Family

Joe and I both believe that things happen for a reason.  Last week one of our dear friends lost his beloved wife.  Talk about putting tragedy in perspective.  Our friend’s wife, Misty was truly a testiment to being an “inspiration”.  Throughout her battle with colon cancer at the young age of 32, she was upbeat, postive and always such a warm and charitable soul.  In her last days, she was still inspiring all of us to make sure that we focus on what is most important and get past the “little things” that are not.  Obviously, none of us will ever understand why such a bright and glorious soul was taken from her family and friends at such a young age, but according to Misty – God had a plan and she wasn’t going to question it.  We’ve decided that we wont either.

Regardless of what is in front of us, Joe and I know that the most important thing is to get through it together.  That can be tough sometimes when life is so busy that you’re running in a million directions!  No one ever warns you how much work kids can be when they reach the “social years”.  I was always reassured that things got easier when they grew up – but whatever!  Now they have social engagements, birthday parties, tea parties, just because parties, karate every single day of the week, music lessons, recitals, concerts, plays – they grow out of shoes every other week and their pants are above their ankles within a month of purchase.  Easier?  Puhlease and I’ll gladly trade a bag of diapers a week for their “activity and social needs costs!”.  Not to mention feeding them – our son eats more than a pack of wolves!

Yet, what would life be like without our mini-me’s!  Joe is not the biological father of James (our son) but most people can’t even tell.  They have the same mannerisms, wear similar clothes, walk the same way, talk the same way and whistle just alike.  It is uncanny how similar they are – unfortunately, they even have the same taste in expensive cars.

I know it’s taking me a while to get there, but the point of this post is to reiterate that life is really all about family and friends.  It is so easy to forget about what really matters when life throws its punches, but I guarantee there is no bank account balance, no bill, no diploma or job that can replace a simple dinner with friends, family and laughter – and the satisfaction that ensues. 

No wonder so many people that flock to our gorgeous beaches contact us for Destin Beach Portraits – what’s better than capturing a moment in time where everyone is so happy and in such a beautiful place.  Joe is lucky to be a Destin Photographer, and I am so lucky that he is my wonderful husband and such an outstanding father.

Our new Home

I finally bought my first home.  After almost two years of torture – Joe and I have closed on a new home in the Bluewater Bay area.  Due to all of the previous last minute disappointments, I never really wrote a blog or posted anything about the house until we had the key in hand.  To be precise, we have the key in hand and we have painted 5 of the rooms so far.  Wow – the work ahead of us to finish this home and get it ready to move in is a little overwhelming!

Oh, did I forget to mention that we bought a foreclosure?  In the past, every time a house deal fell through for no apparent reason – Joe and I always reassured each other that there was a “reason” it didn’t work out and there was something else waiting for us out there.  Our new home was once the dream of a growing family that spent their sweat, tears and hard earned money to completely renovate a 1979 build and more than double the square feet with an addition.  80 percent of the way through – on the homestretch, they ran out of money and lost their home.  It really does make it difficult to celebrate our “windfall”. 

In the master bathroom, there is a door that has height markings for each of their children over the years.  We haven’t painted over it yet.  I’m not sure I want to.  It’s a great reminder that in the midst of our blessing there is a broken hearted family out there trying to rebuild their life, find a new home and work on a new dream.

The kids are on spring break so I took three days off this week.  Its not easy stepping away from the phone and the computer – I had no idea what a workaholic I’ve turned into!  I helped paint a little bit and then spent the majority of the afternoon filling in nail holes along all of the baseboard in the living room and dining room.  My goodness the contractor who put up the floorboard must have been taking out his/her aggression with the nail gun – that floorboard is never coming off!  I cleaned the window sills and all of the windows on the inside (poor Joe is going to need a ton of help keeping this house clean!).  It was quite cathartic to be able to do manual labor for the day, sweat a little – my mind wandered away from work long enough to notice that my daughter makes all of my same facial expressions when she is annoyed with someone (which is often), that my son is getting taller and has all of Joe’s mannerisms and copies everything he does (just ask Tina about the limp!). 

We will post photos as the house progresses.  Our goal is to be moved in within 45 days … (keep your fingers crossed!).

Paint n Place Baytown Location

Since I married the world’s most balanced beach photographer, I am no longer allowed to have any of the normal vices like excessive drinking, smoking or gambling.  We do not own a swimming pool or hot tub, and my gym membership is more torture than relaxation.  Having the gym access pass on my keychain stresses me out – it’s like every time I start my car I feel like a failure. 

