Day Two: Fun Day at Sea

Last night we filled out our breakfast in bed door hanger before going to sleep so we could start the day off by waking up to room service knocking on our door with our food. 

Brad played basketball while I went for a run on the running track. Oddly I ran 1.4 miles unknowingly... It just didn't seem as hard as it is up in Canada with the altitude being comparatively closer to sea level. 

We made our way to an art seminar about collecting art. Brad dutifully tagged along claiming he was enjoying himself too, although I know he only came because he knew I wanted to go. 

I've never been to an art auction before and who knew that the first time I went it would be on a cruise ship. I didn't want to bid on anything of course, but I wanted to sit in and watch the action and hear about all the artists. It was very interesting. The atmosphere was so fun and they all talked so fast and everything was happening very quickly that I think I got a sore neck from trying to see it all. 

We had two lunches, spaced around us sitting in pools and going on the waterslides. I think Bradley is getting our money's worth just by how much fro-yo and ice cream he is eating. 

Eventually we got tired of all the noise and retreated to the adult only spa. We listened to our book that we had started on the drive up to Calgary as we laid in the couples hammock. 

Dinner that night was formal wear so we got all dressed up and headed down.

 On the menu was a lot of seafood, I had the oysters for a starter and the lobster tail for my entrée. It was delicious. Brad, not being a fan of seafood, wasn't completely satisfied but got over that quickly when I reminded him he could order room service. The waiters performed a dance number for us while we ate. 

The couple across from us were celebrating her birthday and he asked me to video the song for them. He ended up proposing to her and it brought back memories when Brad and I got engaged. What a happy day... But the wedding day was way better. 

Day One: Embarkation

After flying in the night before, we started our day out right with Texas shaped waffles at our hotel continental breakfast. So far, it has been smooth sailing. We took some precautions before we left by printing off any and all documents we could get our hands on. We did NOT want someone to tell us we didn't pay yet or not let us get on the cruise. 

After breakfast we went back to the airport to catch the last cruise shuttle to The Port of Galveston. The whole bus got pretty excited upon laying sights on our ship.

 We were itching to get on and explore but first we had to be herded like cattle through all the security and checkin queues. Brad and I were worried about the whole "if you aren't over 21 then you have to be with someone older than 25 unless you are married and show proper documents" rule. So we had photocopied as many documents we could find that legalized our marriage. After all that the security people barely even glanced at it. 

The wait was fine, I got to hold my hubby's hand most of the time, except for the fact that the shrill Texan accents of the ladies behind us resonates everywhere and for the most part it was always to the tune of a complaint. There are so many people and the ship is so big that we never ran into the same people twice. 

After we unpacked our bags in our room and tried to make our little interior stateroom feel like home,

 we headed off to enjoy the amenities that come with a cruise. Our ship, Carnival Magic, is adorned with two waterslides, a basketball/volleyball court, a library and games room, an art gallery, two pools, seven hot tubs, and dining options galore. There are 12 levels and so many elevators but we got tired of waiting for them so mostly we used the stairs (and it makes us feel okay eating all that we did haha). We had our safety meeting and then the ship embarked as we waved goodbye to Galveston. 

The rest of the day's activities included winning $200 art credits and a free work of art (which we found out later that there were so many strings attached it wasn't worth it); Bradley getting a trophy and free champagne for being the worse dancer (we ended up giving the champagne away to a group who then wanted a picture with us); dinner and then an evening show in the theatre. 

Dinner was fantastic. We were assigned to a table with three other young couples. The hard part about dinner was everything on the menu was free AND THE MENU CHANGES EVERY DAY! How on earth are we suppose to choose what to eat?! So we ordered three different appetizers, two main dishes, and two desserts. For the rest of the week we will be served by the same waiters, and ours are amazing! The sang us a honeymoon song to the tune of happy birthday and we got an "already free" dessert. 

At the front of the ship there is a two level theatre where we finished the night off with some dancing and singing shows and the cruise director entertained us. 

My Relationship Status

If you haven't heard the news yet then I'm afraid that you probably live under a rock because I'm assuming if you read my blog then you also have access to my Facebook and Instagram accounts. But I will forgive you.

I am getting married!! (Insert oohs and aahs) yes I know it's all very exciting, believe me, no one is more ecstatic than my fiancé and I. Life is coming together splendidly. But I'm not just writing this post to rub it into your face I am here to recount the story of our courtship/proposal. I have had enough people come up and ask me that I'd figure I would just make some snip bits public knowledge so I don't feel like a broken record. 

Lots of people try to take credit for Brad and I meeting. Buy if we were to give credit to anyone it would have to be Brad's cousin, Sarah. She is the whole reason Bradley and I were both at her grandmas house. 

I thought Brad was cute when I first met him, which is exactly a year ago to the day (July 25), and just like my Grammy, I know when I want something and I will get it. Lucky Brad. He's a little slow when it comes to flirting and I wasn't going to let him slip through my fingers because he can't pick up on hints. So when the opportunity arose (his cousins teasing him about not going on a date yet since he's been home from his mission for 6 weeks) I raised my hand and said, "well, I'm available". 

Fast forward through 9 months of long distance dating, me in Lethbridge and him in Edmonton, and we arrive to the point of the big question! Which so happened to fall on my 20th birthday (hopefully he won't forget that day now). It was a great day starting before sunrise to hike to the top of Bear's Hump in Waterton. There we watched the sunrise, talked, cuddled, took some pictures before he got down on one knee, and using my full name (impressive), proposed. 

A Lot Happens in a Year

A year ago I left a piece of my heart in France when I had to say goodbye and just take home the memories that were created. As much as I wish I could've stayed in France with people there that I love, all good things must end to make way for bigger and better things.

Shortly after coming home I met and started dating my now fiancé, started (and finished) my first year of University with a major in French, I met my new niece, Claire Lee Ann, and finished a half marathon.


Trust me, I do miss the lifestyle France offered me; spending every weekend in Paris, traveling to other countries, the fresh pastries and delicious cheese. I loved every moment there but I am glad to be making new memories with new people that I love. I had the opportunity to extend my contract and nanny for another year and I know it would've been great, but I'm glad I came home. It was the right thing to do for living with a little bit of nostalgia is better than not being able to move on with life and experience the rest of God's plan for us.

 

 

First time at the Eiffel Tower

 

13.1 miles and a free banana

We arrived in Yellowstone on Friday at around 11 am. It was a long ten hour road trip but luckily it was made comfortable with the motor home. There was nine of us in total but it didn't feel like it. The day was filled with registering for my half marathon, spontaneous yoga, and carb loading.
The day before I was starting to get a sore throat and Friday that grew into a head cold (not the best conditions for running..). It made me worry but luckily I have a father who is able to give me a blessing in a moments notice. I thought it was a silly thing to ask a blessing for, but I was comforted and put at ease because I knew the Lord would take care of me.
That night I had the best sleep I've had in a while. I woke up feeling %100 better than yesterday and felt ready for my run.

The run started on Saturday at 8am after the national anthem. The first five miles passed by easily and it wasn't until mile 6 that I started to wonder why on earth was I doing this. At around mile 7 I took my first (but not last) walking break. Between mile 4 and 7.5 there was a continuous incline and apparently a lot of people were having troubles with the altitude. For the most part the last half was downhill but that did not help and I swear that the second half was much longer than the first. I made some friends with whom I had been running in close proximity with since the beginning. They had aid stations at various mile markers with water and electrolyte drink to refill, energy gels (which work but are disgusting), port-a-potties and some even had bananas and orange slices. Those aid stations were a life saver. Around the 11.5 mile mark I started walking, then a runner came up behind me and and encouraged me to run some more. Doug and I kept each other going until the finish line. Doug had done 6 previous half marathons and applauded me when I told him this was my first one. He said from now on every half marathon will seem easy because this one was a tough one.

I finished the 13.1 miles in 2hrs and 35min, which was a lot sooner than I thought I was going to do it. I received a medal for finishing but with the size of my smile you would have thought I came first place. I got free chocolate milk, nuts and granola bars, and of course the free banana. I felt great for just 30min after the race and then my body hated me for the rest of the day. But looking back on it I wouldn't change anything and would even run another one.

26 days

It's official... I'm at least half crazy. I have signed up for a half marathon and there's no backing out now. 

I run 13.1 miles on the 13th of June (26 days) down in Yellowstone. My Mum's parents will be visiting from New Zealand and we have plans in taking the motor home down to see the national park. 

As crazy as it is I'm actually really excited. 

And who knows, maybe next summer I'll run the full 26.2 miles. 

5 tips to being happier

I realize I've kind of been MIA since Christmas. Don't worry it's just school that is keeping me occupied. 

I'm proud to say that my first year as a university student is almost complete. This last semester has gone by so quickly. When I look back its just a blur of classes and piano students. 

Although it has been extremely busy I have been very happy with these last few months and I'd like to share with you some things I've figured out on how to be happier. 

1. Early to rise. 

That little saying "early to bed early to rise, makes a (wo)man healthy, wealthy, and wise" is actually very true. The days that I actually get up on time are more enjoyable, more productive, and just easier in general. I'm not rushed out the door in fear I'll miss my class, I have time to shower and get ready properly with a nice healthy breakfast. 

2. Electronic Fast

In today's world we have access to smart phones, fast internet, and basically anything we need online. I love technology as much as the next person, and even praise it at times. But sometimes we need to take a break from having the virtual world at our fingertips all the time. Once a day I put down my phone for at least an hour and disconnect from the online world. I spend time with friends that are actually around me. I clean up and organize a room. I nap or exercise. Just anything that doesn't involve technology. 

3. Take a time out. 

This is the hardest one for me to remember. Sometimes I stretch myself so thin between school, work, studying, friends, family, boyfriend that I don't allow time for myself. Its okay to say no. It's okay to lock yourself in your bedroom and read or draw or just lay there letting yourself recharge. Do something you enjoy. Just take some you time because you deserve it. 

4. Count your blessings. 

Even on the worst days something good happened. So try to pin point something positive or a blessing during the day. It doesn't have to be big. It could be as simple as the trees are starting to bud. 

Also enjoy the bad times because without that opposition how will we appreciate the great days?

5. Smile. 

Even if you don't want to. Fake it to make it. Smile until it doesn't have to be forced. Smile at people you walk by. A smile is contagious and you never know when your smile will make someone else smile