2013 in Review...

happy new year's eve! enjoy the last day of 2013! here is my 2013 year in review. let's see what i can remember...

January--became better at blogging. had a full time job. met some new people that became friends.

February--short but good month. things were going well. got some cute valentine's day treats and gifts.

March--a week off work paid...wahoo! good month too. work got busy b/c it was getting closer to begin recruiting, renovations on the new office space at work started.

April--brother's surprise b-day party! it went off without a hitch :) high school seniors coming in left and right getting ready for college.

May-- 4 day work week started. friday's off...YES!!

June--eh, an ok month. nothing special just work. finally saved a lot of money by this point.

July--my 29th b-day. office party, 4th of July fun, beautiful roses sent to me for my b-day and spa treatment too. 

August-- i hit well above my goal of over 300 students I helped get into college. my aunt from Nigeria came over for about 6 weeks and my mother's long time teacher came as well from England.

September--my retina detached and the surgery process began. mom retired from 24 years in the Navy.

October--eye surgery # 2, mom's b-day. weight loss started to happen

November--thanksgiving, my eyesight improving,, lots of time spent on Facebook and Pinterest, work was slow, but people were coming in from time to time.

December--eye surgery #3, moved into new office space, family over for Christmas, lots of shopping with great deals, spent time with family, got great gifts, 2 weeks off work...paid,started praying more!

there it is my 2013 review. as you can see starting in September is when the action really took place! ha! this is my last blog post, and i am so sad to go, but i need a break!!!....will see you all again next year January 1, 2014. Happy New Year to all!!!

~eloquently rambling...

Overall Happy Day!

happy Monday, the last one of 2013. overall, today is a happy day! finally closed out the year with taking care of all my bills. i will be going into the new year debt free...wahoo! also, many things to celebrate today such as... birthdays and anniversaries! happy birthday Dad! happy birthday Grandma! happy 31st anniversary Mom and Dad! (well played Mom, well played!) many more and continued blessings and happiness!

i am also over here with Molly for the fun link-up! Molly sure knows how to make Monday's fun!

~eloquently rambling...

Last 2013 Sunday Social

it is Sunday, so it is Sunday Social...the last one of 2013. wow, where did this year go? i am actually glad it is over, lots of lessons learned and will use them in the new year 2014 and beyond.

1. best new year you have had...all of them have been good. i have been around family so that is a plus.

2. are you doing anything for new years?--spending time with family and may open a gift or two too.

3. a book we all should read--read what you like. motivational books are always nice as it can show you one can do anything and your life it not that bad.

4. new years resolution--to pray more, to trust more, to be the best i could be at work and in all things, and to focus on finding a school/doctoral program this year. wow! i will be busy!

~eloquently rambling,,,

Stealing Sunday New Year's Eve Reflection Edition

i sure do love Stealing Sunday! here are my answers...

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?--getting my eyesight back 

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? --almost loosing my eyesight

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?--getting roses from a student as a thank you gift for helping them get into school

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?--not being able to drive b/c of all the surgeries for my eyes to restore my sight.

5. Pick three words to describe 2013.--faith, medicine, love 

6. What were the best books you read this year? --i only read 50 shades of gray...that was all

7. With whom were your most valuable relationships?--my boss--she was very understanding when my eyesight was going and made the needed accommodations and allowed me the time off. also, my love was very supportive through all of this!  

8. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?--almost loosing my eyesight. are we noticing a pattern here.

9. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?--i started to care about all things and people more

10. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?--i prayed more and became closer to God
1

1. In what way(s) did you grow physically?--i think i am done growing...i am 29 yrs old  

12. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?--became a better listener and learned to keep my mouth shut about things. keep it btwn the two of you!  

13. What was the most enjoyable part of your work?--helping students young and old get back to or go to school/college

14. What was the most challenging part of your work?--trying to meet the numbers required for the grant program. i do not like working to meet a number that determines your job.

15. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?--being on Facebook and Pinterest too much! but...not likely to change..ha!  

16. What was the best way you used your time this past year?--helping others and my family. i spent a lot of time with them this period especially from September until now  

17. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?--anything is possible with hard work and faith.

18. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2013 for you.--through ups and downs, i learned a lot and still made it. i am stronger now than i have ever been.

~eloquently rambling,,,

Merry Christmas!

yep, what the pic above says! i hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and got some great gifts and surprises under the tree and in your hearts! off to read my blog list to see how you all spent Christmas!

~eloquently rambling...

