Today it is Saturday May 1, 2010. On Monday we arrive in Ponta Delgada, Portugal. This is our 6th day at Sea and I am very excited about our first port. Although I am excited about all of the ports we will visit I am ecstatic about visiting Paris France with my husband. I have visited there once before. I had a great time the first time but the entire time I was there I kept wondering what it would be like to visit that wonderful city with the man of my dreams. Now another one of my dreams is coming true. It is funny how a long time ago I used to think I had to reach a certain amount of goals before I got married. After getting to a certain place in my life I realized that when I met the right person that we could reach our goals and dreams together. That is how it has been since I have met Derrick.
From the very beginning of our courtship I knew that it was something very different about Derrick. I was very happy that he was interested in getting to know who I was on the inside. We made our intentions clear to each other right from the start. As time went on and we got to know each other better I discovered that we had many of the same interests. I didn’t want to let him know all of my interests but yet I wanted him to do some exploration on his part to find out who I really was. As time went on our relationship blossomed. We moved forward and I realized that we started to do many of the things I had always dreamed about. This was our special relationship. It has boundaries that no one could penetrate. This was a very special one. I trusted Derrick. I allowed him to see me in my most vulnerable states and he did the same. Some people ask me how I knew he was the one. Well there is no exact science but I can tell you what I felt. It is like the saying goes “It Doesn’t take all day to recognize Sunshine” and Derrick was indeed my sunshine. I trusted him with my heart. He was no doubt my friend. I made a list many years ago with all of the characteristics I needed in a lifelong mate. Over the years it was revised again and again. After it was complete (before meeting Derrick) I realized that Derrick met every characteristic on the list. I also could see that he had the love of God on the inside. I could clearly see that when we crossed paths we could accommodate where each other was going in life. This is how I knew and as each day passed it became more apparent. My cousin stated at our wedding reception there were 6 words that separated Derrick from all the rest. He said “When it was just any ole guy Yanice would say “what do you think of him” when it was Derrick Yanice said “I want you to meet him” and this is how he knew. These were wonderful words to hear.
So I believe you know when all of it is clear. God will make the signs clear. It is not rocket science but one must be true to themselves in this quest. Saying I do should not be out of selfish reasons. One should have done their part to prepare their minds, bodies and spirits to be married. It should be the ultimate act of selflessness. Marriage is truly a blessing and a splendid thing for those who are ready. So for those of you wanting to take the plunge prepare yourself. Do the work required before saying “I Do”
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Life is What we Make It
05/02/2010
Currently I am at a place in my life where I can say things are good. Looking back over the years I see so much growth and development. Some may call them struggles but I have come to realize that all of the experiences that I have had added a certain dimension to my life. It seems as though it has taken so much to get to this place but for that I am very grateful. I can truly say that I am happy. On a long time ago I set out on a journey to obtain certain things in my life. Through those times there were many ups and downs but through much perseverance and faith I have made it to a good place. I am so very glad that I did not give up on my dreams when things got tough. All of the past experiences have molded me into the woman that I am. I like to think I have a certain character that is unmatchable by another.
Currently I am at a place in my life where I can say things are good. Looking back over the years I see so much growth and development. Some may call them struggles but I have come to realize that all of the experiences that I have had added a certain dimension to my life. It seems as though it has taken so much to get to this place but for that I am very grateful. I can truly say that I am happy. On a long time ago I set out on a journey to obtain certain things in my life. Through those times there were many ups and downs but through much perseverance and faith I have made it to a good place. I am so very glad that I did not give up on my dreams when things got tough. All of the past experiences have molded me into the woman that I am. I like to think I have a certain character that is unmatchable by another.
