RStheGr8: Hobbies

Whenever someone asks me what I do for fun, I pause. There's an awkward silence before I either make something up or just say writing (which I don't consider a hobby really).

So over the next couple months, I've decided to change that. Since I'm already making a lot of over life changes right now, I figured now would be as good a time as any.

Here's what I've come up with though I'd be happy to receive input:

Exercise
Fashion magazines
Selling stuff on Craigslist
Organizing my life (digitally)
Interior design

I'm going through these ones and doing my research. I'll see which ones stick.

RStheGr8: Tick tock...

Lately, every day has felt like a week. Each day for the past month and a half has flown by. There's a lot to do each day and even with mostly evening classes, there's not much time.

So I'm trying to devise a strategy to get more done. I've already started taking inventory of what's most important and prioritizing with that in mind.

But what about "me" time?

I know it's very unoriginal but...I wish there were more hours in a day.

She's On the Money: So easy to spend...

Thank you Target.com for making it so easy for me to sign-in with my Amazon account and use the same Amazon interface I'm used to.

I made my purchase in 2 minutes! I thought I'd have to go dig up my credit card, enter my billing information and shipping address. But you did it all for me.

I almost wish I didn't know how easy it is to buy from Target.com.

RStheGr8: Back!!

They're back! Those little guys are back with a vengeance. They always seem to know when to show up. They get my attention. They remind me of what's coming.

Stress pimples. Ugh.

It's as if they always know when a big change is coming. They can sense it. This time around I'm not going to let them stay around for long. This big change is not going to bring me down. Not this time.

RStheGr8: Finally! (I know...)

Thank you for being patient.

I know it has taken a LONG time for me to post about my Asia trip. But I really hope you enjoy what I've created.

It took awhile but now that I'm done recapping, I promise to resume my normal blogging activity. I'm ready to "move on" from my Asia trip. There's been a lot changes and a lot more coming in my life. And from here on out, I won't focus on my trip anymore. I will address questions, if interested. But I'm more than ready to put this thing to bed.

Stay tuned for more details.

In the meantime, take a look at the 4 videos I've created and PLEASE comment.

Asia Trip: Thailand Part 4

Asia Trip: Tokyo Part 3

Asia Trip: Beijing Part 2

Video: Trip to Asia Shanghai (Part 1)

Coming Soon

It's been awhile, I know. After getting back from Asia, I've been jetlagged and beyond exhausted.

But I'm working on a few things to share here. Stay tuned...

Beijing Day 3

They've been treating us like Kings & Queens here! Aside from the hotel, we have a nice bus with big comfy seats. Yesterday at one of our company visits they not only served us a great lunch but we also had Haagen Daz! That was at another amazing five star hotel at the Chinese WTC. Beijing is so much better than Shanghai. Being here, I can totally see why people would relocate. It's got character. It's clean. Sure there's MUCH pollution but it's still amazing. There's a lot of greenery. It is a lot less like Chinatown. I would describe Shanghai as all the Chinatowns in the US plus all the major metropolitan cities all in one. Beijing is a city of its own.

A little piece of heaven

Last night, I entered a dream. I didn't believe where I was and where I will be for the next few days: I am staying at a five star hotel in Beijing! (The Regent)

 

First of all, the original hotel we were to stay in was nice. But this is only better. Carlson bumped us up from their four star hotel to their five star hotel because of some alleged booking error. I can't even be mad. This place is breathtaking. The building is so new that I feel like we are the only guests staying here.

 

To give you an idea of how great this place is:

• I had an aromatherapy bath drawn for me last night.
• I took a dip in the infinity pool and hot tub. (You know the kind that looks like it goes on forever?)
• We had complimentary happy hour with snacks and champagne.
• The towels are amazingly soft.
• There is a separate bath and shower.
• The plasma screen TV is surround sound so you don't miss a minute of it even in the bathroom.

 

I've never stayed in such a magnificent hotel. But I do plan on enjoying EVERY single minute of this.

Limited Internet Access

As you may know, I've had limited access to the web. I've tried to do
some of my normal internet activies while I've been here including
blogging. Aside from posting, it also means checking out other blogs.
However, I haven't been able to view other blogs. It's weird. The only
thing I can think of is that the internet here is restricted by the
Chinese government from those kind of opinion-type sites.

I can't even visit my own blog! That's crazy.

On another note, I'm leaving Shanghai and will be in Beijing tomorrow.
Please stay tuned.

Trip to Asia

It's been an amazing past few days. I've taken a lot of notes and will
share more shortly.

I must talk about last night. We decided to go from dinner to a trendy
bar we'd heard about. Keep in mind that the city of Shanghai is HUGE
and since our group is big we had to take 4 different cabs to get
there. To get there we only had a sheet of paper with Mandarin letters
to give to our taxi driver. That's it. We had NO idea how far it was,
which way we were going, what kind of neighborhood, etc. That was
scary.

However, we got there with no problem. It was just crazy to think that
we had no cell phones and no way of contacting any other member of our
group. But that's how it is for me and most of my group. We don't
speak the language and we don't even know much to get by.

But overall, we've had a chance to see interesting things already.
I'll share more for the journal soon.

RStheGr8: Try Again, Please

I wrote my undergraduate thesis on the stereotypes of black male athletes in the media with a focus on Kobe Bryant. At the time, it was an issue that I thought was important and deserved attention. Fast forward about 3 years and now we have Mr. Michael Vick. I definitely don’t agree with what he’s been involved in—I think it shows insanity in many ways. However, I don’t believe it is the job of the media to be the judge.

Today, a handful of papers had a picture and/or story of Vick. That’s okay. Tell the story. But one paper that I saw took it a bit too far. The problems are many but I’ll start by pointing out how thuggish and menacing he looks. Yes, what he did was a crime but photoshopping two of these kind of pictures for dramatic effect is over the top. What exactly are they trying to say? And does it really speak to the nature of the story?

I guess they were just trying to be different. Not so much.

RStheGr8: Beneficial detour?

As a result of the 35W bridge collapse here at the beginning of this month, I have had to make several changes. And through this period, I've been looking for positive outcomes that have occurred as a result. I've come up with many. But one of them just hit me today:

I am no longer a five-minute drive away from McDonalds and those tempting fries.

Yeah, it may not sound like much but it's been a good thing. The fact that I'd literally have to drive out of my way to get there--almost tripling the one-way travel time--I've managed to decide it's just not worth it.

By the way, I am totally serious. It's been a good thing for me.

RStheGr8: Around the world in 5 months?

I got an e-mail invitation to travel around the world next year. My initial reaction: I wanna go!

The trip would include Asia, Africa, Central America, South America and the UK over the course of March through August 2008.

As of now, I don't have many details about the trip. I don't know how much it'll cost, what shots I'd have to get, where I would stay, how I would manage to not work for that period of time yet still pay bills and on and on.

But I still want to go. I feel like it would be the type of opportunity that is too good to pass up.

Over the next few months, I'll be praying about it. Then I'll try to see if it's feasible.

And the farther away I can get from a real job, the better. (At least at this point.)

Fashionista L: Shopping with a strategy

I admit that I have problems--many of them.

