Giving thanks

Today is the first day in over two weeks that we haven't spent with extended family, and it feels a bit TOO quiet! David and Erin flew back to the UK yesterday after spending two weeks in America, and my mother and step-dad went home on Friday. They all had a wonderful time and we enjoyed having them.

Our Las Vegas trip took a couple of surprising twists and turns and lo and behold, we now own a property on the Vegas Strip! I can't wait to start taking advantage of all the plusses this timeshare offers us, most importantly the opportunity to go to Australia every couple of years or so.

Spending time with Dave and Erin was fabulous. I've only met both of them once, and Erin had onlt met Mark a couple of times. To say I was nervous and worried is an understatement, but from the moment we met them in JFK airport to them leaving yesterday, it was almost TOO ideal. They're wonderful people and we had a fabulous time!

And Vegas...WOW! I hadn't been tp Vegas in ten year and my how it has changed! We stayed mid-strip at the Treasure Island, and spent much of our time around there. The Mirage, the Wynn,Ceasar's Palace and the Fashion Show Mall were close by and it was a short tram ride to the MGM Grand, Luxor and Excalibur.m We did the strip from top to bottom and also took a day trip to the Hoover Dam, and even saw Britney Spears at the Palms.

In fact, we saw a TON of celebs, from Howie Mandel and the Deal or No Deal girls, to Britney, Jorge Garcia from Lost, The folks from the A&E show Inked (their tatoo parlor is in the Palms), Paul Stanley from the band Kiss, Pete Rose, Haylie Duff, Paris and Nicole, and a lot of people that we vaguely recognized but couldn't put a name to.

The buffets were all they were promised to be and more. We especially liked the Bellagio breakfast buffet and the Wynn dinner buffet. After all we ate, I was stunned to see that I'd actually LOST a pound there, but then again we did a LOT of walking!

We didn't get to many shows, but I'm really hoping to see one of the Cirque Du Soleil ones whenever we go back.

We did Thanksgiving in Northern VA. at a really great buffet and the kids dragged us out to after Thanksgiving sales. 3.99 DVds are SO in my budget :)

Since Dave and Erin are working in England through early 2008, we're not going to go to Australia until they're back there, but are very likely to go to England next year sometime.

All in all, the trip couldn't have been more ideal from start to finish and I have to give thanks to my wonderful family for that :)

Happy Thanksgiving

This year especially, I have a great deal to be thankful for. My step-son and daughter in law came over from England to celebrate with us. And my parents came down from Rhode Island to meet "offspring" and "wife of offspring". We've had an absolutely brilliant time!

The meaning of the season is found in the banter and chat, in the games we've played and the laughs we've shared. Throughout, we've all been very thankful for all that we have.

I hope you've shared love and laughter, good times, good food and family with your loved ones today and always.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Bree

Five years ago tomorrow...

Five years ago, on November 8, 2001, Mark and I got married.

We first met on the Internet in 1999, after a friend pulled me into a chat room to meet a married guy she was interested in.

Mark was telecommuting that day, something he never does. He and his then-wife and I struck up a conversation and I had to wrench myself away at four in the morning. When I signed off, I knew Mark was going to be a significant presence in my life.

We became very close friends over the next year, as his marriage dissolved and he began living as a single man for the first time since his teens. We talked every day, and I grew to care deeply for him, but never admitted it to him, for myriad reasons.

In early April, 2001, he began to start dating, and I had to face how emotionally draining it was on me. On my 30th birthday, I decided that I had to let his friendship go, because it could never work for us and I was way too emotionally involved. I avoided him for a few days, unable to sever the bond we had. Then, he called me and asked what the problem was. I explained all my insecurities and things I'd kept from him. There was a long pause, broken only by static. Then, he said the words that forever changed both of our lives "I only have one question to ask. Will you marry me?"

I still remember my reaction, a combination of shock and hope. I said yes, stunned that he'd even consider marrying me when he hadn't even see a recent pic of me. But that was what made Mark so special...he'd fallen in love with my heart, my soul
and my mind. We first met two weeks later when I flew to Australia. It was the trip of a lifetime, made all the more sweet by the man who was beside me, through the Outback, in big cities and small. We got to know each other personally then and forged a bond that transcended romance or friendship.

In November, he came over for a visit, and while he was here and we were investigating the hoops we'd have to go through to get him a spousal visa in the wake of 9/11, we were told that if we got married spontaneously, he would be able to adjust his status with Immigration at a later date. We debated this for a few days then decided to go for it.

Forty-eight hours later, we'd lined up a lawyer who would officiate,purchased our wedding rings, I had an non-traditional wedding outfit, and he had a new suit. None of our families could make it--all of his were in Australia and mine in Rhode Island.

Two very good friends were our witnesses and the ceremony was done in five minutes. It was the beginning of a new phase in both of our lives.

Five years later, our bond has only strengthened and firmed. We barely resemble the people we were that day, love and support and companionship has changed both of us in so many ways.

Next week, we'll be celebrating and renewing our vows in Las Vegas, with Mark's eldest son and new daughter-in-law by our sides. Seeing the kids is the best present either of us could give the other.


Today, Mark apologized for not having gotten me a present. We're forgoing presents this anniversary to celebrate with our family next week, though I cheated and got Mark a book from his favorite author. And regarding presents, ah, but he has given
me one incredible present. I have a constant companion in him, a best friend who shows me the woman I can be. He gave me himself five years ago and that is the most precious gift any two people can share.

Happy anniversary, Schmoopie Bear! Here's to the future!

Oct TBR

A little late here, but I finished this book last night in between the cutest little trick or treaters :)

Dark Dream by Christine Feehan and Marjorie Liu was a library rental. I'd already read Christine Feehan's story I'd already read, but Marjorie's was a new one.

This story captivated me from the first few words and I really enjoyed it!