Dear August

Dear August,

Oh August, you were quite the month. You are the Sunday of the summer and you sure did feel like it. I loved my evening walks along the river and the afternoons spent paddleboarding down the creek. Lazy days reading and time spent reflecting on this year.

You started out quite curious, when a mystery flamingo appeared at my house the first Saturday of the month and after questioning all my friends and family, no one admitted who left it for me. There is a sense of excitement that someone who knows me well enough left that for me but I also think to myself, who did that?! I may never know who left the mystery flamingo but once more I am publicly thanking them for it, whoever you are. 

We moved from mystery flamingos to power outages and terrible storms. I feel like a lot of the month it had terrible storms filled with thunder and lightening. We lost power for a few days but we couldn't figure out why- the storm wasn't that bad. Thanks to all the linemen from all the different states that came to help restore power back to the East Coast. 

One of my favorite things that happened this month was I started to read again. I have been struggling to pick a book up since this who mess started back in March. I started reading a physical book the day the power went out. I sat in my car to charge my phone and I couldn't stop reading . From that point on, all I wanted to do was read. It brought me so much joy all month. I ended up reading SIX books this month. (Look for my book reviews next week!) 

Speaking of what brings me joy- it was school. I am currently taking two classes and while it is a lot of work and a lot of time, I couldn't be happier about it. The idea of learning new things and then building on those ideas allows me to further myself and strive for things that I always dream of.  I have been staying up late most nights working on homework or assignments and even though getting up early for work is hard, the most important this is, my heart is full. I found something that I was really missing. 

I was able to have a few Standup Paddleboard Yoga sessions on the creek with Adrienne. I truly enjoyed each of these sessions. The views are one of my favorite parts- its nice to get a different perspective.  Each week I have been feeling more and more stronger and more confident with my yoga on the paddleboard. There is something about being on the water that brings calmness to me. 

August, you have also taught me/ helped reinforce the fact I enjoy being alone, doing things on my own and just being silent. I know that is hard for some people- being alone with their thoughts- but for me its my favorite place. Most of the times, I don't think of anything specific, I let my mind wander from one thing to another with no direction. I think this is somewhat like meditating- not focusing on one particular thought and letting it flow in and out. 

Before I end this letter, how could I forget, I went to two appointments that were postponed due to the mess. I was super impressed with how each location handled social distancing and keeping to a schedule. It's a different experience and a little nerve-wracking but I did it and I was happy to do something normal. 

Thanks August for a good month! I hope September brings more joy and happiness for me and you too!

-gabrielle

[[no matter where you are, grace is never far]]

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Can you believe it’s the last Friday of the month AND Summer? I have been trying to savor all the moments outside in the warm summer air. August always reminds me of a Sunday, You try to squeeze everything in before its over. I think the memories that were made this summer were surpassingly some of my favorites. I am pretty sure as I am getting older, I am enjoying quiet, low key moments more and more. This summer was low key and full of surprises. 

Here are some favorites from this week:

1.      Reading binge///The reading worm has finally bit me and all I wanted to do this month was read. Libby has been awesome and I have been devouring books (I think I am up to 5 books read this month!). I am working on a post for next month reviewing the books I read-I am so excited to share! I love to find out what others are reading- send me your recommendations and find me on Good Reads.

2.      Dunzo///Around this time every year, one thing pops into my head “Summer is Dunzo” said by Laguna Beach’s Stephen Colletti. (Season one episode 6) It never fails- every August, I think about this.(Please tell me, someone else remembers this too!?)  It makes me smile and laugh because summer is not technically over the end of August- in a sense it is but we have Local Summer- when all the vacationers go home and us locals can enjoy what we have without the crowds. 

3.      New Blog Series///Starting in September, my Friday posts each week will have  a specific theme. Once a month I will have a Feel Good Friday, Funny Friday, Faith over Fear Friday and Favorites Friday. I like the idea of having structure with my posts each month, a routine with what I post. 

4.    Prayers/// These two hurricanes hitting Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf are scary. I am praying extra hard for all those in the path of Marco & Laura. I am also praying for understanding and hope and kindness for all the unrest happening in the world. I am praying for everyone- I think we all need some prayers lately.

I am linking with Andrea and Erika today for Friday Favorites.

[[Rise up and pray. Luke 22:46]]

-gabrielle

PS. Did you miss this weeks posts? Check them out here: August Mixtape & Favorite Masks.

Favorite Masks

Masks...

If I have to wear them, I want them to be at least cute. Isn't that how everyone else is feeling? No, just me, okay!

