Thank you Fred

From The Prophet , a beautiful gift from our dear friend Fred Schmidt.

on Marriage
"Then Almitra spoke again and said, And
      what of Marriage, master?
      And he answered saying:
      You were born together, and together you
shall be forevermore.
      You shalle be together when the white wings
of death scatter your days.
      Aye, you shalle be together even in the silent
memory of God.
      But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
      And let the winds of the heavens dance
between you.
     Love one another but make not a bond of
love:
    Let it rather be a moving sea between the
shores of your souls.
   Fill each others cup but drink not from the
cup.
   Give one another of your bread byt eat not
from the same loaf.
   Sing and dance together and be joyous, but
let each one of you be alone,
   Even as the strings of a lute are alone though
they quiver with the same music.
   Give your hearts, but not into each other's
keeping.
   For only the hand of Life can contain your
hearts.
   And stand together, yet not too near together:
   For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
   And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in

each other's shadow."

What a perfect evening, I am now a wife, he is now my husband, and we are now a family.

Many posts to come, but for now I leave you with the above words.

Wedding update:

Its done! Everything was perfect.

Trying new things.........Am I crazy?

Between work, P90X, training for a half marathon, planning a wedding and at some point taking a shower and sleeping I've decided to try something new, bike racing! As Jem Fromant says(one of Todd's 1000 FB friends) a "proper sport." After having the Cutters stay for 2 weeks, seeing Little 500(and the fact that those women have "proper" butts) and witnessing Libby and Dirk get after it at Ironman Orlando, I just had-ta!

"This is the cool way to relax on your bike"-Todd


I must admit, with the white wedding dress, the idea of a giant scab or sling for a broken collar bone does make me think twice, but I went yesterday for the first time and yes Libby I'm hooked.


For those who don't ride, here is a run down of the correct first day thanks to Todd! I will say I have been spinning for years, some Saturdays for 2 hours. And while that does prepare you in certain aspects, the fixed bike versus the road bike is a whole new world.

Before you get on the bike, you need a few essentials. First a shami! This is basically a nice soft diaper sewn into a pair of hopefully breathable shorts. They should be snug but not cutting off your circulation. Second a helmet, if you think its cool to not wear one you're an idiot and should not ride a bike. Water and a little nutrition before hand is important. I have been running for the better part of 10 years and have never been hungry even after a marathon, but I was starving after my ride. And of course a bike! I'm fortunate enough to have good friends who enjoy sports so Sasha and Libby both offered up. I ended up on Sasha's Synapse Cannondale with pedals that you slide your foot into(vs locking in.) Plan to budget some dinero for this sport and if you cant get the right gear wait until you can. You will be safer, more comfy, and ultimately enjoying yourself.

OK now you are ready somewhat. As I woke yesterday I also put on Bodyglide(thanks for the advise Felicia Regan) and sunscreen, I don't want to work on my "Pro-tan" -Jason Fowler.

We arrived at the boat ramp on Shore Drive. Took the bike's out and began learning. First we pumped up tires. Between 100 and 120 lbs is good(we went 110). This in itself is a new challenge; there are no kick stands on road bikes so its a delicate act of balancing, loosening the seal, pumping and doing it all over again.

Now for some White Lightening! This stuff is awesome. Its a cleaning lubricant. Putting it on is a feat in itself. Hold the bike, turn the pedal backwards and spray at the chain then pat your head, rub your belly and chew gum at the same time........get it?

Mount the bike, couple things. First you never ever put your foot over the top tube, so not cool, you have to swing around the back(first few times I managed to hit the tire, oh yeah looks who's awesome.) Ok now put your foot in, and push off, oh wait this bike weights about 3lbs, and I push down and the whole thing goes down! Needless to say this took some time.

So the next 30 minutes is filled with FAST heartbeats and SLOW mph, I'm talking about 6mph! I was so scared. Coming from the beach cruiser world where your feet do all of the work this was scary. Im 28 years old and have never been on a bike with hand brakes, it was like throwing someone from Arkansas who cant swim in the ocean. To quote Todd "that has to be the worst I have ever seen anyone at the start of a biking adventure and I'm pretty optimistic, but that was bad Heather. Surprisingly by the end you did great, lets pull the trigger on your bike." So after many expletives and some advice from Todd I finished the day having gone 24 miles, average speed about 17mph on the second loop, and hit 22.6 mph.



Check out my "rookie mark."


You finish feeling worked out but not beat up, your lungs are open, the wind is cool, and the views are beautiful! I cant wait to ride again. I went and bought shoes and clip in pedals and another shami already.




