As the January 2010 magazines begin to pile up in my mailbox, I’m reminded that 2009’s time is up! I cannot believe how quickly this year went full circle. Plainly it proves my grandmother was correct when she used to say, “time ain’t waiting on none of us.” So I’ve decided to reflect on some of the things that really touched and changed my life in so many miraculous ways. I’ve created 3 blogs and was rekindled with my passion for the written word! Love, live, and breathe to write…going to stop chasing my dream of writing a book and commit myself into doing it! I traded in my fashionista coating for a recessionista armor which believe me was a difficult achievement. With the unfortunate downsize that I had experienced, I had no choice but to control my compulsive spending…speaking of shopping, I cannot believe they actually made a movie about someone like me, Confessions of a Shopaholic; Go figure! I acclimated to my new environment and prioritized my needs over wants; full-fledged-adult-here! Budgeting also taught me to respect the value of my dollars…and pennies too!
President Barack Obama made history and proved that change has come to our nation. His glamorous other 
half, Michelle Obama, brought back fashion to the White House where Jacqueline Kennedy left off. Mesmerizing to say the least of the Obamas’. Oprah announced her retirement and boy was that a blow for an avid viewer & fan like myself. As she grew emotional and fought back tears, I allowed mine to roll down my face; I couldn’t mask my disappointment of losing her as well as my joy for her new journey. Hey, I blame it on getting older…certain commercials can bring the waterworks on! Anyone who personally knows me is aware of the reverence I have for Ms. Winfrey. She’s been a part of my life for almost 25 years and during this time she has become a trusted friend of some sort and is definitely a true visionary…Ms. Winfrey makes dreams come true.
The importance of living my life to the fullest everyday was delicately reminded with the untimely deaths of my beloved grand-aunt and so many famous people too. We said our goodbyes to countless talents that I know my list will not be completely accurate. Michael Jackson, listening to your music uplifted me in my darkest hours…thank you! DJ AM missing those turntable mixes; Patrick Swayze, your masculinity and graceful moves made Dirty Dancing a cult-classic; Ricardo Montalban, enjoyed your illusions on Fantasy Island; Farrah Fawcett, forget Charlie…you’re God’s Angel now; John Updike, think of you fondly when watching the mischievousness of The Witches of Eastwick; Senator Ted Kennedy, appreciated your contribution to our politics and thanks for your Obama endorsement; John Hughes…I feel forever young when watching your slew of 80’s hits, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Breakfast Club…genius! Natasha Richardson…you were unconvincing as an icy diva in Maid in Manhattan because you were quite the opposite; Bea Arthur, you are eternally one of the Golden Girls; Brittany Murphy, never Clueless…just rolling with the homies!
In closing, I’m grateful to you, my dedicated readers, and look forward to providing edutainment to your computers in 2010!
Shani Anona's Blog 