More with Air Miles

I am pretty focused on travel and anytime I can go anywhere for free, or nearly free, I'm quite excited. Tonight my son asked if he could have a new snowboard. I replied that it wasn't in the budget right now. Of course I feel guilty for that answer, and then I started thinking creatively and took a look at the Air Miles site.

It wasn't long before I was perusing ski passes, and fun outdoor equipment like these snowshoes. Now I didn't find what he was after, but I may have found a couple things that would please him and make me feel better too.

Things I didn't know...

Five years ago, there are many things I didn't know about myself. Things I could not have predicted. I should work on a big list, but right now I'll just share 3.

1) I didn't know how important my hockey family would be. The kids' teammates, parents and coaches are the people we spend the most time with. And, they are really great. They are so supportive of all the kids. I know if my child needed something.... anything, from $2 for juice or advice, or a kick in the rear, they would do it. And I would definitely do it for them and their kids. After a few years of the same core group growing together, I can really say this has improved my quality of life, sense of community and belonging.

2) A year is a long time. But it is absolutely nothing either. When you are stuck in the day to day, it can feel like nothing is accomplished, but when you reflect back on a year, it can seem like a lifetime ago. I really do think social media, like Facebook and Twitter have screwed with our sense of time. When we can receive updates from around the world, every hour, or even by the minute, it affects our sense of personal time and accomplishment. But so much of the information is white noise.

3) I didn't recognize 5 years ago that I'm a runner. Not in the literal sense. I wouldn't strap on sneakers and run unless someone scary was chasing me. But in the personality sense... I flee. When I stress, I want to flee/run/bolt/escape.  I've read, that it's easier to change your location, than your life and that's why people travel. For me, I think that nails it.  I have learnt that I LOVE travel. It's a passion. But I also don't think it's about the destination, or learning or exploring. I honestly think I can say it's my sanity break or my re-start button. Now, I don't think this is earth shattering, or unique but I'm glad to have recognized it.

Best of 2013

I shudder to think about writing this year in review. I pretty much hated this year and frankly, I can't wait for it to end and get a fresh start with 2014.  This is simply my raw, generalized opinion of the year as a whole. However, when I pause to consider events and activities as individual moments, there were some pretty good times. I'll try to focus on those.

So, in no particular order... my best memories of 2013: 

Best meal:  A crepe in a casino! I was absolutely sober, and it was mid-day, but damn that crepe from the Aria Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas was amazing! The raspberries were so fresh and flavourful you'd think they were photoshopped in your mouth! Karen & I had incredible meals that whole trip.

Where I should have sat to see the concert.  

Where I got to sit instead! 

Rod Stewart 12 feet away & singing my song! 

Best compliment: A concert usher, at Caesar's Palace said to me "you're too pretty to sit in the back row. Here, take these tickets and sit up front."  And that's how we saw the Rod Stewart concert from the good seats! Seriously, an unbelievably lucky moment.

Best song: Well, you see, Rod Stewart kinda sang "Some Guys Have All The Luck" to me, at the above mentioned concert. He was looking at me, winked, and was belting out his signature hit. So, yeah, that ROCKED!

Best bliss: Late January, on a heated patio, in Newport Beach California, I was sipping a raspberry lemon drop martini while the music of Simply Red quietly played in the background. My 7 year old son  was exhausted and completely enthralled with the events of the day. He drifted asleep next to me, telling me how much he loved being my travel buddy and just hanging out with me.

Best scream: I rode a roller coaster. It was California Screamin' at Disneyland, and boy did I scream!  And since I've spent a lifetime avoiding these types of rides and saying "I don't do roller coasters" it was a pretty big deal. I'm glad I did it. It's good to face your fears.

Best "why the hell not" moment:  I let my awesome hair dresser dip dye the ends of my blonde hair bright pink. What a great conversation starter and fun two weeks! It washed out and didn't stain my blonde hair. No harm at all.

