That next Saturday, we ferried Isabella back to William & Mary. She had a meeting with our acquaintance who worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond the next Wednesday, as we might have an inside track on an internship.
I wanted to attend the meeting, so instead of returning to Asheville, Liam and I booked a room at the Ft. MacGruder Hotel and Conference Center for three nights. We would return late Wednesday, after the luncheon.
The three of us went to Busch Gardens on Monday after Isabella's only class which ended at 11:00 AM. The three of us rode roller coasters until we were about sick. We ate turkey legs and pizzas and really enjoyed each others company. I have always enjoyed seeing my kids smile, and Brady had taken us on many vacations with activities such as this.
Tuesday we ate dinner at a local Gastropub on the market square and spent time at the W & M bookstore; which was a Barnes & Noble property. Liam wanted a lanyard and sweatshirt from the college that his sister attended, so I obliged.
The meeting Wednesday was supposed to be in a relaxed atmosphere, but seemed more intense. While we felt we had the position "in the bag", Jeffrey mad Isabella work for it. He asked her questions about her economics views and what policies that were in place that she agreed and disagreed with. I was impressed by her answers, and felt like he made a good showing. At the end of the lunch, Jeffrey said, "I'll give you a try for three months".
Belle was ecstatic. You could see the smile and also the glow on her face. Working at the Federal Reserve Bank for a summer would really give her a leg up on the competition for graduate school or whatever she desired to do.
I felt relieved.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Mom,
The children and I have just returned from Disney. We had a fabulous time and Paul picked up most of the bill. He is kind, gentle, intelligent; and I believe, genuinely interested in me. He is also good with the kids, and they seem to have accepted him at the moment.
I, however, am not fully jumping in with both feet. I pondered giving myself to Paul on this trip and could not. While part of me wanted too, there was a bigger part of me which told me to wait; just one more time. I had spent the summer in Coronado and met him there, and now nine days away in the same room. My doubts won, and we will have to see where it goes.
This Saturday, I will taxi Isabella back to William & Mary, and Liam has a few months before baseball season starts. He was an All-Area recipient at both the tailback and receiver slots.
I am proud of both of my children and continue to be amazed. Isabella has chosen Economics as her major at W & M, and I think tat Liam will attend a private college as well. We will be "running the gauntlet" this summer trying to pick the right college.
My hesitancy with Paul is in part the distance. If both of the children were in college, perhaps Paul and I could live part-time in Asheville and part-time in La Jolla, California. There is plenty to do there with San Diego in the back yard and Coronado Beach within fifteen minutes. I plan to return to "Casa Amor" next summer if Silvio will have me. I will book in March.
Sixty seemed ok, but I can feel a subtle decline as the number grows. I will be sixty-four by the time Liam enters college and Isabella will graduate. I pray that she does a summer internship and goes onto graduate school, but I can see her entrepreneurial spirit growing and growing each day. She may enter the business world and get her employer to pay for her MBA or law degree.
More later, as I must get Isabella packed.
With Love,
Stephanie
The children and I have just returned from Disney. We had a fabulous time and Paul picked up most of the bill. He is kind, gentle, intelligent; and I believe, genuinely interested in me. He is also good with the kids, and they seem to have accepted him at the moment.
I, however, am not fully jumping in with both feet. I pondered giving myself to Paul on this trip and could not. While part of me wanted too, there was a bigger part of me which told me to wait; just one more time. I had spent the summer in Coronado and met him there, and now nine days away in the same room. My doubts won, and we will have to see where it goes.
This Saturday, I will taxi Isabella back to William & Mary, and Liam has a few months before baseball season starts. He was an All-Area recipient at both the tailback and receiver slots.
I am proud of both of my children and continue to be amazed. Isabella has chosen Economics as her major at W & M, and I think tat Liam will attend a private college as well. We will be "running the gauntlet" this summer trying to pick the right college.
My hesitancy with Paul is in part the distance. If both of the children were in college, perhaps Paul and I could live part-time in Asheville and part-time in La Jolla, California. There is plenty to do there with San Diego in the back yard and Coronado Beach within fifteen minutes. I plan to return to "Casa Amor" next summer if Silvio will have me. I will book in March.
Sixty seemed ok, but I can feel a subtle decline as the number grows. I will be sixty-four by the time Liam enters college and Isabella will graduate. I pray that she does a summer internship and goes onto graduate school, but I can see her entrepreneurial spirit growing and growing each day. She may enter the business world and get her employer to pay for her MBA or law degree.
More later, as I must get Isabella packed.
