Planning our life- planning our wedding- my blushing crush grows to the man in my life in only 3 ever-so-short years. Three years ago, this week- I was teaching in an English classroom, receiving a text message from my latest, and hottest, date- Neil... "Let's get together..." Valentine's evening, we laughed through dinner at the Roaring Fork, and walked outside and into a carriage ride around downtown Austin. I'd lived in Austin my entire life, but had never seen downtown from a horse-drawn carriage. He kissed me between skyscrapers and stoplights and a new perspective, a new love, had arrived.
Life flew by between now and then, the details of which I'll save for another day. And here we are feeling the complexity of the life-long commitment we are excited and also overwhelmed by. Thinking about marriage makes for a full plate and sometimes stomach pains- past, dreams, fears, loves, and a side and salad for each. Instead of getting carried away at the pre-martial buffet of questions, possibilities and harsh reality of human nature- let's get back to basics. Find our laughter, our kisses, and just enjoy the ride.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Grandmothers
Both my grandmother and great-grand mother live in Illinois, in an elderly care home. My grandmother is in the stages of Alzheimer's and lives many days in the past. I call her to talk, she never remembers, but still chats away to me about what she did that day- well- what she did that day- in her mind. In our last call- she told me of her boys (her 6 sons- now grown of course) She told me how they piled into their van and headed to the park and went to church. She may not know what's happening all the time in her day- but I am comforted knowing that she lives somewhere happy. She does not remember that she is married- but tells me always that she has a nice man friend who visits her. She says he makes her laugh all day. He still believes that she will get better and come home. Thank you sir- you are a good man.
Sometimes, she'll talk to me about me. Once she described going to my childhood dance recital... She said, "Oh I just loved to watch Melanie dance- she danced like an angel." I don't really think she actually ever made it to those recitals... not at least that I remember. But I don't care- I guess she just loved whatever I did- which is the magic of Grandmothers.
Her mother is there too, Bertha (I was almost named after her). She just celebrated her 97th birthday. I talk with her too- she is sharp as a tack. Even though her husband passed away a few years ago- her passion for life did not waiver much- she learned to play the harmonica. She plays hymns at the church near her home, and for her friends and family.
She says to me, "If the good Lord hasn't taken me yet, then there's a good reason I'm still here. And I'll just keep on going, playing my harmonica, going to church, and I play cards too, you know, but most of the people here can't keep up."
There's a unique tie between grandmothers and granddaughters. I don't exactly know how to describe it- an un-bothered love, an intuition that I am strong because women before me were strong, a comfort that if she can do it- so can I. Life is precious, short, and meaningful. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Sometimes, she'll talk to me about me. Once she described going to my childhood dance recital... She said, "Oh I just loved to watch Melanie dance- she danced like an angel." I don't really think she actually ever made it to those recitals... not at least that I remember. But I don't care- I guess she just loved whatever I did- which is the magic of Grandmothers.
Her mother is there too, Bertha (I was almost named after her). She just celebrated her 97th birthday. I talk with her too- she is sharp as a tack. Even though her husband passed away a few years ago- her passion for life did not waiver much- she learned to play the harmonica. She plays hymns at the church near her home, and for her friends and family.
She says to me, "If the good Lord hasn't taken me yet, then there's a good reason I'm still here. And I'll just keep on going, playing my harmonica, going to church, and I play cards too, you know, but most of the people here can't keep up."
There's a unique tie between grandmothers and granddaughters. I don't exactly know how to describe it- an un-bothered love, an intuition that I am strong because women before me were strong, a comfort that if she can do it- so can I. Life is precious, short, and meaningful. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Girls' Night In
You may have noticed the frequent mention of CHANGE in previous blog entries... a few weeks ago, my dear friend Alex and I were perusing the sale racks in the arboretum for some sweaters for all of the upcoming winter events... we drove together there in her sparkling new volvo suv. As we stood in line to check out, I suddenly floated out of my body and looked down upon myself and bf Alex chatting in the check out line... of ANNE TAYLOR. As I snapped myself back into my body, my eyebrows lifted and I interrupted Alex in mid-sentence. "Alex!" I said, "Do you realize we are shopping in a "mom-store" ANNNND we drove here in "MOM-CARS!"
We laughed and thought- we are grown ups, we are really grown ups.
Today comes another moment of notice on my little Melanie pathway... Here it is, Friday night... Neil is working on a new licence in Florida... leaving me to my devices alone in Austin... Instead of painting the town red... my girlfriends and I are painting our toes pink... at home, in comfortable outfits and shoes, sipping champagne, sharing appetizers, watching girlie movies. And after a long week at work... it's sounds divine.