So am I crazy, maybe. I was talking with Juan Mas after our 5 mile loop this morning and he pointed out that all bikers get hurt, its expensive and if the novelty wears off well.... While the percentage of hits, falls, and other sillyness is higher(some guy up in Jax was so angry at a biker last week he stabbed the guy), there is less stress fractures, ITB issues, over heating and well, you just dont feel like the pavement beat you up when you finish. As for novelty, with Todd, the Cutters, The Bockels, Libby and Neil and the Regans, I dont think theres a lack of inspiration or people to ride with.


All I know is I went and bought clip in pedals, Diadora shoes, another shami, and gloves of my own and will be riding again Wednesday in the South if not sooner!!!!



GET GET GET

The Devil is Definitely in the Details

Decisions have been made, dates have been set, plans have been solidified and things are shaking. But man its hard to tell someone no. No I don’t like your dress, no we are going with another venue, no we like this other photographer. At the end of the day, those who wed, plan, photo, bake, boil, serenade all are artists, and there are a lot of good ones. Versus my career and a day to day battle where I challenge rival payroll systems, at the end of my very long days, im proposing and demoing someone else’s brainchild. No one feels bad to tell me no, and honestly it doesn’t hurt my feelings(although I hate to loose, especially to other service bureaus. Boooooo)

So here’s the anecdote to our life together; the day of and beyond details.

Todd will be running RAGNAR as his bachelor party. He has promised to wear sunscreen and be extra careful as he and 7 of his faithful running friends take off from Tampa in an attempt to break the state record by running over 200 miles to Daytona relay style. Wish him luck(and me since he will be gone Thursday through Saturday.) Patrick and Tim, im holding you both responsible for getting him home on time, un sunburned, and in one piece.

Dress decision has been made, I will not post but will respond to email requests(Todd frequents the blog.) I will say its from the first place I went, Love Boutique in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and is totally opposite from where I originally went. Shoes im still debating(also only available on request.) My dear friend Erica Reynolds from Sutra in Jax Beach will be dealing with hair! I will be getting extentions "cause girl you know everyones got them." And Diedra Leake will continue to improve my skin. P90X has been placed into the workout regimen to start after the Gate River Run in 2 weeks.

Our ceremony will be in the Lobby of the beautiful Lightner Museum in Historic downtown St Augustine followed by a Spanish tapas reception at The Tasting Room featuring a fabulous menu and Champagne reception. Solo will be playing and im really looking forward to the celebration.

We, after much debate(all good) decided on Zach Thomas Photographyand are looking forwardto his artistry.

Flowers will be a combo of poppies and ranunculous roses and black calla lilies from Liz Stewart Design.

Invitations are almost ordered but as Todd says “remind him of me and my big eyes” and are titled, “Whooooos in love”

And then the cake, this is still on the table! Im a function over form person, so it will be yummy.

I think that’s it!

Oh I almost forgot the Honeymoon! In classic, movie fashion, Todd and I will be leaving from our reception and heading to the airport! This was one thing I insisted upon and im so happy Todd went along with it. We will be departing on the 22nd from Orlando to St Lucia for 5 days. Then heading to Madrid for a week! I cant tell you how excited I am. I will have our Honeymoon Wishes Registry up this week!

On a side note, thank you to everyone who has requested blog updates! Life and love has been incredibly busy and free time was spent attempting to sleep, learn Espanol and continue towards my race training! Now that selling season is over, work will resume as normal and I can get focused on this wedding!

Happy Groundhogs Day

Happy Groundhogs Day!

So why the big deal? A year ago today Todd invited me to Tips for Kids, a fundraiser where local “celebrities” serve dinner at various restaurants around town and the tips go to Boys and Girls Club. Funny thing, Tips for Kids is tonight and its Groundhogs Day! Lets just hope this year he doesn’t invite all his girlfriends!

Last year I had just moved to St Augustine and received a text from Todd to come. I didn’t know anyone in town so he had me call his friend Ashley and meet up with her. It was a great event and I ended up also befriending, Don, Ashley’s now husband, Dr Stu, Seth Corneal and Leah Beck! The topic that I really find funny and that Todd constantly pokes at me about is how there were 3 girls that he invited that night who he was “dating” and invited me just as a new person in town. That night we ended up sitting with the Mayor in the main dining area away from all 3 girls and as Todd says “you just fell in love.” I recall a little differently. Thinking to myself, “is he serious? this guy is insatiable!” Regardless I was a bit intrigued since the 3 girls were so different and all basically chasing him around, so I had to find out for myself what the big deal was!

