Why I Get Out Of Bed

I have been away from the office for two weeks.  This is my first vacation away from this particular job and my first two week vacation.

I was really looking forward to unwinding, getting married (this was the main reason for vacation) and getting back to basics.  I find myself sometimes getting caught up in my own little world and I was defiantly getting to the point where I needed to step back, take a deep breath and remember what is really important to me - the 4 F's (family, friends, food, fitness).  The other is creativity but all four of those F's inspire me in different ways and often give me ideas for my career.  

So the first week off was hectic as I was tying up any last minute loose ends for the wedding (being a procrastinator there were a lot) but I got them all done.

The second week was perfect, and I got to do all the things I love.  I feel refreshed and I am looking forward to going back to work now with new ideas, perspective and motivation.

A wise woman once asked me "Why do you get out of bed in the morning and do the work you do?"  I responded with "I love my job" which is true.  She continued by saying " On the mornings that you don't like your job, why do you get out of bed and do the work you do?"

At first I wanted to say money, which is also true because we all have bills to pay but after money, I was finding it difficult to come up with an answer.  I spent some time thinking about this question over the next few days and I thought I new the answer.  My time off over the last few weeks solidified my answer.  

I want to work so I can have TIME with the people I love and be able to share RESOURCES with them.  I want to be ACTIVE so I can live a long life and do all the things I want and need to do and I want to FEED people.  Those are the things that make me happy and the reason I do what I do.

I don't have children yet but I hope to be blessed with a family someday and those dreams also motivate me to get out of bed and do the best and be the best I can.  Cheesy, yes, but when I am having a rough day I need to keep these reasons and goals in the front of my mind.

One other quick note.  I learned over my vacation to listen to my body a little more closely than I normally do.  If I feel like I need a nap, its time to take a nap.

I Tied The Knot

A little over a week ago I married Tyler Lapier (the love of my life), we became husband and wife, my last name changed from Brown to Lapier, I got some awesome new family members, my family became part of a new family, Tyler and I began a new family husband and wife and I made the most wonderful memories of my life.

I cherished each moment of the day, tried not to stress the few minor details that did not go as planned and spent time making moments with my new husband.  I am proud to say I did just that and I actually think I had more fun than I expected (the wine helped a little).

I enjoyed our wedding ceremony despite my intense nervousness, I played Next Top Model (with my hot model husband) while taking photos during the day and danced with my guests until the DJ left the building.

Now I am married!  So whats next?  Well, the number one thing on my "To Do" list is writing my thank you cards.  Our special day would not have been what it was without our amazing family and friends.  We had so much help with all the elements of the wedding day but the most memorable thing is the support and love Tyler and I have been showered with throughout the entire wedding process.  The memories that have been made over the last six months, I will hold dearly in my heart forever and would not have changed a thing.  

After the thank you cards, are kids in the future, travel, home renovations (I think these are never ending) or how about concurring the world with my company?  I say yes to all of the above but maybe not in that order.  At this exact moment I am going to just enjoy where I am, in love and loving life.

I am sure my next adventure is right around the corner, I always have my eyes and ears open and I am ready and willing. 

Bachelorette Party

A few weeks ago I had my bachelorette party.  Meghan and Karli planned a wine tour for 15 girlfriends and a wild night in Niagara Falls.  I was so excited about this weekend because I have always wanted to do a wine tour and I love to spend time with the girls.

In addition to my excitement I was also a little nervous.  A few weeks prior I went to Toronto for Kayleigh's bachelorette party and was so excited and was not feeling the same kind of excitement for my own bachelorette.  I think my apprehension was based on the fact that I would be the centre of attention and the reason everyone travelled.  I just wanted to make sure everyone had fun.  

I was also a little nervous because I essentially have two different groups of friends - my Camlachie girl friends (who I have known since I was in grades school) and my Corunna girlfriends who I know through Tyler.  I love them both and feel blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life, I just wanted everyone to have fun and get to know each other.

Once we arrived in Niagara Falls and checked into our room, we got a ride to the start of our bike tour.  The weather was perfect for a bike ride and our setting could not be more beautiful.  We stopped at a perfect little market for lunch and a few swigs of wine from the bottle Karli brought and then we were off to our first winery.

Each winery was beautiful and unique in its own way and it made me want to purchase a winery and move to the niagara region (wouldn't that be romantic?).  We all also decided that this trip was very romantic and we should probably do this again next year but bring our handsome men.

At one of the wineries we decided to stop and relax for a little bit so we bought a few bottles of wine and sat in the vineyard.  We chatted and took in the beautiful surroundings and enjoyed each others company.  As we were all chatting and bonding I took in a little snap shot in my mind and thought to myself "how blessed am I to have such great friends?".  Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve this.  I need my girlfriends so much, I think all women need a good female support group and I have a huge one!

The wine tour finished with everyone feeling a little loose.  We went back to the hotel and got dolled up for a night on the town.  Our evening was filled with drinks, dancing and a few crazy situations (which will stay between me, Niagara Falls and the girls on the trip).

All in all, it was an amazing bachelorette and more than I could have imagined.  Thank you to my wonderful friends you have made my journey to the isle truly special.