BRB, my "SWEET"s

"Sweet"ings!

If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it's moving you away from your goals. - Brian Tracy



Currently on an emotional roller-coster; but God is good!

I have to apologize to all my followers for not posting more often. I am in he middle of a huge relocation from New York to Austin, TX. Please forgive me and stay tuned as I will resume to your regularly scheduled posts.

Sweet Sweet "LOVE"

"Sweet"ings!

"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning" - Anonymous

Like a poker hand, you never know what LOVE has in store for you.

When I was younger  love was a hug & kiss from my god parents (like many others). It was the prayers sent up from my grandmother's lips to God's ears for me and my family. It was my grandfather (RIP) reading the newspaper to me, while I laid on his chest. It was the proud tears of my mother, as I collected my "Student of the Month" award. Love was even the taunting and teasing of sibling rivalry (oh the irony of sibling relationships).

I can recall "adult" conversations (during my youth) between family members where they would speak of "finding" love and cry out for "real" love (Mary J. Blige style). Love was something that was given unto me so freely that I never understood what it meant to "find" it; never could I have imagined what that "real" love was all about, as I thought familial was the extent of how real love could be.
During my adolescence, love became more complex than what childhood views had previously proven. As "lust" masqueraded around in Love's shoes, I felt that there was a game of Russian roulette going on with my heart (hit or miss; either way the outcome was proven to be difficult). Lust was contingent upon what needs and/or wants could be fulfilled (most times for the other person, in my case).

"Do you love me? Circle one.
Yes or No"

As an adult, never could I have imagined that the real love everyone around me (myself as well) was longing to find, would make its appearance to me in the form of an intelligent, jubilant, vibrant, ambitious and tender...

 Nothing will ever compare.

Love is no longer complicated. Love is no longer conditional. Love is not shameful, nor is it measurable!

You give me butterflies!
Michael Jackson - Butterflies 

The dimensions and dynamics of love may change but when it is real and those butterflies they speak of in the movies seem to be the only thing filling your stomach, Love's "magic" has been made apparent.

Those whom have experienced the formation of a loving union know love to be deep, intense, and undying. Love is accepting and appreciative. Love is the eternal truth for all, mother and child, sister and brother, aunt and nephew and lovers. Love is (as it should be) the beginning and the end of all things created in God's image. We are productions of love, who thrive on and reproduce it.

I never knew love until I found my fiance, and I have made a vow to nourish it and keep it safe. I will never hinder or stunt its growth but I will keep it "locked" away. 

The Sweet "Change" for a "Sweet" Future

"Sweet"ings!

"The key to change...is to let go of fear." - Rosanne Cash

"The inevitable is ahead"

Over the last two weeks, "change" has been my daily underlying theme. Yesterday, as the day was coming to a close, I caught a glimpse of the sun setting...symbolizing the change in the time of day. Observing such marvel allowed me to reflect on what changes I have gone through and those that are yet to come in my life.

Got milk?

As children we learn/are conditioned to believe that cookies are better with milk, ice cream compliments cake, and X's go with  O's. As an adult, life experiences condition us to believe that change and fear go hand-in-hand (at least for me that was the case).

I do not know one child that thinks the "boogie man" is cute and cuddly. Fear is what flooded our minds whenever we thought of creatures under our beds or in our closets. Just as we affiliate the "hairy, scary monster" with fear (as children); we also couple change and fear (as adults).

The process of change has always been a phenomenon, in which individuals of all walks of life encounter on a consistent basis (no matter how hard we try to avoid it). UNcomfortable UNcertainty is the cause of this UNdeniable fear, to venture into the NEW.

We all have to do it!

As we get older we learn that change is one of the things that pushes us out of our comfort zone; allowing us to rely solely on faith, flexibility, and adaptability.

Faith is what we rely on when all else fails. Our faith in our higher being/creator (God) is what keeps us sane in a world filled with mayhem. Flexibility allows for us to be pliable, giving us the ability to adjust; when the world throws us "lemons we make lemonade". Lastly, the period of adaptation, may in fact be the most difficult concept of this whole process. Adapting to change is what enables us to prepare for what is next to come.

Change is all around me right now. I have been blessed in my life. I have been able to attain a higher degree of traditional education, gain personal and professional experience, find the love of my lifetime, get engaged, and make a bold decision (some may say stupid, LOL) to move away from home (my family) and venture to a new region of the country (without prior visitation, yikes). The kicker is that this is all happening...NOW!

Without any doubt, this is a joyous and fulfilling time; but this does not come easy. Change is challenging (to say the least). In the last 2 weeks, I have graduated, booked tickets to fly out to Austin, TX to finalize an apartment, said "see you later" to friends I have made, and family I will not see for a while, applied to several different jobs, purged and packed clothing, and had heart-felt conversations about what the future may/may not hold for myself and my fiance.

I have become accustom to the twists and turns change will bring. I have made amends with the fact that time waits for no one, and life is worth living only when one is living! If we do not take risks, how can we say we have really learned to enjoy life. Fortunately, living under a rock is not an option so why not embrace the change hold your head to the sky, pray hard, and bend with the wind. For taking risks only promotes self development. 

It's my life, and it's now or never!

I am ready and well equipped (I think) for what is to come. Are you?!

He will never forsake you! For you are His!

"Sweet" "Sweet" Showers

"Sweet"ings!

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. ~John Ruskin

Today's sky was very ominous, but waking to the sound of rain drops hitting my air conditioner calmed my spirit. When did the rain become such a bad thing? I'll never know. Growing up, we are influenced by what people around us say and feel. As I was growing up, I can recall hearing people talk about how bright the sun was and how the sun was God smiling down on the world. What I never heard about was what the rain meant. Back then I asked my mother, "Mommy, what does it mean when it rains?" Her response, "When it rains, God is crying." 

What do His tears mean for us?

I believed her whole-heartedly. Until I came in to my own, I would wake up on rainy mornings and feel very sad because God would only cry if someone or something died, right?!  

As the years passed, I learned that rain was really something more scientific; the result of water particles located in the clouds growing and becoming heavier, causing those clouds to bust. 

What goes up, must come down!

Finally, I realized that I had my own interpretation of what the rain meant/means. God isn't crying because someone or something has died (in fact the belief is that God's kingdom rejoices when His creations join Him in His everlasting home), the clouds may be bursting from the weight of the water particles, however (my belief), God is cleansing and renewing the world (transformation of some sort), for a change that is about to occur.

This time is a time of cleansing and transformation, for me. A transformation that has been in the works for some time. Time to cleanse the soul and open the heart for something new and beautiful. Just because school is not in session does not mean that learning should seize.

Singing in the rain!

Change was what I once feared and tried to avoid. Change brings about moments of uncertainty and chaos (which ruffles feathers); but change also allows for renewal in faith and a chance to grow. Growth is something everyone needs on a continual basis in order to survive in this evolving world. Growth is needed to allow for more opportunities (challenges) to be presented and taken (acted upon). Looking back, how would I (or anyone for that matter) have gained full knowledge of my capabilities if certain opportunities were not availed to me.

At this current juncture, I look forward to the change and transformation that my life is enduring. Without the change, there is no growth (or difference) from who I was, who I am and who I will become. The rain is so symbolic of that. So while everyone else looks at the damper the rain is putting on their plans take a second to thank the Lord for the reminder of renewed faith and transformation of self.

There is always a rainbow at the end of a rainstorm! ;-)

The "Sweet" Truth

"Sweet"ings!

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs

I think that in continuing this blog, my viewers/readers should know more about me. Learning about my favorite things, where I come from, how I was raised, and what makes me tick are all a part of the process.

These "bio" segments are what I will call, The "Sweet" Truth.

At the Janet Jackson concert for the 2nd time. What a great night!

 Below, I am answering a few random questions that give a little insight about who I am. Enjoy!

1. My middle name is Marie. My mother says that she wanted to call me "Candie" and that Marie went well with Candice. I love my name and as I get older I hear of more and more people that I love and care about that I share my name with.
2. My birthday is October 16th, 1986. I am a Libra through and through (I don't care what the new zodiac calender says).

3. 

   Janet Jackson, her music spoke to my heart on November 1st 2008. Two years, six months, and 17 days later - going strong!  

   My favorite singer/group is Janet Jackson, as talented as she is, I credit her for being one of the major staples in my relationship. I fell in love with my fiance in 2008 at her concert and Because of Love we will never part.
4. My favorite color is Pink. I think I have always been a fan of the color but I truly feel for it when I turned 20 years old. This was a time when I gained some of my self-esteem back and I truly felt like the lady I am for the first time. Gender stereotypical ( I know) but pink has been a symbol of my feminity, for a while now.
5. I have a total of 6 siblings: 3 from my mother and 3 from my father. I am the eldest of my mother's children, with 2 brothers and 1 sister. I am somewhere in the middle for my father's children, with 1 younger brother and 2 sisters, one older and one younger than me.

6. 

   My sister, Chevon, and I at her baby shower. No matter where the world takes us, our hearts bring us together.

   

   Brandon, Toy, Kassie and I took pictures to celebrate my mother's 46th birthday this year!

