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My prayer is that as you read this, you are healthy and truly blessed!

During the recent social craze of "I'm so (wherever you grew up at)", a friend of mine quoted a saying that got me thinking. The quote 'it's not where you're from but where you're at' spoke volumes to me. Not in relation to the social craze - but life in general.
 
To some people I'm stuck-up, snooty, rude, hell I've even been called an Uncle Sam. The last one actually still causes me to chuckle! I've been admired for my strength, courage, resilience, and toughness. I consider myself a realist! Life can sometimes make you feel as though an 18-wheeler has permanently taken residence on your heart. You're broken: mentally, financially, emotionally, socially...and even spiritually. If you're human - life is tough. Everyone goes through things: divorce, abuse, bankruptcy, friendships ends {this one is the hardest for me to handle - keeping it real with you}. Everyone has lost a job; by choice or not. Life is an interesting journey.
  Growing up, you hoped to graduate school, go to college, land that fabulous gig, get married, have 2 or 3 perfect children, and live happily ever after. Sitting down each and every evening - as one unit -nourishing your bodies with the freshly cooked meal that mom has made: sharing each others day. While collectively helping to clear of the table, and help the little ones with homework. Showers, prayers, and of to sleep. The day will be repeated tomorrow.
 
Reality is, for {most} it's not like that. We're running here, there, everywhere. We hate our jobs, our kids are driving us up the wall, and spouses make us second guess saying those I do's...and some are doing it alone. Your once BFF has forgotten how to use a phone or computer, the bills are piling up, and you're slowly noticing the crow’s feet, grey hair, and the snugness of your pants. Life is tough. It's real!
 
What's a person to do? Here's what I'm slowly learning. For one, ALL relationships take effort and work. If you find yourself being the one to always be chasing down the other person, hell let it go. As I said earlier, I'm learning. If you're struggling financially - chances are your priorities are of balance. Cable is a WANT not a necessity. I don't care what your favorite show is - it's a want. If you have credit cards - remember that 99% of places accept VISA and MasterCard - you don't need store cards. The rewards are not worth your financial struggle and near bankruptcy status. Call them up and negotiate a lower interest rate, stop using them, and pay them of! Once done with one, take that payment and apply it to the next card (or bill). Everyone can save at least $5 dollars a paycheck! Yes you can. Stash it away and watch it slowly grow. That little nest egg will come in handy during an emergency or a little pampering. You have to take care of yourself. You have a long life ahead of you and you want to be your very best self, don't you?
 
I'll end with this - stop claiming calamity into your life! Words are powerful and the universe is listening. If you say you're living paycheck to paycheck - honey you're going to live forever paycheck to paycheck! If you think something bad is going to happen, chances are it will.
 
Our lives and circumstances are different. But it is possible to live a healthy, fun, exciting, and adventurous life-even on a budget and definitely even with just one income. One of the things that piss me off the most is when people hear that I'm planning a trip (or just came from a trip), or when we got 'newer' cars - or most recently when Hubby got me a new ring say things like - "MUST BE NICE - IF ONLY I HAD 2 INCOMES"...Well let's be real clear here. Yes we have 2 incomes but Hubs and I have only been together for 6 years! And guess what - before I knew the name James, I traveled just as much. And I was alone with THREE kids! And to be honest I actually traveled more. I'd pick the kids up from daycare on a Friday, fill up the minivan and of we'd go. Canada, New Hampshire, Erie...wherever. The one thing I'm able to do more often now is travel outside of the U.S.A. But again, those that know me, know I don't play. I plan and I plan wayyyyy in advance. So yes I'm blessed with a man that works and we have two incomes. Though I love my job, I work because I like things - especially travel! If life were to take a naughty turn and we went down to one income - I'd just have to travel less.
 

Sunset - suburb of Rochester NY

You are here temporarily! Live life to the fullest! If you have questions or want to chat email me: accordingtomdannert@hotmail.com
 
Stay beautiful and go get a passport!

Borrowed from the web - but oh so true!

