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!!!

WOW - {5} months!

I can not believe it has been almost five months since I have written! A lot has been going on.  I do not know about you, but it's supposed to be summer - I think mother nature hijacked summer and replaced it with well I'm not sure.  The mugginess, gloominess, rainy days, are enough to drive any one insane.  The good news is that I was blessed and spent eight days in Phoenix, Arizona.  During those eight marvelous days, my arthritis did not act up! I found my natural cure - 100+ DRY heat.  I was literally in heaven.  Here are a couple of pics...

Those that prejudge and say that 100+ is too much to handle, have not spent a day in it. I'm not talking about the stuffy air we have here in Rochester, NY. I'm talking about temperatures that motivate you and give you energy.  I will admit that I was in an air conditioned room and the resort had eight - YES - eight pools but believe me; give me some sunglasses, sunblock, and lots of water and I'm game! I told my hubby whichever one of us finds a job first we are outta here.  For now I will be satisfied with my photos :-)

I finished my first semester at Robert's.  I'm so thankful for the two week break - that last class was crazy! Not happy over the final grade but it's done and I passed - in the end that's all that matters.  I've nicely packed away the previous four modules {see below} and do you see the stack of books for the next semester?

I've started reading the books for the first class of the 2nd semester {Leading Organizations} and I'm excited! The scary part about this program is that we start our 2nd semester July 10th...and by the time kids start school - September 4th, we will be two weeks from finishing the THIRD CLASS! One more class afterwards and the 2nd semester will be over.  May 14, 2014 can't come fast enough.

I've also been experimenting with a 'signature' look - or just basically playing around with make-up. Here's a picture of my adventure...

I have the best Mary Kay Consultant - MaryPat Keith ((click on name to email her)) and we spent an afternoon playing with color.  That's the thing about Mary Kay, you try before you buy and your consultant is more than happy to 'play'.  You can shop online 24/7 ((click on online to go to website)).  I will say, it's one thing to get a 'look' and it's a whole 'nother to make time to make it happen on a daily basis. I'm hoping to shoot for 3-5 days a week. I'm starting fresh August 1, 2013. Why wait - I'm starting tomorrow!

 

Speaking of August - we will be celebrating our five year anniversary - (heyyyyyyyyy!)  One thing's for sure - time has flown by and I've enjoyed every minute. Hopefully James feels the same lol.  As I mentioned before, Lord willing I'll be graduating from Roberts May 2014. We've decided to celebrate both our five year anniversary and my graduation BIG. We're quoting different options so stay tuned. Can't wait.

 

One of my biggest struggles over the last several years has been my weight {no big secret there}.  I found these pictures of various weight stages in my life and I'm going to use them as motivation.  I can't believe that once upon a time I had a six pack - or at least something that resembled a six pack!  I'm not striving for a six pack - I'm striving and hoping to be able to look in the mirror and love what I see. I'm a work in progress and I'm thankful for the words found in Psalm 139:14...{I am fearfully & wonderfully made...}. It's my daily reminder that God did not make a mistake.

 

Til next time {I promise it won't be five months from now}...

 

 

Choices/Decisions

Wishing you all a happy and productive Saturday.

Today is the last Saturday of the month.  Are you happy with the choices you've made thus far in February? It is not too late!

When you have a decision to make ask yourself the following questions to ensure you are making the best possible choices.

1. Will this decision make a positive impact for me and my family?
2. By making this decision will I be brought closer to one of my life goals?
3. What would happen if I don't do this?
4. Am I staying true to my personal philosophical believes by making this choice?
5. What are the pros and cons of in choosing this way?
6. Will this choice improve my life?

In asking questions before making decisions you are able to slow down, think the situation through, and choose wisely. Every decision you make should enhance and add value to your life.

{Choose & Decide Wisely}

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico - February 2013

Stacey - or should I say "Brown Sugah Baby" and I spent five days and four nights in sunny Cancun, Mexico.  Though not my first girls only trip, it was my first trip out of the country alone - by alone I mean not with my significant other!

What a fabulous experience!!!

God's creation

Some people get the misconception that we're made of money or have no responsibilities. The truth is, that we are just as budget minded as the next person.  The difference is that we don't wait until the last minute to decide we want to go on vacation! We plan carefully and we plan ahead.  As we vacationed in Mexico, we started planning our next trip.  Upon arriving back into the states I immediately called our travel agent and yes we are booking our next girls only vacation. Back to Cancun, Mexico. We fell in love with Mexico! 

