WEEK 5

Time is moving along and the holiday season is almost amongst us. I plan on cooking a jerk turkey this year for the holidays. I work for Kaplan in their admissions department. I worked for them downtown Chicago and they relocated me to their Orlando office in September of 2009. I really enjoy living in Florida. I relocated because I have three children. Two are in highschool. Chicago is such a violent city. I have seen many people die due to the gangs and drug distribution there. I know violence is world wide but living here is much better than the things children are exposed to in a big city such as Chicago. I love Chicago and I miss my family and friends dearly. I had to make this sacrifice for my children. My life is advancing so much since being here. I recently moved into a house. I didn't purchase it but am renting. However, this is a stepping stone for me. In due time, once things are more secure and stable, I will look into buying a home of my own. I want to have a huge Thanksgiving day dinner. Christmas will be better this year as well.

I lost an aunt last week due to Cancer. I won't be able to travel back home for the homegoing services. I will be there in spirit though. I did see her in August when I was home for a vacation. I did call her periodically to check on her as well. I lost my Grandmother to Cancer back in March. This is just a time for me to really focus and get my priorities together. I never thought I'd be in a situation where I couldn't be home to support my family. I know I made a sacrifice to be where I am. I know my aunt would not be upset. It's importanct to show people you love them and care when they are alive. Once they are gone, it's too late. God is good. Life and death are real. I never knew when I left that this terrible disease would come quick and destroy my loved one's body as it has. My Mom always tells me to be happy that I have good health. I love my family and these are times when I get homesick. I just remember what bought me here. I can't have my children going through metal detectors to go to school. I can't afford to have them exposed to gangs and drugs. They are not cut from that cloth. They need me. It's best that I am here because I will hurt someone to protect my kids. It's not a good look to have a mother incarerated. However, I will do all that I can to protect mines. Obviously, I am cut from that cloth. Survival of the fittest. You would not understand the method to my madness unless you grew up in a city where seeing a 14 year old shot in the head and killed is normal. It happens so much that it gets to a point where it is accepted by many. It will never be accepted by me. I am just venting in this post so please excuse me. I want everyone to enjoy their week. I will talk with you all in seminar, on the blog, or on the discussion post.