Yes people, that truly means no glass of wine during dinner to wind down the day, no cold beers on the weekend to sweat out the frustrations of the week.  Compound this with a strict diabetic diet (no carbs, no sugar, no chocolate)…. and I’m not sure how I have managed to stay sane.  So I have been on a quest to find something that could distract me long enough to help me rejuvinate before heading back to the trenches every Monday morning.

Joe and I decided we’d try pottery.  Stop laughing.  We didn’t “make” the pottery, we just painted it and then the shop glazed and fired it.  Although the scene from GHOST still inspires me to try and get my hands dirty, especially if some hot hunky shirtless man wanted to sit behind me while I was molding my latest creation.  Of course, in my fantasy, this hot hunky shirtless man looks very similar to my husband.  Ahem, sorry… I got distracted.  Anyway, we chose the Paint-N-Place located on the Harbor at Harborwalk since it would have the best view of all of the other locations.  There is also one in Sandestin (we took the kids there for their birthday and they had a blast!), and a new location at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida.

We both chose large items, Joe – a large bowl for mixing and I chose a large serving platter.  It is funny how one’s personality is so vivid when you put a paintbrush in their hands.  Joe’s bowl has clean lines, three main colors and looks just like something he would love in a store.  My platter has many colors (although there is a theme), and freestyle handpainted flowers with vines that disrupt the very orderly patterns on the edge of the platter.  Sound familiar?

The next day when we went to pick up the pieces at the shop, we were greeted by a very nice couple.  Of course, they complimented our pieces and then we sat and chatted for a while.  Come to find out – they owned the shop.  Nice to know that you can still get such personal service from people who care so much about the product that they sell.

The whole experience was fabulous and we intend on making it a monthly outing – with or without the kids.  We highly recommend the activity to locals and tourists alike.  It is a perfect afternoon or morning treat for the whole family and will help preserve your beach vacation memories for a lifetime. 

Paint n Place perfect family outing

Mt. Sophris CO.

Ok, this is my second time writing the blog and I have a feeling you guys may have to adjust to a totally different writing style hope you all like it.  Since the last blog we have been all over the country.  We had just gotten back from Vegas and then I am sure Amber had been somewhere before we headed for Co on the 18^th of Dec.  We stayed there a week and were supposed to be home on the 25^th.  So, we drove to a town called Grand Junction the night before our 6:30am flight to come home on Christmas day and as we were settling in for the evening Amber checks our flight status and finds out all flight out of Grand Junction, Denver and Vail had all been cancelled for the 25^th.  What there was to eat and open on Christmas Eve in Grand Junction was an Applebee’s so that’s what we had for dinner.  The 25^th we spent in the room of the Country Wine Inn, it was fine just not where I or Amber wanted to be on Christmas Day.  The flight home on the 26^th was uneventful and we were so glad to sleep in our own bed after 8 days away.  Next was Orlando, Amber had some business with Imagine Vacation Homes and our annual passes to Disney had 8 days to the expiration date so we loaded the kids in Caesar and headed south.  While there Amber worked and the kids and I headed to Animal Kingdom to let James ride Mt. Everest.  I thought I was ok with it and Annie was willing but hesitant.  First went through the tree of life with flick and then headed to the Everest Coaster.  We got on and while the coaster was moving forward I was fine then it climbed a steep hill and stopped.  Then came the backward part and it was all over for me.  We got off the ride and Annie shouted let’s do it again as I was trying not to vomit.  I guess she got over her fear of Space Mountain from a short year prior.    I didn’t share that the weekend was really overcast and rainy so after I almost lost my stomach we went back to the rental home that imagine vacation provided for us. The night before we left to come home Ambers clients and our family went to Arabian Nights a great dinner show that is perfect for families with kids.  We had a great time with our family friends Mike and Adam and we even brought some friends from Destin with us, it really was a great long weekend.   Ok we finished the Orlando trip got home Sunday evening and then we were home for 4 days and off to Dollywood yep you heard right, Amber has a client in Dollywood.  This time it was just her and I.   Uncle Rory and Aunt Lisa help us all the time, they are great and they helped out with the gremlins for a couple days before they were off to AL. with their Dad. In Dollywood Amber worked for 3 days straight and we had a day with David, Amber’s brother and Aleda his wife on Sat.  Then back in the plane we go come home Amber has a day to breath and then off to CO. she should be home Friday the 23^rd at 3:30pm but there is really bad weather in Vail the airport she has to leave from so hopefully things will be ok for her.  Vail is about an hour from Basalt where she is working so everybody cross your fingers.   

Great Cabin in Dollywood TN.

