2011 in Review...

Heyy there guys!!!


Happy New Year to each and everyone of you! So I've been itching to blog since I got back from Naij on the 2nd, but I haven't been able to decide what exactly to blog about. #FirstWorldProblems :). I'm torn between Taking Stock of 2011 or Naija Trip. Oh well, seeing as I can't share pictures of my Naija trip for anonymity sake so I guess I should just go ahead and do the former. So here we go:


Walk With God: This started off really good at the beginning of the year, but by mid year *sigh* things just derailed. The frustrating part of this was that I knew things weren't on track, I wanted to fix it and reconnect but something just wasn't clicking for me. Even when I prayed (the few times I did) I felt like there was a wall...and I couldn't get through to Him; and not feeling worthy of His attention didn't help either. But the humbling thing was I could see His presence in my life. This year, I really want to build a better relationship; so help me God. I'm currently looking for a good daily devotional with an downloadable android app, so I can read it on the go...please share if you have one. Thanks in advance.


Family: "I'm not lucky, I'm blessed!" That explains how I feel about my family. Thank God for surrounding me with so much love, support and laughter. And the smiles on everyone's face both young and old when I go home is just so heart-warming and overwhelming that I truly feel special and loved. Grateful for my Momma :) (even though I can't wait to move out, so that we can miss each other a little bit) and continue to pray that I can be half the woman she is, and make her proud.


JOB: After returning from a 5week vacation in Jan '11, Baba God gave me a job in March. And I couldn't be happier for the opportunity, the great team of people whom I work with, an amazing and accommodating manager and really reasonable pay. Just enough to take care of me and my needs right now. I look forward to career growth within the team and company, and so with each day I try to learn and soak up what I can so that I can make that advancement hopefully this year. 


SIDE GIG: My PR side gig kind of sorta became official, and I am grateful for all the opportunities that came my way. But I'm such a second guesser and my own worst critic that I'm having cold feet with moving forward. I feel like in the Nigerian market people don't really understand what PR is. The other day an upcoming artiste approaches me and says "I hear you're really good, and you will help me take my career to the next level and make me big..." Hian! That's just unrealistic expectations to me, and I can't sign myself up for that. I can't force people to like you, or your music. What I do is simply help you work on your packaging - website, social media monitoring, press releases/ kits, photo-shoots, event appearances etc. But saying I should make you big, odikwa too much. Then there are people who love to consult with me to get my take on things, to help them put together concepts, and all of that but then don't give pay for these consultation services or even give credit for it. So these are the things that frustrate me and kind of make pull back on giving it my all. Aside from that I really love what I do, and would want to have something of my own and watch it grow.


I also got the opportunity to host a radio show :)! It's been a really great experience, and I've met lots of cool people through it. Might continue with it this year, time will tell.


FINANCES: Thank God for a steady pay-check o! I don't have the credit collectors calling my phone or trying to repo anything from me. But I wish I had saved up more...I'm not paying rent or any major bills cos I still live at home, so I should have set aside a lot more but I didn't. Where it all went sha me I don't really know. I shop but I'm that chic that looks for deals and sales @ F21, H&M and co. Major items I splurged on last year - a Macbook, Party bus for my birthday, two leather bags (D&B and DKNY), Tablet and the main money consumer went to dental expenses! I had an accident during my b'day weekend and fixing it cost me about two grand. And then my naija trip...ticket, shopping and pocket money *sigh* so I guess that's where it all went :) Looking forward to saving more this year :) Amen!


FRIENDSHIPS: I made a lot of new friends in 2011!!! :) People who I genuinely enjoy being around! No fakeness, no front, none of alla that! My core group of close friends still remain though...friends who without seeing my face can almost predict my every move, and just make me laugh so hard. Had a sleepover with my friend in Naija and it was just us but we spent the whole day at home just cracking each other up! Lawd have mercy...those moments are just priceless to me. I wish I had my own place so I can have people over...game nights, movie nights etc :( I'm tired of always being the one going over. I love to host people and make sure they have a good time! All in all, I am THANKFUL for the people I call friends, they are my second family!


SOCIAL LIFE: Well as you can tell from above, thanks to making new friends my social life last year wasn't a drought. Had a group vacation to the Hamptons, lots of partying, birthday outings, had a party for my b'day for the first time in years, karaoke nights, pole dancing classes, Rockette show with my Mom, getting drunk with my co-workers and my manager lol good times!!! Looking forward to doing more fun activities, going on a real vacation to a warm/beach place and just living :)
   
RELATIONSHIP: Hmmm...2011 was a roller-coaster year. From really good to a head-on crash. And then what I thought/hoped would blossom into something really good turned out to just be uncertain...and this really sucked cos I kinda really liked the dude, but being uncertain with where you stand with someone isn't my thing so I had to let go. But we're friends and there's no hard feelings at all. Where am I right now? Ask me this in a few months. Just one day at a time for now, no rush.


Ok me darlings, I guess that covers everything right? I am really grateful for 2011. Also forgot to mention that my Mom and I became citizens too :) Baba God was too much in 2011 abeg! And it can only get bigger and better in 2012 in Jesus name! There are a few things that I am seriously praying for this year, and trusting Him to please do for me. I'm going to speak positively about those things everyday until they happen. Hope everyone has had a great start to the year so far.


Have a blessed Sunday!


Hugs & Kisses,
Miss Enigma! :*