February 6, 2013

Naive Little Butterflies

While in Disney, Luker and I had the opportunity to go on a few date nights.  They were fantastic.  We went to the Magic Kingdom and to Epcot.  We acted like teenagers and honestly they were some of the best dates we’ve had in a while.  So fun to go on rides, squeeze the one you’re crushing on, and feel like a youngan again.

As you know, our kids were wicked sick for a bit before our trip and this created lots of stress for Luke and me.  We were short on sleep and on and on.  Bottom line, we felt tense.  One night after eating dinner in France (Epcot) we decided it might be nice to get a massage.  But where, pray-tell, can people get massages at night?  There had to be some place.  If this place is in fact Disney, shouldn’t they have these kinds of things around every corner?  One would think.

We pondered for only a brief moment and then remembered that right near our hotel, there was a little strip mall with a massage place.  Bingo.  Maybe there was a shot in hell that it would be open apres dinner.  So, we sped out of the park around 10 pm, giddy as hell.

What we were picturing

We pulled up and I couldn’t have been more excited.  ASIAN MASSAGE the sign read in blinking red lights.  I clapped my hands and squealed with glee.  “And I love Asian massage!” I said to Luker picturing my last massage in the Thailand airport.  We bolted out of the car to the door.

Never once did it occur to us that random massage places located in dodgy strip malls off highways are a little, I donno, off.  And never once did we think to ourselves, hmmm, is it strange that this place is open at 10:30pm on a Tuesday night?  Naw.  Never once.  We walked forward more slowly now and attempted to peer into the opaque windows.  Foreign men ran in and out of this massage place like flies on shit.  Funny, I thought, a naive fucking butterfly, I don’t see any women going in?

We went inside and only then did we realize what kind of massage joint we’d stepped into.  We were looking more for actual massages.  Not the kind with blowjobs on the side.

What we walked into

Thanks, but not this time.  We flapped our tiny ass wings back to the hotel and tried to scoop our chins off the floor.  Orlando has a little more flavor than Boulder it seems.  And I am a little greener than the average broad.

Posted by |Filed Under: at my finest | Cussing | firsts | travel | Leave a Comment
February 5, 2013

A Little Kid’s Dream

Well, we made it to Disney World.  As to be expected, it was totally amazing.  It was a close call because Kierian was so sick for so many days prior, we weren’t sure we’d swing it.  The kids and I had to cancel our trip once, but we braved the flight and he did just fine after re-booking.  Phew.

It’s funny to go to Disney and be the parent this time.  Crazy to walk in my parents’ shoes.  It doesn’t feel like that long ago that my family ventured there for me (and my brothers’ benefit).  I am just beginning to discover the joy that comes from seeing your children over-the-moon happy.

Being that our kids are so little, we weren’t sure how much of Disney they would take in.  Surprisingly, they were up for almost all of it (with the exception of a few rides).  Daddy worked hard during the days and thankfully, my parents came down for a few of those days to help me out while he was tied up.  Luke and I even got in a few date nights at the Disney Parks!  (Yay for grandparents).  And my good friend Andrea, who is the ultimate Disney Diva, helped me create a kid-friendly game plan for our adventure.   Overall, we made some incredible memories last week.

Here are a few pictures from our wonderful little hiatus…

Cora's FAVORITE animal of all time! We didn't know she was a Disney one and happened to bump into her first thing upon walking into the Magic Kingdom!!

 

The much anticipated castle

 

Jasmine and Aladdin!

 

Daddy and Kierian on the jungle cruise

 

Sea World! A Grandpa Jack-Jack fav

 

Visiting some old friends in Tampa. Crazy to think we used to travel together before all this procreation.

 

Petting zoo at Animal Kingdom

 

My parents took Cora and Kierian to a Cinderella dinner while we hit the parks...Big moment for Cora

 

Cora and Prince Charming who Cora said is "a little more handsome than Daddy."

 

Not sure what to think of the Step-Sister

 

Don’t know if we would have done this trip if Luke hadn’t had a conference down there.  But I’m so glad we did.  Our kids won’t be little for long and before we know it, Disney magic won’t be quite as impactful.  Just as much of a dream come true for us as it was for them…

Posted by |Filed Under: Cora the Rose | firsts | happiness | Kierian Man | motherhood | travel | Leave a Comment
January 24, 2013

Holy sh*t, did I tell you we were going to Disney?

We are.  In like two days.  We’re just so excited we can hardly stand it.

Cora is going to lose her friggin’ mind.  While poor Daddy is working at a conference, Cora will be metamorphosing into a princess completely pushed, packaged and sold by Disney. But hey, that’s alright.  Let the girl have her fun.   It’s going to be SO darling.

My favorite princess was always Ariel.  But upon reading this little chart I feel more closely aligned with the sarcastic bitch at the bottom with the rose.

 

But WHO the fuck is she?

 

I couldn’t have said it better myself, Elyse.  I seriously have no idea.

Anyway, I’ll leave you with the following video.  I know I have posted it before but I swear to God it is the most brilliant thing I have ever seen in my life.  I should post this shit every day (totally worth waiting through the ad, btw).

