Getting Ready For Back-to- School

It's Getting Close to Fall

Fall is my favorite season here in Chicago. It's not too cold, it's not too hot, and the wind has that "just right" breeze. I live right off the lake so this is the only time of year I actually enjoy the wind. The leaves on the trees start to turn beautiful colors, and the smell of dew in the early morning always makes me smile. Fall reminds, of back-to-school, Halloween, and fresh apples. Yes, I am a woman that embraces her senses. The older I get the more appreciative I am of the small things. I've noticed over the past year, I have paid close detail to my steps when I walk, the touch of soft skin, natural smells, and my overall blessings. Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons, but my main reason is my only child was born during the fall. I remember the day she came home it was warm like a summer day and the sun was shining bright.

On to the reason for this post. I did some late night shopping. I have no comfortable shoes and my feet have been swelling out of this world. I found some great deals online at www.dsw.com They are have a sale and I had a coupon, plus free shipping so I couldn't beat that. Here is what I got::

I love these, I hope they are comfortable.

 I thought these where adorable. I plan to pair them with some skinny jeans

When Things Don't Sync

I had to wait, only to be told to come back and no, twice today.

Today was rather disappointing, I went from feeling happy in the sky to completely blue in about one hour this evening. I hate getting excited only to later be let down. I guess for now I just have to wait it out, not much I can do here. I really wish that all my joys didn't have to be taken on the same day. But I guess it was better to have the bandage ripped right off than slowly peeled away.

Disappointment is the reason I like to have all my ducks lined up in a row, before I get my hopes up about ANYTHING. I'll get over it, I always do. Disappointment is an emotion that I can control very easily by letting it go.

On the brighter side I Aced both my summer courses. Looks like I'll be getting that perfume I promised myself. I love how I can shower myself with congratulation gifts. Its nice to take care of me. I deserve a toy with these classes (research methods and health policy), not to mention I did well above the class average, so my sleepless nights were well worth it.

I was recently advised to write down my goals. I know what you're thinking, "who doesn't know to write down goals Janelle"?? This time the idea was framed to me in a more frank manner. Believe it or not, it was some great advice and a good talk. I always claim an A in my course at the start of the class and midterm I choose a gift to get myself. Fall quarter is approaching and it "biology of public health", I am definitely going to make my treat a good one this time. So much for feeling the blues, there is always a good thought brewing inside.


On that note, do you treat yourself to anything nice for an accomplishment or meeting a goal?

Goodnight

The Water Was So Blue

I've been walking lately and I love it.  I forgot how much I enjoy my thoughts when I walk.  The lake was absolutely gorgeous today.  Close your eyes and imagine this: an August evening when the sun is beginning to set, a cool breeze strong enough to give the water sound. The waves move just fast enough to make a slight splash, the sound is so calming. I was engulfed by the beauty of the skyline.  With my MP3 player in hand I walked, and walked, and then walked some more.  Before I knew it, I'd thought about everything, and absolutely nothing.  My thoughts were so calming, I mostly observed my surroundings and did not focus on the pains creeping through my legs.  It was one of the best walks I have taken in a long time. I took the photo with my Blackberry, I had to share the beauty of nature.

What do you like to do to relax?

In His Hands

I need the strength of you to survive....

She remembers saying those words so softly as she tried desperately to feel her feet. What was going to happen to her? Who was going to hold, hug and carry her two year old if she couldn't even pick up a pencil. The nurses showed empathy, but no one could make it stop. The creepy evil in her body made its way up the left side and on to the right before the night would end. The doctors poked and tested with no good news. The best they could say was that it may or may not come back.

WHAT? How is that possible?

A deep prayer was sent above because if life had taught her anything, it was that only God could determine her destination. Life has the tendency to kick us in the ass when we least expect it and this was far from her to-do list, but she knew that God had a plan. A plan much greater than her.

She never dreamed in her young adult life that such devastation would haunt her seemingly sweet life.

Now it's time to fight and pray. Never give up, keep your head held high, and believe the lord will never leave you alone.

Music is such a deep part of my soul. I listened to Fly Like a Bird by Mariah Carey over and over. Sometimes I was speechless when His messages spoke to me. I just never give up. I can't explain the type of fighter that is within all of us. Put your trust in the lord and believe in yourself and all things are possible including, healing, success, happiness, and more.

God has blessed me and each day I try not to forget it. Blessed are those that believe their purpose and will is in His plan. Without much being said, I hope this blog entry encourages someone.

Have you survived? Are you surviving? Is your spirit healing others?
Please share.

to be continued...

Food for Thought- And you are?

Beautiful August day: It takes grace to be kind, forgiving, and honest. Don't allow life or influences to change that. Give with your heart and listen with your soul. Learn from your past, let your present shape your future. 

Do you know who you are?

My Wishlist

My new favorite fragrance is Heat. I haven't purchased it yet, but I tried it and I fell in love with it. This will be my treat if I Ace my two summer courses. LOL



Do you have a favorite fragrance?