A 2011 Recap
I can’t believe it’s been three years and I’m still at this! What can a blog possibly become after three years of writing about the same country? Jamaica never seems to let me down with new and different things to experience and write about and believe me, 2011 was no exception.
I’ve been trying to write this recap post all day with very little inspiration to do so. I think it’s because I feel like I just wrote all I had to say in the book. My January 1 post was never supposed to be like this, it was going to be a retirement post and I was going to put this baby to sleep. I’ve been discouraged. It was only a couple weeks ago that a great friend of mine gave me a new perspective and a new angle to look at for this blog. So if you’re a regular follower, over time you’ll start seeing a new trend going on here. Let me know when you start to see it!
The past year has been one BIG roller coaster of surprises that I probably don’t need to elaborate on if you’ve been following me or have read the new book I just published. 2011 is the first year in I can’t remember how long that I haven’t gone overboard with my usual quarterly trips to the island, because those trips were replaced with one big extended stay which taught me more than any two week trip ever could.
Things I Learned
- I’m not who they say I should be. I had the courage to live life like I wanted it, outside the typical box I thought I was trapped in. Doing one big thing ONCE made me realize I can do it again and again with much less fear than I had the first time.
- I’m 100% independent even though I suffer severe co-dependency with my son.
- I learned how to write a book. This might sound stupid but I discovered it’s not all about sitting down and pounding out some pages to publish. You really have to put some thought into your words and wonder if the world will find your story interesting enough to care. I also found it really difficult to write without LOL’s and smiley faces while still getting my point across in a humorous manner so readers wouldn’t be offended. I also had to research like crazy for a publishing platform that fits a budget of zero, this was no easy task. And if you have a budget of zero you have to be willing to do all the work yourself. Formatting an ebook is no joke!
- I learned that family is who you make it. I never dreamed I would become so connected to a select (tiny) group of people who never existed in my life in 2010.
- I learned how to reconnect with my real family. I can’t even explain this one but magic seems to happen when you go away from a situation long enough for people to realize we’ve been taking each other for granted all along.
- Finally, I learned the art of delivering pizza. Yes this is a deep dark secret I’ve been keeping but I did it.
2011 was not an easy year even though it seems like I “lived the dream” as so many like to call it. Living the dream last year is preventing me from living any dreams right now. This is the first time in 8 years I don’t have a trip countdown on the horizon and it stinks! But in the final hours of 2011 (literally: Dec 12) salvation came in the form of a cool new job that incorporates travel albeit other people’s travel and I’m satisfied with it for now. Even though I’m dying to ask my new boss when and how much vacation time I get, I can dig this gig for the time being.
So for now I’m going to wish Jamaica My Way a happy 3rd birthday and wish all of you a happy new year! I can feel many blessings for all of us in 2012! Enjoy the following short video by one of my readers, Tina K, of some fabulous fireworks in Negril!
Comments
9 responses to “Happy 3rd Birthday to Jamaica My Way”
Congrats on 3 years! Love the new site too and excited for everything you have in store. Best wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling new year. Thank you again for everything and hurry up and come to Jamaica!!!
LOL April you KNOW I’d drop everything and get there if I could~! I’m coming, just hope it’s while you’re still there!
Thanks for the happy birthday!
This was such a great post! So poignant and reflective! Your comment ‘family is who you make it’ really resonated with me. In my years away from home I definitely have figured out who I can expect to keep in touch, and which relationships will eventually peter out due to lack of contact.
Oneika thanks for the comment. Interesting to see which people life puts in your way huh?
Congrats, Kristi, on 3 years! In 2012 may we have peace in our hearts, contentment with our life choices, and inspiration to keep dreaming! Oh and some cold hard cash to help us do all of it!! (BTW, I loved your book. Will do a review soon :-))
Congratulations and Happy 3rd Birthday! I stumbled upon your site because of my love for Jamaica however you’ve become so much more than just a website.. you are such an inspiration to me in my travels and in life. Thanks for all you do for all Jamaicaholics and I truly hope that all your dreams come true in 2012!
Wow thank you so much Sandie! As I’ve said many times it’s you guys who give me the inspiration for all this. Isn’t it funny we don’t even know how we impact people?
Along with a spate of other awesome travel blogs by awesome, adventurous black women, I recently discovered your blog. I love that you love Jamaica.
I’m a citizen of the world, but I am nevertheless a complete patriot. I spent some of the happiest years of my life on that island paradise. Some of the people I love the most in the world make their home there. Jamaica has its fair share of social issues, but it will never stop being one of my favourite places in the world. I find it unfair when a developing country is judged by the standards of a developed country. You’re just not gonna find the same amenities a developed country can offer in a developing country. Poverty breeds crime, but with a little good sense and an open mind Jamaica is an awesome destination for anyone who loves the Caribbean adventure.
I’m quite happy to come across people who can appreciate what Jamaica has to offer under the circumstances of how people there live. The vast majority of Jamaicans are law abiding, hard working, fun loving, optimistic people who beat some incredible odds on a daily basis and still continue to smile.
I’m glad these Jamaicans, through blogs like yours and April’s, are getting the recognition they deserve. It’s been awesome reading about all you’ve discovered about the island. I’ve found out so many things I actually didn’t know before and I (try to) visit Jamaica at least once a year!
Jamaica is lucky to have friends like you because word of mouth is the best press any brand/product can get! Since I’m just discovering your blog I hope you carry on for another three years or more! 🙂
Wow Shelley thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! I’m glad you have discovered my blog and are enjoying it. I feel most flattered when I get positive comments from real Jamaicans because you’re the ones who KNOW your country the best, so if my writing is pleasing to you I feel good!
Let’s keep in touch! I still have to take some time to check your blog lol….I’ve had a stupid-busy week!