When Life Gives You Lemons....

...Make lemonade, of course!...(Lemon, ginger, and mint lemonade, that is). :)

I have some very exciting news today. All of my hard work has finally paid off. I found out last Monday that I PASSED the Florida Bar Exam, which means that I am now officially an attorney. I cannot begin to express how I feel: blessed, inspired, accomplished, loved, happy, excited, hopeful, empowered, and a billion other feelings that I simply cannot put into words.

I haven't posted because I have been bombarded (in a good way) with congratulations and celebrations from all of the amazing people in my life. My friends even had a surprise party for me the other night! It was so thoughtful, and I am so grateful to have them in my life.

I was sworn in on Friday, and this experience has taught me many things, one of which is that if you have a feeling that you should do something but are too afraid to jump, jump. Always jump. You will learn exponentially by taking that leap of faith. If people doubt you, prove them wrong, and for the ones who believe in you, succeed not just for yourself, but for them as well. Shine your light. Be the one who others look to and hope that one day they're brave enough to do what you did.

When I do take the time to think how far I have really come, I think back to a trip to Orlando when I was 16. I remember being on I-4 (which now is literally minutes from my house), and thinking, "If only I was brave enough, I would move here." Funny, how life does that to you. If you would've told me at 16 that I'd be doing what I'm doing today, I would be so proud of myself. It was scary to take that  leap of faith, but now I'm here, and I feel like the world's at my fingertips. My only hope is that all of you have felt or will feel this way at some point in your lives.

My point?.......make lemonade with the lemons life has blessed you with!

This lemonade is sweet with a gingery kick and a minty freshness. I used 2/3 cup of sugar, but you can use more or less according to your taste preferences. It would also probably be delicious with no sugar, but I have a bit of a sweet tooth today. I hope you like it!

Ingredients:

2.5 to 3 quarts cold water

3 lemons, 1 sliced and 2 cut in half

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

2 tsp. freshly grated ginger (or more)

Instructions:

1. Add the slices of lemon, the sugar, and the ginger to a large pitcher. Pour in the water, and stir.
2. Next, stir in the mint, and squeeze the juice from the lemon halves into the pitcher. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Let stand in the fridge for an hour or so to let the flavors combine, and serve.