There are so many more out there then what I have listed below. Etsy is a great place for all things hand made and I even tried my hand at making masks early on- my sewing skills are something to be desired. HA. Masks are the accessory for 2020.  I have bought many different types of masks in the past few months and I thought I would share what brands I love in case you are still on the hunt for a good mask.

Here are my favorites I have found over the past couple of months:

Old Navy

My favorite most cost effective ones are from Old Navy.  They come in a bunch of different colors and patterns and I feel that they are able to accommodate most people's faces. The price I feel is fair sitting at 5 for $12.50. I can comfortably wear these when  I am out shopping they really hold up in the washing machine. One tip: I air dry them and when they are just out of the wash, I smooth the fabric with my finger to get out any wrinkles and they look great when they are dry.  

Lilly Pulitzer 

These were my splurge masks. Now, I have loved Lily Pulitzer for a long time and when I found then came out with masks, I JUMPED at the chance to get one. I purchased the original rectangle mask back in April (?) and I was really pleased with it. My mom bought me the new ChillyLilly 3 pack and the bright colors make me feel so cheerful and these are super comfortable as well. They are more breathable and more like an exercise material. Even during a pandemic, we can live in a Lilly state of mind. 

Vera Bradley

I have always loved Vera Bradley as the brand and when I saw Vera Bradley made face masks, I wanted to check them out. These are $8 a mask and there is a big selection of different prints. These are a bit more reasonable and they have options for the style of mask you can buy. 

Tory Burch

You would think  a designer brand would have really expensive masks- not Tory Burch. They are selling a 5 pack of silky masks for $35. They look more expensive then they actually are. I figure, if I am going to be wearing these a lot, its worth it to try. These masks are perfect and they have the little adjusters to make it fit perfectly to your face. 

Neck Gaiter

I found these on Amazon in March when this whole mess started. These are super comfortable and stretchy to fit all face shapes. I feel like men wear these more which I can understand the convenience of these. These might be my winter/fall masks because it provides more coverage. 

Disposable Mask

The trust backup mask- the disposable one. It seems like if you don't have a washable fabric mask, this is the one you have. If you wear one of these, just remember to throw it away in the trash, not the garbage. 

Here are some tips and tricks I have found:

-When washing the masks, put them in a mesh laundry bag to keep them all together and don't but them in the dryer
-FogStop really does work!
-Keep an extra one in your desk and in your car (its like chapstick, have one everywhere you are)
-Just wear one, its not that hard. 
-Amazon sells little silicone adjusters for the earloops on masks to make them fit better (or tie little knots in the loops to get a tighter fit)

[[Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming.]]

-gabrielle

ps.  If this is the easiest way to control COVID-19, I think its a no brainer to just wear the mask. 

August Mixtape

This month's mixtape is fun. I am all about finding new music and this month's playlist is (mostly) from my Release Radars and Discover Weekly from Spotify. This is a fun mix of chill music and fun singalongs. Enjoy the new tunes.

WGJ vol. 8
Gimme Something- Granger Smith
Slow & Steady- JD Clayton
Coming Home- Hudson Moore
Past Life-Trevor Daniel & Selena Gomez
7500 OBO- Tim McGraw
7 Summers- Morgan Wallen
Worship You- Kane Brown
Drive All Night (acoustic Live)- NEEDTOBREATHE
One Prayer Left-Ryan Griffin
In My Car- Connor Myers
BOYFRIEND- HARDY
For Awhile (Stripped)- Ryan Robinette
Salt and Lime (Acoustic)- Clare Dunn
Still Smokin'- RaeLynn
Slow Down- Steve Moakler
Runnin' Out of Stars-Ryan Robinette
Soundtrack to a Small Town Sundown- Tyler Farr
Tennessee(Take Me Down)- Clayton Anderson
Photo Booth- Tony Evans, Jr.
GIVE HEAVE SOME HELL- HARDY

Listen here.

[[Things that excite you are not random. They are connected your purpose. Follow them]]

-gabrielle

Fabulous Friday Favorites

Found a Stanley* by my car in the garage.

Happy friYAY! How are you today? This week was a lot of fun and it flew by. Also, can anyone explain how it is already more than half way through the month??   I am linking up with Andrea and Erika today for Friday Favorites. 