Notes from the Trail
05/01/2010
Derrick and I are now on day six of our 15 day Transatlantic Cruise. Our cruise started in Miami on April 26, 2010 and will travel to the following ports:
1) Ponta Delgada, Portugal
2) Lisbon, Portugal
3) Vigo, Spain
4) La Coruna, Spain
5) Le Havre (Paris), France
6) Zeebrugge (Brussels/Brugge), Belgium
7) Dover (London), Great Britain
When looking for a honeymoon Derrick and I discussed how we wanted to travel to Spain and France. I ended up stumbling on this cruise that happened to be a steal. During this cruise we could actually get the relaxation we needed and desired while traveling to some of our dream destinations together.
Since we have started the cruise we have had an unimaginable amount of fun and romance. This trip has been more than I even hoped for. We have been eating like royalty and talking to many interesting people. We also had a chance to play the Newlywed game. This has been something I always wanted to do on a cruise. In addition, I purchased a special honeymoon package to add to the romance. I really wanted to something special for us since you only honeymoon once. The package included Sparkling Wine and chocolate covered strawberries, a romantic dinner in Le Bistro that included a bottle of wine. (Derrick only had one glass and I had the rest. I didn’t realize it until after dinner…lol) Canapés delivered to our room, a cake and champagne party and a complimentary photograph. They have been very nice to us on the ship. We actually had 2 cakes given to us after letting the staff know we were on our honeymoon. It has been great and I am looking forward to spending my life with Mr. Derrick Douglass.
Derrick and I are now on day six of our 15 day Transatlantic Cruise. Our cruise started in Miami on April 26, 2010 and will travel to the following ports:
1) Ponta Delgada, Portugal
2) Lisbon, Portugal
3) Vigo, Spain
4) La Coruna, Spain
5) Le Havre (Paris), France
6) Zeebrugge (Brussels/Brugge), Belgium
7) Dover (London), Great Britain
When looking for a honeymoon Derrick and I discussed how we wanted to travel to Spain and France. I ended up stumbling on this cruise that happened to be a steal. During this cruise we could actually get the relaxation we needed and desired while traveling to some of our dream destinations together.
Since we have started the cruise we have had an unimaginable amount of fun and romance. This trip has been more than I even hoped for. We have been eating like royalty and talking to many interesting people. We also had a chance to play the Newlywed game. This has been something I always wanted to do on a cruise. In addition, I purchased a special honeymoon package to add to the romance. I really wanted to something special for us since you only honeymoon once. The package included Sparkling Wine and chocolate covered strawberries, a romantic dinner in Le Bistro that included a bottle of wine. (Derrick only had one glass and I had the rest. I didn’t realize it until after dinner…lol) Canapés delivered to our room, a cake and champagne party and a complimentary photograph. They have been very nice to us on the ship. We actually had 2 cakes given to us after letting the staff know we were on our honeymoon. It has been great and I am looking forward to spending my life with Mr. Derrick Douglass.
Into Everyone's Life a Little Rain Must Fall
04/30/2010
On Saturday April 24, 2010 I officially tied the knot with Mr. Derrick Brian Douglass and became Mrs. Yanice Douglass. I must say looking back the time leading up to the wedding as well as the wedding day was a whirlwind. There was so much planning that I felt needed to be done. From the rehearsal to the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony it was a bunch of planning. Derrick and I even took Waltz lessons for our 1st dance at the wedding reception. It is so funny how things work out. I learned a very great and valuable lesson. No matter how much you plan things will not necessarily turn out the way you plan them. I mean I must have gone over the wedding day a million times in my mind and everything turned out totally different than what we planned.
To begin, we arranged to have our wedding ceremony in Whitfield Square inside the gazebo. We had the rehearsal there and it was sunny and bright and wouldn’t you know the day of the ceremony it rained. I couldn’t believe it. All of the planning and preparation could not control the weather. We even looked at the weather ahead of time and it wasn’t supposed to rain on the wedding day. So with all of this in mind I decided to once again put my faith in God. Although it was supposed to be my day I was concerned about my friends and family. It was very important to me that they were able to enjoy this day as well. This is where God stepped in. The entire ceremony was no longer under my control but in the end it all worked out. The wedding planner ended up calling in a favor at a previous employer and we were able to have the ceremony in the Beautiful River Street Inn. There were some planners at the Square informing our guests that the ceremony location had been moved. It was amazing to see how smoothly things went even though the location was changed in a moment’s notice. God work to beautifully orchestrate this wonderful and blessed event. It was absolutely beautiful and intimate just like we wanted. It was everything we could have hoped and prayed for.