One that came to forefront today was my problem with not wanting to pay for certain things. Now don't get it twisted--I'm not talking about stealing. I just want to see what I can pull.

With that in mind, I've been shopping for a new fragrance to replace my current wimpy summer selection. The problem is: I don't have any intention of buying a new one until I finish what's left.

But I went into a fragrance store to find that new scent. I left with a handful of samples. Those will hold me over until I'm actually ready to buy. Something for nothing? Just about. I made small talk in the store so that it wasn't obvious that was the only thing I wanted. However, walking in, I knew that's what I wanted to walk out with but I couldn't just do that.

Learnings: Get what you want WHENEVER you can.

She-Unit: What's up with the Remix?

The remix needs a remix.

This summer, there has been a lack of good music. Yeah, I know about
Common's album. But other than that, I've got nothing. The only music
that I've acquired this summer are remixes—remixes of songs that I
already have. I don't understand why there seems to be fewer new songs
yet more and more remixes.

Here are the remixes I've downloaded over the summer thus far:
Let it go--Keyshia Cole
Make me better--Fabolous
Bartender--T-Pain
Tamborine--Eve
When I see you--Fantasia
Same girl--R. Kelly
Do it--Nelly Furtado
Do you--Neyo
(the list goes on and on...)


And the majority of the songs are, if not all—whack!

Where did all the good music go?

She's On the Money: Tipping

I've realized that there are many things that annoy me when it comes to tipping. Since I just got back from a mini-vacay to Vegas, I'm more recently reminded of these things.

 

EVERYBODY IN VEGAS THINKS THEY DESERVE A TIP!!

 

That's ludicrous. (I'm purposely focusing on Vegas since I was just there.)

 

I'm a fan of rewarding someone for hard work or a job well done. But I don't think a tip should ever be required or expected.

 

Here are a couple examples of where I don't fully understand tipping:

1. Taxi cab drivers—especially when they expect or even demand a tip. Unless you handled my bags or went above and beyond the call of duty (driving me from point A to point B), why?
2. Housekeeping. I pay good money to stay in a hotel, again, why should leaving extra money also be a part of the deal?

But I can understand tipping bellboys (the ones who have to handle a bunch of heavy bags), cocktail waitresses who allocate free drinks (I'm not paying for the drink so what's an extra dollar or two) and, sometimes, I even feel that tipping a flight attendant should be allowed—for the ones who are good at their job.

 

Now I must say that I have worked in a job where I received tips. Don't get me wrong, it was great. But never once did I ask or beg for a tip—it just wasn't appropriate.

 

There are many places in China where tipping is not a part of the culture. Tipping is something that people in the United States came up with to compensate for long hours and low pay. Furthermore, proper tipping does not always mean the service will be better.

 

More service industries should latch on to the customer experience model. Firms should be responsible for rewarding their own employees—not the customer. It's not the customer's fault that the company is too cheap to provide a real, substantial salary outside of tipping. If this were the case, there'd be many more happy employees and thus satisfied customers. Tipping should be a surprise and delight—not a requirement to earn enough money for a reasonable standard of living.

Looks like I've got another company to add to my list: Sun Country Airlines.

Changes

You may have noticed that there is a way to subscribe to my blog via
e-mail. Within the next several weeks (beginning Aug. 25), I'll be
traveling to Asia and I anticipate that posts will be less frequent
than normal.

So now you have three choices:

Keep checking back regularly for updates.

Or

Subscribe to my feed. (Link on the side of this page.)

Or

Simply enter your e-mail address to receive new entries as soon as
they are posted.

Either way, I promise to post as often as I can. I can't wait to share
all the stories I'm sure I'll have while traveling.

She's on the Money: Fraudulent Activity?

My credit card company called me bright and early this morning around 7:45. They said they suspected fraudulent activity on my account.

They were wrong.

I've been putting so many random charges on my credit card and I'm not surprised it raised concern. It should've. It's actually somewhat of a relief to know they're actualy monitoring.

But what they should've said is: "Miss, we've noticed you've been charging a lot to your card lately. Are you sure you really want to do that and are you sure you have the financial capacity to repay all of these charges?"

It would be nice to get that kind of reminder every now and then. They'd be monitoring it anyways. That way credit card companies are actually delivering on a potentially positive and social responsible mission.

That would be the day.

One week later...

I'm still humbled by the events of last week. I purposely have avoided talking about it. I had been still trying to process my thoughts. But one week later, I feel stronger. I'm hopeful in God, I'm encouraged by my family and friends and I'm relieved that this tragedy wasn't any worse.

For the past week, I've been virtually engulfed in this event. It's on the news. (I wake up to NPR every morning.) It's evident in my new route home from work. It's evident by the number of helicopters constantly flying overhead. It's apparent by the reduced traffic in my immediate neighborhood—it's simply harder to get there to now. It's obvious by the increased number of ambulances and emergency vehicles in the area. It's all around me.

I take comfort in the fact that I have someone on my side. Someone who was telling me to leave work early and skip the errands that would have taken me across that bridge around the time of the collapse. I am thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

RStheGr8: Tough times for journalists

So this almost goes without saying that this is a tough time for people in the journalism business--especially young people.

But you know it's bad when you're own family member who works for the New York Times can't get you a job.

RStheGr8: Weather changes

Never thought I'd live to see the day when a tornado rolls through New York City!

I'm not pointing fingers at global warming, although I suspect that is the culprit, but it's interesting to note all these different climatic changes.

More monsoons, flooding, earthquakes and excessive temperatures. How did we get here?

I do know that with all these changes, regardless of where you are in the world, are helping us to establish new "normals".

I wonder if that means the Midwest or the East Coast will have to ever deal with severe earthquakes. Or will the West Coast ever see hurricanes and tornadoes? Maybe that will be the new norm.

RStheGr8: Please tell me this is NOT still happening

The following excerpt was taken from an article about Barack Obama's wife. Read the last paragraph. For real?!?

In photographs, she appears rather ordinary. On the stump, she comes
across as down-to-earth. But in person, the wife of U.S. Sen. Barack
Obama is stunning.

Last week, when I sat down with her for an interview in Rockford, she
wore a white sleeveless blouse made out of a tulle material that
showed off her sculpted arms, and navy blue slacks with a double
stranded leather belt.

Her hair, pulled back and held in place with a wide headband, was a
no-fuss do peculiar to black women who actually sweat when they work
out.

Please remind me what year it is again. 2007? Really?!?

RSdoesNU: So over it

I decided that I'm so over school.

I'm in the midst of writing a 10-20 page paper about my experiences during my summer residency (glorified word for internship). And I just want to know why? Is anybody even going to read it? I mean I like to write but sparingly. This is definitely in excess.

Then today (about two weeks before our trip to Asia) they conveniently send a syllabus for the trip and class. MORE WORK!! When are we supposed to get this done? Should I be reading a book while holding the steering wheel navigating the highways back to Chicago? Or better yet, should I use valuable "residency" time to get this pre-trip work done?

Either way, I'm over it. And to think I was looking forward to school...I'll take work for now. Thanks.

What do you think...

this picture says about me?

She Unit: Old Man in the Club

I don't want to be the old man in the club.

Not literally.