Best silver lining. My 3 year old truck was damaged beyond your imagination during a routine oil change. The Titan needed a new transmission and a re-build on its engine. That was absolutely unbelievable and caused WEEKS of grief. During this time every man in my life and those associated with the issue talked down to me and did their best to make me feel like a stupid girl in a man's world. I hated that! Ultimately, the insurance of the dealership that destroyed my truck paid for all repairs, and in the end, I traded in the old truck for a brand new Titan. Of course there was 100% disclosure on the trade in. So, my "silver lining" in this experience was getting my first brand new vehicle ever. And it's silver. And I like it alot. Of course, I have to pay for it, and had to renegotiate my loan during this ordeal, but the dealership that sold me the new Titan was fantastic and really had my back in the process. Friends for life!

Best upgrade: $50 and a little Canadian charm got me upgraded from the basic room (read "cheapest room at the hotel") to the Bellagio Suite at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas. The suite had 3 bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and just total overall awesomeness.  The robes were so awesome, I had to buy one! That robe makes me feel like a princess every time I put it on.

Best history experience:  Touching the space shuttle Adventure, as it was on display at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston Texas. Everything in that NASA museum was an incredible glimpse into history.... history that has pretty much happened in my parents' lifetime. That was cool. Really cool.

Best kid moment: When my little one took my hand and said "let's do this" and led me on stage to sing karaoke on our Disney cruise. We sang "our" song and did a heck of a job on it! I'd never ever sung karaoke before. That was another fear and check on the bucket list accomplished this year.

Best instant party: My son's hockey team won the championship and he hollers "free ice cream" in the locker room and invites everyone back to our diner for a celebration. Since it was only 9AM, I suggested we do pancakes instead. So, on about 20 minutes notice (about the time it takes the team to change out of their gear) we whipped up a championship pancake breakfast with bacon, yogurt, fruit and juice. Finally... having a restaurant comes in handy!

Best golf games: I golfed with my boys 3 times this year. That was fun. They are growing up so fast!

Us photo-bombing someone's cheesy
Vegas wedding pic! LOL

Best spontaneous trip: Vegas with Shelby! I think she casually asked over the counter at work, on a Thursday, and that very Monday we were on a plane. I really needed that escape. Gosh we had laughs! Even better than our "great" Grand Forks adventure of 2010.

Best work moment: Hosting a charity milkshake event to raise money for a family whose dad is stricken with cancer. I have never seen a community come together like that day. And the staff were unbelievable! We accomplished more that day than we'd dreamt of. We put $2000 in the hands of a good family, for all the right reasons. That is my most proud teamwork moment for certain, maybe ever.  Thinking about that day brings a tear to my eye.

Reflecting back on a year is a good thing. I'm breathing better now for having reminisced and really thought about the individual events and moments. It's hard to grasp why I say I hated this year so much when it was, indeed, filled with much laughter and the company of friends. My loved ones are healthy and still with us. My children continue to grow and pursue their passions. I continue to travel and surprise myself with courage and strength. I've even had some fun writing about my travels. So... what do I really have to complain about? Not a damn thing.

Cheers! Here's to 2014. May our lives be blessed with good health, good friends and great adventures!

Special Childhood Memories

You never really know what you will remember into the future, or what things will be special for your children. But there will come a time when you will fondly reminisce about an event or object or feeling.

As we were packing to go on an upcoming trip I came across my Minnie Mouse watch.  I bought this watch on a Disney Cruise in 2011. I bought it because it reminded me of when I was 5.  For whatever reason I recall learning to tell time on a red strapped, Minnie Mouse watch. I think I must have worn that watch for years and years because when I close my eyes I can still picture it! I know I loved that watch.

If you've ever been on a cruise, you'll know a watch is a necessity. Our modern way of telling time (looking at our cell phones) doesn't work at all when you are in the middle of the ocean. And since you absolutely must get to the Captain's dinner on time, you need to have a watch. So, when it became a necessary purchase for me, I HAD to go with the replica watch from my childhood.