I have been trying to keep our home clean.  1284 sq ft is just way too small for our family at this point.  The office at Destin Commons is finally finished and I am planning on having it somewhat decorated before Amber gets home and I haven’t started.  I am so excited for Amber the business is really going well, things are hectic but everything will be fine.

On the photography front my phone has been ringing way sooner this year than last.  I already have about a week of photography booked for July.  The Destin Photographer is going to be busy this year.  As always I brought my camera with me on all the above mentioned trips so there will be a couple attached to the blog entry.   I have been doing more condo photography and HD videos as well so I may need some help this year.

Celebrating the Merger of TravelStorm and Instant Software in Washington DC

I just realized that I had not written a blog about all of the changes in our life recently – other than the impending wedding (cross your fingers – it looks like everything is falling into place!). 

I was the biggest dork growing up.  We didn’t have a lot of money, and my parents could not afford designer wardrobes so for the most part – I wore my brother’s jeans and tshirts as he outgrew them.  To be honest though – I was comfortable like that and did not realize until later how awkward I must have looked.  I have extremely curly hair and my mother had straight, blonde hair - so she never knew how to deal with me and so it wasn’t until later that I tamed the fro.  I spent about a decade of my life with ten pounds of hair rolled into a tight bun like a librarian.  All the while – add to the fact that I wore a crimson harvard baseball cap from the age of 9 and then all thoughout my teenage years.  I grew up in absolute insane chaos, but I kept my eye on my future and hoped dearly that life could and would be different if I worked really hard in school.  From the age of 4, I was convinced that I wanted to be a lawyer.

Life has its own pathways, and I chose some well and others were a disaster – but all in all – I never stepped foot in a law school, nor walked across a stage to be handed a degree.  I’m learning to be okay with that.  Regardless, I have never stopped living big, hoping and working hard at whatever opportunities life has provided. 

A few weeks ago I had the most amazing change in my career.  All the while that I have been working as a Property Manager in Destin, Florida – running resorts, vacation rentals, golf campaigns, etc….. I have been quietly working with a business partner and developing a Travel Website Company and Marketing Consulting Agency called, TravelStorm.  (Well, originally it was called Viavacanza but no one in the south could say that so we quickly rebranded)  Over the past few years, I’d found a way to sleep less and work more and more on the side in order to focus on the potential of one day growing TravelStorm into something spectacular. 

I guess all those sleepless nights have finally paid off.  The majority interest in TravelStorm was recently acquired by the largest software company in the world in our industry, Instant Software.   No, there was no instant financial windfall… and the money is not the point of this post.  In fact, the money is the least important aspect of my story.  What I want everyone to understand is that I have taken a lot of risks over the years, leaps of faith and although I’ve had moments of self doubt (just ask poor Joe), I always brushed myself off and forged ahead, climbed the ladder and never looked down.  I have not been held back by my lack of degrees, my ethnicity, my sex, my race, nothing.  The only force that has ever been in the way of my successes and had any bearing on my abilities to grow – were my own fears.  Thank God, I have had dozens of great people in my life over the years that have convinced me to silence this voice of self doubt in my head and truly believe that the worst that could happen, is failing at something and being no better off than I was in the first place.

Several colleagues – while happy for me, have warned me to have a backup plan in case things dont go well.  I have always laughed, nodded, said – “I hear ya”, etc.  But here’s what I really think.  I don’t plan my life based on backup plans.  Life is journey and I’m on this road for a reason.  If this venture does not turn out to be everything I’m dreaming of – then I will work hard and find a new path, work hard, hope for the best and not look back.  People who want to get somewhere else in life have to give up the stability and focus on the possibilities. 

As a side note, I want you all to know that deep within my ambitious nature, is truly just a mom trying very hard to make sure the kids have a different pathway to success than my own.  I don’t think they need to feel awkward at school or fight their way through life in order to be strong people.  I have every confidence, that they see me and know that everything you get in life comes from the energy you give to this world. 

So on top of being able to marry the most incredible man I’ve ever encountered in just a few days, we’ve also had this incredible change in our work lives and now I can stop working at 6 or 7pm instead 2 or 3am and really get to live a little on top of all this hard work.  Its made such a huge difference.  I wake up excited about the day, looking forward to seeing the kids off the bus and get to play with Joe and the kids every night without worrying about getting behind on something.  Although I believe that finding balance was inevitable, I know I would not have gotten here without sacrificing for the past few years and I have no regrets.  Just as I had to convince Joe to take his leap of faith to become a Destin Photographer, I want to say thank you to all of you who have helped me overcome my obstacles and convinced me to never look back. 