 

I did it!

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management from Robert's Wesleyan College.

On the left: Hannah, me, and Ayanna. On the right: Me and my ALL - my hubby James

It was a beautiful day! The sun was shining and the skies were clear.  I was surrounded by loved ones - family and friends. I'm blessed. To God be the glory.  Next steps....stay tuned. This is just the beginning.

Philippians 4:13 - Saturday, May 10, 2014

Hi Beautiful People,

It's been a while. I hope you're all doing wonderful and enjoying the glimpses of the sun. I'm hoping we have a fabulously hot summer full of clear blue skies!

Did you happen to catch the title of this blog post? Philippians 4:13 - Saturday, May 10, 2014. This day will be recorded as a special day in my memory book.  The verse - well if it were not for Christ continuously strengthening me, this reality would still be a dream.  I will be walking across the stage at Robert Wesleyan College and receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management. I'm elated!

Why such enthusiasm? See, 24 years ago, on Wednesday, November 15, 1989, I turned 16 and I made a decision that forever changed my life. I walked into my homeroom at Edison Tech High School and dumped all my books on Ms. Deyo's desk. She asked me, "what are you doing"? I told her, "I'm done". I turned and left. She didn't try to stop me. Would I have changed my mind? Only God knows. The interesting thing is that as I went to get on the RTS bus, the driver asked me what I was doing? I told him going home...I just dropped out of school. His response, although ticked me off, didn't change my mind. He told me, "oh you're grown now huh?, well walk your grown behind home"! Yeah, he did not let me get on the bus! So I walked.

I ended up back in juvi (that journey another time).  In and out of juvi for around two years, I ended up getting my GED May 1991.  Three years later I obtained a General Office Skills certificate from REOC.  That certificate helped get my foot into the professional arena. More like a toe! Desiring to be more and have more, I eventually enrolled at MCC.  At MCC I changed majors a few times (that adventure also at another time). Life happened and after starting in 1996, I graduated in 2004. Do the math - quick! Yes, it took me 8 years but I did it.

The road leads me to the present day.  I was comfortable in my profession as an executive/admin assistant, although I had 15+ years of experience, I felt professionally empty - if that makes sense.  I took some time to reevaluate my career goals and realized that I'd always wanted to achieve my bachelors.  I had tried several times and was not successful. The colleges/programs were not for me. 

And as life doesn't stop, I kept on living. The goal was boxed and safely put away.

Have you ever had a goal, vision, or desire that had not been realized and it keeps gnawing at you? It just won't go away! That was my goal and with the encouragement of Mr. D., I reached out to a few people I knew had graduated from Robert's. I asked them a million questions and I signed up for an info session. I enrolled. I was accepted. I finished. I graduate!

To those reading this...young or old, don't EVER give up. If you're breathing, you still can reach that goal and stop that annoying gnawing feeling.  If you've dropped out of high school - try and go back or go get the GED.  If you're contemplating dropping out - DON'T do it! You will regret it.  I wish I had prom pictures to look at and laugh at. I wish I had those memories....  If you've obtained your GED, awesome sauce! Don't stop there. Go further. Get a certificate. REOC and local colleges offer certificate programs.  Whether it's to fulfill a personal or professional goal, education is knowledge and that knowledge will be yours forever.

As for me and my future - I plan on receiving my Masters in Human Resources Management.  I'm looking at a couple of local colleges because I need to be in a classroom. Online does not work for me.

There should be six attendees at my graduation - my mama, dad, 2 daughters, son and hubs. My son is out of town handling some business - but I'll be sure to have lots of photo for him to see and he'll definitely be at my next graduation.

If you ever want to chat or have questions email me at accordingtomdannert@hotmail.com

58 days ago...

Here we are - Thursday, February 27, 2014!  Is time standing still? Is time moving at warp speed?  I think the answer to that is...it depends on what you have been doing with your life over the last 58 days!

