I was going through a “funk” for a little bit. Change of season, peak busy time at work, and still grieving all hit me and it was nonstop tears. This past week and a half I finally started to get past it but this weekend was def the final touch to regroup.
We unplugged from the world and it was exactly what I needed. We also didn’t bring the kids with us which means I literally got a break and alone time with my honey.
The nights were spent by the fire filled with conversation and laughter. It was an overall great time with my fiancé, cousins and new people. I loved that we had no phone service because it allowed us all to interact, explore, and eat (a lot) lol.
Many people I know hesitate to experience camping but let me tell ya it’s a must try. At least once!
It’s officially October and that means pumpkin spice lattes, apple and pumpkin picking, and Halloween!
I won’t lie I am not the biggest fan of Halloween but for these two I def pretend to be haha.
This year we rushed to get into the spirit and actually purchased two pumpkins to carve ourselves. My daughter and I did the cleaning and my fiancé helped carve the faces. My son wasn’t too much help since he’s so small but he def loved seeing them light up.
This was a great family activity that didn’t take up too much time. It’s also a great way to get the kids away from technology for a bit and really opens up time for conversation. It’s truly amazing the things kids will speak about when given the time and space for it!
What fun things are you doing with your families this fall?
My son, John Jr., and daughter, Jena, with our two Halloween ready pumpkins.
One of the advantages of working from home is that you can really change your environment for the day while still getting your tasks and responsibilities completed.
On Wednesday, I made this beautiful site my office. The weather was perfect and you can’t beat this scenery. My fiancé kept our son entertained while I attended my meetings.
The upside of this was when I had a few minutes in between sessions I was able to enjoy the space around me with my loved ones.
Nothing like some ecotherapy to relax you and clear your mind.
Has anyone else changed their at home office locations during this pandemic?
This pandemic has caused so much anxiety, hurt, sadness, stress, & worry. Sometimes it’s hard to see the silver lining but this weekend I had the pleasure of seeing it.
Despite all the negative feelings COVID has caused, it also helped put several things into perspective. People and activities we once took for granted were suddenly taken from us and made us realize how important they are.
This weekend we had a family day with some friends of ours. They came up from Hamilton with their daughter and we visited several spots that were great for kids.
This picture captured large groups of family and friends gathered together celebrating a special occasion or just a day spent playing games like potato sack races and two-legged race competitions. It was an amazing site to be able to see people truly enjoying each other’s company.
So let’s take some time to see some of the good that came from this pandemic. Can you think of any?
I spent it on an RV farm! Our friends drove their camper and we were able to pitch a tent on their site.
I actually captured this amazing shot during a sunrise on our second day! The view was so much better in person but this picture gives you an idea. It was a little chilly but nothing a warm cup of coffee couldn’t fix.
The best part, you ask? I was completely alone.
How did I manage to escape by myself? Well I actually needed to use the restrooms and it was super early so I walked up the hill while everyone was asleep. I came out and checked what time the sun would rise so I decided to stick around and wait. Def glad I did since it was the only morning I was up early enough to enjoy it!
Love to embrace nature especially with family and good friends but also quietly by myself.
If not, please take some time out to go learn and if you do know then make sure your kids know too. I don’t ever give out parenting advice, just not my thing. We are all learning as we go for the most part so who I am to tell anyone what they should and should not do. BUT, the swimming piece I just couldn’t help myself.
A few weeks back, our family went to a river for some fun in the sun. Little did we know, it would end with a very scary experience.
My fiance and I purchased 3 life vests earlier in August and thank God for that. He, our daughter (11), and niece (13) went into the water for a swim. They challenged themselves to swim across and back. They made it all the way out but on the way back, my fiance got tired. At the same time, he started feeling claustrophic in his vest and took it off. Yes we know it was not the best decision!
This quickly turned into a panic as he felt the vest wasn’t holding him up and he began to shout for help. Fortunately, our daughter was near him so she tried to calm him down and keep him afloat. He really did not believe he would survive. My niece began to swim back to try and help because we were limited on vests and she was already in the water. My sister also jumped in with no vest and began to swim out towards him.
Side note: You might wonder why I didn’t jump in? Short version: I panicked as I got in due to a traumatic experience of almost drowning in my teenage years (even though I know how to swim!!)
Back to the story: Some good samaritans in a raft, kayak, boogie board, and swimming noodles all started going towards him to help also! Yes there are still very kind people in this world.
Ultimately, the kayak was the life saver. He was able to get to my fiance the quickest and was able to get him to hold on and brought him to shore.