Ta-ta, Bitches.

 

Posted by |Filed Under: cool videos | Cora the Rose | fashion | travel | Leave a Comment
October 22, 2012

For Realzies

Okay, last post aside, I wanted to write something more about my trip.  Though at this point it feels like a distant dream.  Amazing how consuming life is here…but I still carry the benefits of my solitude with me.  This time it was harder than usual to be away.  I missed the kids, I missed being with Luke, and it’s hard to feel like I even want to miss any of it with the kids growing so quickly.

But the truth is it’s good for me; there’s nothing better.  I am a mother and a wife and thus defined by these roles.  But to me I am more than that.  It is only in leaving it all for a bit that I can come back with anything worthwhile to share.  It is the only way to truly know myself. I feel strengthened, energized and appreciative.

Luke did a completely amazing job with the help of many wonderful people, and the kids were totally fine.  It is two weeks they’ve quickly forgotten and two weeks I’ll clearly never forget.  Well worth it in the scheme of a life.

Here are a few highlights….

NEPAL

  • Having only my backpack with only my own belongings (mothers with young kids, you GET this)

  • Spending time with my meditation teacher and meeting his teacher, Soktse Rinpoche

  • Staying with Chandra, Rajani and Ragesh in Kathmandu and remembering why I love Nepal so much: the incredible warmth of its people.  They fed me, gave me a room with a bathroom and my own shower, we talked politics and drank chiyaa and they had a “last supper” for me that was out of this world.  They also helped me practice my Nepali language again.  It’s still in there, at least a bit.

  • Seeing my professor from when I studied abroad 11 years ago and hearing about her life, a Westerner abroad
  • Eating dinner gazing at the stupa and watching people walk around it in devotion

  • Eating dhaal bhat

BALI

  • Visiting Virgin Beach, a place untouched by regular tourists, and swimming in the ocean

Perfect place to eat lunch...

  • The quaint little cafes and shops in Ubud with scarves, jewelry and organic food.  Who knew?
  • Yoga in the mornings
  • Coconut water the way it should be drunk:

  • How the Balinese see the “God” in everything and show it by leaving beautiful offerings on doorsteps, in front of rivers, shops, restaurants.  They just get it…

  • Hearing frogs all evening
  • Hurrying back to the Bangkok airport so I could get another 10 dollar, hour long massage.  BEST. AIRPORT. EVER.

A great trip overall.  The reunion with my fam was also incredible, the anticipation alone took my breath away.  Luke is an exceptional husband as I know many men wouldn’t even think about letting their wife escape to do something like this with two kids at home.  I am one lucky chic.  And now, off to wipe a butt.  Back at it.

xo

 

Posted by |Filed Under: Buddhism | Daddy | happiness | motherhood | travel | 4 Comments
October 16, 2012

American Girl

Well, I’m home and so happy to be here.  It was a wonderful trip.  I had a lot of thinking time, moments alone, and time for reading and reflection that I don’t usually get here on a regular basis.  Perhaps my most profound take away from spending time in Asia is that I really like the Kardashians.  Like a lot.

I mean what a quality TV show.  Every single episode ends with some kind of moral lesson.  It’s really deep.  And Kourtney’s boyfriend Scott is just hilarious.  Also, I can’t believe Kim’s husband (I think ex now???) tried to have a party at her place in NYC without telling her.  I mean seriously.  Who does he think he is?

Here’s what led to my diamond piece of insight…

I was in Bali, staying in a small beach town called Sanur, a little place right on the ocean, which was what I wanted.  I woke up one morning swimming in a pool of my own sweat and turned my head to the left where a cockroach sat happily on the pillow next to me.  Did I mention there were no lights in the room?  Not important I guess.  Anyway, I turned to Cockroach that morning and said Cockroach?  And he said: “Yes, Brie?”as he wiggled his antenna listening intently.  And I said: “I’m gettin’ too old for this shit.” 

I jumped out of bed and furiously packed my belongings while there was still sunlight in my room so I could see, and Cockroach explained to his friends in our room my sentiments.  They understood completely.  I did what any American would do: I hightailed my ass over to the place on Bali where white tourists flock like boys on porn, and checked into a room for my last night there.  One with AC, room service, hot water and a television.  It was fantastic.

So, on my final night in Bali while many were out watching Kecack (traditional Balinese dance) and others were attending wedding processions, ceremonial cremations and eating exotic fish dishes, I sat in my room, blasted the AC, ordered nachos for dinner, took a hot shower and watched marathon episodes of the Kardashians.  I am one cultured mother fucker.

I guess you can take the girl out of America, but you can’t take America out of the girl.

 

Posted by |Filed Under: at my finest | Deep Thoughts | stuff that's dumb | travel | 7 Comments
September 25, 2012

I’m Out

Hey ya’ll.  Thanks again for checking my blog from time to time.  Just wanted to write to say that I’m out and I’ll be back in a few weeks.  I leave in a couple of days for Nepal and Bali for some time and self reflection.  Thanks for all your support and please check back in the middle of October!

