Final 2007 Review: Answers to Single Ma of Yesteryear
On 1 January 2007, I wrote a message to my future self:
On 31 December 2007, I want you to name at least one thing you’ve improved upon or achieved this year in each of the following areas:FAMILY
SPIRITUAL
HEALTH
CAREER
FINANCES
COMMUNITY SERVICE
First of all, considering my answers are 10 days late, it’s obvious that I’m still a big ol’ procrastinator. Graduated head of the BS class. Unfortunately, I don’t see this improving much in 2008. Besides career and finances – I’m a certified slacker.
FAMILY
My home isn’t near my immediate family and I like it that way. LOL My mother is a lil spesho’, but I love her no less. The rest of my family is crazy (literally), sexy, cool. When I miss them, I visit. Otherwise, I love from a distance. From day to day, it’s just me and my BabyGirl. I think 2007 has been THE MOST challenging year EVER. Many things I’ll never disclose on the blog, so let’s just say she drove me to drinking. LOL For those who have teenage daughters, can I get a wit-ness?!
Most Interesting (to me) “Family” Posts of 2007
- 2007 Mom of the Year Award
- Mother’s Day Will Never be the Same
- Leadership Camp #1: Award Winning Essay
- Leadership Camp #2: Most Hated Mom in the World
- Nurturing Her Talents
SPIRITUAL
This is the one area that I’m LEAST proud of. Although I never forget the source of my blessings, my spiritual walk gradually became second fiddle in 2007. I haven’t spoken to my God in months and I’m ashamed. Not because of what other people may say when I admit that I haven’t tithed since June. Not because of what other people may say when I admit that I haven’t been to church since September. Not because of other people at all. I’m ashamed because of what God thinks of me.
Most Interesting “Spiritual” Posts of 2007
HEALTH
*sigh* I’m not fat, my clothes shrunk! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
CAREER
Mo’ money, mo’ stress, mo’ problems. Sike, I have a fabulous career! LOL
Most Interesting “Career” Posts of 2007
- Single Ma Has an Interview Today
- I Got the Job!!
- Today is my Last Day
- Worth More Than Money
- Constructive Criticism
- When Your Reputation Precedes You
FINANCES
This can be summed up in three words: I. GOT. THIS.
Most Interesting “Finance” Posts of 2007
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Excluding charitable donations, which were extremely low [see here] considering my salary, I performed ZERO hours of community service in 2007. *smh*
If someone who didn’t know me was reading this list (duh, like most of you!), they’d probably think I was the most vain, self-centered, money hungry, selfish person in the whole wide world. And if I didn’t know any better, I’d probably agree. But I won’t beat myself up about it. I made great strides in 2007, but I recognize there are many things in my life that deserve more attention.
To Future Single Ma: Review this list again on 31 December 2008.
You must do better!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And as always, BE FABULOUS!
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Hey SM,
I am glad that you are not going to beat yourself up. You shouldn’t. First off, we are all human. Period. Second, what I got out of reading your post was not a vain, money-hungry person at all. If you were those things you would not care that you have not done some of the things you wanted to do. You would shrug, “Oh, well” and keep it moving. The point of reflection is to understand, not to condemn. Condemnation is a waste of time…I hear you saying that there are areas that require more attention in 2008 than you gave them in 2007. That understanding is nothing to be ashamed about, but is there to grow on into the future…sorry, probably projecting a bit of my own stuff on your post.LOL.
Don’t beat yourself up. You may not be contributing your volunteer time to a traditional charity, but all of us that read your blog and are inspired think you do more than enough to help others. You could have written your blog to gloat instead of showing people how you improved your finances.
My clothes shrunk too, mainly my pants. Those badboys shrunk alomost a size down, or is it up? LOL
Look forward to reading your list on 12/31/2008
Hey SingleMa,
I would say that you have your own community right here on your blog too. How many hours per week do you spend maintaining this blog?
From my point of view, all the tips you give your readers and the work you did with the Debt reduction crew are direct evidence of your giving spirit.
babygirl drove you to drink huh? How bout adub had me wanting to drink AND smoke lol
However I think we are all works in progress (as u know) so as long as u keep moving forward everything is good.
Hey Single Ma
Add my voice to the chorus of folks encouraging you not to beat yourself up. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and have never once thought of you as vain, self-centered, money-hungry, etc. But I have thought of you as a generous person willing to share information for people (like me!) who want to be on the road to better financial health. As a blogger myself I know how much time it takes to put together such thoughtful posts – so you are generous with your time as well as your knowledge. Also, you are an extremely loving mother to BabyGirl — that is clear in everything you do. Lastly, you are a fantabulous employee – you are kicking butt and taking names, girlie, and I admire you for that tremendously. This post makes me want to write a list like this for myself . . . .