Christmas Eve and BBB--finally!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! enjoy the day full of tradition and memories. if you are working and/or traveling, be safe. to all others...enjoy! now get to "wrapping!"

now, since i missed this on dec. 19, the boys behind the blog kick off, here it is now:

cute litte bro here again...he likes doing this and it is about food too...it is a winner!

favorite cereal: strawberry honey bunches of oats

pancakes or waffles: pancakes--they seem to come out bigger :)

favorite holiday tradition: eating (hey i am a man now!)

all i want for Christmas: is some wonderful gifts (got you bro!)

best moment of 2013: knowing my sister could see again thanks to her eye surgeries and the Lord above and my 22nd birthday!

**there you have it! is he not a charmer??

~eloquently rambling...

Just in time for Christmas!

hey all, my friend over here at Innerworkings of the Female Mind has this fun little Christmas Quiz up for the taking. Still got time before the big day!

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?--hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?--wrap them!!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?--i use both :)

4. Do you hang mistletoe?--no, but once married i sure will :)

5. When do you put your decorations up?--we were late this year so we just got the tree up and decorated on dec. 22 (ugh for us!)

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?--the spread of meats--turkey, hen, chicken, goat meat, oxtail etc.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?--once i was told the truth about Santa, helping Mom wrap the gifts and telling little bro Santa was still real.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?--not sure, i guess when i went with my mom to buy gifts and stopped taking pictures with him (ha!)

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?--no, but i generally do on new year's since my aunt comes in for new year!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?--whatever we have. of course there are lights

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?--i live in Florida...so no snow, would be nice to get some.

12. Can you ice skate?--it can be fun. makes my feet hurt though

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?--when i was younger the collection of bonnie bell lip balm. now, anything that is a gadget is cool.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?--spending time with family and loved ones and hearing the voice or skyping loved ones.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?--too many! i like cake a lot :) cheesecake is good too. 

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?--does eating count?? having family over, they have come over for 7 years straight now!

17. What tops your tree?--a star

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?--both! i like to give gifts, but it is nice to see what others give to me!

19. Candy canes: yuck or yummy?--neutral. i use them for breath mints during this season!

20. Favorite Christmas show?--anything they have going about Jesus and the various shows and their Christmas specials.

21. Saddest Christmas song?--christmas shoes

22. What is your favorite Christmas song?--silent night

**what would your answers be?**

~eloquently rambling...

6 word sat, sunday stealing, and happies and crappies

whoa! let the link ups begins! love them and love having things to write about b/c of them...

6 word Saturday at show my face:

"i need a new cell phone!!!" 

**yep, it is true. my iphone 3GS (yes, no typo there) is SOOO circa 2005. please Santa for Christmas, even though i am not due for an upgrade yet, let a new phone be under the tree or if not a phone, at least a really cool tablet :)

Sunday stealing

When you get a headache do you take painkillers right away or try to wait it out? --wait it out. usually i drink some water or a diet coke and i am better 

 Is there a really funny YouTube video you’d like to recommend to me?--anything that is having the normal everyday person trying to explain something can be entertaining. there was one where a lady was trying to explain the difference and the pronunciation btwn "ask" and "ax"  

Did you watch Sesame Street when you were little?--yes and still do somethimes...shhh!  

What’s the last thing you touched, other than your computer?
--my cell phone 

When was the last time you talked to your best friend?
--a few hours ago  

How often do you listen to music?
--usually just in the car 

What color is your cell phone?--black 

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you drank?--water :) drinking it right now

Do you like to wear sweatpants?--yes, in fact wearing them now  
What song are you currently listening to? Who sings it?--for some reason Faith Hill's song "This Kiss" is in my head 

Have you ever gotten a black eye?--no...and i better NEVER get one!

What caused it?--n/a  

How many times have you checked up on your ex?--not often, i usually cut of contact with them once we are done, even facebook contact is cut off.  

If you had to get a tattoo what would it be?--a white rose (i am African-American, so I think the white rose would show up well.)  

How many tabs are open right now?--8 

Are you scared of needles?--no  

Do you believe love can last forever?--yes! it is cheaper to keep him or her and if you are a mother, yes, love for your child last forever (or at least it should) 

Are good-byes easy or hard for you?--sometimes 

Would you rather sing or dance?--dance :)--good cardio for me too!

happies and crappies...with The Vintage Modern Wife

happies...

--moved into my new office space

--talked with my love and he assured me i was no inadequate

--third and hopefully final eye surgery is done

--so far finding some good deals on things and Christmas gifts

crappies...

--the hutch on my new office desk broke when the guys were hooking my computer up :(

--i have been yelled at a lot this week for really petty things

--i still cannot drive due to my eyes still healing from surgeries. 

Blogmopolitan Quiz...you know like the ones in Cosmo :) and Friday 4

well, since i am not as savvy with being able to fill in the blanks like you all, i will just answer these questions as a list here. but the pic above is the Blogmopolitian Quiz. the link up is at Two Thirds Hazel 

name: Eloquent Obi

nickname: babe, obs, obsters. obalena, obgyn, queen of sheeba (i like to sleep)

three words that describe me: caring, thinker, frugal

meaning behind my blog name: just sounded cool and writing, even rambles, should be "eloquent"

it is really unattractive when a guy: has low self-confidence

i know it is weird but: i do not like odd numbers. maybe that is why i reply back to all my comments on my blog. i would be ok thought with an odd number in my family as in if i had 3 kids and then me and my future husband makes 5, i will be okay with that odd number.

i wish i could be more: free. moving back home has sure taken it's toll on freedom. the things we do in the name of respect for our elders/parents

if you pulled up next to me at a stoplight, you'd see me belting out the lyrics to: whatever song was on the radio on the soft rock or r&b station

my favorite part of my body is: my butt

my biggest guilty pleasure is: reality tv. bring on the real housewives!!

the best advice i have ever given: "do not give up. this situation as bad as it seems, will not last forever"--i tell myself this often

my worst habit is: worrying

you will never see me: eating peanuts or peanut butter (i am allergic)

one thing that always cheers me up is: talking to a good friend and hearing I love you!

when no one is around i tend to: just sit in the quietness and think

i do not get enough: sleep and now my doctor has said, not enough vitamin D either

the best beauty product that i cannot live without is: lipstick/lipgloss

the superpower that i would like to possess in real life is: teleportation! i can be anywhere super fast and back in time for dinner or to make it to a dinner.

if i could buy one thing right now it would be: a NEW car (i am SOOO due for one!)

the quote i tend to live by is: "all good things come to those that are patient"

i don't: like taking meds

on to Friday Four with Hilary at Feeling Beachie :)

the 4 statements:

i am a WOMAN :)

when i was little i was RUNNING AROUND INSIDE THE CLOTHES CIRCLE RACKS

sometimes i just need to EAT WHITE CHEDDAR POPCORN but i REALLY WANT POTATO CHIPS

the best thing about the holidays IS THE PAID TIME OFF (other than family of course <3)

~eloquently rambling...

Grab a Friend Blog Hop!

hey all:) i am over here today at Noor's Place for Grab a Friend Blog Hop. these are fun and hope to make a blog friend or two...three...you get the picture!

here is the "grabbing" question and answer for the week: if you could choose a career for the rest of your life, what would it be?

hmmm, well i have a few "careers" i would like to do. first would be to become a doctor (internal medicine/endocrinology). i have had SO many health issues as a kid and recently and i have been around the hospital so why not? but right now i am a school counselor for  now, which i like too, but maybe there is still hope for me to go to medical school..hmmm? (*runs to find MCAT book!*)

i would also like to be a wife and mommy. i think one day that will happen. it will either be before or after medical school, however my destiny has it planned out. i do know that either way, i will not  be alone and that is a good feeling to have and know.

~eloquently rambling...

Post Eye Surgery and you still blogged?

hey all! what a monday it has been for me. just got out of my THIRD eye surgery for my retinal detachment. all went well and the oil is out. patched up and trying to rest up. but i must love blogging b/c i could not leave you all alone without a post :) thank you for your prayers and well wishes. how was your monday?

~eloquently rambling...

Sunday Social

it is Sunday and there for it is...Sunday Social! also...wahoo to FSU (my Alma Mater) is now ACC champs. Auburn is SEC champs. guess what...they will play each other at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena! a game to be remembered indeed! GO NOLES!!!

wall paper on cell phone?--pink and gray camo background

keep beside your bed?--my phone and kindle fire

least favorite chore?--putting up the shower curtain. it makes my arms hurt. what a workout it is for the arms.

eliminate one thing from your daily routine?--getting up at 5:45am, oh what i would give not to have to be at work by 7:30am. can we start at 9:00am please :)

what do you do to vent anger?--usually post my feelings on Facebook (i know terrible) but my friends give such great advice and say they are praying and keeping me in thought and that makes it better :)

favorite holiday of the year and why?--Thanksgiving :) the best dinner of the year is cooked, and you really do not have to find or give gifts, you just tell everyone that you are thankful for them and share memories, laughs, and hugs!

