Apparently, when my great-great grandparents came to Canada they left the luck of the Irish in their home country!
On Saturday I ran in the St. Paddy's Day Road Race. While it was fun, there was no green luck on my side leading up to or post race!
On Friday I drove downtown to pick up my race kit. It was just after 5pm. You can only imagine how busy the downtown core was at this time. Obviously, I could not find parking, so I had the brilliant idea of parking in my parking spot for work. It would mean only a 3 block hike to The Running Room. I parked my car int he underground parking space designated to me and headed off. I picked up my kit, stopped at the sports store to look for new soccer boots, browsed through a few trendy shops and then headed back to my car. I almost dislocated my shoulder when I tried to throw open the front office door. LOCKED. Yep. My car was in the building, the building you need your work pass to access after normal business hours. It was 6:13pm!!!
I waited and waited till I saw a member of the cleaning crew. I banged on the door. She shook her head and walked away. I waited and waited, finally saw another member of the cleaning crew and got her attention. She must have thought me crazy! I was going on like a mad-woman. I think totally out of fear for her own life, this non-English, non-French speaking, older woman finally let me after I kept making the universal hand gesture for car and pointing down. WHEW!!!
Well, maybe I was lucky??? I did in fact get let into the locked building and I did get back to my car!!!!
The race went well and I finished it in one piece - so, that could be considered lucky.
After the race I hurried back to my office to pick up my weekend assignment. I was jazzed. I was sweaty. I was catching a chill. I remembered I had a warm fleece sweater in the trunk. I parked in my underground spot and grabbed my security pass (!!!) and popped the trunk and grabbed my sweater. Threw on my sweater and slammed the trunk closed. Yep. You figure out what I quickly discovered? Yep. I know you would figure out where this story of luck was leading. Car keys. Trunk. Yep. Inside.
CRAP! I race over to the door and thankfully it is unlocked...but in my car there is no trunk release. So, I am sure the security guard upstairs was having a great laugh at the show I was putting on the closed circuit camera! I had to remove the kids' car seats, pile all the junk onto the backseat floor, tug the seat down. Then I had to climb back into the trunk. Which I do, but not without kicking my rear view mirror off it's holdings and almost putting my foot through my sun roof. Oh ya! I could just imagine the security guard upstairs laughing his butt off at me!!! I was a sight for sore eyes!!!!
Yep. Even in lieu of me completing the race, finishing almost a minute faster than I ever-hoped to finish, the St. Paddy's Day Road Race is not that lucky for me! Though I am sure the the security guards would get a kick out of either episodes on the security tapes!!! While not lucky, I am good for a few laughs!
Wishing you all a very happy St. Paddy's Day!
In keeping with an Irish theme - Birthday gift suggestion # 25 would have to be one of these lovely creatures:
Unfortunately, since I am allergic to long-haired dogs, I would basically die! Put, I would like a dog. All growing up we has miniature poodles or cock-a-poos. I would love to have BIG dog! So how about a standard poodle????
How could you say no to on of these little cuties?!?!?!?!?!
I am sooooooo into participating...what a wonderful avenue for support, encouragement, possibly a few tears, but always a lot of bloggy-love.
Loosing weight is hard...but a wonderful network of friends, all trying to do the same can only make it easier! Yet another reason for me (and others) to LOVE blogging!!!!
got dressed with the help of my mother and my best friend...
had my father walk me down the aisle...
to proclaim my love and respect for a very special man...
who decided to not leave me at the alter...
and we were pronounced man and wife...
we celebrated our union with our family and friends...
had a bit of fun...
toasted our happiness and love...
and walked off together.
I love David more and more each day. My respect for him as a person, a friend, a lover, a confident, a father and a provider of all things knows no boundaries. David has taught me how to be more accepting, caring and how to value myself for the person I am today, the person I was yesterday and for the person I will be. He has helped me realize my limitations while encouraging me to push my boundaries and be all that I can be. His love is unconditional and non judgemental. His love is never-ending and so greatly appreciated and reciprocated.
My relationship with David is strong and simply wonderful and perfect in every way. I will love him forever and forever - and then some.
I thank him for taking me as his wife - with my faults and all. I thank him for making me a mother to three special and precious children. I thank him for teaching me what love really is and what happiness involves. I thank him for always being there for me and the kids. I thank him for saying yes when I asked him out! I thank him for making my world perfect. I thank him for being.
