We decided to do it.
We couldn't care anymore. This was getting too ridiculous. We were going to make it official. There was no more questions about it. My mum had relented and finally said yes. Now I just waited for him to "ask".
But before that could happen I had to solve a huge dilemma. Lachlan's birthday was just around the corner in the beginning of Feburary and I had no clue as to what to get him! His best friend, Justin, was my saviour in this instance.
We both thought buying Lachlan a ticket to the 20twenty cricket match where Australia versed India would be perfect.
Lachlan hated cricket.
We did not care.
Nana had bought him a really cool present as well. It was tickets to see Taikoz, a Japanese drumming group, who would be performing at the Opera House on the 7th February, a day before his actual birthday.
I wore a shiny blue party dress, and deeply regretted my choice, as I soon found myself battling with intense winds the whole time.
We ate some delicious food at a fancy resturant a stone's throw away from the Opera House, and were having a great time together. After eating we decided to make our way over to the Opera House and wait until the performance began.
While Nana went to the bathroom, Lachlan grabbed my hand and said, "Come with me! I want to show you something!"
Smiling I ran along with him, and began climbing the steps of the Opera House. We reached a landing and looked out onto the harbour. The sun was setting, and everything was beautiful. I took in a deep breath of the salty sea air and relaxed on the railing.
Lachlan began talking about something, but to be honest I wasn't really paying attention. I wanted to just savour this moment in front of me.
"...so, I didn't want to wait until my birthday..." I could hear him babbling on. I continued my ignorance...
"...well, I was thinking, why not? Christina?"
I turned and said, "Yes?" a little irritated that he had broken my moment of serenity.
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Summercamp
Summercamp was definitely the place where I got to experience my summer romance.
Yes, it is true that I was already in a romantic relationship with my not-yet boyfriend, but Summercamp was like the water and sunshine which helped our romance blossom. It was the most enjoyable three days of the new year.
Most of our morning was spent inside listening to our guest speaker preach, but the afternoons we had mostly to ourselves. On the first afternoon a whole bunch of us headed down to Soldier's Beach. It was a scorchingly hot 40+ degree day. We skipped across the hot sand and dove into the refreshingly cold waves.
Now I do not like waves. In fact I don't like most things about the beach; the sand, the constantly dirty feet, the wind, the sunburn and the seaweed. So it was a BIG deal for me to even be in the water, but it was just too hot to be anywhere else.
I was happy enough to sit in the surf close to shore, but to my dismay Lachlan headed further out into deeper water. He motioned to me to come and join him, but I was very reluctant. I am not a strong swimmer and waves terrify me. But I loved this man and I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
Slowly and tentatively I swam out to him. I could feel my heart racing and I tried my hardest to not panic and turn back. The whole time the temptation to give up ran through my mind. I finally reached my man and stayed as close to him as possible.
Each giant wave rolled by in two second blocks and I simply let myself float over the top of them. Lachlan got concerned that I would wear myself out and told me to dive under the waves instead.
So I followed his advice.
I lost my tankini top...
My embarrassment was indescribable. I didn't think Lachlan saw anything, but I was still stunned and decided to head back to the shore. I was convinced- waves hated me and I them.
I now know that Lachlan did actually see the event, which does not encourage me to go into the surf any more than it did that horrible day nearly 2 years ago.
My embarrassment was over yet either. About half an hour later, Lachlan and I decided to head up to the rock pools to, um, look at the sea life...really we were off to find a secluded spot to make out in.
As we walked along the beach we went through a bit of a slippery patch and before I knew it I was on my back staring up at the bewildered face of Lachlan.
Red-faced and sore I picked myself up and trodded along (carefully). Lachlan kept asking me if I was OK, which I repeatedly said I was, but I didn't think my recovery from embarrassment was ever going to happen after this trip to the beach.
One late afternoon, well after my humilating experience after the beach, Lachlan and I lay on the grass staring up at the twilight. The whole time he kept telling me how much he loved me and thought I was amazing. I just lay there drinking in his words, cuddling them close to my heart, lest I forget and mess up the good that was in my life. Later on we swung on the swings and bounced on the trampoline, enjoying the innocence of our friendship and the young, fresh beginnings of our romance.