   My mother's side - Brandon (21 y/o); Toy (14 y/o); & Kassie (7 y/o) - My father's side - Chevon (25 y/o); Mickey (19 y/o); & Ciane (3 y/o).
7. My favorite TV show is the Golden Girls. Betty White is funny now, but "Rose Nylund" is the best.  
8. If a genie granted me one wish, it would be to have my grandmother and grandfather with me forever. Selfish, but my life is so much richer because of them! 
9. My favorite food is anything my Mommy cooks. However, she got points deducted for those musterd green she made last year. Yuck!
10. I do not personally have any pets; but last year we were able to give my Mom a little Yorkie and she is the best little puppy in the world. I look forward to getting y own one day but until then, Pebbles will have all my attention.
11. My favorite movie star is Julia Roberts. She is a beautifully, talented individual and I enjoy each and every one of her movies.
12. I am right handed.
13. My favorite subject in school was Math. I can add and subtract with the best of them. I think that is why I enjoy the challege of solving problems to date.
14. My least favorite subject in school was science. Nothing will ever change that. I did not enjoy learning about the biology of living organisims or about climate change.
15. I would have loved to take Driver's education in school, this way I would have some idea of what I am doing when I get behind the wheel.
16. I have a number of nicknames. Some of which I have grown very attached to; like  Candielou & Can Can. These names are used to express the moods and emotions of the people around me, I am so attached to them that when people call me by my full name I assume I am in trouble.
17. My favorite movie is Love & Basketball. I love the storyline, despite where life may take two people (no matter what path they may choose) love will lead you back to what is meant to be.
18. My favorite sport to watch is Basketball. Although, I have become quite the Football fan. I do not play sports (never been much of an athelete), but if I could choose one to participate in, it would be Basketball. Who doesn't want to be like Mike!? :-)

19. 

    "Where are you off to?"

    If I could be any kind of animal I would be a Bird. I would love to be a symbol of freedom for the world. What happens to birds? No one knows...but to be afforded the opportunity to see even half of the world they see would be a blessing.
20. My current hobby is sleeping. Whenever I get the chance that is what I am doing. I think all the "all nighters" have finally taken a toll on me. Even though catching up on sleep is impossible, I am willing to be that sacrificial test study to prove the odds wrong.
21. My favorite book is the most recently realeased, Janet Jackson: True You; a memoir/motivational book geared towards the upliftment of self-esteem.
22. For the past 23 years I have been a professional learner. I have had various jobs on and off campus (Summer Orientation Coordinator, Graduate Assistant for the Bursar's Office, SGA President, and Program Coordinator) during my collegiate years, which have brought me to the realization that I would love to continue to continue in a career of Higher Education Programming. I would like to have the opportunity to enhance the lives of students, as they prepare to move forward and grab hold of their dreams/goals.

23. 

    Class of 2008 & Class of 2011

    I am a post graduate. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Communication Studies, both from the College of New Rochelle. Many believe that I will go back to school for a Doctoral degree, I can not say whether I agree or not; what I do know is that for now I am content with what I have accomplished.

"Sweet" sighs of relief

"Sweet"ings!

"Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts" - Author Unknown

The little one keeps us on our toes. As we are trying to tell her to smile...the image is snapped and proves that she is the cutest little rascal!

In a time when so many things are uncertain and everything is "under one (or more) condition", I take relief in knowing that the love of my family/friends and fiance is unconditional and everlasting. From the matriarch of my family (my beloved grandmother) to the babies (my nephew); love is seeping through without filter. I feel blessed to know that no matter where life takes me and what may become of me, I am loved for the person I am and for whatever life shapes me to be.

My Grandmother/my <3! She has inspired me to reach for the stars and that through God all things are possible!

My nephew/Godson, Anthony Jr.! I am so happy to finally be an Auntie. From the day I laid eyes on him I was in love!

God has everything to do with it. I rest assured that through Him and in Him, I (as well as those I love and care for) will live joyfully in His love. It saddens me to to think that there are so many in the world going without that unwavering love and support of people in their lives.

In my lifetime, I have watched the world become an angry place with the undying echos of violence and suicides. Feelings of worthlessness and self-hatred are replacing the joy God has made attainable to us. "Gay" is no longer a word used to describe bright, lively, and happy feelings or moments; it is now the word that so many use to describe the distaste society has  placed before a man that is yearning for the love of another.

Love comes in all shapes, shades and sizes. Moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas, aunties and uncles, sisters, brothers, and cousins are the ones we can not choose. They sculpt the people we are and will become. Our "chosen" family (girlfriends/boyfriends, friends, and co-workers) are the ones who will refine the sculpture and mend any weathered cracks the years of wear and tear have done.

Those that do not have either are the ones I pray for in the evenings, the ones I think about in the morning, and the ones I cheer for during my afternoon walks.

My prayer is that the world will one day be a little warmer, a little smoother, and a lot less painful for us all. Unrealistic, maybe...but I will not give up on the power of prayer, because everyone deserves a "sweet" sigh of relief; that one day everything is going to be just fine!

Within you the joy of the Lord can/will keep you soaring, no matter what the circumstances

This is just the beginning my "Sweets"

"Sweet"ings!

As the biggest transition of my life is about to begin, I find no better time to start this blog. My past years have taught me that through writing, I express myself best and so I am going with that.

I am excited, nervous and anxious as I begin this written journey. I am hoping that you (my friends, viewers, and followers) are ready for this ride (I know I am).

I will begin every blog with a quote and try to end each one with words of encouragement for a brighter tomorrow. I will try my best to answer any questions, address any comments, and intrigue you all as I pose some thought provoking questions. I will keep an updated list of what I will call Today's "Sweet Treats" at the top of my page; this list will include new/hot technological gadgets, travel destinations, music, books, fashion trends, movies, video games, and television shows I love, look forward to, and hear about.

I'm read-yyyyyyyyyyy...ARE YOU!?!!?!?