2014 Christmas Letter

Greetings Friends and Family,

2014 was a big year because I turned 40 in March! Wowsers! It was a year of reflection as I tried to figure out how I want the next 40 years of my life to look! To celebrate the big day, I had a get together with some of my favorite gal pals, and Romanita and I took a “This is 40’s” trip to Mexico in May.

40th Birthday Dinner

Romanita and I in Mexico

http://latonja.blogspot.com/2014_03_01_archive.html

http://latonja.blogspot.com/2014/06/puerta-vallarta.html

For my yearly “big” trip, I went to Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy with a drive by in Bosnia and Montenegro in October. I had good weather, some rain, and snow one day in the mountains. 

Most of the trip was spent in Croatia with nights in Opatija, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb. I found the food to be good, the people to be friendly, and a very laid back and slow culture. Dubrovnik goes down as a place I could live! I spent a few nights in Slovenia in Bled, which was nice and relaxing. I spent the last three nights of vacation in Venice to reflect and write. I like Venice because it is one of the most beautiful places ever. It was just jarring after being so relaxed for so long, so I am removing it from my honeymoon spots, but I still have Lucerne and Santorini! I also met some very lovely women on my trip, two of who actually live in Seattle.

I really liked Dubrovnik. As I said earlier, it’s a place I could live. The water along the Adriatic Sea was just so beautiful. It sparkles, and it gave me peace. It was so magical and beautiful. I also enjoyed time in cities like Pula with its amazing Roman Amphitheater, Split with its great palace, and Zadar with its stunning water views. Zagreb was also pretty amazing, and I would love to go back to do nothing but walk around and look at the beautiful Austrian-empire buildings and people watch in the evening while having snacks in the main square.

Trip Highlights:

• Journaling in Venice and Dubrovnik. I could sit by the water and journal and people watch all day, especially with the great weather.
• Spending an evening in Zagreb with the lovely ladies (Sonia, Tammy, Angela, and Roseanne) I met. It was a wonderful evening of great conversation with amazing women. I felt like I had gone on the trip just for that night to spend with kindred spirits in honest and timely conversations about life. It was such an enjoyable evening.
• Actually spending time with Sonia, Tammy, Angela, and Rosanne throughout the trip was good for my soul. Whether one-on-one, as a group, or subset, I enjoyed my time with them, and they are a big part of my trip memory.
• I loved walking the loop around Lake Bled and smelling the fires burning from peoples’ fireplaces. It was nice to be in a slow, quiet place and enjoy nature, even if it was a little colder up there.
• Enjoying a sit down lunch with a random person who ended up sitting down at the same time as me, who shared his chocolate with me.
• During each trip, I enjoy walking in the old towns and stopping to people watch. Even after all of these years, the old towns continue to be a meeting place for people in the community. I loved my last night in Dubrovnik as a band played 80’s music in the main square and local kids were running around playing hide and go seek. Tears at the memory.
• I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the very hot priest from Montenegro +_+. Are Orthodox priest allowed to marry. Joking!

Sadly, my pictures are still on my camera. Here is one I downloaded and one that was sent to me.

Angela, Tammy, Rosanne, Sonia, and I in Zagreb

Me at the Bled Castle

The most exciting thing on the church front was publishing the 50^th Edition of the PCC Scroll! I was so excited when we did it. It was a big double-issue, and I felt a lot satisfaction when I hit send on that one. I’m currently working on the January 1 issue. 2015 will be year 14, which is just amazing to me! Wowzers! I still usher. It’s something I am good at and can function in, but it’s not a passion like the Scroll.

My hair is coming along. January 8 will make five years of locking. I said I would have it locked for at least five years! I love it. It’s so low maintenance, which is exactly what I need. People still ask me if it’s “all me” quite a bit, and yes it is. In fact, I was asked that a few days ago.

So I began a fitness journey in January 2014 as my 40^th birthday loomed. One of the biggest things for me was making sure I started a regimen I could maintain easily. I began seeing a personal trainer twice a week, which has helped tremendously. I also try to walk during lunch and whenever I can get in some extra steps. In November, I walked my first half marathon. I was very proud when I finished! I am keeping my eyes open for different 5Ks and other half marathons I can participate in. So let me know if you know of any and want to do one with me!

The results? It’s been a little less than a year, and I have dropped some pounds (according to my last morning weigh in 25 pounds, but that number fluctuates). I sleep better, my mood is better, and I feel better. I try to make it less about the pounds and more about my overall health!

Before the race with my two teammates, Steve and Devlin, who ran the race.

At the end with our medals! I walked the marathon with Erin and Candy!

http://latonja.blogspot.com/2014/09/health-journey.html

http://latonja.blogspot.com/2014_11_01_archive.html

I am still working for the Port of Seattle. October 1, 2014, marked my 18th anniversary (included my temp time). I am still amazed how much time has gone by. Changes are afoot as the Seattle and Tacoma ports are forming a Seaport Alliance. I should know more about how that looks in March.