The time passed quickly and soon we found ourselves back on the road (minus random cafes and pit toilets) heading back to Penrith. Lachlan sat in the back of my car, and passed his hand through to my seat, quietly resting it on my shoulder. I felt so close to him.
Despite the events I wished to forget at the beach, I loved every moment of Summercamp. It started off 2009 on a high and set in motion the best events of my life...
Yes, it is true that I was already in a romantic relationship with my not-yet boyfriend, but Summercamp was like the water and sunshine which helped our romance blossom. It was the most enjoyable three days of the new year.
Most of our morning was spent inside listening to our guest speaker preach, but the afternoons we had mostly to ourselves. On the first afternoon a whole bunch of us headed down to Soldier's Beach. It was a scorchingly hot 40+ degree day. We skipped across the hot sand and dove into the refreshingly cold waves.
Now I do not like waves. In fact I don't like most things about the beach; the sand, the constantly dirty feet, the wind, the sunburn and the seaweed. So it was a BIG deal for me to even be in the water, but it was just too hot to be anywhere else.
I was happy enough to sit in the surf close to shore, but to my dismay Lachlan headed further out into deeper water. He motioned to me to come and join him, but I was very reluctant. I am not a strong swimmer and waves terrify me. But I loved this man and I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
Slowly and tentatively I swam out to him. I could feel my heart racing and I tried my hardest to not panic and turn back. The whole time the temptation to give up ran through my mind. I finally reached my man and stayed as close to him as possible.
Each giant wave rolled by in two second blocks and I simply let myself float over the top of them. Lachlan got concerned that I would wear myself out and told me to dive under the waves instead.
So I followed his advice.
I lost my tankini top...
My embarrassment was indescribable. I didn't think Lachlan saw anything, but I was still stunned and decided to head back to the shore. I was convinced- waves hated me and I them.
I now know that Lachlan did actually see the event, which does not encourage me to go into the surf any more than it did that horrible day nearly 2 years ago.
My embarrassment was over yet either. About half an hour later, Lachlan and I decided to head up to the rock pools to, um, look at the sea life...really we were off to find a secluded spot to make out in.
As we walked along the beach we went through a bit of a slippery patch and before I knew it I was on my back staring up at the bewildered face of Lachlan.
Red-faced and sore I picked myself up and trodded along (carefully). Lachlan kept asking me if I was OK, which I repeatedly said I was, but I didn't think my recovery from embarrassment was ever going to happen after this trip to the beach.
One late afternoon, well after my humilating experience after the beach, Lachlan and I lay on the grass staring up at the twilight. The whole time he kept telling me how much he loved me and thought I was amazing. I just lay there drinking in his words, cuddling them close to my heart, lest I forget and mess up the good that was in my life. Later on we swung on the swings and bounced on the trampoline, enjoying the innocence of our friendship and the young, fresh beginnings of our romance.
The time passed quickly and soon we found ourselves back on the road (minus random cafes and pit toilets) heading back to Penrith. Lachlan sat in the back of my car, and passed his hand through to my seat, quietly resting it on my shoulder. I felt so close to him.
Despite the events I wished to forget at the beach, I loved every moment of Summercamp. It started off 2009 on a high and set in motion the best events of my life...
Toukley, roadside cafes and pit toilets
Three weeks has passed and Lachlan & I were absolutely blooming. Ever since that magical kiss at Christmas (which I had not told anyone about) I was more head over heels for him than ever before.
But as time passed so did my desperation for us to finally be together. I mustered up all my courage and told Joanne and my sister Emily about the kiss. They were so happy, but also concerned. It was definitely time for things to be made official.
Our youth group was preparing for a big trip up to Toukley on the Central Coast for a Summercamp. I was very excited about this camp simply because Lachlan was going to be there.
The day arrived and my sister Emily, my two friends Emily B and Aden and myself piled ourselves into my car and off we went. Lachlan was driving with someone else and had left a little later than myself. This made me very happy, because after 2 hours of driving I would at least have the advantage of freshening up and looking fabulous despite the long journey.