It's the cutest watch and I treasure it like I did when I was a child. (As odd as that sounds.) And though I rarely wear it, it certainly makes me smile when I do! And this trip, we're actually heading to Disneyland and in my opinion, that makes a Minnie Mouse watch a mandatory accessory whether you are 5 or 75 or any age in between!

Disneyland... the place where dreams are made, and everyone is allowed to showcase their inner Goofy!

Back in the groove

Some things just feel right. 

I like a good groove. I like to feel like I'm firing on all cylinders and enjoying things to the fullest. When I'm at work in the kitchen, I like certain knives for certain tasks. I like things that make sense…. like fries and gravy. Not onion rings and gravy, That still doesn't make sense to me. I like certain products, not substitutes. I like Mother's Day specials in May and sundaes on Sundays. Call me crazy.

I like it when things go as predicted. I like to know what to expect. I'm sure I'm not the only one like this. 

I also like Spring weather in March and April. -20C and blizzards… that's supposed to be January.

Now, of course I like good surprises. Like sunshine on a day the weatherman said was going to suck. Or like tulips being delivered on a joyless Saturday. Great surprises like that, can turn your whole week around. 

These last few weeks have been very hard. I haven't felt right since that yellow handled knife broke on a Friday night, (I'm kidding…. well, sort of.) I replaced the knife but couldn't find my groove.  Nothing major, just out of sync. Hell, I haven't even felt like writing. 

Then I made a quick trip to Vegas. I laughed and laughed. I gambled. I sat in the sun and started to feel like myself again. 

This last week has been intense. No other way to describe it. I got the sunshine I needed. The help that saves the bacon, and the right knife to cut buns again. 

It all came together sitting at the patio, drinking a coke at the restaurant I own. It just felt right. Like the stress was leaving my body and I was at home where I should be. 

I love my restaurant, I love the people I work with and the people I see across the counter. (Ok, not all of them. Some make me want to call the cops.) This is where I need to be. This is where I'm happy. Next person who says I should get a real job, or that I only work half the year… they should try a week in my sneakers. But bring your own knife. I won't let just anybody use mine. 

Happy Anniversary!

It's been a year since we met and I fell head over heels for my sweetie. Together we've seen rain and sleet and snow; good times and bad. We've gone on several hockey road trips and had a blast. I'm sure we've been to the grocery store 400 times, and hauling all those supplies.... he never minds.

At first I wasn't sure he was the one for me. After all, he's kind of a big lug. I'm kind of a little thing. Of course, no one would suggest I was a girly-girl, but still. It's not like we look like a matched set.

I am a little bossy, but he handles it like a pro. Whether I want to go off-roading or weaving through traffic he suits the course.

Not once has he complained when I sing along to the radio or use my ipod for some obnoxious pre-game hockey music that the kids like.

Gosh I love the big lug! He makes me feel safe. Safe and warm and totally protected. What more could a girl want? So.... happy anniversary, Titan. My Nissan Titan! Cheers to us and the many miles we have ahead!

I'll Toast That

I have a very special bottle of rum from The Bahamas. It's more like a liqueur really. You drink it neat, or on ice if you have to. But, it's best served chilled, an ounce at a time on rare and special occasions. I save it, rarely share it, and ration a bottle sometimes for more than a year.

You see, you can only buy it in The Bahamas. So I don't get all wild and crazy and start drinking it freely until I know the next flight back is booked. And right now, since there are no flights booked and no plans... the rum is strictly for special occasions only.

Tonight I cracked it open and poured a snifter of it. You see, I went skating tonight. Whoo hoo. No big deal right? Well, I fell on my ass.  Truthfully, I fell and smacked my elbow the first time. Then I got back up and kept going. And about a minute later, I tumbled backwards onto my butt. So why the rum? Because I had not fallen in probably 20 years. (Unless someone can correct me otherwise.) And I got back up and skated for another 45 minutes or so. At my age (LOL) that takes guts and deserves a reward.

