Happy 2016!

It has been a really long time since I have posted. I was doing so well too. This is the longest in between posts and so much has happened.

Renee has graduated high school and is getting ready to start her 4th semester of college. Marie is starting her 4th semester of high school. Renee has moved out of the house and lives with her grandmother (her father’s mother).

I’ve started a business that does multiple things, web design and development, copy editing, photography and graphic design. Thinking about adding consulting to that as well. I’m also excited about potentially officially hiring Marie as an employee after she has done some classes.

I’ve been in and then out of a relationship since the last time I posted (but that’s another post for another time).

I’m also preparing to move to Arizona in the next 2 1/2 years (see Journey to Arizona).

See, I told you a lot has happened since the last post.

I do regret not posting though because a lot has happened and it would have been nice to have it documented.

What the coming year holds:

• Spiritual Growth
• Financial Increase
• 40th Birthday – in Maui, Hawaii
• Business Growth
• Physically fit and healthy

So, here’s to a prosperous year (and here’s to trying to post more often),
Queenie

Junior Prom

I know it’s been a really long time since I’ve posted anything. Whoever coined the phrase “life gets in the way” is a smart person. Because life surely does get in the way. I have been so busy and have been pulled in so many different directions. But this post isn’t about all that. I’ll have to post later about all that. This post is about Renee’s Junior Prom.

OMG!!! My baby is going to her prom. I’m excited for her. I didn’t get to go to my Jr. Prom so I’m real excited that she’s getting this opportunity to do something that she’ll never get to do again. It’s one of those once in a lifetime things.

The process to prepare seemed like it took forever but once we had everything, it has been smooth sailing the last couple of weeks. We started dress searching back in February. It wasn’t until the last Friday in March that we finally found a dress online at Kohl’s. I can’t tell you how many stores we visited and how many dresses she tried on. I think the biggest problems was that she had in mind a particular dress she was looking for. It became frustrating because she was not finding the dress she had in mind. When she lowered her standards a little bit, she was able to find a dress that she’s very happy with and looks wonderful in.

The following weekend we went to purchase her shoes, purse and earrings. That completed what needed to be done in advance. Now, today, the day of, she has an appointment for a mani/pedi and then it’s back home to rest, relax and then start getting ready.

She will be going with KC, who happens to live next door now (that’s another posting as well). My boyfriend and I will be the chauffeurs for the night. We have invited family over between 6:15 and 7:15 to take pictures of and with Renee. It should be a good turnout. Her dad and his fiance are coming and her grandfather is coming. We aren’t sure yet how many of her aunts will be able to come. I’m hoping some of them are able to show up.

Well, it’s time to get up and get started, got to get Ms. Prom Girl to her mani/pedi appointment.

Queenie

2012 Birthday Reflection

I know, I’m late. My birthday was a week ago. But better late than never. So I went back and read my last few years of birthday reflections. When I first started out I realized every year I was doing the same thing. Nothing was different in my life. I was just going through life and wasn’t making a difference in my life or any one else’s.

That all changed for me last year. I was determined to start LIVING life and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

• I’m in school and will be finishing up in February 2014 with my Bachelors in Business Information Systems
• I started my own business in the biggest industry in the world with the best travel company in the world
• I have done more traveling in the last year than I’ve probably done my entire life (and this is only just the beginning)
• I have become an independent woman who relies solely on God for provisions and not a man
• I’ve learned to be a better me, to strive to be the woman that God has purposed me to be
• I have helped others through major crisis in their lives simply because God allowed me to go through a major crisis myself and come out on the other side victorious

I really don’t have to say anything else. My list of accomplishments is enough and more than what I’ve been able to post about in the past.

I continually thank God for my girls, Renee and Marie. They are my joy. They are growing into beautiful young ladies, and although they are beautiful on the outside, I’m referring to their inside…their spirits. I pray that God continues to keep them and that they walk in His direction through obedience and faith so that they can receive all that God has for them. I pray for their strength that they may weather any storm that comes their way and know that they will be a better them when its all over.

I’m just so grateful to God. It’s only because of Him that I am who I am. He continues to shower me with His grace and mercies every day, although I don’t deserve it.

So looking forward to what God has in store for me, the lessons He has for me to learn, the doors He will open and the ones He will close.

Many Blessings to all,
Queenie, the daughter of a KING

What to do?

After looking back on this conversation that I had with Renee today, I knew I needed to post it.

The purpose of this blog is for my children to look back and this is a perfect conversation for her to look back on years from now.

She is 16 years old and I love her so much.

Thank you God for blessing me with such an awesome child!

I pray that our relationships continues to get stronger.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 11:52 AM from Queenie to Renee

Okay so what I was saying was that men are known to be the worst communicators.

He honestly may think that everything is cool with not talking to you on a daily basis.

Sometimes we have to help them out.

Reminds me of the saying "you have to teach people how to treat you".

Therefore, if you want to have communication with him on a daily basis, you have to let him know.

