What a year ...

Wow. I can't believe it's this time of the year again. 2011 was something else - I grew and learned more about myself than ever before. Before I get into what I have planned for 2012 I think it's fitting to take a glance back to look at some milestones and lessons learned (especially since I neglected to update throughout the year). Here's what went down.


New Year's Eve in Sin City
In my first-ever venture to the left coast, I traveled to Sin City with my two friends, my mom and a friend's mom to bring in the new year. The trip was filled with sad gambling attempts, raunchy shows, fruity spirits and lots of tasty food. It was an interesting way for me to spend new year's eve, mainly because I was used to bringing in the new year either in church or in front of the television with my family, sipping on sparkling cider and munching on cabbage. Needless to say, it was memorable. With a half-empty daiquiri-filled guitar, I stood in the crowded streets of Vegas with my girls as we counted in the new year, squeezing my eyes shut during the fireworks to say a quick prayer for good fortune while a girl threw up next to my feet.


Lessons Learned:
- There's no alcohol in those daiquiris.
- I have weak ankles o_O.
- Don't buy tickets to shows that aren't on the strip lol.
- In-N-Out Burger may have been established by Jesus himself.
- I think the introspective New Year's Eve's are more for me. As much as people want to complain that New Year's Eve is just another day, it's pretty special to me. I love the thought of starting over and spending the evening writing my resolutions (or results, as I'm calling them this year), cleaning out my closet and talking to the big guy upstairs.


Mardi Gras for Spring Break
It was interesting going to "the Big Easy" for spring break. I had been to the city many times before for random events so when my parents warned me that it would be very different from what I had previously experience, I brushed them off. Let's just say that some of the things I saw on Bourbon St. I've never seen IN MY LIFE (meaning on television, in person, in movies, heard about, etc.). There's absolutely nothing like Mardi Gras.


Lessons Learned:
- Don't mix a vacation with the girls with a vacation with your man (learned this the hard way).
- Don't go ham on the first night if you know you're planning to go even harder the second night. I drank half a bottle of something that got me sick the next morning (the last day of Mardi Gras). I was watching the Zulu Parade when the sun came out & hit my face. The next thing I knew, I was throwing up on the side of the road and refused to even look at alcohol the rest of the day.
- Don't go to Bourbon St. sober during Mardi Gras. I'm permanently scarred.


Google.
Let me just say that I never expected to get the internship with Google. I had already confirmed an internship with the Scripps Networks when I got the call. I was driving back from spring break and I can definitely say it literally took my breath away. When I found out I would be working in Michigan I was initially disappointed - both of my classmates at Hampton had been placed in California. Turns out, I was exactly where I needed to be. The summer of 2011 was the best one of my life. The friends and experiences I gained were priceless and truly changed the way I look at the world. I learned about everything from sales and marketing to sushi (I had an intense four-week addiction), beer (I.P.A's and Belgian Ales), dancing (house music will never grow on me), fried eggs on burgers (delish), kayaking (tiring), barre intensity classes, "bromances," hipsters and sustainable living. 12 hours away from home, it was my first time really on my own - my own apartment, my own bills to pay and my own new experiences. I can truly say I lived each day of that summer to the fullest.


Lessons Learned:
- Making it in corporate America is just as much about "fitting in" as it is about standing out in regards to the caliber of your work.
- Building relationships (with the right people) is key.
- When you're scared or nervous to do something, go towards the fear instead of running from it. For example, if you're scared or uncomfortable to meet everyone in your work area, make yourself as uncomfortable as possible by introducing yourself to at least one new person each day. Don't hide in the bathroom with your lunch tray on your lap. A smile can easily hide your discomfort or fear.
- If you're comfortable, you're not growing.


Living Single
I won't lie, it was rough at first. After being in a relationship for more than six years with the same person, it was hard to walk away; but there comes a time when a person needs to be alone. Whether it's for personal reflection or personal joy, being solo can help to provide a perspective that you wouldn't have otherwise had. I've learned a lot in my four month of single-dom and I can honestly say that I'm better for it. I know I'm being vague and I'm not going to go into too much detail because I don't ascribe to putting that type of detail out there for just anybody, but here's a few takeaways.


Lessons Learned:
- You can't ask for what what you're not willing to give. If you want a southern gentleman, ask yourself "am I the epitome of a southern woman?" If you want someone who's respectful, ask yourself "do I respect myself?" To get even deeper, if you want someone to love you, ask yourself "do I love myself?"
- You need to be whole on your own before you can be whole with someone else.
- Being vulnerable is risky business, choose wisely who you're going to let your guard down for.
- Don't risk a friendship for #thethirst.


Other Milestones:
- Seeing my brother play in nationally-televised football games on TV and in person.
- Growing my business (I have an intern!)
- Participating in the MS Women's Conference.
- Founding the Scripps Howard Student Executive Board.
- Helping to sow seeds for the Southeast Raleigh Alumni Association.
- Being selected as a Google Ambassador for Hampton.
- Going to California for the first time!
- Living life as a Howard student for five days!
- Going to #GHOE for the first time.
- Seeing Lauryn Hill in concert ... twice!!!
- Seeing the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial .. twice!!!
- Passing math class.
- Watching my little cousins experience Disney for the first time.


And so much more! Thanks to everyone who inspired me and taught me something about myself this year (too many to name). Can't wait to make new memories.