Happy New Year


Another year is here and I am excited! 2011 was a year of growth and learning for me and I want to continue on that path in 2012.  I learned about my listening abilities, strength in times of adversity, better reasoning skills (still working on this), realized I have a very low tolerance level for certain things and I will say I definitely grew in my relationships with my loved ones especially my boyfriend.  He has taught me so much about myself. 

Dave and I at Nu Sigma's Founder's Day Brunch 2011



Dave and I at his family reunion Summer 2011



Dave and I at Nolan's Graduation BBQ Summer 2011

Dave, Simone and I at EOZ's Brunch 2011



2011 was a year of ups and downs with my mom and dad's health.  It was challenging but through all the half days/off days at work, I am happy they are both here with me for another New Year.  This was my family's first whole year without my little cousin Sam, who died unexpectedly last year.  It was a trying time but on the anniversary of his death, I did not cry but I celebrated his life.  Thanking God for my aunt and uncle who have been pillars of strength during this time.

Here's a pic of my mom, dad, aunt and uncle before my dad's illness and before my cousin died. I am named after my aunt Kathy who is hugging my mom and dad.

Samuel Saunders Brown, Jr., M.S., B.A.
September 15, 1985 - December 26, 2010

In 2011, I also learned and grew a lot in my Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  I am looking forward to continuing my humble service to this great Sisterhood in 2012.

Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter Sorors at our 2011 Blue Revue, Milestone Events, West Chester, PA

Zeta Day at the Hill - September 2011

Epsilon Omega Zeta Chaper Sorors at our first annual Z Boot Camp 2011


Lastly, some of my goals for 2012


Grow stronger in God
Strengthen my relationship
More financial health and wealth
Better health and wellness
Time Management

As we welcome 2012, I wish you all blessings for this New Year.

Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas All

What a wonderful day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  This year for Christmas, I am cooking breakfast for my family.  The menu includes waffles, potatoes and onions. turkey bacon, ham, turkey sausage, eggs, grits and fruit.  I truly hope my family enjoys the meal I will prepare for them.

If a Man Wants YOU!

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22065/35337-wants

The article is self explanatory and really dives into a much debated topic.  I will let the article speak for itself but I totally enjoyed reading some refreshing material on dating.  

Warmth In Winter 2011

On Tuesday, December 20, 2011, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown hosted the Warmth In Winter Program Finale at the School District of Philadelphia.  My co worker Jason Lewis was the event coordinator and it was a lot of fun.  We helped to set up and break down the event.  Children from all Philadelphia shelters will receive a hat, glove and scarf to keep warm this winter.  This is the Councilwoman's 12th year for the program.  Dezzie from Praise 103.9 served as the MC and DeeJay 007 provided the music.  Ronald McDonald was there and the children received a lot of gifts and had a dance party.  I bought my boyfriend's daughter with me for the day.  I totally enjoyed spending the day with her and she served as our helper throughout the day. Everyone in my office enjoyed having her around as she is such a sweet little girl.  Even though I had to get up at the crack of dawn it was an awesome day.  Cant wait until next year.

Ill post pictures from the event soon

Jason and i @ Warmth in Winter 2010

My Co Worker Jason and Dezzie from Praise 103.9

IM BACK

Well I am finally back to my blog.  I think I will stick with it and be more consistent.  I love writing and have written many pieces since last using my blog.  I will commit to at least twice per week.  Pray for my continued success

Recycle Bank


http://www.recyclebank.com/

I recently read an article regarding Recycle Bank selling personal information of its consumers....uhh I'm not too sure about that part but what I can say is I LOVE THE PROGRAM.  Recycle Bank has made me want to recycle, Im proud to save all my recycables for trash day and I LOVE THE REWARDS.

As most of you are aware...I love Brown's Family Shoprites and frequently use the one at Parkside.  Recycle bank gives a $5 off coupon (for a $40 or more order) from points earned through recycle bank.

For all of you still living in the dark ages, I tell you this...try to recycle something even if it's a 6 pack of water or sodas.  You will feel good about it.  Not only will you feel good but you will be doing a good thing for our environment while earning nice little prizes.  Hopefully you will begin to recycle more.

Sign Up at http://www.recyclebank.com/

Powerful Women in Love: Eroding Cynicism: Love Isn't Just in Fairytales

Read the article first. Be prepared to comment :)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/desiree-peterkin-bell/relationship-advice-erodi_b_599676.html

So I recently read this article after seeing on Philly.com, Mayor Nutter named a new director of communications.  Naturally, I looked her up to see what she was all about and boy is SHE PHENOMENAL.  I found this blog written for the Huffington Post by Desiree Peterkin Bell.  I loved it.  However, I still struggle with this area in my life.  Let's explore....

I'm a 26 year old homeowner, Masters Degree, no children, good job and more importantly.....no one to share it with.  Now I'm sure you're saying to yourself the same things I commonly hear.  You're still very young, you have time, take your time, enjoy your single life, etc. etc. but this most often comes from the same people who have mates, spouses, children and someone to share their joys, crys and laughter with...

When I was in high school, I made a master plan I recently rediscovered while still unpacking boxes after 2 years of living in my house (only one more box to go).  The plan:  by 32 be married, have 2 kids, have a phd and living in a single house somewhere in Philly. 

Some of you may say that plan is still attainable and I'm quite sure with a lot of hard work it is.  However, at this point...no one can convince me to go back to school unless its on my terms and the married and kids part well does not seem that's realistic either.

When I made the plan, I was 17, ready to start college, never been away from home, never really talked to guys on the phone let alone have a boyfriend. Now, I've finished college, twice, had 3 boyfriends and countless other dates and no signs of a hubby.

I have friends, people I date but no one truly understands me, gets or sees what I really need ...I guess that's why Im writing in this blog.

Back to the article though, I was so inspired after I read it but immediately saddened when I remembered everyone's story is different and my story has been written with so much hurt and pain that I think I will never be beyond all of it.

For all the young professional women, read this article, read it again and read it again....just when you feel like giving up hope..read it again.  That's what I plan on doing until some thing promising comes through :)