Here are some highlights from my week: 

1. Eye Doctor//As much as I have had problems in the past with my eyes, I don't actually mind going to the eye doctor. I was super impressed with their procedures for keeping their patient safe and socially distant and everything was sanitized once a patient touched it. I was in and out within 40 minutes and that was even including stopping at the optical shop in the office to ask about contact prices. So impressed. That was the first time I was in a doctors office since before all of this mess. Speaking of .....

1a. Contacts//If you wear contacts, you know the struggle about how much they cost. The eye doctor quoted me a price for one box (aka one eye) of contacts at $118. I nearly fell out of the chair. I use and like daily contacts but the price is always so much more expensive for them. When I got home I looked on 1-800-CONTACTS to see their price and that was $109.  Yikes! My mom suggested I try Walmart- they have a vision center. It was worth a shot and I was pleasantly surprised when I found my contacts for $86-a full $32 different.

2. Standup Paddleboarding// Last weekend I had a Standup Paddleboard yoga session at the creek. I have been doing this once a week and I have been LOVING it. Its so peaceful and being outside is the best lately. We decided to go on a little adventure to see a new part of the creek and it was quite magical. The trees on both sides were making a canopy over the creek and the water was so still. I am currently saving for my own paddleboard for next year. 

3. School Update///Week one of classes is almost over. I was able to access the syllabus on Friday and to my delight the textbooks were available too. Guess what I spent most of the weekend doing- you guessed it, reading for my two classes. You would have thought I won a million dollars by the way I was so excited and eager to start. #nerd Starting the reading early paid off because I am just about done with all the assignments (just two left) and the exam for the one class. Learning is something that has always made me so happy and this is the perfect thing for me right now. 

I am looking forward to:

1. Reading more// not just in my textbooks; I have been trying to read for at least a half hour a day to bring a little more joy into my life. I'm currently reading Open Book by Jessica Simpson. I am about half way through and at this point I am invested in it, I need to know how it ends. 

2. Homework// I know... I just heard so many eyes roll but I truly enjoy doing homework and I find myself going over different concepts in my head when I have some quiet time. 

3. My last Wednesday Off// Um...how did we get to the end of August already? I swear we were JUST in July. There is a lot of "fun" things at my job coming up that I cannot wait to tackle. 

How was your week? Are you looking forward to anything? Wishing you another wonderful weekend and a wonderful week ahead. 

[[August is like the Sunday of the Summer]]

-gabrielle

P.S. Did you miss my posts from this week? Check them out here- Photo Story and Wednesday Wisdom

*If you don't remember, Stanley is the skinny tailed squirrel that runs outside the kitchen window; I kinda became friends with him (Through the window) when I would eat breakfast, he would be in the tree looking at me. Every time I see a skinny tailed squirrel, I yell, STANLEY! and smile.

Wednesday Wisdom

Hello! Hi! Hiya! How are you friends? As I sit at my desk to write this, I am looking out my window at another beautiful summer night-everything looks just perfect. Dreamy colors, lush green foliage everywhere, the sounds of families playing outside and I think to myself how different but so good this summer has been.  Many opportunities presented themselves this summer that I don't think (possibly) they would present themselves otherwise. I love the unexpected happiness and excitement of things.  When I was driving to work this morning I was thinking about luck and in my Google Photos, it showed me that I took this photo two year ago. Luck. I love when things like this happen, I always take it as a sign; now I have no idea what the sign actually is but it made me smile. 

If you are looking for a sign, or just some words of comfort:

Whether you are in a new season of life that could look like you are working from home and your child is learning from home or you are having struggles through this season because of the lack of income, the lack of support or other personal struggles, I am praying for you. I pray everyone is moving at their own pace, in their own direction in their own season knowing that there is goodness out there for you. It might not come tomorrow or in two weeks but its there, its coming for you. You deserve what you are praying about, yearning for and what you are looking for. No one has the answers and sometimes the answer you are expecting, might not be the best one for you. Maybe there is an even better answer for what you are needing, have faith and patience and that will get you through these unusual seasons in our lives. You are exactly where you need to be- right here and now. 

Enjoy today and everyday. We have no idea how numbered our days are and why not try to live each day full of wonder, grace and most importantly joy. 

[[grace not perfection]]

-gabrielle

Photo Story: August

Happy Monday!  Today is officially the first day of classes for me and I couldn't be happier. I started reading the chapters and taking notes over the weekend (#nerdalert) and I am so excited for this adventure. 

On to today's posts- a collection of photo from the past month.

Nature is the overall theme again this month; I have been spending so much time outside. It has been a unique summer and even though it has been different than I expected, I am really enjoying this new rhythm and way of life. Change is good and it helps refresh you soul; I have been making more time for things that bring me true joy each day. I go to bed with a full heart and a smile on my face each night and in the morning, I jump out of bed to see what the day has in store for me. 

