Post bridezilla post
My favorite one of Joe and me, which is a hard pick because there are some great ones.
Four months later, and I’m finally able to take a look through all of the wedding pics Anna took for us. It’s gonna take me a bit to put it all together in a photo album, and I’m trying to send everyone my fave of their pics, but it’s easier if I blast a bunch in here and if any of my friends/family would like one on the blog, just let me know and I’ll get it to you. There are also many great ones not posted here because, well, I just can’t upload them all.
First off credit for all of these photos goes to Anna Purdy, who is based in Virginia. If you’re interested in her work, check out her website here.
Secondly, if you’re looking to read a post about one of my great adventures, this one’s a big one for me and my family, but will probably bore those of you who don’t know us. Hopefully, my next post will be of more interest to you.
Thirdly, I totally suck at posing for pics. I am not a model wanna be in any way, shape or form. Sooo kudos to Anna for getting so many lovely shots because I’m a hard one to photograph well.
Take for example this lovely pic, which through no fault of the photographer looks like I’m in phase one of zombie transformation. How in the hell do you even get your eye to do that?
BUT, despite my whackadoodle facial expressions I got a nice assortment of 50+ year old glamour shots — ewww even have some cleavage/thigh shots (but those are Joe’s pics to keep).
See not too shabby. Thanks to Shannan for doing my hair (not finished yet in this pic) and Michelle for doing my makeup.
My absolute favourites, though, are not of me in my shiny white robe. They are the family and friend shots, and the ones of Joe and me. I love all of us and what we have together, so I will never get tired of looking at our group shots!
Oh how I love my zany friends
And the women in my family/wedding party
And the men…
Sadly, Brian, Joe’s friend since grade school, isn’t in any of these photos, but we’ll have shots of him in the wedding album!
aw the kids and us. I’m so thankful for all the fun and love we have together!
And, of course, some of Joe and me
And the wedding party, which doesn’t include everyone who played a role in making our wedding weekend so fabulous…
Now all I have to do is wait two and a half months before I see my man again, and way too many months before I see the kids, but we’re always connected, and we’ll make the best of our time when we’re together.
Success…that works for me
While I just finished off another fantastic weekend in Dubai with good friends, this isn’t another “look at how lucky I am” post (well in a roundabout way maybe it is). I do feel lucky, but the reality is I didn’t just luck into the path I’m currently on. I worked toward it, and I fumbled, cried, bled through many mistakes and hurdles before getting here (and I’ll fumble through quite a few more before my time is done).
I read one of those internet articles that tells you what you shouldn’t be doing on social media if you want to keep your friends from defriending you — FYI writing such articles is probably one of them. Anyway, it mentioned how you shouldn’t brag about all your travels and how lucky you are, and I was like oh shit that’s pretty much all I post about. And then I remembered that, wait a minute, my Facebook page and my blog (my only social media outlets) are all about me being me with my peeps around the world (and anyone else who wants to crash the party for a bit). No one has to read a word I write, but I’m glad every now and then some people do. Maybe we’re connecting on a good level?
Then I got to thinking about what I think about my life now, and I realized that there are a few things I’ve always done that helped me to get to where I am now. I wish 51-year old me could tell much-younger me that I should stop wishing so damned much because I’ve totally got this, but you can’t tell younger you jack shit because A. you’re not a time traveler, and B. young you won’t listen anyway. But, for what it’s worth here’s what I’d tell me:
Quit taking what others say you should do as gospel, but do listen to what they have to say. Do learn from them, but know you’ve got some pretty damned nifty insights that will help you navigate your way through life.
- You know you’re not great. You’re aware that you’re as tragically flawed and effed up as the next poor soul. You know that when you do succeed at something it’s never because you did it alone. There’s layers to every success and failure … every single time. And because you’re so damned flawed you do sometimes judge, gossip and bitch about others, but then you remind yourself to shut the heck up because hey they’re human — although you do this back and forth thing a lot (might want to work on reducing the judgy moments)
- You’re incredibly grateful — even during the lowest moments in your life you will find something to be grateful for. Never, ever lose that. [And thank you to the people in my life who’ve cultivated this wonderful gift!]