Monday, January 5, 2009
A New Year
Holidays remind us of love and joy, family and celebration, God's love and the excitement of a new year. This 2008 was an eventful year...
Landmark Events of 2008
1. I finished my Master's degree.
2. I began my first house re-modeling project.
3. Neil and I began our life together- engaged to be married!
4. Alexander Brent Boecking was born.
5. Lucky Dog Boecking went to Heaven after 12 years of life.
6. Maisie Boecking was rescued and joined our family.
7. We opened the second Pro-Care Spine Center in San Antonio, Texas.
8. Holly and Mike Neumann were married in Galveston, Texas.
9. Ryan and Lori Gray were married in Puerto Moreles, Mexico.
10. Alex and Kat Olmos were married in Austin, Texas.
11. Ava Royal Gilly was born.
12. Matt and Nichole were engaged.
13. Zach landed his first job as a youth pastor in University Park, Texas.
14. Amar and Emeia were engaged.
15. Brandon and Alex Hall were married in South Padre Island, Texas.
2008 was the year to grow into change.
I grew into the change all around me and within myself.
Growing out of the old and into the new- allowing me to reach new heights- love more, celebrate more, and feel more.
Thank you, Lord for 2008- Thank you for 2009...
Smile. The best is yet to come.
Smile. The best is yet to come.
Christmas 2008
Wow- this break was a much needed holiday.
Neil and I enjoyed a romantic evening at Vino Vino- our new favorite wine spot. You grab a bottle from the wall at a great price, tasting is encouraged and the staff was just fabulous as was the food. What a lovely evening. This one is a keeper! ;)
Family Christmas at Mike & Sallie's was FUN as always. We started with dinner at Mandola's Winery on Friday night. Neil and I set the record for the largest steak dinner, but my favorite part, aside from the company, was the pineapple-basil gelato dessert- let the holiday out-of-control-calories begin! The dogs had a blast together- Jackson, Ruby, Little, Maisie and Jenny and slept like rocks after playing so hard all day. The kids were cute, building gingerbread houses, riding scooters and climbing through their pop-up tunnels. B was a pro on the scooter, E and Neil bonded through gibberish language, and A is taking steps on his own! Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed the food and drinks, watching the kids play, and even a little Wii fun too.
Pro-Care Spine Center's Company Party- was hosted by yours truly this year. And I will say, the mashed potato bar was a hit, thanks Clayton & Lindsey for having this at your wedding, thanks Ryan & Sandra for reminding me! My first attempt at meatloaf and meatballs was delish too! Everyone had a great time and Steven even gave Rock Band a shot by the end of the night. Whew! Party planning is fun and tiring!
Girls' Day in Horseshoe Bay- My mom, Sallie and I set off early to take care of some wedding details in Horseshoe Bay. We tasted the wine and the food, viewed the venue again and made sure tables, chairs, and the lot was all placed accordingly. My bouquet is orchids like the one I loved in Amye's Neiman's Beauty Book. And the figuring out the cake... well, was a piece of cake. :) We ended our wedding duties with cosmos and girl talk in the restaurant. It was an awesome day- and it made me excited about our upcoming celebration.
Christmas Eve with my parents was exciting. We attended service at Grace's new sanctuary, my mom sang in the service and it was nostalgic to see some old familiar faces. Then we headed to PFChangs for one of my favorite meals. We celebrated with champagne and enjoyed the company before heading to Jeff's home for a little more Christmas cheer. We toured their masterpiece home and visited, more cosmos, and danced a little as we were pretty merry at this point. I can't wait to see what their next project will be!
Christmas brunch at my parents' house, Zach made it home late and forgot to bring his presents! Regardless, we laughed and enjoyed the morning. Mom and dad headed out to Illinois to visit family and friends- Happy 97th Birthday Grandma! Neil and I headed home to watch movies with our dogs... and ahhh... rest. Zach headed over for some Rock Band and leftovers. I hung back and tried to snuff out my vicious cough with honey syrup and elderberry, echinaecia, night-quill and everything else I could get my hands on at this point.
Christmas with Tom & Marian at Chuck & Monique's house- the kids were busy playing with animals and cardboard bricks- these were a hit and I was happy to see these classic toys are still crowd pleasers. Their new dog Buddy is absolutely precious. He took refuge from the kids' antics in my lap while everyone opened gifts. We enjoyed an awesome lunch at South Congress Cafe on Sunday.