But it’s all about the tone you say it in. You can’t be demanding or you can’t be bossy.

Men love to have their egos stroked. They want to always feel like they are men and if at any point we take that away from them…it’s over.

So I’m definitely not saying you need to let him (or anyone for that matter) run over you.

But I’m saying is talk with him. Let him know that if you two are going to be in a relationship, then there must be communication every day.

Let him know that’s important for you since you guys can’t see each other.

Then you go from there. If he still trips….DROP HIM!!!

But you only have to do all of what I said above if you feel like it’s worth your time.

If you’re already tired of the back and forth and the emotional rollercoaster…my love, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME!!!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:04 PM from Renee to Queenie

Okay so what I said to him was exactly this: Not trying to be selfish….but could you at least try to send me a text each day. I mean it doesn’t even have to be a full conversation. Just a simple "Hey. Hope you’re doing okay. Can’t talk but I love you bye" that’s all. Sometime I just wanna know that I cross your mind throughout the day

Then he said: I will now….But I like how you didnt consider the fact that I was handling important business lol. I never thought you were a selfish young lady, but now I’m starting to question that.

Sorry last one…so I said: Oh really? Am I really being selfish? I even told you that I understand that you are busy. All I’m asking for is 30 seconds of your time to send me a text. Out of the last 5 days I’ve talked to you like one or two times? You don’t tell me anything anymore. I mean you didn’t even tell me you were graduating. I at least wanted to tell you congrats or something. That is not being selfish at all! 30 seconds Michael just 30 seconds that’s all then you can be done with me.

Is that being bossy? I don’t know I just can’t believe he called me selfish.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:14 PM from Queenie to Renee

*sigh* young love. Not saying that sarcastically or trying to be funny.

But if you truly want my honest advice…move on.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:16 PM from Renee to Queenie

Alright

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:21 PM from Queenie to Renee

Sweetie, you are beautiful, smart and talented. You have a very bright future ahead of you.

You don’t need a knucklehead slowing up your progress.

I’m not saying this because I’m your mother, I’m saying this because it’s true.

You are so much smarter and wiser than almost every girl your age.

So don’t let the affects of feelings of wanting to be in a relationship mess that up for you.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:23 PM from Renee to Queenie

It’s just hard to break up. I haven’t had to do this in a while

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:29 PM from Queenie to Renee

And like I’ve told you before, this won’t be the last time.

But what your focus should be on right now in your life is not about breaking up with someone but on enjoying your youth.

Getting excited about your bright future. Thinking about our awesome trip to Rio in less than 2 years.

Getting your permit so you can get your license. Making good grades in school and aiming for as many scholarships as possible.

Researching schools so you can make a good decision on where you want to apply.

Getting into programs that will further your future. Spending time with your girlfriends.

All of that other stuff will definitely come…whether you do it now or wait til later.

The difference will be, if you wait until later…there will be less heartache.

Work on you. Work on becoming the woman that God has created you to be. If you do that, God will send you the man he has planned for you.

And you know God. You know he wants the best for us and for us to be happy. So if it’s someone that God has ordained for you…

GIRL…YOU ARE GOING TO BE SO HAPPY! YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO EXPRESS IT!!!

Know what I mean?

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 1:09 PM from Renee to Queenie

Yes ma’am and by far you are the one who gave me the best advice thank you mommy

Travels…it’s coming!

It’s been so long since I’ve posted anything. It’s not that nothing has been going on. It’s the complete opposite…everything has been going on. Life has been going on. I’ve been so busy with so many things.

First, I’d like to say my girls finished the school year off with a bang. They worked really hard this year and even with all the changes they have had to endure, they were very successful in school.

I’m back in school and it’s keeping me VERY busy. But I’m not complaining, it’ll all be over soon and then I can concentrate more on what I like to do…read, write, volunteer, travel.

In regards to travel, I’ve decided to plan little getaways for myself every month this summer. And if I can’t continue to do them every month after summer, I will shoot for every other month. It’s important for me to take some time out for me. I’ve always spent time taking care of everyone else. Making sure that everyone else had what they needed and always put myself last. Well, not anymore…it’s a new day and a new era.

So to start things off, I’m going St. Louis at the end of the month to visit with a friend. The following week I am taking my kids on a little getaway to Cincy. In July, I’m going to Detroit. In August I’m going to Owenton, KY. In September I’m going to Nashville, TN. I’m sure I’ll talk a little bit more later about each of these endeavors.

Although I have tons of work-work and homework I could be doing right now, one of my passions has kicked in – writing. I’ve been updating blogs for the last 3 hours. My trip to KY is specifically geard towards writing. I don’t want to do anything those three days but write. Enjoy the winery. Explore the vineyard. Take in the fresh air. Relax. Write.

Until next time,
God Bless,
Queenie

Always supporting my friends

Livin’ Just Enough

By Lea Mishell

When an unfortunate incident separates her from Aaron Jones, her childhood sweetheart, Rachael “Baby Girl” Wallace finds comfort in the arms of handsome, charming and debonair Alonzo Banks. He’s just what Baby Girl needs to get Aaron out of her system once and for all.

