Where Have I Been?

Where Have I Been?

You know what…I’m low-key tired of making post like this. I literally haven’t posted on my blog since February, and that is horrible. In my defense, I have been doing a lot of things that didn’t allow me to post, but nine months is still a bit of a stretch. Lets start from the beginning.

I moved to the island of Guam in February. If you’ve never heard of Guam, it’s a US Territory in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s on the same side of the world as Korea and Japan, but way more remote. Since then, there has been a lot of adjusting. I purchased a new home in April. That process was very stressful, but it’s proving to be well worth it. I love my house. It’s my favorite thing about being here, and I’m thinking of staying here longer because of it.

This year wasn’t the best year for me as far as success and love, I will admit. I did buy a house, but that’s about it. I lost my uncle this year in May and that really hit me hard. I wasn’t expecting that at all. I also, ended a relationship that I was really excited about, so its back to the single life for me. Everything happens for a reason though, so I’m hopeful. This was the first year of my 30s and it has been a whirlwind. I have noticed the new perspective that comes with being 30 though. I do not have time to entertain anything or anyone that isn’t beneficial to me. I am more comfortable with who I am and how I look. Its crazy that this year is almost over already. I will be turning 31 next month, which is wild to me.

I have met some good people since I’ve been here, so that’s a plus. Meeting new people and building those relationships is something that I enjoy doing. You never know how people will impact your life until you give them a chance. The whole “no new friends” never really set well with me. With that being said, bare with me and stay tuned for more adventures of Guam.

Bucket List Item: Phuket, Thailand

I finally made it to Thailand! I have been living in Korea for the past 23 months, and finally got a chance to do what I said I was going to do before I got here. Thailand has been a dream destination of mine for about five years now, and it finally happened. This trip was a “baecation” which was a first for me, and had its challenges, but it was fun nonetheless. I actually traveled to Bali after Phuket, but I will talk about that in another post.

We started our voyage to Phuket from Incheon Airport in Seoul. Side note, having an American Express Platinum Card is AMAZING when you’re traveling abroad. One benefit of the card is a free Priority Pass membership which gives you access to the executive and business lounges in the airport. They usually are equipped with comfortable seating, free food, wi-fi, wine, beer, and TV. They are the best for long layovers, or if you get to the airport early and are just waiting to board. It definitely beats waiting at the gate with hundreds of people. For military members all the fees are waived, which is an extra perk. If you would like to apply for the card here is my referral link.

Anywho, the first day that we arrived was pretty late. We stayed at the Bandara Phuket Beach Resort in Panwa. The area was more quiet than the busy city of Patong, but it was nice and the people were very friendly. The breakfast buffet that we had there was amazing. The pool had a restaurant and bar attached that had really good food and a nice happy hour special for drinks. There is a fitness room there that opens at 8am if you would like to keep up with your fitness while on vacation. We used it twice.

While we were in Phuket we did a lot! We saw Big Buddha, went to Tiger Kingdom, Patong Beach, ate at some really cool restaurants, did a James Bond Island excursion, Phi Phi Island excursion, ate street food at a night market, and even went to a ping pong show (if you know, you know). If I were to tell you about each day, this post would be too long, so I’ll just give you the highlights. My favorite part of the trip was the James Bond Island tour. The tour was a free gift to us because I took advantage of the offer from the Club Wyndham representatives at Tiger Kingdom. They gave us roundtrip transportation from our hotel and included lunch, drinks, and fruit as a snack. We went to a few smaller secluded islands and had the chance to go snorkeling and canoeing through the limestone rocks in the ocean. James Bond Island was a beautiful site and I would highly recommend checking it out if you’re in Phuket. Phi Phi Island was cool too, but the experience wasn’t as good as the James Bond Island tour. The next time I visit that area I will actually stay on Phi Phi Island.

If you would like more information about this vacation, feel free to contact me. Be blessed!