I could ramble on about the outdoor ice quality in March, but I won't. I will note however, that after a lifetime in figure skates I've only used men's skates for two months now. I still kinda expect the pick to be there to push off with, or to catch me when I lose my balance. But, apparently not.

So, cheers:  To being old and still trying.

Mrs. Not-so High Maintenance

A million years ago, in a lifetime I can barely remember I had a guy walk away from me at the bar after calling me "high maintenance."

Pardon?  The next thing he saw was a snowball flying at his head in a parking lot. As a baseball player, my arm was going to have the last word in THAT discussion. And I did. Or so I thought.

Every now and again, I hear that insult in my head. "High maintenance." I don't know why it ever bothered me. Did it mean I put a lot of effort into dressing up and looking good? Or did it mean he thought I was emotionally needy? A princess by modern definition? Well that's not me. Nope. Hell no.

I don't spend any time with fashion magazines or at make-up counters. I rarely enter a mall. More likely you'll find me grabbing athletic wear for myself in the same store that I buy hockey gear in for the kids.

My hair typically sits low in a pony tail, or in the winter, under a toque. The last time I wore a dress was in July, that's 7 months ago.

My work life has unglamorous tasks like mopping the floor and cleaning freezers. So, obviously I'm not a princess. Cinderella maybe? LOL

Anyways I guess you could debate the emotionally needy definition but I do make an effort to never sound that way. I'm pretty much a straight shooter or  like to think I am. I'll tell you what I think and how I think it should be done. Why mince words? Why play games? Maybe this comes with age. Maybe wisdom. I prefer clarity over confusion. If I die tomorrow, I don't want you to be confused on whether I liked you or not.

(Insert profanity laced tirade directed at the twit who criticizes my sons' coaches or speaks slanderously  towards my little superstars.)

Now, if a person wanted to be literal, I will admit that it takes some "regular" maintenance to keep up appearances. I get my nails done, my hair stylist is on speed dial, and I do exercise regularly. I also try to eat well and present myself as to not embarrass my children. But I consider that normal. I even bite my tongue when not appropriate, or not politically correct, to avoid unnecessary confrontation. I do that out of respect for my family.

But I'll drink a rye with the boys, or eat whatever hot sauce on my chicken wings. I like watching hockey and I've even paid to attend football. I'm just one of the guys. (Albeit, one of the guys who smells better and looks good in a dress!) I play blackjack and I can handicap a horse race. My truck has a bigger engine than yours and a quad cab you could play baseball in. There's no reason, IMHO to ever call me high maintenance.

And if you ever do, just don't stand within my throwing range. I'd really hate to chip a nail trying to teach you a humbling lesson.

Travelling Solo With Your Child

To travel is a gift. To travel solo with your child is an incredible gift and I treasure it.

I have done it a few times, and I will do it again. While I have two children, I like to take the occasional vacation with them individually.

My older son and I recently returned from a hockey road trip. If this sounds like an old story repeated, it's not. There is hockey constantly! LOL  It was three fantastic days on the road, sharing music, stories, food and adventure.  This time we also had the privilege of staying with our extended family and getting to know them better. Truly a special memory.

Note, I didn't drone on about hockey and our wins/loses? We are a hockey family, but winning isn't everything. Memories and shared experiences outweigh the win category every time.

Within 48 hours of returning the one son, I took off with the other. The younger boy and I then headed south to California. Head over to my travel blog to read my hotel reviews and see how much I loved California. (I'll make regular entries there, but it will take me a few days to get all my stories out.)

My younger son, toils constantly to keep up with his brother. There is on-going rivalry and posturing. A solo trip is a break from that. The younger one can be himself. He can cuddle if he wants to cuddle, express his thoughts and do things at his own pace without ridicule. Never once on our trip did I have to yell "get your hands off your brother! You two separate! Stop it!!" It was a break for me, since I always feel like I'm refereeing with those two.

