malia was awarded the honor of attending the Presidential Banquet at UVU for her high ACT score as well as her GPA. Corby and I were both invited to attend with her. It was a fabulous evening. We met lots of the advisors on campus and even had a tour of the campus. We met with Deans from the different departments. It was a full fun evening. We had a gourmet meal and listened to a geneticist as the keynote speaker. His talk a little, ok a lot, over my head! Malia made the decision to accept her scholarship and attend UVU next year. We even signed a contract for her housing so she is all set come August. So fun to see all of Malia's hard work come full circle and she be rewarded for it. Wow, I am just so proud of her. Not for her accomplishments but for her setting goals and in her heart never giving up. Can't ask for better than a daughter who never gives up even when I am sure there were times she wanted to.
Next night, Thursday, we got to race from NPA where Breeta performed in the talent show, Bria played Jingle Bells. Gotta love a free spirit who does her own thing! I requested Bria be the first act and then we raced to beat all odds and get to the East side of the City in 25 minutes to watch Malia perform at the District Dance Concert. It was a miracle but we arrived with 4 minutes to spare. When we got there we noticed that the dance being performed was one Malia choreographed for her Sterling Scholar performance. It was beautiful. Malia knows how to choreograph dances that create emotion and connection, it was beautiful to watch. The dance company did a phenomenal job performing it.
Friday, Malia and I attended a play for her to get credit for one of her classes. It was titled 12 Angry Jurors. It was so good. I normally don't fully understand plays, especially ones I am unfamiliar with and if they are written by people named Shakespeare ha ha We ate Chic-fila and enjoyed the play together. The weather was a bit dicy so we didn't do much else.
Sunday, Malia spoke as a member of Seminary Council in a fellow students ward. It's such a privilege to go and listen to her speak. She has a way with words and just had the audience eating out of her hand. There are about 12 students who make up the Seminary Council. The students asked to be on the council are the cream of the crop. These students are blow your mind amazing. Every one of them share faith building experiences and they just express themselves amazing. I love every time I can go and listen to them. I have been trying to get our ward to allow them to come but I live in an area where its strongly controlled by tradition. If they haven't done it then we can't consider it. So annoying! When will people see change is such a great thing. Change brings about growth. Tradition has its place but so does new ideas. climbing off soap box now......
Almost weekly I get to see my Malia in action. She is dancing, speaking, or serving and I love sitting and supporting her. I am your biggest cheerleader honey and I hope you never forget it. I have your back 100% of the time and I firmly believe that you can achieve anything you desire with a well planned out goal. You've got this thing called life my angel girl Mafria.
Please know that this is a very typical week schedule.
We had Parent Teacher Conference on Monday. Most of my friends don't feel the need to attend especially if their child is doing great but I love the opportunity to hear others share their feelings about my children. I get teary eyed several times knowing this is my last PTC for Malia ever. So final!!! Her teachers are all pretty outstanding and since she is in honors or AP classes its not your typical students. We discussed the upcoming AP tests and making sure she is registered and all her fees are paid for. Good thing we have a money tree in our backyard because these tests aren't cheap and she is taking 3 tests. Every teacher raved about how amazing Malia is and what a kind attentive young woman she is. I love that others can see what I see. I love being her mother. So blessed!
Then we go to Seminary PTC. Now let me back up a bit, Malia has struggled this year. Her teacher is such a critical, push Malia's buttons type of guy. Last PTC he was like if you have concerns I want to hear about them. As the months have gone on, I have listened to Malia's concerns so I felt it was a great opportunity to address some of them. I asked Malia before hand and she said it was fine. So when he asked if I had any concerns I said as a matter of fact I do. I shared that he is so hard on Malia and to constantly tell her she isn't doing enough as seminary council member was a little too much. He, in his type 4 nature, didn't take any personal ownership for the situation and even asked Malia to look deep to see what she was doing that was causing this. It was a nightmare situation, one I immediately regretted beginning. We left feeling like yikes! Next day in class he called Malia out of class and demanded she tell him more reasons why she feels the way she does. She was being attacked and she was scared so she began to cry and long story short it was ultimately embarrassing as Malia then had to sit in class with everyone staring knowing she had been crying. I am so proud of Malia because she eventually found her voice and told the teacher exactly what he does that is hard and hurtful. Yay sweetie I am proud of you for doing hard. You have got this thing called life by the horns girl.
