Sunday, February 5, 2012
Why I Run
People often ask me why I run. Simply put to be a part of something bigger. Every moment leading up to my half marathon in Las Vegas in December 2010 was one to remember. I had the opportunity to train with some of the most wonderful people I ever met. I received encouragement and support at the same time offered encouragement and support to those who needed it. The journey to the half marathon helped to make me a better person inside and out. I know because of this experience my life has been changes. I know that I have the strength and determination to make it through the most challenging situations. One mile at a time I was able to make a difference in the lives of others while making a difference in my own life. I now see life through a new pair of eyes. After all of this people still ask “what do you get out of running 13.1 miles”
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Exercise and Cancer by Liz Davies
Exercise and Cancer
Many people already know that physical exercise is important for one's overall health and well-being. For example, it helps prevent unhealthy weight gain; reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels; strengthens the muscles, bones, and ligaments; and helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and related conditions. However, it can have even more important and surprising benefits for cancer patients and survivors.
Individuals who are regularly physically active are at a significantly lower risk of contracting many different types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, prostate and pericardial mesothelioma. The exact amount of exercise you require depends on the difficulty of your particular type of exercise; for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 20 minutes of intense exercise at least three times weekly, or 30 minutes of mild exercise at least five times weekly. Hard running, mountain climbing, and jumping rope would be categorized as intense exercise, while walking, easy bicycling, or yoga would be considered mild exercise.
If you have already been diagnosed with some type of cancer, do not give in to the temptation to drop physical activity from your normal routine. If you have never been physically active, starting can significantly improve your prognosis. The connection between exercise and cancer survival rates has been studied extensively, with very promising results. For example, women diagnosed with breast cancer who are moderately active have been found to survive their condition in significantly more cases than do women with breast cancer who do not work out. Studies of individuals with other types of cancer have yielded similar results.
It can be difficult, of course, to find the motivation to work out while going through treatment for cancer. However, evidence shows that exercise can not only improve a cancer patient's chances for a successful recovery, but can also significantly improve the patient's quality of life during treatment. Regular exercise can provide individuals who have cancer with energy and physical strength that would otherwise be drained during radiation or chemotherapy. This also allows them to successfully undergo more intense forms of treatment, furthering improving their prognosis.
After successfully completing cancer treatment, regular exercise is still important. This is true, naturally, for any individual, including individuals who have survived cancer, simply for good health. But, some evidence indicates that physical activity can also help reduce the possibility of the cancer's return, although further study is needed to confirm this in all cases. Regardless, staying physically active is extremely important -- before, during and after cancer treatment.
Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.
Many people already know that physical exercise is important for one's overall health and well-being. For example, it helps prevent unhealthy weight gain; reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels; strengthens the muscles, bones, and ligaments; and helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and related conditions. However, it can have even more important and surprising benefits for cancer patients and survivors.
Individuals who are regularly physically active are at a significantly lower risk of contracting many different types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, prostate and pericardial mesothelioma. The exact amount of exercise you require depends on the difficulty of your particular type of exercise; for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 20 minutes of intense exercise at least three times weekly, or 30 minutes of mild exercise at least five times weekly. Hard running, mountain climbing, and jumping rope would be categorized as intense exercise, while walking, easy bicycling, or yoga would be considered mild exercise.
If you have already been diagnosed with some type of cancer, do not give in to the temptation to drop physical activity from your normal routine. If you have never been physically active, starting can significantly improve your prognosis. The connection between exercise and cancer survival rates has been studied extensively, with very promising results. For example, women diagnosed with breast cancer who are moderately active have been found to survive their condition in significantly more cases than do women with breast cancer who do not work out. Studies of individuals with other types of cancer have yielded similar results.
It can be difficult, of course, to find the motivation to work out while going through treatment for cancer. However, evidence shows that exercise can not only improve a cancer patient's chances for a successful recovery, but can also significantly improve the patient's quality of life during treatment. Regular exercise can provide individuals who have cancer with energy and physical strength that would otherwise be drained during radiation or chemotherapy. This also allows them to successfully undergo more intense forms of treatment, furthering improving their prognosis.
