Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010

Here is my "Christmas Letter":

I hope this finds you all well and peaceful during the Holiday season! Even more, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Most of us are looking forward to what 2010 will bring, but I am also looking back with thanksgiving for all the blessings I received in 2009.

I have continued my studies in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. In 2010, I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in ECE and Child Development. Throughout my studies, I have gained knowledge in the field through hands-on learning experiences at the University of Alabama's Children's Program and the university's RISE School program. Aside from that, I have worked in practicums at Holt Elementary in Tuscaloosa County with the HeadStart program where I mentored students and shadowed a kindergarten teacher. The HeadStart program I worked this past summer, focuses on developing cognitive, social, and behavioral skills in underpriviledged and poverty-struck children. This Fall, I worked with fourth-grade students with disabilities at Verner Elementary in Tuscaloosa County. Both experiences were very eye-opening and deepened my passion for working with children with special needs.

I enjoyed my job as a hostess at 'Chuck's Fish' in downtown Tuscaloosa, which I worked from January-July, but had to give it up in order to focus on my heavy school schedule. This Fall was the first semester I did not 'nanny' for the Duckworth family, also because of my studies. However, I was able to help out with Camryn and Jace whenever the Duckworth's needed extra help.

Aside from schoolwork, my main job was raising "Millie", my now-7-month-old boxer. I got Mildred Jean ("Millie") in June and we have developed a special bond ever since the day I brought her home. She continues to brighten my day and keep me company while showering me with the kind of unconditional love that only dogs can give. She has been quite the travel-partner as well. Since June, she and I have gone to Lake Mitchell, Fairhope, Asheville, and Orlando (twice). She loves to accompany me to Ashley and Tyler's in Trussville where she gets to play with cousins Maybelle and Beau.

Even with my change in undergraduate studies, I have continued to write. Obviously, since this is my blog, those reading this are aware of my passion for writing. I also write a sport's blog, which is where my "blogging" is founded. That blog stems from the sport's column I wrote for my high school newspaper. This blog can be found at, www.justjonesit.blogspot.com.

In March, I spent a memory-packed Spring Break with friends in Key West. My friends Will Pappas and Bess Pickett drove down with me and stayed at my parent's house in Orlando for three days before we packed back up and met a large group of friends in the sub-tropics. Actually, I drove the large Chevy Tahoe which felt as if I was driving a monster truck. In Orlando, we spent a full-day at Epcot Center in Disney World by participating in the "Drink Around The World" event that college students nation-wide have labeled as one the "Must Do's" as a young twenty-something year-old. With true Southern pride we started in "America" with a Budweiser before we began our parade of margaritas in "Mexico", beers and brats in "Germany", sake shots in "Japan", more beer in "Canada", Irish car-bombs and Guinness in "Ireland", and much more. Mom and Dad dropped us off and picked us up as we practiced true 'responsibility.' After lounging around Oviedo and visiting New Smyrna Beach, we spent the rest of the week with friends in our three-bedroom suite in beautiful Key West. After a few days of the "Duval Crawl" which involves bar-hopping in true college student fashion on the island's most famous street, Duval Street, we were exhausted but satisfied with an unforgettable trip.

Also in the Spring, I was able to spend a relaxing weekend at Lake Martin with a bunch of my guy friends before buckling down for Spring semester exams. The exams went well and Spring was my best semester thus far, but I still managed to celebrate like a crazy Tar Heel when Roy William's and his boys won the Final Four in Detroit, before I had to hit the books for those successful exams.

Now, the crazy Crimson Tide part of me is in heavy celebration after the sweet, sweet victory over the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta that followed the Tide's undefeated regular season. Beating my home state, where it seemed championships were falling into their laps, was just an added bonus to the conference championship and bid to the BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Even more of a bonus? Our leading rusher, Mark Ingram, won the Heisman Trophy and became the first player in Alabama history to receive such an honor. Needless to say, my heart is pounding for my school and the happy tears I've cried after monumental victories and watching history be made have never felt so good!