The first hour passed with no dramas. However we soon realised something- we were all STARVING! We desperately needed food, so decided to exit off the main freeway and head down a random unknown road to a location we had no idea about.
Not our brightest moment.
We took several turns and tried our best to remember each road and finally happened to pass a roadside cafe. Pulling up, we jumped out, stretched and basked in the scorching summer heat. Emily (my sister) and Aden headed up the hill to the toilet shed. Emily B and I went inside to buy some food and satisfy our hunger.
The food was disgusting. It was over-fried, dripping in oil and covered in flies. We ran out before anyone could ask us what we wanted to buy. The toilet stop wasn't much of a success either. Aden & Emily came to us pale-faced and distraught. They had never seen such a foul toilet in all their lives. We went to see...
We were getting back into the car and getting out of that random, disgusting place in the middle of nowhere faster than when we pulled up. After driving around for a while, we realised that we were slightly lost. We made random turns onto roads which seemed more major than not and looked for signs which told us the direction of the Freeway.
After about 20 minutes in silent panic we turned back onto the highway and continued our journey- hungry and more desperate for a toilet than ever before.
McDonalds was our saving grace.
Finally we came into Toukley and did that many U-turns it seemed utterly ridiculous. Finally my phone began ringing. Lachlan had not only beaten me, but he was now worried. I jokingly asked him if Foster was close to Toukley, which did not help his worries.
But he needn't have worried for we were only a few minutes away. And when we pulled up we breathed a big sigh of relief. That was the most entertaining, stressful and memorable car road trips I've ever had!
But the 3 days were only just beginning and many many things were still to come...
But as time passed so did my desperation for us to finally be together. I mustered up all my courage and told Joanne and my sister Emily about the kiss. They were so happy, but also concerned. It was definitely time for things to be made official.
Our youth group was preparing for a big trip up to Toukley on the Central Coast for a Summercamp. I was very excited about this camp simply because Lachlan was going to be there.
The day arrived and my sister Emily, my two friends Emily B and Aden and myself piled ourselves into my car and off we went. Lachlan was driving with someone else and had left a little later than myself. This made me very happy, because after 2 hours of driving I would at least have the advantage of freshening up and looking fabulous despite the long journey.
The first hour passed with no dramas. However we soon realised something- we were all STARVING! We desperately needed food, so decided to exit off the main freeway and head down a random unknown road to a location we had no idea about.
Not our brightest moment.
We took several turns and tried our best to remember each road and finally happened to pass a roadside cafe. Pulling up, we jumped out, stretched and basked in the scorching summer heat. Emily (my sister) and Aden headed up the hill to the toilet shed. Emily B and I went inside to buy some food and satisfy our hunger.
The food was disgusting. It was over-fried, dripping in oil and covered in flies. We ran out before anyone could ask us what we wanted to buy. The toilet stop wasn't much of a success either. Aden & Emily came to us pale-faced and distraught. They had never seen such a foul toilet in all their lives. We went to see...
We were getting back into the car and getting out of that random, disgusting place in the middle of nowhere faster than when we pulled up. After driving around for a while, we realised that we were slightly lost. We made random turns onto roads which seemed more major than not and looked for signs which told us the direction of the Freeway.
After about 20 minutes in silent panic we turned back onto the highway and continued our journey- hungry and more desperate for a toilet than ever before.
McDonalds was our saving grace.
Finally we came into Toukley and did that many U-turns it seemed utterly ridiculous. Finally my phone began ringing. Lachlan had not only beaten me, but he was now worried. I jokingly asked him if Foster was close to Toukley, which did not help his worries.
But he needn't have worried for we were only a few minutes away. And when we pulled up we breathed a big sigh of relief. That was the most entertaining, stressful and memorable car road trips I've ever had!
But the 3 days were only just beginning and many many things were still to come...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Christmas
Christmas.
A time of joy and love and generosity. A time to remember the birth of Christ and to show others we care for them and exchange gifts.
My first Christmas with Lachlan.
I was both nervous and excited. I looked at the present I had wrapped for him and shook my head over and over again. Such a ridiculous gift. He would surely think I'm some kid after today. A glow-in-the-dark teddy dressed in a ridiculously over-priced Spiderman outfit & Nooma DVDs? Surely that couldn't be my gift to the man who had made my life so worthwhile for the past 6 months?!
