After a year dominated by cancer treatment, I was determined in 2023 to reclaim my life. So I set about trying to fill my time with meaningful and fun experiences to do just that. Here's my list of my top 10 favorite things of the year.
Crochet Braids – I was tired of looking sick so I switched my style up. I found crochet to be a fun and easy way to get back to looking like me. (I still miss my locs though.) Thanks to Angelina @mohairbyangelina for always hooking me up.
CAPRA- After years of working on our agency reaccreditation 2023 marked the year when we received our visit from @nrpa's Commission on Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). I'm proud of the work that the @dcdpr team did to achieve this honor and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have led the team.
Cozy Mysteries – I found a new way to wind down in the evenings. I'm particularly a fan of the series written by authors of color. Shout out to the Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries @mpmthewriter, the Baker Street Mysteries @vmburnsbooks and Caribbean Kitchen Mysteries @latinasleuths Series.
Golden Anniversary – 2023 Marked the 50th Anniversary of Bahamian Independence. Although I wasn’t able to go home to take part in the festivities I enjoyed the celebration states side hosted by @bahamasembassydc, @bahamasembassyconsularanne and @baawmar. There was even a gala at the Kennedy Center.
Destination Weddings– I went to Cancun for the first time to celebrate the nuptials of my dear friend Regine @reginestx and her husband Vashon. Grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate with them. Got to catch up with my old friend Cece @_cece.13_ and found out why people love all-inclusive resorts and day drinking.
CBTB- After a year off for my "sabbatical' year @anacostiarc came back for Season 2 of Conversations on Blessing the Block. This year was ambitious but I'm glad I got to see it come to life. I was incredibly blessed by the books read and the authors that came to chop it up with us.
Family Cruise- In September I had the opportunity to go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise with my Aunt Josett @barolettejosette, my Sister Sarah and my first cousin Gina @gina.baptiste. In addition to the wonderful ship, the Harmony of the Seas, I was blessed to spend this extended time with family.
Danielle- She's smart, witty, thoughtful and kind! She's not just my work BFF but my friend IRL. @whatevennou So grateful for your friendship this year...one season at a time.
Jamaica – This will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. Not only did I get to spend a luxurious week with six amazing women I was able to push myself to enjoy new experiences I will treasure forever. Thank you Wensa @wenrod10 for inviting me to celebrate your birthday. Shout out to Kanika @ladynika24 , Erica @erimich9, Tiffany @tiffanynicholeloves, Moira @mojo_b2004 and TaNeesha @grahamgam for making the experience all the more rich.
Second Chances- I ended 2022 on fumes. So in 2023 I was resolved to do things differently. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I had to say YES to experiences and opportunities I may have said no to in the past. I thank God for renewed strength and faith to take full advantage of my second chance at life.
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