- You change paths when you need to — even if it’s a long, hard road you really don’t want to take. [Younger me is giving the “are you crazy” look — no flipping way would I have ever thought I’d do half the hard work I’ve done to get from point A to B, and then change it all up again because I realized I needed a different alphabet, several times! and god help me, I’ll do it again].
- You don’t grow old — well your body is a bitch because she will age, despite your efforts. But your childlike wonder keeps you amazed and constantly wanting to know more. Please don’t squash that (although there are times when you’re exhausted and child like wonder is put into time out).
- You don’t seep in your sorrow too long. You grieve, you rage, you do all the craziness everyone else does when the proverbial shit hits the fan, but you’re usually pretty quick about taking a deep breath and accepting it for what it is and then finding a way past the bad parts.
- You smile wide and laugh loud. Sure you look and sound like a fool a lot, but damn it feels good. And not only is it good for your soul, I’m pretty sure it’s good for others too (unless they’re trying to sleep).
- Speaking of which you hang on to the people who also feed your soul, and you love them even when you kinda, sorta wanna slap them. You let go of those who solely feed off of you, even if you once loved them with everything you had.
- You’ve got a list just as long, if not longer , as this as to what you’re not good at, or what you don’t do well for yourself, but the good news is you pay attention to that too. You don’t always fix your flaws, but you try, and you admit (eventually) when you haven’t quite got it right.
And why I felt the need to share all of this in my blog is beyond me … oh wait that’s right I wanted to point out that the very good things going on in my life right now aren’t pure luck. I worked very hard to get to this point, and I’m okay with admitting I’m proud of myself for that.
Hard work and doing all of the above does not guarantee a life of happy, happy, joy, joy, but it sure as hell has helped me find my many different versions of success. And, I guess that’s what this rambling post is all about: discovering and embracing the bits about you that help you succeed in what matters (even when your definition of success doesn’t gel with what you once thought it was supposed to be). Mine is this crazy overseas life, my loved ones, and the stuff that happens in between.
And, hopefully, my posts about all of my joys and discoveries, are somehow connecting with you and your bits of goodness — and not coming off as me just bragging.
Okay time for me to give into my brutal side and do something else I’ve been enjoying lately: watch another Vikings episode. Holy moly, I’m so glad I wasn’t alive back then because then you’d be hearing all about the fools I eviscerated, and how blessed and lucky I was to have had the chance. This show might just turn me into a vegetarian — too much blood and guts (and, yet, I still watch).
Waiting on dirham day…
Luckily pay day is tomorrow because this lil traveler is down to her last fils. It’s all good because being broke forced me to have a low key weekend, which worked out just fine for me. Some friends came over Thursday night and we whooped it up with apps, bevies, gossip and games in my living room. Doesn’t matter where in the world you are, time alone with the girls is always one of the best ways to recharge and love life.
Yesterday I never even left my apartment — um didn’t even bother to change pajamas. I used the day to clean a little, grade a lot, and plot and plan my December break. So far the only thing that’s official is Joe is going to Iceland. His ticket (and some of our lodging) is booked; mine is not yet. That’s because I’m trying to find the best deal for me without the hellish layovers (I really am over sleeping in airports!), and I’m trying to work out where I’m going before I meet up with Joe. Long story short I’d like to fit in a quick visit to my family in Germany, but don’t think I can, and I’d also like to check out Finland and Sweden before meeting my man. Sadly, he cannot spend all of my vacation time with me. So yeah finding the right airline booking — and finishing my grading — is what stresses me out.
