Lessons I’ve Learned: 2015

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.

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

Happy New Year: Year in Review (Photo Friendly)

This is it folks. 2014 is on its way out. With its highs and lows, its triumphs and its heartbreaks. There has been lots of heartbreak closing out 2014. Names of Black young men like Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice (as well as many others) and the fate of the men who took their lives have led to countless protests (big and small) all over the United States. Its hard to believe in humanity as we’ve witnessed the repeated disregard for life. Yes, Black Lives do matter but not to all who are charged with protecting ALL lives. That’s not been an easy truth to swallow.

And yet, we keep pushing. 2014 has been in three words: transitional, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. For the world at large, and for my world. The highlights of the year were my graduation from my Master’s program (Woot! Woot!) and my transitional journey from student to full time employee. I am more than halfway through my Clinical Fellowship now, and in a couple of months I will be fully licensed to practice in Speech Language Pathology. It’s ridiculous to think I’ve learned all I need to know in 9 months. But I’ve got a great foundation.

This year, I broke a heart and got mine broken. I was in a pretty low state from July-September as I dealt with managing a new job, moving into my first apartment, and trying to figure out my finances. I found a roommate to help relieve the stress of rent on my own. This year, I spent less time writing. I only wrote published 40 posts this year, as opposed to 63 in 2013. In January, I traveled abroad one time, to Bermuda. This year, I also passed my licensing exam (PRAXIS). I take the highs and the lows and can confidently proclaim 2014 was damn good to me. Toast to 2015, the year of New Traditions.

Here’s a recap of some of the highlights of 2014:

January

I went to Bermuda, a British isle in the middle of the Atlantic. I learned it’s cold as chit in January. I saw crystal caves, swam in a cave, drank, ate, wore flowers in my hair and boarded the scariest flight with the worst turbulence in my entire life. I also prayed I wouldn’t go missing in the Triangle. I risked my life for this trip.

 

Visited Fort St Catherine

I met someone at the end of January. Good ____ ensued.

February

Purchased my first car.

Passed the Praxis in Speech Language Pathology. Read the story here.

Good ____ continued.

March

Hustled to finish my clinical hours. And these thoughts rattled the brain.

April

Obsessed with the search of #RelishaRudd. An 8 year old that went missing in Washington, D.C. while living in a homeless shelter. She has not been found (nor her remains) to date.

May

I made it to the finish line. Family came from all over to celebrate the milestone.

Mami and I

June

Moved out of my D.C. apartment. Job interviews under way.

July

Took a position with my current job, a private practice.

I realized I may have been falling in love at this point. The person was moving out of the country, problems ensued. Good ___ discontinued.

I turned 29!

August

Moved into my own apartment.

September

Zion is born on September 11th.

Searched for a roommate.

Long distance relationship was not in the cards. #heartbreak

October

Searched for a roommate.

November

Roommate moved in (yay!).

December

Painted a cat on a canvas. It relaxed me. Gave it to my mother for Christmas.

Got a bookcase for Christmas. Making my home my own. (This is important)

Spent Christmas Day with Summer, my goddaughter who is 5 years old now!

Here’s to 2015!

Stay tuned,

She

She Shares Morning Tea: Updates

What’s been rocking your world so far this Fall?

5 Things: New Apartment

In a couple of days, I’ll be signing a real lease. A lease that had an income requirement and will depend on me hustling hard to maintain my good credit history by making payments on time. I will have my own space, no roommates. Here’s what I’m looking forward to the most.

5. Adopting a kitten/cat. I’m such a cat lady! I’ve had cats growing up most of my life. I think taking care of them is still pretty tedious, but I would love the company of a cat in my otherwise lonely place! I plan to adopt a kitten come September and I’m very excited about it. If possible, I’d like to get an all-black cat, and I’d call him Frijol (which is Spanish for bean). This name is subject to change.

4. Walking around nakked. I don’t like to be cold so this won’t be realistic all year, however it’s nice to have the option. #roommatefree

3. Quiet Sunday afternoons. My ideal Sunday includes 1. wine and 2. home cooked meals. I’d rather not leave the house, except to go to church. I look forward to many low-key Sundays spent with Fri-Fri.

2. Playing my music as loud as I want. I may be a little idealistic with this, considering I still have neighbors under me and next to me. However, I’d like not to have to think about anyone else being in the apartment when I am in the mood to blast my musica!!

1. Decorating. I’m admittedly not good at this. I have pieces of art and I look forward to framing them and highlighting them throughout the apartment.. That’s about it. I don’t know anything about color schemes, blinds, drapes, nada! However, I’m open to making this place mine! 🙂