There are a few key points to note when traveling solo with your child.

1. Make sure to have a consent letter for travel from your spouse (very important whether you are married or not.) In this letter, specify your dates, flights and destination. Include your hotel address and any tickets or plans you have. Contact phone numbers for your spouse that you can reach promptly if you are held up at airport security with questions.  If you can have a lawyer notarize your letter, it's preferable.

2. A thorough and detailed plan if you get separated accidentally in a restaurant or airport etc. Practice it.

3. Bright clothing easily recognized by each of you. It sounds trivial, but if you are separated in a store even by a few feet, you want to be INSTANTLY recognizable.

4. Thoroughly researched destination, with safety measures considered. For example, I was taking C to an NHL hockey game in a big city. We knew there would be a sold out crowd. I chose to pay a few extra dollars to buy club seats for us - knowing that the club level had restricted access, lots of security, fewer patrons and a far better washroom ratio. Why is this important?  At this age we go into separate gender washrooms. I could not allow him in good conscience to stand in a line of strangers for 20 minutes unattended to use the washroom. Club seats and facilities meant a 2 minute or less line and a far greater level of comfort and limited separation anxiety for both of us.

5. Do something special of the child's choosing. C wanted to go walking in the rain with an umbrella. He also wanted the waitress to bring him a fancy kid's cocktail on the patio. Easy, peasy!  I also try to arrange something indulgent that will be a special memory specific to that child. I can assure you my hockey-loving boy will never forget meeting Teemu Selanne pre-game and then watching the game from the padded club seats.

When I find myself on these one-on-one vacations, there is far more opportunity for me to relax. I feel like a better parent, and a human being again rather than a referee. Of course I enjoy family vacations with everyone together, and it is great to have another adult present to share the responsibility and security duties, but I often find myself needing a rest after those vacations.  This California adventure, though short, did the trick. I feel recharged and like I'm ready to get back in the game.

Little League Ruckus

Here's what I know as a parent and here's what I teach my kids:  You win some and you lose some. Celebrate with dignity, lose with dignity. Play fair, do your best and enjoy every game. Make friends.

Apparently not everyone sees things the same.  And so what? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and encouraged to raise their kids as they see fit.

We are not in hockey to lose friends. We are in hockey to make friends. We enjoy our kids and support their passion. To say we are a hockey family is an understatement. We see more ice times than movies every week. We have a backyard rink and enough jerseys on hand to outfit a tournament.  That's just us. We don't coach, but we support all who do. It's a huge commitment and a great thing to share skills that way.

But we also have a little league storm cloud brewing over a recent tournament game. Seems everyone with a chat moniker wants to chime in. Apparently my kid saw more ice time than he "should" have in a game. Ok??!!  What I saw was an exciting game, where a great crowd of parents and grandparents gathered. We cheered every goal... for us AND the opposition. Every kid walked away with a medal and smile.

I asked my player how the tournament was. He told me awesome, "we all danced (like this & he demonstrated) to Gagnam Style in the locker room. It was so funny."

The next thing he asked was "when do we play next?" I told him about the tournament in the small town upcoming next weekend. He replied... "is that the rink with the good hamburger soup?"

All in all, my son's answers were all I needed to know. He was oblivious to the adult angst. He had fun with his friends. There's more to hockey (or any sport) than the competition. Sometimes there's good hamburger soup and a dance party.

Incidentally, we lost that game. My son was not player of the game, did not receive a giant trophy and was not secretly awarded a $2million dollar contract with Nike... just incase you worried that was at stake. LOL

It's little league. Relax. Enjoy some soup.

Christmas Happened

Christmas went pretty much as anticipated. SO, that was good. At least I was prepared for the roller coaster, adventure that is our family Christmas.

Sure enough, I wasted time and precious energy making too many cookies.

We forgot a couple important things at home.