This past year has seen up's and down's. Yet, as the year ends and a new one peeks it's head around the corner, I find myself with much peace and happiness. I've made long strides in my life as a young lady by defining 'me' for who I am and not wavering for another's acceptance or nod. I've found out who my friends are, and who they aren't. In August, I met a wonderful, Southern-gentlemen from Mobile, AL named Preston and have continued to date him and get to know him better while sharing the excitement of football Saturdays with him. I've made new friends that I believe will last a lifetime, and I have had to say 'goodbye' to friends who are moving away from Tuscaloosa but will always be special to me. I continue to stay close to my family and stay true to my firm belief that they are the most important people in my life. I am more thankful for their love than I could ever express in words. Last but not least, I remain a God-fearing Christian and have been blessed with many answered prayers this year.

I hope that everyone is full of thanksgiving for the things that 2009 have brought, and I hope even more that 2010 continues to be full of blessings.

To God be all the glory and praise!
-BJJ
The 'Other' Sister

The Reason for the Season

As I witness the hustle and bustle of the holidays I can not help but be overwhelmed by the exhausting love that parents show their children. Fighting lines at the toy store so that the newest toy is within reach or the hours of preparing festive meals and holiday treats. The sacrifices that parents give in order to pleasantly surprise the little ones on Christmas morning is indescribable and it makes for a very humbling experience.

I have always had parents that wore themselves out in order to give me a complete and merry holiday season. I always was pleased and never disappointed in my gifts from Santa, my parents, and my grandparents. When ripping apart gift wrap and going through boxes of presents like a tornado in my younger years I did not realize how much of a fortune I had. Not in monetary terms, but in the terms that I was blessed with beautiful and loving people all around me. As I grew up and as each Christmas went by I learned more and more about life and how I have all things to be grateful for and even the wrapping that covered my gifts was more than some people had on Christmas mornings.

Some do not even have families.

I have always been especially concerned for children who do not have families or parents that love them. I am a firm believer in adoption and I stand against abortion. I think much can be learned if we would all slow down and spend a little more time in the volunteer force or charity campaigns because the individuals that need the services are not stupid or any less of a person than we are. They have feelings, emotions, amazing abilities, and lessons that are more valuable than any college curriculum textbook. It is amazing how beautiful a child can be when she seems to have nothing to be smiling about. No wrapped Christmas presents, no parents, no hams and turkeys and pecan pies, and no Christmas tree to adorn with twinkling lights.

I asked her what made the holidays so special for her. She answered, "my brother that got shot and my grandmother that raised me were both my favorite people before they went to heaven. They always told me that Christmas wasn't about presents and decorations but it was Jesus' birthday and I know they're with Jesus so I'm just glad they're up there having fun."

Tears poured from my eyes as they stared at this poverty-struck fourth grade girl that I mentor on occasion. I found myself in awe of her. How strong, sensible, and sincere were her words and how grateful her aching heart was. Her hair bounced in diva-like ringlets and her teeth shined when she smiled so big. She laughed as I sat there and wiped tears from my eyes as though she couldn't believe I would be 'sad' during the season of Jesus' birthday. She had no idea how humble she had just made me and how fortunate I was to have the things that so many other children don't have. I felt sick to my stomach as I made a note to send a special wrapped holiday treat her way before I went home for the holidays because I have spent many days of my life living selfishly and by taking the little things for granted. I've had reality checks in my life before but none like this one. This reality check sent me home from her elementary school in the poorer part of town with a lesson that can be recognized but never truly learned and accepted until it's right there in your face smiling back at you as your whole being seems to grow in holiday cheer and thanksgiving.

So, as the holidays approach us I hope that those of us who live a fortunate life can give back in some way to make a difference in the lives of people who don't. Even more so, we should focus on making the lives of people with needs better by spreading this fortune throughout the entire year and not just during the holiday season.

Like her brother and grandmother taught her, and Jesus taught us all, we must remember the reason for the season and be thankful for Jesus Christ, our Lord, because no gift is better than the gift he gave us and no ham or turkey is better than the bread of life that is the Gospel.

Merry Christmas and God Bless each and every one!

-BJJ
The 'Other' Sister