Neil and I and the pups laid low after the dust settled- we cruised the scooter around town, catching lunches here and there, watched movies, and just RELAXED. It was joy, peace and love. The holidays.
Neil and I enjoyed a romantic evening at Vino Vino- our new favorite wine spot. You grab a bottle from the wall at a great price, tasting is encouraged and the staff was just fabulous as was the food. What a lovely evening. This one is a keeper! ;)
Family Christmas at Mike & Sallie's was FUN as always. We started with dinner at Mandola's Winery on Friday night. Neil and I set the record for the largest steak dinner, but my favorite part, aside from the company, was the pineapple-basil gelato dessert- let the holiday out-of-control-calories begin! The dogs had a blast together- Jackson, Ruby, Little, Maisie and Jenny and slept like rocks after playing so hard all day. The kids were cute, building gingerbread houses, riding scooters and climbing through their pop-up tunnels. B was a pro on the scooter, E and Neil bonded through gibberish language, and A is taking steps on his own! Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed the food and drinks, watching the kids play, and even a little Wii fun too.
Pro-Care Spine Center's Company Party- was hosted by yours truly this year. And I will say, the mashed potato bar was a hit, thanks Clayton & Lindsey for having this at your wedding, thanks Ryan & Sandra for reminding me! My first attempt at meatloaf and meatballs was delish too! Everyone had a great time and Steven even gave Rock Band a shot by the end of the night. Whew! Party planning is fun and tiring!
Girls' Day in Horseshoe Bay- My mom, Sallie and I set off early to take care of some wedding details in Horseshoe Bay. We tasted the wine and the food, viewed the venue again and made sure tables, chairs, and the lot was all placed accordingly. My bouquet is orchids like the one I loved in Amye's Neiman's Beauty Book. And the figuring out the cake... well, was a piece of cake. :) We ended our wedding duties with cosmos and girl talk in the restaurant. It was an awesome day- and it made me excited about our upcoming celebration.
Christmas Eve with my parents was exciting. We attended service at Grace's new sanctuary, my mom sang in the service and it was nostalgic to see some old familiar faces. Then we headed to PFChangs for one of my favorite meals. We celebrated with champagne and enjoyed the company before heading to Jeff's home for a little more Christmas cheer. We toured their masterpiece home and visited, more cosmos, and danced a little as we were pretty merry at this point. I can't wait to see what their next project will be!
Christmas brunch at my parents' house, Zach made it home late and forgot to bring his presents! Regardless, we laughed and enjoyed the morning. Mom and dad headed out to Illinois to visit family and friends- Happy 97th Birthday Grandma! Neil and I headed home to watch movies with our dogs... and ahhh... rest. Zach headed over for some Rock Band and leftovers. I hung back and tried to snuff out my vicious cough with honey syrup and elderberry, echinaecia, night-quill and everything else I could get my hands on at this point.
Christmas with Tom & Marian at Chuck & Monique's house- the kids were busy playing with animals and cardboard bricks- these were a hit and I was happy to see these classic toys are still crowd pleasers. Their new dog Buddy is absolutely precious. He took refuge from the kids' antics in my lap while everyone opened gifts. We enjoyed an awesome lunch at South Congress Cafe on Sunday.
Neil and I and the pups laid low after the dust settled- we cruised the scooter around town, catching lunches here and there, watched movies, and just RELAXED. It was joy, peace and love. The holidays.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ryan and Sandra's Annual Christmas Party
The fun began with an unusually long and unusually occurring "sleep in morning." By noon, we had gathered ourselves and were on the road cruising away on IH 35 to be met, in just a few short hours, by our friends, Ryan and Sandra and their brood of kitties (Abby dog was at doggie day-care). Ryan and Sandra met us with smiling faces at the door- we caught up over a lovely 2002 Stag's Leap and admired their harvest of tomatoes... masses of them from their garden!
Then- it was Wii time. I have to say- I have never been one to take much interest in video games, aside from some childhood fun with Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and Excite Bike- from Nintendo 1- yes, the one and only original! However, video games have come quite a long way in the past 15 years, and the Wii- is SUPER FUN! Neil and I battled at tennis, golf, bowling, fishing, and shooting before Rock Band sucked us in like kids on Christmas morning. Before we were completely hooked- Sandra put us to work moving stemware and lighting candles. This year's theme was BIG and SPARKLY (thank you, Shannon)! The stage was set with perfect Christmas Cheer and Elegance when guests began to arrive. Chef Juan conjured a delectable feast of hors d'oeuvres- fruits, cheeses, chocolates, bruschettas, sea food fondue, bacon wrapped chicken and shrimp... there is a term for these but I can't remember :) Ryan and Sandra broke into their coveted collection of wines for several Napa wines to make the season ever brighter.