But it won’t for long because in a few hours I’ll be chilling at the pool with some friends. I can’t spend another day without getting some sun and sand on my face. And that’s pretty much life on my end right now. Next weekend a few of us are sharing an apartment in Dubai to do some beach and shopping time (so I can be broke again). I’m searching for waterproof hiking boots and snow pants — lol don’t think I’ll find those in Al Ain. How cool is it that in the same weekend I’ll swim in the Arabian Gulf while also shopping for snow gear?
And, I’m really, really, really freaking excited about the Iceland trip! We might even get the chance to hike into an ice cave. Yeah, yeah I know it’s dark most of the time and it’ll be cold, but I live with hot and sun, so bring on Winter.
The land of cows, curry, and controlled chaos.
This is exactly the look you’d get from me if I catch you taking a pic of me sunbathing!
Be forewarned you’re going to see a lot of pictures of cows in this post. As you already know they’re sacred in India and it’s illegal to harm them (and whoop! whoop! yes I got my Indian visa and made it to Goa). One cab driver told us he’d end up in jail with a hefty fine if he accidentally ran into one, so they roam freely. They’re every where, moving along at their pace, doing whatever they like, wherever they like — including napping on roads, playing on the beach, and, ahem, getting frisky under my balcony. I thought something was falling apart, and quickly discovered that cattle are, um, feisty lovers — luckily they’re also quick about it. The unimpressed female never even bothered to stop walking.
Cows aren’t the only ones roaming freely in packs. Dogs, who are not sacred, do the same, and while it’s not illegal to hit them vehicles pause and swerve and let them have their space as well. The animal lover in me made quite a few stray friends. This lil guy was my fave because he pawed me when I stopped petting him and then he barked at me to move along when my friends walked away. He followed us all the way to our hotel and then rejoined his pack of friends.
Sorry it’s so blurry, but meet my lil buddy.
There were so many stray dogs, but they weren’t sad. They were free and, for the most part, happily enjoying the sights, smells and sounds as much as we were.
For the cat lovers out there, we didn’t see too many of them, probably because they’re smart enough to stay off the streets and roam about courtyards and alleyways instead.
And meet my pet baby coconut. She has an old soul…
Okay enough about the animals. I didn’t go to Goa to see them. I went to relax on beaches, drink at beach shacks, and inhale as much Indian food as possible. And OMG did I. Everything I ate was delicious. The only meal that disappointed was breakfast, and that’s because Western me wants her fancy eggs and breads (and good God a decent latte!). We stayed in Candolim, which wasn’t very busy because we went during off season, but that’s okay. We got to mingle more with Indians on vacation than Westerners like us, which made for more of an authentic experience — although whooping it up in a bar with tourists (even local ones) doesn’t portray life in India, but I’ll take it. We ate, we drank, we laughed, we danced. My favourite place in Candolim was the Fisherman’s Wharf, the one place that was busy every night with great live entertainment. Another place we thoroughly enjoyed was Sunny Side Up, a restaurant on the beach with great food.
Bagga beach is where the party is at even during off season. Restaurants/bars line the beach with tables, chairs and all sorts of entertainment. We saw fireworks, tight rope performances, fire dancers, and a whole lot of people inhaling a whole lot of goodness. Needless to say we laughed, we ate, we danced with the moon and surf. Because I knew I’d be whooping it up I didn’t bring my camera (I didn’t want to lose it or drop it in the water). I wish I had. lesson learned.
We also got to see locals dancing in the street to celebrate Ganesha, the elephant god, who according to the Internet is also the patron of the arts, sciences and letters. My kind of God.
I nabbed this from the Internet (sorry it didn’t provide a byline) to give you a taste of what we saw. Our dancers weren’t throwing colors, but a couple we met said they were part of a dance like this in Delhi. Anyway, long story short I like a religion that celebrates with lots of dance and color!
The way they celebrate is a good metaphor for my experience of the country. It’s sweaty, it’s spicy, it’s colourful, it’s loud, and it is ugly and beautiful all at the same time. It’s coy and totally uninhibited. The traffic and constant beeping drives you insane, but it has its patterns and it surprisingly works — until it doesn’t. Then you wait until it’s time to pick up the frenetic pace again.