Visits I was enjoying were cut short and the schedule had us running.

Weather was crazy cold, but the boys played outdoor hockey Christmas morning anyways. That's the one tradition we really treasure. It wouldn't be "US" if there wasn't morning hockey.

The uncle bought the kids the best presents.  All hail the popular uncle.

Some relative always makes an off colour, snarky remark that makes you wonder what the heck they were getting at. I chalk it up to the alcohol talking, but still it does bug me. Seems so unnecessary.

I felt super guilty that the dogs were in the kennel and that I neglected to buy them some fancy $20 pet store bone to get them thru the holiday. And while I DID forget to buy a treat for my dogs, I spent a ridiculous amount of money on people food and treats.

I missed my old dog Mocha. Missed her soooo much. For years and years, she spent late nights watching me wrap presents, bake cookies, and fuss with last minute preparations. It really hit me as I thought about leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. I used to leave cookies out on a plate near the fireplace and just leave them. Each Christmas morning the cookies would be gone. Santa? Or my sweet Mocha? She used to sneak over and ever so slyly... steal them. It was our secret.  So, without Mocha, this year, I just couldn't put cookies out. I did however, hang her monogrammed ornaments on the tree to remember her.

There's just too much pressure at Christmas. However, we do it for the kids. And they LOVE it. So, that's what makes it all worthwhile. Turns out they don't even notice the bumps, blemishes and the chaos that I feel.

Free Shipping Day!

It's free shipping day! It's free shipping day! Hi ho the dario it's free shipping day!

This is the greatest idea. This is the 2nd year in Canada. And I'm pleased to say I tried it in its inaugural year and was thrilled with the results. Last year Christmas preparations were just not happening. My mom was in the hospital and I was at her side full time. Meanwhile... back at my house, the kids were panicking that Christmas wasn't coming.

Free shipping day saved my bacon. I did nearly all my shopping on-line in about 2 hours. The beauty is that everything is guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.  They are almost all Canadian stores and they all positively ship to you in Canada.

Last year I was blown away that Roots.ca had my parcel in my hands within 48 hours. It came Fed Ex if I recall right. Roots offers free express shipping on everything this day, even clearance items. I bought my youngest just one thing. It came with wrapping paper & a note card at no extra cost. (Not sure if that applies to all items or I got lucky, but wow... impressed.)

The greatest things about this day are:

1. Canadian (Was started in the USA and is HUGE there, but finally the concept is here too. www.freeshippingday.com)

2. It's not too late! (Guaranteed to arrive before Christmas eve)

3. Ship gifts!  Soooo... if you have to send gifts elsewhere, shop online and have the company mail it right to them. Saves you wrapping, going to the post office and paying those crazy Canada Post fees. Isn't that typically your biggest barrier to sending the gifts you want to send?

4. Typically no minimum order. (Old Navy still has their $50 minimum, but they do offer you 30% off on this day too)

5. Discover new stores. I found Orb Clothing this way! Very cool. Very Canadian. And Got Something to Say They do the wall lettering you see in so many homes. (I bought little I love you messages, for my kids' rooms.)  And Globo Shoes... I know they exist around the country and are a division of ALDO shoes, but I was still pumped to find them. Great selection. Oh, and if you have an athlete in the house, don't miss Under Armour - another shop no minimum for free shipping today.

6. I don't feel like I'm stressed and fighting with other shoppers. No rushed panicked decisions made to get out of the crowd.

One last note, if you are worried about using your credit card online, just use your PayPal account. It's that easy.

Today only.... 12 12 12! Best of luck!

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Is it your vacation?

Finding the vacation that suits you is almost as hard as finding the right shoes to go to a high school reunion. You need to have some patience and be really honest with yourself about what you want and what your goals are. If you can't walk in your shoes, even though they are pretty... are they the right choice?