Here is an excerpt from my 2013 Letter:

I have no idea of what 2014 will bring, but I am excited! I haven’t had any big major changes in my life in a while, but I feel like I am ready to shake things up. Everything is the same: same company, same job, same place, same car, etc. I suppose this is good, but it could be time for a new challenge.

As they say, be careful what you ask for because you might just get it. Change is coming on my job. Things have been so stable for so long that it’s interesting to have a shakeup happen. Still not sure how I feel about it.

Oh, and I also took a cooking class this year at Il Fornaio. It was on baking bread, but please don't ask me to bake any! LOL! My goal is to take other classes like making pizza, sauces, and fresh pasta!

Baking bread with Gaby!

As I was writing this, I was glancing back over some past blog entries from this year. I have so much to be thankful for. God has been amazing in my life, and I am more grateful than I can ever express. I have friends/family who love me. I have a roof over my head. I have enough food to eat. I have been blessed with a job that covers all of my needs and some wants as well. I have my health.

2015, I think will be interesting. Things have been “stable” for so long but change is coming. I hope to handle it with grace and faith. And to always remember these words from my favorite Motley Crue song, “Just when things went right, doesn’t mean they were always wrong.”

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Questions from Yam’s Blog: Year Seven

What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?

Since 40 was around the corner, I began seeing a personal trainer because I wanted to focus on getting my health right. This culminated in November with me walking my first half marathon, which is something that has been on my bucket list! I was very excited when I finished!

Oh, and I also took a cooking lesson (baking bread), but don't ask me to bake any. LOL. You use it or you lose it! I want to do more in 2015!

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Since 40 was around the corner, I wanted to work on my health.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

My coworker Stephanie had a boy!

Did anyone close to you die?

No.

What countries did you visit?

I went to Croatia, Slovenia, and Venice. Had a quick stop in Bosnia and a day trip to Montenegro.

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

2014 was okay, but there were times I haven’t felt very “settle” for lack of a better word. I would like to feel more planted.

What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?

Memories of travel stick out over time. I can remember the names of people I’ve meet even for a few hours because they are part of an amazing journey of openness.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I was very excited when we completed the 50^th issue of the PCC Scroll. When we started the newsletter, reaching that milestone was not something I had really thought about.

What was your biggest failure?

Same as last year. I don’t handle “disappointments” well. And after my meltdowns, things fall into place. I’m trying to get better at my reactions especially since I know that all things work for my good. I’m kind of a spoiled brat, but I do my whining and pouting in private.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

No. My health tends to be good.

What was the best thing you bought?

My plane ticket! Always a good investment.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

I noticed that a lot of people are trying to accomplish their dreams. I am very proud of those people.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I am a little confused with people who profess to be Christians, but they have nothing but anger, malice, and hate in their hearts. To know Christ is to know love. Spewing hate tells me you have never met God.

Where did most of your money go?

Outside of normal monthly experience, travel, which is a good thing.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My trip and the 50^th edition of the Scroll!

What song/album will always remind you of 2014?

Nothing stands out. I’m not a really big music person though

Compared to this time last year, are you:

happier or sadder? Happier

thinner or fatter? Thinner (smile)

richer or poorer? Richer

What do you wish you'd done more of?

I wish I could afford to do more travel, which is not necessarily true. I just need to refocus my budget.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

I could have spent less time stressing and worrying over things (and people) I can’t change.

How will you be spending New Year's?

New Year’s Eve at church then hopefully to Denise’s.

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

I don’t really talk on the phone

Did you fall in love in 2014?

No! Every year is a disappointment LOL – I’m not bitter or anything *_*

How many one night stands in this last year?

Do people do that?

What was your favorite TV program?

The only shows I followed are Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones. I also like The Big Bang Theory.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I don’t really hate anyone, but there are people who are not healthy to be around.

What was the best book(s) you read?

I don’t think I read anything new this year. Just re-reads.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

No new music.

What did you want and get?

I wanted to travel, and I was able to save enough money to do so.

What did you want and not get?

I’m trying to embrace won’t I don’t get. Things have a way of working out. I am grateful for not getting a few things I thought I wanted.

What were your favorite films of this year?

I am looking forward to watching the third installment of the Hobbit next week!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 40, and I had a small get together with some girlfriends.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I’m trying to focus on being grateful for the things I have. Sometimes we think life will be great when we have this, that, or the other, but things are good!

It would be nice to have someone to share my life with, but only if it’s the right person.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?

I like to be comfortable.

What kept you sane?

Writing, traveling, and alone time.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Not really into anyone right now.

What political issue stirred you the most?

There are three topics that are sure to get people riled up: race, religion, and politics. I don’t talk much about my experience as a black woman in America, but I am on edge about racial matters in this here country.

Who did you miss?

I miss my old friends near and far but realize times are changing.

Who was the best new person you met?

I met four amazing women on my trip!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.

People speak with their words but it’s in the actions that the truth is told.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?

Drawing a blank.