Constrained to the dollars I made at Best & Less, I couldn't really afford anything fancy and I still didn't want to make things a "big deal", seeing as there was no deal to make big yet...
~sigh
I looked at the gift again and gave up. This was the best I could do and I was going to be so embarrassed when he opened it. Maybe I could become invisible for the moments following its unwrapping so that I don't have to make eye contact with him and explain myself...
Dressing up in a brand new hot pink and black party dress my mum and dad had bought me as their gift, we headed off to church to meet Lachlan and join in the service. He looked so handsome that morning- once he finally decided to show up anyway. I was a little worried that he wasn't going to make it in time for the service, and he nearly didn't because he was enjoying a late breakfast with his parents and lost track of time.
He was wearing a grey jacket and light blue shirt. His eyes were so bright and alive and his smile- gosh it made my heart melt all over again. Motioning to the empty seat next to me, I got him to sit down and we enjoyed the beautiful Christmas service singing songs and watching the kids show our pastor their gifts.
After the service we headed back to my house, and I got the privilege of riding in his dad's Mercedes. I hardly moved, for fear of doing something which might in fact break the car. Perhaps this was a slight over-reaction but in my mind ANYTHING could happen (or subsequently break) whenever I was around!
I did however pull down the viser to look at the mirror and ensure I didn't look too ridiculous. As I pulled it down however, the whole mirror FELL OUT! I sat there freaking out with the broken mirror in my lap. Lachlan, too, was starting to panic that I had broken something in the car! My stomach sank...how on earth could I afford to fix anything in a Mercedes? How on earth could I ever face his father again?!
Suddenly Lachlan started laughing. I was so confused and asked him what was so funny. He then told me that the mirror always falls out and had been broken for ages. Oh, and my face had apparently been 'priceless'...
We pulled up to my house, and quickly before we alighted from the car, Lachlan turned to me and said, "OK, Christina. I love your parents. But I have to admit something..."
"Yes?"
"I'm a little nervous."
"Why? You've been over heaps of times! What's so different about Christmas?"
"I've never done the whole family-celebrating-holidays with any of my girlfriends before."
"Well, I'm not your girlfriend yet, so don't worry." I tried reassuring him.
He smiled and we headed inside. I stayed close to him and tried everything to make sure he was comfortable. I think he soon got over his nerves once we sat down for lunch. Nothing was different and I think he was glad it was casual and fun.
After lunch came the moment I had been dreading however. He looked at his gift and smiled. Opening the gift he began laughing. Great. He thought I was ridiculous. Grabbing me in a massive hug he thanked me for the gift and said he loved it. Surprised, but very happy I began laughing and tried to explain the gift. He didn't care. He was happy.
Then I got to open my gift from him. It was light and squishy. Pulling it out of the wrapping paper, I found myself in possession of the most hilarious T-shirt. It said "I <3 my geek."
I asked him if he thought he was in fact that geek. He affirmed that he indeed did think so. I confirmed his thoughts. After spending a little longer at my place, Lachlan and I then headed off to spend the rest of the evening at his place with his parents.
We ate and enjoyed the company. It was a really lazy and enjoyable afternoon. Looking at his parents, he announced that he was taking me downstairs to give me my other present. Curious and surprised, I looked at him questionly as he dragged me along down to his room.
I stood in the doorway and waited. He pulled out a large A5 size card.
I thanked him for it and opened it up. Inside was a gift certificate to climb the Harbour Bridge! I was blown away at this expensive and thoughtful gift. Looking up at him I smiled but found no words coming out.
It was one of those times where time stood still and a million thoughts raced through my mind per second, and I took the time to argue with each of those thoughts.
Just say it. You have to now. How can you not tell him how you feel after everything he's done this year? After spending so much on a gift?
I kissed him on the cheek and thanked him profusely for the present. I was overwhelmed. Pausing I then said, "You know, you know that I love you, right?"
He looked down at me and said, "You really should be careful about what you say,"
I was shattered! For a split second I was crushed and then I became angry. How could he say that? How could that be his response?
