2025: Mid-Year Mark

The last time I wrote a mid-year mark article was 2021, can you believe it?! Perhaps that’s testimony to how busy the last four years of my life has been. I have some free time on my hands now though as I’ve closed the chapter on residency, and am undergoing a period of transition. With that said, I thought it fitting to resume personal blog entries and revive this mid-year series.

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What I’ve Been Up To This Year So Far

I don’t feel as if I’ve had a chance to exhale since 2024. As soon as the bell struck midnight on January 1, 2025, back to work I went on my research paper. Once it was submitted, no exhalation either– I had to study, review guidelines and practice for exams. I took vacation leave to supplement my study leave and was pretty much a house rat, save for the few times I went to cafes to study alongside my brother who was preparing for high school exit exams. During the midst of this, my father who was ailing for some time, passed away. This was easily the roughest start I’d ever had to any year in my life.

Across May and June, I did my final examinations. On June 9, I received the splendid news that I was successful. A few well-meaning individuals had recommended that I defer writing exams so soon, and I’m happy that I didn’t come to regret my stubbornness. So, graduation is around the corner, and I spent the latter half of June celebrating with friends and family.

I also had a wonderful engagement shoot in June and we couldn’t have gone with a better choice, Joel Photography. Even after 8 years of content creation, I’m still awkward in front the camera and we had never done a professional shoot together. As such, getting used to the lens before Our Big Day was necessary and it turned out to be so much fun. If you’re getting married, this is your sign to book the engagement shoot!

Aside from those major events, I spent 2025 tending to my plants. Look at how big and strong my monstera deliciosa has grown! I got it last summer with only a single leaf– now it has eight. I’ve also finished my first novel in years– How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. It was a powerful read, and I’m so proud of this Jamaican poet and author who found the strength to write an autobiography despite her complex past. Having the time to read recreationally again after all these years feels cathartic. I’m excited to delve into more Caribbean, African, African American and other minority group literature; taking recommendations!

2025 Travels So Far

In the first 6 months of 2025, I only visited two new places– Nanny Falls, and the Gourie Cave and Forest Reserve. Since July, I’ve already visited the C-Pond and Rafjam Waterfalls. Look out for new posts about these gems tomorrow and next weekend.

What’s to Come: 2025’s Second Half

The best security duo

A lot. I’ll turn 30, marry my soulmate and start a new job in this half. I’ll also have time for lots of travel and can be more active on Adventures from Elle once more. 🙂 Reviving my blog in the midst of this AI takeover shall be interesting, though. I’ve already noticed a huge reduction in my website traffic as people aren’t clicking on websites like before with AI overviews now answering their questions. But, in the words of my favourite artiste Chronixx, I’m doing this for the love and not the likes. I’m also grateful for the small but thriving community of people who still read my blog.

Wrap Up

Thank you for reading this far! One key takeaway lesson is to always make time for enjoyment as sorrow will make time for itself. Cheers to the remaining months of 2025, and don’t be a stranger. Subscribe by email, follow me on Instagram and leave a comment. I’d love to hear about your year so far.

‘Til tomorrow. 😀