With Love,
Stephanie
Disney never disappoints. I continued to have coffee overlooking the safari each morning with Paul and the children. Liam seemed to be awestruck each morning and watched the animals intently. Isabella and I would laugh at the quirky things we saw, and at just the pure amazement of the animals before us. Paul was a little like Liam, enjoying his coffee and taking it all in.
And we dined! And when I say dined; I mean to say, that we sampled some of the finest food on the planet. Jiko, Wolfgang Puck's, Boma, Sanaa, Victoria & Albert's; just to name a few. Paul and I continued our tradition of planning each evening and we talked about where we had been, where we were now, and where we felt we were going. I began to feel more comfortable with him, and to that end the sensations in my inner body and soul did as well.
Two nites before we were to leave, Paul was serious when he asked, "Stephanie, where do you see us going"? I had been contemplating this fact for three months. Paul had called initially when I got home from Casa Amor and then not for several weeks. He had then called Thanksgiving Day and proposed this trip. Despite the lack of constant, or at least regular communication, I felt in my heart that Paul did genuinely want to move forward. Lord knows he did not "bat an eye" while dropping thousands of dollars on hotel and dining accommodations on this trip. Despite all this, I knew what his underlying question was as well.
I still was not ready to "let down my guard" with Paul, and he would have to understand or move on. In my mind, the thoughts of Brady would never leave nor did I want them too. Brady would want me to be happy, but I also wanted me to be happy. In some respects, I was ready to make love to Paul, and on the other hand I was not. He seemed sympathetic and understanding to my answers, but I could see an air of disappointment on his face. He would have to wait, or move on.
The end of the trip soon came. The highlight being the fireworks at Epcot on New Year's Eve, it was hard to imagine being anywhere else in the world at that point. Paul estimated Disney's budget for fireworks that evening at $5-10M. I had no doubts.
As we left the baggage claim in Charlotte, I turned around nearly five times to look at Paul. He was waiving each time, and I could see a glimpse of sincere loss and that of a goodbye. "Was this the end", I thought? I would soon know.
And we dined! And when I say dined; I mean to say, that we sampled some of the finest food on the planet. Jiko, Wolfgang Puck's, Boma, Sanaa, Victoria & Albert's; just to name a few. Paul and I continued our tradition of planning each evening and we talked about where we had been, where we were now, and where we felt we were going. I began to feel more comfortable with him, and to that end the sensations in my inner body and soul did as well.
Two nites before we were to leave, Paul was serious when he asked, "Stephanie, where do you see us going"? I had been contemplating this fact for three months. Paul had called initially when I got home from Casa Amor and then not for several weeks. He had then called Thanksgiving Day and proposed this trip. Despite the lack of constant, or at least regular communication, I felt in my heart that Paul did genuinely want to move forward. Lord knows he did not "bat an eye" while dropping thousands of dollars on hotel and dining accommodations on this trip. Despite all this, I knew what his underlying question was as well.
I still was not ready to "let down my guard" with Paul, and he would have to understand or move on. In my mind, the thoughts of Brady would never leave nor did I want them too. Brady would want me to be happy, but I also wanted me to be happy. In some respects, I was ready to make love to Paul, and on the other hand I was not. He seemed sympathetic and understanding to my answers, but I could see an air of disappointment on his face. He would have to wait, or move on.
The end of the trip soon came. The highlight being the fireworks at Epcot on New Year's Eve, it was hard to imagine being anywhere else in the world at that point. Paul estimated Disney's budget for fireworks that evening at $5-10M. I had no doubts.
As we left the baggage claim in Charlotte, I turned around nearly five times to look at Paul. He was waiving each time, and I could see a glimpse of sincere loss and that of a goodbye. "Was this the end", I thought? I would soon know.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Epcot is one of my favorites. With plenty to do and all the countries to see, I am always amazed and never see the same thing twice. And since we were going to be at Disney for the better part of nine days, I knew i would return to Epcot a few times before the trip ended.
Paul was a gentleman the night before. While we laid in the bed, barely propped up enough to read he magazines and the attractions to make a plan for the following day, he never once moved himself over to my side of the bed. Additionally, we had charged the kids with making their own plan for each day, and then we would compare notes in the morning and make a joint effort to do all the proposed activities for the day.
Sitting on over three-hundred acres, Epcot has plenty to offer. There are the scientific expos and my personal favourite, the "World Showcase" . Of all the countries in Epcot, Germany is my favourite. The Bavarian and German influence is unmistakable.
About midday, we decided to have lunch in Germany. At Biergarten, there are German offers abound. I had the "Boisterous German Buffet" and Paul had the same. Te children were in a purely German mood, so the opted for straight from the menu. Isabella had a Bratwurst that came with sauerkraut and all the fixings; including the German mustard. To my surprise, Liam opted for some venison in a gooseberry sauce.
