2011, What a Year!

I am sitting at my desk so bored out of my mind and thinking back over the year 2011. With two days left in the year, I can say, without a doubt, that 2011 will be a year that I will never forget. I thought it might be fun to recap some of the most defining moments of the year. So here, I go…

Honorable Mention – The Que Centennial Weekend in DC July 2011 – That sausage fest was probably the most outrageous weekend I had all year! FUN TIMES INDEED!

#5 – Adventures with My Boof Boof – This past year I learned more about my best friend than I had in the previous 15 years of knowing her. With every major life change that happened for me this year, she was here every step of the way.  Throughout it all we were able to have great moments of random fun. Weather it was traveling to ATL,
deciding randomly to purchase Janet Jackson tickets, her sitting quietly in the living room (*snickers*) or discussing home décor – there was always a fun time to be had.

#4 – Finishing Grad School – The thorn in my side for two years is now gone. What a glorious feeling to be done with school FOVEVER. I will miss those refund checks though! ::shrugs:: The finality of grad school will hit me on May 12, 2012, when I cross the stage. Come party with me, eh?

#3 – Milton – If you know me or have read my blog before, you know that my sperm donor has always been an issue for me. This year a major and much needed step forward was taken in filling what had been a long-term void. He and I do not really have a relationship yet, but I was able to get acknowledgement of my presence after 26 years. I’ll be curious to see what happens from here.

#2 – Operation 1135 -- On June 23, 2011 I became a homeowner. What a wonderful feeling it is to come home everyday to something that is all mine. Maybe in the future, I will share posts of my decorating adventures. Things are starting to come together nicely!

#1 – Granny’s Passing – June 4, 2011… Even though it was one of the saddest days of my life, the death of my Granny was also a major turning point in my life. Growing up I used to be terrified of life P.G (post Granny). However, Granny’s passing, albeit devastating,
showed me that I could and would make it on my own. I am who I am because of her love and dedication to me; it’s extremely gratifying to know that all of her sacrifices did not go in vain. RIP!

This past year showed me that anything is possible! 2011 revealed the depth of my faith, love, determination, and strength.  I am so excited for 2012 that I am bursting at the seams.

Here’s hoping that 2012 is even better than 2011!! Happy New Year everyone!

A

No Love for Cupid

It’s the first day February--a month full of holidays. This month is dedicated to Black History, Parent Leadership, and National Bird Feeding (Hey, this is what Google is for. lol). In February, we celebrate Groundhog’s Day, President’s Day, and sometimes even a leap year. However, the granddaddy of all February holidays is Valentine’s Day. For the next 14 days lovers will be wracking their brains trying to come up with clever gifts, and ideas for romantic gestures to show their love for one another. WOMP!

When I was younger, I loved Valentine’s Day. You would go to school and make V-day cards; and all your classmates would give out lollipops, Lifesaver’s cards, candy necklaces, and those nasty chalky heart-shaped candies with the sayings on them.  Ahh, those were the good ole days. By the time I got to high school, it was all about who received a singing valentine from Route 87, or who received carnations from a guy at the boys’ school. No longer was everyone included in the “celebration of love”. :(

This post is not coming from a bitter single girl, but from someone who longs for more. Romance, love and affection are great, but Valentine’s Day is not! I would rather not impose the pressure of Valentine’s Day on whoever I am in love with. The actions associated with February 14th have become more ritualistic than genuine expressions of love. Why not engage in a random act of love on July 23rd or September 16th and without spending hundreds of dollars on dinner, flowers, and perfume? That would be a much more thoughtful gesture to show your mate that he or she is appreciated. Valentine’s Day is only one day; what about the other 364 days?!

Just a thought…

A

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart…

Today I was on Facebook and noticed all of the statuses with people excited for Turkey Day. Thanksgiving used to be one of those holidays that I never really appreciated. It really was just a chance for me to devour all of Granny’s tasty dishes. I know I know…how often is the meaning of the holiday drilled into our minds as youngsters. I heard it all and even loved making the turkey’s by tracing your hands in elementary school, but the meaning really didn’t stick. I honestly just never thought much about it.

However this year, Thanksgiving has a new meaning for me. This past year has been one of the most trying years of my young life. I lost my job in the middle of an awful recession, my grandfather had a mild stroke and several bad car accidents, and my grandmother was diagnosis with stage IV endometrial cancer. There were many times were I could have just given up. However, my eternal optimistic spirit never allowed me to give up ever, even with all the tears, pain, and heartache!

On Thursday, when my family sits down around the table I have so much to be thankful for. My heart is so filled with joy and praise for all that the Lord was able to do for me this year. Despite the challenges that arose this past year, I never had to once question where I was going to sleep, what I was going to eat, how I was going to pay my bills, etc. On Thursday, as we prepare to eat, I will share that I am most thankful this year for my tremendous growth and strength. Once you really trust, you will receive…

So for Thanksgiving 2010, I ask that each of you really take a second to appreciate your many blessings. You will be amazed at what you have already received. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

A