I have only been more excited about a new appliance once before!
When DJ was still in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit we bought a dishwasher. I was so ecstatic! Yep. A dishwasher.
DJ was recovering from major surgery and he had been very unstable, but he was starting to improve. We were told that yes, soon, he would be able to go home. Soon. No real date was given, but we were optimistic.
Then one night our dishwasher broke down. It was making all kinds clunking noises. It was old. It had seen it's day. The suds were in the water. Time for a new one.
I am not a spender. I hate parting with my money and am terrible at making major purchases since I investigate, compare, research. All in all, not a bad thing, but I take too long to make certain purchases. My hubby started joking that by the time DJ is a teenager, we may have a new dishwasher.
That was not the case at all!
The very next evening we were invited out to dinner with friends. They knew we spent our days at the hospital and suggested a restaurant close by. The restaurant was in a mall. We arrived early and decided run over to Sears and check out dishwashers.
I listened to the sales person. Not really hearing all the features he was listing off. Instead, I was thinking about how the unit had to be quiet, we would soon have a baby back in the house. And, since DJ was not going to breast, it would need a sanitize cycle. My baby would be coming home soon. Coming home. Soon.
I think David was ready for me to give the salesman the "thanks a lot, we will think about it" line, but I shocked him by saying, " So, this is a good one, eh? I guess we will take it, when can you deliver?"
Just like that.
That buying decision marked the first time since DJ went back into the hospital that we were planning for his return home. Alive. Thriving. Healthy.
Well, that excitement was almost equalled on Friday. David and I were messaging during the day on Friday. Canadian Tire was having a sale and the "Dyson Knock-Off" was on sale. Yippee.
You see, I HATE our old vacuum. It sucks...well, actually, it does not suck very well at all - that was the problem. It was bulky and I simply hated it. When I was pregnant with Anderson I slipped down the stairs while vacuuming and my hate skyrocketed! My children seem to equate four-letter swear words with vacuuming! Not a good thing when you want them to eventually inherit that household chore!
WOW. What a great comments from my last post. I really appreciate all your kind words. I am very proud of what I did back then to get control of my life.
I left a very unstable, abusive relationship and started a journey of self-discovery. I took my life and my happiness into my own hands.
I wanted to follow up that post with a post on how I met my hubby. I met David only 4 days after I purchased Joey! But, then I realized I already told that story in THIS POST. (Boy, I love that story - once again it demonstrates what can happen when you follow your heart, and take matters into your own hands).
So, what could qualify to follow those two milestone posts? Well, how about the day I actually, totally, completely, realized the extent of my transformation and the day that my hubby-to-be demonstrated an amazing amount of support, love, and a bit of his realistic way of thinking. (BTW, all characteristics that I love about him!)
Did I mention that between the time I left Mark and the time that I met David I had joined Weight Watchers. In just over a year I lost 78 pounds. I had regained my confidence. I had shed my old, heavy, dead skin of sadness and replaced it with a body full of energy, happiness and excitement.
David is a runner. He is one of those weird people who enjoy strapping up his running shoes and hitting the trail.
Shortly after we met I joined a Running Room program. Slowly, I started to like running. Especially with David.
I decided to participate in the National Capital Race Weekend. This is an AMAZING weekend here in Ottawa. I signed up for the 5K run.
I trained. And trained.
You would have thought I was going to run back to back marathons.
My goal was to run the 5K in less than 30 minutes.
The day of the race came.
I was nervous.
David and I sat silently in the car as we drove to the race location in the heart of Ottawa.
Just as we reached the main street David glanced over at me. He did not see a confident, excited, pumped-up racer. Instead he saw fear and lots of tears.
He pulled over. Took my hand and squeezed it. Then he quietly said, " You do not have to do this. It is just a silly little run. "
I turned and looked at him. And then I began to sob uncontrollably.
David, it is not just a silly race. It is not about the race. It is about finally being happy. It is about taking control of your life. Rediscovering who you are and what you want out of life. It is about loosing weight, feeling good about yourself and taking care of yourself. It is about taking chances. It is about being optimistic. It is about meeting the man of your dreams. About planning your wedding and knowing that this is the man you want to be with for the rest of your life. It is about unconditional love. It is about knowing that one day you will be a wife and a mother. It is about life. It is about battling to get control. Finding that control. Finding yourself. It is a lot of things. A lot of things I never dreamed I would have in my life. A lot of things I never thought I deserved...but now know I have always deserved them...and knowing that I have them all now. With you. With us.