There comes a time when we all have decisions to make. They can be small and minor decisions like, what do I wear to work or what will I have for breakfast?  Yet, there are times in life, when we must make decisions that can and will alter our lives...for the better...or for the worse.

In 71 days I will be walking the stage of Robert's Wesleyan College as I graduate with my bachelor's degree in Organizational Management.  The decision for me to return to school and obtain my bachelor's was an easy decision. I did not need to give it much thought other than, how am I going to pay for this?  I've always had the goal of going to school and getting the bachelor's.  For me, this a great achievement and I will be celebrating big!  See, I dropped out of school in the 9th grade. After a couple of years of in and out of juvi - I made the decision to get my G.E.D. {general equivalency diploma}.  I went on to attend R.E.O.C. {SUNY Brockport's Rochester Educational Opportunity Center} where I received a certificate in General Office Skills.  Kids, relationships, etc...later...I went to a 2-year college M.C.C. and received my associate in science. I was thrilled! But I wasn't done. When I met James, and as we got to talking about goals, etc., he encouraged me to go back to school if that was my heart's desire. It was and I did.  When I walk the stage in 71 days, it will be 15 months prior when the journey started.

I tossed and turned for weeks and I prayed and I prayed as to whether or not go on for my master's.  After weeks of back and forth, I made my decision...........................YES! My new vision is to obtain my a Masters in Human Resources Management from Nazareth College.

I decided to do what I've always aspired to do...Be REAL! Be GENUINE! Be ME. 
And I am just great!

Whatever goals you set for yourself, make sure they are for YOU and not someone else.  My ways are not for everyone...just like everyone's ways are not for you.  Take some time to look deep down and hard within yourself. Ask God to guide you. Ask yourself what brings you joy? Happiness? Is it being a coach? Author? Mentor? Public Speaker? Flash mob dancer? Photographer? House wife? Stay-at-home-mom? Single? Married? Blogger? World traveler? Tea enthusiast? Wine enthusiast? 

Whatever you choose, let it be YOUR CHOICE!  That is the only thing that will bring you true happiness.

My life's goal is to be a world traveler! And as live each day, every decision I make will bring me closer and closer to my life's goal. {{To fill the pages of my passport}}
As a close friend said to me "they gave me a passport with lots of pages...I have an obligation to fill it".  And fill it I shall!

Isla Mujeres - Cancun Mexico Feb. 2014

Live Aqua - Cancun Mexico Feb. 2014. RESORT I stayed in.

Beauty! Live Aqua Cancun Mexico Feb. 2014

This is my life. Cancun Mexico Feb. 2014

My 2013 in review

Good bye 2013...

My year started out great. Rang in the New Year with my husband & Monster watching Ryan Seacrest's Rockin' New Year's Eve Show. We toasted, kissed, hugged, and of to bed we went. 

After much planning, only Stacey & I ended up going to Cancun, Mexico and we had a blast. We made a pledge that every February we would go on a girls only vacation. February 2014 it will once again be Stacey & I. I was a little disappointed because there were at least 8 people that said they were interested but when it came time for the deposit - only Stac and I came through. I know we'll have a blast again :-) We're pros now! 

My Dude & I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. I surprised him with a weekend getaway that comprised of a night just outside of Buffalo, a day at Niagara on the Lake, and sight seeing in Niagara Falls. His facial expressions and enthusiasm spoke volume. I know he loved it. He also got his license (yay/long story) & a car! No more waking up at dawn for me. Praise The Lord - because without Him none of this would have taken place. 

We also went to Washington DC when we took Hannah home who came up for the summer. That was an adventure. I had never been to DC before. Next year, I'll be needing better walking sneakers.   

There were some heartbreaks & sadness in 2013 - it wasn't all wonderful but I'm not going to focus on those events. We live and we learn. One things for sure - never again!   

I've been having monthly girls only get togethers. There were a few times that I almost scrapped the entire idea but the few faithful ones kept me going. Some would say yes and not show up (not even a phone call). Some miraculously 'forgot' and that makes me laugh. I say that because those that have been invited AND a part of, know that I'm always sending reminders whether it's through FB or texting.  I will continue having the events & whoever shows - shows. When the invites stop altogether please don't wonder why.  