Small Reminders

Cannot get enough of these views

Golden hour 

Patience is what makes things worth it

Reflection on the River

Watercolor sky

Sky meet Sea

Reading in the car during a power outage

Light & Darkness

Dreamy 

Bright Spot

Painting like clouds

Bright views

Orange Sun

Trying to space out my snacks out

Sailing Practice

Postcard from the shore

A true tiger Lily

Middle of the River

Broke Down

Sometimes you see life more clearly, upside down

What have you seen this month?

[[ You attract the right things when you have a sense of who you are- Amy Poehler]]

-gabrielle

Fabulous Favorites on Friday

Happy Friday! Is it just me or did this week fly by? I swear I sneezed on Monday and here we are one Friday already. This was a great week for me. I felt productive and on task all week. As usual, I am linking up with Andrea and Erika this week and  I am going back to my tried and true Friday Favorites this week- here are some things I truly enjoyed this week:

1. Libby// What an awesome app! I am probably late to the party with this one but I read another book this week on Libby and I couldn't get over how easy it was to pick out a book and then start reading. There is a lot of books that were available instantly and the ones that are not available you can put on hold. You link your library card to the app and away you go. I am currently on book number 3 for the month. 

2. Classes//  I am taking advantage of the offer through my union to get my associates degree through Eastern Gateway Community College and I start my fall semester of online classes on Monday and I couldn't be happier. The syllabus' are being released today- that means I will be stalking the student portal all day waiting to look at them. I am so excited that my binders are all ready and waiting for Monday! 

Fun Fact: I've been to college (a few different ones) and I have an AAS degree in Paralegal Studies but I never continued for my Bachelors degree. This is the first step in an exciting adventure for me. 

I read somewhere you should chase whatever excites you because what excites you is what is connected to your purpose in life. #newbeginnings

3. Belk// I am in the market for some new work clothes and I took a peek at Belk online and I was so impressed with their selection and prices.  I loved the Limited work pants and I was able to find (what I hope) are the same pants or very similar to what I used to like. I haven't bought new clothes since the beginning of the year and I am very excited for these to arrive. 

Are you up to anything fun this weekend? I hope for a yoga standup paddleboard session, lots of reading and looking over the syllabus's for Monday's classes.

Check back next week for August's snapshots and What's up Wednesday!

[[If you are waiting for a sign, this is it.]]

-gabrielle

PS. Did you miss this weeks posts- Movie Monday and Mid Week Thoughts- Choices

Mid week thoughts: Choices

Just a note: I started to this about this post over the weekend and for 4 days, I struggled to write it. I am not sure why the word, "choices" has been so prominent on my mind but I figured I needed to get it out and write about it. This is a little different that what I normally write and how I write. I feel as if it is more unorganized thoughts than actual ideas. I truly couldn't stop thinking about this for days. Something was pulling me to write about this and it was my choice to get it out of my head and onto digital paper. Even after finishing this post, I have questions about choices swirling around in my mind. Has this ever happened to you? Let me know?

Here we are, the middle of the week and just about a third though August. Life is getting back to the same and life is getting into a new routine as well. Lately I've noticed that there have been so many choices that need to be made and people are struggling to make what they think is the right choice.

We have to make choices everyday- most of them are not life changing- what to eat; what to wear; where to go. Some choices are life changing- where to move, who to marry and what to invest money in. With the new school year coming up quick, parents are having to make the choice of how their child will attend school- in person, virtually, a combination of in person and virtual, or in some cases, homeschooled.  Each option has a good points or bad points but ultimately it is up to the parents to make the decision for their child based on their own needs. No one knows their child better then the parents and in this uncertain time, parents have to make the best choice for their child.

Employees are also making choices, or had the choice made for them- working from home. Now some employers are requiring employees to come back  into the office and the employees don't know what to do. Some employees didn't have a choice working from home and they had to decide if they were going to risk their health, especially the people who have compromised immune systems and health concerns. These employees had to choose whether to work and risk getting sick OR risk leaving and not having their health insurance. Each choice has pros and cons and its hard and there is no way in telling what is the right choice. 

Another choice we make daily is what we choose to consume via social media. Social media is a great tool but it can be detrimental to our mental health. There is so much information floating around-more than ever now- that it can be overwhelming and hurtful. We, as individuals, can choose what we see each day and what we don't see. We don't always realize what we consume on line, can affect us long after we view it. 