A few days later, while I was on my cruise, the teacher phoned me and requested we talk but obviously I didn't get the message and by the time I was back to be contacted he removed Malia from his class. Now Malia has a new teacher and she is so much happier. So I am glad I brought it up. Not all personalities area a good fit and that's ok. Malia sent me a text after day one with a new teacher
"Mom, I was transferred out of seminary and for the first time I could sit and feel the spirit and not feel judged"
Wednesday, Malia was awarded the honor of attending the Presidential Banquet at UVU for her high ACT score as well as her GPA. Corby and I were both invited to attend with her. It was a fabulous evening. We met lots of the advisors on campus and even had a tour of the campus. We met with Deans from the different departments. It was a full fun evening. We had a gourmet meal and listened to a geneticist as the keynote speaker. His talk a little, ok a lot, over my head! Malia made the decision to accept her scholarship and attend UVU next year. We even signed a contract for her housing so she is all set come August. So fun to see all of Malia's hard work come full circle and she be rewarded for it. Wow, I am just so proud of her. Not for her accomplishments but for her setting goals and in her heart never giving up. Can't ask for better than a daughter who never gives up even when I am sure there were times she wanted to.
Next night, Thursday, we got to race from NPA where Breeta performed in the talent show, Bria played Jingle Bells. Gotta love a free spirit who does her own thing! I requested Bria be the first act and then we raced to beat all odds and get to the East side of the City in 25 minutes to watch Malia perform at the District Dance Concert. It was a miracle but we arrived with 4 minutes to spare. When we got there we noticed that the dance being performed was one Malia choreographed for her Sterling Scholar performance. It was beautiful. Malia knows how to choreograph dances that create emotion and connection, it was beautiful to watch. The dance company did a phenomenal job performing it.
Friday, Malia and I attended a play for her to get credit for one of her classes. It was titled 12 Angry Jurors. It was so good. I normally don't fully understand plays, especially ones I am unfamiliar with and if they are written by people named Shakespeare ha ha We ate Chic-fila and enjoyed the play together. The weather was a bit dicy so we didn't do much else.
Sunday, Malia spoke as a member of Seminary Council in a fellow students ward. It's such a privilege to go and listen to her speak. She has a way with words and just had the audience eating out of her hand. There are about 12 students who make up the Seminary Council. The students asked to be on the council are the cream of the crop. These students are blow your mind amazing. Every one of them share faith building experiences and they just express themselves amazing. I love every time I can go and listen to them. I have been trying to get our ward to allow them to come but I live in an area where its strongly controlled by tradition. If they haven't done it then we can't consider it. So annoying! When will people see change is such a great thing. Change brings about growth. Tradition has its place but so does new ideas. climbing off soap box now......
Almost weekly I get to see my Malia in action. She is dancing, speaking, or serving and I love sitting and supporting her. I am your biggest cheerleader honey and I hope you never forget it. I have your back 100% of the time and I firmly believe that you can achieve anything you desire with a well planned out goal. You've got this thing called life my angel girl Mafria.
Monday, February 19, 2018
24th Anniversary
Some days it feels like I have been married my whole life and other days it feels like I am a newly wed. Either way this year, 2018, marks 24 years of marital bliss;)
Corby is always so good to plan amazing get aways for us to celebrate. A few years back we went to San Fransisco and another year we went skiing in park city, the list goes on and on, 24x's ha ha. Best part of these trips are they are all handed to me in a surprise fashion. I am such a lucky girl!!!!
This year did not disappoint. It wasn't a surprise like in the past, but it was still the BOMB. We went to the Bahamas on a cruise. Let's discuss cruises......... they are not my favorite, sorry, debbie downer for a minute! I know so many who just rave about cruises and I just think, yea I am not feeling it but good for you my friend and loved one. So are you scratching your head going then why did you plan a cruise for your anniversary. Thanks for asking, I will share....it was an all expense paid trip that Corby won from Futurity First so hello of course I am going.
Here are the reasons for my dislike:
food 24/7 is not a good fit for me
low quality of food, think Chuck-A-Rama, blah
motion sickness
small space
short times spent in several destinations
Here are a few positives about cruises, (there's always good in all situations).
I love that you get to wake up and you are at your destination.
I love that you have entertainment pretty much every evening.