Professionally and academically I've been blessed. I'm graduating May 2014. {Save the date graduation party 5-10-14}. There are exciting things coming that can't be shared just yet...but I truly have been blessed. I'm excited about what God has planned for me.  For a minute there I flirted with the idea of getting my Master's. After much thought and prayer, that will not be happening. I need to be true to myself and getting a Master's degree was never a goal or dream of mine. Pursuing my Bachelor's degree has been a goal and I am thankful that God has provided and that goal turned into a plan and the plan into a reality.  I will say this professionally speaking,  I will get my notary and I will continue to enhance my skills and the learning will never stop.  If God ever puts it in my heart to pursue a Master's - then let it be. Until then, however, I am content.  

I turned 40 this year. Yay! In addition to having a photoshoot for myself by the talented Colleen, I celebrated with several friends...but nothing could top, My darling's surprise of a bed & breakfast stay at Niagara on the Lake and it was beyond amazing. Oak Haven was quaint, and Dennis and Christine were absolutely great! I honestly don't know why people, especially women, fret getting older. It's a blessing-be thankful. For my 45th birthday I will be celebrating both my 45th birthday & 10 yr anniversary in the glorious islands of Tahiti, Mo'orea, and Huahine.  The research and plans have begun!

There were some things that were not accomplished like getting out of this apartment & into a house, losing the amount of weight that I wanted, but I managed to drop a few pounds so I'm overall thankful for that...having my Hannah move back home...but what has been accomplished has been wonderful! Traveling, car, paying off some debt, good grades, a roof over my head, food on the table, turning 40, surprises, promotions, a clear vision of my future, new friendships...rekindled friendships, and growing closer to God...and truly knowing He will never forsake me! 

2014 I'm ready! The best is yet to come. Happy New Year!

5 year anniversary surprise

Niagara on the Lake

Walking around in Niagara on the Lake

Gorgeous hotel - Niagara on the Lake

Niagara on the Lake

Niagara Falls

My Dude got a car!

40th photoshoot

White House - Washington DC

Driving around Niagara on the Lake -my 40th

SPA day

40th photoshoot

 

My Lover, My Friend, My Husband, My Dude, My All. Thank you for a great 2013! Can't wait to see what God has planned for us in 2014.

It has been a while...

My faithful readers, accept my deepest apologies as it has been a while since I have written!  As we know and as can be expected, {LIFE} happens.  I am in the middle of planning many things for the upcoming year! Here's a quick overview:

Social life...

• My social life will be changing! Life's too short.

Professional life...

• I am very fortunate to have a job that I love. Although I love my job, I know that I am meant to be doing more...great things will be happening in this arena - stay tune! {NO} I am not leaving my job...I will be growing in my gifts.

Academic life...

• I will be graduating May 10, 2014 with my bachelor's in Organizational Management. I have made the decision to continue on {with the subtle persistence of Nicole & Deborah}, with my education and I will be starting my studies for my MSL - Master's in Strategic Leadership!

Personal life...

• I have talked and talked and talked and talked {you get the point}...about my weight loss battle. In all honesty, it is not really a battle because I'm not even trying to fight! January 1, 2014 - I will be bringing out the gloves and you better watch out! I will be fighting like my life depended on it {an it does!}.  I will be getting healthy! I will become a certified personal trainer! I will start the writing and I will become a published author! I will become involved in helping others! I will be making a difference!
• I will be focusing on my marriage and my children. Our vacations will be meaningful; we will live with purpose.
• I will also be writing more consistently! It's all about planning :-)

With all that being said, I hope you stick around and embark on the great journey that is about to take place. Join me for the adventure...hold on the best is yet to come!

{{PS.}} Did I tell you I recently turned 40! My classmates surprised me with a cake and the love of my life surprised me with a weekend getaway to Niagara on the Lake! IT WAS AMAZING!!!