Before I could say anything else, he leaned down and he kissed me. Properly. I stood there shaking; both in my unnecessary and momentary anger, and in shock at was just happening!
I was kissing Lachlan! He was kissing me!
Pulling back, he looked at me and said, "I love you too Christina Parker."
I walked into my house later that night and my family was watching the movie, "Ever After". It was towards the end and the scene where Dannielle kisses her prince comes onto the screen.
"Ew! Kissing boys is disgusting! Don't you think Christina?" my little sister, Rebecca asked me.
"Oh yea. Really gross." I blushed.
After showing my parents my amazing gift I went into my room and closed the door. I closed my eyes. I smiled that whole night.
I had received a perfect gift. I would never forget that Christmas...
A time of joy and love and generosity. A time to remember the birth of Christ and to show others we care for them and exchange gifts.
My first Christmas with Lachlan.
I was both nervous and excited. I looked at the present I had wrapped for him and shook my head over and over again. Such a ridiculous gift. He would surely think I'm some kid after today. A glow-in-the-dark teddy dressed in a ridiculously over-priced Spiderman outfit & Nooma DVDs? Surely that couldn't be my gift to the man who had made my life so worthwhile for the past 6 months?!
Constrained to the dollars I made at Best & Less, I couldn't really afford anything fancy and I still didn't want to make things a "big deal", seeing as there was no deal to make big yet...
~sigh
I looked at the gift again and gave up. This was the best I could do and I was going to be so embarrassed when he opened it. Maybe I could become invisible for the moments following its unwrapping so that I don't have to make eye contact with him and explain myself...
Dressing up in a brand new hot pink and black party dress my mum and dad had bought me as their gift, we headed off to church to meet Lachlan and join in the service. He looked so handsome that morning- once he finally decided to show up anyway. I was a little worried that he wasn't going to make it in time for the service, and he nearly didn't because he was enjoying a late breakfast with his parents and lost track of time.
He was wearing a grey jacket and light blue shirt. His eyes were so bright and alive and his smile- gosh it made my heart melt all over again. Motioning to the empty seat next to me, I got him to sit down and we enjoyed the beautiful Christmas service singing songs and watching the kids show our pastor their gifts.
After the service we headed back to my house, and I got the privilege of riding in his dad's Mercedes. I hardly moved, for fear of doing something which might in fact break the car. Perhaps this was a slight over-reaction but in my mind ANYTHING could happen (or subsequently break) whenever I was around!
I did however pull down the viser to look at the mirror and ensure I didn't look too ridiculous. As I pulled it down however, the whole mirror FELL OUT! I sat there freaking out with the broken mirror in my lap. Lachlan, too, was starting to panic that I had broken something in the car! My stomach sank...how on earth could I afford to fix anything in a Mercedes? How on earth could I ever face his father again?!
Suddenly Lachlan started laughing. I was so confused and asked him what was so funny. He then told me that the mirror always falls out and had been broken for ages. Oh, and my face had apparently been 'priceless'...
We pulled up to my house, and quickly before we alighted from the car, Lachlan turned to me and said, "OK, Christina. I love your parents. But I have to admit something..."
"Yes?"
"I'm a little nervous."
"Why? You've been over heaps of times! What's so different about Christmas?"
"I've never done the whole family-celebrating-holidays with any of my girlfriends before."
"Well, I'm not your girlfriend yet, so don't worry." I tried reassuring him.
He smiled and we headed inside. I stayed close to him and tried everything to make sure he was comfortable. I think he soon got over his nerves once we sat down for lunch. Nothing was different and I think he was glad it was casual and fun.
After lunch came the moment I had been dreading however. He looked at his gift and smiled. Opening the gift he began laughing. Great. He thought I was ridiculous. Grabbing me in a massive hug he thanked me for the gift and said he loved it. Surprised, but very happy I began laughing and tried to explain the gift. He didn't care. He was happy.
Then I got to open my gift from him. It was light and squishy. Pulling it out of the wrapping paper, I found myself in possession of the most hilarious T-shirt. It said "I <3 my geek."
