All Settled In: Chocolate Drop Arrives

Great news, my chocolate drop is on island! It is her third week here and despite some emotional challenges, she seem to be settling in just fine.

Reunited and it feels so good!

Her initial excitement quickly faded once grammy and papa left to go back to The Bahamas and the idea of them not being a car ride away seemed to hit her hard and to be honest, I get it!  To begin with, I gave our dog Chocolate Chip to a loving family at church for a number of reasons: 1. I really didn't give him the love and attention he needed, 2. I hated coming home to clean up after a dog at 7pm in the night 3. Honestly, it was just time. Chocolate Chip has been gone for about 5 weeks and although I miss him, I did not miss any of the ripped pillows, poop and other joys associated with a dog that's never been trained (despite me pretending like he was). I hadn't explained the adoption to Adaya prior to her arrival, so ofcourse once she got here and realize the dog was gone, all hell broke lose, "Mommy, I don't have any of my family, now I don't even have my dog, why would you do this?!" EPIC FAIL MOM!

Chocolate Chip

Beyond that, her resilience and bravery throughout this transition has been admirable. She handled being in Nassau without me like a true champ and even on the nights when I tried my hardest to hold back tears she always said to me " Mommy don't worry, I soon reach". Seriously, how could you not love this kid?!

Do I look bothered?

So she's here, settled in, has already became a Junior Member of the Turks & Caicos National Trust, started a mini garden (which I may or may not ruin because it's attracting too many insects), became a beach bum and is truly enjoying island life! Have you and your kids experienced a transition? How are they coping? What is the most difficult part of transitioning?

Until Next Time,
One Jazzy Mom and her little munchkin

It Gets Better

Ok so if you haven't had a chance to catch up on the blog, here's a recap of what you missed. I'm officially 30, read about that here and I am now living in Turks & Caicos Islands with major separation anxiety. Each day gets easier but there are still those moments, particularly in the evening time, when I would typically hear the exciting stories of kindergarten from my daughter as we eat and prepare for the following day. Funny how we take for granted the moments that help to create happiness.

Be that as it may, I'm slowly developing a routine that consists of work, walking my dog ( best decision yet ), crossfit and then a nice glass of wine (for the purpose of work and learning of course). In addition to this routine, my every day "going and coming" has played a big role, not to mention my family and friends who continue to include me in everything as if I was there, namely:

1. Evening video calls with my daughter! From what she's had for lunch, to the new kids she has met at her Easter camp, to the minute by minute run down of her doctor visit, our evening recaps keeps things as close to normal as they can be in this moment.
    
2. Whatsapp Groups I swear to you I have at least 25 Whatsapp groups on my phone. Luckily, I've been able to switch to my new local number and decide which groups I wanted to take with me (blessing in disguise). Birthday celebrations, births, deaths and even politics in The Bahamas, I haven't missed a beat!
   
3. Whatsapp Calls I'm actually embarrassed to type this because the hatred I had for Whatsapp calls has turned into a love story. To be able to pick up the phone and have a conversation for hours without worrying about a bill is a blessing that cant be compared.

Things are looking up. I am a little less anxious and actual smiled this morning at what's to come. The laid back island life is ideal for raising kids, saving money and enjoying the moments. Challenge accepted. 

Signed, 

Counting Down the Months to Adaya's Arrival

30 Before 30

This weekend I officially turned 30 and as I sit in retrospect on the past 29 years of my life, I can't help but to think how amazing life has been. There has been heartache, amazing moments, successful moments and moments I simply wish I could undo. Despite it all, the best part of my 29 years in this world is that I lived, every moment. I made mistakes (a lot of mistakes), I've stumbled and gotten back up and here I am, days away from the start of a new chapter.

Experience is the greatest teacher of life; here are 30 things I did before 30 that has taught me my greatest lessons:

1. Accept that there is a Greater Power that controls the world. 
   No matter your religion, understand that there is a divine power beyond you and I.
2. Fall In Love
   You haven't experienced life until you have had that one person who stole your heart and then broke it into a thousand pieces.
3. Learn A New Culture
   Whether its through a book, blog or article, learn about somewhere new and see how people outside of your immediate circle live.
4. Travel 
   If you are lucky enough to travel, do it. DO IT OFTEN!
5. Travel Alone
   Nothing says vacation like waking up in a hotel room in the afternoon, not having to walk the dog or wake up at the "crack of dawn" to take your daughter to ballet.
6. Visit these amazing placeTake a European Tour , Climb the Mountains in Colorado, Drink Ice Wine in Niagara Falls.
7. Learn a Language
   Beyond making yourself attractive in the job market, having multiple languages under your belt can prove beneficial, especially if you are like me and into foreign men ( wink wink).
8. Learn to Cook 
   I am fortunate to have grown up with parents who taught me how to live independently. Nothing makes an evening perfect than cooking while enjoying a glass of wine. It's also a plus when dating, men like women who cook.
9. Eat to Live 
   It's fun to eat fries at 2am after a drunk night in the club, but it will catch up with you, and when it does, you can not get rid of it! ( Experience speaking)
10. Make Mistakes
    My best lessons in life were made after doing some really dumb things. I mean really, really dumb.
11. Go on a Blind Date
    Speaking of dumb things......
12. Learn a New Hobby 
    I never liked wine, after taking a few wine classes and learning of its complexities, I became a wine lover. Ask me about any grape variety and I can tell you its history.
13. Love Again 
    I truly thought the father of my child was the man I would spend forever with (BAHAHAHA). The best thing about love is that it happens often, Experience it, Live it, love it. 
    
14. Learn Yourself 
    In my teens, I wanted everyone I met to like me. In my twenties, I completely stopped giving a s$*t. As I approach thirty, I understand that the more self aware you are, the more fulfilling life will be.
15. Live in Balance
    There's no right or wrong way to experience life; what's most important is understanding balance.
16. Vent 
    Keeping your struggles and frustrations to yourself is never good. Speak to someone about it. Get it out of your system and move on to something greater!
17. Visit a Strip Club 
    LOL, just trust me on this one. There are lessons to learnt at the strip club.
18. Meditate 
    There is something beautiful about clearing your mind and expressing considered thoughts on a particular subject.
19. Have a baby
    Ok this may not be an experience for everyone, but my life COMPLETELY changed after having my chocolate dropped. Motherhood is the greatest empowerment.
20. Watch a Luche Libre 
    Mexican Wrestling. That is all.
21. Drive and tumble off an ATV in the desert
    Everything looks good on TV, in real life, different story.
    
22. STOP GIVING A SHIT 
    If all it does is bring you headache, let it go.
23. Drink Until you throw up 
    This isn't exactly good advice, but there is a lesson to be learnt with your face smothered in the toilet and covered in vomit.
24. Enjoy Your Freedom
    I never understood the importance of time alone until I had my kid, even showers are with an audience. 
    
25. When Someone tells you who they are; believe them
    If it looks like a duck, smells like a duck and moves like a duck; guess what, it's a duck!
26. Singleness  is okay
    All my closest friends are married, my co-workers (well the ones I like), my sister and the list goes on. I remember many nights sitting up red eyed and running nose because no one wanted to marry me. Then I had my 'aha' moment. Marriage (if its for me) will come, but for now, I will enjoy my singleness. Every. Bit. Of. It!
27. When Life gives you Lemons 
    Make lemonade, scrub your face with the lemon peel and use the lemon skin to freshen the air in your apartment! There is no one path in life, use the resources you have to create the life you want.
28. Never Doubt Yourself 
    If it feels right; do it!
29. There's always tomorrow
    Days will become hectic, priority lists may not be completed; relax there's always tomorrow.
30. HAPPINESS IS A MOVING TARGET 
    Once on task or goal is completed; know that the journey does not end, it simply change course.

OH October!

September was good to me, heck I would go so far as to say September was GREAT! I crossed so many items from my bucket list all on one trip. That's right, for the first time in my life I traveled to the United Kingdom and had a European Adventure all in one week! From London to Germany to Manchester, Italy and then back to London, I visited three countries in a matter of days ( and I have the tired, jet lagged body to proved it); but we will get into that in another post, with lots of pictures.

Today we celebrate the start of a new month! Not only is it the first of the month (get up wake up, it's the first of the month), but its the beginning of a month of health awareness, trial and learning for me. I can sit here and go on and on with the many reasons why I chose to do everything else this year BUT live a healthy life, but if I did we would be here forever. For whatever reason, this week I came to the conclusion that I am sick of being unhealthy ( not to mention looking unhealthy).

Now for the average person that knows me, they would wonder what in the world am I talking about. No I am not overweight ( to the average person), I take basic care of myself and to anyone who sees me, would think, "I am a well put together mom who prides herself on looking her best". Yes, but what about the inside? Ten months has past in 2016 and only six weeks out of those ten months have I done any form of exercise; and to be honest, I only committed to those six weeks after spending $150.00 to enroll.Not to mention, my daily intake includes at least a 3-pack of beers ( I'm a brand manager for Coors Light duh!), fried foods, processed carbs, sweets, wine (no excuse, I just love it) and my choice of  a cold soda (preferably Coca Cola) or energy drink; depending on how difficult life is on that particular day. It's no wonder I have this cute little tube sitting around my waist that restricts any thought of looking sexy.

