Conquering the World

YEAR 27: JAMAICA

For months I delayed purchasing my ticket to go to Jamaica because I had much more important things I could do with the money. But as the time got closer, my mind needed a reset. Vacation always puts me in reset mode. I was nervous about the whole thing because I had not been there in almost 8 years. The last time, I was burying family. Jamaica was like that for me between the years of 2006 to 2008. I no longer wanted to go back to the place my parents call home because it was always a funeral. The thought of Jamaica made me cringe. However, this year, I wanted to get over my fear of going back. Apart of that fear was burying my grandmother in 2007. I loved her dearly. And every time I’d arrive and leave Jamaica, we would always pass where she was laid to rest. I remember the last time I was there in 2008 and how I could not breathe as we drove closer to the cemetery. It was something I no longer wanted to experience. But I needed to visit her and say hello because I was unsure if I’d have the time again or if I had finally outgrown that fear. Lets just say, seeing her again, healed me. I had experience a lot over the year and needed this more than I thought. I wasn’t able to say good bye again but I got to say hello. It started my trip on a good note, kinda.

I went back home to my father’s parish in Jamaica. The beautiful parish of Portland. It’s natural beauty is one to see. I never seen the beauty until this visit. Above from left to right, I wrote year 27 in the sand at Frenchmen’s Cove beach, below is the Trident castle (I dare you to google this and look at the wedding packages, its a dream! Maybe mister right might agree to those prices), the Blue lagoon is 65 feet deep and he had to drag my ass out that water, and below I enjoyed the swing at Frenchmen’s cove beach that was connected to a small river.

Here from left to right, was our tour guide as we rafted around the Blue lagoon, the day we stopped by a local beach and I needed this photo to remind me that New York beaches are filthy because in JA I could see my toes!, and I went to a resort on my birthday and enjoyed the all inclusive amenities in Ocho Rios.

The top photo, I took as we were driving to Ocho Rios, below, from left to right, I was sitting on the veranda enjoying a cup of tea at 6:00 AM as it lightly rained as it does in Portland, my two friends who came to experience this trip with me, and right before I turned 27 years old on April 11th, I went into the town at a karaoke lounge with my friends and were talking to those guys across the street.

What I did learn on this trip was that I am patient. Things that would cause me internal strife and anxiety, didn’t really occur on this trip like I assumed. Some problems happened being that I stayed at my house, but I took it well. The trip was fun but this may be my official last girls get away. Well, there’s is the bachelorette getaway coming next year for my best friend, but I’ll be set up in a different way so I don’t have to deal with any form of drama, like on other girls trips in prior years. I’m currently working on a baeaction! Jamaica is romantic. I met a couple from Brooklyn that were staying at a treehouse by the Blue Lagoon. I was jealous, I won’t lie. So I’m working on it. I’d like to go on another romantic getaway. Its fun. After this trip, I will be returning to Jamaica. I’ll attempt at making it a once a year trip but I usually only go away once a year because I’m adulting and I have somethings to take care of for my future that I am currently putting together.

My heart is getting what it wanted, as I addressed in my Transitional Phase post. I went for a second round interview that I was praying for. School is coming together. I’m transitioning into my career very well. All the previous jobs have aligned this year which makes me happy. And I feel good. I have some amazing people in my life. I’m excited about some of the opportunities that are coming my way. I’ve been healing from all the disappointment I was facing last year. I’m proud of where I am. I’m allowing time to happen.

Toast to an amazing start, #year27

Monday

It’s the fourth day in April. Which means I am 7 days away from my arrival to earth. I was born this month. Another opportunity to start the “new year”. But no big changes really. I’m sticking to the original script.

Today is gloomy and raining. This weather calls for a good cup of tea, a foot rub, a good movie, and well other adult things. But instead, I’ll do my home work and get in bed early. My body is trying to recover from my simple weekend. I feel like I’ve been lifting weights, my entire body feels sore. Rest is always good.

Pertaining to work, I’m at a new site, and I am not doing anything at the moment. I’m bored. It’s so bad that I created a Snap chat account, I’m looking at social media all day to entertain myself, and my phone is dying every few hours. I know the work load will start on Thursday but I need to do something now.

April will have two mini getaways that I am excited about.

First, Jamaica. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there. Last I went was for a funeral and I couldn’t bother to return again. For many years that was the purpose of my trips to Jamaica. Burying my loved one. This year I need to get over my fear. When my maternal grandmother passed away, apart of my world vanished. I was only able to see her for about a good three minutes before they laid her to rest. The last time I visited, anxiety was an understatement when I had to drive past her resting space. I didn’t get out the car, I couldn’t handle it. So this year, and now that some time has passed, I’m going to say hello, tears and all.

My second trip, well it’s undecided. I am positive that when I return from Jamaica, that I’ll want to get away again. I’m doing this trip alone. It won’t be far. Maybe jump on the Amtrak and go to DC. I’ve been meaning to go for a long time now. I’ll look up an Airbnb and see if I like that option or, get a nice hotel and do room service. If that doesn’t work out, staycation it is. Hotel in the city sounds cool too.

I hope I can get some reading done during this month. I finished Jojo Myers, You Before Me, and let’s just say that I am completely in my feelings. I cried after I finished that book. What a perfect way to resurface feelings? Well it will be in theaters in June, so I’ll be crying again. If your into love novels and believing that your partner should bring the best out in you, please read this book.

Anything exciting happening in April?

Sundays : B R O O K L Y N

Today, I jumped on the train and headed to Brooklyn. I have a love/hate relationship for Brooklyn. For good, bad, and indifferent reasons but I just can’t ever stay away from Brooklyn for too long. After my trip to California last year, I learned to get over the fear of doing things alone. So whenever I want to do something now, I just get up and go! Today’s adventure was the Brooklyn Museum.

I had been meaning to see the KAWS exhibit for some time now but every time I ask someone to come with me, it seems like its a hassle. Today I was suppose to be seeing the exhibit with a friend but they didn’t wake up on time. So what to do? GO by yourself. I asked an onlooker to snap a photo because this was the purpose of the visit! For a second I didn’t want to walk around the museum but I decided I had nothing to lose. The two hour train commute was real! So I was going to make my trip worth it.

My love for furniture and interior designed had me in the 19th century exhibits for longer than I anticipated. The fabric on the couch and chairs were gorgeous. Giving me ideas for my ~~house~~.

The modern art was fun. I’d like to hopefully go to the MoMa in a few weeks, when school starts to slow down. I have a thing for the arts.

I didn’t have breakfast and my body was reminding me of that. All that walking made me hungry. If you’re anything like me, you prefer the low key, old, no name spots. I didn’t notice it at first but, the name was hidden in the window. Tom’s on Washington Avenue in Crown Heights.

I decided to do breakfast. It was late in the afternoon, so I guess you can consider it Brunch. I didn’t finish my meal. One pancake had me ready to fall asleep. I recommend for a quick and affordable breakfast.

I’m ready for more days like this. I told my best friend that I might dedicate my summer to touring the city. I’m from New York and I really don’t explore it much. There’s so much to do. I have nothing but space and opportunity, as long as I am ready for the challenge, it can be done.

How was your weekend?