And it has all of this…
My experience with the visa process and then the airports (although Mumbai is a surprisingly beautiful airport) made me not want to travel to India again, BUT my experience there made me want to see more. I only had a few days in one of its corners, a lovely one and totally worth the trip; India I’ll be back. I don’t know when, but there’s plenty more to explore and experience.
Marhaba Year Three…
This is how my favorite salon serves me glass of water…they also gave me a super cool manicure that includes ‘mood’ polish, which changes color depending on my body heat. I freaking love it. Hot pink means I’m hot, which is most of the time.
I’ve only been back two weeks, but it feels longer because a lot has happened since I landed just two Fridays ago.
First off it does feel good to be back, which is always so weird because at the same time it’s so awful to leave my loved ones. Socially I’ve not done much: just eating, drinking and catching up with my friends who are still here (always a good thing). Work wise it’s been busy, but I’m good. I have three large sections of girls, but I like them all. It’ll take me a while to get all of their names straight, but so far I’m happy with this year’s students. Plus, one of my students from last year is chatting with me online, so I’m still getting the scoop on last years girls as well. How lucky am I to get glimpses of so many budding lives. On Facebook I saw that one of my students from way back just turned 29 — what in the world?!!!
I feel more comfortable and included at work this time around. I’ve been pulled into meetings I’m normally not part of, but lol I still don’t get much of what is being said since it’s in Arabic. That said fellow local teachers do their best to translate what I need to know, and that is so appreciated. I know this is not my forever home, but I truly do feel lucky to be where I am. Despite all the craziness, the last-minute changes, and the chaos of working in another country, I was placed at the right school for me, and I will miss all of this (okay maybe not the chaos and last-minute changes so much) when I leave. I’d like to think that I too will be missed. But, we have a whole year ahead of us, so no one’s missing anyone just yet — we’ll save that for June or July of whatever year I leave.
Travelwise on my part things have been a little crazy. First off we so lucked out this year. We have ALL of next week off for Eid al-Adha — whoop whoop! Basically, we come back, go to training for a week, teach for two weeks, and then whalla take another vacation. Sweet, right? Well you’d think that’d be the least stressful part of my being back. Not so much. First off Shannan and I were supposed to go visit a friend in Hong Kong. I was really excited about this, but after trying to book tickets FOUR times and failing I gave up. I took it as a sign that Hong Kong is not meant to happen this time around. Plus it’s a long fight and not the cheapest trip, so then we said okay we’ll do Goa, India. Short flight, cheap and beaches — woo hoo! Jordan landed us an awesome flight and hotel deal, so yay. The problem is landing an Indian tourist visa. Holy hell … the online application is a pain. The system kept crashing (could be my internet since I’ve been having trouble with it ever since I got back). Long story short after several tries I submitted my online visa app only to have it rejected. I took today off to go directly to embassy to get it worked out. Luckily, I called first and was warned my visa might take 7 working days, which means I’d miss my flight (it’s on Saturday). So, after several hours (I kid you not) of doing the online process thing again, I resubmitted my visa app.
There’s no telling if I’ll actually get approved this time around, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Looking at the pic of my passport I uploaded the first time around I see that it’s blurry, so that might have had something to do with rejection (and I can’t seem to get through to anyone who knows why it was rejected). We shall see. I’m either headed to Goa on Saturday, or drowning in my tears here in Al Ain. I’ll let you know how it all ended up. Lesson learned: don’t apply for this visa within the same week of flying out; make sure you have ample time to work out any kinks!
While all this is going on Joe and I are also planning our Christmas trip. Looks like we’ll end up somewhere in Scandinavia, but who knows that could change as well. We’ve some ideas, but it’ll all depend on what flights we can nab. South Africa is on the table as well, but so far that’s a really expensive flight for Joe. Either way I’m seeing my man in December!
