“I been in my bag addin’ weight. Tryna throw a bag in the safe”

What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?

We bought a house.

There was also the two week period across April and May when I traveled from LA to Miami (first time in the city) to LA to NYC to LA to Mexico City (also, a first) to LA and back to Florida with no more than a day’s rest every time I was back in LA.

That was nuts.

I’m sure there were other firsts, but those stand out.

Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

The only goal I put out in the universe was this:

I want the best version of my body whatever form that takes.

I remarked to Tiffany yesterday that I appreciated my body lately. My hips are loosening thanks to some focus on my stretching and yoga in that area. And while the number on the scale isn’t where I would like, I like the angles of my physique these days. I have been having some of the longest and best workouts of my life in the last few weeks and broke my elliptical record today.

So, yeah, I did that.

I don’t know that I’ll make resolutions this year. I saw something somewhere—Instagram, probably—that suggested that instead of setting goals, write down what you’re excited about in the new year. I kind of like that idea.

Did anyone close to you have a child?

Not that I remember.

Did anyone close to you get married?

Yes. We attended the wedding of a close family friend in October and delighted in the marriage of one of our favorite Sparks players.

Did anyone close to you die?

There were some unexpected deaths in acquaintance circles, but I don’t think the reaper came to the doors of anyone close to me.

What countries did you visit?

Mexico was the only country outside of the USA I made it to this year.

What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?

Time. There was a lot of change and transition in 2019. These changes required me to be outside of my routines and comfort zones for much of the last three months. That led to me not making the best use of my free time when I had it and not utilizing my time most optimally when I was on someone else’s clock.

I’m entering the year with a plan to tackle this problem.

What date from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

May 3rd when we visited the Piramides De Teotihuacan.

What was your most significant achievement of the year?

I got promoted again this year.

I also got invited to interview for a job with a much fancier title than the one I have right now at a desirable place, which was very flattering but ultimately not for me at this time. My work and what I bring to the table being recognized and compensated appropriately felt big this year. As Clarence Avant says over and over again in The Black Godfather, “Life is about one thing, numbers.”

And, you know, I am currently a numbers guy.

What was your biggest failure?

Every time I walked past my unhoused neighbors and felt helpless instead of offering help or a neighborly word.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

I was incredibly healthy this year (knock on wood).

What was the best thing you bought?

The condo.

Every time I walk the three blocks to Ventura boulevard or the two blocks to the grocery store or trek on foot to the library or stop at Trader Joe’s or the mall on the way home or use our kitchen or admire our views are reminders that this was the right choice.

My mom asked if we were getting excited about paying the mortgage every month and watching the number come down. Excited isn’t the right word. Maybe the right word is gratifying.

To know that paying it isn’t a struggle is nice.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Round two for last year’s all-star. Melle continues to do the damn thing. Now under her non-profit shingle.

Where did most of your money go?

Did you know buying property is expensive?

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

WNBA All-Star in Vegas was everything and more, and I was hyped the whole time.

What song will always remind you of 2019?

Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder?

Unequivocally happier. It’s been a grand year in my corner of the world.

ii. Thinner or fatter?

I weigh almost the same as the beginning of the year but feel great.

iii. Richer or poorer?

We still make that paper, and now we own property.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

More time for family and friends. More dates with the lady. More hosting people in our new home.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Idling on the iPad. Tik Tok is addictive as hell.

How did you spend Christmas?

Here in LA. My parents and sister came to the house, and we made brunch together. We had a small but meaningful gift exchange. And the Clippers beat the Lakers.

Ain’t no complaints.

What was your favorite TV program?

The Watchmen on HBO was spectacular.

Also worth your time:

• The Mandalorian

• The Morning Show

• Star Trek: Discovery

• The Good Fight

• Bob hearts Abishola

• The Boys

• Evil

• Mindhunter

• Killing Eve

• Rhythm + Flow

• Narcos: Mexico

What was the best book you read?

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

I also loved:

• Feel Free by Zadie Smith

• American Kingpin by Nick Bilton

• Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger by Rebecca Traister

• The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

• The Library Book by Susan Orlean

• The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1 by Carly Usdin

What was your most significant musical discovery of 2019?

I hadn’t paid much attention to Nipsey Hussle’s music before he was killed in the spring. He was so beloved in Los Angeles, though, that I had to stop and figure out why. It was a revelation.

I get it now.

What did you want and get?

Impeachment even though ain’t nothin’ goan happen.

What did you want and not get?

A resignation. All things considered, though, it’s been such a good year personally and professionally, ain’t no complaints.

What was your favorite film of this year?

I think Booksmart just edges out Us and Hustlers.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

44. We had a March birthdays brunch at Black Market, my family took me to Rosaline on my actual birthday, and we went to see Soul of a Nation at The Broad later that week.

Good times were had.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Nearly the same note as last year: The Sparks did go deep into the WNBA Playoffs this year but flamed out in one of the most head-scratching exits in league history.

I worry the championship window is closing for this team in this configuration, but I’m hoping there’s one more run in 2020.

What political issue stirred you the most?

My interests this year were more local than the national garbage fire that is this current administration. LA figuring out real solutions to our homelessness and general housing issues is top of mind every time I enter our community.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

R. Kelly.

How would you describe your fashion concept in 2019?

I cleaned up nicely this year with more blazers, fancy button-downs, and quality shoes.

What kept you sane?

Reading or listening to the news on my schedule. Keeping my nose in a book. Hitting the gym nearly every day.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Regina King had herself a year, didn’t she? Kenan Thompson’s work on SNL has been next level.

Who did you miss?

Shana. While I’m happy with my current work situation, not getting to talk pop culture and process with her every day was and is a bummer.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.

Do what you say you’re going to do.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“Bossed up, flossed up, fly like a saucer, live in the moment.”

What’s one photo that sums up your year?