My 2011 Recap

Instead of recapping what celebs and public figures did in 2011, I think I'll recap what I did in 2011...because you don't KNOW me. :-)

If I had to grade it, I'd say 2011 was a B, maybe a B-, year.

The greatest achievement of 2011? FINALLY finishing the first draft of a self help book that I've been working on for the past 4 years. I just wrapped it up and I am flying hiiiigh. Do you know how great it feels to start a project, research a project, work your heart out on a project, and FINISH a project? Words can't describe that feeling of accomplishment. I found my passion and worked hard and happily at it. If you don't have a passion, PLEASE get one ASAP because it will make all the difference in the world.

The second greatest achievement, or blessing, in 2011 is that I stopped smoking ... everything. God did this for me. I prayed and prayed and PRAYED and He made me allergic to smoke. This was an area that I'd tried to conquer for years...many years. And finally, one day He just stepped in and said, "Enough." And it was done. I can't give my will power credit for this blessing. I have to give my Higher Power all of the credit. Amen and Yes Lawd!

The third greatest achievement was staying on my job despite wanting to walk out after being told I couldn't work from home and living through a complete office renovation, which boils down to having to work in an open office environment. I'd never worked in such an environment and it's counterproductive, if anything, but, I'm used to it now and I'm hanging in there until I can work for myself. 2012 will be the year.

Now, for the bad.

I love my son with all of my heart; God knows how much I love this near 16 year old but he is a handful - hence, the fact that I gave birth one time and one time only. He's active (not hyper active), headstrong, loves rap, doesn't want his hair cut (he makes sure he gets an edge up though, thank God!,) and he's been in 3 schools this year alone. No, he doesn't get in fights, but  he has a hard time following instructions and loves to do whatever he wants to do in school. He couldn't focus at Lamar so I had to transfer him to a hood school. I HAD to transfer him because he got kicked out. Well, he's doing fine at the hood school and I'm convinced it's because the big black male teachers don't play that. So, while this year started out horribly, it leveled off a few months ago and his grades are good and he doesn't pass up his classes for hanging out in the halls. They don't play that at Worthing.

Another disappointment in 2011 was my lack of time spent in an actual church. I attended church no more than 7 times this year and I'm probably exaggerating. I read my bible, listen to gospel music, and watch TV pastors, but I haven't been tithing as I should and I haven't been in a church house as I should be. I am changing that in 2012. I must.

Lastly, I've gained about 20 pounds. Some days I could pass for a pregnant woman. I caught myself rubbing my stomach the other day in the grocery store, not even much caring if someone thought I was pregnant. I'm sure they did and I just ran with it. If they would have asked when the baby is due, I probably would have thrown out a date 3 months away. I will work on this weight thing in 2012 because a whole new wardrobe is NOT an option.

Other than that, this year has been pretty good. I'm almost 40 and on track. I've been playing catch up for the past 5 years (got married, got a raise, bought a home and new cars, and finished my book). I am nowhere NEAR the person I was on my 34th birthday. Whew!

2012 is going to be a BEAST.

How was your 2011?