Motivational Monday - Back to Work

It's Monday everyone and I need some hardcore motivation.  After being off for the past week and a half I am dreading going in to work.  It's rather depressing.  Knowing there are a TON of files waiting for me to review, hundreds of emails to read and reply to isn't fun.

{SCHURRRRRRRTTTT}

Okay that's enough of the complaining. Today is Motivational Monday and I need to be motivating myself and whoever else needs the motivation to push on this week.

The day before I left for vacation I received this:

If you missed this picture it was from my H54F post.

This large piece of paper reminds me of how motivated and dedicated I am to myself and my family.  So to motivate everyone this week I will offer a little peek into my personal life and how I ended up with my Master's degree.

For my entire undergraduate degree and part of my graduate degree I was a single parent AND without the help of my parents (and sometimes boyfriend...[who is now my husband]) I would not have been able to complete both of these.  I sacrificed a lot to get where I am now and believe me it WAS NOT easy.  I not only was a single parent, but I worked full time and was considered a full time student [i.e. 12-15 semester hours each semester for my undergrad and 6 semester hours per semester of my graduate degrees].  Yes, those both say full time in bold and italic b/c I want to stress how big of a deal that is! Vacations always included me staying back to get my homework and studying in, missing family dinners, and postponing certain events in my life.  IT SUCKED!

I had to make the decision to do this and if I was going to do it I had to do it all the way.  After splitting from my first husband, which was an abusive and difficult relationship (still is difficult), I had no insurance and was barely making $10/hour for about 20 hours per week. I had to make a change. I refused to let my daughter grow up a difficult life. AND GUESS WHAT?!?!

I did it. I am proud. I am PHENOMENAL!

So, my motivation this week is to remind everyone that you can do it, you will be proud, and most of all, you are already PHENOMENAL!

Fashion Friday - What I'm Traveling In

Hello Revolutioniers!  I've been on vacation for the past week so for this Fashion Friday I decided to dedicate it to what I wear when I travel.  We traveled from Maryland to Massachusetts for one day before making the rest of the way up to the beautiful east side of Maine! For me, I still want to be stylish and cozy when I am traveling!  It's a freakin' long ass drive from Maryland to Massachusetts {let alone Maine!}

First off, I wear very little make-up...meaning I only wear my cover up foundation, some tinted primer on my eyes, mascara and some gloss! That's it!  I may put on a little extra on during the ride but that is usually b/c I am super bored and need something to do!

For my clothes, I am wearing black capri leggings, a gray cami, and a high-lo tee that I found for Wal-Mart.

Please excuse the tiredness of this pic...I just drove 7.5 hours. I'm exhausted! =)

I love this tee, esp. for the $10 I paid for it at Wal-Mart, however, the little designs rub off quickly when you have a seat belt on it for about 7.5 hours....Boo to that!

I also find it really important to wear easy slip on shoes.  These I found at Claire's at the beginning of the spring season.  I love them!  You can find them here (on sale too!)

P.S. when I say "I" I mean my HUSBAND!

What do you all travel in?  Send me pics or tweet (@Queen_Nicole01) at me if your traveling now!

High Five For Friday

Happy Friday!  I'm linking up with Lauren (From My Grey Desk) again for another wonderful week.  This weeks is my vacation version of my H54F!  

1. The MOOSE!  We stop at this rest area every time we make it in to Maine.  Every year We have to get a picture with "The Moose!"
2.  Driving through Rhode Island there was a Pink Fire Truck, Cop Car, & Ambulance! So cool!
3.  The view from the top of Cadillac Mtn. on my Birthday!  What a beautiful way to ring in a new year!
4.  The simple joy of relaxing in a hotel lobby, drinking coffee, and blogging.
5.  My diploma has finally arrived (3 months later)! I am reminded of the hard work I did to receive it! What a rewarding feeling!

High Five for Friday

Y'all it's FRIDAY! I'm hookin' up with Lauren again for this weeks H54F link up!  This week is extra special because as you read this I am on my way to the New England coast!! Driving through the beautiful cities from Maryland to Massachusetts then from Massachusetts to Maine! Long freakin' drive but oh so worth it!  That's enough of that! Here's my five!

1. I may or may not have consumed this double fudge chocolate cake the other day...if it was me just know that it was probably delish and a cup of milk was much needed!
2. My newest bag purchase!  Betsey Johnson!  Retail $98....TJ Maxx price....$39  I'm in love!
3. Lunch with co-workers....this sandwich was so yummy!  I may or may not have felt guilty for possibly consuming a chocolate cake previously so I only ate half.
4. I pack like a boss!  Believe it or not there are enough outfits and shoes in here for the 6 days we are in Maine (the 1 day in MA is packed in an over night bag) for both my husband & I....did I mention this is including shoes! Can I get a "WHOOT WHOOT!"
5. SIX WHOLE DAYS OFF OF WORK!