After seriously evaluating my health and knowing that I want to have the energy and live a life where I am able to enjoy every moment with my daughter, I have decided to make October the month I become clean! Honestly, this is the most difficult decision I have ever made because I am doing some drastic 'ish; but I am committed to making the next 31 days the battlefield for a new life of health and I want you to hold me accountable. Starting today I commit to:

1. No Alcohol: This is going to be the most difficult because 1. It's my job to market alcohol all day every day. 2. peer pressure is a mutha  3. Good lort, no wine?
   
2. No Fried Foods: Bamboo Shack ( for all my Bahamian readers, God's gift to the islands), fried bacon, fried wings (which I typically enjoy with my cold beer at the end of each day). UGGHHH
   
3. No Sweets: Sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, donuts, all the things that makes life great. Except fruits, I am not giving them up.
   
4. Limited Carbs: Okay, so I am not crazy. I have tried the no carbs thing and it was too much. I am however, going to limit my carb intake and choose healthier options. i.e sweet potatoe mash in place of the regular garlic, cheese mash with extra butter.
   
5. Exercise: At least three times per week for a minimum of one hour. I will exercise. Whether its yoga, jogging, at home workouts, 3 days per week will include some form of exercise.
   
6. Water: The goal- 1 gallon a day.  Whew 

There is a lot more I can add to this list, but for now, baby steps. The goal isn't to get skinnier, although a lean body for my 30th would be great. The goal is to be healthy and more aware of what I put into my body, remembering that it is a temple. Join me as I journey this month to a healthier me! Expect quick and easy recipes, workout tips, melt downs and more. Challenge yourself with me and let me know in the comments below. Tips or advice on what can make more of an impact, let me know.

To a health awareness and a productive month!

Cheers ( with lots of water) 

That Jazzy Mom

I've Got Baby Fever

I've got baby fever. Okay so, not bad enough for me to actually have another baby right now, but bad enough to miss the joys of being the mother of a new born baby. This weekend I spent most of Saturday shopping for a baby shower of a close friend of mine and then Sunday I spent most of the evening at the baby shower and both reminded be of the excitement, anxiety and happiness of having a baby.

I remember when I first found out that I was with child (like in the Bible days). My initial response was very delayed. I have always been the kind of woman that did not want kids. I wanted to have an amazing career, travel the world and make an impact worldwide. So after I got the news, I thought about where my life was, where I wanted it to go and it hit me like a ton of bricks, maybe, what I wanted in life was not what was planned for me. After a lot of counsel and conversations with friends and family, I slowly began anticipating the birth of my daughter. For persons that were really familiar with me, this change in heart took them all by surprise. The once anti-child lady was now taking trips and spending copious amounts of money on an unborn child. Oh, how things have changed!

As I sit and reflect on life then and life now, I thank God on a daily basis for firstly blessing me with such a beautiful gift of life and secondly giving me the inspiration and drive to reach my goals because she has been placed in my life. From learning and enforcing self discipline to accomplishing my educational and career goals; since the day I found out I would be a mother, my life changed. In the best possible way. Now not only do I have the fantastic career, travel the world and developing ways to leave a global footprint, but I have a beautiful daughter here cheering me along every step of the way.

I may not be quite ready for baby number two, but I can certainly appreciate the joys of becoming a mother and the more exciting experiences of being a mother! Not only has her existence motivated me to be the best version of myself; but as she grows and develops I am encouraged to do the same. There's no greater feeling than that of being a parent and I truly thank God for this blessing!

It's Going to be Different this Time Around

I'm honestly so stoked to be back to my laptop. Stalking blogs, connecting with new bloggers, indulging in the hours of stress free bliss surfing the interwebs. And while I am excited to be back, I am also a bit nervous. This time, I want to be different! I want to be original, authentic and me. The real me. The me that cries some mornings because I am overwhelmed by the amount of things that I am responsible for doing. The me that sometimes finishes two bottles of Jacob's Creek Chardonnay on my own. The me that lets my daughter eat popsicles for breakfast some times, just so that I can have a break sans the whining. This time its going to be different.

I've always been a lover of quotes, especially those ones that leave you feeling like a decision must be made. Last week in my boss's farewell speech he made the statement "change is painful, failure is painful; its up to us to choose our pain". Change is hard, its uncomfortable and for many it can be painful. But the benefits of changing the way you do things to a process that is more efficient and more effective goes beyond the pain you would experience.

That being said. I promise to change and get uncomfortable and make the rest of my life the best of my life and I encourage you to do the same.


Happy Sunday!
Ms. Jazzy