Ring My Bell

Posted on by
Reply

Ring My Bell

Mar 11-1So, last week I talked about the death of my engagement ring and anticipation of being reunited with the new version.  Well, there were dozens of phone calls made.  I was told I would receive the new ring last Friday.  Cool.  Thursday night, though, Milton receives an email stating I will receive it on Tuesday instead?  Excuse me? What happened to Friday, Saturday or Monday?  Once again flustered, Milton calls to look into the situation.

They couldn’t mail it by Friday but now said it would arrive on Saturday via Overnight Saturday delivery.  I was given a tracking number and watched it the entire time.  It left Seattle, Washington Friday at 4:10pm, left FedEx ramp at 7:22pm, arrived in Memphis at 12:55am, left FedEx ramp at 4:40am, arrive in Louisville at 6:27am, on FedEx vehicle at 8:00am.

Now, here’s where it gets tricky!  I teach Zumba classes every Saturday morning from 9:30-10:15am.  I placed several notes on the door asking the delivery person to leave the package at a neighbor’s house.  Before I left, I called FedEx and asked about what time they may come.  I was told that I (not someone else) must be there to sign for the package and that it would be delivered by noon.

So here it is 8:45am.  I know the package is in route and I have to teach a class. What’s a girl to do?!  I waited as late as possible to leave and drove slowly down my street in case a FedEx truck was near. I started Zumba with the wonderful ladies and told them I would need to leave right after class because of my engagement ring dilemma.  Their response was – “What are you doing here?  Go home and wait for it!”  Luckily my right hand lady Jessica was there and stepped in to teach the class.

I ran out the door, into my car and drove quickly home.  Toward the end of my street I saw something that looked like a truck.  As I approached my driveway I saw the FedEx driver pull away!  Luckily I live by a cul-de-sac so the driver had to turnaround.  As she drove toward me I jumped out of my car and jumped up and down for her to stop.  I told her who I was and she said, “Honey, I felt so sorry for you. I saw all the notes you left on your front door so I went on and left it with your neighbor.”  I told her how appreciative I was.  I got the box and drove back to Zumba.  A couple hours later Milton and I met halfway in Seymour, IN.  He opened the box and re-presented me with my engagement ring.  This new ring is absolutely amazing in an emerald cut! Let the wedding planning continue!

Engagement Ring No More

Posted on by
Reply

Engagement Ring No More

Feb 11-4I’ll never forget the moment that Milton proposed to me.  It was a wonderful experience.  The traveling, bonding, and wedding planning have been extremely meaningful.  But unfortunately something happened.  Something I would have never imagined.  It just wasn’t supposed to happen this way!

If you’ve seen me the past two weeks you have noticed that I haven’t worn an engagement ring.  Well, here’s what happened.  Back in January one of the small side diamonds fell out of my ring.  Luckily it could be replaced for free, I just needed to mail it in. I also decided to have it resized from a 4 1/4 to a 4 1/2.

I mailed the ring on February 12 via registered mail.  They said it would arrive February 15.  I checked online 2/15, it had not arrived to it’s location.  I checked again 2/16, 2/17 and 2/18 – still nothing.  I became worried.  Although it was registered mail, my engagement ring was either randomly lost somewhere in the US or a postal worker was sporting a nice rock.  It finally arrived that Saturday.

All was well and Milton received an email saying the ring would arrive on February 22.  Yippee! I was excited and even rearranged my schedule so I could be home to sign for it.  The night before, Milton received a phone call and a follow up email. Here’s what it said – “Unfortunately it appears that your diamond was chipped during the production process. Our jewelers utilize the latest techniques and great care when we do any repairs and production on our pieces but on very rare occasions a diamond can chip under pressure during this process.”  ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!

In other words, they messed up my diamond and my engagement ring is now in engagement ring heaven!  Although I was very bothered, everyone was very helpful in assisting me in finding a substitute diamond.  I hope to have a new ring on my hand in the next couple of days.  I joked with Milton that I guess that means we are no longer engaged and he is now just my boyfriend.  So if you see me ringless on my left ring finger, don’t fret.  I’ll have new hardware soon.  Team Yeager + Turner is still in motion!
M.Y. February 2011

Heart to Heart

Posted on by
Reply

Heart to Heart
Heart to Heart

 

After our last marriage counseling session it was suggested that we each take a trip to the doctor to have complete physicals.  Although I usually go to the doctor when I feel ill or have issues with my neck, it had been some time since I went simply for a physical.

 

MIlton joked that I was the last person that needed to have a physical because I am “the fittest person he knows”.  I reminded him that although I am physically fit, that has nothing to do with what may be happening on the inside.  I made my appointment and went to visit my wonderful doctor, Rex Lagerstrom.

 

After all the basics, the doc listened to my heart.  He noticed that my heart rate was slower than average, but thought it was probably because of the amount of working out and cardio that I do.  But, just to be sure, I was sent for blood work, an EKG and an echocardiogram.  You always assume (well hope) that you pass with flying colors.

 

The next day I received a phone call.  Blood work was all fine.  Three days later I received another phone call- the doctor wanted to schedule a follow up meeting from my EKG test.  Hmmm, if everything was fine they would have told me on the phone.  What could be wrong with my ticker?
I make a new appointment curious as to what I’ll be told.  Turns out I have “athletes heart” or an enlarged heart.  My first statement was “So I’m gonna die?  That’s the condition all the athletes have that die suddenly on the basketball court!”  He looked at me with a smile and said no.  Those athletes have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is detected by the echocardiogram.  My echocardiogram results were great so I don’t have that extreme condition.