After successfully completing cancer treatment, regular exercise is still important. This is true, naturally, for any individual, including individuals who have survived cancer, simply for good health. But, some evidence indicates that physical activity can also help reduce the possibility of the cancer's return, although further study is needed to confirm this in all cases. Regardless, staying physically active is extremely important -- before, during and after cancer treatment.
Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Day 6 of Our Honeymoon
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.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Awakening the Inner Athlete
What is an athlete ? Some might consider that you have to play big 10 sports, mountain climb or train for the Olympics to be an athlete but I believe there is much more to it. True athletes are kindred spirits. Something is buried deep inside of them that keeps them striving for excellence. A true athlete develops a skill over time with practice and they are determined to do their best. It takes discipline and hard work. The grace and skill that we see displayed by athletes is a process. It takes self control and focus and it truly is an art form. Just recently I examined my life and discovered that I am an athlete.
I think the thing I love about training is that it is a challenge. Not everyone can commit themselves to doing something even when their mind and body doesn't necessarily feel like it. Sticking to a consistent workout schedule has been difficult for me but after a good workout I always feel better. I have come to learn that not only is Physical Fitness a personal choice but it is a life long journey. Being fit is not something that happens over night and there is no easy way to be and stay fit. It takes dedication, hard work, focus, endurance and patience. We should strive to awaken our inner athlete. No matter how in shape or out of shape you are there is always room for improvement. Physical fitness is just as much mental as it is physical; One has to make up in thier mind what it is they want to achieve and not let outside forces detour them of the goal in mind no matter how difficult.
Not only does physical fitness benefit the body but it benefits your mind and spirit.When I am training my body it sets me free. All of the of the day to day worries seem to fade away and my mind is then elevated to a higher place that's devine. This feeling is why I am dedicated to ultimate self improvement. Along with this comes my involvement in physcial activities. I have an extreme love for physcial activites that has developed over the years. Sometimes it takes me a while to openly share this passion with others. My personal quest for fitness has been going on for years. I remember when I was a little girl and I used to do areobics with my mother. Back then it was "The 20 Minute Workout" I was determinded to get all the steps down. I also recall my ex-tomboy phase when I used to play football in the back field with my brothers. I had quite a set of hands.
I have experienced some set backs and challenges during my fitness but when I look from whence I've come it is a good feeling. I have come a long way. In 2001 I made a vow to myself to learn what self love really means and apply that to my life. With this came my dive into nutrition and a promise to myself to be the best I could be. I made a climb out of depression and since 2001 lost a total of 70 pounds. I havn't lost my desire to keep move forward.
It is silly to think that I fear telling people about my love for exercise because I am not in my ideal size and shape. (Well not yet but I am getting there) I sometimes fear they will look at me and see I am overweight might not believe that I have the ability to run 9 miles strait. Or, I am lying about my frequent attendance in spinning, step aerobics, yoga, Zumba and Ballroom Dance classes. I do love all of these activities so much that they are some of my greatest passions in life. I know I am better because of it so I am now determinded to share this with the world. After all why should I be ashamed when I have changed so many things for the better.
All throughout my life I have felt that it has been difficult to fit in with most individuals. (not that I strive to fit in with any and everyone) These were places such as school, work and sometimes even church. This bothered me for sometime until I learned that I shouldn't fit in with everyone. I am a person that wants continue to reach new hieghts and blow away mediocrity. So it is not that I don't fit anywhere in but yet I fit in with those that are like minded. When I think about the places I feel most comfortable what comes to mind is the Gym, dance class, Physical Therapy and the running trail. When I leave these places I feel like a better person. I know I am sharper, quicker and stronger than before. These are the moments of escape where I can let my gaurd down and just be me. I have had some of my best life expiences while working out. Most peopleeople in these places have the ability to give so much of themselves to help others reach thier personal best. In additon, these are places where bonds can be formed. I just think about the feeling I get when I am out on the trail and my feet get so heavy I feel like stopping before I reach my set distnace. Once I encounter the runner going in the opposite direction, we give each other the nod that helps us propel each other to the next mile marker.