I just feel that there's a time and a place for everything. Because I'm in my 20s, I'm entitled to be in the club. I should be found in any given weekend having a good time in the company of a crowd. But post-20s--not so much. It will be much more occasional, I would think and one would hope.

Not true for the two guys who came up to me in the club tonight. I couldn't help but wonder if they realized they looked quite a bit out of place. Boo, you're the only guy in here with gray hair--Get a clue!! I felt like the older guys should've stayed at home to plan for retirement. Or better yet go to a club with people closer to their age. I'm not hatin'. I just don't think you can get mad when you try to approach a group of obviously young girls and they laugh in your face.

The 35W Bridge Collapse

A first hand account:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6157897609118060156

She Unit: Changes

Over the past few years I've put on a few pounds. At first, I didn't believe it was happening. I had been able to eat whatever I wanted and gained not one ounce. The proof is here. There are articles of clothing I've held onto for a few years that now I can no longer wear.

Now those times of not worrying about my weight have arrived. I don't have pictures to illustrate this change so I stole this picture of a 'celebrity' to illustrate how my body has changed over the years. While it's not exactly my choice of outfit, the two silhouettes outline these changes.

P.S. Sorry for the bootleggedness of the picture. I'm just trying to make a point.

She's On the Money: Credit cards vs. Cash

I finally have a credit card that gets me rewards. Needless to say I've been taking advantage of that. In fact, I almost never use cash these days and I've even just about abandoned my debit card.

It doesn't help that I don't have a bank branch in the area.

But I realize just how lethal using plastic can be. I can more easily spend with plastic than I can with cash. And better yet, I almost don't even have to think about it. No counting dollars and sense. Just swipe and sign. Sometimes just swipe. But I must fight the temptation to use my excuse for plastic use--I earn rewards points. It's time to get back to good, old fashioned cash. It's almost as easy to spend yet there are set, tangible limits.

It is going to be hard to break this more recent habit. Sigh.

RStheGr8: Last few days

Over the last few days I've said to myself: "I wish I could stay in the moment longer."

I've been blessed to have those days that I want to last. I want to savor the time, the memories, the way I feel, the weather, my positive mood and outlook, great conversation and intriguing people.

I'm thankful for good times and for the opportunity to enjoy them.

Here's a quote from a poem I wrote quite some time ago. I think it's interesting how it's very much still applicable and relevant to my life even now.

"It's funny how pleasurable memories seem transient and ethereal when you need them."

I want to hold onto these feelings even when they seem far away. I want to record these moments as experiences of a lifetime.

Ahhh...the joys of growing up and living and enjoying the life God blessed me with.

RSdoesNU: Tokyo Hotel

I booked a hotel in Tokyo for my upcoming visit there. The hotel, not a global chain, was a recommendation from someone who stayed there last year. But I must say that I was turned off by the writing on the website. I understand that English may not be the first language for all but I expected better. Please tell me if you can make sense of any of the words below, which were in my e-mail confirmation.

"From the above-mentioned contents, if very well, please access the following addresses. hear reservation until I have you access-- it does not become precocious"

AND

"The above-mentioned address is divided into two or more lines
depending on mail software. There is a case. In such a case, an
address is connected. Please stick on a browser."

I hope the place looks a lot better than it "sounds".

RStheGr8: Back

It's been only a couple days but without these daily posts I've lost my rhythm. So here's my feeble attempt to get back into the groove. I've got a lot to say but I've got to be choosy about what I say. That's the constant struggle of a careful writer.

RStheGr8: Jobs, jobs and more jobs

As it’s been on my mind a lot lately, I couldn’t help but think about jobs. At the age of 24, I’ve held down more jobs than most people more than twice my age.

I have had 14 jobs that I can remember! (So that means there could be some that I’ve already forgotten about.)

Newspapers, retail, food, doctor’s office, PR agency, work study and a marketing agency.

Maybe that’s why I feel so anti-work—I’ve seen it all. Well maybe I haven’t but I have seen a lot. I do think that with all my work experience I have a better perspective of what I like and don’t like. I have been a part of all kinds of work environments. I’m still just trying to find the right one even if it happens to be right where I am now—at home.

RStheGr8: Out of sight?

I haven't been snacking lately. It's not because I'm trying to lose weight. It's not because I don't have any snacks around. It's because the snacks are "out of sight, out of mind". I literally have this issue with everything but it's most annoying when it comes to food. At work, I keep a drawer full of snacks. At home, I have the equivalent. The problem is that I can't see them. I need a reminder to know that they exist. I am even careful about putting things in the refrigerator in a way that allows me to see everything at once. The same goes for the non-perishable items.

This issue is also why I keep my shoes on the floor—instead of under the bed (can't see them under there). It's also why I prefer to lay clothes out on my bed or hang them on the doors of my closet, room or bathroom. I can't tell you how many things I haven't worn simply because I forgot they were there. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have that many clothes. I just can't keep track of them. That was something I've never been good at. Back in middle school, I used to keep a diary with very specific details of my outfit each and every day. I kept this diary for at least 2 years. I remember finding it years later and wondering what I was thinking. But it helped. I would know what I had to wear and when I'd last worn it. It gave me ideas for future outfits.

I forget about movies, music (especially on my vacuum I call my iPod), books, toiletries, dishes. You name it, I forget it.

I wish there was a moral to the story. It just goes to show that I'm going to need see-through everything including refrigerator, cabinets, drawers, etc. For my clothes, a walk-in closet will do. Anything that will help me to keep my things "in sight and in my mind".

RSdoesNU: Cheaper not to keep 'er (Part 2)

I wrote about Sprint getting rid of their customers.

Apparently, I wasn't the only one who agreed. I just hope other companies who experience similar customer issues will jettison them as quickly as Sprint has. It's a drain on the company. And it's a drain on my experience as a customer.

I want better.

RSdoesNU: Job Search (Part 1)

So I’m seriously thinking about the job hunt. It’s become a priority in recent days as I approach the end of my residency. I have a list of things that while I’m not sure they go together, I’d like to have as many of them as possible.

Here are some of them (in no particular order):

*Location: preferably the Bay Area
*Travel
*Strategy
*Writing
*Presentations
*Quant.: Exposure to data analysis functions (not necessarily getting my hands dirty; only if I choose to)
*Competitive salary (at least double what I was making before grad school)
*Qualitative analysis
*Research
*Ability to work alone and in teams
*Opportunity to telecommute

I’ve got a long list of companies to consider and I’m constantly looking for more. This list (as it evolves) will hopefully help me to weed out some of those companies.

RStheGr8: CAN

For some reason, I was thinking about some of my early church memories.

My dad volunteered to drive a bus (which later became a van) to pick up kids from the different neighborhoods and bring them to church on Tuesday nights for CAN (children’s activity night).

I remember how excited we all were to see each other and to learn new Bible stories. Our highlight of the night was (honestly) the snacks. Every Tuesday night, we got some kind of snack such as cookies, candy, chips, etc. If you weren’t on your best behavior, you missed out.

I feel that CAN gave me a solid foundation and it enhanced my regular church and Sunday school attendance. It was more laid-back and relaxing because it wasn’t Sunday and provided the opportunity to learn and ask questions in a smaller setting.

