2017 Survey

I've been diligently doing this for four years now. I usually start this post early so I have time to think about my answers and gather pictures. Plus, I can never answer all the questions right away. 366 days is a long time!

2013 Survey
2012 Survey
2014 Survey
2015 Survey
2016 Survey

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

Went to a funeral for a baby. A little baby. 7 months old. It was absolutely heart wrenching.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think so. I tend to not make resolutions. But I did accomplish some goals- so there's that.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

I did!!! I did!! I'm a mom of three... woah.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

There were a few deaths in my church family. Some of which were quite shocking (also, see #1).

5. Did you visit anywhere exciting?

We visited quite a few places this year. I'm not sure I would call them exciting but we went nonetheless!

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

Some sleep. Did I mention I have three children?

7. What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The birth of my baby girl. I honestly couldn't believe we would be welcoming another person to our brood but we did and we're in love!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Changing jobs at 6 months pregnant. Our society has come a long way from pregnancy discrimination. We are not completely there yet but I'm glad that pregnancy discrimination is illegal.

9. What was your biggest mistake?

There are a few things I wish I would have done differently but you live and you learn.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing too big thank goodness. I did give birth, have a couple of colds, allergy related stuff and so on.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Baby gear. I've kept a lot of stuff we are able to reuse but everyone knows how expensive a baby is regardless!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I'm really proud of Rhianna and the launch of her beauty line along with her responses to critics of her weight gain and use of transgender models. She gets it!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Oh we not even gonna go there. Not on my platform.

14. Where did most of your money go in 2017?

My children. It's always my children.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having another baby! I feel like this who survey revolves around her but she is a big deal!

16. What song will always remind you of 2017?

I honestly don't think I downloaded any new music this year. that's ridiculous. I don't know if I should blame music artists or my lack of caring about anything beyond the itsy bitsy spider.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Incredibly exhausted. (see last year and the year before that)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Praying, Blogging, Exercising, Saving. Sleeping.

(Some things never change)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating bad foods. Although, we did sign up for a plant based meal service this year. We have good intentions but execution can sometimes be an issue.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my loved ones the same way it's been for years!

21. Did you fall in love in 2017?

I was in love with her from the day I found I she would be joining our family.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Same as last year. Who has time for TV? Although I will say during my maternity leave I was able to enjoy reruns of Moesha and Sister, Sister. I loved those shows growing up!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nope. I try not to let negativity consume me. If I come across someone I don't care for then I quickly disassociate.

24. What was the best book you read?

Good Night Moon?

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

26. What did you want and get?

A healthy and safe child birth. I've read of horror stories and am so grateful that I have been spared.

27. What did you want and not get?

Sleep.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I spent it with my family. Much like last year I started at work mainly because my maternity leave left no choice but to show up to work on my birthday. We do a little celebration for everyone's birthday at work so that was fun. Next year I'm not working on my birthday though. I'm going to the mall and actually use my birthday coupons.

I took my oldest and youngest to the doctor in the later afternoon and it actually went well.

Next year I have a milestone birthday so perhaps I'll be at the mall in the Caribbean (unlikely but a girl can dream).

29. What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Paid maternity leave. The state I live in did pass a paid maternity leave to begin January 2018. I was 7 months too soon.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

I have no sense of fashion. It's quite sad.

31. What kept you sane?
I truly picked a good man. My husband keeps me so sane!

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
See #12

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

#TakeAKnee

34. Who do you miss the most?
All my grandparents. Grandparents are awesome!

35. Who was the best new person you met?

You guessed it... my baby girl!! And here is one last gratuitous photo of this precious little baby.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017?

Don't give up. I've always known that but 2017 was pretty good to me because I didn't give up. Also, I learned that I need to be more confident. I can do more than I give myself credit for.

37. What are your new years resolutions for 2018?
Last year my word for 2017 was Grateful. I wanted to be consciously grateful for all the blessings bestowed upon me. Even during the hard times. I haven't quite chosen a word for 2018 yet but I like having a word of the year rather than resolutions. Although I do need to resolve to get healthier.