~eloquently rambling...

6 Word Saturday and Stealing Sunday Meme

Happy Saturday to all! What are your plans today??

6 word Saturday...

Eye Surgery number three on Monday!

yep, you heard right. my third and hopefully last one of this and i should be back to fully healing and recovering and back to being able to drive etc. perhaps by Feb. or Mar.

 the doc is removing the oil from my left eye and hopefully that should be it and nothing else is happening back there. 

Stealing Sunday Meme--

01. What is something that you have lost recently?:--my bill that i need to pay 

02. Do you own any self-help books?:--do motivational books count?

03. Do you live near the sea or ocean?:--yes! and love it! i live in FL almost all beach

04. Have you ever spent ages making/writing something on your computer when it suddenly crashed and you lost it all?:--no, i hit save like a mad woman and e-mail it to myself and everyone else i know...just in case.

05. Do you enjoy food shopping?:--yes

06. What are you having for lunch?:--leftovers from dinner last night

07. Are you one of those people who can sleep through anything?:--if i am really tired, yes. if not, no

08. Do you like love letters?:--ahhh, yes. please send me one!

09. Have you ever received or written one?:--yes :) thank you love. usually it is in a card and then a little extra note to say i care and love you

10. How far does your nearest relative live?:--mom, dad, brother, and i are in the same house :) my aunt and uncle are about 120 miles away.

11. Do you like velvet?: --it is ok

12. What kind of art do you like?:--any really. painting and sculptures are nice 

13. If you went to London, where would you go first?:--the center of town to see the "real" local people.

14. If you had to pick one friend who is the most interesting, who would you pick?:--my good friend Mariesa. she is a riot and in Japan right now. miss her!

15. Can you think of the meanest thing you have ever done/said to someone?:--this kid was always picking on me and wanting my lunch. so one day i made him a sandwich and used Noxzema as the "mayo" and he NEVER bothered me again!

16. What magazines do you read?:--all of them! cosmo, ebony, forbes, time, travel, shape, natural health, etc. i get a lot for free in the mail

17. What/who has been on your mind today?:--sports and my love

18. Would you be interested in ghost-hunting?:--sure, any day but Halloween!

~eloquently rambling...

Follow Friday Hop & Happies and Crappies

happy Friday! here are so quick questions for the week with Hillary from Follow Friday at Feeling Beachie: 

1. have you EATEN yet?

2. I was born in JULY

3. i have never USED FOUL LANGUAGE AT A PERSON, EVEN WHEN MAD, at least as far as i know

4. i can't stand THE LINES AT WALMART

this is also the week for Happies and Crappies too!



Happies...

--got all of novembe's files done and all but 5 for the month of december done!
--my co-worker at work gave me a bunch (i must have like 50) lemons! mmm, lemon water and tea here i come!
--got to speak with my love quite a bit this week. refreshing and surprising!
--had a yummy lunch of fried chicken, yams, green beans, and mac and cheese, lemon cake, and a roll...wow!
--happy that it is friday! needed this break!

Crappies...

--Nelson Mandela passed away :(
--my tummy has been having issues this week
--i had way to many bills to pay :( i have done at least the min. payment for all of them!
--found out no phone upgrade this month as since i am on a family plan, someone in my house used what would have been my upgrade for theirs (they will remain nameless but...SHAME!!! iphone 3GS is so circa 2005 and you know and knew this!

~ eloquently rambling...

What a Thursday!

whoa, what a Thursday! sooo....

--FSU QB was cleared of charges. then again i often wonder who had a press conference to press charges?

--jimmy johns here has their 8 inch subs for $1.00 today!!! wahoo! wish i could have bought more than ONE today (no, i am not greedy, i would have saved the other for later!)

--jaguars have a game today. hope it is win #4 for them (they need it!)

--i am at work until 6pm today...eww!! 11.5 hours straight, but hey i get 2 free hours off on Monday (yea for not having to use "sick leave" to be out for surgery!)

--president is speaking tonight. kind of excited to hear it.

--getting files done and caught up. ok...back to work!

i am linked up at Her & Nicole for the Lovely Blog Hop...i sure missed it!

breaking news...Nelson Mandela has passed away. May his soul rest in peace!

 

~eloquently rambling...

Random Wednesday & Would you Rather

 

happy Wednesday to all :) so it is a random one. the weather is a mess, cold and then hot and then cold again with a touch of rain. cleaning out the office and supplies we do not need for the office move.  going to do a little game called "would you rather" right now, that is fairly random right?

