Guess Who’s Back?

Full disclosure my current laptop is living on a wing and prayer. I decided to see if the link to my blog actually still works and surprise it does. Back in 2018 I was at the American Libraries Association Conference in New Orleans and this author told me that quote, “I have a book inside of me.” I figure reviving my little blog is a step in the right direction.

I’m about a month out from turning 37. Go Virgos and I’m realizing slowly but surely I’m making progress. Last year, I negotiated and received a promotion at work. I’m also working to let go of my timelines and trusting my faith and life-path even more.

I’m learning more and more about the impact of the words we speak about ourselves.

In parting, what is the narrative you’re telling about yourself?

Back to the Future

Hey Everyone,

I realize it has been two years since I’ve blogged.  Honestly, I haven’t felt inspired. I didn’t want to keep writing about certain issues and goals I haven’t accomplished yet.  For example, this past year I was determined to find another job. I created a vision board and placed a date on that vision board.  I interviewed for several positions and made it into the second round of the interviews.   In the end I got the standard form letter.  I started taking things very personally.  I felt like I wasn’t good enough.

I was frustrated both personally and professionally. I wasn’t dating much.  The guy who later became my boyfriend went ghost around December. It hurts because I was open and honest with him and he just cut off all communication. Rejection hurts a lot.  In my mind I always had this plan that I would get married when I was 30 years old and have my first child at 32. Well those years have passed and on to the future.

Presently, I’m trying to start 2016 off right.  I bought a planner. (I’m secretly a stationary addict). There was a quote on a recent episode of “Being Mary Jane” that I have been focusing on.

“You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.”

 Joseph Campbell

I’m taking it day by day and so far so good. I’m learning to be grateful and try to find the lesson in each experience. I’m currently reading Valerie Burton’s book “Happy Women Live Better”.  One of the tips is to have something to look foward to each day.  This has helped make each day easier.  For me it could be as simple as meeting a friend for luch or going to the gym.

Right now I’m reflecting on 2015 both the good and the bad so I can start 2016 with more clarity.

Shine On!

Concert Recap!

Hey All,

I haven’t really had much to blog about. This past summer I just took some time for myself and had to re-evaluate some things. I recently got a new phone and was playing around with camera.

I recently went to a concert featuring Mack Wilds and Melanie Fiona. It was a lot of fun. Both artists were very friendly and personable. Melanie even wished an audience member Happy Birthday. Here are some pictures.

I forgot how much I enjoyed taking pictures. From time to time I’ll plus some of my random photos.

Live in Sunshine!

Mack Wilds

Melanie Fiona

The Single Life

Source: US Cranberries.com

This morning I read the following article from The Washington Post entitled,  The Single Life.  (The article links to the complete article featured in the Post magazine.) I was reading some of the comments of the respondents and the overwhelming theme was that you can still live a full life and don’t pity them.  There is nothing wrong with being single and not being married.

I’ve talked to my mom and great length about her life before she got married at 28. She told me that  when she graduated from college she was focused on living her life and marriage was her least concern.

In the past I used to get frustrated when people ask me why I was not married or have kids as if I was an oddity. I now realize  why people say just to let life happen. God knows the desire of your hearts and all things happen in his perfect timing. I’m excited about this single life. I’m traveling to Atlanta for work this week, but I definitely plan to throw some fun into it.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

Make Your Own

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to help celebrate a retired professor’s 90th birthday. He took the time to reflect on his journey of growing up in Snow Hill, AL to eventually becoming renowned band director at an HBCU.  His words of advice were simple, “make your own.”  This statement means to forge your own path in life and help someone else in the process.

This statement confirmed to me that I am headed in the right direction personally and professionally. As of late, I have been struggling with whether or not I have become complacent at my job. I really enjoy my job, but I’m wondering if I’m giving it my all.  One of my dreams has been to publish professionally in an academic journal.  I have great ideas, but that’s all they are. Just ideas scribbled on a piece of paper.

This statement today confirmed the fact that I have to face my fears and just try.

So here’s to trying.

Shine On!

Have a Laugh!

This is currently my favorite TV commercial. Every time I see it I get a good laugh.

Enjoy!

Source: Youtube

Lent

Each year for Lent I attempt to give something up and usually end up failing.  This year I have decided again to give up dessert (i.e. cake, pudding, etc) and Facebook. Mainly, I want to eat healthier and try not to eat out so much and also I really love dessert.  If I see a Krispy Kreme I will pull over.  Dessert is my favorite part of the meal.

Secondly, I am hoping this challenge will force me to be more social because, sometimes I have a habit of withdrawing into myself.   Its day two and things are looking up.  My social calendar for this weekend is already full.

I’m looking forward to these 40 days. I plan to use this time to reflect both spiritually, mentally, and socially and actually accomplish some goals I’ve set.

 

Shine On!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a lot to be thankful on V-Day! I’m blessed to have awesome family and friends. Its weird, at work today I was rushing to finish my V-Day cards so I could mail them to my family and all of a sudden I started getting really emotional.  I started thinking about all that my family has done to be there for me and how they make me laugh and push me to be my best.

Throughout the day I got tons of V-Day well wishes which was awesome. Also,  I got to see one of  my former students which was awesome. I also received a card from my parents. (I love receiving cards.)

Finally, I met one of neighbors and she showed me a magic trick.

Overall it was just a great day.

 

Shine On!

This Cooking Adventure

I have to admit I’m actually loving taking risks with cooking.  Case in point I went to the grocery and I had my grocery list all written out. As I walked through the automatic doors I just decided to just wing it.  I ended up buying ingredients to make a pork tenderloin roast. Its freeing not to stare at the grocery shelves debating what I should or should not buy.

Confession time:  I’ve discovered I’m addicted to Welch’s fruit snacks.  They actually taste like real fruit.  Skim milk is not as bad as I thought it would be.  I’m addicted to hummus.

Cooking for myself has me made more conscious of what I put in my body.  I’m determined to adapt a healthier lifestyle in 2011. Wish me luck.

Shine On!

Conquering Cooking

I’ve always been self-conscious  of my cooking.I’m a better baker.   I  know I can cook but I can’t cook a variety of things so I tend to stick to the staples.  Whether its BBQ chicken, spaghetti, salmon, etc. it’s getting boring.  I’ve taken a cooking class but never pushed myself to try to the recipes.  I’ve bought numerous cookbooks but they sit on the shelf.  So this week I vowed to mix it up and eat healthier.   I’m trying to get out of my rut of depending on fast food and chain restaurants.   Yesterday, I made a shrimp stir fry and it was pretty easy.  So I’m happy to report I’ll be adding that to my mental recipe rolodex.  I had a breakthrough moment when I was cooking it’s not about measurements but taking risks and trial and error.  I’m happy to report I doctored up the stir fry marinate and it was really freeing.  I plan to dust off my cookbooks and just have fun cooking.  It’s as simple as that.

 

Shine On!