I asked him if he thought he was in fact that geek. He affirmed that he indeed did think so. I confirmed his thoughts. After spending a little longer at my place, Lachlan and I then headed off to spend the rest of the evening at his place with his parents.
We ate and enjoyed the company. It was a really lazy and enjoyable afternoon. Looking at his parents, he announced that he was taking me downstairs to give me my other present. Curious and surprised, I looked at him questionly as he dragged me along down to his room.
I stood in the doorway and waited. He pulled out a large A5 size card.
I thanked him for it and opened it up. Inside was a gift certificate to climb the Harbour Bridge! I was blown away at this expensive and thoughtful gift. Looking up at him I smiled but found no words coming out.
It was one of those times where time stood still and a million thoughts raced through my mind per second, and I took the time to argue with each of those thoughts.
Just say it. You have to now. How can you not tell him how you feel after everything he's done this year? After spending so much on a gift?
I kissed him on the cheek and thanked him profusely for the present. I was overwhelmed. Pausing I then said, "You know, you know that I love you, right?"
He looked down at me and said, "You really should be careful about what you say,"
I was shattered! For a split second I was crushed and then I became angry. How could he say that? How could that be his response?
Before I could say anything else, he leaned down and he kissed me. Properly. I stood there shaking; both in my unnecessary and momentary anger, and in shock at was just happening!
I was kissing Lachlan! He was kissing me!
Pulling back, he looked at me and said, "I love you too Christina Parker."
I walked into my house later that night and my family was watching the movie, "Ever After". It was towards the end and the scene where Dannielle kisses her prince comes onto the screen.
"Ew! Kissing boys is disgusting! Don't you think Christina?" my little sister, Rebecca asked me.
"Oh yea. Really gross." I blushed.
After showing my parents my amazing gift I went into my room and closed the door. I closed my eyes. I smiled that whole night.
I had received a perfect gift. I would never forget that Christmas...
Rendezvous in Bethlehem
2008 was coming to close. It had been a fruitful and unexpected year, full of surprises and change. I was sad that such a year full of memories was finishing, but in many ways I was excited to be heading into a new year (and hopefully) and new stage in my relationship with Lachlan.
For many years now, my church had held a huge Christmas event for the Penrith community known as the Bethlehem Experience. This event was always a favourite of mine. The church built a fairly large "city" in the middle of the paddock, which represented the city of Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. There are many actors, animals, sights, smells and sounds which add to the "reality" of the experience.
For the first time I would be acting in Bethlehem as an oil merchant. I was so excited. Lachlan was going to be a fishmonger. When we looked at the layout of the city, however, we realised that we were actually fairly far apart from each other in the city.
Together we planned our "secret" rendezvous in which we would meet up somewhere and play thumbwars aka bask in each other's pathetically in-love presence.
The week leading up to the Bethlehem Experience was a little bumpy however. Lachlan and I decided that we definitely wanted to "officially" announce our relationship properly. It wasn't like anything we did together would change- we were an item. We just wanted a date to celebrate it with now!
Mum was still hesitant about the whole thing and told me to talk to my youth pastor and get her perspective on the situation. I did so, and nothing really changed. Everyone still thought we may as well wait to help us deal with the "pressures" of relationships. In my mind that made absolutely no sense! I would be hiding more if I wasn't officially in a relationship with this boy more than if I was! At least if I was going out with him I could kiss him in public and not be crucified...
Depressed and despondant, Lachlan and I headed into the Bethlehem Experience week rather melancholy and defeated. Would we EVER be together?
The acting was lots of fun despite the issue of our relationship hanging over my head. I spent more time "helping" the fishmongers out more than doing my part in the oil stall. It was pathetic to be sure, but it made me very happy, and the special moments where Lachlan and I could just talk and laugh together were so precious! It certainly DID NOT help my longing to be with him.
After the long week of late nights, memorizing lines and laughing endlessly with my best friend, I was totally exhausted. Not to mention my failed attempt at procuring a relationship with Lachlan did not help at all. I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Christmas was only a few days away (where I would have to meet all his family again and be perfect again) and I lay there just praying that something might happen and I would receive the present of a lifetime.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Other Half
So my thanksgiving adventure with Lachlan's family was successful. I hadn't done anything completely stupid and his lovely family seemed to like me, which I thought was a huge bonus!