Back in the U.S.part of my life, Joe and Kaylene are working on getting the house ready to sell. So much is going on at the same time … may it all work itself out to a debt-free, stress-free future for Joe and me — 2017 is the year we’ll both end up full time on the same continent together. woo hoo! Until then, let’s make these last four 2016 months count.
And that’s about it on my end for now. Next time I’ll post it’ll either be about Goa or me possibly goin insane — or both.
Mini moon…
Three years ago, about this time, my husband and I christened his new pickup by bringing it up to Williams Mountain, parking it somewhere in the middle of the woods, and throwing an air mattress in the back. After a bottle of wine (or two) by the fire we crawled in and fell asleep counting asteroids thanks to the annual Perseid Meteor shower. There is nothing like waking up in the middle of the night to have the universe as your ceiling. Plus, you can’t help but get giddy wishing upon a shitload of falling stars.
A few nights ago we got to do this again, and it was amazing (well except for the massive bug that buzzed us a few times and my 3 a.m. irrational fear of getting devoured by a bear or mountain lion —- Joe’s snoring could possibly pass as a mating call).
Sorry I didn’t think to grab my camera and take pics at night
As much as we travel I know you’d think we’d honeymoon somewhere exotic like Fiji or the Maldives, but because of lack of time off (for Joe) and money (it happens) we opted for a few nights up north, which is really the only right way for us to commemorate our 10 years of putting up with one another, and first month of marriage. This is who we are —- but no worries we have plenty of other travel adventures ahead of us, including those exotic islands we have not yet snored on.
We began our little vacation Wednesday night inhaling Moscow Mules in the pool while strategising our Olympic synchronised cannon ball routine —- seriously we could bring home gold. Next day after running errands (including Joe signing the papers that sold his house —- whoop whoop! mine is next) we booked a room at St. Michaels, an early 1900s hotel on Whiskey Row in Prescott. We strolled, we ate, we drank, we mingled with folk, and we watched Americans kick ass in the Olympics (we can swim, volley and summersault the hell out of ourselves, can’t we).
In the morning we walked alongside Granite creek. It’s a lovely little walk we didn’t even know existed —- despite the many times we’ve been to Prescott. You can enter it off of Gurley street, two blocks down from St. Michaels hotel.
the creek as seen from its entrance
lil red bridge
Shroom town!
more creek for you…
Then we headed up to Williams for our no-tent camping trip and hike for one night. Our second night there we spent in a Williams hotel (because Mama demanded more tub and real toilet time on her honeymoon).
Today, after putzing around and enjoying more of Williams, we drove up to Flagstaff and for the first time ever rode the ski lift to the top of Snowbowl. My pictures cannot do the experience justice.
While I wrote most of this my man napped in the shade of a tree; butterflies dared each other to touch him (I’d post the pic I took, but only the butterflies and I should witness his extraverted belly busting out for a photo bomb). All I heard was the wind through the forest and birds and insects busying themselves with their morning chores. Later on I rested under the same tree and watched clouds embrace each other to bless us with a small rain shower. The best parts of our honeymoon were all gifts from nature, and it just doesn’t get any better than that.
We’re back in Phoenix now, but in three days I leave again for the other desert I live in. I will think of all of this when I sip my coffee in my heavily air conditioned Al Ain apartment, and I will once again thank the powers that be for the many miracles in my life. Blessed Be, Allah Akbar, and Amen!
Bonding in Sedona…
Forgive my focus on all that green, but you see I see so little of it so it gives me joy.
It’s raining real rain — not the normal two-second tease — in Phoenix. It’s dark outside, the dogs are huddled by my feet (as if I could protect them), and my youngest is snuggled up in his bed sleeping his way through the storm. It’s an awesome morning to sip my coffee and share some more photos.
