Marjo the Marvelous

This summer is shaping up to be quite exciting. Even though I'm not jetting off to Scotland or anywhere else exotic, my calendar is filled and I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer. Top on my list, a good friends' wedding in Quebec City. I've never been there before, and while I'm looking forward to exploring a new city, what I'm really looking forward to is seeing my two friends walk down the aisle.

Marjorie and Sandy met over 10 years ago at the gym where Marjo and I used to work. She came to Ontario to learn English and took up her post as the early morning receptionist at the gym. She hated to page members because of her accent, she sometimes mixed words up to hilarious results. They were embarrassing to her and funny to us, but she persevered. She's all about perseverance. After spending one summer here, she decided to call us home, put herself through university, chiropractic college and often held down two jobs at once while in school. She's an inspiration. Sandy is just as special and I'm so glad they found each other.

Last night, I attended the first of the wedding festivities - the bridal shower. Only close friends and family were in attendance and I was so thrilled and honoured to be included. Marjo has an eclectic range of friends. She meets them wherever she goes and she's just an easy breathe of fresh air. There are no airs, just a Marjo laugh and smile. And, the fact that the guest list spanned years of friendship - from 3 to 20 years - is a testament to the person that is Marjo.

She's the type of person I aspire to be - full of life and laughter, of self-confidence and a belief that she can be whatever and whoever she wants. Her glass is always half full and never running on empty. The past few years, I've lost that joie de vivre. I don't know where it went, but I know I want it back. I want to walk into a room and feel that love of life and the knowing that I am the person I want to be. Marjo has it and I strive to find it for myself.

Part of that process, that search comes from within, but it certainly helps to surround yourself with inspiring, uplifting people. And, even though Marjo and Sandy will soon move to Ottawa, I look forward to many more moments like the one we experienced tonight. Marjo has found a great network of people throughout her life: Tracy, Maria, Caroline, her Maman and me. I'm very blessed to have her and these beautiful women in my life.

Here's to Marjo and Sandy and their never half-empty glass. I raise a toast to all of you inspiring ladies (and men). Salut!