I love that you get to spend time with those in your party and no one is left out because they are the "driver"
Ok, let's get to the meat of my trip. Teesh took us to the airport at oh dark 30, really 5:30am. You would think no one would be out but it was cray cray and so busy. We first flew to Houston. We sent our love to Kylar and then flew to Miami. We gained 2 hours so when we arrived at our hotel in Miami it was later than my body realized. Flying all day takes a lot out of me so we ate dinner in the restaurant and went back to our room and watched the olympics and just chilled big time. I chilled so much I fell asleep and slept over 13 hours. Guess I needed the rest. I only woke up because room service knocked on the door to come clean it ha ha.
We boarded the ship, found our stateroom and then explored the ship. We have been on 3 cruises and this was the shortest duration and smallest ship and was actually the most calm ship ever. I only felt nauseated one time and a little laying down solved my issue. Win Win Win
This is the first cruise where it was only Corby and I and I must say I liked it. It was nice to eat dinner just the two of us and not share a large table with 6 other people. I also enjoyed just having the alone time with my man. Loved the wake up when we want and didn't have to think or accommodate for any other schedule.
So our first stop was CocoCay. It is a privately owned island by Royal Cruise line so the only people on the island were all cruise members. They fed us lunch on the island and gave us the entire day to enjoy the sunshine. Corby lived his best day ever by snorkeling the great beautiful waters and he kayaked for an hour and a half. There was a misunderstanding as I said I would kayak but wasn't interested in snorkeling and long story short Corby didn't sign me up for either so.....
I found a comfy lounge chair and soaked up the sunshine for hours. It was amazing. I read my book, dozed off often and just enjoyed complete silence. After a few hours Corby joined me and we browsed the island. There was a nature hike we wanted to go on but found it was cancelled due to construction, sheesh, rude, I want my nature hike ha ha.
It was a good day. Probably got a little too much sun but give me that vitamin D
We were highly entertained by a singer, Johnny ?, he performed the last 5 years at the Bellagio in Vegas. He was good. Funny, entertaining, and excellent singer. We both really enjoyed ourselves.
Our next day we spent in Nassau. We toured Atlantis and it was awesome. We fed sea turtles, sting rays and missed our chance to feed the sharks, dangit! We had the worlds best tour guide, she was impressive. Her knowledge was just crazy and detailed. Bahamas are made up of 700 islands most are small and offer nothing. The only hospital in the Bahamas is on the island of Nassau so all babies are born in Nassau even if they never lived there, weird huh.
We are already planning on bringing our children here when Sierra returns from her mission next Feb or March. We will stay on that island only and enjoy the huge waterpark they offer and all the fun beaches around the resort.
The weather was gorgeous and the day could not be better except we had to get back to the ship by 3:30.....rant for a second....this is the problem with cruises, its awesome to see two islands but you don't get to spend enough time on the islands to see all you desire. We missed out on feeding sharks!!!
We grabbed some Bohemian chocolate and Corby spoiled me and bought me my first designer handbag. I've had my eye on a specific style and we saw it and bought it HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ha ha
That evening, after dinner, we watched a skit/play and then watched karaoke and battle of the sexes, Corby even braved it and participated. It was hilarious. We then stayed up way late and watched what was called "The Quest" I will admit it was a bit racy at times but it was funny. I probably enjoyed it more than Corby but he was a good sport. We then walked the ship and listened the to water crash against the ship and talked. I loved talking it's my favorite. I have felt so lonely for a good year and its because I don't get to talk often. This evening filled my love tank. Getaways are so important. Its expensive and its hard to connect all dots but it is so worth it when it comes to your relationship.
Monday morning we woke up back in Miami. We decided to take a bus tour of the city since we were there and had a few hours before getting to the airport. It was the highlight of our trip for so many reasons. OK picture a double decker bus and we of course are up top allowing the breeze to blow through our hair. All the sudden the blue skies turn grey and now its a down pour. We were drenched. All we could do was laugh and drip. We were given a poncho in the beginning on the tour but of course did not put on.... duh, blue skies. The down pour lasted about 20 minutes and it was the weirdest rain. It didn't cool you down it just got you wet and when the sun came out you dried quickly. So the bus tour was divide into two groups...beach loop and city loop. Our tour guide on the city loop was so funny. He had us rolling. Our beach loop dude felt like a superintendent and I was the "in trouble elementary student" we were laughing as this dude was interacting with the other occupants. For example, a gentlemen approached the tour guide to get a set of earbuds and he said, no joke, "What did you do with the first set?" I didn't get any. "Yes, you did, what did you do with them?" no seriously I didn't get any. Another guy was going from the bottom level of the bus to the upper and the dude says "So are you just going to go back and forth this whole trip or will you find a location and sit" I could not stop laughing when dude let his receipt fly out of his fanny pack. Bus came to a screeching halt and dude ran down the street into the park chasing this piece of paper. What a sight. There was another couple on the tour and we all were rolling and kept just shaking our head at how rude this dude was. Maybe he should look into a new job one where he doesn't work with the public. I only gave you a few examples but the tour was 1.5 hours and he never stopped. Mind boggling but it was super funny.