 

However, he wanted me to be aware because when I decide to have children or am in a medical emergency, I’ll need this information to tell the physicians. So, I’m okay but knowledge is a powerful thing.  As African Americans we so often just see how we look on the outside without taking the time to explore what all could be happening on the inside.  Make time at some point this year to get a physical.  It may inconvenience you for a day to go to the appointment, but it could give you a lifetime of health and happiness!!

One Year Later

Posted on by
Reply

One Year Later

Feb 11-3This Valentine’s Day I will celebrate my one year anniversary with Milton.  It’s hard to believe all that we have been through over this past year and our wedding will be just around the corner.  We have grown not only as a couple but also as friends.

But, I almost didn’t give Milton a chance.  Milton and I met on Match.com.  Yes, online dating is alive, well and successful.  He sent me a “wink”.  I glanced at his profile, saw his age and didn’t pay must attention to the rest of his profile.  Milton is seven years younger than me and the last thing I wanted to do was play games or get free community service by hanging out with a young stud. He received no response.

About two weeks later I was looking through my emails and came across his profile.  I had time on my hands to waste, so I took some time and read his entire profile.  He sounded as if he had some potential so I “winked” back.  This started several emails between us and then a planned phone conversation.  What I thought would be a 30 minute conversation, ended up ending at 3:30 in the morning!  From there I knew he was someone I needed and wanted to meet.

That simple wink created a special bond, relationship and engagement.  And I almost passed up the opportunity.  I almost let a good thing get away simply because of vain standards I possessed.  Whether it’s a potential date, potential job or general opportunity – don’t turn your nose up just because it goes against your norm or preference.  Don’t be afraid to think and look outside the box.  They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting the same results.  Give ‘different’ a chance because it may be the change you need.

Love exists in many shapes and fashion.  To Milton – thank you for being my other half, strengths in times of need and #1 fan in times of joy. You make me a better person and I hope to be a great wife.  To OnyxLouisville readers – I love you for making Louisville a successful community that embraces ideas both big and small.  We are a valuable community and I thank you for letting me be a small part of it.

Wedding/Funeral

Posted on by
Reply

Wedding/Funeral

Feb 11-2There’s one relative that I am much closer to than all of the others.  When I have problems, she’s the person I call.    When Milton was going to propose to me, she is the person he called.  When I was trying to decide on a wedding dress, I took video of the dresses and she helped me make the decision.  When I walk down the aisle, I wanted my Aunt Cheryl by my side.

While at UNC I would spend every Thanksgiving at her house instead of traveling home.  My senior year, in 1997, Aunt Cheryl had a heart transplant.  I remember being ‘mad’ at her that year because they left me alone for Thanksgiving.  The transplant was supposed to give her 4-6 extra years of life.  But that was 13 years ago.  Whenever I could, I would travel to see her.  She started dialysis a couple of years ago.  She enjoyed reading National Enquirer to pass the time.  So I ordered a subscription.

Milton and I were in North Carolina in December to see her.  Milton told me that he wanted us to have the same type of fun loving relationship that my aunt and uncle had.  When I returned home, she called me and said she has never seen me so happy before.  She was excited for my wedding.

Recently I was getting my hair done and had a feeling of sadness run through me.  I didn’t know what it was.  A couple hours later I receive a phone call from my uncle.  My aunt had to be resuscitated three times and it wasn’t looking good.  At first I thought about flying down to say goodbye, but I didn’t want to have the last vision my aunt unresponsive and attached to all types of responses.  The next day she died.

It was difficult because the motherly figure in place of my own mother was now gone.  It was difficult because I knew how excited she was to see me get married.  It was most difficult because instead of her traveling to see me get married, I was traveling to attend her funeral.  I knew she was in a better place and the pains and illnesses she’d felt for a long amount of time were gone.  I truly believe that things happen for a reason.  I also know that she will have a back row (my parents will have the front row) seat to my wedding and all will be smiling down from above.

M.Y. February 2011

Fit Life

Posted on by
Reply

Fit Life

Feb 11-1If you know me, you know that I love fitness.  If you know me, you know that I love helping others.  If you know me, you know that I have been seeking a career change for some time.  This time last year, I was on a major search for new career.  I looked on websites, talked to people – I was a woman on a mission.  But nothing happened.

So, I became a certified personal trainer.  I trained at a couple of places, but still held my full-time job.  I continued my fitness competitions and working out.  One of the places I trained had negative energy.  I wasn’t happy there.  However, while I was there I had the opportunity to get Zumba certified.  And boy was I hooked.  I kept saying my prayers to do fitness full-time.

Then I met Tomarcus.  He gave me the opportunity to teach Zumba classes at APT Fitness in St. Matthews.  Loved it.  I then told any and everyone that I wanted to expand my business.  This was December 2010.  This led to classes at First G and Greater Friendship Church.  First G has over 70 women coming out weekly.  Then Living Social said they wanted to advertise my Zumba classes.  Then Velocity called wanting to put me in the Spotlight.  Then Fox 41 called about doing segments on Fox in the Morning.  Then I did a panel at St. Stephen entitled ‘New Year New You’.

We always say that we want a sign from God showing us what to do.  Well – all of my signs were loud and clear.  It was such a breath of fresh air to submit my two weeks notice at my job.  And then there was the offer.  St. Stephen’s Family Life Center offered me a position as their new Fitness Director.  They have so many amazing services there and I’m excited to create healthy lifestyles for all that want to be involved.   But there’s more.  I’ll be introduced to the congregation this weekend and every service.  So, if you’ve ever wanted to see one of my fitness routines – make sure you’re at St. Stephen Church this weekend!  God is good and I am embracing all of his blessings.  It’s all still a work in progress.  I am still a work in progress.  But, it’s great to see others believe in my passion!

http://michelle-yeager.com

M.Y. January 2011