When Aaron returns with one thing on his mind (getting his girlfriend back), he and Baby Girl soon learn that his grandmother is dying. As Baby Girl visits Big Mama on what turns out to be her last day on this earth, she is shocked by the older woman’s dying wish: for Baby Girl and Aaron to marry! Hoping to make Big Mama’s last thought a pleasant one, Baby Girl agrees. In turn, Aaron makes it his mission to do everything in his power to make his grandmother’s (and his) wish come true.

However, Alonzo has a different idea of whose wishes will come true…

Pre-order your copy today at http://www.leamishellauthor.net

It Only Gets Better

I had such an AWESOME weekend!
This is the first weekend in a long time that it seemed like the weekend went on forever. And I was VERY busy this weekend also. That usually never happens.

The time I spent in Dayton with my WV Family on Saturday was absolutely incredible. I love them so much. So many like-minded, positive individuals all in one place.

And then to see so many of them who have qualified for their BMW paid for by the company. It was so amazing and I was so HAPPY!!

So…since my company has decided to pay for BMWs, I’m going shopping for mine this weekend. I don’t know anything about BMWs but I will this weekend. I heard someone mentioning series. What does that mean and which should I get?

The traveling and the free cars are great! I love them. But what I love more are the friendships that I’m building with so many people. It’s absolutely priceless. And then to be able to help so many people in the process. There’s nothing better.

And…IT ONLY GETS BETTER!!!!

 

Leap Day?!?

It’s been a minute since I last posted but I couldn’t let today go by without posting something.

It will be another 4 years before I can post on February 29th.

This really speaks to what I’m trying to do in my life.

Do not pass up opportunities that come your way. Who knows when they will come around again.
Although we know that February 29 will come around again in 2016 but who’s to say I will be around then?

Living life to the fullest is my new motto. Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today!!

I’m so excited right now about all the possibilities. I believe I can fly right now and I know I will.

I’m in such a good mood and I know that a lot of it has to do with the weather when I walked out my door this morning. I know it probably won’t be 50+ degrees  tomorrow morning here in Indiana but by golly, it was today and I ENJOYED IT!!

If this were my last post ever, the message I would want to leave to my girls is to

CARPE DIEM!!  SEIZE THE DAY!!

Enjoy every day like it’s your last. Open your heart and let love and life in.
Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. You can do whatever YOU want to do.
Don’t let anyone steal your dreams.
Be who you are, not who you think others expect you to be.

Pumpkins & Pudds, I love you so much.

Love forever and ever,
Mommy

Western Caribbean Cruise or Hawaii?

I’m trying to decide which trip I want to take…

A 4-night Western Caribbean cruise for $147 to Key West and Cozumel

5-nights at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel in Hawaii for $508

 

Both are oh so very tempting. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii but I absolutely love cruises.

I guess I could do both though. I mean at those prices, it can’t be beat.

Hmmm, I’ll have to think about it and see.

Queenie

Bucket List

I saw the blog for Bucket List Publications and started following it immediately.

The places that Lesley has visited are absolutely awesome and she kicks my butt into gear to go out there and make these things happen for myself.

Bucket List Publications’ goal is to “make the bucket list dreams of others come true”. That is absolutely awesome and a great thing to do for others.

I’m checking out their site to see the places visited and see what can be added to my bucket list that I haven’t even thought of that I can truly make a reality.

Actually, that’s exactly what I do – show people how to make their bucket list dreams become their bucket list reality. Whether it’s skydiving, swimming with the dolphins, building a bottle school in a third world country, vacationing in Fiji, or even just being able to throw the alarm clock away and never have to use it again (this is #1 on my bucket list)…all your dreams can actually become a reality. My goal is to share with everyone who is willing to know how simple it is to make this happen for themselves.

I was told that the best thing you can do for yourself is to dream big and then go out there and make it happen. I absolutely love that I can help others make that happen. It brings so much joy to me to see others happy, smiling, enjoying life and having a good time.

 My ever-growing bucket list (most things are places to visit): 
I’ll only list a few.

1. Throw away the alarm clock (more on this in another post)
2. Skydive
3. Swim with dolphins
4. Visit Fiji
5. Visit Tahiti
6. Tour of Italy
7. Tour of China
8. Voluntourism trips
9. Visit Thailand
10. Mediterranean cruise
11. Visit Rome
12. Scuba diving in coral reefs
13. Fantasy Special Ops Adventure
14. Visit Germany
15. Visit Israel
16. Visit Egypt
17. Visit Japan

 Most importantly, take my girls to places that most people only see on TV or read about in books.

 I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes:

 Life is like a book, and those who do not travel only read one page.

 I’m determined to read the WHOLE BOOK. Who wants to join me in the book club of life?

I’d love for you to take the journey with me,
Much love,
Queenie