Miami is also known as Northern Cuba so there are lots of cuban restaurants. We ate at one for lunch. Then headed to the airport with about 35 cops. They were weaving in and out of traffic and upon arrival to airport we had to run almost a mile to get to our terminal as the cops began blocking off the streets. I have never seen so many cops and cars in one place ever. They had white dry erase board out creating a game plan as to who would go where in the airport. Dogs barking like crazy. We barely made it to our destination with literally 5 mins to board the plane. Crazy and we still have no idea what was up. I thought drugs, Corby thought bomb threat or terrorism. One of lives mysteries I guess we will just never know.
Flew back to Houston then Salt Lake. We left 90 degree weather and were welcomed with snow and freezing temps. So good to see my darlings and so grateful for the help rendered by friends, Teesh, and Malia to make this trip possible.
Next year we are going to Puerto Rico!! Who's coming?
Corby is always so good to plan amazing get aways for us to celebrate. A few years back we went to San Fransisco and another year we went skiing in park city, the list goes on and on, 24x's ha ha. Best part of these trips are they are all handed to me in a surprise fashion. I am such a lucky girl!!!!
This year did not disappoint. It wasn't a surprise like in the past, but it was still the BOMB. We went to the Bahamas on a cruise. Let's discuss cruises......... they are not my favorite, sorry, debbie downer for a minute! I know so many who just rave about cruises and I just think, yea I am not feeling it but good for you my friend and loved one. So are you scratching your head going then why did you plan a cruise for your anniversary. Thanks for asking, I will share....it was an all expense paid trip that Corby won from Futurity First so hello of course I am going.
Here are the reasons for my dislike:
food 24/7 is not a good fit for me
low quality of food, think Chuck-A-Rama, blah
motion sickness
small space
short times spent in several destinations
Here are a few positives about cruises, (there's always good in all situations).
I love that you get to wake up and you are at your destination.
I love that you have entertainment pretty much every evening.
I love that you get to spend time with those in your party and no one is left out because they are the "driver"
Ok, let's get to the meat of my trip. Teesh took us to the airport at oh dark 30, really 5:30am. You would think no one would be out but it was cray cray and so busy. We first flew to Houston. We sent our love to Kylar and then flew to Miami. We gained 2 hours so when we arrived at our hotel in Miami it was later than my body realized. Flying all day takes a lot out of me so we ate dinner in the restaurant and went back to our room and watched the olympics and just chilled big time. I chilled so much I fell asleep and slept over 13 hours. Guess I needed the rest. I only woke up because room service knocked on the door to come clean it ha ha.
We boarded the ship, found our stateroom and then explored the ship. We have been on 3 cruises and this was the shortest duration and smallest ship and was actually the most calm ship ever. I only felt nauseated one time and a little laying down solved my issue. Win Win Win
This is the first cruise where it was only Corby and I and I must say I liked it. It was nice to eat dinner just the two of us and not share a large table with 6 other people. I also enjoyed just having the alone time with my man. Loved the wake up when we want and didn't have to think or accommodate for any other schedule.
So our first stop was CocoCay. It is a privately owned island by Royal Cruise line so the only people on the island were all cruise members. They fed us lunch on the island and gave us the entire day to enjoy the sunshine. Corby lived his best day ever by snorkeling the great beautiful waters and he kayaked for an hour and a half. There was a misunderstanding as I said I would kayak but wasn't interested in snorkeling and long story short Corby didn't sign me up for either so.....
I found a comfy lounge chair and soaked up the sunshine for hours. It was amazing. I read my book, dozed off often and just enjoyed complete silence. After a few hours Corby joined me and we browsed the island. There was a nature hike we wanted to go on but found it was cancelled due to construction, sheesh, rude, I want my nature hike ha ha.
