Not-So-Single Gal on Safari, Part 3

Submitted by Lisa Steadman on June 24, 2008 - 9:34 pm

Comments (2)»

OK, I didn’t mean to take an almost 2-week break between blog posts. Needless to say, I’ve been busy. What have I been up to? Oh, the usual… (note the sarcasm)

Appearing on New Zealand TV
The morning I arrived at the hotel in New Zealand, I was too tired to do much of anything other than watch TV while I waited for Mr. XY to pick me up for lunch. I spent most of that time tuned in to New Zealand’s version of The Today Show called Good Morning. After finding my book at the local Borders (who knew I was international?), I e-mailed the show producers to see if they’d be interested in having me on the show. I got an e-mail a couple days later, and appeared on the show last Friday. It was so much fun! I absolutely loved meeting everyone involved and had a ball. I must’ve done okay because they’ve asked me to come back again before I return home. Woohoo!

Working on my book
I case I haven’t mentioned it before, I love, love, love writing books. And even though my deadline is tight, I’m still thoroughly enjoying the process of writing this book. It’s no coincidence that halfway through my book, in a chapter about reclaiming your space, I change my space. Talk about life imitating art! The fact that I get to write while looking out at the New Zealand harbor? Bonus!

Finding my perfect red wedding dress
I admit it. I wasn’t looking forward to finding a wedding dress. I just lack vision when it comes to these things. Plus, I’m a short curvy girl who has trouble finding clothes that fit. Regular stores are usually too small. Plus size, too big. What’s a Relationship Journalist to do? I ended up seeking out expert help in the form of Sophie Voon, an awesome New Zealand designer with her own boutique. While I wasn’t crazy about forking over thousands of dollars to get a custom-made wedding dress, if anyone was worthy of my hard-earned cash, it would be Sophie and her team. While their sample sizes didn’t quite fit, I knew I was in capable hands. Imagine my shock and awe when the shopgirl pulled out the most stunning red dress I’ve ever seen, the only one like it in the store, just arrived the day before, and in my size. I put it on and it fit like a glove. Not only that, I felt like a Princess bride. (Cue the music, bird chirping) I went in for a fitting today and with minimal changes, will have my beautiful, perfect, dreamy dress for my beautiful, perfect, dreamy wedding day by the end of the week.

Living the dream
Over lunch the other day, Mr. XY asked what I was going to do with my afternoon. He had to return to work. I told him I was going to the gym and then writing all afternoon. He turned to me, smiled, and said “Nice life.” And unlike the old Lisa who would have felt the need to apologize, I simply smiled and said “Yes, thank you.” The truth is, this is my dream life. I created it this way. I am so incredibly grateful and thrilled with the results. But this is the funny thing about dreams. Your life doesn’t magically take away all those old issues and baggage. With so much of my dream life in place, the parts that aren’t perfect are even more glaring. I jokingly ask myself all the time, “If this is my dream life why aren’t my thighs thinner and my wallet thicker?” I also know that the chronic neck and shoulder issues are a result of pursuing a dream life that revolves around a computer. Just this year, I’ve become aware that in order to be the absolute perfect partner for Mr. XY, I have some work to do. And for the first time in a long time, I’m back in therapy. I’m not screwed up. None of us are. I’m just in for a tune up because that’s what healthy and happy people do. They recognize when they need help, and they ask for it. I enjoy being able to help others and in turn, I absolutely must help myself. By taking an honest look in the mirror, I get that much closer to other areas of my dream life.

I guess you could say my trip down under has been more than just a life adventure. It’s been a soul adventure, too. Woohoo!