Furthermore, Derrick and I spent weeks practicing waltz for our 1st dance. It was so funny when it actually came down to our first dance we were not able to properly bustle my dress and I wasn’t able to waltz in my dress. That still didn’t stop the show. We did a few elegant moves and ended the dance with my sweetheart twirling me into his arms. It all worked out.
Another thing was me wanting to get some photos outside. Since it did rain during the ceremony we were not able to get the formal pictures with the wedding party after the ceremony but once the reception was over Derrick and I were able to get some awesome shots in Ellis Square by the fountain. It was wonderful. Looking around you couldn’t even tell that it rained that day. The sky cleared up and it was absolutely beautiful. So I did learn a very valuable lesson. We can do all of the planning in the world and that will not change that fact that in everyone’s life a little rain must fall. With this being said we must know even when the rain is falling God is working on our behalf to make everything work out for those that love him. God is always working behind the scenes. He knows what is best for us and he knows how to make things more beautiful than we could ever imagine or planned for. He is God.
On Saturday April 24, 2010 I officially tied the knot with Mr. Derrick Brian Douglass and became Mrs. Yanice Douglass. I must say looking back the time leading up to the wedding as well as the wedding day was a whirlwind. There was so much planning that I felt needed to be done. From the rehearsal to the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony it was a bunch of planning. Derrick and I even took Waltz lessons for our 1st dance at the wedding reception. It is so funny how things work out. I learned a very great and valuable lesson. No matter how much you plan things will not necessarily turn out the way you plan them. I mean I must have gone over the wedding day a million times in my mind and everything turned out totally different than what we planned.
To begin, we arranged to have our wedding ceremony in Whitfield Square inside the gazebo. We had the rehearsal there and it was sunny and bright and wouldn’t you know the day of the ceremony it rained. I couldn’t believe it. All of the planning and preparation could not control the weather. We even looked at the weather ahead of time and it wasn’t supposed to rain on the wedding day. So with all of this in mind I decided to once again put my faith in God. Although it was supposed to be my day I was concerned about my friends and family. It was very important to me that they were able to enjoy this day as well. This is where God stepped in. The entire ceremony was no longer under my control but in the end it all worked out. The wedding planner ended up calling in a favor at a previous employer and we were able to have the ceremony in the Beautiful River Street Inn. There were some planners at the Square informing our guests that the ceremony location had been moved. It was amazing to see how smoothly things went even though the location was changed in a moment’s notice. God work to beautifully orchestrate this wonderful and blessed event. It was absolutely beautiful and intimate just like we wanted. It was everything we could have hoped and prayed for.
Furthermore, Derrick and I spent weeks practicing waltz for our 1st dance. It was so funny when it actually came down to our first dance we were not able to properly bustle my dress and I wasn’t able to waltz in my dress. That still didn’t stop the show. We did a few elegant moves and ended the dance with my sweetheart twirling me into his arms. It all worked out.
Another thing was me wanting to get some photos outside. Since it did rain during the ceremony we were not able to get the formal pictures with the wedding party after the ceremony but once the reception was over Derrick and I were able to get some awesome shots in Ellis Square by the fountain. It was wonderful. Looking around you couldn’t even tell that it rained that day. The sky cleared up and it was absolutely beautiful. So I did learn a very valuable lesson. We can do all of the planning in the world and that will not change that fact that in everyone’s life a little rain must fall. With this being said we must know even when the rain is falling God is working on our behalf to make everything work out for those that love him. God is always working behind the scenes. He knows what is best for us and he knows how to make things more beautiful than we could ever imagine or planned for. He is God.