David hugged me tight, then pulled away, wiped my tears, and placed both hands on my shoulders, looked me straight in the eyes and calmed me down.
Yes Laura. It is about all of that. And you need to be very proud of all that. But, in the end, if you laid a rope from the start to the finish, it is just 5KM. I love you very much, and you can do this. This is just 5KM. You can do it. I love you more than anything. You have trained. You can do this, my Love. You can do this.
I ran the race that day.
It was a race of emotion and adrenalin. I remember the pride in David's voice as I ran past him. He was cheering me on and snapping photos.
The race was the pinnacle of my transformation. It represented so much to me. Yes, it was all those things I described - maybe even more, but in the end, it was just 5K and I did it in 26:50! A personal best by almost 4 minutes!!
As a side bar, I have decided to recapture that great feeling of accomplishment. After 3 babies in 38 months, my body is out of shape. So, I have decided today, to set a goal. I have decided that next May I will run in the National Capital Race Weekend. Maybe even the 10K - you know, since my life is at least twice as great as it was when I ran the 5K!
Almost 9 years ago I ended a long term relationship. It was time for me to move on. I was not happy...and I knew I deserved better.
So, after 7 years - 7 long years, I packed my bags and left. For the most part, we knew what items in the apartment were originally mine, or his and we did a fairly easy, non-combative division of our processions. Only two items made us sit down and negotiate. Two items that both started with the letter C and each had 3 letters: CAT and CAR.
It was finally decided that I would get the four-legged freak cat and Mark would get the car. To this day I am not sure who won that battle!
So, after 5 years of living with someone, I found myself alone, in my own apartment, with some odd and ends furniture, and a cat. Once the shell shock wore off, I began to rebuild my life. I took extra care to turn my apartment into a home and took care to decorate and buy some nice new items. Cleo, the cat, and I became two single gals redefining who we were and what we wanted out of life. Happiness came much quicker than I ever imagined!
Right away I realized I needed a set of wheels. Driving a cat or taking the bus was not really an option. So, I began to look for a car. I found a sensible, reliable used four-door sedan. Which is funny, since when I began the search I wanted a spiffy, two-door sports car or a fun utility vehicle.
In keeping with tradition I decided to name my new car. My nice white, old-lady car was quickly named Leona. The name fit, and it was in honour of my Meme - Leona Brunet. My Meme was a feisty woman, she may have looked like any other elderly grandmother - but she was a ball of fire! Not many other grandmothers could wear black leather mini-skirts and embellished sweaters, and pull it off!
A few years earlier, when her health had been failing and my relationship with Mark was starting to fail, she had laughed in my face. Yep. Laughed in my face. I had told her that I thought that Mark and I would soon get married and start a family...and she laughed at me. She then told me that I was too good for that boy, and that I need to find true love and be true to myself.
So, when I named my new car - I thought of my Meme. I thought of how she was confident, reliable, strong-willed and a fighter. I thought of her last moments of life, when I held her hand and she took her last breath. I can still feel that breath in me to this day.
I thought of the moment I decided to leave Mark and how I took a deep breath when I finally committed to my decision. I thought of the deep breath I took when I confronted Mark and ended our relationship. I thought of the deep breath I took when I unlocked my new apartment door the first time.
Then, I thought about how a new set of wheels was a big step in regaining my independence and my freedom. I thought of how this new car represented the new journey ahead of me. I thought of how strong and wonderful my Meme had been...and I then named my car Leona.
Leona served me well. She never broke down and did wonders in helping me explore the new world around me.
But Leona, the 3 letter C word, was getting old. My needs and wants in a car changed. So, on this day 7 years ago I purchased a new car. I donated Leona to a young family who really needed her and purchased a brand new, shiny green Z24 Cavalier. Power everything. Sun roof. 5-speed. Zoom. Zoom. Zoom.
I was sad to see Leona go, but I was so excited about my new set of wheels. My nameless set of wheels.
