2011...Oh how I'm glad to see you go!

I can't quite summarize into one word what 2011 was like. Many great things happened for me and some others that I'm very glad to be leaving in the past. 2011 brought new people into my life for a reason, which I thank God for because there is always lessons to be learned.  It also took people out of my life unexpectedly, but now is when I understand why they had to leave. Yes, I'm thankful for even those hard moments because it has shaped me into the person I am today and the person I will continue to grow into. 

Looking back at all the positive points, I am so grateful for every one of them.  I was able to complete my Specialist degree (that makes 3 degrees so far!) Perhaps a 4th one will be coming in the future ::insert huge smile here:: I've gained some great friends at work as well as outside of work. I'm incredibly thankful that the M-Clan still lives! Even through rough patches, real friends will always stick by you. I've managed to conquer personal goals that I've set for myself and others are still in the works but I'll get to those in 2012, God willing! I was able to spend one more year with my family. Every minute spent with my family is one that I treasure because one never knows how fast things can change from one moment to the other. I'm thankful I had one more year of health because so many had to endure painful experiences. Every person that I met, who came and went, thanks for the laughs!

Now for the negative things, which in reality are probably a blessing in disguise. For those who have walked out of my life, it sucked, but I am far better off without them. I will never regret all of the things I did/do for people. I did it out of love even though in the end it was never appreciated. I wish them all the best in life! I feel sad for those who don't know how to keep friends in their life but hopefully they too will learn a lesson in the future.

I usually hate New Years Eve and despise letting go but things have changed. I'm so ready to let go of 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms! Have a great new year everyone!!!

xo,

A

Things I know for sure

As cheesy as it sounds, Oprah has been one person in the public eye that I have looked up to for many years.  To me, she is the epitome of someone who came from nothing, faced incredible obstacles, and made it to where she is today. After watching countless episodes of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and  subscribing to her magazine, there was one thing I came across that I absolutely loved. She made a list of things she knows for sure. Now this list wasn't something that was developed in a day. It took years, life lessons and mistakes (and even successes) to realize what she knows for sure.  So I got the idea of creating a list for myself. Even though I am at the tender age of 30 (ha-ha), I figured why shouldn't I also do one? There are many things I have learned throughout my life and would like to share with people. Who knows, maybe you've had the same "a-ha" moment like me! I've kept all of these "truths" in my journal for some time now and it'll be interesting to see if any of them change as I get older.  Therefore, I present to you the first thing I know for sure! (note: these are done in random order)

The first thing I know for sure is...My mother is right about 99% of the time. I did not say 100% because we're all human and I do believe I won a battle with her once, ha! It is very funny how at a young age we listen to almost everything our parents say, especially mom. When we are growing up, we idolize her because she seems to really know it all, she even says she does.  Then we hit puberty and all hell breaks loose! They know absolutely nothing, they don't understand what it is to be a teen in these times and basically they are in our lives to ruin it. Time passes and we start to mature, perhaps even seeing that maybe the old lady isn't wrong all the time. Let's say she is right about 50% of the time at this point. Then out of  nowhere it hits you! The light bulb goes off and you dread even uttering the words, "holy crap, she's been right all along!"

I had this fantastic revelation around the time I turned 26, though it had been trickling since I was 25 and I refused to see it. It came out of nowhere and I nearly slapped myself silly thinking this could be true. All those times she said that certain "friends" were no good, she was right! Those douches that I dated which she blatantly told me they were douches, she was right! Now, have I ever admitted to her all this information? Most definitely not! I still have some pride left in me after all. Yet, I'm pretty sure she knows that I've realized her maternal instincts were always on the money. 

As I've gotten older, I find myself giving my mom's advice to my close friends and even my students! It's crazy to say but I'm turning into my mother. Years ago I would've been mortified to even have thought so but today I'm proud to say it.  My mom rocks. She is my rock! I thank God everyday for the mother He chose for me. 

And that is one thing I know for sure!

Do I really need an introduction?

Probably not but just in case you haven't figured it out yet, the name is Arlene. Yes, I was one of the co-writers in another blog entitled "The Memoirs of Black & Yellow". That blog is currently on hiatus for the time being due to dwindling material. Hopefully, it will pick up again in 2012!

Now you're probably wondering why I decided to start my own blog spot (or maybe you aren't but just go with it). I like to vent, as most of us do. Sometimes people do or say the dumbest things and I wonder, "Am I the only one that just heard/saw that?" So I figured, let me just put it out there in hopes that I haven't completely lost my mind and others can relate.

So there you have it folks! Hope you enjoy reading my posts and I'm sure I'll enjoy reading your comments.

xo,

A