I know that I train hard but I have been told my many I don't give myself enough credit. My Trainer says that I have heart and I train like an athlete. At first I couldn’t accept the comment or understand why he said that but as time went on and we continued to train I realized that I am an athlete. I love to take on a challenge and everyday I commit myself to be the best. As I train I can feel myself and see myself getting stronger. I work harder to see better results. I am committed to developing my athletic skills over time. Training hard helps me to improve the overall quality of my life. I am in a good place in life. Tomorrow I will be stronger than today. Going forward I will muster up the courage to strive for new heights and reach goals like never before. This is the reason for me running the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in December 2010. Not only will I accomplish an extraordinary thing but I will sharpen my mind, body and spirit. Not only will I be helping myself but I will be helping heroes struggling with illnesses. I will be helping people by providing the resources for them to move forward everyday despite the many obstacles and challenges. This is why I run. This is why I am. As my heroes motivate me allow me to motivate you. Please partner with me as I reach a new height in life. Please give what you can to help me and so many others reach new heights. Donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Let's commit to our personal best together and help find a cure for these diseases.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Just Do It
My Run 07/17/2010
It was indeed a wonderful day. It was a Saturday so I had a chance to sleep in. I even turned my phone off before bed on Friday evening to ensure no one would wake me up in the morning. Most of the day I relaxed and recovered from the previous week. With time moving before me so swiftly I started to wonder if I would get off the couch and do my miles for the day. Isn’t funny how we are the best at making excuses for something we don’t really want to do. I was rationalizing and convincing myself that lying down on the coach was the best thing for me to do that entire day. I must have had 1 millions reasons why I shouldn’t do my miles that evening. I mean after all if was already 7:00PM on a Saturday. I had already worked out 4 times that week including my 2 runs and it was extremely hot and muggy. It was my relaxing day. Just thinking about the pain, time and humidity that would be associated with a run that evening made me want to retreat under the covers. But it was not long until I heard a still small voice rise up inside of me and say “Getup! You made a commitment to yourself and others to run this race.” Right after this I thought about how many people go through serious bouts with things such as Cancer and Chrons disease but still have it in them to train and finish these races. I began thought if these people can overcome these major obstacles and still run I can get off my butt and hold fast to the commitment I made.
So instead of continuing to think about the run I just did it. (Like the Nike commercial.) I went to the track down the street and ran my 4 miles. It truly tested me. After running those 4 miles I truly felt as though I ran 4 miles in Atlanta in the middle of July (Insane Right??) It was tough but I did it. The satisfaction I felt was wonderful. I know that I have previously run greater distances but every run I complete has a greater sense of satisfaction that the last. I accomplished something great and the pride I felt drowned out the exhaustion and pain. I did it and I know I can do it. I have everything inside of me to make it. To Run is to Live!!!
It was indeed a wonderful day. It was a Saturday so I had a chance to sleep in. I even turned my phone off before bed on Friday evening to ensure no one would wake me up in the morning. Most of the day I relaxed and recovered from the previous week. With time moving before me so swiftly I started to wonder if I would get off the couch and do my miles for the day. Isn’t funny how we are the best at making excuses for something we don’t really want to do. I was rationalizing and convincing myself that lying down on the coach was the best thing for me to do that entire day. I must have had 1 millions reasons why I shouldn’t do my miles that evening. I mean after all if was already 7:00PM on a Saturday. I had already worked out 4 times that week including my 2 runs and it was extremely hot and muggy. It was my relaxing day. Just thinking about the pain, time and humidity that would be associated with a run that evening made me want to retreat under the covers. But it was not long until I heard a still small voice rise up inside of me and say “Getup! You made a commitment to yourself and others to run this race.” Right after this I thought about how many people go through serious bouts with things such as Cancer and Chrons disease but still have it in them to train and finish these races. I began thought if these people can overcome these major obstacles and still run I can get off my butt and hold fast to the commitment I made.
So instead of continuing to think about the run I just did it. (Like the Nike commercial.) I went to the track down the street and ran my 4 miles. It truly tested me. After running those 4 miles I truly felt as though I ran 4 miles in Atlanta in the middle of July (Insane Right??) It was tough but I did it. The satisfaction I felt was wonderful. I know that I have previously run greater distances but every run I complete has a greater sense of satisfaction that the last. I accomplished something great and the pride I felt drowned out the exhaustion and pain. I did it and I know I can do it. I have everything inside of me to make it. To Run is to Live!!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saying I Do
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”
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”
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.