Blonde, Sweat & Wine

Mental health has never been a "hot topic" or a common dinner conversation, it is usually dusted under the rug and left to fester til another day. Honestly, I'm writing this for my own mental health, rather my sanity. Since this virus took over our lives, being forced to live completely out of the norm has made mental health become a little bit more of a subject but not by much. Being bored and forced to be in the same house almost 24/7 can cause you to focus on things you wouldn't normally think about. This is also true for myself. Up until now, I haven't really discussed with anyone but close friends and family what I have struggled with for a long time. To me, you talk about it and everyone will think you're looney. Well, I'm over it and tired of hiding it so here goes! When I lived in Orlando, I had extremely high anxiety for the first time. I was basically alone full time miles away from my hometown. I tried so desperately to avoid facing what I...

Oh 2019, what a year! I have to admit, this year taught me a ton, left me speechless at times (I know, stunning right?!), and with some gains as well as losses! I learned how to love myself and see who I am alone, I have ended relationships that were overdue to be ended, and I became a stronger coach with Beachbody! I gained a booty thanks to my amazing workout program and learned how to eat properly! 2019 gave me the strength I needed to end a toxic relationship that was disguised as something much different. The year had it's ups and downs, as does every year, but this one in particular helped me learn what I like and where my future goals lie. I experienced things I thought I wanted and realized where I am heading is exactly where I need to be. Now that that's over, reminiscing can be fun but I am ready for a new chapter! Oh 2020, do I have something planned for you! I am entering this year on a very different foot, starting today with organizing my goals and strate...

Today I turned 31, it was a different birthday vibe than I usually have. Typically, I get really into my plans and can't wait for the day to come. Maybe it is because our plans changed drastically suddenly or because of the imminent threat of the hurricane looming in the back of my mind. But today ended up much better than originally anticipated! Of course, I needed the birthday Snapchat filter! Our plans were to go to Croom which is a motocross park ran by the state. The property used to be phosphate mines in Brooksville, it has since been used for motocross celebs and locals for enjoyment. Last minute, literally 5 hours before we were supposed to head north, the boyfriend tells me that due to the pain in the rump hurricane barreling towards the east coast they are closing the park. Talk about blonde emoji facepalm, ugh!! Now, I do not ride a dirt bike, heck I barely have the coordination to walk and chew gum at the same time. But I enjoy disconnecting, hiking, and relaxin...

I've decided to write down things that I have learned thus far in 2017! Here we go! 10. Don't feel obligated to keep up with the trends. So many times I see something via social media and I am immediately unsure when it came in style. For example, bikinis with the most ridiculous tan lines and sayings like "cray cray" or SMH (shake my head). I have to thank the Urban Dictionary for that last one. Everyday there is something new to do or keep up with and for the majority of my twenties, I would be willing to break the bank just to up on it and in with the cool kids. These days I am not ashamed to say priorities have changed and I couldn't care less. I have learned what I like and what I am comfortable with, those things will stay. Stuff is just stuff, keep that in mind! 9. Shamelessly staying in on the weekends. I don't have an issue with the occasional nights out, but our parents weren't lying when they said nothing good happens after mi...

I have posted before about my career and what happened that curbed my journey in nursing school. It has taken a long time, alot of research, and a good amount of courage and support to get my heart and mind ready to return as a student. Thankfully, I have the best motivation and I know I can definitely do it now. The first half of this year handed me my pride and visions of where I swore I thought I'd be at this point in life. Perhaps that is why it has taken me so long to feel prepared to return and accomplish what I set out to do 5 years ago. I am looking forward to continuing on but I am really going to have to swallow my pride and go back to square one. I have been in the medical field for nearly 10 years, I have done the CNA thing in the hospital, I have seen babies born, held the hand of a mom-to-be who lost her baby, I have talked to someone who was delivered news of a terminal illness, I have seen a lot. This is the pride I'll need to "suck" up as soon as I ...

As you may or may have not noticed, I have been MIA for the last few months. Starting the new year, events happened that have drastically changed my life. There were lots of tears, tests, and challenges but all resulted in Brad and I ending our relationship. No I don't need a shoulder to cry on, I am doing well. The hardest part was deciding on whether or not to move back to Fort Myers, granted, this decision has been decided and I will continue on once everything has been solidified. The best and worst part of ending any kind of relationship, is that it forces you to re-evaluate you as a person, the you that you want to be in the future, and that can be really painful. You will learn who to trust, who you know you won't ever see again, and who really is just in it for the juicy details. I am lucky to say that, even though no break up is easy, I'm a strong Southern woman who will trudge on! I realized quickly in the midst of moving on that I have always put myself last ...

It's just a bad moment, not a bad week. So, I may have tweaked that phrase but what it all boils down to is that even though I had a crappy couple of hours that it doesn't have to shape the rest of the week. After 2 hours of bad traffic, a crappy phone call admitting that my beloved Michael Kors bag is "lost" in transit, and frustrate moment of emotions, I decided to vent via video. Hopefully some of y'all can relate to watching a good day turn sour in the blink of an eye! Happy Monday....or not! Cheers to a better week and greeting November with open arms! ..xobb

Thumper said it best when he said if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all! Recently, someone who I used to consider a close friend got engaged. We had a falling out over 6 months ago and I honestly didn't think it would last this long without us talking but that's just how it has ended up. I truly believe in quality versus quantity when it comes to people in my life. I choose who I want to confide in very wisely, they have a look into your life and that is a very vulnerable area. When this girl and I were close, we talked about being in each other's weddings and going through adulthood together. Our significant others work for the same company so we knew we'd be lifers. Well, as life would have it we had a falling out and I didn't expect for life's events to unfold the way they have. Long story short, her SO offended me one night and since then we haven't spoken. It would honestly be an easy fix but I was truly upset about it so ...