As I drove my brand new car home, I thought of how far I had come in less than 2 years. How much my rocky, almost abusive relationship with Mark had hurt and damaged my spirit. I thought of how much I had did to rediscover myself and to move on in my life. I thought of how happy I was at that moment and how optimistic I was about my life. I was never going to look back. I was finally totally ready to start my new life. As I sped down the highway, with the tunes blaring and the sun roof wide open, I was finally over my relationship and totally ready to move on.
Just then a song came on the radio. A song by Jo Dee Messina. Bye Bye. WOW, did that song really encompass and and reflect my current life situation at the time.
As I pulled into my parking spot, I had a smile on my face and a vow to never look back...and I knew tight then, that my new car would be christened "Joey".
In honour of Joey's birthday, here is the theme song from that time of my life...and I never did look back!
On Thursday June 14, 2007 my uncle Graham lost his courageous 10 year battle against Lymphoma "Fine & Dandy" at age 53.
This past year has really passed by remarkably quickly. Honestly, I do not believe his death has really sunk in yet. We have yet to have an extended family gathering since his funeral. I still expect that at the next McConnell bash, he will come sauntering into the room, with his baseball cap on and will greet us with a silly grin and a loud, "Gheez!".
I am certain that this past year has been challenging for my aunt Frances and her children John, Robyn and Lee. My sadness is dwarfed by their sadness. They lost a husband and a father. My heart goes out to them and however I can, I try to bridge the miles between us with well wishes. I wish I could do more.
I have been thinking about the lovely service we had for Uncle Graham. It was probably one of the most personal, touching, loving celebration of life that I have ever attended.
During the service a touching poem, entitled The Dash, was read. The words still ring in my ears. If you have a moment, I encourage you to click through and experience this amazing poem. It will certainly make you think of how you live each day.
My uncle was a caring, funny, hard working guy-next door type of guy. He would help anyone out, give the shirt off his back if he could. He was a prankster. How many other people would have a "fart machine" at his final visitation?
He loved his family dearly and took pride in everything they accomplished. He would be so proud at how they have been coping since his passing. His chldren as growing into fine adults. Uncle Graham was so many things to so many people. We are all blessed to have known him.
Some of my fondest memories of my uncle were when I was very young. I adored my 4 teenage uncles. I can remember sitting on the back porch at my grandparents' house eating watermelon. I can remember my uncles taking me to the local elementary school and putting me on the roof to shag their tennis balls when they hit them onto the roof - I was all of 2 years old! I remember when uncle Graham came to live with us. He was the best live-in-babysitter! And the best poker teacher any 3 year old could have asked for!!!
My uncle had a huge collaboration of sayings and expressions. But when anyone in our family hears an "oh GHEEZ" we will always stop and smile, and think of Graham! He was always joking and putting you on the spot. There was never a dull moment with Graham around.
I remember when I was in university and Canada signed the Free Trade Agreement with the USA. I remember how while I had book knowledge...my uncle had real-life business knowledge. At a family function he and I discussed the agreement with me in his colourful, no holds-barred way and I learned things that no text book could teach. But most of all, I learned that a rebellious, quick-witted "little-bugger" could turn his life around, meet a wonderful wife, have a fabulous family, establish a business for himself and be a success in every way.
After Graham got sick, he taught me the strength of character, the power of family bonds and the relief of humour. Through his long battle against cancer he taught me pride, dignity and courage. He inspired me.
In Septmember of 2006 I remember calling my uncle one night - a bit nervous - with a question. We were expecting our third child and I really wanted to name the baby after him. With each of the children my hubby and I decided on family names from people who had qualities and personalities that we would like to instill in our children. I can still remember the pride in his voice when he told be he would be honoured if we used his name...especially if it was a girl since, you know, Graham is a boy's name! When we later found out our baby was a girl, I had a twinge of regret that would not be incorporating his name.
Just days before his death we all attended my cousin's wedding. Graham's health had been failing. I know how much it meant for him to attend his niece Kerry's wedding. None of us will ever know the strength and will-power it took for him to be there. It was as if he wanted us all to come together one last time and to celebrate like only the McConnell clan can!
The "dash" of uncle Graham's life was a colourful, vibrant, meaningful dash. It was a dash of purpose. A dash full of love, laughter and pride. It was a dash that I am so glad to have been apart of and a dash that touched so many people. It was a dash to be proud of...