However, my task of winning of family was not quite finished. The following week I was invited to Wes' (Lachlan's dad) 50th birthday party, which included his mother's side of the family. Needless to say, I was still nervous. Biting the bullet was a bit hard to do, because I now had a reputation with his mum and dad, and either that was to be exceeded greatly at this dinner, or it was to fall apart with, what would most likely be, my own foolish ways and words.
The Saturday night arrived, and it was cold and wet, which was a little disappointing for the end of November. Lachlan escorted me into the Lebonese restuarant, and we were greeted with smiles and kisses once more.
There were many fond memories of that night, and I am glad to say that all went well, despite my nerves. I did drop my knife at some point throughout the evening, and luckily only Lachlan noticed. However the embarrassment was still plain as day upon my complexion.
I made good friends with his Aunt Cheryl, as she and I both shared a fondness for felines. I will say, though, her passion ran a little deeper than mine, and I will admit I feared that one day I could end up like her. So I just prayed that Lachlan and I would stick...
Lachlan's grandmother (his mother's mother) was also there, and was the sweetest lady I had met. I felt terrible halfway through dinner, however, because of my lack of compassion.
While eating her food, Granny, (who was quite hard of seeing, and hearing), reached out for what, I assume, she thought was a mild green vegetable. She had, in fact, grabbed a very hot chili.
Popping the deadly spice into her mouth, she remained quite composed at first, and then proceeded to spit the chili out and cool her tongue off, in the most absurd and humourous fashion. Lachlan and I sat opposite her, and were the only ones who had noticed this event at first. We tried so hard....please believe me! We tried our very hardest not to laugh, but eventually giggles spilled slightly.
Poor Granny. We were truly terrible people!
Apart from our lack of compassion, his family seemed to enjoy my company and I do believe I made a second first good impression. That night I decided to breathe again. The 2 week challenge of families was over. It was quite relieving and comforting to know that I could be liked in another family other than my own.
And it was comforting to know that Lachlan believed I was special enough to be introduced to them. It made feel loved very much indeed. One day I would gain the courage to tell him that...
However, my task of winning of family was not quite finished. The following week I was invited to Wes' (Lachlan's dad) 50th birthday party, which included his mother's side of the family. Needless to say, I was still nervous. Biting the bullet was a bit hard to do, because I now had a reputation with his mum and dad, and either that was to be exceeded greatly at this dinner, or it was to fall apart with, what would most likely be, my own foolish ways and words.
The Saturday night arrived, and it was cold and wet, which was a little disappointing for the end of November. Lachlan escorted me into the Lebonese restuarant, and we were greeted with smiles and kisses once more.
There were many fond memories of that night, and I am glad to say that all went well, despite my nerves. I did drop my knife at some point throughout the evening, and luckily only Lachlan noticed. However the embarrassment was still plain as day upon my complexion.
I made good friends with his Aunt Cheryl, as she and I both shared a fondness for felines. I will say, though, her passion ran a little deeper than mine, and I will admit I feared that one day I could end up like her. So I just prayed that Lachlan and I would stick...
Lachlan's grandmother (his mother's mother) was also there, and was the sweetest lady I had met. I felt terrible halfway through dinner, however, because of my lack of compassion.
While eating her food, Granny, (who was quite hard of seeing, and hearing), reached out for what, I assume, she thought was a mild green vegetable. She had, in fact, grabbed a very hot chili.
Popping the deadly spice into her mouth, she remained quite composed at first, and then proceeded to spit the chili out and cool her tongue off, in the most absurd and humourous fashion. Lachlan and I sat opposite her, and were the only ones who had noticed this event at first. We tried so hard....please believe me! We tried our very hardest not to laugh, but eventually giggles spilled slightly.
Poor Granny. We were truly terrible people!
Apart from our lack of compassion, his family seemed to enjoy my company and I do believe I made a second first good impression. That night I decided to breathe again. The 2 week challenge of families was over. It was quite relieving and comforting to know that I could be liked in another family other than my own.