Would You Rather...(these are from last week from the blog--Innerworkings of the Female Mind

...be really hot all the time or super cold?--i would rather be hot all the time. i could always use a fan to cool off i suppose and it would be helpful for the winter months! ha!

 

… spend an hour talking to J.K Rowling or an hour with Daniel Radcliffe--Daniel Radcliffe

… would you rather fly on Air Force One with the president or have a minor reoccurring role on a popular television show?--Air Force one with the President all the way!! What a neat experience that would be and who knows, if we fly to a really far place like somewhere in Africa or China, i may be able to snag an US Ambassador job at the end of it all!

this weeks Would You Rather...

… have a pet dinosaur or  a pet blue whale--pet dinosaur. and one that could fly too so that we could fly places.

… live in the jungle or  the desert--jungle...gotta have some water now and food too!

… ghost walk or  spend a night at the graveyard--ghost walk. it would be kind of fun! just not on Halloween.

… be the Queen of England or  the President of America--Queen of England. i would not have any term restrictions technically. i could be Queen until i died :)

~eloquently rambling...

Weekly Wishes--a little late :(

happy Tuesday! i sure hope it was a great one! here are my wishes for the week:

1. i wish to have a nice meal. seem like after Thanksgiving all meals just go downhill and are not the same. gotta get cooking.

2. i wish to finish up the girls files at work before i am off for a week on Monday for eye surgery.

3. i wish to get caught up on my bills (haha, but hey i got to start somewhere!)

4. i wish to start getting some Christmas shopping started and done. oh boy, i am late this year,

5. i wish to go to the new subway they built at the college i work at. will be nice to be able to get some lunch without driving out and loosing my spot :)

**what are your wishes for the week?**

~eloquently rambling...

Busy Monday!

--oh hello Monday!

--such a busy one you were.

--so busy i really could not get a blog post

--got some files done (at least all the boys)

--good to see the folks after the break

--i miss my love, but will see him soon

--facebook is acting funny right now

--hoping that Tuesday will be much better

--i need a break and sleep.. zzzzz

random i know, that is how my brain and i roll...at least today!

~eloquently rambling...

Sunday Social

it is Sunday and December is here! so it means it is time for another Sunday Social:

  

1. favorite ice cream flavor: i like neapolitan b/c it has all 3 flavors vanilla, chocholate, and strawberry all is one!

2. favorite smell: floral and yummy food

3. favorite tv commercial: anything with kids and the super bowl commercials!

4. favorite day of the week: friday b/c it is the end of the week and start of the weekend!

5. favorite way to waste time: watching videos on hulu.com, being on facebook, and pinterest

6. favorite article of clothing: sweat pants and a t-shirt. oh if i could wear it to work i would!

*what are your favorites?

~eloquently rambling...

Six Word Saturday and Stealing Sunday:

6 word Saturday:

"black friday madness; over...we think!

Stealing Sunday Meme Q&A (not sure why they post it up on Saturday, but oh well. still fun to do!)

What would you totally eat right now?:--chicken wings

Do you always wear a certain piece of jewelry?:--yes my heart necklace given to me by my love

What kind of jeans do you like?:--the ones that fit! i like pajama jeans too.


What's something on your want list?:--to get a tablet and to get married


Is animal print tacky?:--depends. on shirts or scarfs NO. in pants. leggings, jeans...YES!


Give me a good quote that you like.:--"you have to believe in yourself before others do"


Do you bite your nails?:--not anymore :)


What kind of smells do you like?:--the good ones! haha! florals, and a man's cologne on a good looking guy.


Do you wear perfume or cologne?:--yes!!


What do you think is overrated?:--lots! right now let's go with justin beiber and black friday


Next movie you want to see?:--12 years a slave. some have said i look a lot like the new and upcoming actress in the movie. here is blog link i created for comparison. what do you think?


Would you change your eye color if you could?:--blue


And what are your goals for the remainder of this year?:--to continue to get better health wise and my sight to continue to get better too. also, start making smoothies!


When is the last time you were at the hospital?--oct. 14, 2013 for my second eye surgery. 


Who introduced you to your current significant other?-- If you’re single, who introduced you to your last ex?--my current love and i met at a mutual friends b-day party/event at TGIF, we just happened to be sitting right next to each other. how ironic and coincidental. have loved him ever since and still do! 4 years and still going :) <3

~eloquently rambling...