It was our first time in Mexico so we did not want to venture out too much.  We mainly hung out at the resort.  We stayed in the Golden Parnassus - Adult Only All Inclusive!!! YES no children! We are both mothers so a vacation without children - of any age - was pleasing to the soul.  Our package included kayaking, paddleboat, and some other water related activites.  I saw the sign that read "Crocodile Zone". That was enough to keep me away from the agua!

Beauty

As mothers, wives, girlfriends, and other titles/hats that we may wear, it is important that we take time to care for ourselves.  It may be a little selfish to some - but they are not the ones wearing your 'titles/hats'...but what good is it to always be taking care of kids, husbands, boyfriends, employees, and so on, if we neglect the most important person - YES YOU!!!  When we put ourselves first, even if only for a short time, we are relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.  We are rested and better able to provide for those that look to us for guidance, love, and support.

Do not let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting some time for yourself.  You don't necessarily have to fly across the country; but you need time for yourself.  Time away also gives you time to reflect.  Reflect on the goals that you may have had but life got in the way. Think about forming a plan to achieve your hearts desires.

It's never too late!

Soaking up the sun!

Tranquility

Closing up 2012...Welcoming 2013

As with every new year, we take a moment to reflect on the occurrences of the current year, the things we envisioned and the reality.  For me, 2012 was filled with many highs and lows; some fun and heart breaks. 

Due to my strong dislike of crowds, we avoid driving to downtown to see the fireworks - instead, we make a short and quick appearance at my parents house which is filled with family members that seem to only get together during the holidays. I find this tradition sad - especially since I have friends who travel many hours across state lines to get together with their family members during the holidays - we all live within 10-15 minutes from one another; yet we only gather during the holidays.  After our short stint at my parents, we journey over to our apartment and watch Ryan Seacrest and the many live performances; crack open the bubbly - clink the glasses, hugs & kisses and off to bed we go. We're in bed by 12:05AM. Another year has come and gone.

The highs and lows of 2012:

-High H visits Ethiopia for her first time with her father & step mother for the entire summer
-Low H drops a bombshell on me that she's staying in Virginia with her father & step mother
-High I get accepted and start Keuka college working  towards my bachelor's degree
-Low after the first semester I have to drop due to no financial aid
-High plans for summer travels - we visit Lancaster PA and go the Syracuse State Fair
-Low deep down hurt and feelings of betrayal on part of H
-High we surprise A with a cell phone and some things she wanted for Christmas
-Low disappointed by the ungrateful behavior displayed by A
-High register A for piano lessons
-Low A doesn't seem to be all into the piano lessons - money wasted!
-High possible miracle which will allow me to return back to school
-Low no word yet still waiting on miracle - more debt? Is it worth it?

As 2013 creeps in - here is what I will be doing...

*Stop trusting people so much...
*Stop worrying about what other people think, say & do...
*Focus on those that live under my roof; and my other 2 children no matter what...
*Cherish each day like it's my last on earth...
*One way or another I will achieve my bachelor's and I'll have only myself to thank debt & all...
*Accept that our children are on 'loan' to us from God and all we can do is wish the best for them - regardless of what road they choose to travel...
*Forget the past - and the people from the past - they're in the past for a reason...
*Embrace my body - muffin top, stretch marks, cellulite and all...!
*Eat healthier & drink more water...
*Keep those friends that push me to be the very best I can be close to me...and the rest at arms length...
*Be wary of those that are always posting scriptures on FB - even the devil knows the bible. Christianity is about a personal relationship with Christ. It's about seeing Christ in that person. Many need a new mirror because the reflection is foggy...
*Not planning any more 'girls only' get togethers - yall already know my plans; so you make the move...
*Remembering why I fell in love & rekindling the romance...we have many many many more years together & before we know it'll be just us...
*Most importantly I will be becoming the mother, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, grand-daughter, niece, aunt, co-worker, employee, friend...Child of God that Christ intended for me to be!

Remember as you're out celebrating...Do NOT use your cellphone WHILE driving! No call or text is worth your life or that of another...Drink and drink good...BUT do not get behind the wheel! Call a cab or have a pre-arranged designated driver!  Have fun and have a safe New Year's! Here's to 2013...