Top 5 Things I'm Grateful For This Thanksgiving!

Hello readers! I've missed writing to you all. In the midst of living and soaking up a plethora of opportunities that life has bestowed upon me, I thought I'd take a moment, reflect, and enjoy some personal writing. As we look on our calendars, it's hitting us that 2013 is coming to a close and before we can unwrap presents & drink champagne to send off the year, we have to gather around the table and indulge. That's right, it's Thanksgiving! Can you believe that it's turkey time yet again? Let the warm and fuzzy feelings commence! Now, let's get to the nature of this post. Last year, I decided to forgo a "Top 10" list and stick to one long post. Well, I'm bringing the list back. But, instead of 10 things I'm grateful for, it'll be 5. So, let's jump right in, the Top 5 things I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving are:

5. Sports - 2013 has been a trying year for me, in all capacities, and oddly enough, it's been sports that has provided a form of escapism. From the Yankees and there never-ending saga of triumph/defeat to the All Star Game turning rivals into friends for 3 hours to Duke basketball showing promise with the emergence of Jabari Parker, sports has allowed me to center and gather my thoughts while playing coach and GM to the masses. Thank you, guys!

4. Meaningful Friendships - The saying goes, "friends come into your for a season and/or reason" and this year, I've made friends who will surely be in a presence for many seasons to come and I've kept friends whose value continues to climb. It has been through their laughter, listening ears, and increasing optimism that has made an impact on my life. When old friendships and new friendships collide, there is no force that can break our bonds. 

3. Childlike Spirit - There's nothing greater than watching the same Looney Tunes episode of Bugs Bunny giving Gossamer a makeover while saying in a Brooklyn Italian accent, "You monsters make very inter-esting people" and cracking up as if it's the first time it's crossed your path. When everything seems to be caving in, flipping to Cartoon Network and watching Adventure Time is the remedy. If cartoons can find silver linings, so can we!

2. Wisdom- I've seen a lot and have encountered life changing moments and while the majority of what transpired was due in part to what I call"mistakes", I've come to define them as unnecessary/necessary events. What made them unnecessary was their timing but, what made them essential was that I was able to see past the event and analyze it for what it really was. For me it's truly been about the "take-home" message. 

1. In A Nutshell, Everything - No matter if it's compiled into a list, simple message, or holiday greeting, I give reverence to an all encompassing year. Trying or abundantly blessed, I'm grateful for everyone and everything in my life. 

Well folks, that's my list. It is my hope that you use this Thanksgiving to reflect on what your heart sings and what has awakened your spirit. Stuff your faces and be merry!

XOXO,

Whitney

A Thanksgiving Message Just For You!

Hello readers. As you all continue your prepping for Thanksgiving with copious amounts of chopping and seasoning or memorizing the aisles of your favorite department store as Black Friday approaches, I wanted to take this time to wish you and your families a happy Thanksgiving. As I sit here and type, having just washed my hands of brown sugar, garlic, and onions, I wanted to relay this message to you. Now, normally I would do my famous "Top 10"list but this year, I've decided to keep it short and sweet & take in all of my blessings. Because I'm always counting, it doesn't seem as daunting to sit back and reflect. I'm thankful for the basic necessities that aid in my life running smoothly. Having adequate health, shelter, clothing, and the ability to spread my knowledge through teaching high school students is always at the top of my list but I'm also thankful for the friends and family who continue to be positive influences in my life. Their love and words of wisdom are just what I need to help me be better. 

I'd also like to thank you my faithful readers who I keep coming back to see what new and interesting things I have to say. Although my posts may be sporadic, sometimes I don't write from months on end, when I look at the "Pageviews" in the Stats section of Blogger, I am in awe that you all are fascinated and drawn into what I have to say. It means a lot and here's to many more months and years of blogging about sports and entertainment.

As I wrap up, I hope that you all enjoy this day and all it has to offer. No one should be a "Negative Nancy" on a day that celebrates blessings & altruism. "Positive Pollyism"(yes, it's a made up word) should be rampant today so stuff your faces & if you like the New York Jets like me, let's cheer them on :).

XOXO,
Whitney

Let's Raise Some Hell in 2012

Readers! As 2011 gears for a close, I wonder what you all are doing, thinking, and feeling. There's always an array of emotions when having to say goodbye to people, things, and years. No matter what transpired during these past 12 months, let's all hope everyone is working towards a "new year, new me". Oh lord even writing that phrase made me roll my eyes because, let me have my moment to be a little bit cynical, I'm more of a person who'd rather walk the walk than talk the talk but because not everyone shares the same views as I do, I hope you all find much success with your whole "new me" endeavor. What I think we can all agree on is that 2012 will not start off like this:

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

Can't you tell that I'm excited for Mob Wives to return? Although I love these 4 women and their complex stories, no one should be starting off 2012 by feuding. I guess we'll just have to watch to see why Karen and Drita are still beefing. Ok, that moment of digression is over, let's get back to the post at hand.

I don't know why I haven't been in the mood to do a "Top 10" post since Thanksgiving because I am surely a "make a list" person; I have lists in my head, my planner, and my computer. Writing a list wouldn't be right because frankly because all of my ten things can be summed up with a simple phrase "Thank You".

Thank you to everyone who has allowed this blog to shine and grow worldwide. Thank you to my family, boyfriend included, whose unwavering support has kept me afloat and sane. Many thanks to those who have been riding with me since high school and college because we shall keep riding until the wheels fall off.  Thanks to the economy for not bringing me down with it. I was employed this year and able to spread my message of financial success to teenagers and adults throughout the 5 boroughs. Thanks to the new people who've entered my life and have hung in for the long journey because things shall only get better.