Now the church doesn’t have these formal “pick-up” services. I wonder how else CAN has changed. I wonder if not having transportation prevents some kids from coming. I wonder if there is a difference between the kids who go to CAN and the kids who don’t.

She-Unit: Personality change coming soon?

If what I read is true, my personality is going to change over the next 16 years. In fact, it may have already morphed some over the past 4 years.

"Adults between ages 20 and 40 typically experience a natural change in personality, and courses such as the one at Harper could help facilitate that, he said." (Chicago Tribune article from today)

Well that's good news. I don't plan on completely changing my personality but it would be nice to give it a few "tweaks" here and there. It's good to know it's only natural and that it happens to most people.

RSdoesNU: Remember me?

I attended a great social event this past Friday. There were a bunch of people—grad students just like me. I thoroughly enjoyed the various conversations I had with the new people I met—many of them from out of town, 1st time visitors to the Twin Cities. But the biggest problem I have (and keep having) is that I can barely recall names.

Not everyone.

But most people I meet, I forget their name almost instantly. It’s not that I try to forget. It’s more like I need a better way to remember. A 10-minute conversation just won’t do it. Sometimes a 30-minute conversation isn’t enough either. So if I meet you and forget your name, please know that it isn’t because I want to forget. I can’t help it. I realize that I don’t have the easiest name to remember either.

So here’s a solution: leave me your business card. I will make brief notes about what we talked about or maybe what you were wearing or any other standout features. And I promise that next time, I’ll be 73 percent more likely to remember your name.

Poll: If you could read it, would you?

RStheGr8: Psalms 16:5-6

Here is the CEV* translation of a great Bible verse.

You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant and my future is bright.

Isn't that so vivid and clear? I love how this version puts the Bible in plain, simple language. I wish I owned this version of the Bible for a lot longer than 5 years but very thankful that I found it.

*Contemporary English Version

She Unit: New Years Resolutions (2007)

How have I executed against my New Year's resolutions? It's about that time to briefly reflect on my progress.

Resolutions 2007

Write more often (daily).
Ummm...yeah, blogging. :)

Have fun/hang out more often.
I have a pretty enriching social life at this point.

Utilize my resources.
Hmmm...I should've been a bit more clear on this one.

Travel/take trips/getaways.
Heck yes! I'm going around the world in 60 days. Well kind of: China, Japan, Thailand, Vegas...and wherever else my credit card takes me.

Don’t feel guilty about getting my rest.
I definitely take full advantage of sleep-in Saturdays.

Learn more about myself and about what makes me happy.
Doing this as we speak. See Psalms 16:5-6

Stay positive and not let myself get down.
See above.

Make new friends and get to know old ones better.
Yup! Well kind of.

Do more things because I can.
Shop till I drop. :) Taking advantage of free and cheap DVD rentals to catch up on old classics.

Stop being stingy with money and time.
See above.

Find hobbies.
Again...does blogging count?

I am going to dream more.
Working on this daily.

RSdoesNU: My Top companies

Now that I work in marketing, I see companies and their offerings in a different light. I pay attention to how much they invest in their employees AND their customers. For that reason, there are a handful of companies that I wish I could conduct ALL of my business with (or in some cases, work for).

In no particular order, here they are.

Washington Mutual
Apple
Ann Taylor
Costco
ING Direct
Toyota
In N Out

Now this is by no means a complete list. It merely gives a good indication of companies to pay attention to and continue to support since they support me. If you'd like more insight on why I chose these companies, let me know.

Fashionista L: New Shoes...Day 1 (In case you care...)

I wore the new black pumps today and I must say that I put in a lot of work wearing them today.

I had a lot of walking around to do today and I'm glad that I didn't wimp out. But now I have some tired feet.

I know you can't judge a pair of shoes from the first day but it's going to take a lot of energy to convince my little toes to succomb to the confines of the new leather.

Fashionista L: New Shoes

A few days ago, I purchased these shoes in black and yellow. And I didn't realize until testing them out today that they're now the tallest heels I own. I'm proud of that.

But the real test will be when I actually wear them. I'm debating if I should keep them. I haven't had much luck with this particular brand in the past. However, that was when I wasn't accustomed to wearing heels. These days, heels are all I wear so it may be easier to get used to them.

I did get a good deal on them. And there's no doubt that I'd wear them. I don't know why all the sudden I'm feeling buyer's remorse. Maybe I should just wear them tomorrow and let that make my decision.

P.S. Although it looks like a 2 inch heel, it's actually 4 inches.

RStheGr8: A Different City

To the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated: Thank you!

By bringing your annual conclave to the Twin Cities, you've totally infused the city with a whole new population of black people. Walking around downtown all this week has been such a positive experience. I love seeing you all around the town. Many times this week, I almost forgot I was in Minneapolis.

The new "blood" in the city reminds me of my two favorite cities: Chicago and Washington. In these two places, seeing another person of color is not such a rare occurence--and I miss that.

So thank you again, Kappas/Nupes. It's been a refreshing week with you all in town.

She Unit: Fireworks?

To the idiot(s) who thought it was a good idea to set off fireworks at 3:30 in the morning, I just want to know why.

Was it just to be obnoxious? Could you not go somewhere that wasn't residential? What made you think that was a good idea? And why wait until more than a week after the 4th to do it?

I could go on and on about the questions but you get the idea: You suck!

RStheGr8: Work Social Life

Since my first job out of college up until now, I've learned a lot about the importance of work social life. Even now in my temporary work situation, it is critical for me to form relationships and those usually develop after work hours. I'm taking advantage of every opportunity to socialize with co-workers from happy hours to baseball games to lunches. I consider it an investment of my time and money into a bigger long-term reward.

A year ago, I would always pause when co-workers inquired about my weekend plans. Now, I realize that that's one way to forge a connection. I realize that although I didn't always feel like participating, I was only hurting myself. I'm sure I missed out on some deeper connections and friendships in the workplace. Part of a positive work life balance is engagement.

How can you really be engaged if you only go to work and come home every day? That leaves the potential to miss out on so much.

Do you have any thoughts on work-life balance and forming friendships on the job?

She Unit: Who cares?

How is that I am paying more for gas in the middle of the country in Minneapolis than anyone else in the nation? I don't get it. Are the high gas prices following me around? Or are they just trying to gouge a smaller pool of people now?

All I know is that I've never come close to spending that much money filling my tank in one visit. WTF?

RSdoesNU: Cheaper not to keep 'er

Sprint decided that it was cheaper to cut ties with 1,000 of their customers rather than to retain their contracts and their business.

Their reasoning: they were costing the company too much money in customer service expenses.

In a time period when customer relationships are critical, I believe in retaining only your best customers. The way the company chose to sever the ties with the less profitable companies was not great and surely does not shed the company in a good light.

However, for a company that I consider myself a good customer of (spend a lot of money, repeat business, refer a friend, etc) I would much rather a company get rid of the bad customers if it means serving me better.

Think about it. If the customer service reps (either over the phone or in a store) are available when I need them and when I'm ready to spend money...wouldn't that be much better? They could focus on serving me better and not be bothered with customers who will never be happy.

