Highs and Lows of 2008

I'm pressed for time as I've been out all day in the midst of the furious winds. Needless to say as I have this break in between of coming home and running back out I thought I would take a few moments to write some final thoughts of 2008. Normally I write out a well thought introspective reflection about the year. Yet my brain literally feels like it's on overload. So rather than doing a long and drawn out relfection I figured I would just list my highs and lows of the year. What I am scared about is that I might leave something off the list as I've been doing this mentally. Anywho........

Highs of the year...

1. Saving a life: This moment will always humble me and will remind me that life is valuable and worth living. That nothing in life should get so bad that you feel so helpless to just end it like it doesn't matter. It does.

2. My birthday: I saw another year.

3. The Snickerdoodle's first birthday: This will always been milestone committed to memory as a day before the Snickerdoodle's birthday my immediately cousin, Richard "Cuz" Browning IV, passed away from cancer at age 41. What made this particular even more special is the fact tht Aunt VJ (Cuz's stepmom) was ordained as a minister preached her intial sermon hours after Cuz's death. Her sermon came from Deuteronomy Chapter 30 as she talked about living and the walking dead.

4. My volunteer work with the grouod of sixth grade boys: I loved every minute I spent with that group as I talked to them about writing, poetry, Tupac and publishing. From the feedback I received they enjoyed the workshop as well, even more so as they received a copies of the anthology put together tht features each of the students writing.

5. The Snickerdoodle's dedication: It was a time when I official gave another part of my life to God.

6. The start of the renovations: I was never more than happy to get rid of the old and welcome the new.

7. Receiving word that I will be published again: Feb 2009 is the release time for "What Was I Thinking?" an anthology that is a collection of bad date stories. It will be published by mainstream publishing house St. Martin's Press.

8. Receiving my 2007 tax return and federal stimilus check: I was able to set some fund aside for both the Snickerdoodle and I. Perhaps I splurged a bit more than I should have, but still.. it helped in a big way.

9. Receiving my enrollment letter from school: I'm officially back.

Lows of the year...

1. My grandmother's battle with depression: I try to be patient and understanding, but it's been taxing and heartbreaking. Sometimes I can't do nothing but cry and pray for her when she is at her lowest.

2. The pause of the renovation: I was literally pushed out of my comfort zones on all levels and eventually had to face unresolved issues, bottled up feelings and emotions.

3. November and December: Emotionally oppressive and not sad to seem them go.

4. Re-evaluating a friendship of 15 years: It's bitch to wake up one day and realize that you gave and cared unselfishly only to be treated like some chic you only give 5 minutes to prior to just meeting her around the corner at the bus stop.

Miscellaneous

1. Seeing The Roots with Eyrkah Badu (again)

2. Going to the Carter Baron to see Rashaan Patterson with Kindred (first time seeing both)

3. Trying a hookah: Odd since I'm not (really) a smoker, but smoked up some dried fruit... errr umm... tobacco?

4. Writing and submitting another short story for submission (won't know final word until Mid-Jan)

Ok.. I think that's it.