After we were completely stuffed, we decided to walk as much as possible to reduce the weight and pressure we had just put on our guts; literally. We walked thru Switzerland and Holland, among other places. We even found out our exact height and weight; measured scientifically, which I felt sure was a little jaded at the moment.
My favourite part of all is the fireworks and light display. Music is played in unison to one of the most amazing; if not "THE" most amazing, displays on Earth. Not even the symphony and water display at the Bellagio in Las Vegas comes close.
We adjourned to our boudoirs; as all was calm, and so was I on this very day.
Paul was a gentleman the night before. While we laid in the bed, barely propped up enough to read he magazines and the attractions to make a plan for the following day, he never once moved himself over to my side of the bed. Additionally, we had charged the kids with making their own plan for each day, and then we would compare notes in the morning and make a joint effort to do all the proposed activities for the day.
Sitting on over three-hundred acres, Epcot has plenty to offer. There are the scientific expos and my personal favourite, the "World Showcase" . Of all the countries in Epcot, Germany is my favourite. The Bavarian and German influence is unmistakable.
About midday, we decided to have lunch in Germany. At Biergarten, there are German offers abound. I had the "Boisterous German Buffet" and Paul had the same. Te children were in a purely German mood, so the opted for straight from the menu. Isabella had a Bratwurst that came with sauerkraut and all the fixings; including the German mustard. To my surprise, Liam opted for some venison in a gooseberry sauce.
After we were completely stuffed, we decided to walk as much as possible to reduce the weight and pressure we had just put on our guts; literally. We walked thru Switzerland and Holland, among other places. We even found out our exact height and weight; measured scientifically, which I felt sure was a little jaded at the moment.
My favourite part of all is the fireworks and light display. Music is played in unison to one of the most amazing; if not "THE" most amazing, displays on Earth. Not even the symphony and water display at the Bellagio in Las Vegas comes close.
We adjourned to our boudoirs; as all was calm, and so was I on this very day.
The first evening, we ate at The Mara. If there was ever an African-influenced restaurant, this was it. The beams exposed flowed upward with huge leaves above to represent the large African trees that one might sit under on a hot day in the great expanse. Lighting was dim and the tables were made of an African Rosewood; planed beautifully, but still with a rugged exterior.
The African-inspired food was phenomenal. It was unlike anything I had ever eaten. While they had some more traditional options for those without the refined palates of my children, the options with the "influence of the jungle" abounded. Basmati rice, yogurt sauces, raisins, Couscous...you name it, if it had an African influence, it was there on the menu.
We were tired from traveling and after dinner, we took a bottle of Pinotage to our room and the children had drinks from the African juice bar. Isabella was old enough to drink at this point, but did not partake. She and Liam; however, always asked to smell the wine. To my surprise, they each had a good nose.
As I went to sleep that nite, I wondered how the children felt about Paul and me. Did they want me to be connected to another man? In a relationship? Married? I knew not how they felt; as they would never say, so I had to assume that all was ok.
The next day we would do Epcot and we would be returning to Epcot for the end-of-year celebration. I was "flat out" excited to see what the folks at Disney would come up with for New Year's Eve. I had been to Epcot many times, and Disney was one of Brady's favourite places. He, too, believed it was a place of magic and even cried the day that Walt Disney died.
The rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge were absolutely perfect. As I peered over my balcony the next morning, I watched the animals play and eat and prepare themselves for another beautiful day. Even the sun arising over the preserve seemed to be as if I was in Africa, and far away from Florida in the United States. After two cups of coffee and some conversation across the balcony with the kids, it was time to head to Epcot.
The African-inspired food was phenomenal. It was unlike anything I had ever eaten. While they had some more traditional options for those without the refined palates of my children, the options with the "influence of the jungle" abounded. Basmati rice, yogurt sauces, raisins, Couscous...you name it, if it had an African influence, it was there on the menu.
We were tired from traveling and after dinner, we took a bottle of Pinotage to our room and the children had drinks from the African juice bar. Isabella was old enough to drink at this point, but did not partake. She and Liam; however, always asked to smell the wine. To my surprise, they each had a good nose.
As I went to sleep that nite, I wondered how the children felt about Paul and me. Did they want me to be connected to another man? In a relationship? Married? I knew not how they felt; as they would never say, so I had to assume that all was ok.
The next day we would do Epcot and we would be returning to Epcot for the end-of-year celebration. I was "flat out" excited to see what the folks at Disney would come up with for New Year's Eve. I had been to Epcot many times, and Disney was one of Brady's favourite places. He, too, believed it was a place of magic and even cried the day that Walt Disney died.
The rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge were absolutely perfect. As I peered over my balcony the next morning, I watched the animals play and eat and prepare themselves for another beautiful day. Even the sun arising over the preserve seemed to be as if I was in Africa, and far away from Florida in the United States. After two cups of coffee and some conversation across the balcony with the kids, it was time to head to Epcot.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
It was now December 18th.
Paul was scheduled to fly into Asheville on the 21st and on the 23rd we would leave for Disney. Isabella was arriving home on the 19th and Liam was slated to be out of classes on the 21st as well. I was already packing, as I was terribly excited about our nine-day stay at Disney. We would be there thru the New Year's Holiday.
The next few days were a whirlwind as I helped the children pack and get ready for the holiday. We made several trips to the mall and other places like Kohl's to get some extra "duds" for the trip. Animal Kingdom Lodge had plenty to offer, and we had all purchased "Park-Hopper" passes so that we would have upgraded access to all rides and Disney properties.
On the morning of the 23rd at 6:30 AM, we boarded the plane at Charlotte International. We had stayed the nite before at Aloft. It is quite the hotel, seemingly lit up with neon lights; supposedly for the "young and hip" business traveler. The children enjoyed it more than Paul and I, as they liked that sort of thing. I guess it is a small and minor generational difference.
The plane ride was smooth and short. By 9:00 AM, we were on the tarmac taxiing toward the gate. Our luggage arrived safely as well, which it seemed was always and issue when Brady and I had traveled. I had learned in my mature years to always pack a days worth of clothes in case the fortunate circumstance of the absence of a bag took place.
We were greeted in a Lincoln Town Car. Our name was embossed in permanent marker and a taxi driver waiting as Paul had arranged a private car. He was sweet to do so, and it also made me feel a level of comfort; as Brady had always done that sort of thing. While we did not vacation often enough; when we did, we did so in style.
Our arrival at Animal Kingdom Lodge was a monumental one. Having never been the kids were enthralled by this monstrosity of a resort. The African influence, the exposed wooden beams and the pure enormity of the place seemed unimaginable, even for me.
We had booked a room on the third floor purposefully so that we would be closer in height to the animals such as the giraffe and elephant. Monkeys were abound in the trees; and while we were not close enough to feed the giraffes, they seemed bigger than life and it felt as though we were "in the jungle". We all took short naps, and then it would be time to prepare for dinner.
Paul was scheduled to fly into Asheville on the 21st and on the 23rd we would leave for Disney. Isabella was arriving home on the 19th and Liam was slated to be out of classes on the 21st as well. I was already packing, as I was terribly excited about our nine-day stay at Disney. We would be there thru the New Year's Holiday.
The next few days were a whirlwind as I helped the children pack and get ready for the holiday. We made several trips to the mall and other places like Kohl's to get some extra "duds" for the trip. Animal Kingdom Lodge had plenty to offer, and we had all purchased "Park-Hopper" passes so that we would have upgraded access to all rides and Disney properties.
On the morning of the 23rd at 6:30 AM, we boarded the plane at Charlotte International. We had stayed the nite before at Aloft. It is quite the hotel, seemingly lit up with neon lights; supposedly for the "young and hip" business traveler. The children enjoyed it more than Paul and I, as they liked that sort of thing. I guess it is a small and minor generational difference.
The plane ride was smooth and short. By 9:00 AM, we were on the tarmac taxiing toward the gate. Our luggage arrived safely as well, which it seemed was always and issue when Brady and I had traveled. I had learned in my mature years to always pack a days worth of clothes in case the fortunate circumstance of the absence of a bag took place.
We were greeted in a Lincoln Town Car. Our name was embossed in permanent marker and a taxi driver waiting as Paul had arranged a private car. He was sweet to do so, and it also made me feel a level of comfort; as Brady had always done that sort of thing. While we did not vacation often enough; when we did, we did so in style.
Our arrival at Animal Kingdom Lodge was a monumental one. Having never been the kids were enthralled by this monstrosity of a resort. The African influence, the exposed wooden beams and the pure enormity of the place seemed unimaginable, even for me.
We had booked a room on the third floor purposefully so that we would be closer in height to the animals such as the giraffe and elephant. Monkeys were abound in the trees; and while we were not close enough to feed the giraffes, they seemed bigger than life and it felt as though we were "in the jungle". We all took short naps, and then it would be time to prepare for dinner.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Having Isabella away at college made he house kind of lonely. I had lost my little girl for a time, but it was an integral part of her life in order for her to "spread her wings" and fly a bit.
