2012 In Review

Time to reflect on 2012...

January: Spent my first NYE in New York at the Trump Hotel!

February: Visited Raleigh, NC and added to my list of food spots featured on Man V. Food by eating at The Pit. The BBQ was awesome!

March: I smoked hookah for the first time! 

April: I visited California for the first time EVER! I went to LA and I met the Pacific Ocean. I can't wait to go back. I also began my first teaching class teaching basic computer skills to adults.

May: I made two new friends: my roommate and my neighbor. They are truly heaven sent. The rest is history.  

June: I got braids for the first time and I celebrated a summer full of memories with new friends in DC. 

July: Mini reunion of my Dad's family in Delaware.

August: I celebrated my best friend's birthday in Brooklyn. It was like a big reunion of friends!

September: Went to Ocean City, MD for the first time. I blew my tire, and we were stranded on the highway until my cousin came and saved us. I still don't know how to change a tire. lol

October: I celebrated my 25th birthday! I hosted a dinner party at my place and it was fabulous! I also got to travel to Dallas, Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Vegas! It was my first "partial" cross-country trip. 

November: Spent time with my cousin home from the military. This was probably the most time we've spent together since we were kids so I was glad we got to catch up on each other's lives.

December: I did my "big chop." My hair is finally all natural!

It's been a rocky, yet exciting year. I made awesome friends and I learned a lot about myself this year, good and bad. I had a lot of "firsts" this year. I'm looking forward to the new year and accomplishing all of the goals I have set for myself and experiencing many more "firsts." I seek growth in all aspects of my life. I wish all of you many blessings in the new year! 

Happy New Year! Xo



"One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, 
or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls."

I read another powerful book by Khaled Hosseini called A Thousand Splendid Suns. I will never forget the troubling stories of the two main characters and the range of emotions I felt while reading. The story takes place in Afghanistan once again, and told through the eyes of two women. War has taken place in Afghanistan for decades so it is very saddening to read the stories of the lives of the people living there,  but there is a glimmer of hope in the end. Hosseini is an amazing storyteller, and his beautiful narrative of life and his ability to capture emotion keeps you engaged throughout the entire book. After reading this book it made me appreciate life so much more. As a woman living in the U.S. I have several rights and opportunities that women living in other countries do not have. I was glad that Hosseini chose to tell this story through the lives of women because it gave a perspective that seemed more intimate and gave a sense of connectedness. I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a great read!




Merry Christmas!

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas! It was a little difficult getting through the holiday because I lost my uncle around this time last year. But seeing my friends and family definitely helped lift my spirits. On Christmas Eve I caught up with my close friends from high school and we made reindeer cookies with the kids. This is starting to become our tradition now. On Christmas day I volunteered at the Freedom House and served dinner to local residents and we gave out toys to the kids. I was overjoyed to be able to put a smile on someone's face. Christmas isn't about spending tons of money shopping (as much as we love to do so), it's all about giving the gifts that you can't put a price tag on. There are so many people out there who don't get to experience a Christmas dinner, gifts under the tree, or a family to share the holidays with so I am very grateful for everything that I have been blessed with this year. Happy Holidays! 
xoxo Victoria


Goof troop
Making reindeer cookies
Cheez!
The Baylor girls!

Recap


This week was full of activities! Monday I delivered much needed items to a local homeless shelter. With help from friends and coworkers, we were able to help the families have a holiday dinner this year! Tuesday I went to a live show at Ben's Next Door featuring Edy Blu. She has an incredible voice and I could definitely relate to her music. Me and my friends were lucky enough to get front row seats. I can't wait until she releases her CD. Check out her YouTube channel here. Wednesday I went to my little cousin's senior band recital and I was so proud of her flute duo for the song, The Girl from Ipanema. The jazz ensemble made me miss my band days for a moment. Thursday I celebrated my friend Jasmine's birthday with sushi and hookah! It was such a great night and I'm so glad we all made it to work the next morning. LOL! The last couple of days have been spent cleaning and finishing up Christmas shopping. I can't wait to head home to see my family tomorrow! 


Edy Blu


After a break-up, certain streets, locations, even times of day are off-limits. The city becomes a deserted battlefield, loaded with emotional land mines. You have to be very careful where you step or you could be blown to pieces.

-Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City