Prior to my moving to St Augustine Todd and I’s interaction was simply business; But there is the fern incident. He sent me a fern to my parents house where I was staying the week before I moved after a small procedure I had done(nothing serious)! My mom asked “Who is Todd?” I just replied “some bald CPA guy, I don’t know what his deal is.” After moving to St Augustine, I was still sorting out some medical stuff and had to head back to Jax. To make an everlasting impression Todd sent a bouquet of roses with a note that read “ I know you think your $@1t doesn’t stink, I guess we will find out tomorrow.” (ill leave the type of procedure to imagination)I was blown away. Come to find out recently he was panicking after this because I didn’t call for a few days. I guess girls not chasing him didn’t happen often? After many attempts at texting me for dates , the gloves came off so to speak and I finally gave in to a suedo date on Valentine’s Day! Shortly followed by the Paul Harris Dinner and our first out of town together, The Gate River Run!

So here we are, 1 fern, a few dozen roses, Plumeria earrings and an engagement ring later! Lets hope this is not like the Bill Murray movie and I have to redo the whole year! LOL From here on out im looking forward to actual wedding planning activities! As our Mayor Joe Boles said at Rotary Lunch, “Todds very smart for trapping her.”

Wedding Plans
November 21st Tasting Room Reception, Initialed napkins and a real wedding cake.
Ceremony, looking like the Lightner Museum Lobby! Fingers Crossed!

This Changes Everything

My future father-in-law Tim,today suggested to me that I write a diary to remember the happiest times in my life. His specific words were “you can fill a room with happiness my friend” and you should write it down to share with everyone because its a special ability. This is in reference to my Griswald Family style of celebration; over the top, all inclusive, and if nothing else simply fun. Today was most important to set this off, so here we go!

As Todd and I were riding back to my new home in St Augustine Florida we began having a very important discussion that all couples should be able to have, one where you are completely exposed and vulnerable. So after a great lunch with my mom and dad at Mellow Mushroom and trip to Home Depot, after which my father actually chased down a man selling firewood(because he needed a truck load!) our discussion was prompted after hearing the Dido song “Thank you”. More specifically the line, “for giving me the best day of my life.” Todd turned to me and said “What is the best of yours?” Me”The best ever.” LONG PAUSE 2 came to mine, the first was my graduation from college and the second was a selling day in Asheville NC where we hit on all cylinders, it was cold, crisp that early morning with wild turkeys about and the sale that I created went off without a hitch! So of course I posed it right back and he came up with 4. When Justin Taylor ran and won the tri-fecta, Little 5 win Number 10, The day he hit the Chicago Marathon at 2:30(I was there for that one) and the day he learned he had passed his CPA. This transitioned into the always funny topic of our wedding. So as I made a quick joke about planning our “family reunion” as to not set off anyone in town that I was really planning our wedding(small town, very small) our song came over the radio “Use Somebody” Kings of Leon. He sang the first line, and then said “I think you should start planning our wedding on Monday.” I laughed and agreed and he said no really, I paused and began to become overly hot and bothered, was this it? Am I getting proposed to? Is this like the time in the airplane coming home from our New York/North Haven trip that he showed me a ring on the I-phone?
Now keep in mind its January 9th, 2010, the coldest and longest recorded days in a row of hard freeze temperatures in north Florida, and im getting HOT! I cry, laugh uncontrollably thinking he is putting me on and he asks me to reach under the seat. It was hilarious: me “under the seat?” Todd: yes. Me: “What seat? My seat? Theres no under the seat its electric stuff” Todd: “ NO theres a plastic thing, open it up” Me: fidgeting like a nutball finally opens it up and a little black box slides around. I pick it up and start to cry/laugh. Had someone driving in the next lane looked over, they would have thought both my parents, brother and everyone I know died at once! I opened it, looked at him, then down! IT WAS THE RING!!! The ring we happened to go look at while shopping for Christmas presents 3 weeks earlier! It is beautiful, eclectic, old fashion and perfect! Im so happy. I look at him, “are you asking me? Is this really it?” Todd: Yes.
So its officially official! IM engaged to be married! Alert the press, let the bells ring, this is it! Sometime this year(December most likely) I will be Heather Lane Neville! Wow, that’s so crazy the first time you don’t write your own name.
By far Todd I want to Thank you, for the best days of my life! I love you.
So with that here begins my diary. January 9th 2010 the day of my engagement. This is going to be a happy year. The year I Heather Lane Sutherland, gets married.