Chapter 34. Relaxation at the Fairmont Austin.

As each year passes, I find myself looking for the meaning of everything. You know,

Why are we here? 
What is our purpose?
What really matters?

And so on...
Funny how age makes you look at things differently. I can assure you, my chapter 22 post would have looked A LOT different. I'm not age sensitive at all. It does not bother me that I keep getting older. In fact, I find it a privilege. I mean, shouldn't we? The alternative is not something I'd prefer! Am I right?

I turned 34 this year.  Note to those freaking out about leaving their 20's:My 30's were WAY better than my 20's ever were. I mean, yes I had fun and was wild and crazy in my 20's. I still have that adventurous bone in my body,  but I didn't really know what I was doing or why. I was lost a lot. I didn't really like myself. I was empty a lot, even though it never showed. So on...

I met Ty at 25 and things just kind of went up from there. By 30, I felt like I was starting to figure myself out. Seriously??? It took 30 years? Ha ha.  Anyhow, 30's are fun. I have 2 babies that are beyond sweet and make me proud so often. I have a husband that always thinks of us first and is continually thinking of ways to make our life better. I feel surrounded by love constantly. Yes, even when I'm ready to strangle Ty or lock my kids outside the house (totally kidding), at the same time I'm filled with happiness. Because I know I am loved and I know I am blessed.
At this time in life, I take care of myself.  I don't go out binge drinking 3 nights in a row. I don't put myself in situations that are going to effect me negatively just for the thrill of it....(well 98% of the time;). I eat healthy and make sure that what I'm putting into my body is clean and nutritious (again, 90% of the time). I work out 5 times a week and I find ways to incorporate family time and exercise.

I feel I am more true to myself than I ever was. I've never been a follower, it's just now...now I go after the things that call to me. I've been on this mission for the last 2 months or so. I want to do something good for others. I've been researching places to volunteer and many other things. There is something inside me that is yearning to do this yet I can't put my finger on what exactly it is. I keep praying that it will just come to me- some sort of sign. I'll keep you updated on that.

In the meantime, to celebrate my birthday a bit, we did a little staycation in Austin at the Fairmont. I told Ty I just wanted to relax and do nothing for my birthday. I mentioned the new Fairmont and so we spontaneously booked a weekend there. And we did nothing but eat, and swim and relax and eat. Ha ha. I tried to keep it healthy. Had a lot of seafood (not fried) and guacamole. We ate at the Garrison, which is inside the hotel. The food was REALLY....really good! I had the best cod I've ever eaten and Ty was blown away by the filet. I honestly didn't know cod could be cooked to taste so amazing! The kids had pasta and then insulted the chef by saying their pick was "Chick-Fil-A but Mommy wanted fancy food"....HA!  But other than that, it was a perfect birthday dinner.

The pool was on the roof of the 7th floor and it made for some amazing views. They had 2 or 3 patio bars and lots of cabana rentals and big screen TV's. Great vibe. Late at night and early in the morning were my favorite times by the pool. Watching the city lights below was a highlight for me. Also, if you are going with the family, avoid Friday and Saturday from 3-7pm. It's more of a mature scene.  Although we did end up spending Saturday afternoon in the pool and it was definitely a party. That didn't stop the kid! They swam through the crowd and still had fun. Ty and I sat on the sideline laughing at the fact that we were literally the only ones at the pool. Scarlett made friends with college girls and Maxwell just moved his boat around the others. Another reason that morning and evenings were my favorite. At those times the pool was pretty empty and the sun rising up or setting was perfect backdrop to enjoy some drinks and food. We spent the ENTIRE Sunday there, ordering food and watching the kids play. It was a really nice little weekend staycation and I cherished every minute of it.