Liam was busy with football, as it was fall once again. He had lettered his freshman and sophomore year, and this year would be no different. He was slated as the season favourite to be an All-Area star running back and slot receiver. During the course of his short career, he had caught eighty passes for an average of sixteen yards per catch and had rushed for over 3,000 yards.
Bella was busy at school and would soon have to declare a major. To my surprise, she picked economics, with a Spanish and computer science minor. She had stated that she might even follow in her father's footsteps. I could see her in the top of her class and working on Wall Street not far in the future. Better than Sally Krawcheck? Perhaps.
We kept in touch via email daily as I was interested in her progress. I probably asked too many questions; as mothers do, but she was kind enough to give me bi-weekly updates when she called home and I got a brief synopsis daily by email.
She was taking Spanish III, Economics of Micro-loans, C++, Java, Cold-Fusion, and Entrepreneurship. I knew she had it in her to start a small business or her own financial advisory practice in Asheville, but I encouraged her to join a mid-size to large firm to gain experience. Morgan Keegan had just been bought out by Raymond James, but at least they had a regional hub in Nashville, Tennessee, one of my favourite places to visit. We ad gone shopping at Thanksgiving there many times.
The fall quickly turned into winter, and Isabella brought her roommate home for Thanksgiving dinner. Since she lived in Nebraska, it was hard for her parents to fly her home for the holidays. We were happy to host, and she was more than glad to have a "family atmosphere" for the holiday.
It had been a long time since I cooked the Thanksgiving meal, and once again my thoughts turned to Brady. He was an excellent cook and usually did a Turk-duck-en. Having not the skills or ability to match this feat, one from Harris Teeter would have to do.
We did; however have a tradition of saying what we were thankful for. Liam was thankful for the time off of school. Isabella was happy to be home, and Emma was happy to have a place and family to celebrate the holiday with.
Paul had not called in a while, but he phoned me on Thanksgiving day. He was ready to fly across the country and reunite with me in my family. As I stood by the kitchen island on the phone, I could hear the excitement in his voice and I was encouraged by his eagerness to visit. He mentioned that real estate sales had been slow and he was ready for a break. He suggested Christmas at Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney. In a swift moment after hanging up the phone, I was ready to pack.
When I hung of the phone, I let out a loud scream. Emma would return to Nebraska, but I invited her anyway. It would be Christmas at Disney for us and Paul.
Liam was busy with football, as it was fall once again. He had lettered his freshman and sophomore year, and this year would be no different. He was slated as the season favourite to be an All-Area star running back and slot receiver. During the course of his short career, he had caught eighty passes for an average of sixteen yards per catch and had rushed for over 3,000 yards.
Bella was busy at school and would soon have to declare a major. To my surprise, she picked economics, with a Spanish and computer science minor. She had stated that she might even follow in her father's footsteps. I could see her in the top of her class and working on Wall Street not far in the future. Better than Sally Krawcheck? Perhaps.
We kept in touch via email daily as I was interested in her progress. I probably asked too many questions; as mothers do, but she was kind enough to give me bi-weekly updates when she called home and I got a brief synopsis daily by email.
She was taking Spanish III, Economics of Micro-loans, C++, Java, Cold-Fusion, and Entrepreneurship. I knew she had it in her to start a small business or her own financial advisory practice in Asheville, but I encouraged her to join a mid-size to large firm to gain experience. Morgan Keegan had just been bought out by Raymond James, but at least they had a regional hub in Nashville, Tennessee, one of my favourite places to visit. We ad gone shopping at Thanksgiving there many times.
The fall quickly turned into winter, and Isabella brought her roommate home for Thanksgiving dinner. Since she lived in Nebraska, it was hard for her parents to fly her home for the holidays. We were happy to host, and she was more than glad to have a "family atmosphere" for the holiday.
It had been a long time since I cooked the Thanksgiving meal, and once again my thoughts turned to Brady. He was an excellent cook and usually did a Turk-duck-en. Having not the skills or ability to match this feat, one from Harris Teeter would have to do.
We did; however have a tradition of saying what we were thankful for. Liam was thankful for the time off of school. Isabella was happy to be home, and Emma was happy to have a place and family to celebrate the holiday with.
Paul had not called in a while, but he phoned me on Thanksgiving day. He was ready to fly across the country and reunite with me in my family. As I stood by the kitchen island on the phone, I could hear the excitement in his voice and I was encouraged by his eagerness to visit. He mentioned that real estate sales had been slow and he was ready for a break. He suggested Christmas at Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney. In a swift moment after hanging up the phone, I was ready to pack.
When I hung of the phone, I let out a loud scream. Emma would return to Nebraska, but I invited her anyway. It would be Christmas at Disney for us and Paul.
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