Hair by Helmet

I went to my first "Bike Week" in Myrtle Beach with Eddie last weekend. And had such a good time. :)

His observation was different from mine. I was just taken back by some of the outfits, insane motorcycles, and seeing the camaraderie of bikers was cool. Eddie's perspective was how small bike week has become since the implementation of Myrtle Beach's laws, that are stricter than the state laws. Not sure how a local municipality can enforce such laws but whatever. We avoided the city limits to stay "legal".

Some of my "lessons" learned...
* Bugs. Accept that you will have them on you. Remember, you are a human windshield
* Male bikers are like babies.. when the first biker "juices" it and makes the big vroom with his bike, they all do it. Kinda like babies... one cries and they all start.
* Women seem to think they are all hot stuff when they sit on the back of a motorcycle.
* Cigarette packs are not meant to be worn in your jean shorts waist. However some seem to think this is okay
* There is an unwritten rule that women bikers must have tramp stamps and other various tattoos. I am not going to participate in this "tradition"
* Different bikes get different "looks" from vehicles driving by. If you have a custom bike, Harley, or are riding a weird looking bike, such as the Sypder, you will turn more heads than any other.
* I really think some men are over compensating for other things when they ride shirtless, unless they have a beer belly and are shirtless, then I am at a loss.
* Mullets are no longer in style...
* Jorts for some reason are "in" in some areas of the world
* Helmet hair is just a statement, and thank goodness for ponytails
* Now I understand why people wear "do rags" under their helmet
* It is possible for 2 people to pack for a weekend in a small duffel bag
* Bikers aren't the ones causing trouble in traffic, cars are! Every cop we saw over 3 days had a CAR pulled over. Not a bike!!!
* A long time on a motorcycle seat can get uncomfortable!
* Foot boards are more comfortable than pegs on your feet!
* Sissy bars rule (that is the backrest for the "passenger")
* Loud pipes may be annoying to some, but remember, when you are in a car and hear obnoxious pipes, it means you know there is a motorcycle near you. You are more likely to look for him and maybe give him a dirty look for being so loud. That's fine by me! It means you won't run us over.

I may not ever take the next step and get my motorcycle license and ride on my own, but who knows!!! I really enjoy riding with Eddie. I can see and appreciate his being one with the surroundings. You may not have a radio going, but that is okay. It gives you a chance to work through a lot of things in your mind while watching the trees and fields pass you by. Oh and you get a tan while riding! :)

Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!

Memory is the sweetest flower watered by the tears of love

I snagged the title from a friend's Facebook status. And sadly those tears have been flowing more the last few days for many who are close to me.

A very dear friend of mine, Susan, who I took shag dance lessons from back in 2001 is soon to be a widow. She and her husband, Tommy, are a second family to me since I have moved up to the Carolinas. Susan jokes that I am a step mom to their dog Jake. Tommy is a fairly quiet man who loves to have a good time. He can tell stories that will make you laugh. And there is always an introduction of the characters, who are real, before he gets too into the tale. Usually they include friends by the name of Goat, Ernest, Dead Eddie (who isn't dead) and Big Eddie (who is dead now) just to name a few of the "characters". He loved the game of golf, his Duke Blue Devils, shag dancing, racing, and spending time with friends. Tonight while he was in his bed and alert for a short time to eat a popsicle, we told him we put a Carolina tshirt on him. He was quick to check (well, as quick as he is now) that we were giving him a hard time. He and Susan have been together for 11 years and married for the past 6 (I belive). But if you watch them and how they tell stories, you would think it has been a lifetime.

Cirrhosis is not a forgiving condition. Thankfully it does not appear to be one to cause physical pain at its end, at least not for the person it directly has impacted. But to those who watch, it is excruiating. The human body is amazing and is forgiving on many counts but eventually it does get to where it cannot repair everything. Yet we often treat it as though nothing can cause it to fail, how wrong we are.

When that time does come, memories are what keep us alive. Celebrations of life are important. If we could only be present at our own service to hear what others remember and share about the footprints we appear to have left behind. Unfortunately, once they are gone, it is too late for them to know the impact they have made on us. Hopefully the memories are joyful and can make you smile, even if there are tears. And even though the person is not able to physically able to be with us anymore to hold, hug, and talk with. We always carry them with us in our hearts. Obviously accepting only memories is much easier said that done.

Hug those close to you and never miss an opportunity to tell them you love them and how much they mean to you.

Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!

It's a good thing

Eddie proposed to me at sunset on December 12, 2009. This is a recap of our trip to Islamorada, FL that weekend.

