2012-2013

Well, it's a new year...but I'm still the same lil ole me. I suppose it's been a while since I've given you an update on my life. I think I say that every time I blog, but that's irrelevant.  So, in order to do a little catching up I need to do a quick flashback to 2012.

In ::insert month here:: of 2012 I traveled to New Orleans for a Cathy Harris Diversity & Inclusion Training. If you are in Higher Ed and interested in enhancing diversity & inclusion at your University, I encourage you to attend this training. It was a 3 day, 8-5 training, but every minute was well worth the price.  What's being in Nola without roaming the streets, right? Every where I go, I really try to learn something new. From this experience, I learned to be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

In October of 2012, my big sister became Mrs. Burse. What a wonderful wedding it was! If you know us, you know we are always down for a good time.  Some days I hear certain songs and still think of the fun we had at the reception.  Nakeitra was absolutely stunning, as you can imagine.  I hope her wedding day, and each day leading to, was everything she every dreamed of.

The bride, mom, myself, and baby brother on sister's big day! Do I have a lovely family or what?

Photobooth fun!

Sometime shortly after, we celebrated mama and my aunt Rosilin's 40& 50 birthday bash. They wanted a masquerade ball and that's exactly what they got! If I didn't know any better I would think they were 21!

In November, I traveled to Vegas for a convention. It so just happen to be election week! These pictures do no justice. It was so pleasant to see such diversity on such an amazing night.People where cheering loudly up and down the strip...such an incredible experience to share with others.

Just another beautiful view I wanted to share

A week after Vegas, I quickly washed, packed, and boarding my next plane to Denver for yet another conference.  Talkin' about weather changes?! Whew! Vegas was very very nice and I nearly froze to death in Denver. Needless to say, this little lady came down with a cold...but nothing NyQuil couldn't fix. I was well enough to finish out the conference and end with a fun day of shopping! Being in Denver all alone (well from MSU) was quite a challenge. I am blessed to be able to experience such an event, but there were literally thousands of administrations, faculty, staff in Higher Ed. Every time I stepped out of my room I saw another face....talk about anxiety!

One morning before the opening session...I was SO nervous.

Now, of course we had to finish 2012 with a bang. Joey and the Noxubee Tigers won the 4A State Championship. This was such a historical moment for the school and I am glad I was able to be apart of the celebration.  The team went 16-0...perfect season! I think that's kind of a big deal.

As soon as I got out of my boot, he was put in one. What a couple!

This year we decided to spend Christmas with my sister and her husband. They recently purchased a house, so they hosted this year.  After days of shopping, eating, and just enjoying our break, we decided to go ice skating.  This was such a fun outing for us all.

Birthdays were also celebrated in December.  Joey's sister, Deana, celebrated her birthday with a gathering at Dave's Dark Horse. Always a great place for pizza might I add. Happy Birthday Deana!

And what better way to bring in the new year.  2012 was wonderful to me and I pray I will be able to say the same at the end of 2013. I know there will be challenges, I know there will be celebrations...and I'm okay with that. I am ready to take on the challenges and rejoice in times of celebration. But most importantly, I am always ready to give God the praise. For I am ONLY here by His grace and mercy. Happy New Year!