Lessons I’ve Learned: 2015

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Man, it’s hard to believe that in 15 days, I’ll be ringing in a New Year. New Year’s Eve makes me mad now. Not because I don’t want to welcome a new year; I’m earnestly thankful for it. It’s one of the biggest nights of the year and the question always boils down to What to do?

Honestly, I always prefer staying in. I don’t need no V.I.P table, no dress, no after party, no big plans. I don’t need to be doing something. If I had my way, all my family would be in one place– preferably out of the country, celebrating life. If out of the country is not possible, then in someone’s home. I’m at the stage in life where home is enough. I mean, there’s unlimited alcohol and you don’t have to drive nowhere! What can be sweeter? The only downside to bringing in the New Year at home is thinking about spending it alone. That’s not fun. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but not preferable. My plans this year are still undetermined. I can say, however, they will involve staying inside somewhere.

Even as I type this, I don’t feel like the year is over yet. It hasn’t really hit me. Maybe once we are officially on school break, I’ll start to believe it. Recounting my experiences this year, the bad ones come to mind first. Yea, I’m sure they inspired growth. But they still sucked. Maybe once I’m way over this hump… and over the anger, the disbelief, the ouchies of 2015 I’ll be able to truly appreciate it. Right now, I’m still angry. That’s okay. Things take time.

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Montego Bay, 6.6.15

I’ve also had some blessings this year– I turned 30, moved out on my own officially, got into some consistent individual mental health therapy, and have been practicing with my CCC’s! I gots letters behind my name now! I am on my way to becoming a self-sufficient, responsible adult. Below are the top 4 lessons/posts of 2015. I published my first post on GT in June of 2011. This year, I published 30+ posts. Thanks to you, I can continue to have a safe space to create and write things that come to my brain. Toast to 2016!

In case you missed them, my personal favorite posts of 2015:

Know Yourself, Know Your Worth

She’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Open Letter to Future Clinical Fellows (SLP)

I’m 30 Today (VLOG)

It’s not surprising that my posts revolved mostly around work. I was doing a lot of that in the beginning of the year. I have a much better work/life balance now. So much better that I am opting to add more work to my life. These include passion projects, supplemental income and hobbies. I pray your holidays and New Year’s celebration is safe and enjoyable!

Share with me one lesson you learned in 2015!

Happy Holidays,

She

Lessons I’ve Learned: 2015

Top 3 Books of the Year: 2015

15 more days before we usher in 2016. I can thank Audible for most of my completed reads this year. I did not reach my goal of 10 books this year, however I am still proud to have accomplished 60% of my goal! I haven’t read the most exciting books this year, but I am also proud to say that I’ve read books I would not normally read. 2015 has been the most adventurous reading year to date. Below are my Top 3 reads of the year:

Número Uno

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. Read my review here.

Número Dos

Between the World and Me by Ta-nehisi Coates. This was a popular read this year, and in spite of both good and bad reviews I felt it a worthy and timely read.

Número Tres

South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami. This was a departure from the fiction I’m used to reading. Murakami is known for his extended use of analogies and descriptive language. I enjoyed the realness of the protagonist, someone not afraid to chase happiness, as fleeting as it may appear.

Looking forward (2016)

  •  A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara- Started in 2015 but will probably start again from the beginning, in hopes of a straight read-through.
  • The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley- On financial literacy.
  • Aidsafari by Adam Levin (South African)- The memoir of a young, white middle class South African male coming to terms with his Aids diagnosis.

What are you looking forward to reading in 2016?

Top 3 Books of the Year: 2015

Voicemail’s I Haven’t Checked: Part 3

VM'sWe are in 2015. If it’s an emergency, I’m sure there’s a text or multiple calls involved. Ain’t nobody got time.… But I still appreciate them!

Good morning sweetie. I’m sorry I was getting ready because I have a doctor’s appointment um so call me back whenever you get a chance okay. Hope everything’s okay. Love you, talk to you later, bye.

*singing* You used to call me on my cellphone. Late night when you need my love, call me on my cellphone. Late night when you need my love.

Hey Tracey, um, this is Jaael you left me a message recently stating to call you. I’m giving you a call, it was really nice to hear from you, um… and I’m looking forward to, um, hopefully catching up, um so yea we’ll talk soon. Bye.

Ms. _____ _____, or is it changed? I’m not sure… maybe you’re married now. So you’re calling to wish me happy 6th anniversary of ____ _____, LLC. I’m sure that’s the reason you called on October 29th. Six years ago I was sent packing. Remember that? Anyway, I was in court all day. I’m done now. Give me a call or text. Let me know what’s going on. Miss ya. Where are you? DC? Where? Bye.

Traceyyyyy Happy Halloween, I was calling you back. Give me a call when you get a chance. Alright, talk to you later. Bye.

Hey Tracey, it’s Nicole give me a call back um when you get a chance.

Read Part Two here (Voicemails I don’t delete).

And Part One here.

Do you think Voicemail’s are going to become obsolete? Shouldn’t there be an easier way by now?

-She

Voicemail’s I Haven’t Checked: Part 3