And it was comforting to know that Lachlan believed I was special enough to be introduced to them. It made feel loved very much indeed. One day I would gain the courage to tell him that...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Thanksgiving
The year was passing by quickly and slowly. In reality it had been quite a fast year, but in my mind I felt like time between Lachlan and I making things 'official' was crawling by at a snail's pace. However, November came and holidays for Christmas were soon looming.
At the end of October Lachlan had informed me that at the end of November his family was having Thanksgiving lunch with his dad's family and I was invited. I had also been invited out for his dad's 50th birthday with his mum's family the following week (which will be another post). I would be meeting his entire family in the space of 7 days.
Needless to say I was a little nervous.
To help me cope with these two seemingly HUGE events in my head, my darling friend Jo took me on a shopping date. I spent well over $200 on clothes and shoes and accessories to cater for the two dates. I had to look up-to-date and reasonably in tune with the latest fashion. If only I had the money to keep that up today...
I woke up so early the Sunday morning of Thanksgiving and had the longest shower of my life. Every hair on my head had to be indiviually washed and conditioned. I had to scrub enough to the point where I would be glowing.
My beautiful sister, Emily helped me out by drying and styling my hair nicely and then applying on a tonne of make-up. I felt like a celebrity, and loved how excited my family was for me. They were simply fluttering all over me. If they were so excited about me meeting his family, why wouldn't they let me go out with the boy?!
Never mind...
After spending a short time helping to set kids church up with my family, Lachlan arrived to pick me up. Nervously I left and hopped into his car. We arrived at his house and I got to meet his sister, her boyfriend and their cousins Ariel and Nick along with his Aunt Linda and her partner Mark. Although meeting all these people all at once slightly overwhelmed me, I had to stay cool. There was still more people to meet at his grandparent's home.
Plus, so far no one had been awfully mean to me. In fact, everyone were completely friendly! Eventually we were on our way to lunch, which I had actually physically prepared for. Growing up with a Hungarian background taught me very quickly that if there is any sort of lunch/dinner get-together that the stomach remains empty until that time.
We held hands as we walked up the drive to the entry of his grandparent's home. We were first greeted by his beautiful Nana. He introduced me as his girlfriend and I nearly fell over with joy. She kissed me hello and welcomed us in. Soon I was kissing every other relative in the house. His aunts, uncles, cousins and friends were everywhere!
Although I was obviously clinging closely to my man, I had to keep telling myself to be a little brave. I mentally promised myself a cherry ripe chocolate at the end if I did. So I tried my best to try and talk to people around me, especially Nana.
I think we got along really well, and soon I was eating, drinking and laughing as if I had known them all for years. The only embarrassing time I had at the lunch was when we first sat down at the table. I went to pick up my knife or move it or something (I can't actually remember) but the next thing I knew, it was clanging on the floor.
I felt so stupid.
Quietly Lachlan leaned over, smirking at my fumble and whispered, "Fallacy". I cracked up. Although fallacy was not the correct description of the incident, it sounded right, as if that was exactly what you were meant to say when someone drops a piece of cutlery on the ground.
We always use that word out of context now at the table whenever we eat. It has become our "oh dear, how embarrassing," term.
Lunch finished and I soon found myself being offered a slice of pumpkin pie. There were two problems...no three problems to this:
1) I was so full I doubted my ability to fit any more food into my stomach
2) I hated pumpkin as a general rule
3) I wanted to impress Lachlan and do everything right no matter the cost.
I accepted the generous offer and sat down. I picked off a bit, held my breath, opened my mouth and ate the dessert.
I literally opened my eyes in sheer delight. That experience- the flavours, texture, EVERYTHING- was amazing! I had never tasted anything like it before. I loved it! I now regretted being so full, because I would have gladly accepted a second slice. I now look forward to my once-a-year slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. It is the one thing I can always be assurred will be fantastic in my year.
The end of the afternoon came and the goodbyes followed. I had had the best time, and felt so grateful that meeting half his family had been so good. Afterwards, Lachlan told me that Nana had pulled him aside and asked if he thought I was going to stick around. He said he hoped so. She agreed and said she hoped I would be his last girlfriend.
I hoped so too.
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