Walking up to Big Buddha in Phuket

Something’s Changed

Something’s Changed

Hey y’all! So, recently I have been feeling really happy lately. Like something has definitely shifted in my life. I am receiving love and positive attention from every angle. Things are going great at work, I have people in my life that love and appreciate me. Strangers even take the time out to tell me how special I am. So what really changed? What brought about all this positive energy? 

I know what changed. My mindset, my outlook on life. I know it may seem like I have always been this positive person, and that’s true but we all have our own insecurities, and that includes me. Nowadays, I am more secure in myself and my abilities. I don’t stress about how I look, if people will like me, how much money I make, etc. I just know that everything will work out for me in the end. I am vibrating on a frequency of love and happiness because that’s how I truly feel. Since I give that energy out to the world, that is what I am receiving. 

As a woman, I automatically possess this divine power, but being a black woman makes it even more special. Being in Korea has made me realize that. To a lot of people, I am this exotic being. I get so many stares and looks that I don’t even notice it anymore until one of my friends points it out. When you live in your own little world of peace and love, you tend to block all of that out, at least I do. I just want to do my best to continue to live a life that others look up to and to inspire the next generation in my own special way. 

fullsizeoutput_2c70

Accomplishments & Cocktails!

Accomplishments & Cocktails!

I found my new favorite spot in South Korea! Okay so I know I haven’t been giving you guys that many updates about my time in Korea, but it’s coming, I promise. I finally finished studying for my CompTIA Security + Certification, which I passed! I am now CompTIA Security + certified, and the feeling that I had when I passed that exam was pure joy. I was so excited that I did the Lebron once I walked out of the testing room. I had focused and studied for that test shortly after arriving to Osan, so for about two months. This was my third time testing and I was the only person in my work center that was not certified and that is a certification that is needed for my job, so the pressure was definitely there. Any who, I don’t want to get too deep into that. If you want to learn more about the certification just follow the hyperlink…

Today I also took my E-6 promotion test. I have been in the Air Force for eight years now, and I feel like it is time for me to step into that next level of leadership. E-6 is the rank of Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, and in my opinion, it’s when people really start to take you seriously. This was my fourth time testing for promotion, and I’ve watched some of my peers pass me by in rank. Some people would look at that as a failure on my part, but I don’t. I am proud of all of my peers who joined the Air Force the same time or shortly after me that have already made E-6. I know what type of work has to go into achieving that rank. I was focused on other things these last couple of years, and financially I still made the same amount as them, because I wasn’t solely focused on the Air Force being my only source of income. With that being said, I am happy that I tested for this promotion cycle and I don’t have to worry about it again until the results come out in the summer.

The past weekend I explored Suwon with some of my friends, and enjoyed a nice cocktail in the Songtan Entertainment District (SED) after our fun day. The SED is literally about a five minute walk from my home and it has many different restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. It is what makes Osan so much fun. The one really cute cafe called Cafe CF had the nicest atmosphere and the prettiest drinks and decor. I fell in love with it and I am happy that I get to enjoy it for the next 21 months! After we left Cafe CF we went to one of our regular spots and I ordered my favorite blue drink there. I think it is definitely important for you to get out of the house and destress. I felt like I’ve been cooped up for the past two months, but this weekend was really fun and I enjoyed myself getting away from the base. Trust me, there is more to come!

fullsizeoutput_1d0b
Here’s a photo of my “Blue Think” from the Think Lounge in the SED. (Photo taken by iPhone 7 Plus)

Distractions.

Distractions.

It is so easy to get distracted from your goals these days, it’s not even funny. I honestly believe that distractions are from the devil. Staying focused and consistent are two very important elements when it comes to being successful. I am still learning how to stay focused and consistent on my goals without being distracted. Oddly enough, relationships for me are very distracting. I tend to focus on the person that I’m with more than my goal by trying to make them happy. Word of advice, don’t do that. If you’re in a relationship with someone a) you should know each other’s goals, and b) you should be encouraging each other to reach those goals. If you’re with a person that doesn’t respect your goals and dreams, then they probably aren’t the one for you anyway. You have to set boundaries within your relationship, so that you can still be the best person that you can be.