RStheGr8: Say what you want

I just realized that a bit more than a year ago, I wrote about wanting to busy. I wished it upon myself because it actually happened. For the last part of 2006 and the better part of this year, I was super busy.

This proves my newfound belief. You have to say what you want. Write it down. Say it out loud. It’s that simple. Good thoughts equal good feelings which all equal good will. In this way you bring good things into your life. And it works.

It’s a hard concept to accept at first but at the most basic level here’s one way to help you get in that mindset: In the morning, say that you are going to have a good day. Say that you are happy. Meditate on positive thoughts. Then throughout your day, ask yourself how you’re feeling. If it’s not how you want to feel, visualize and think thoughts to help you get where you want to be.

I admit. I’ve been reading “The Secret.” But I must say this stuff is real…and powerful.

RSdoesNU: Rare and great teachers

Have you ever had a special teacher? One who taught you things you may not understand but never gives up. Who knows that really tough lessons take a lifetime to learn.

I’ve had that teacher. Actually, two teachers come to mind. KC from sophomore year in high school and ERB from freshman year in college. Both people helped to shape the writer I am to do. Careful, thoughtful and one who knows how to take compliments as easily as criticism.

I admire them. I wish they could stay perched on my shoulder to offer timely advice and insight on life lessons. I was never great at staying in touch but if I could talk to either of them right now, I would say thank you.

Thank you for the sacrifice you make as being a teacher. Thanks for being patient with me. Thanks for pushing me beyond what I think I can do. Thank you for seeing something in me worth working on.

P.S. The above quote is from Tuesday’s with Morrie—a great book and movie.

RStheGr8: I wonder...

I wonder…

where I’ll be this time next year?
Where I’ll spend my Christmas?
if 24 can be any better than 23?
how many more places I’ll travel in 2007?
how many places I’ll travel in 2008?

Today is one of two checkpoints per year I take to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. It’s been an exciting journey and I expect nothing less in the future.

(Excerpt from my 2006 checkpoint)

2007 is MY Year
I am claiming 2007 as my year! I know I’m going to do big things. I’m going to have fun. I’m going to learn more about myself and about what makes me happy. I’m going to continue to stay positive and not let myself get down. I am going to continue to write. I am going to make new friends and get to know old ones better. I am going to do more things because I can. I am going to stop being stingy with money and time. I am going to dream more.

She-Unit: Nothing is for free

I have a pretty lax stance on downloading music from the internet. But I don't download movies—I just don't see the point. Furthermore, they take way too long to download and they take up gobs of precious hard drive space. Now, there's even more reasons NOT to even think about downloading illegal copies of movies. The MPAA has decided to take policing the illegal download playing field into their own hands. They've set up a site that essentially traps people by encouraging them to download illegally then BAM! You're caught red-handed. It's sneaky and devious. But could you really expect anything less from the desperate, money-hungry music industry?!? It's sad.

RStheGr8: Me + My Car = Kaizen

Who knew me and my car have so much in common? Check out the following written about Toyota.

Toyota's has captured an obsessive obligation to build better cars, which reflects the Toyota belief in kaizen, or continuous improvement. Finally, the phrase carries with it the responsibility to plan for the long term — financially, technically, imaginatively. (NYT Magazine article, Feb. 2007)

That’s me. I want to hold on to that “kaizen.” I want it in my writing, attitude, lifestyle, relationships and friendships.

RStheGr8: Laid Off? Now what?

It almost goes without saying that there were more cuts announced in newspapers this week. (See here and here.)

But this round is a bit more personal. This is the 3rd (?) time I know that San Jose Mercury News employees were told to stay home in the morning to see if they'd be getting the axe. Imagine my even greater surprise when I realized that with this latest round of cuts, I now know virtually nobody there anymore--even though I worked there less than two years ago.

The people who have left have always impressed me as a young journalist. I wonder what they will do with their talent. I know the paper isn't letting them go because they're not good. But I want to know just what goes into those decision discussions.

How can a seemingly great journalist get cut just like that? For those journalists who are really talented--what are they supposed to do now? Get jobs that are at-risk at other papers? Or do they have to give up the craft they love, live and breathe?

I just don't get it. And don't bother trying to explain it to me. It will NEVER make sense.

Fashionista L: What should I buy?

In several weeks, I will have the pleasure of visiting China, Japan and Thailand. During my time there, I will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to shop (among other things)!

I've heard Asia is the best place to get things like electronics, custom-made clothes and antiques. So please send me ideas, wish lists, suggestions or anything else. I want to take advantage of one of the best shopping opportunities in the world. If you're lucky, I may just bring you something back! ;)

(Note: Fashionista is my virtual name of Second Life. Meet me online or find out more about Fashionista L later...)

She's On the Money: I need a business partner

I'm at a point in my life where simply holding down a good job is not enough. I need something to call my own. But I'm not quite ready to give it all up to start my own business. I still need the stability of a paycheck and benefits. In the meantime, I have passion and energy that I want to channel into something I can call my own.

During the past year, I've learned how to work in groups more than ever before. It was an enriching experience. And I believe that with the right partner, I can channel that energy appropriately. I'd be willing to put forth whatever it takes especially considering this is the only time in my life that I won't have to worry about providing for someone else. So, if you're interested, holla at me.

I'm ready to get down to business.

London...

I visited London for the 1st time a couple months ago. I knew that London was on edge from recent attacks and threats (ie July 7, 2005). But now that I've been there and I actually have a frame of reference for the area that was under attack, I'm amazed.

I know I was there a few months ago but it made it all that much easier to visualize the potential destruction of not one but two car explosions. I'm relieved no one was hurt. And I would hate for anything to happen to one of the many great parts of the city.

Here's to London...

Back

I’m back…with a purpose. I’m here for a reason. I’ve been inspired. I want to do better. I want to engage and interact. I want to share my life experiences with others. I am back online blogging with a purpose.

During my re-introduction in the coming days I want you to get to know me better. For those who know me (and even those who don’t), I have many different moods and roles in my life. In order to actualize that you will be able to meet and get to know my alter egos through their specific posts.

So please be patient. I have many changes in store.

Gotta love...

How no matter what, race is (and always will be) a factor:

"Bush’s Woodridge trip came in the middle of a tough midterm election campaign, and there was certainly some short-term political calculation in being photographed among smiling black faces. But this was more than a photo opportunity. The president had come to Woodridge to talk about the most ambitious piece of domestic legislation his administration had enacted after almost six years in office: No Child Left Behind."

NYT, What It Takes to Make a Student, 11/26/06

Day After...

I am SO thankful! And I have much to be thankful about...

Like a little kid...

I am literally soo happy right now!

I'm excited that my sister is coming to visit me. We'll have a time to bond and enjoy the holiday together. We'll even get to spend the holiday with extended family. (I really love that.)

Her visit has inspired me to clean up (not a light pick-up but a heavy duty job), wash clothes and dishes and make plans for her while she's here.

Ahhh....I feel like a little kid the night before Christmas! Countdown till I get to pick up my present from the airport tomorrow.

Sunday Paper

I got my hands on a Sunday Chicago Tribune. As a typical Sunday paper is, it was loaded with circulars and extras--the things I really like to see.