Choices- sometimes they are easy to make, sometimes they are hard to make but ultimately we have to make them multiple times a day, every day. Its up to you what choice you make.

Whatever choices you are making today, you are making the choice that is the BEST for you, and you alone. Don't let anyone else tell you differently. You got this.

-gabrielle

Movie Mondays

Movie Monday is here. I spent most of the month outside or working on my blog and not watching movies or documentaries- I’m not complaining about that. LOL! The weather in July was absolutely amazing and I couldn't resist being outside. I did squeeze in TWO shows/movies in July and I was not disappointed with what I picked. 

Greek Seasons 2,3 and 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really liked how they tied this series up. I forgot how funny and relatable this series was. It was interesting to see them add in bits and pieces of pop culture to the show that were relevant during 2007-2011ish. The music was great and its been over ten years since it has premiered and some of the things in it are a little dated like early 2000's fashion trends and flip phones. Overall I really enjoyed this and I was actually sad to see this end. I would love for them to do a followup mini series of all the characters 10 years later. 

The Fault in the Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh my! What a wonderful movie. I laughed and cried and felt for the characters. I read the book back in 2015 and I remember feeling so connected to the characters. From what I remember the movie story line stayed pretty close to the book story line. I was a ball of mush after watching and reading this. 

Other than those two, I watched random episodes of Below Deck on Bravo, along with random episodes of American Dad, The Office, Family Guy, Big Bang Theory and 90 day fiancee. I love to put one of these shows on and use it for background noise. I've been really into 90 day fiancee with my mom lately- I am so curious why people take such a big risk for love. The crazy story lines and the unique people make it a great show to zone out too. 

BIG NEWS!

I started a book(!!!) last week and I  just finished  it and this is the first book I've read since the end of March. This will be book #11 for me. I will tell you all the details next month in the Media Monday post. 

What have you been reading and watching lately?

[[Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.- John Green]]

-gabrielle

Fabulous Thoughts on Friday

Happy Friday! What a wacky week here in New Jersey-a tropical storm, a mystery flamingo, wacky things happening at work YET this week flew by in a blink of an eye. As I am sitting here writing this at 10 PM last night, I couldn't be happier; right now, my heart is full and I have a smile on my face. I cannot pinpoint why exactly I am feeling this way but two things: 1. I haven't felt like this in a long time and 2. I hope it stays for a while.

Here is some Friday thoughts for you, the girl (or guy) who is having a hard time right now and doesn't know where to look first:

I know there is so much messiness going on in the world right now and so many things up in the air but YOU are here, for a specific and purpose driven reason. You may not realize what that purpose is right this moment, but you will; it will come at an unexpected time. You got this, all the worry and unsure thoughts you are thinking are there for a reason. You are doing the very best you are can and what ever decisions that need to be made and what ever the choices you make are the right choices for you and for your situation. Don't let anyone else tell you any different.

In case you need a moment to breathe and you need some calmness,  here is the sunset on the river last night. It was just as peaceful as it seems in person as it was in the video. 

I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing weekend and you enjoy everything this weekend brings. 

[[Tell me your story, but don't leave the good parts out- Andy Grammer]]

-gabrielle

PS. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika today for Friday Favorites.

PSS. Did you miss my posts this week? Check them out here: How A Year Can Change Everything and  Sometimes You Have To Laugh (concise titles were not my thing this week! HA!)

Sometimes you just have to laugh

Thinking about yesterday,  all I can do is laugh. Tropical Storm Isaias graced us with his presence. I honestly thought it was not going to be a bad storm, the weather people always hype it up. I thought it was just going to be a rainstorm. 

WELL, I was kinda wrong. There was some rain but mostly crazy winds swept through the area I live in. We were doing great until about noon when in the midst of my chaos that I called my morning, the power started to flicker on and off and then it went dark. I was working with my boss on a project and we both looked at eachother and said "eh" and kept going with what we were doing.  I heard lots of sirens outside and I thought to myself, what on earth is going on outside. 

An hour later the power still didn't come back on and I was started to get hungry. I set up a little lunch by the window and then I got the news we were closing early today- this NEVER happens. I packed up my things and left. I encountered a mess outside.  Tree limbs and leaves everywhere and the traffic light at the corner was out.  I usually cross the street closer to the garage but I decided to cross at the corner especially since there were officers around. 

On my way home I encountered lots of destruction- large tree limbs down and signs crooked and lots of traffic lights out. I made my way home to find we didn't have power either.I finished my lunch and got changed to go sit in my car to charge my phone. 

