2014 - Year in Review

2014 has been an interesting year. There have been numerous ups as well as downs. I am thankful for all that I have been given - the easy and the hard blows. I have been truly blessed. 

I still don't have a car but my feet do not hurt. My house still needs some improvements but I am able to meet my mortgage. I don't have fancy lunches and dinners but I am well fed. I can't and won't complain because opportunities have come my way. I have started my Masters and my children are 'A' students. 

I lost my last great uncle on my father's side and my last great-great aunt on my mother's side. Both were spectacular individuals who truly led their families. My daughter also lost a classmate - a very special little individual who even made an impact on me and many others.

Although the blog entries have dropped, my heart is still in my writing - I'm just focusing on academic writing now. As I journey along, I am open to new ideas, but I will remain true to my values. I still enjoy music very much and I'm into my 80s, 90s and early 2000s , not so much the trending music. New music for me would be music from the Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean and John Legend type music. It really has to be catchy to catch me. 

I still enjoy a good comedy/joke and I enjoy the work that I do. I thank God for his blessings.

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Virgin Islands Representing: Pressure - "Show LOVE" - Official Music Video

This is another big tune by Pressure titled "Show Love". Very inspiring lyrics and mellow melody describe this song. The video does it justice.

Thinking Forward - Checking and Improving Self

I'm embarking on an exciting journey - lots of reading and loads of writing. I'm expanding my thought process, my vocabulary and of course the way I deal with things professionally. I've always had my professional ethics and this journey sets me on a different path.

I encourage young people to seek ways to improve themselves. Somehow many think that someone will always be there to help them but you just have to be proactive. While attaining higher education is one step, you have to build your confidence and be self-motivated. Look at volunteerism as a way to build experience and learn new skills. Don't fuss about starting on the bottom - you have to start somewhere. I have had to file, provide basic customer service and photocopy documents - even with a degree; and I am happy to have done those tasks. Of course, I wasn't happy back then, but I appreciate it now.

There's a lot that we can do to move ourselves forward and improve ourselves. To take on a leadership role, we have to be groomed - whether it's in a community service organization, athletics, our churches or in our schools on the PTA. Take a positive step forward and try something new that will enhance you.

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How Can We Have Balance in a Life Where We are Hustling

I have embarked on a new journey. This 2014 has had a lot of new things for me - professionally, academically and personally. I am grateful for everything that God has granted. It's now to find balance because naturally, I want to excel at everything, especially in raising my children.

There's no secret to finding balance. You just have to focus on the things that you need to and sometimes that means eliminating those things that cause distraction. For example, I'm right now listening to a local sports report and an event organizer expressed disappointment because enough children did not participate. It probably wasn't a priority for parents with school just opening.

Everyone is out there hustling - some people are working and studying, some people have children that require special attention, others are juggling two jobs. Of course, money is always a concern for many because even if an event is free, you still have to dress, find food etc.

There are times when we just need to decline and give regrets. I have a lot on my plate and I still want to write - that writing now will be going towards my Masters program. To anyone who has a lot on their plate, just as you eat your meal - take small bites one at a time and be sure to chew and digest. If the plate is too full, it's time to reduce the meal - the load.

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Laugh Every Now and Then

I imagine what life would be like around a real life "Madea". Inspirational words would come but the jokes would for sure be there. We all have that someone that we can 'crack a joke' with or who can cheer us up. There are all sorts of studies done about laughter and how healthy it is for us. I love to laugh - I can't deal with monotony. Mind you - I am a 'house-mouse' so I don't go out liming. However, I have to find a sitcom or a comedy that can make me laugh especially when my children start to nag at each other like little mosquitoes.

Some days we need it more than others and I find that the laughter helps me to keep calm. Even at the office, it's good when we can relax and take a smile in between our work. Some days it can be really tense and stressful and getting a laugh can really lift the spirits.

So when you are having that rough day, find your 'Madea' or sitcom or internet joke and laugh. It's not just cliche but laughter really can be the best medicine.

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My Thoughts During August Festival Holidays

I love long holidays. August presents  three days back to back that one can choose to lime, rest, play, travel or watch tv. I take the rest and tv route because I'm not so into the festivities. Of course, I have my best excuse and it's useful to get out of so many things. I don't use that excuse for church functions though.

Anyway, I wish every a safe and healthy Emancipation Celebration - 60 years of festival and 180 years of freedom! These are big milestones for a small territory. However, with all this being said and done, what have we done to secure the future for our children?

As the holidays ease off and we head back to work, we need to look at what we are doing individually and also what our leaders are doing collectively to improve this territory. It's not their job - it's our job and we can all make some positive impact.

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POEM: Not typical

In my spherical view
I realize that I'm not
the typical girl
so my smile is not artificial
although I may be trivial;
and I'm really not about
titles but I do like recitals
cause it's vital to share
talents while being
able to vent
about how I repented
despite the serpent's
bite, I won't stop
until I take flight
for my wrong can't be
right and in my sight
my fight won't be
quieted although
it may be night and
vision may be dark
without light

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