I slipped back into my old newpaper "reading" method as I pulled out the A-section and business section and selected my favorite store ads, tossing the rest of the giant heap aside. I always look at the circulars in order of least interested to most so I looked at the Target ad last.

With it being Christmas shopping season (already), I saw the latest toys that I knew little children across the country would look forward to opening on December 25. Ironically, looking at those toy ads brought me back to my childhood.

I'd peruse those ads, marking and tearing out the items I most wanted. I'd start weeks before making a list--keeping in mind the things that I could probably get and hoping for the things I'd love to get but likely wouldn't. Ahhh...It was such a sweet memory...As I held that ad in my hands, for a moment, I was that little kid again. I was anxious for Christmas and all the presents it would bring.

But now, as I bring myself back to reality, I am content with being with my family for the holidays. I don't spend any time figuring out what I want anymore.

Christmas means so much more.

Returns Strategy

So I realize there's a lot I want to do in life. In part, I'm accomplishing some of that now. While I can't focus on doing all I want to do, I can at least dream about it.

There will be more focus on now and less focus on things that don't really matter. I want to focus on things like reading, researching, learning (obviously) and less about drama, dysfunctional relationships and negative emotions.

After I'm done with this stage of my life, I plan to adopt an agressive growth strategy which will include going after some of things I'm currently dreaming of doing (extensive writing, traveling and exploring). After all, I do have lots to do.

Tailgater

To the woman in the white compact car tailgaiting me earlier this morning: THANK YOU!!

Your rudeness and stupidity saved me from getting a MUCH unwanted speeding ticket (in a construction zone). I tried to slow down once I saw the officer but you sped up to my bumper. I'm assuming you didn't see him and I guess you were also trying to run me off the road.

Well--not such a great plan, huh? Instead of the cop who intended to pull me over, not only did you cut him off to run up on my bumper, you distracted him from my error.

And I never thought I'd appreciate a jerk like you this much!

Three People

Last night, I met three people that I want to emulate. These people represent what I'm working towards becoming in two aspects of my life: now and a little bit later.

The first person: a helpful, charismatic group member. It's easier to slip into the negative, unhelpful role so for that reason, I want to be different. So last night's group meeting proved to be my first real challenge. Finding common ground and working efficiently was basically impossible so instead I tried to keep us focused and tried to help us not to be too serious. Yes, it's a huge group project and we're not getting anything done--so what get angry, shut down and stop talking. (If you've worked with a challenging group of people, you can relate.)

The next person: the complete nice perfect stranger. I was desperately lost trying to find some building on campus that I thought I should know how to find. I stopped the second person I saw (the first one was in a hurry). He gave the clearest directions and took the time to make sure I understood them. He even offered to let me follow him over there in our respective cars. I want to be able to be nice to people anytime--you never know when it can make their day (or their blog).

The third person: Nikki G. Honestly, I admit it wasn't all because of who she is (author, poet, professor) but because she can fill an auditorium and engage the audience by delivering a compelling and touching message through storytelling. I see myself commanding that level of attention one day. For now, it gives me something else tangible to aspire to.

Today's Quotable

"Don't chase me anymore...unless you're willing to catch me."

Liberal interpretation: Commitments are complicated and sometimes you just have to walk away.

Source: Greys Anatomy

I found my "Shero"

I have always believed that God brings people into your life for a reason. Many times, it's not obvious. But I am thankful for that.

The latest person in my life shares my love and passion for writing. She is accomplished, well-read and respected. She's been places that I've dreamed of. She handles huge responsibilities with grace. Her latest challenge, however, has come in the form of cancer. While I believe she will be a survivor, it does hit close to home. (Non-smoker, no family history...How does this happen?)

It certainly makes me want to do a lot of things: I've got to write more. I have to write my book(s). I have to dream big and accomplish my goals. And more importantly, I have to take care of my body even if it means giving up some personal comfort in the process. I can't afford to let myself get out of important tests because I'm scared. In many cases, early detection is KEY. Plus, I don't know how long God wants me to live.

Most important lesson of the day: Don't delay having any annual exams!

More on the Merc...(so sad)

"MediaNews wants to do away with minimum salaries at the Merc — now about $55,000 — so it can hire new employees at lower wages."

More layoffs, less pay...Aha! Here's to quality journalism. Cheers!

Please tell me that this an editorial...

Yikes! If my formerly favorite newspaper of all time is putting out "crap" like this and calling it a newstory--that is simply frightening. (In journalese, we call this editorializing and it's a big NO-NO!)

No, I don't want to take anything away from this tragedy but at the same time, I should be allowed to read and interpret the news for myself. I don't read the news to get the reporter's opinion--whether I agree with it or not. I do, however, expect objectivity and fairness in news coverage. No such luck reading this story.

Here are some disturbing excerpts:

If only someone had been a witness to Raijon Daniels' life.

If only someone -- a neighbor, a relative, a cop, a social worker -- had seen the 8-year-old boy's Richmond bedroom. The door that locked from the outside. The duct tape that bound him to his bed. The video system with which, police say, his mother spied on him from the next room...

Perhaps you wouldn't have to be reading this.

Raijon died Friday, apparently after swallowing household cleaner. His mother, Teresa Moses, was arrested on suspicion of murder, torture and child endangerment. One police officer told reporters it was the most disturbing crime scene he'd ever seen.

In the 15 years that I've covered child welfare, I've seen a lot of sad cases. But none like this one.

Apparently the abuse had been going on for a year or more....But it seems no one knew about Raijon's secret life of torture until it was too late to save him.

That's the part of this story that I just can't accept.

Note: After doing a little more digging, I discovered that this is a column--not a newstory. There is still one problem: It wasn't immediately evident upon initially reading the article.

One of the many reasons why I do NOT miss BART!!

So I didn't witness this firsthand. But I can honestly say that I've seen this happen before. Different people, different train...but something like this is bound to happen on BART. (Hilarious--glad I wasn't on that train.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiBHLkTlMsA

That makes it okay...

So I only drink on "special" occasions. This time: to mark the end of a long couple of weeks. I indulged in a jello shot, a few Malibu rum "shots" and two margaritas. Pretty impressive, huh? Especially considering I consumed the most alcohol in 24 hours than I have in an entire month. So I figure for my next "special" occasion, I deserve to indulge in a bit more than that. When the time comes, I know I will more than deserve it.

Washington Post: Black Men Series

The Post has been running a "series" of stories about black men in the 21st century. The latest installment is about a black woman in Washington looking for a good black man. Her story, unfortunately, sounds so familiar and definitely hits close to home. The story brings up a lot of the issues I've discussed ad nauseum with friends and associates and read about all too often.

Here's an excerpt of the most poignant parts:

Then they went to a dinner party with some of her lawyer and journalist friends. He was uncomfortable and quiet all evening. Her friends later told her they didn't like him, either.

Soon after, he was always calling her stuck-up or "bougie." And she began to think of him as "ghetto." She mentioned wanting to hire a housekeeper when she married. Bougie, he thought. He bought bootleg movies. "Straight-up ghetto," she told him.

She stayed with him for several more months, not ready to muster the courage to be alone again and lose the comfort of having a hand to hold, a Friday night date and the sound of a man on her phone at night.