After last Wednesday's Wordless Wednesday post Mommy got lots of questions on how I did when I got my ears pierced. So, Mommy thought I should tell you in my own words...well, in the words I would use if I had any...
What a cruel April Fools joke. Mommy took me to a store full of sparkly, pretty, shiny things. Oh, how I loved reaching at and touching the bracelets, necklaces and earrings on display in the store. Everything was so pretty and girlie. Even Anderson liked looking at all the bling bling.
Mommy seemed a bit nervous. She talked for quite awhile with the young girl that worked in the store. I thought the girl was funny because she had a shiny thing in her nose, eyebrow and lots of shiny things in each of her ears.
Mommy asked lots of questions. She seemed very interested to know if something could be done "both at the same time." I did not really understand all the grown up talk. But, Mommy learned that "both at the same time" is actually against the rules since it would mean two different people preforming the task. I was not sure what task they were talking about, but Mommy seemed to agree with the young hole-y girl and finally said, "OK. Let's do it!" Then she signed some papers.
I got excited when Mommy showed me some cute little purple shiny things. Mommy said it was my birthstone and that they would look so cute. I giggled and squealed and got excited.
Then Mommy started telling me that she hoped she could "do this". I still did not understand what "this" was, but it was apparent that "this" was causing Mommy some anxiety. So, I took my cue and started to act upset when Mommy tried to take what she called "before photos".
Then I got to sit on Mommy's lap on a tall chair. The young girl then tilted my head and put a little mark on my ear. I cooperated, but could tell something was about to happen. Then Mommy wrapped one arm around my arms and body and placed one hand on my head. Then Mommy closed her eyes tight and tensed all up.
BANG....sharp pain....I start to whimper, looking around...then Mommy pulls out her booby and I get an unexpected mid-day snack... YUMMY...all the while Mommy was telling me what a big girl I was being.
Suddenly Mommy pulls me off the booby and sits me up. The strange girl uses the marker on my other ear. Hmmmmm... this resulted in a bit of pain a few moments ago...I start to squirm. Mommy holds on tight and BANG...more sharp pain.
But, before I could cry, Mommy lets me continue my mid-day snack. YUMMY....
When I finally finish, Mommy shows me a mirror and I see the pretty purple shiny things in my ears. In my ears. Can you believe it? I start to laugh and kick my feet. The strange girl from the store gives me a pretty bag to hold. I really liked chewing on the string handles.
Mommy is all smiles and keeps telling me that "we did it" and that "I was very brave". I am not sure why she is all gushy over me, but heck, it made me happy. Then I got to share a cookie with Anderson and Mommy let me walk all the way around the mall. It was so much fun!
Now three or four times a day my Mommy wants to wash my ears and play with my shiny purple things. She thinks it is fun to push them back and forth and twirl them around. I beg to differ and try to tell her how much I do not like her playing with my pretty earrings by screaming and squirming. She does not seem to understand and keeps telling me it will be a long 6 weeks.
I like seeing my new earrings and I think they look pretty. Best of all, I completely forget how much those two BANGs hurt.
Daddy really likes my pretty ears and sometimes plays with them while Mommy holds me still. He says I am a pretty girl with pretty pierced ears...and that I am only allowed to have pierced ears. Daddy says I am not allowed to pierce any other body part...I am OK with that...for now...
I am still feeling under the weather. Still waiting for test results. Feeling cranky, tired and ache all over. Add in getting up early for work and then looking after the kids all day, my mood is not too great. Add in the ridiculous amount of snow we have and how long winter is dragging on and on and on. Well, things are snow-balling a bit and I am letting my parental and homemaker duties slip since I am not feeling well and that is causing me to become even more upset...
Well, then I saw this you-tube video over at Laura's blog, A Day in the Life of a Mom of 6(wonderful blog, you should check it out!) and all I could say was WOW! And now, I am slowly seeing things with the proper perspective and realizing things are not that bad.
Thank you everyone for the well wishes. I promise to get back into the swing of things as soon as I am feeling well.
We are having Madigan's first birthday party this afternoon. It is very hard to believe that she is one year old! Time has flown by.
It seems like just yesterday we were surprised, nervous, anxious, bewildered, excited and a bit shell-shocked that we were going to welcome a third baby into our family.
It seems like just yesterday we were told the sad news that our unborn baby had a large tumor in her belly.