My fiance threw himself on the ground and did not get up for a few minutes. My niece and daughter made it back to shore and instantly started crying. They were scared and overwhelmed. They are his heroes. They kept their cool and because they know how to swim and kept their vests on were able to keep him afloat.
My fiance knows how to swim but in that moment he was too tired and panic took over. Definitely did not realize what a great investment swimming lessons were for my daughter until that very moment where she was able to maintain her composure and help out her stepdad.
My daughter learned at summer camp (extra fee) but there are many YMCAs that offer lessons as well as Boys and Girls Clubs. Please look into it, it’s worth every dollar.
This year has been a roller coaster but 4th of July weekend was a damn sh*t show. If you have read some of my earlier posts, you know several of my family members had COVID-19. I also shared that one of my uncles was in the hospital because of it. His progress in the hospital was up and down but it seemed to reach a turning point for the better at the end of May.
After weeks of fighting and finally getting rid of the virus, he was moved to Rehab. We thought for sure it would be a long road to recovery but that he would make it out. My sister and I even talked about how we would get balloons and have a mini party.
Sadly, on July 3rd, God called him.
I literally barely have words to say or write. I thought that almost 2 weeks later I would be able to get through this post without crying. But here I am shedding tears, still replaying in my head the past months and trying to figure out what went wrong.
My uncle was the head of our family tree and one of the reasons my whole family even made it to America. The depth of sadness I feel is indescribable. He was a respected man, hard worker, loving husband and father, and more recently a super softy grandpa.
I know wherever he is, it has to be better than the current world we are living in. I know he will continue to watch over us.
Time heals all but this one might take just a little longer.
RIP Tio Victor “Tito” Lindo! You will forever be in my heart.
It seems like we can’t catch a break this year. From the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and others in a horrific helicopter accident at the end of January to the take over of COVID-19 shortly after. It seemed as if things could not get much worse but HA! we were so wrong!
Many callous acts against people of color specifically Black have come back to light. This time causing an uproar unlike any other in recent times. Protests, riots, and even looting have filled the streets in both the US and across the country.
I want to make it clear that I stand united with our Black community. Systemic racism has existed for far too long and change needs to happen!
Therefore, I wanted to provide some resources on how you too can help this cause. Thank you to my sorority for putting together this list. Just remember, these are only some of the many out there. Do your research. Educate yourself.
I want to introduce you to my friend Emely’s Small Business: Ailani’s Creations. Emely has put a lot of hard work and time to grow her business and it is continuing to flourish. She does custom creations for various occasions and is super dependable. Sometimes she can even squeeze in last minute orders depending on how much time is needed. Can’t rush quality work!
She has pages on both Instagram (@ailanis_creations) and Facebook (AilanisCreations) so it’s easy to place your order! Check out some of her work by clicking on the links!
Today I want to share a story from one of my best friends, Aeisha. She is a Lupus Warrior and was kind enough to let me interview her. She also gave me permission to share her story with my readers.
Q: How old are you?
A: 28.
Q: When were you diagnosed with Lupus?
A: October 2012.
Q: What was your initial reaction to your diagnosis?
A: I thought I was going to die.
Q: What has been the most challenging part of living with Lupus? Has it held you back or prevented you from doing things you have wanted to do?
A: The most challenging part of living with Lupus is not being able to travel as much as I am used to. My lupus caused me to have kidney failure. Now I am on dialysis and it’s hard to just get up and go like regular people. Everything has to be planned.
Q: Are there any organizations/groups that have helped inform you more about Lupus?
A: There are a lot of people on Instagram that I follow and follow me because we share this same disease. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone.
Q: What are some misconceptions people have about Lupus that you have faced?
A: There are people that think those with Lupus are lazy. Just because you can’t physically see my disability, it doesn’t mean that it is not there.
Q: Where are you today with your Lupus?
A: Today, I am still taking my monthly infusions, which I think is helping. I haven’t felt any pain since getting on it. “Fingers crossed!” I still am on dialysis. I am also on the transplant list waiting for a donor.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: My education keeps me motivated. The fact that I’m working towards a goal keeps me going.
Q: Any final thoughts or words you want to share?
A: Don’t let anybody say you can’t be!
Lupus affects every person differently. Despite Aeisha’s struggles with this disease, she doesn’t let it keep her down and still works towards her goals. Aeisha is actually receiving her BA this month in Social Work from Rutgers University. So not only is Aeisha fighting her own battle everyday but she is working towards being able to help others in need. She is the definition of a Lupus Warrior!
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