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.

Kid on Punishment

I feel like a kid on punishment. I can’t go “play outside” with my friends. Instead, I’m chained to a desk working like it’s not 6 p.m.

The only reason I’m writing this is because I want to remember how I feel. I want to remember what it’s like to feel trapped by this so called “time-entry” process. It sucks!

I can’t wait until I don’t have to worry about being billable. Soon, I’ll have a job that demands results instead of billable hours. So I know that means some late nights but it also means I can leave when the works done and not when I have 8 hours in the system.

Quite frankly, I’ve always preferred quality work over the number of hours I spent in an office.

Hard Work

No matter what anyone says, I know I work hard. In fact, I work my tail off. I work 11 hours each day if you include my 2 hour commute. Yes, we all have our lazy moments and sometimes even days. But for the most part, I am one “on-task” woman. I work hard throughout the day and when I come home, I’m tired. Sometimes, I even feel compelled to do some personal “work” at home.

Moreover, I complete my work as quickly and efficiently as possible. I also do my best at every assignment I’m given. My work is quality and most times error-free.

The reason I’m realizing all of this now is because I realize I often don’t get credit or even acknowledged by my co-workers. For a little while, this really bothered me. But I realized I’m not doing all this hard work for them, I’m doing it for God. And ultimately, it doesn’t matter what they think as long as I know I did good before Him.

So the next time I’m feeling over-worked and under-appreciated, I’ll keep in mind that as long as I’m doing God’s best, I’m doing a DARN good job!