Achieving your goals is a very full filling feeling. The main reason why we set goals is to feel accomplished. As I reflect on this past year, I realize that I was distracted alot and did not complete some goals that I set for myself. Ultimately, that’s my own fault. It would be really selfish to blame my shortcomings on someone else. Now that I know what things throw me off my path, I can make a conscious effort to avoid those distractions.

It’s all a learning process. I’m not the same person that I was a year ago, or even the beginning of this year. I have been growing daily, and learning more about myself. I have already started planning my goals for next year. I want to get a head start on the things that I want to accomplish. Preparation is key. We can have anything we want in life. We just have to do what’s necessary to get it, and that ultimately means no excuses, and no distractions.

What are your goals? Has something, or someone been distracting you from achieving those goals? Are you aware of your distractions, or are you getting in your own way? Now is the time to plan that beYOUtiful life that you see for yourself. Make the necessary preparations now, and the future will be even better.

Distractions.

Distractions.

It is so easy to get distracted from your goals these days, it’s not even funny. I honestly believe that distractions are from the devil. Staying focused and consistent are two very important elements when it comes to being successful. I am still learning how to stay focused and consistent on my goals without being distracted. Oddly enough, relationships for me are very distracting. I tend to focus on the person that I’m with more than my goal by trying to make them happy. Word of advice, don’t do that. If you’re in a relationship with someone a) you should know each other’s goals, and b) you should be encouraging each other to reach those goals. If you’re with a person that doesn’t respect your goals and dreams, then they probably aren’t the one for you anyway. You have to set boundaries within your relationship, so that you can still be the best person that you can be.

Achieving your goals is a very full filling feeling. The main reason why we set goals is to feel accomplished. As I reflect on this past year, I realize that I was distracted alot and did not complete some goals that I set for myself. Ultimately, that’s my own fault. It would be really selfish to blame my shortcomings on someone else. Now that I know what things throw me off my path, I can make a conscious effort to avoid those distractions.

It’s all a learning process. I’m not the same person that I was a year ago, or even the beginning of this year. I have been growing daily, and learning more about myself. I have already started planning my goals for next year. I want to get a head start on the things that I want to accomplish. Preparation is key. We can have anything we want in life. We just have to do what’s necessary to get it, and that ultimately means no excuses, and no distractions.

What are your goals? Has something, or someone been distracting you from achieving those goals? Are you aware of your distractions, or are you getting in your own way? Now is the time to plan that beYOUtiful life that you see for yourself. Make the necessary preparations now, and the future will be even better.

Inner Peace.

Inner Peace.

So, for the first time in years I am living by myself (no roommate), and I am single. This has been going on for the past few weeks, and it is something that I have wanted for myself since I decided that I wanted to get a divorce years ago. If you didn’t know, I was married for five years, and obviously it did not work out. My ex husband is a good man, but he just wasn’t the right man for me, and I was not ready to be a wife at the time. I just kept telling myself and him that I just wanted to be alone. I just wanted time to myself to figure out who Juliette is with no one else’s influence or judgment. I feel like when you are actually out on your own, and handling business by yourself & for yourself, you get to know yourself even more. 

Since I have lived by myself, I find that there are good days and bad days. Some days I am so happy that it is just me, and that I can just fully enjoy my own company. Other days I feel lonely, and like I need someone there. I go on social media and see happy couples and wonder why I don’t have that yet. Then I quickly remind myself that this is what I wanted, and when the right person comes along I will know. 

Throughout this whole process, I am getting to know myself better. I do love who I am, and the woman I am becoming. I am at peace knowing my strengths and my weaknesses. I know I have flaws, and I don’t try to hide them. At this point in my life, it’s either you love me how I am, or having nothing at all. I don’t feel the need to conform to anyone’s beliefs. I walk to the beat of my drum set. 