4 hours later and 150 pages read, my phone was finally back to 100%. The power never came back on and the estimate from the power company said sometime today it will come back on.  I was prerty deep into a book that I can't seem to put down and I'm pretty content with no electric. Now this morning,  trying to do my hair without electric was a challenge but I happily took it on. Now that its the next day, our electric company has no estimate when the power will be turned back on. What I thought was going to be a little storm really ended up being pretty destructive. We weathered Superstorm Sandy but the weather Channel said this comes close to the amount of damage (all the power out). 

All in all, this tropical storm is basically the most normal thing that has happened all year. My parents and I were super prepared with battery powered lanterns and glow sticks. In these situations all you can do is laugh and embrace the pioneer lifestyle even for a little bit. 

How did you make it through Tropical Storm Isalas?

[[Life is all about weathering all the different types of storms the world throws at you]]

-gabrielle 

How A Year Can Change Everything

As I look back on today, August 3rd, 2019,  I remember it being a sunny and humid day. I remember the feeling in the pit of my stomach driving,  my parents in a U-Haul behind me to move me out of a house that no longer was a home. All I wanted to do was to get in and get out. It took 3 hours, 6 people and a whole lot of willpower not to confront him but we did it, I was packed up and I closed a really hard chapter in my life. As I drove through the gates one last time, I breathed a sigh of relief and said to myself, I did it. I was out of that situation that was no longer serving me. I felt proud of myself, for standing up for myself and for making a decision that was not an easy one to make. I had no idea what my next step but I knew I was going in the right direction. 

After we unloaded all of my belongings and returned the U-Haul, my parents and I made it back home to a mess-literally a mess, it looked like my things threw up in the house. They were EVERYWHERE. I think at that point was probably the 5th time I broke down crying that day, looking at this mess. It was hard for me to fathom, where we were going to put everything. We got some things situated and made the mess a little more manageable. I sat down in my new room, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at this situation, I remembered one of the people who helped move me out, gave me a note to read later. I pulled it out of my purse and sat down to read it. This note was from my aunt's friend who always seems to always to say the right things, in the right moment. While I read this letter, I laughed for the first time in days and I cried. What he said was so true...

"Meantime, you need to keep moving forward and never look back. You have great strength and faith. The best is yet to come and God will be with you to wash away hurt with tears. You have beautiful and many bright days along with years ahead of you. Just stay strong for Mom, Dad and mostly for yourself. Don't you ever, ever give up."

Those words really stuck with me. I had needed to keep my faith that things will work out and things will come together. I folded the note back up and stuck it in my wallet as a reminder. 

Today, August 3, 2020, a year later, its hot and humid and I think know I am in a much better spot than I was last year this time. Besides being in the middle of a global pandemic, life is pretty good right now. I have fallen into a new normal with work and life. Work has been super rewarding with my new position that I started officially (by myself) in December. It has been a learning curve but I am happy to report that I feel comfortable and I have a new rhythm at work that I couldn't be happier with. I am consistently learning new things- no two days are the same. 

Life outside of work has been fun- I dated for a while, I re-connected with friends and I focused on myself and my health. Speaking of my health, it has been stellar. After the stressfulness of moving out and everything surrounding it were gone so were all the stomach pains which I initially thought were from the surgery not working. It was like one day I woke up and POOF! they were gone and I started to feel better consistently. I was in amazement, I was feeling so good after a month, then two months and here we are 12 months later, I am still feeling that good. My doctor and my parents couldn't be happier and I am over the moon about it. 

I am signed up for Fall classes and I make a point to spend time outside at least a few times a week. Living by the water has always provided me with clarity and calmness; I have been savoring each moment I have been lucky enough to spend by the water.  As much as last year sucked, I am happy it happened. It has taught me ALOT about myself- I'm strong, I can speak my mind and  I can go through hard situations and grow from those experiences. I can make a plan for a goal and follow it through to the end; I have saved more money than I have ever thought I could; I re-evaluated what I wanted in life and I make sure I chase after what I truly want. I am leaving nothing to chance anymore- I have changed for the better. 

You never know how things are going to work out and you never know where you truly are going to end up, six month from now. You have to trust and have faith that things will work out for the best. It might not be exactly what you wanted but somehow someway, how things work out are in your very best interest and its where you are supposed to be. 

Have you changed in the past year? 

[[God has a reason for allowing things to happen We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will. Psalm 37:5]]

-gabrielle