*This is Temporary*

I always think to myself when I go to work, this is only temporary. Which simply translates to I got bigger and better plans for my life. One day I will be able to move on with my dreams, goals, and aspirations. 

For a very long time I told myself I want to uplift and inspire people. It has always been a passion of mine. And one of the reasons I started this blog many years ago. I still feel the same way in my 30s as I did in my 20s. The world needs more people like me too. I have traveled to speaking seminars, conferences, and even taken online workshops. And even though I feel it in my heart. I always second guess myself with doubt and fear. However, I won't let fear get in my way. Next year I plan on speaking somewhere! At least to get the gears rolling. 

I have learned so much this year alone, I want to share my knowledge with people. I will forever be evolving and growing inside and out. I'm getting my love for reading back on track. I plan to start a platform to inspire and uplift woman. One of my favorite jobs I ever had was working in a group home with teenagers. It was challenging with very low wages but worth it. I want to be that beacon of light to someone one day. If I could just help one person, I know my time wasn't wasted on this earth. My mom keeps telling me to speak too. She said do something you love. I'm going to spend a great part of the end of this year doing that. Planning and prepping for the goodness in 2019. I know the road will not be easy but it's what I was made for! 

I really want to quit my job next year. I'm not quite sure of the exact date but next year is my target year. I can keep on doing the same thing expecting different results. That's why this year financial stability was important to me. Those little steps helped me along my journey. I'm nervous and a bit scared to come up out of my comfort zone but hey remember this is only temporary. I was not meant to work a 9-5 for 40 years. I'm just going to leave it at that.

Until next time stay sweet my candy canes😘

*Randomness*

This year has seriously flown by and I'm so happy I accomplished some goals. Mainly financial goals like becoming debtfree, funding my opportunity fund, and investing! My goal this year was to focus on myself and become selfish. And that is exactly what I did too. I don't regret my selfishness at all this year. It helped me to discover myself. It encouraged me to take a solo trip to Cincinnati. It made me prioritize my selfcare needs too. Like getting massages, doing facials at home every week, doing my own manicure/pedicure, answering my phone when or if I felt like it. I totally put myself and my well-beings up first . I didn't even post much on social media. I kind of was a recluse too. I didn't go to a lot of functions or get togethers. I hung out with my mom more than ever. I became my own bestie. I went to see Shanel Cooper Sykes in Chicago for her conference.  I went to homecoming and Boogie my tail at the tailgating. It was great to celebrate 10 years of graduating. I just freaking enjoyed myself seriously! 

I did have a love one pass away. One of my aunt's on my dad's side. She was a natural beauty and too young to pass away. It was unfortunately and one of the lower point's of my year. I'm also dealing with light sensitivity with my vision. And aside from all of that I am still striving and working like crazy. This job has been so draining to me. I have so many other things I want to do in life. And my focus in 2019 is going to be more on that. Working on being a better me! I want to write my first book. I want to focus on building a new life and career. I have the key to my destiny. I can do anything I put my mind to. Let me finished out this year with a bang💥.

Until next time take care my sweet candy canes.

(I took this picture on Thanksgiving Day 2018) 

*6 Months of Living Expenses Saved*

I'm so excited my savings goals has been completed. Staying focused this year has changed a lot for me. I'm finally in a place were I can kind of relax. Yes, I have other financial goals but they're more long term. I have other things that I want to get into too. I want to put my health first and work on building long lasting relationships with others. I want to focus on being more feminine and looking for an amazing man.  And of course I want to start my own business, write my book, and move out of town and quit my job. All of these goals are important to me and will take time and effort to get to. I'm just happy, I have turned a new leaf and will keep moving forward with my goals.

*Weekend in Chicago*

I'm still reminiscing over my Chicago trip two weeks ago. I had an amazing time at costume parties, a conference, delicious food, and sight seeing. I got to enjoy the city this time around. I really want to go back soon!

~Celebrating my Ten Year College Anniversary~

Last weekend, I celebrated my ten year college anniversary. So many nostalgic emotions walking around my beautiful campus and seeing old faces. It was pretty much like a big old party outside. With a live DJ and tailgating most of the time. I took my class picture as well. I didn't go to any parties this time. Thank God I made it. For God, for Central, for State. Class of 2008👏

~Apple Picking Adventure~

 I went apple picking for the first time last month. I had such a wonderful time too! Fall is my favorite season, and it's mainly because of adventures like these😊.

*Mini Trip to Underground Railroad Freedom Center*

A few weeks ago I took a solo trip to the Underground Freedom Center museum in Cincinnati. I had such an amazing time there and learn a lot about my ancestors and the many adversities they went through during enslavement. And just knowing that over 100,000 of them were brave enough to cross the Ohio River to freedom in Canada was amazing to me. Many things I learned there were of course not taught in schools. It's imperative that we teach the next generation coming after us about the many thing we never learn. Also, I paid a little extra for the Rosa Parks experience. It was a virtual reality section that you experience her in first person. You can even see what she wore that day what she was thinking etc. She was a very brave woman and I have nothing but respect for her. 

They also have an exhibit that showcased how individuals are still enslaved today around the world. That was really eye opening because we tend to forgot about these things. 

I spent a little over four hours there. It's a lot of reading and short films to watch. I really encourage everyone to go and learn about our history. It just makes me so proud to be Black, because after so much trama and devastation we keep rising. We are like candles...still buring bright and standing.

I finished my trip by riding the carousel my favorite animal white Bengal tiger. And I partially cross the Bridge. I plan to do cross the full bridge one day. And I ate a veggie burger at downtown restaurant. It was a trip filled with wonderful memories. 

Adidos, until next time my sweet candy canes😘