Gaining strength

Good Morning Fellow bloggers,

So here I am, back on my grind, working again- this time 8 nights in a row. But, since I have decided to go back to school, I am looking forward to sitting down with an advisor to discuss how I can I incorporate grad school into my already hectic schedule.
Since the girls' graduations we have been spending allot of time together, sometimes it's arguing, but lately it has been spent indulging in deep intellectual conversations. I am glad that they have kept communicating with Mark & he has advised them to press on to grad school. My relationship with my oldest son, Bebe, has evolved- I love that he just calls me to tell me he loves me & appreciates what I did for him; but, he still doesn't want to come home- which bothers me, but there is nothing I can do. He will be 18 this year & he has managed to pass all of his classes with a 4.0 average & bought his own first car!

As for my new gained strengths, I bought a power tool a couple of weeks ago with the intention to fix some things in my townhouse. Well, I am happy to report that I have managed to put up 4 shelves under my sink (by myself), & am planning to add some more shelf room in my kitchen! To say the least, I am officially addicted to my power tool- so for Father's day, kids, I want some more power tools! I have also learned how to take it easy on my days off & have started enjoying some wine & good company. These images are from all my experiences this week:

My storage space before I installed my shelves:

My assembly of the shelves:

My storage space after my shelves installation:

Arlene, my Leo twin, born on the same day as me- enjoying some red wine after a lazy afternoon:

As for my quotes, I found quite a few, that I really needed to share with y'all- enjoy!:

Standing Erect

Good Morning fellow bloggers,
 I have been busy working & taking care of those I love. Between Sade's recovery & my mom's chemo treatments, & working both jobs- there has been little time to take care of myself. I have tried to discipline my self to @ least jog daily & do my exercise regimen @ least 3-4 times a week. I also try to spend @ least one day off to do something for myself, whether it be shopping with girlfriends, going hiking by myself or with Marley, or spending time with somebody, I believe is worthy of my time.
I do have to mention that where-ever I go I have been receiving compliments, if its on my professional attire, when @ SBMC, or my physical appearance, in scrubs @ HUMC, even @ Shoprite in jeans & a fitted shirt. I am finally comfortable in my own skin- thanks to Ace & to other people around me who boost my ego- both male & female. My demeanor has changed drastically, I have always been outgoing & outspoken, but I feel that lately I have become more confident in myself & my decisions. My sisters @ HUMC have noticed the change in me inside & out. My closest friend Denise, who is a very close sister to me has also acknowledged the change in me. She reminded me how broken I was last year & how scared she was that I was too close to a nervous break down, she was there when I was defecating on myself- she was there when I was crying inconsolably- & this is why I call her my sister, & @ times my wife- because we make an awesome team & when we say we're doing something it gets done!
I would like to share my gym & some other images that have helped me in my healing process:

This image is from my morning hikes, I sometimes take Marley- but not today!

This is the creek next to our townhouse complex- it's very peaceful in the morning.

Theses lovely young ladies are my beautiful cousins: Crystal (blue) & Carmen (grey)

they possess strength that only I can be proud of- I love them both & have allot of respect for them.

My triple threat- as much as I argue & dog them- they are my strength & they make me proud everyday!

My pride & joy (minus 1), not only are they beautiful, they hold a ton of potential!

My pseudo gym- I work out @ home & get my regimen from my trainer Ace!

My favorite pass time, blogging, although I never have enough time to do it as often as I would like

My little princess, she patiently waits for me to finish yoga, in order to go jogging.

These are just a few quotes I picked up & would like to share with y'all:

It has been a long & educational 16 months & I have grown in so many ways & shrunk in others. I still have allot to accomplish in my life & I know now, that I am unstoppable. My tolerance has amazed me, my strength has multiplied & my forgivness to those who have betrayed me has remained. It is now, that I can stand proud, strong & erect!

My life's progression

Good morning fellow bloggers,

It has been a whirlwind 2 weeks! After a blissful 9 days in GA, I came back to my grind. Having to work every night & attend 2 college graduations, prepare for a graduation party & mentally & emotionally prepare for Sade's back surgery & Mami's chemo-therapy. It sounds exhausting just typing it- but this is the only way I know how to function (sad aren't I?).
I am currently @ Trinitas CA Ctr. attending my Mami's first chemo therapy, & of course it's the only time I have to blog. Needless to say, not only am I physically depleted, I am emotionally drained. Between the girls' graduations, Mami's therapy, & Dasha's & Sade's surgeries I am an emotional roller coaster- with highs & lows to the extreme! It would of been nice to have somebody to share all these situations with, but, a close friend has made himself available & has been along for the ride via cell phone, & his support is greatly appreciated! (& no it's not Mark!)- Thanks Ron. Here are just a few memories that I will cherish the rest of my life:

My "wife", she has been the only constant in my life for the past 27 years!

Me feeling delicious @ size 8 & @ 41 yrs old after 5 adult children!

My beautiful cousin Janette & her husband Rod

My other constant rocks: Mami & Tia Ana

My Mami's first chemo Tx- she looks anxious, NOT!

Shami's Spring concert:

& they spelled his name right!

He has a beautiful voice, but he doesn't like to share it!

Dinner celebration after my baby boy's concert!

With the fam- missing Bebe & Sasha (Jon, Sade's BF is /w us allot)

Sasha's graduation:

Douglas campus: NB, NJ- beautiful day for her graduation!

They spelled her name right!

My baby after she walked!

Me & one of my twins- everybody says we look & sound alike

Highly decorated- just like her Momma!

A tribe called mess! (minus Bebe)

Sasha & my Filipino daughter, Wa

My god-daughters, Mecca & Micah- ready for the all white graduation party

All my daughters enjoying themselves @ the grad party!

Silly face pix

Cutting the cake

My Mami, on Mother's day morning, before she goes to church

My Mami & me on Mother's day morning, after my church service & before I get ready for work!

Sade's graduation @ NJPAC, Newark, NJ

So excited!

My baby- before she walks

Getting nervous!

They spelled her name right!

My 1st twin- everybody says we look the most alike for now!

My triple threat!

The proud god-mother, /w her god-daughters

Sade & her boo: Jonathan

My baby girls!

the official invite!

As you can see my life is full of wonderful things & people. I have come a long way, & to think I almost fell into a deep depression last March! I have a beautiful family & if it wasn't for them- my life would not be what it is. They continue to push me forward & it is because of my kids that I have decided to apply to the DNP program. I know it's going to be challenging, but the people who love me have faith in me & I have to set an example for my children!

I also want to mention that Bebe is doing well in NM, he is working & attending PVHS & continues to work on his music- even selling CDs from his trunk. He has purchased his first car & is trying to graduate from HS a year early in order to move to CA to attend college there. I have to say- my children are my pride & joy! I just wished he could of flourished under me!

Quote: