Push it to the Limit

"...looking out on the Morning Rain, I used to feel so uninspired, and when I thought I had to face another day,Lord it made me feel so tired."-Aretha Franklin Natural Woman

I will admit, that there are days that even I feel "uninspired." On those days I look to something or someone to inspire me and usually I just read a book or listen to a song. Now, thinking back on all of the amazing things that have happened to me in my 29 years not only inspires me but makes me feel so proud. As I approach 30 in two months and some days, I have realized that I have limits....when it comes to everything. Growing up, my Parents (Steve and Vivian) would tell me that the opportunities are endless and that there are so many possibilities, therefore I began my life guns blazing ready to take on anything (bring it on life). I soon realized that my parents may have told just a little fib, there would be things that hold me back, it wouldn't be the world or my education instead, it would be me that stopped myself from doing EVERYTHING I could to impact the world around me. I would be afraid to do or say some things, afraid of what people would think or furthermore afraid of what would happen after. Therefore after careful research and consideration over the past 29 years, I have discovered my limits, I have discovered that although the world is still limitless with possibilities and there are still ample opportunities that I do have limits when it comes to.....

My spiritual self- There is no limit here. Everyone may not agree with me, but God needs to be the head of my life. Recently my Pastor, preached a sermon about Chasing God and it resonated with me because much like a lot of people, God is only sought when we need things and that is not the relationship that he desires from us. Therefore, this is limitless, I live in a constant spirit of gratitude for everything that God does for me and his abundant favor over my life therefore this is the part of my life where I allow myself to have absolutely no limit.

Family- Although these people are bound to you for life they can sometimes push until you absolutely can not take it. I have realized that it is okay to tell them NO! I have also realized that even though you would do anything for them they may not reciprocate. Therefore, your family can be both helpful and hurtful to any situation and you have to treat it with a very delicate balance.

Friendships-It has been said that you should never make someone a priority when they make you an option. Your friendships are the family that you didn't get to choose, I am very fortunate to have an awesome network of friends and I want to continue this forever. Although I still am aware that people are in your life for a season at times and I have become more accepting of that.

Exercise- Although great for you, its sometimes hard to work into a busy schedule. I have learned that if I miss a workout, I can't yell at myself and get mad for eating a cookie. Everyday is just another day to get it right and I get it right the next day.

Alcohol-I admit it I used to party way harder than I do now! To the point that I would wake up the next day feeling like I had spent a night at the Jersey Shore (not great). I still party and sometimes hard but now I know that my 21 year old self and 29 year old self have not met and probably never will therefore I know when its time to hold them and fold them.

Finances- When it comes to shopping, I can get down with the best of them, although what I know for sure is that with all the goings on in Washington right now, safe to say Social Security won't be there when I need it. I have to think toward the future and although I want to be amazing now, I want to be even more amazing when I am 60 and 70....saving is fundamental.

My work life balance-This is something that First Lady Michelle Obama spoke about very candidly when campaigning "When is it enough?" I will admit, that I bring my work home at times and can very work well into the evening hours while my husband either reads for school or plays video games. There is definitely a communication breakdown there and it couldn't continue therefore, I have learned to dedicate myself to work while still maintaining a healthy happy marriage by knowing my work limit. There are still times that I bring my work home because I love it, but I have learned to turn the computer off at a reasonable hour as to spend time with my husband and it keeps me sane!


I hope that this helps you create your own limits and furthermore, do critical thinking about why you have to do this. Remember, the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself....Embrace it!

Summer Rock Out

Okay....so my Blog has been on life support, but I have totally been enjoying my summer....hanging out, BBQ's and vacation's! I will admit that when starting this blog, I had every intention of doing it at least once a week, but it has been a month and so much has happened. Although I am going to keep it light and make this blog about some of the things I am loving right now.....







This book made me Happy and Sad and Mad and Thoughtful, can't wait to see the movie







Obsessed with this....in the oil form of course

 


I am attempting to get my downtown digs organized into a cool carefree place to live. This blog is major



This guy is like majorly talented



This is so Delicious....and its beer



I use this all day....don't let the morning burst fool you. Through the winter, my skin and I were not getting along therefore this has saved me. I LOVE it.



My favorite summer treat! It is Delicious even if I have to run like Forrest Gump to burn the calories



Beyonce's new album....best thing I never had is truly resonates with me

 



She is too funny! Love Chelsea



My Enzo Sully Platform Pump...hello! I bought these shoes for my annual trip to Vegas, I love them, they are like children to me which  could be sad, but I love my shoes



 

I certainly hope that everyone is having a rocking Summer and you can add some of these cool things to your summer list. Lastly, enjoy the heat, hang out, have a cocktail and most importantly Keep it Light!

xoxo

Dee





Change vs. Evolution

It has been said that the only thing that is constant is change and getting older definitely helps me realize this. In a time when people get rewarded for bad behavior and every week, some politician is showing their genitals....I realize that things change faster than I can blink.