It IS your vacation when:

1) All members of the travel party have something they are looking forward to

2) You choose activities you are genuinely excited about

3) You can't wait to write in your travel journal/blog/tell your friends

4) You are living within your budget and not stressing about money

5) You are NOT doing things out of obligation, guilt or because somewhere you read you HAVE TO visit/see/do a particular monument/activity that you're not actually interested in.

The flame is out

I've think I've lost my urge to travel. I'm sure it's only temporary, but still, this is a weird feeling.

I usually have the next trip planned before the first one is even done. What the heck has happened to me? And the oddest part is that I have travel credits in the bank. My Skymiles account has $2400 of free travel just sitting there designated for our family. Free travel. Free travel!!!! And yet, I can't get excited.

It's not that I've had a bad experience or anything recently. It's not that I've been around the world. I haven't seen everything I want to see. I certainly have not done everything either. I just don't know.

Have I lost my sense of adventure? Has my typical winter depression set in early? Am I lost to myself right now?

There are so many places I haven't been. And yet I have no urge to research.

By this time, I'm usually rabid to have something to look forward to. A Christmas vacation helps me get through our dysfunctional family holiday season. This year.... meh.

I think I've lost my spark. The flame is out.

I may as well just get a puppy and stay home.

Mama said

Mama said there'd be days like these.

Did "she" know there would be such crazy adventures? Or is every day just what you make of it?

Will my boys remember into the future, things I say today? Or for them, will it be the actions I took, rather than the words I used?

Not just as a parent, but in general, I do my very best to only make promises I can keep. I also try not to get into situations where I would disappoint my kids. For example, I would never take my kids to an ice cream store and not get them ice cream. Right?  Well, why would I hold them back from wet and wild adventures, if I'm the one who took them to the waterpark?  I wouldn't.

But boy, did I have my hands full!

The waterpark or "Aqua Adventure" at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas is a thrill a minute. From the "not so" lazy river, to the Abyss or the Falls, it's all a wild time. But, still, not my idea of a good time! Here's the thing.... I don't actually like to swim. I don't like roller coasters and I don't like to be in a bathing suit in public. And pretty much this is EXACTLY what I'd gotten us into. Yep, I willingly planned a family vacation to the incredible Atlantis Resort. (It's such an incredible place. I love, love, love Atlantis!)   Aqua Adventure is an absolute dream come true - for anyone who likes water, and fun. And while I'm not opposed to water, and I do like a little adventure, this kind of thing repels me. And then I see the boys.

My boys are beaming with joy, vibrating with anticipation and looking at me like I'm a hero for leading them to this glorious place.  Ry screams, "Mom, lets go! Lets's do the serpent ride! It goes through the shark tank! C'mon!"

My gut screams "noooooo" but my mouth shouts, "yeah! Race ya' there!"  And there's one reason I do it. I am absolutely committed to showing my kids a good time. I will not let my fears hold them back from trying new things in their lives. I will not let my fears cripple them into living a sheltered life. I will not hold them back from trying new things and finding what they love to do. And if it means that I have to fight my own inner battles in order to participate fully, then that's exactly what I'll do. I view it as a privilege to be witness, and often co-conspirator in their shenanigans.

After the serpent ride and the falls, Ry and I tackled the "Challenger Slides" together. It's a steep, 5 second race to the water. After our first race, I was gasping and snorting water and just happy I survived. Ry joyfully screams at me, "that was soooo awesome, we HAVE TO do it again!"  Ugh, I think but rather, I reply "Hell ya'." This gets him fired up and we clamber to the stairs to go up again for another race. "You're the best" he tells me as we wait for another turn.  As I stand there, catching my breath and processing his heartfelt compliment, I think to myself "yeah, I am doing a good job. This optimistic, fearless boy is going to be ready to take on the world. If he can get ME out at a waterpark, laughing and racing and in a bathing suit, there's really nothing he can't do."  And that's how I'll measure success.

Challenger Slides

In the meantime, I guess I'll be enjoying the days like these. Nothing beats togetherness and shared laughter with your kids.