This is normally my favorite piece to write but this year it takes on a different meaning. Overall I was still blessed beyond measure throughout this year.
2022 even more normalcy from the pandemic as more and more events, concerts and such resumed that hadn’t in 3 years such as Spring Fling in Spartanburg, the Cleveland County Fair and WU Homecoming. It was great having them all back even with inflation and increased gas prices.
I always like seeing my friends and family do well and progressing in life. I witnessed two marital unions in my friends Haley and Andrew and my cousin Erica and her love Mike. My cousin Caleb and his longtime girlfriend Chloe also got married and are expecting a daughter next year. Haley and Andrew are also expecting in June so it’s great seeing new life. My friends from Wisefire, Thomas and Vanessa, welcomed their 4th daughter, Azalia, back in July and am definitely happy that their small business continues to thrive. I temporarily lost my Friday nights again and it was good to be able to return then and during the week.
Career-wise, I celebrated year 7 with Amazon in my advanced leadership role. I worked 2nd shift for 8 months this year, first time working 2nd since my early 20s. It was definitely an adjustment and a challenge but by the time I returned to 3rd shift, I was a better manager, leader and person. The work environment and vibe around me changed, including 2 different managers. I look forward to where 2023 takes me in my current role to my next role/venture.
My schedule change would have to wait as winter break came early for me this year. I injured myself in my front yard and have to have surgery on my ankle and foot. This adds to the challenging year that I cannot blame Biden nor Mariah Carey from. I am confident as always that as long as I follow my successful blueprint from the past and abide by doctor’s orders, I will be an overall stronger person internally and externally.
I finally started my podcast on Anchor FM, producing 17 episodes, available on Spotify and Apple podcasts. I am very excited for the growth of that. I became acquainted with the Going Places podcast and the two co-hosts, Camden Clark and Daniel Price. These young men are only 15 and 14, respectively, and were inspirational forces for me. My guys with the GOB network have formed Fourcast Media and have finally been able to monetize their efforts. It’s a great time to be in radio and podcasting and I’m glad that I have that, along with my blogging and poetry.
2022 wasn’t without saying goodbye to folks in the physical. I lost Craig Bennett, my cousin Clay Turner, Paris Sweeper, Leslie Watson, Farena Bradley, my beloved dog Whiz, my Aunt Mary Kale, Richard Buckman, Lori McCracken, Aunt Linda Dover, young TJ, my friend’s beloved dog Sarge, Big Mike Smith, Vince Wilkins, Aunt Brenda, Erica Shepherd and Shalonda “Shally” Palmer.
There were several friends and family that celebrated milestones birthdays and anniversaries. I was blessed to be in attendance for my friend James Miller’s 50th birthday celebration as well as my friend Bresha Ratchford’s and my cousin Tony Gaines’s 40th.
I look back and see all of the events and functions I was invited to and was able to attend. Many people that know me did not drop the ball and still invited me when I couldn’t attend due to work or injury and I appreciate that. I truly hope that energy is the same in 2023.
I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday season, stays blessed and safe and makes the most of 2023!
imjustdrew 