And so it begins...

We had been planning this for weeks.

I stood in the bathroom in my nylons and bra, carefully adjusting every hair on my head. I went through the ritualistic steps of applying my make-up: first tinted moisturizer, then concealer, then eyeshadow, tightline my upper lids, then fill-in my eyebrows, apply liquid eyeliner, blush, powder bronzer, and finally mascara. I looked past my reflection and met his gaze in the mirror. "What?" I coyly asked. He smiled and said, "It's sexy to watch a woman get ready. Men...it's like...10 minutes and we're good to go. You take time and have fun with it. I can tell...you like to get ready to go out." I didn't deny it. I think a lot of women enjoy the process. It's relaxing. I slipped on my dress...a wrap-dress I got for the bargain price of $19.99 several years ago. Though it's getting too big, it's still one of my favorites. Plus, it has sleeves and when it's the dead of winter in Wisconsin, that's everything. I closed the clasp of the necklace around my throat and put on a pair of black earrings. Finally, I applied my lipstick. A bold, intense red. I stepped out of the bathroom and put on a pair of platform peep toe shoes. I was having trouble deciding which of the two pairs I brought along to wear. I slid my feet into the other pair. Slingback, peep toe, black wedges. These were more comfortable. I wasn't 100% sure about the bow across the toes, though. He commented, "The other pair." I put the first pair back on and he was right...these definitely looked better...even if they pinched a little.

Midway through our meal, my eyes met his. "Mmm...man." I heard him say under his breath. "What?" I asked, innocently. "Nothing," he continued, "you just look really beautiful."

I was elated.

What a difference a day makes.

Over the past 24 hours, I have been on quite the emotional roller coaster. With that, of course, comes awareness of what is important to me and my journey on this planet. Though there are material possessions that I love dearly and am proud of the fact that I reached a point in my life that I could attain them, possessions are of this world. They are finite. I've also realized how incredibly lucky I am to have the people in my life that I do. Like anyone, I don't get along with every member in my family perfectly or every co-worker with whom I'm surrounded every day...but...that's life. Those people were given to me by God to challenge me. To make me grow. To help me figure out who I am and what I want. Challenges and blessings are both amazing opportunities. Sure, it's easier to embrace the blessings than the challenges, but it's the nitty-gritty details in life that give you character and endurance.

I will make it through this. Life isn't always easy. But, it's always worth it.