No one thinks Joe looks 40 - I firmly believe it’s because he’s accompanied by a 29  year old (10790 days) spunky, often mistaken for teenager – life partner.   (He’s rolling his eyes reading this I’m sure!).   I ordered BBQ from a local restaurant for the entire houseful of people and even the young kid delivering the food commented that  “he would never have thought Joe could be turning 40 when he saw him.”  I told him if he wanted a tip then he should run away quickly before I choked him.

The entire family came  out for the occasion  – mom mom from Philidelphia; Robert, Tina, Blake and Brent from Bedias (It’s famous for it’s overflowing green pastures and one very well maintained stop sign. ), Amy and Ashlynn from Panama City Beach; Heather, Tony and Barney from Baker, Florida; Christiaan and Tony from Niceville; our favorite young cousin – Michael and his hilarious friends from Atlanta, Georgia and all of our other friends.   (No offense  if you’re not  specifically mentioned but listing guests is somewhat boring for those  who don’t know the quirky personalities of each and every one of you.)

We stayed in a fabulous Seagrove Beach rental courtesy of Sandcastle Escapes/BeachSeekers.  The owners, Justin  and  Taylor are just an amazing partnership that truly create a Vacation Rental management company worthy of note.  With personal service – and a sense of humor throughout everything…. those boys are a delight to work with.

The house was called Seahorse XXI – a 5 bedroom/4 bathroom home with a private pool, sand volleyball court, fabulous Gulf Views from all three levels and plenty of parking for all the friends and family.  We hosted Joe’s entire party inside because the weather was awful all weekend but on our last day (of course)  the sun came out and the family and kids went across the street to the beach.   It was absolutely the perfect location – offset from 30A Highway enough to avoid the road noise, but convenient enough to take a very short walk across the beach to  the public beach access.

So even though Joe has crossed a milestone as far as society goes – you really can’t tell.  He’s looks great and has the demeanor of a big goof – he’s constantly playing tricks on me and the kids and has an active spirit.  When I turn 30 this year I’m hoping I do 30 as much justice as he’s done for 40.

McGuire's Irish Pub in Destin, Florida

My father (Joe’s father-in-law) is truly a pain to take out to eat.  Peter considers himself a gourmet chef and is highly critical of anyone else’s cooking.  Even in a five star restaurant Peter will say after a perfectly delicious meal – “ahh, well – it wasa alrighta”.  Yes – I just typed in English-Italian accent … justa lika my fathera speaksa.  

Low and behold we took my father to McGuire’s one evening during his annual coastal retreat to spoil the grandkids and we figured that no matter what he said or did – McGuire’s is an original and regardless of Peter’s opinion – it would always be at the top of our favorites list.  Starting out with an order of Irish Boxty’s (these delectable little balls of fried potato and cheese that you can dip into salsa, sour cream or guacamole) and the most scrumptious bread ever delivered to a table (It’s like pumpernickel only lighter and fluffier and fresh made and then drenched in a honey sauce over the top).  My dad’s smile broadened.  No sign of complaints on the horizon…. 

Salads were delivered on time with fresh fixins including our favorite dried cranberries to add just a bit of zing to the normal rabbit food mix.  Balsamic vinegrette for half the table and a gallon of ranch for the other half – no one was talking.  (At a table full of Italians – no one speaking while eating is a very good thing!)

The entrees were of course, the house special – Prime Rib.  Let me just say, McGuire’s offers one of the best cuts of meat without having to wear a tie and full length gown to get in the door.  Completely casual, McGuire’s is the “pub atmosphere” with a perfect affinity for us cow eating connesiuers.  As a side – huge potato with fixings or very yummy garlic mashed potatoes for the carb consuming crowd, while we lowly diabetics enjoy crunching on some grilled asparagus and long for the smooth taste of buttery, cheesy potatoes … mmmmmmm.

McGuire's Bar in Destin, Florida

Then a miracle happened.  My father (Peter) clapped his hands together with big smile on his face and said “This is some of the best food I have ever eaten.”  Jackpot – OMG – I’ve never heard him say that ANYWHERE in the almost thirty years that I have been conscious upon this earth.  I was speechless and just looked at Joe – (he had a big smile on his face, like see – I know your dad, I know how to do it… )

My father making that statement is truly the biggest endorsement that McGuire’s could have ever gotten and they have no clue.  So here’s to you McGuire’s – my heartfelt thanks for providing another culinary masterpiece and the first evening out with my father where I wasn’t embarrassed when he wanted the chef to come out so he could give him a few pointers!