We started our drive down to FL from SC on the Wednesday night before. The septic system had conched out at the house and when I got home from work, he said, "Well, let's start and see how far we can get." So we ended up in Walterboro, SC that night and headed to FL the next morning. Plans were to meet up with my parents, brother, sister inlaw and their girls for dinner and then to stay with my cousin Ryan on Thurs night. We went to my parents and ended up riding together - meeting Tony & Ang up at Enzas. He had already talked with Tony & Angela to work out a plan and to be sure both my parents were in town. After dinner and Allie came and asked me to ride back to Nana's house with her. Of course! How could Aunt Neecy turn down Allie!?! So I rode with Angela and Tony rode in our car with Eddie, Mom & Dad. I was a little nervous since he had never been with just them without me around and I didn't want him to be uncomfortable. Well, Angela had to stop at the grocery store for some paper products for an office Christmas party - little did I know this was already plotted out and there wasn't an office party. (stinkers!!) So while we were at the store, Eddie was talking with mom and dad and getting their blessing to ask me to marry him. Mom apparently jumped up and started hugging him and daddy was as happy as can be. Then the really hard part for them... they had to act as though nothing was going on when Angela and I got to the house. They did a good job, because I never had an inkling anything had happened. He told them he had planned to do it either sunrise Saturday morning or sunset Saturday night. It was all riding on the weather.
So, we went back to Ryan's to stay the night.
Friday we headed the rest of the trip down to Islamorada in the northern Keys. And it was raining .... Grrrr but thankfully cleared up shortly after arriving to our home away from home.

The place we stayed at was wonderful. Ocean Dawn Suites. (google it if you'd like - the pictures are just as it really is) And we stayed in the Ocean Dawn suite - oceanside. :) We watched the sunset down at the little beach behind out place.

Saturday we got up - he had already checked out the weather and was disappointed because it was cloudy. I had no clue he did this. We found this great place for breakfast - Mangrove Mike's - and ate there every day. HA! We stopped at Anne's Beach to watch kite surfers and get our toes in the sand.

We ended up driving and found ourselves down in Key West. Again, reminding us why we didn't go down that far. Wow, it's sad how commercialized it has become. So we headed back up and he was scoping out where we could watch the sunset. Again, I am clueless about what is in his head. His phone had also been buzzing in his pocket from his mom and sister trying to find out if he had done it yet.

We headed back to our place and I ventured out to take pictures around the suites.

He came up and said let's go watch the sunset. Okay, twist my arm! He said hang on let me run back up to the room and grab a couple of beach towels since it is chilly out. I wasn't sure why it was taking him so long to get a towel since they were right on the luggage rack. But thought maybe he had to run to the bathroom. He came back out and said "I have an early Christmas present for you" and hands me this scrapbook. He said you're not the only one who scrapbooks. HAHA which I instantly well up with tears because it is so sweet. It is made up of pictures from things we have done and pictures of us. Then it goes into the pictures we had on eHarmony and he wrote this real sweet note on the next to last page. Which was cliped to the last page where I couldn't see it. He then had me stand up and he got down on his right knee and asked me to marry him. The last page said "Let's start a life together. Will she say yes?" Of course I said yes and you know I was crying.

We watched the rest of the sunset and then started the phone calls. His sister, Staci, was the first one we called and then we called Tony & Angela followed by our parents. Funny thing is that everyone was waiting on our phone call trying to figure out why it was taking so long for us to call. He didn't do it until about 6:30pm. I scooped up sand from where he was kneeling and from where I was standing.

Sunday morning we got up early and watched the sunrise and sunset over water. Which is something some of you know I have wanted to do for a very long time. I guess I wasn't supposed to do that with anyone else but him. :) And that night there was also a meteor shower.

It was an absolutely perfect start to our dreams come true.

Paalom!!

Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!

Puddles of leaves

I'm looking out the window and the trees are almost all naked again. The summer seemed to go by SO fast! I guess since I was gone for most of it, that may be why.

It has been a little bit since I have written and many hotel, rental car, and airline points have accumulated since. But I believe the brunt of the travel is over. (Now watch, by saying this I have probably jinxed myself again) Work has been challenging, but that is sometimes a good thing. I have an hour drive home in the afternoon to unwind before I get home to Eddie - when he isn't on the road. We get each other in the evenings during the week the first 2 weeks of this month. Then he's gone for most of the rest of the month - including over Thanksgiving. So I will definitely be heading to FL.

I have adjusted to living out in the country and even get a little tense when driving in the Charlotte "madness". HAHA It is sweet though having Eddie's dad so close. He stops by to check on me when Eddie is out of town.

We have added another new toy to our collection. Got a new tv a couple weeks back. And wow... Samsung LED is nice and crazy clear when watching anything in HD. Even non-HD is clear but football games are like you are there.

Well, need to get back to my "to do" list. Eddie is in Phoenix in training this weekend. So I'm doing some cleaning and throwing out of stuff I moved down here. One "bucket" down! YAY

Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!

Vessels of Freedom

Boats...

