#thingsilearned

“This week I learned”: topics that piqued interest

At New College, most students refuse to let learning become a chore. They choose to pursue the things they care about and let that curiosity fuel their academic prowess. Picking up facts, strange anecdotes, new concepts and weird histories is an exciting part of college. Throughout the week, I asked groups of NCF students what they learned this week.

It could be something insightful, something…

I haven’t been on here since 2017, when I was 29. Whew chileee!! Looking at my old pics makes me both nostalgic and a bit jealous. I’d rather be jealous of myself than of someone else though so HEEEYYYY!!

So anyway, let’s see, what’s new? I’ve gained weight (wahhhh!). About 30lbs and though I’m losing it again, still, I feel totally different in my body. 

I’m now an equinox trainer, have been for 2 years now and I am starting to get burned out. It’s a lot, they ask for a lot, you have to do a lot to make money, and there are easier, better, healthier, more lucrative ways to do this. 

I’m leaving New York this year (YYAAASSSS!!). My time here is up. I know that, I’ve been known that and I am absolutely thrilled to be here (as in getting ready to leave). I’m moving to Atlanta and MAY possibly go home to DC for a few months as a transition. We’ll see. More to come :)

I’m no longer with Eric. I broke up with him almost 2 years ago and it was and still has been one of the BEST things I’ve done here in New York. I’m very happy without him. We are still cordial, talk from time to time but other than that, he is no longer my world and I am forever grateful for that because it. was. ROUGH!

I have braces now. Have had them for for a year and 4 months now and they are set to come off sometime this fall. My smile loos so much better and though these things constantly cut the inside of my mouth, it’s temporary and my smile is part of my confidence. I’m very grateful to be able to afford them as I’ve wanted/needed them for years. 

My next big investment is Therapy as I want to start going for a bit. Some things I need to clear including self esteem, future visions, mind set and forgiving myself, certain family members and getting unstuck.

I currently live in Brooklyn, Park Slope area (near Prospect Park) and it’s aiight. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when in NYC, I’m a MANHATTAN GAL! But this was cool having been through what I’d been through.

I read an old entry about when I was going through bed bugs and BABY! It was bigger than I originally knew. Long story short, a guy who Josh approved to move in (I was against him) brought them with him and as I started getting bit, Josh didn’t take it serious enough so after they sprayed and they came back maybe 3 months later, I moved out without paying the rent because NO! And no one should ever have to live like that. EVER!

Needless to say that friendship is over. But everyone can’t come with you on your journey. Wish him nothing but the best!

Working out has become harder because I’m a gym all day training others that I don’t want to stay to workout. I have to force myself most days and before becoming a trainer, it was never that. This may be a case of your hobby turning job turning burden? I don’t know. I’ll figure it out because baby I’m NEVER giving up fitness and working out. Ever!

My mom and I aren’t talking. Big blow up after my cousin’s wedding in NC, she doesn’t respect me enough to change her ways when it comes to me and literally said she won’t and I’m done with that. Will always be my mother, will always love her, but I’m not tolerating it anymore and the effect it has on my mental. 

I am really excited that I only have 5 months left in NYC. Diamond is staying here for now, she doesn’t want to but it may be better for her career-wise to stay a little longer. Do I want her to come with to ATL? Of course, but what’s best for her is more important.

Moving to ATL because I feel I can use my passion of fitness to pay my bills and fund my living costs while continuing to go after my dreams of film and singing. I’m a little nervous that I may feel lonely again since, like in LA, I’ll be so far from home (ATL is about 9-10 hours driving from DC) but, I do have my godsister/cousins down there so I’m hoping it’s different. A part of me also is thinking that I should move back home to DC permanently. Again, I don’t know if it’s because of fear of feeling alone, missing out on family events (I freaking love and have so much fun with my cousins, aunts and uncles), etc. I will be closer to NC where I also have cousins and my uncle. I also considered moving to Charlotte (still kinda am) but push come to shove I’ll be able to drive on down the road to NC for some good ol’ home cookin’. I just know at this point in my life, if I’m moving somewhere far that doesn’t already have an opportunity waiting for me, I need to be with/near family.

I’m going to Chicago this year for my vacation (Aug 14-18). My cousin Harrison and his family lives there. I’ve never been, have only heard good things about it and am excited for another solo summer vacation (well kinda solo).

I have a fitness/health Youtube channel under ShateraShatera and my IG is also geared towards it. I wanna monetize off of all of this so that at the end of the day, I have a passive income so that I can fund my lifestyle while still chasing my acting/singing dreams. 

Oh! I’m learning to play the piano! One of my clients is a piano teacher and stage music writer who heard my singing Youtube channel and rode me about learning to read music, which turned into learning to play the piano with the goal of being able to write my own music/songs and play the piano. Next Alicia Keys right here?!