Emerald Coast Coffee in Destin, Florida

Adam and Michael are extensions of the Mayer Family and we miss them the moment we know they are about to leave to go back to Orlando – so when we get a few moments together – we really cherish them.  After a tasty breakfast on the Destin Harbor we strolled down to the Emerald Grande to check out the new retail shops and restaurants (okay, and the view too!).

Even though we had just downed some eggs, bacon, grits, bisuits and a gallon or two of coffee – we were instantly intrigued by the Emerald Coast Coffee shop on the second floor of the retail center.  The decor inside is fantastic and the aroma is amazing.  Locally owned and operated the coffee selection is delightful and surprisingly Diabetic friendly (Michael and I are both sugar-free).  

Just a few doors down we found our favorite new clothing retailer – Luksus Clothing.  It had our favorite type of clothing – rebelious casual – (also known as really expensive tshirts!).  The owner of the shop was there and just delightful.  

The view from the entire area is relaxing and refreshing – a perfect view of the Harbor and Crab Island…. combine the

Destin Bridge from Emerald Grande

 view, the fantastic Java from ECC and Joe’s need to take even more Destin Photography – and we’ve finally found a spot that keeps us both occupied!

Michael and Adam will be back in a few weeks – and it will be for Joe’s 40th birthday!  The photos are sure to please…. =)

The Cabbage

I recently finished reading the book, Tuesdays with Morrie.  I highly recommend anyone contemplating their purpose in life and has the tendency to be a workaholic or is often described as driven, or career focused – should read the book.  It’s a memoir about a man that was obviously a gift to our society and his last moments on earth.  He spent his last days teaching about how the purpose of life seems so obvious when you’re dying.

Joe and I have been really trying to focus on the things that matter, even if it means giving up some of our income and “drive”.  He’s officially going to back off of his photography except for beach photography, real estate and commercial so that he can have more quality time with the kids.  We haven’t quite defined my sacrifices yet (well we have but I’m not revealing them in this blog – yet!).  

With two slightly OCD perfectionists for parents, the children have really had little room to color outside the lines.  We decided to lighten up a bit and let the kids make a few messes without getting aggravated.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined that Joe would take this new focus so literally that we have a cabbage growing in our front yard.  Seriously – the next time we want some coleslaw – it’s only a few steps away.  There is an entire backyard with plenty of room for a garden, but since James wanted it out front – Joe was all about it.

There are a few concerns – first, I didn’t know it until the cabbage was so large it could probably be entered in some sort of small town 4H contest – or is that just for animals?  I grew up in Houston – give me a break, I’m not trying to offend anyone but we didn’t do anything with livestock except for eat it.  The second concern is that you have no idea how bad it bothers me that we have a cabbage in our front yard.  

I read the book, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch last year and loved it.  One of the most memorable passages is when Randy describes how his parents allowed him to paint all kinds of things that were important to him all over the walls of his bedroom and they never painted over it.  It gave him the strength to “color outside the lines” for the rest of his life.  Randy painted a rocket ship, and an elevator on his walls.  At the time I read the words I thought that his parents must have really been understanding and patient.  Although inspiring – I never fathomed it would mean that I would have to live with a cabbage in the middle of our yard for the rest of our life!  

The things we do for those we love!

Blue getting after some turtles

Blue is one of those dogs that you can’t help but love but if she belonged to anyone else you would be thinking the owner should call the dog whisperer.  Blue is a weimeriener and the breed is known for being high strung, but we rescued Blue from the pound and she is “special”.  

Joe will tell you that she use to listen a lot better before I came into the picture.  It’s probably true, but I think he enjoys Blue more now that she is so cuddly and allowed to be more involved in all of our activities – like snuggling on the couch in the evenings.  Dogs are not meant for kennels – they are meant for companions and I’m not keen on sitting on the floor.  =)

I’ve never seen a dog that screams like a child, but Blue can literally holler.  Not whine, not yelp – she hollers.  When we were about to leave on our Spring Break trip to Texas, Joe forgot about Blue’s anxiety and he put her in the kennel first and walked back in the house.  Thirty seconds later our neighbors were outside wondering who was killing their dog.  It was 3am – we’re definitely not going to be winning yard of the month for a while.

Texas is Blue’s favorite place on earth – she even knows when we get there before we pull in the driveway and she absolutely can’t sit still she is so excited.  This was the first trip that we realized she is almost eight years old and we are starting to pay more attention to all of our “moments” with her.  Still a puppy at heart – we took a break from our destin photography and snapped a few candid shots of Blue being intrigued with some turtles in the pond.