We have a new toy to enjoy together. We bought a boat on Wednesday. She's a 1990 Celebrity 180 Bowrider.. 18'... color is teal and white... with a 190 HP I/O motor. It's got some get up and go! :) We're very excited about it and now trying to come up with a name. Even for a '90 no one ever put a name on it!! So.. that means we get to do it. We're a little anxious about taking it out for the first time - well, maybe more worried about the off and on the trailer part. Don't want to put the boat in the back of the truck! Looks like next week we will take it out for the first time, well, not counting the test ride we did earlier in the week.

I'm about moved in. Just have piddly stuff around now. And it seems to be multiplying. (Oh and my clothes in the closet... ummmmmm.. he has 1 closet in the house.... ummmmm) He's been working on the bathroom floor and I have painted out the inside of some of the kitchen cabinets. It will be a little messy until we get things all settled. Hopefully that won't take too long. Boxes and this stuff is starting to wear on me, and I'm sure him too!

I leave Sunday for Little Rock for the week. I'm going out to teach an offline group some conversion stuff. Good thing is that I get to see some of my friends while out there - Arlene, Garry, & Junior. Just stinks that I will be traveling on my birthday and that Eddie is on the road this weekend and next. So no 4th of July celebrating together.

Did get word that I might get to see Jollie this summer. She is possibly in the U.S. for a wedding and if so... We're going to try to get together! :) I'm so excited to see her again! It's been almost a year.

Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!

Times they are a changing

But in a good way!

This time last year I was starting my preparation to go overseas.. I had met up with this guy named Eddie twice for dinner and had thought nothing would really come of it. Had you told me then what is going to happen next week I would have laughed at you. I am soon to become a resident of Chesterfield, SC. I'm moving in with him.

I have been purging and purging and trying to purge some more. The guy at Goodwill was a little shocked when I pulled up last time with an entire car full for him. And I have another load..probably even a 3rd. It has been amusing some of the things I have found - some good, and well, some that were thumbed through and thrown away with a smile that they happened and an even bigger smile knowing my future is far better.

There is still a good bit to do. Mike and Robin are helping me put stuff in storage this weekend and Eddie and I will move whatever we don't get to storage along with stuff to take down to the house. It is going to be a big adjustment for both of us and we are both very excited about everything ahead of us.

With that being said... traffic should have died down and I think the guy at Goodwill needs something to do.

Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!

One final sucker punch to the arm

It’s hard to believe it has been 6 months since returning home from Manila. Today was the last time I would be going to Passport Health for Hepatitis shots. That B shot.. wow.. that one HURTS. Time has flown by, but many incredible things have happened. So I will give you a quick run down.

Many of you know that I was talking with this guy, Eddie, before I left for Manila. Actually, you may not have known his name, just known him as “The Pilot”. While I was overseas, if I had a break or was on lunch, I would make phone calls on my laptop via VoIP (isn’t technology grand?) It was cute, if Cha, Jollie, Aimee or Ron were headed down to our 2am lunch and saw me on the phone, they would ask “Pilot?” and just smile. Well, that pilot has become a very special part of my life and I don’t want to imagine it any other way. He makes me smile in a way I never knew was possible.

I’ve gone hiking out in Old Falls, NC, taken a trip to Washington, DC the weekend prior to elections, visited family in New Jersey, and made business trips to both Tampa, FL and Little Rock, AR. The company I work for has been purchased by Verizon Wireless and thankfully I am still there. Things are still being sorted out but I am still a trainer just wearing a different color shirt with a new logo.

On December 15, I walked across a stage and received my Bachelors in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. It was a long time coming and a lot of hard work. But I now have the degree which no one can take from me. I had a good size cheering section in the crowd as well. Mom, Dad, Tony, Angela, Alli, Nana, Poppy, Ryan, Aunt Janet, Uncle Ben, and Eddie were all able to come out to see me walk. The day before this crew and several of my friends came over to Mike & Robin’s house for a little graduation gathering. Sadly, Robin lost her grandfather, Uncle Leo, just before graduation so they left for West Virginia right after the graduation party. It was a lovely weekend and I am so grateful for those who were able to come, along with those who were there in spirit. I couldn’t have done it without all of your support through the years.

I still keep in touch with a few people in Manila. Jollie is still hoping to come to the States in the spring. I do hope to be able to see her while she is here. I think of them often and would love the opportunity to go back! My niece, Alli, and I say a few phrases in Tagalog to each other – “Alak Pa”, “Loco loco”, and of course “Mahal kita”. Though when she says “mahal kita” it comes out more like “ah hal lakita”. With my luck it is probably some bad word and no longer means I love you. But it’s cute to hear her say it. J

I hope to write more often. Now that I am not in school I am still trying to figure out my evenings and weekends. Hopefully I will get to see the Ziolkowski’s, McLaurin’s, and other friends in Charlotte more.

Check out my picasa albums for pictures from various events - http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2

Paalom
Hugs and smiles to all!