A few weeks ago Kyle moved from Colorado to Sedona, so on Wednesday Kaylene and I took a mother-daughter day to enjoy one of our favourite places on earth while getting the chance to visit our boy. We treated ourselves to a ‘room,’ which turned out to be a mini cabin. We loved it so much I’m thinking of booking a night there with Joe (because I now have a really good excuse to drive up to Sedona again, although does one ever need an excuse to visit living art?). I won’t waste your time bragging about how wonderfully awesome my kids are (hehehe guess I just did), but I will tell you how proud I am of my babies. Man oh man I have spent countless hours worrying about each of them and some of their choices, but this time I have with them now is proof that I need to just let them be and continue doing their adult thing their way. They’ve totally got this.
Kyle has learned that he is most grounded and most at peace surrounded by nature. He is finding his way, and I’m so glad Kaylene and I got to enjoy a bit of his happiness with him. Sedona is already proving to be a good move for him and his pooch Piper (if his dog nurturing skills are any indication of the kind of father he will one day be, I envy my future grand children). I also envy Kaylene and Aaron’s future babies. Ohhhh and I so want to write about them now too, but I’ll do that privately so you can get your chance to enjoy some pics of Sedona (and two of my amazing offspring). Long story short the three of us had a fantastic time together.
For those of you who’ve never been to Sedona it’s a must-see if you ever go to Arizona. It’s kind of the reverse of the Grand Canyon. When you see the Grand Canyon you look down (unless you’re one of the lucky ones who also get to hike to its bottom), when you go to Sedona you look up. Artists, psychics, naturalists thrive there. It’s a spiritual place thanks to its beauty, its connection to ancient times (use your imagination and you’ll see faces embedded in its walls), and its vortexes — although I honestly don’t know much about the vortexes. For me hiking through its woods and trails is magic enough; maybe its the vortex energy, maybe it’s not — who cares because it’s all good. So, please do make sure you hike as much as shop if you ever get a chance to visit. And hey if you’re into the psychic thing get a reading or buy a crystal while you’re at it.
Fun times with two of my kiddos
A boy and his dog…
So, this creek is right near where Kyle lives. THIS is where his dog gets to play every day while Kyle sometimes strums his guitar (sorry no guitar pics this time around). Lucky dog!
Aaron, my youngest, had to work so he couldn’t make this trip with us, but we’ve had plenty of mother/son lunches. Sadly since he still lives at the house we don’t think to take pics doing our thing together, but he’s as awesome to spend time with as his brother — and I’m gonna sneak some shots of him and post before I leave!
Next up? A weekend in Yuma visiting friends, and then Joe and I will have a few days up north by ourselves, and then I’ll cry my eyes out leaving the fam until we gather together again.
Packing up…
Pool Time Memories…too many to post
Fifteen years ago I packed up my kids, my cat (who passed at the age of 20 last year), my belongings (most of which have been replaced over the years — oh those kids!), rented a Ryder truck, attached my car and drove 2,300 miles to move to the Arizona desert. The first time I set foot in Phoenix was the night we pulled up during our first monsoon storm.
While the heat about killed us, we immediately fell in love with our new state. Within our first year I bought the house my kids did most of their growing up in. It’s a colourful, kid-pet-party scarred home full of love, laughter and tears. As beat up as it is right now — needing new windows, new floors, new paint — I love this house, but it’s time to spruce her up for another family.
I’m sweaty, dusty, and a bit too furry (thanks to my shedding dogs) because I’ve been packing up the stuff that needs to be stored until Joe and I are ready for our next American home. It might be awhile since I’m not yet finished with my overseas adventure (Joe has yet to begin his), but the things that matter to us will be waiting for when we’re ready to replant our roots.
It’s hard packing up now because the house won’t even go onto the market until the Fall, after Joe and the kids have gotten some of the cosmetic fixes taken care of. I’m sad that I won’t be here the last day I own it, but I’m totally cool with missing out on all the moving hell that comes with it. I’m also looking forward to using some of its sale money for our family, summer Europe trip next year (now that’s fun packing!). I’ve been wanting to take my kids on a trip like this for forever, so yay we can finally do it — in about a year.
