Survivors
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Blissfully Unaware: The Day I Realized Anxiety Was Driving Me
Have You Ever Been So Unaware… It Was Dangerous? Have you ever done something so risky—without even realizing it—until you stopped and really thought about it afterward? Let me give you a common example. Have you ever driven home—whether from work, church, or a friend’s house—and once you pull into your driveway, you suddenly realize Continue reading
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Family Tree, DNA & Me: Digging Into My Roots
Here’s the Thing About Family… They grow, they change, and eventually… they leave.And when the older generation passes on, they often leave behind questions that the younger ones are left to answer: “Where did we come from?”“What are we made of?”“Why do we all look so different?” That’s where I am with my family right Continue reading
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2020 Decade – Updated Welcome to My Phoenix Journey: Overcoming Obstacles with Resilience
Hello, and welcome to my blog! If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’ve joined me. If you’ve visited before, let me reintroduce myself and share a little more about the story behind my journey. Why “Phoenix”? The name “Phoenix” has deep personal meaning for me. In Greek mythology, the phoenix is a powerful symbol Continue reading
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P.A.I.N.: The Struggles You Can’t Google
When Pain Becomes a Lifestyle Pain—it’s not just physical. And it’s not just emotional.Sometimes it’s both.Sometimes, it’s all-consuming.And unless you’ve lived it—you just can’t understand it. A study once said that emotional pain lasts longer and is more deeply felt than physical pain.Having endured both, I can now say with confidence: That research is telling Continue reading
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Yoni Steam: What I Learned & Why It’s on My Self-Care Bucket List
What Is Yoni Steaming? The other day, I had a powerful and intriguing conversation with a friend who could not stop ranting and raving about something called a Yoni Steam. To be honest, I had never heard of it. But she was glowing with excitement, saying it was one of the most freeing and rejuvenating Continue reading
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9-11
I am sure everyone can remember where they were on 9-11-2001 but how many remember the first attack in 1993? I do because it was a work day for me February 26,1993 at Strawberry’s Clothing store. My very first job in High School. I started out in Brooklyn NY downtown store, November 1992 but after Continue reading
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Forced to Fly: When Discomfort Is God’s Way of Moving You
A Move That Didn’t Feel Like Home In 2023, I made a big move to Houston, Texas—hoping for a fresh start, new opportunities, and perhaps deeper connections with family. But here’s the truth: I’ve been miserable. At first, I thought it might just be the adjustment phase. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was Continue reading
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Sickle Cell Anemia 101
What is Sickle Cell Anemia? Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease (SCD), is a genetic disease of the red blood cells (RBCs). Normally, RBCs are shaped like discs, which gives them the flexibility to travel through even the smallest blood vessels. However, with this disease, the RBCs have an abnormal crescent shape resembling a Continue reading
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Recovery Week 8: The Waiting, the Weary, and the Word
Week 8 of shoulder surgery recovery brings frustration, faith, and slow progress. Andrea reflects on healing, the reality of pain, and strength found in Scripture. Happy Sabbath / Saturday ☀️ (This one’s short—but real.) We’re at Week 8 of recovery, and let me just say…This is taking way longer than I anticipated. My doctor warned Continue reading
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Teaching isn’t my job, it’s tied to my purpose.
Let me share my powerful journey from coma recovery to classroom presence, showing how God’s detours are often divine redirections—especially when it comes to our calling. Teaching Isn’t My Job—It’s My Purpose Tomorrow begins a new academic year in my district, and as I prepare, I’m feeling two things at once: excitement and uncertainty. Physically, Continue reading
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Trusting Good in a Physical World
I think one of the most difficult things that a human being encounters is the notion of faith and belief. Because of our human nature and the physiology of the human creation, we are created with senses. We are naturally inclined to hear, smell, taste, touch, and see. The more I mature in my walk with the Lord, Continue reading
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“Scars & the Unapologetic Me: Learning to Love Myself Again”
Real confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about loving yourself through the scars. In this deeply personal reflection, Andrea shares her journey of rediscovery, faith, and reclaiming self-love unapologetically. Scars & the Unapologetic Me “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…”— Ephesians 6:11-12 I’ve Continue reading
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“Gems for Life: Watering Faith in a Season of Dry Bones”
When life feels dry, God promises to refresh you like a well-watered garden. In this faith-filled blog, Andrea shares how to nourish your soul and bloom through brokenness with intentional growth and grace. Gems for Life 💎 There’s a scripture that always brings comfort to my soul—especially when I’m walking through dry valleys, broken dreams, Continue reading
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“Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not, I’m Going Back to the Classroom”
At 7 weeks post shoulder surgery, Andrea shares her latest progress, pain management with natural remedies, and returning to the classroom while preparing for another surgery. Healing continues—one day, one choice, one step at a time. Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not—Here I Come! Well, ready or not, school starts Monday…And that means:Back to the Continue reading
About Me
I LIVE LOVE LAUGH LEARN – the only way I know how to survive this life! I am a free-spirited, independent, or uninhibited person. I began this blogging journey years ago for sharing my thoughts on everyday life. Since then, so much has happened including me being in a coma because of Sickle Cell with brain damage and extreme trials in life. I am still struggling, but I feel someone can be motivated through my journey, thoughts, feelings, and life.
Phoenix: Live Love Laugh 