It seems like just yesterday my waters broke, four weeks early, and we sat in the hospital waiting for seven hours before they could do the c-section.
It seems like just yesterday I held my princess for the first time.
It seems like just yesterday that we brought our little baby girl home.
It seems like just yesterday that Madigan made it through surgery with flying colours and that the doctors successively removed the enormous dermoid tumor.
It seems like just yesterday that the doctors confirmed that the tumor was not cancerous. It seems like just yesterday Madigan smiled for the first time, laughed for the first time, sat up, crawled, cruised, stole a toy from one of her big brothers, clapped her hands, squealed at the cat, waved hello/bye-bye, hugged, and offered kisses all for the first time.
Mags is a special, funny, strong-willed, loving little babe. She is growing up so fast.
Today we celebrate Madigan's life and all it will bloom into and all the experiences she has had, and will have.
Sadly, today I also celebrate two more lives.
In November I found out a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a shock. I saw her just before Christmas. She looked tired, but she was optimistic, and ready to fight for her life. Danuta passed away this week. I am sad. I will miss her. She was such a wonderful, caring, supportive, vibrant, quirky lady. She and I became friends with a very special connection eight years ago. And while both our lives were hectic and very separate from each other, when we ran into each other at the mall, at the community centre or grocery store, we always stood and talked for a long, long time. Today, I celebrate her life and how much she touched me and many others.
Sadly, today I also celebrate my mother's cousin Paddy Madigan. I did not know him very well as he is in my mother's extended family. But I morn for his family, his three young daughters. How terrible it must be to come home from school and find your father unresponsive. How terrible it must be to have just lost your mother a few years ago, and now your father. Cousin Paddy was looking forward to walking two of his three daughters down the aisle this summer. How sad that he will not be there on his daughters' special day. How sad for my mom's cousin Susie, she lost her father a year ago this week, and now her brother. She is desperately trying to comfort her nieces and family. My heart goes out to all of them.
I am trying my best not to be sad. Paddy and Danuta lived wonderful lives, full lives, loving and happy lives. Madigan's whole life is ahead of her and I hope and pray that she has as wonderful of a life as Paddy and Danuta.
Madiginnie-Ginnie, I love you with all my heart, happy birthday sweetheart.
Danuta and Paddy, you will be missed. You were and are loved. I am sad for myself, and all the other people you both touched during your short lives. May you both be at peace in God's hands. _____________ My google-reader is almost at double digits. I am so sorry that I am behind in posting and behind in reading all your wonderful blogs. I am too busy celebrating life...but once things slow down a bit, I promise to catch up. I miss you all!
If Annabelle is reading this...please know that I will contact you early this week. I am so happy we have connected. Hugs to Chloe.
Sunday morning DJ and I spent some quality time together. We went to see a movie together. We had a fabulous time.
While we were in the same room...we each saw a totally different movie - Let me explain.
Sunday was Bus Safety Day for our school system. Since DJ will be starting Junior Kindergarten in a few weeks, he got to attend an information morning. We registered and filed into a classroom. The lights went out and a fun little movie with Winnie The Pooh and friends came on.
DJ sat spell-bound - mesmerized as Pooh and friends went over the 8 rules of bus safety. Eyes fixed on the screen he nodded in agreement, giggled on cue and even objected to Tiger breaking one of the rules. During the credits he was all smiles - grateful that Pooh and his friends safely rode the bus to and from school.
Standing only a few feet away - the film I saw was quite different. And as the credits rolled, I wiped away a tear - grateful for the gift of being a mom and sharing in my son's life as he grows up.
Here is a snippet of the very personal movie I saw at Bus Safety Day.
One year ago I started a weight loss journey. I am working hard to shed pounds, get more active and lead a healthy lifestyle.
I am slowly rediscovering who I am, what I want, need and deserve in this crazy world.
I found happiness in 2000 when I met my husband, doubled that happiness in 2002 when we married...and then trippled that happiness with 3 wonderful kids in 37 months...life can get crazy with a 5 year old, a 4 year old and 2 year old! Some days, I feel like I am walking the lunatic fringe!
August 2002 - This photo was taken moments before I walked walked down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams. 
got dressed with the help of my mother and my best friend...
and walked off together.
This weekend is all about celebrating life.