I'm a lot like the woman in the story: hopeful that I'll find the right man...preferably black but more importantly, perfect for me.

For the full story, click here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/07/AR2006100701070_pf.html

P.S. Nice job, Krissah!

Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!

I rediscovered the simple yet delicious delight of the peanut butter jelly sandwich today.

I realize that I needed a solution to coming back to my room every time I need to eat. The good news is that I have done a great job of preparing more than 75 percent of my own meals.

The flipside: Time spent traveling to and from my room is about 15-20 minutes--this means that I automatically lose 40 minutes a day going back and forth.

So my solution: PBJ! I'll pack sandwiches more often to avoid the walk back and forth.

Simplistic: Yes. Practical: Yes. Tasty: OF COURSE!

P.S. If you have any other (obvious) time-saving suggestions, please pass them along.

Stages

Life, obviously, comes with different stages including stages of loneliness. It doesn't matter if you're surrounded by family, living in a big city, or in college. It can happen. It doesn't matter that you are surrounded by people. It can happen. These stages have a lot to do with life changes in general and growing up and figuring out what life is about. But the bottomline is that I realize that in experiencing these feelings, I am not alone.

Afeni Shakur

I was able to attend a lecture at the University of Chicago with Afeni Shakur on Friday night.

For me, it was a blessing and a pleasant surprise because she offered insight on two pieces of history in which I'm most interested: the Civil Rights movement (via the Black Panther Party) and hip hop (via the late Tupac Amaru Shakur).

Ms. Shakur was visibly excited to have the opportunity to speak about things she is most passionate about. She connected almost instantly with audience speaking about the reasons she joined the Party and how it has shaped her life and her road to recovery (from drugs and violence).

To illustrate this dramatic change, she said, "I'm not against anything." I don't have to time to be against something because there are too many things to be for. To drive this point home, she bragged about the recent opening of the new performing arts center in Georgia, which includes a peace garden. The whole purpose of the center is modeled after Tupac themes: Thug Mansionz and Underground Railroads--a safe house to figure out how to get things done.

A key question posed by an audience member: What should young people, especially children, take away from the memory of Tupac?

"I want people to admire his work ethic--it was the most powerful thing he had. Everything he did had a purpose and nothing was intended to be destructive. He was taught to disagree but to stand up and defend his position."

The most key memory/insight of Tupac:
"As a 25 year old black man he said everything he wanted to say."

To me, that thought/realization is so key. I think about the young twentysomethings black men I know now. Of those, who would be able to say the same? Who would have fought for that opportunity to demand the world's attentions to pain and suffering and hope and peace that can all be found within the black community?

If nothing else, for me, Tupac has inspired me to keep writing. If he was able to get all of his thoughts out in 25 short years of life, why cant I? Why can't other people my age work towards this goal?

Grocery Shopping

So those that know me, know that I like to find ways to save money and cut costs, where appropriate. I thought it'd be a good idea that given the many grocery store (and drug store) options in the area, I would visit the individual sites to determine who had what I needed on sale and base my grocery shopping lists on each grocery store thereby making visits to multiple stores/locations.

I visited about three stores online and browsed their online weekly ads. An hour passed by and I barely noticed the time was gone. I still hadn't even made it to an actual grocery store.

So I went to the first store, CVS, and was disappointed to know that most of the items I wanted to get were no longer in stock--rendering my trip barely worth it.

Next stop, Dominicks (a Chicago-based chain owned by the Safeway people) and the items I had viewed online on sale were not actually on sale at the store! This could've been a wasted trip but I tried to salvage what I could. At this point, I didn't think I'd make it to the third grocery store.

However, after surveying what I'd actually purchased, I knew I wasn't done just yet.

My third and final stop, Jewel-Osco (a chain owned by the Albertsons' people). Despite me trying to avoid shopping at this one store, I realize why people do--practically everything I was looking to purchase (and stuff that I hadn't initially planned) was on sale! So this shopping trip was the best out of the three.

Lesson learned: Setting aside an hour for grocery shopping planning is a waste of time and money. Just go to the store and get what you can get!

Sprint store part 2

So I'm having problems with my phone (again!). I brought my phone to the sprint store and (surprisingly) there was a technician available to work on my phone. About an hour and a half later they let me know that they'd need to order me a new phone (another surprise...yawn).

But here's the catch: I'd need to leave my phone at the store and they'd mail me a new phone in two days!

What?!? How was I supposed to live without my cell phone? And why?? My old phone would likely be just sitting there. STUPID!!

Sprint stores across the country keep finding new ways to amaze (and frustrate) me! Ugh.

"Not right now, I'm busy"

That phrase may sound familiar. If it does, it's because it's my "code" name on myspace. It doesn't say a lot but it means a lot...It actually represents what life is like for me now and in the immediate future.
I'm working dilligently towards my goals. I'm taking advantage of life by getting an education, traveling, trying new things and figuring out the meaning of life. I'm having fun, too--most of the time.
However, if you're not on a similar track (taking advantage of life vs. getting caught up in day-to-day foolishness) then I really don't have time to be side-tracked and distracted by you. So if I happen to say that or even something remotely similar: Get a clue. Not in a mean way--it just means it may be time to reevaluate some things in life.

(All thanks and honor to my Saviour who has allowed me to "live life to the fullest".)

Confrontation

I overheard a group of older women (well into their 60s) talking about confronting someone. It seems that you can live six decades (or more) and still have a problem telling someone something undesirable or upsetting to their face.

In this case, the lady didn't want to "confront" her hairstylist of 20 something years in person/face-to-face that her most recent hair appointment had turned her hair into something she hated. Instead, she informed her beautician with a note stating that she'd simply found a new hairdresser and "thanks for the 2x years of service". Her excuse: "Well she was on vacation anyways but I still wanted to let her know."

It's hard for me to believe that after so many years, it can still be difficult to give it to someone straight. It's already hard enough for me NOW. Hopefully over the next two or three decades, I can master that skill.

How awful would it be for me to write my husband a note saying "I'm sorry honey but since you didn't take out the trash last night, you have to sleep on the couch"?

That wouldn't even be anywhere near acceptable now, would it?

New Life

So life has been a bit hectic these past several weeks. I've finally got what I asked for: a change. As I embark on this journey, I'll attempt to share my thoughts and feelings here. Stay tuned for great things...

Good Conversation

Have you ever had a great conversation that lasts for hours but feels like mere minutes?!? I was fortunate to have one of those yesterday. And the fact that it was unplanned, spontaneous and unexpected made it even more special.
It made me wonder though: Is it possible to feel that way about conversing with God? I take that back. I know it's possible but is it possible for me to feel the same way when it comes to saying my prayers regularly. Instead of watching the clock, I'm running at the mouth because I have so much to say...so much to catch up on. I want to let God know what's going on in my life. But it is a little different. He is all knowing and all-powerful.
But I want to challenge myself to come to God with that fresh perspective where the only thing that matters is not falling asleep.

Sprint store

"The technician is at lunch."

WTF!

How come I ALWAYS here that whenever I need one at a Sprint store?

I realized that it doesn't matter which location or even which store. The bottomline is that the technician will always be at lunch. Period.