Love,

Brie

Posted by |Filed Under: travel | 15 Comments
August 22, 2012

Post-Baby Pilgrimage

One of my biggest fears about having kids was that I would lose touch with who I am.  I was worried I would forget about the things that make me tick and only care about the needs of my family.  A mother’s love is incredibly powerful, but I think at times it can create unhealthy attachments for us we didn’t even intend to set up.  So, I am working hard to try and find ways to strike a balance in my little family.  For some women, I suppose it’s a career they want to get back to, for some it’s the love of skiing or social time or maybe even private time.  For me it is the love of travel.  Hands down, traveling offers me the most perspective on my life.  It resets me and reminds me of what’s important; it helps me make decisions for what to work towards going forward.

It also reminds me that I am fine on my own.  I live in an intricate web of friends and family who are wonderful.  But stepping away from these ties is among the most important act I can do for my own self growth.  (That said, I couldn’t do it without this web of support).  But these trips are important for me because they are so much more than just a vacation.   After I had Cora, I went off to India, Nepal and Bhutan for my personal post-baby pilgrimage.  Though it was tough to be away, it was an incredibly rejuvenating trip for me.

This time around I’m headed on a solo quest to Bali.  It’s a place I’ve never visited and for some reason is calling me (perhaps because it is a dreamland?)  Originally I was all set to leave a week from today.  I’ve moved the trip til the end of September, which feels a bit better.

Thanks for all your love and support in making the trip.  Any tips on what you know about Bali, as well as how to stay strong when away from the fam-fam are much appreciated.

 

 

Posted by |Filed Under: travel | 2 Comments
July 2, 2012

First weekend without kids

Luker and I had our first weekend without kids and man was it amazing.  We headed up to Crested Butte to camp, bike and spend one night in hotel while the kids stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Vernon.  It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 months since the two of us have gotten away together.  It’s been four years since we’d camped too.  Here are a few pics from the trip….

First night camping: AMAZING

 

Biking the 401. Holy hell, was I out of my element.

 

Drinks and dinner after biking: something I'm a little better at..

 

Honestly, the best part of the trip had to be the camping.  These days we take wonderful trips to places like Mexico, Hawaii and more.  But we didn’t always take these kinds of trips.  We used to camp every weekend when we were in college and just after.  It definitely reminded me that we don’t need to do fancy things to have fun.  In some ways, the less fluffy the better.  What a wonderful weekend away….

Posted by |Filed Under: happiness | Luker | travel | 1 Comment
June 6, 2012

Highlights from Steamboat

Thanks for all your support with the race last weekend.  It was great to do and feels even better to be done with.  I feel like I’ve earned myself at least a month off from doing anything exercise-wise.  Here are a few pics from the trip….

Leslie and I before the race

 

just after finishing..

Cora and Daddy enjoying the hot springs later that day..

enjoying our condo with a view after a celebratory dinner by the river

It was a great weekend getaway to the mountains.  Can’t wait to take advantage of the Colorado mountains some more this summer!  (As long as I don’t have to friggin’ run in them).

Posted by |Filed Under: travel | 1 Comment
March 12, 2012

Maui and an Irish tan

Well, we’re back from paradise: Hawaii.  It was so lovely to get away from everything with our little foursome.  As always, I worked hard on my tan.  But alas, I am Irish.  Thus I burned a little and now have nothing to show for it.  Bleh.  But I’m so vain, I’ll never give up.

There were so many highlights it’s hard to remember them all.  Here are a few of our favorite moments…

  • Reconnecting with our cousins and seeing our God Children, Henry and Yona.  It was our first time meeting Henry and when asked yesterday what Cora’s favorite part of Hawaii was she said without prompting: “Henry and Yona.”

eating Alana's famous homemade pizza!

  • Walking and taking the trolley around Oahu
  • Red velvet and guava chiffon pancakes at Cinnamon’s
  • Picnics on the beach with the Cole-Fabers (cousins)
  • Girls night out for drinks with Alana
  • Eating meals in fancy hotels: Hyatt, the Grand Wailea, the Hilton and taking advantage of their beachfront views

early morning breakfast at the Hilton

  • Date nights…dinners and beach walks…we got a sitter three nights so we could have some time..

Eating at Hula Grill

  • Kierian’s first time in the pool

  • Cora seeing her “first island princesses”

This was seriously a life-changing moment for Cora. Being as obsessed with princesses as she is, this made the entire trip worthwhile for her. A little bit of Cora heaven..

  • Cora and her goggles, I think I am beginning to understand why her first word was “fish”..

  • sand castles with Daddy
  • Seeing whales off the lanai
  • Naked time..

  • Seeing Cora dance freely all by her little self at every restaurant that had musicians
  • Seeing our kids interact together

  • Hawaiian shaved ice
  • Spending quality time with the kids and as a family

Man, we seriously contemplated not coming back.  The kids were amazing and we had such a relaxing time chatting, sleeping, eating and doing all the good stuff in life.  Time to start saving for the next trip there…

Posted by |Filed Under: happiness | travel | 14 Comments
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