I just got back from Las Vegas for an annual "Girls Trip" and it is amazing to me that 6 women who have so much in common can evolve so much over the span of years. I mean everything, expectations, sacrifices and comprising constantly for the sake of family and piece of mind. These are Wives, Mothers, Children and Sisters, no role being more important than the other but each requiring a lot of consistent work.

Although, what I know for sure is that changing is just as important as evolving (and yes there is a difference). Change is something that you can not help....evolving is something that you choose to do. This time away made me appreciative for EVERY change whether I accept it or not....there is nothing scary about turning 30, it is in fact I should be excited about the evolution that is going to take place. Bodies may change, friends may change, circumstances may change, but how you evolve will show your growth in the end.

What is with all of the questions...???.....

This week has been crazy yet inspiring. Church was awesome and I feel well rested,  and the Women of Excellence Lock In was amazing, what a great night with my friends. I am although, preparing to take an overnight trip with the hubby for his 29th birthday has proven exhausting. Although, the gesture was very thoughtful, packing for two people for one night is very tiring, mostly because I don't trust Mr. Beaven to thoroughly get everything together....you know....MEN!

My life is pretty carefree, I walk to work everyday, I live in the middle of the 14th (or maybe 16th) largest city, and I have an awesome career of almost 7 years in education. Yet, there are still so many questions that people have for me, has a lot to do with the expectations that people have for me.No one ever really ask why I smile so much or say please and Thank you to rude people at restaurants but mostly there are questions about the life choices I make, therefore, I am going to take time to answer the top 5 questions and I will speak now, or forever hold my peace, but mostly speak now.


5. Why do you have so many girlfriends
     Answer: Just in case there is some kind of social uprising, I need these women to have my back and furthermore the network of girlfriends I have, I have had for years....they are a very deserving and patient group and I feel blessed to have them. Lastly, in case my husband ever decides to pull some kind of Waiting to Exhale moment, I have people to help in the move.


4. Why are you so protective of your brother?
     Answer: He is adorable....but that isn't the reason. He and I are 10 years apart, he was always so much smaller than other kids. Therefore as his sister, I felt the need to protect him...not just from bullies but from heartbreak, and crazy people. Now, at the tender age of 20 I still have the same need and probably always will, why, because he is the only brother that I have and I need to make sure that he is protected and safe....so what sue me.
 
3. Why aren't you and Steve looking to purchase a home yet?
Answer: Well, I have heard that the housing market is on the increase....great! Although, living downtown is the equivalent to Beach Front property....I don't decorate well, and work like 50+ hours a week so home is only seen on the weekend. I don't garden and I am not remotely interested in planting flowers. This may change but as of now. I like living in the concrete jungle.

2. Why do you talk so much?
Answer: I have been asked this since I was little and I think I have it figured out. Now that I have gotten older, I don't say much at all, therefore, now, when I am not talking, everyone wants to know what's wrong!!!!! Make up your mind folks!

The magic question.....

1. When are you and Steve going to have children?
Answer: I respect the fact that so many people have been in this relationship with us for the past 6 years. I also love the fact that people think we are a great couple and very compatible. Don't get me wrong, I would love to wake up every 3 hours, feed my kid, spend my weekends at kiddie parties and have to find a sitter every time I feel the need to leave. I am very keen on the idea that one day, Steve and I will become parents to some poor unassuming child. Although, not right now!!!! I have a lot of friends with children and they are madly in love with their children and they are even really amazing parents. For me, this has to be a well thought out process and I chew on it every day because to be a parent means that you assume responsibility for someone else, when on most days, my Parents are still assuming responsibility for me....I did fall in a man hole. I realize that there is no easy way to become a parent and no guide to get your through the scrapped up legs, bloody noses, and heartache. I at least feel that Steve and I are entitled to a starter's guide because although, I do not mind baby sitting and looking after other people's children, or putting money in cards for the various kid parties I attend, I need to make sure that I am mentally prepared so that when the surprises happen I am not in total disarray. The reminders that I am almost 30, and my chances decrease from there are no longer necessary (Michelle Obama was like 32 or 33 before Malia was born) so stop doing it. Now, with that being said, when Steve and I do decide to reproduce.....we will have a LeBron James like press conference and alert President Obama and the whole staff of 106 & Park!

Although this is funny....as I countdown to 30 these are questions that I feel better about answering....Why? Because now I know the answers!

Lessons from My Granny

Greetings from Hump Day! This week has been eventful to say the least, but I am going to spare you the details of Resurrection Sunday. Although, it is not only on Easter that I am grateful for Calvary and the sacrifices made there for me, someone that definitely doesn't deserve it, but he did it anyway so I am grateful.