I don't really see a need to drag this post on because who wants to continue reading when the last day of the year has to be celebrated in style? Y'all don't have to answer that. Happy New Year guys and let's raise some hell in 2012.

XOXO,
Whitney

A Christmas Message Written Just For You :)

Hello readers and Merry Christmas. Wherever your exact location is this holiday season, take a moment to  smile and be merry. There's nothing like a smile to brighten up even the most horrific days. I'm taking my breather to write you all and to extend this warm greeting. I could of used this space to write another "Top 10 Things I Hope Santa Brought Me This Year" post like I did last year but, I believe I have everything I could have asked for. Ok ok so there are things that I really do want and it wouldn't kill me to do a Top 10 list right? So, here goes...The Top 10 Things I Hope Santa Brought Me For Christmas 2011:

10. Celebrity Friendships - I would love to be best friends with Derek Jeter & Robinson Cano

9. Career Expansion - Becoming the Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve has a nice ring to it.

8. Upper Eastsider Status - Having a townhouse on Park Avenue? Can someone say baller!

7. Career Re-Awakening- The ability to leave Wall Street for good and devote my time to running my successful children's foundation geared toward academic and social development.

6. Fashion Frenzy......

Alright guys I'll stop there. That was a little rouse to get you all pumped up and attentive. The list won't continue because in all seriousness, I am content with the blessings that I have received this season and I hope you are too. Remember to use this day to do three things: laugh, analyze, and cry. Laugh with your friends and family,   analyze the pros and cons of this season and think about which one you'll let reign over you today, and finally cry because you are that damn overcome with joy and nothing will stop your show. Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel!

XOXO,
Whitney

Top 10 Things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving

As the year approaches its end, there are two things besides New Years Eve that we folks get all warm and fuzzy about: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Today is Thanksgiving and if God, Allah, Buddha, Krishna, or the Universe has allowed you to partake in the festivities, please take a moment and express your thanks. It doesn't take much to walk away from the noise, look up to the sky, and sincerely utter "thank you"therefore, find the energy and make it happen. Now I know we all want to get back to our families and stuffing our faces so here are the Top 10 things I'm more than grateful for this holiday season: (Disclaimer: There are a few things that I am thankful that many of you have seen before. It was too good not to use again)

10. Laughter - There's no greater feeling than to find something extremely funny and chuckling loudly until your stomach hurts. If you're fortunate enough to have a variety of sources to make your stomach hurt such as television, radio, and friends, then you are in my book a winner. I enjoy the moments where those in my life can change my mood from sullen to ecstatic. It it those moments that I live for and look forward to everyday. If you haven't found your means of laughter, please do so because having frown lines around your lips from laughter says a lot.

9. Positivity- We can all agree that the ability to find the silver lining in every situation is a job within itself and while there have been times when pessimism occupied my life, I couldn't help but muster up the strength to thing happy thoughts. You'd be surprised to see how your whole outlook and day changes when you alter the way you look at your life and find solutions to your problems.

8. Wisdom- I've seen a lot and have encountered life changing moments and while the majority of what I've seen and encountered were because of what you all may call "mistakes", I call them unnecessary/necessary events. What made them unnecessary was their timing but what made them essential was that I was able to see past the event and analyze it for what it really was.

7. Unlimited Opportunities - I am blessed with the opportunity to love, be loved by many, and share what I have to the world. I will continue to exhaust all the energy that I have to give back and enable someone to half half of the opportunities I have.

6. Health- No list would be complete without being thankful for good health. In this crisis that we continue to weather through everyday simple necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and health have been sacrificed for millions. I am thankful to have great coverage with my health insurance plan and I'm grateful for the 2 colds that Ive had this year. It would seem odd that I'm thankful for colds but to treat my colds with NyQuil and sleep vs extended hospital stays and surgeries.

5. Knowledge - When it comes to proper education for all, you all know that I will effortlessly fight to ensure that all children have the means to great education. I was fortunate enough to attend great schools throughout my journey of learning and when I think about the corrupt systems in place that seek to destroy the basic right of education, it makes my blood boil. We all have to do better in ensuring that our children have bright futures so let's get the ground running!

4. Consistency - I know many people whose lives have gone from close to perfection to earth shattering chaos. I am grateful that for the past year, there have been some things that have remained constant and they are: family, friends, love, health, and employment. While everything else has shifted and the time has gone by, these things have either been constant or slightly improved but never depreciated or have left.

3. Employment - Oh readers, this right here is the mother load. With the recession and the unemployment rate increasing, disgruntled and fed up citizens have taken to the streets and "Occupied Wall Street".  Demanding that regulation be reinstated, the CAMELS system enforced, and economic equality for all, folks have decided to camp out in the city to voice their frustrations. I am thankful for having a job and income coming in. To see people that I know grapple with unemployment is disheartening but also eye opening. Before you decide to complain about your boss and the extra work he/she gave you, think about those having to decide between paying their rent or putting food on the table because they're a week away from being laid off.

2. Family- I'm certainly not a one dimensional woman, there are definitely many angles that make up who I am. I attribute that to my family. I'm thankful for their loving, caring, blunt, outrageous, and downright sincere nature. Without that array of qualities to choose from, I would be bland and boring...eww those words are nasty.

1. Love- There's no way I could have the ability to reflect on anything if I didn't reserve a huge chunk of heart for love. The ability to love and in turn be loved back is indescribable. You truly have to experience it to begin to help me define it. There's no greater feeling than telling someone "I love you" and having them saying it back and hearing the genuine emotion. I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.

Well readers, there you have it, the 10 things I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving. May you all enjoy this holiday and stop to give genuine thanks for things in your life.

XOXO,

Whitney