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!!!

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}