In three weeks I fly back to the second desert I moved to, and I’ll finish off my probable last year in the UAE (who knows what the future holds?!). Until then I’ll continue enjoying my time here. It’s not all melancholic packing. There are more pool parties, happy hours, family trips and gatherings planned before I leave, so it’s all good — just a little nostalgic.
Just some random (stuff posted on Facebook throughout the years) home memories.
Just call me Mrs…same last name
While all sorts of uglies have literally blown up around the world (including my country), I’ve been spending the past few weeks busy, busy, busy catching up and bonding with my loved ones. My heart aches for those who suffer, while my soul savours every second I get to spend with my people. Thank you to the powers that be for these precious times in my life!
In the spirit of loving and laughing, Joe and I had our wedding ceremony, and it was exactly as it should be: many of our closest people pulled together to celebrate all of us (and thanks to technology we were able to also include those who couldn’t make the trip). The flowers, the cabin, the woods, the decorations, the festivities, all of it was the perfect mix of all that is right in our world. Our photographer is busy sorting through all the lovely photos she took of us, so I don’t have those yet to share, but here’s a bunch from friends and family. I nabbed photos from here and there, so I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know who took what pics (very few posted are from me). BUT, credits go to Ericka, Monica, Steve, Michelle, Shannan, Trisha, Derek, Tracy, Diana, and darn it all I bet I’m forgetting someone. And, of course, the bridezilla in me will post more pics when I get them.
Pre Wedding fun: I’ve been celebrating this upcoming ceremony for months, but the fun in the states began a week before the wedding. It started off in Virginia, then ended up at my place in Phoenix, then caravanned four hours away to Show Low, Arizona, then back to my place. Here’s just a glimpse of some of it all, but know the best shots are still in my hard drive… Oh and Joe had his fun with the boys too, but they’re not much for picture taking.
The cabin! I have to show a slide show just on where we spent our 4-day weekend. The first two nights were all about whooping it up and decorating, third night was the big ceremony, and the 4th night was just for Joe and me. We’re so doing a family reunion here again!
For some reason I don’t have pics of upstairs game room or the THREE master suites — all of which include jacuzzi tubs. Joe’s and mine had a double tub, and you bet we sipped champagne in that bad boy!
Wedding Prep: Decorating and getting things ready was all part of the fun, and everyone pitched in! I just randomly nabbed people’s pics on this. There are way better shots of all the fun we had. Seriously the two days of prep that led up to the big day were simply awesome. THIS is what family (and that means good friends too) functions are all about. I love you all!
The wedding. Again, there are so many more pics that tell the story, but I don’t have them yet. Our photo album will do a better job of including everyone and everything.
I can’t thank, love and hug all who attended (in spirit, online and in person) enough. Now, I’m spending the days packing up the house while Joe is at work. Soon, my house will go on the market and Joe will retire and, well, the next chapter in our lives will begin. BUT, the fun times will continue. What lucky, blessed folk we are!
Hellos and Goodbyes!
Photo taken and edited by Andrew Cole … thanks Andy! I’ll share more of your goodies later.
The past few days have been all about having fun with friends and saying good bye. Too many farewell parties this time around, but I’m happy for my friends moving on to new experiences. I’m sad for my future here without them, but I’m sure some of us will most certainly drink and eat together again. And, I’m grateful that a few of my friends will also be returning in August.
Some of our good byes. Wish I had more pics to show, but we were too busy having fun to snap it all.
There are only three main to-dos for me today: finish packing, clean up my mess of an apartment and land my tuckus on the window seat that leads to the flight that will get me back home. I’ve accomplished two, and in about an hour I’ll be on my way to the airport. (time IS dragging a bit right now)
I cannot wait to see everyone! And then six weeks later I’m back to saying goodbyes. It’s my ever-revolving circle of tears and laughter.
And, that’s about all I’ve got to share for now … more posts will be in the making shortly! Have a great summer everyone.!
bettina without borders 