Don't bother calling ahead because they'll always be available until you arrive in person.

It sucks but when you're saving so much (sometimes) these are the foibles and you just have to deal.

Life Between Jobs

I read an article today about young people quitting their jobs to take extensive time off for travel.

I think that notion of starting and stopping all over again is GREAT! I mean think about it: most jobs give about two weeks vacations at best. So what's a girl like me to do?

I hate feeling chained to my desk for weeks and months at a time without a complete and total getaway. I'm not talking a long weekend here or there or a few days off. I'm talking a full-blown-take-all-the-money-you-can-save-in-a-year excursion and just go anywhere. (That's a helluva modifier!)

That thought is sooo empowering!

Also, there were e-mails going around today from HU about a big trip to Ghana. That is so right up my alley. The problem: I'll be in school and I know I won't have the dough for that. However, it is my intention to fully take advantage of a similar opportunity. That would be nothing short of spectacular.

Smell

First, don't laugh...or try not to...

As I walked into the bathroom of the Y where I work out every week, I was assaulted by the smell of someone else's BM. Normally, this wouldn't really bother me too much but today it made me think about how that smell can affect me. I didn't even think I had to use the bathroom until I smelled that smell.

It reminded me of how, for me, farts can be contagious. I smell fart, I fart. (I know that's gross...but I'm being completely honest.)

Now don't come around me trying to test me out...I don't like that it happens. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who experiences this weird occurence.

Mistake

So I admit that I made a mistake today--in fact the mistake happened a couple weeks ago but was realized today. I did my best to find out what I did wrong to correct the situation. But that wasn't enough for this supervisor.

I am happy to say that this time around, I stepped away from my desk and went to be alone so I could say a prayer. I didn't know how else to deal with all the anger and disappointment I was feeling. I don't think the mistake was as bad as how I was treated as a result: like a stupid idiot.

But at the end of the day, I'm not angry--disappointed, YES. But I can't let something like this hold me back. I have SOO much more to accomplish starting tomorrow.

So my group better watch out...cuz I guarantee they don't know what I'm about to do!

* Note to self: First things first: Get formal Microsoft Excel training.

Daughter/Work

I deem today "Dad, Pick your daughter up from work"!

My dad picked me up from work (in downtown SF from the East Bay) so we could attend the Giants' game tonight (vs. Marlins).

He also agreed to pick my sister up from her 1 a.m. shift.

Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is.

Refreshed?

Do you recall a moment in your life where you felt so frustrated with something (school, job, etc) that you were counting down the days till it was over?

I had just about reached that point. And then something happened.

My team at work popped bottles of champagne on top of our building with the skyline of the City as our backdrop (The occasion isn't as important as the location--our team drinks ALL the time anyways).

It was jaw-dropping--just plain awesome, especially because no one saw it coming.

Now I may just be a sucker for skylines but the "meeting" gave me a bit more energy to finish this countdown to the finish line...What's next?

Rainbow

I was riding home on the train today...just as tired and stressed as ever thinking about the job. I had exhausted all of my reading materials so it was time to people watch and watch the scene pass by briskly through the large train windows. I peered into the sky and was shocked to see a rainbow in the sky! It was ever so slight and not that noticeable which I thought was bizarre considering there hasn't been any rain for awhile. I had to stare at it for awhile to make sure I wasn't dillusional. It was indeed a rainbow and I concluded that God place it in the sky to remind me that He will never give me more than I can handle. Even though today was tough, He has something much better in store for me. And that's the fuel I need to continue running this race. Thank you, God! :)

Hair

I just came to conclusion this morning that I will never cut my hair again (similar to how God said He’d never flood the earth again). I’m not comparing myself to Him but I mean how dare I just reject what God has blessed me with? With so many women dying to have hair, I need to have a greater appreciation for my long, healthy locks. He blessed me with a beautiful, thick and full mane and I think I should do my best to avoid appearing ungrateful. Yes, it’s nice to have a change. But after seeing all the styles I can have and all the other women with short hair, I want my hair back!

Lessons learned:

• While I had my mind set on cutting my hair, there’s not a person who could’ve convinced me not to cut it.

• I am happy I went through with it though because it shows courage, strength and maturity.

• Short hair still requires a bit of maintenance so I might as well have to deal with long hair.

Old Journal Entries/Moments in Time

It's kind of disappointing that I'm at the same place I was several months ago. I read some old journal entries and I felt that my current situation almost perfectly mirrored what I was reading. There were things in my life I was unhappy about then and there still are.
However, I am pleased that I have another day to improve upon those thoughts and feelings. I am working on renewing my mind and my spirit so that not only am I focusing on doing things for God but also that I'm talking to Him throughout the day while I'm doing them.
This may sound trite or obvious but this is the only way for me to get through the day-to-day challenges so that I can move onto God's glory and eternity.
At the end of the day, if nothing else goes right, I know that I am one day closer to being with Him in heaven. I can't wait for that day!

The Journey has begun...

Day 2...MTC

Soul Stroll

I am glad that I had the opportunity to participate in the 2006 Soul Stroll at Coyote Point. The weather was misty--not too hot or cold. If it would've been any hotter, I may not have made it. The walk was very enjoyable because I was surrounded by black people and the magnificence of my home/backyard--the Bay Area. Walking along that path, I observed the planes landing and taking off from SFO. I could see the San Mateo Bridge and the skyline of Burlingame and Foster City. I passed by the museum and picnic areas I was forced to visit countless times during middle school. I could also see the Bay Area swamp which was littered with trash and smelled terrible.

But don't think that tarnished my image of the Bay.

I am sooo fortunate to be able to have lived and currently reside in this great area. What other major metropolis boasts of three major cities in such close proximity and easily available for my disposal. I am blessed for that.

5 Miles

I ran five miles yesterday and guess what?!? I'm still alive to talk about it! I honestly didn't think it was possible but that really just goes to show you how much your mind can and does control your body.

As an athlete, I admit that I don't know my full potential. I am great. I have the ability to walk, jog and run miles if I put my mind to it. I have the ability to be in shape and to not get tired after minimal exercise.

That's powerful!

That's also why I really need to get back to my exercise routine. It's been two long weeks and I never want to go that long again. I feel good when I work out--on of the few guaranteed and daily things these days that truly makes me feel happy and fulfilled.

Imagination

This is my word of the day/week/whatever. I just thought about how imagination allows one to escape any situation, in this case the workday. Today I imagined myself in Paradise—on my dream vacation sipping lemonade and thinking only about nothing in particular. I imagined myself wearing a royal blue sparkly night gown and dancing on stage with Chris Brown to my favorite song, Poppin. I imagined myself driving my new 2002 Toyota Rav-4 and maneuvering with grace into a tight parking space. I imagined myself at home in bed, forcing myself to nap for a third time during that morning. I imagined carefree thoughts. I imagined a stress-free life. Could this be the answer, outlet I’m seeking when it comes to dealing with my stress and worry? Is it possible to imagine myself out of my current situation so as to go through it faster and easier? Can imagining truly satisfy my deep desires of self-expression? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

P.S. I know this entry seems kind of weird but I wanted to accurately capture these feelings and thoughts so that I can think about them again later when my life is in a different state—a bit more stress-free.