We wrapped up the night with a late night encore of Rock Band and were right back at it in the morning. Neil was on the drums, Ryan on guitar and Sandra and I took turns singing song after song after song! I did score 100% top performer too! The weekend will definitely be added to our greatest hits! Thank you Ryan and Sandra!
News from the friends we hadn't seen in a while...
Kelly and Chris are starting a Guns N' Roses cover band (and their new bassist looks exactly like Slash - whoa) Now THEY are the REAL Rock Band!
Andy and Shannon and planning to travel this year- what's on the list? Germany, California, and Texas for starters.
Jennifer and Jason - were married in Vegas and just returned from their honeymoon in Vail, Co. Congratulations!
Then- it was Wii time. I have to say- I have never been one to take much interest in video games, aside from some childhood fun with Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and Excite Bike- from Nintendo 1- yes, the one and only original! However, video games have come quite a long way in the past 15 years, and the Wii- is SUPER FUN! Neil and I battled at tennis, golf, bowling, fishing, and shooting before Rock Band sucked us in like kids on Christmas morning. Before we were completely hooked- Sandra put us to work moving stemware and lighting candles. This year's theme was BIG and SPARKLY (thank you, Shannon)! The stage was set with perfect Christmas Cheer and Elegance when guests began to arrive. Chef Juan conjured a delectable feast of hors d'oeuvres- fruits, cheeses, chocolates, bruschettas, sea food fondue, bacon wrapped chicken and shrimp... there is a term for these but I can't remember :) Ryan and Sandra broke into their coveted collection of wines for several Napa wines to make the season ever brighter.
We wrapped up the night with a late night encore of Rock Band and were right back at it in the morning. Neil was on the drums, Ryan on guitar and Sandra and I took turns singing song after song after song! I did score 100% top performer too! The weekend will definitely be added to our greatest hits! Thank you Ryan and Sandra!
News from the friends we hadn't seen in a while...
Kelly and Chris are starting a Guns N' Roses cover band (and their new bassist looks exactly like Slash - whoa) Now THEY are the REAL Rock Band!
Andy and Shannon and planning to travel this year- what's on the list? Germany, California, and Texas for starters.
Jennifer and Jason - were married in Vegas and just returned from their honeymoon in Vail, Co. Congratulations!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Love the Holidays
Although I love the summer time- full of lake time, pools, bbq's and sunshine, I have to say- the holidays are equally, if not a more enjoyable time of year.
Neil and I continued our tradition of decorating our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It was a great day- we had a full Turkey Day feast at my parents' house, then rolled our selves home for a nap. I worked on an embroidery project while Neil enjoyed his other love- football.
Finally we went to pick out a fresh tree and take it home to decorate. Zach was in town and joined us- we had a ball- between holiday drinks, snacks, doggie pajamas and Christmas music- we covered the tree in over 2600 lights! More than last year!
Now that the holiday season is in full swing- we are juggling the Christmas parties, charity events- Toys for Tots and Any Baby Can, and shopping- to keep the season bright.
Holiday Heartwarmers-
My mother picked out her mother-of-the-bride dress- I hope I am as beautiful as she is- both inside and out- when I stand in her shoes one day.
Brent, Ana and baby Alexander will welcome a baby BOY at the end of April! Alexander has brought so much joy to his family- we can't wait to meet our new nephew in just a few months. Congratulations!
Neil and I continued our tradition of decorating our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It was a great day- we had a full Turkey Day feast at my parents' house, then rolled our selves home for a nap. I worked on an embroidery project while Neil enjoyed his other love- football.
Finally we went to pick out a fresh tree and take it home to decorate. Zach was in town and joined us- we had a ball- between holiday drinks, snacks, doggie pajamas and Christmas music- we covered the tree in over 2600 lights! More than last year!
Now that the holiday season is in full swing- we are juggling the Christmas parties, charity events- Toys for Tots and Any Baby Can, and shopping- to keep the season bright.
Holiday Heartwarmers-
My mother picked out her mother-of-the-bride dress- I hope I am as beautiful as she is- both inside and out- when I stand in her shoes one day.
Brent, Ana and baby Alexander will welcome a baby BOY at the end of April! Alexander has brought so much joy to his family- we can't wait to meet our new nephew in just a few months. Congratulations!
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