It was a good day. Probably got a little too much sun but give me that vitamin D
We were highly entertained by a singer, Johnny ?, he performed the last 5 years at the Bellagio in Vegas. He was good. Funny, entertaining, and excellent singer. We both really enjoyed ourselves.
Our next day we spent in Nassau. We toured Atlantis and it was awesome. We fed sea turtles, sting rays and missed our chance to feed the sharks, dangit! We had the worlds best tour guide, she was impressive. Her knowledge was just crazy and detailed. Bahamas are made up of 700 islands most are small and offer nothing. The only hospital in the Bahamas is on the island of Nassau so all babies are born in Nassau even if they never lived there, weird huh.
We are already planning on bringing our children here when Sierra returns from her mission next Feb or March. We will stay on that island only and enjoy the huge waterpark they offer and all the fun beaches around the resort.
The weather was gorgeous and the day could not be better except we had to get back to the ship by 3:30.....rant for a second....this is the problem with cruises, its awesome to see two islands but you don't get to spend enough time on the islands to see all you desire. We missed out on feeding sharks!!!
We grabbed some Bohemian chocolate and Corby spoiled me and bought me my first designer handbag. I've had my eye on a specific style and we saw it and bought it HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ha ha
That evening, after dinner, we watched a skit/play and then watched karaoke and battle of the sexes, Corby even braved it and participated. It was hilarious. We then stayed up way late and watched what was called "The Quest" I will admit it was a bit racy at times but it was funny. I probably enjoyed it more than Corby but he was a good sport. We then walked the ship and listened the to water crash against the ship and talked. I loved talking it's my favorite. I have felt so lonely for a good year and its because I don't get to talk often. This evening filled my love tank. Getaways are so important. Its expensive and its hard to connect all dots but it is so worth it when it comes to your relationship.
Monday morning we woke up back in Miami. We decided to take a bus tour of the city since we were there and had a few hours before getting to the airport. It was the highlight of our trip for so many reasons. OK picture a double decker bus and we of course are up top allowing the breeze to blow through our hair. All the sudden the blue skies turn grey and now its a down pour. We were drenched. All we could do was laugh and drip. We were given a poncho in the beginning on the tour but of course did not put on.... duh, blue skies. The down pour lasted about 20 minutes and it was the weirdest rain. It didn't cool you down it just got you wet and when the sun came out you dried quickly. So the bus tour was divide into two groups...beach loop and city loop. Our tour guide on the city loop was so funny. He had us rolling. Our beach loop dude felt like a superintendent and I was the "in trouble elementary student" we were laughing as this dude was interacting with the other occupants. For example, a gentlemen approached the tour guide to get a set of earbuds and he said, no joke, "What did you do with the first set?" I didn't get any. "Yes, you did, what did you do with them?" no seriously I didn't get any. Another guy was going from the bottom level of the bus to the upper and the dude says "So are you just going to go back and forth this whole trip or will you find a location and sit" I could not stop laughing when dude let his receipt fly out of his fanny pack. Bus came to a screeching halt and dude ran down the street into the park chasing this piece of paper. What a sight. There was another couple on the tour and we all were rolling and kept just shaking our head at how rude this dude was. Maybe he should look into a new job one where he doesn't work with the public. I only gave you a few examples but the tour was 1.5 hours and he never stopped. Mind boggling but it was super funny.
Miami is also known as Northern Cuba so there are lots of cuban restaurants. We ate at one for lunch. Then headed to the airport with about 35 cops. They were weaving in and out of traffic and upon arrival to airport we had to run almost a mile to get to our terminal as the cops began blocking off the streets. I have never seen so many cops and cars in one place ever. They had white dry erase board out creating a game plan as to who would go where in the airport. Dogs barking like crazy. We barely made it to our destination with literally 5 mins to board the plane. Crazy and we still have no idea what was up. I thought drugs, Corby thought bomb threat or terrorism. One of lives mysteries I guess we will just never know.
Flew back to Houston then Salt Lake. We left 90 degree weather and were welcomed with snow and freezing temps. So good to see my darlings and so grateful for the help rendered by friends, Teesh, and Malia to make this trip possible.
Next year we are going to Puerto Rico!! Who's coming?
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