This feeling is a very liberating feeling, especially as a woman. Women are taught from a young age that they must be wifely, or motherly. I am not either at the moment, and I am find with that. I see so many women rushing to be a wife or a mom, and they haven’t enjoyed their own life yet. Once you become a wife and a mother the focus is not on you anymore. I believe that you need that time to just figure out who you really are, so that you may know what you really want. During my first marriage, I was just learning who I was. I was only 19 when I got married, so that was super young to be making that type of commitment in the first place. I was smart enough not to bring a child into that situation. 

I said all of that to say this, I am finding inner peace within myself. I enjoy my own company. I love being the master of my life. I want to be a complete person before I decide to fully commit to someone else, and I hope that he would have the same mindset too. I urge all of you to get to know yourself more. It is a beYOUtiful feeling. 

Don’t you hate it when….

Don’t you hate it when people complain about how horrible their life is, and when you show them something that could change their life they do nothing about it?! No? Probably not, unless you do what I do.

I have been apart of an amazing concept for the past three years and it has totally changed my life. I have experienced some things and seen some places that I never would have if it wasn’t for this concept. The best part of it is the amazing people that I am able to meet. I have met some lifelong friends because of this idea. The funny part is that most people want the lifestyle that I have, but they aren’t willing to do what I do to get it. Isn’t that odd? I was taught that if someone has the lifestyle that you want, then all you have to do is mimic what they did to get those results.

Success leaves clues, and sometimes it’s better to look at the people that you know in life and start there. I am no where I want to be, or plan to be in life but I’m on the right track. I am gaining as much information as I can from my mentors by reading and attending seminars. The information that we need to be successful is hardly ever just handed to us, we have to go out and find it for ourselves.

This year I challenge you, and myself, to read more, do more, and be more. There is greatness in all us, we just have to pull it out.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

New Year, new me! I’m just kidding, but there are some things that I would like to do differently this year. 2016 was there year of great ideas, a few commitments, and lots of traveling and weight gain. All in all, it was a really great year for me. There are some goals that I set and didn’t achieve, but that happens. 

This year I plan to take more risks and the necessary actions to achieve my goals. We all have greatness inside of us, all we have to do is believe in ourselves enough to bring it out. A lot of people were looking to me to achieve certain things last year, and I did not. They believed in me more than I believed in myself. This year I will not let my self doubt stand in the way of my goals. At the latter part of last year, I really shut down because I saw that I hadn’t done what I set out to do for 2016. In 2017 I don’t want to end the year with that same disappointment. 

I challenge all of you to make this year your best year yet! There is greatness in all of us, and we are the ones that choose to be successful, not our circumstances. I hope that you have a prosperous year, and always remember that you are Be-YOU-tiful. 

Gratitude 😌

Gratitude 😌

Today that word has been appearing constantly to me. Sometimes I get so caught up in the things that I want and I don’t have, that I forget how blessed I really am. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does I get in a real funk.

A couple days ago I had a pipe burst in my house that caused water to go in my kitchen, living room, dining room, and garage. Unfortunately, I did have water damage to my laminate floors in my living and dining room. I was excited that morning when I woke up, because it was Friday and that excitement quickly turned into panic. I was running around trying to figure out how to cut the water off. Luckily, my neighbor was really nice and helped me out. I cleaned most of the water off of the floor, but that wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was contacting my insurance company, an after disaster company, and my warranty company. I think I handled the situation very well considering what had happened.

I’m not going to lie,  I was upset by the end of the day because no one had come out to fix anything yet, and I hadn’t heard from the contractor that my warranty company was supposed to send. Then I remembered that most people my age don’t go through this situation because they aren’t able to own a home at 25. I suddenly became very grateful that I was even able to experience this “disaster”. I thought about how blessed I was to actually be at my home when it happened, and not out of town because the situation would have been way worse. Now I’m able to get my floors redone with my insurance money, and not my own. The after disaster guys from SERVPRO even cleaned my tile! They look so much better now 😊.

I said all of that to say this, it’s better to be grateful for the things that you have through the good times and bad. Don’t focus on what you don’t have because more than likely you will never have it. If you’re always thinking about the “lack of” something that’s what you’re going to attract. So instead be grateful for everything and greater things will come to you.