Yesterday, my Grandmother Aggie Lou Johnson turned 85! Which I think in itself is a huge accomplishment, she has lived through....World Wars, Great Depression and Segregation and 8 years of George Bush (although there was a silver lining there, she got to vote for Barack Obama and that made her proud). Therefore, I tip my hat to the woman is has been as much a fixture in my life as my parents. My Grandmother and I have always had a spectacular relationship which I attribute to the fact that she and I have an understanding, she understands me and I understand her, but don't ever think that we don't have our issues and fallout's. She hates that I color my hair and I hate that she spits on me when she dips snuff, but all and all I couldn't love her more.

Growing up with a grandmother who is so deep rooted in the South, there are so many lessons that she taught me. She maintained an open relationship with me on everything from me wanting to attend church online while I was in college to maintaining my sanity when I got married the lessons were immeasurable and it is awesome to have her with me now, but I realize that one day that may not be the case, so I wanted to take the opportunity to tell Aggie, I love her and dedicate this blog to her and also, share some of these lessons with you so that you can take a little piece of Aggie Lou with you too.....

Lesson 1-Right and Right and Right don't Wrong Nobody
Lesson 2-It doesn't matter what people say or do....carry yourself like a lady
Lesson 3-There is nothing that Cod Liver Oil will not solve
Lesson 4-Constipation is easy to solve....get prune juice
Lesson 5-If you do something, do it right and if you're not going to do it right, don't do it.
Lesson 6-Do wrong, wrong will follow, do right, right will follow
Lesson 7-Don't wear pants in church, its not right
Lesson 8-Make sure you have your own, not yours and a man, but YOUR OWN
Lesson 9-Pay God and Yourself
Lesson 10-Have that conversation with God, he's listening, it doesn't have to be on your knees necessarily, but have the conversation.


Therefore Aggie....thank you for every sacrifice you have made, every time I panic and you do not, and every situation that you insist will make me stronger. I adore and appreciate every lesson.

The Race.....The Kennedys....The Man Hole

Greetings!

I had such an eventful weekend. Steve and I along with my co workers participated in The Race for the Cure, which is such an amazing event, to see all of the survivors and people who support them is so super amazing and awe inspiring. I never realized how many people my age are affected my this disease and come out of it better and more aware people. Big ups to my girls Justina and Jess.

Then I went out with my friends to celebrate my friend Patrice's Birthday and this seems to be a constant feature these days...birthday parties which indicates to me that I party too much or have too many girlfriends, either way it was a blast in a glass

Then on Sunday, Steve and I spent the whole day watching The Kennedy's miniseries and resting, which I loved. It combined two great things, sleep and power. I am borderline obsessed with the Kennedy's because of the power, the prestige, and the thought that one family could be so powerful and yet so greedy at the same time and of course Jackie O, shes the reason all of my sunglasses are over sized like so...




Then came the man hole that I fell in, no this is not a test.....I really fell in a Man Hole and it was petrifying. Doing laundry, it wasn't sealed and I took a dive into the hole, obviously not all the way but a long enough way that I am all banged up and swollen. It was awful, injury pictures coming soon!

Therefore, the weekend was majorly eventful filled with the great, the bad and the ugly. Back to Yoga for me this weekend (I need some zen)

Until next time, have a Terrific Tuesday filled with Easy Going Thoughts!

Dee

A litle of me goes a long way......

Okay, so yesterday I gave up my blogging virginity and it was liberating. Although I did go home last night and have a bit of an anxiety attack because these days its what I do. I believe that total sanity is overrated and therefore I like living my life in what I refer to as "organized chaos." This would make my Mom kind of angry with me because she raised me to be a little more together ( I go to work at 9 and wake up at like 8:20), a little more graceful (I fall like all of the time), and question things a little less (I need an answer for everything). Therefore that probably has a ton to do with my anxiety attacks and all of the medicines prescribed for them (which I refuse to take). Although, ultimately, I am grateful for everything.....the good times, the bad times, and the times where I can not control my tears or laughter.


Therefore, I consider this week a get to know me week and here are a few of my favorite things.....



Hermes Bag

 


My family

 


They remind me of my friends



They take me to a happy place

 

My church



He was and still is a very big deal to me

 


These ladies have molded me in ways you dont even know....




Margaritas





My friends....they are there to pick me up when I fall down which is often

 


My Baby Cousins

 


My Hubby (Steve Beaven)



Old Pictures of my parents





Yep it's my favorite movie

 


I fell in love with hip hop somewhere at probably age 5





These girls are pure hilarity and I love them



Sasha and Mia....very big deal!




Girls Night



My Career



My Brother is so major