As I'm getting older I find it hard to concentrate on things and conversations that I'm not interested in. I try to fight it, but my mind starts to wander. Don't worry, if you're reading this blog you are someone I'm interested in and enjoy talking to. When I'm at home and can't concentrate I just take a nap. What am I supposed to do at work? I know that part of the reason is that my job is not my passion, but I still need to focus. I need to be able to entertain the conversations of coworkers and my superiors. I have to pinch myself to stay awake during meetings and conference calls and pray that no one asks me a question since I wasn't paying attention. Sometimes I day dream and think about things I could be doing if I was not at work or didn't have to work for money. Some thoughts include shopping, going to a spa, running an errand, seeing a movie, and other thoughts are packing up my stuff and traveling from continent to continent, seeing the seven wonders of the world, or helping with relief efforts in the Congo. I spend much time at work brainstorming places I'd like to live and editing my financial plan. I know....I'm bad. I'm going to take some project management courses next semester, and I will need to focus.
Listen Z.... the only jobs you loved and focused on were those involving children, volunteering, and helping others live better. Did you seriously think you would be fulfilled in anything else?!? Stop letting money deter you from changing careers. Follow your passion and everything else will fall into place. Sometimes you just have to talk to yourself....

I don't hate my job at all. I don't dread going to work. I like the relationships that I have with my coworkers and boss, but this is not my passion. I would also love to take my recruiting experience to a political campaign like that of Barak Obama.

I had a weird experience where I'm not sure if I did the right thing. I usually give some of the homeless guys on 86 or 15-501 a dollar or a bottle of water on my way to work. Today I had a six pack of water in my car. I gave a guy one bottle. He drank it so fast, like before the light turned green. He was panting and obviously dehydrated. Later I felt like I should have given him another bottle. Why didn't I give it to him? I'm really sensitive to homeless people. For one, I know that most of the older homeless men we see are Vietnam Veterans who could not socialize themselves back into society. Second, it could have been me. I volunteered at a soup kitchen in Hampton and every man in there was a Vet. I did some research and found out that 1 in 3 homeless men in the U.S. is a veteran. Hmmmmmm.

Take Care and God Bless!

The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Ceremonial groundbreaking took place this morning. The specific location is Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive, adjacent to the FDR Memorial. I'm elated that a memorial of a man of color will grace the capital grounds. I wish MLK, Jr and Coretta Scott King, one of my first lady role models, were here to witness this event. I wish I was in D.C. today. For a virtual tour of the memorial please visit...
www.mlkmemorial.org

I'm Still Standing!!!

Lord,
You are awesome, you are my King, my Father, my provider, my healer, and just my everything. I know there are so many things that I ask of you, but know that I am open to your will, and I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to be in your glory. Thank you for the friendships you've brought into my life. I had a wonderful dinner with my friends at Champs on Saturday. I enjoyed spending time with Ebony, Monica, and Trish at WOCC's Blackout on Friday, and I am so excited about getting to know the other people I met that night. I know that I can complain about living in the Triangle, but I often feel like you've placed me here for a serious reason and everyday you show me something new about why I am still living here. Also, it's always nice to receive a call from Amber, Nakisha, and Ashley. Thank you for friendships and keep showing me how to be a better friend.

I know many people doubt you and the significance of worshiping you, but I do not need persuasion. To think that a guy thought I would change the way I show my love for you in order to date him. Whatever!!!!!! I shall NOT be moved. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. After listening to him talk I could not understand for the life of me how two people who have a different belief system and refuse to change or compromise on their beliefs think they can live happily in a marriage. Also, there are a few "wolves in sheep's clothing" who are trying to date me. Don't they know I can see right through them? Hmmmm. I shall not be moved. Thank you for bringing friendships with genuine men of God into my life, so that I can easily see those who need to go.

Thank you for placing me in a children's ministry. You placed me there not only to serve you, but to help me sew a seed into the lives of my future children, whom I'm praying for now. I"ve learned so much about children and about myself through this experience. My patience has increased tremendously. I see the type of woman you are preparing me to be, and I thank you. Those children bring a smile to my face. I love them. I have a feeling you are leading me to a career change. I'll keep listening.....

I pray that you heal the minds and bodies of my friends and family, that they see increase and your favor working in their lives, and that they come closer to you. I knew it was you when my linesister left a message saying that a friend of ours, who is really out there in the world, was coming to our church with her today. I was in shock. She and her boyfriend had been working on him for sometime now. Thank you!!

I pray that you keep beautifying my spirit and that I become more of a peacemaker and a steady force. Bring me to the place where change isn't as painful. You said my name is rich and woman of influence, and I believe you; however sometimes I don't speak it into existence enough. Please help me put more positivity into my speech and increase my confidence level. Help me to be even more patient, and please continue to heal my body.

Lord, help me to continue to forgive those who trespass against me, and forgive me if I've have intentionally and unintentionally hurt others. Everything that I am belongs to you. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

Sigh.... I was sad to find that Ed Bradley of 60 minutes died today. He was the reason I watched that show. There isn't a news correspondent like him. He will be Greatly missed! http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/09/obit.bradley/index.html

Writing a letter without mailing it is supposed to be a great mechanism for venting frustration toward someone or something.

Well, here I go.............

Dear Sallie Mae,

It was great at first. You gave me what I needed at the time. Know that I’m not blaming you, and as a matter of fact I thank you so much for helping fund my higher education. Unfortunately, I don’t want you anymore, and I am stuck with you. I feel sick when I think of the extra things that I could be doing if I didn’t have you. Thank you for the good times, and thank you once again for helping fund my education, but know that I can’t wait until the day that I don’t have to see you anymore. That day will be here before you know it, so get ready.....get ready to go!

Sincerely,

A one day lender, not a borrower

----------------------------------
People, please know that you are a “blessed somebody” if you don’t have student loans to pay back. My friend/Soror and I joked about our student loans and realized that we should be thankful to be in a place where at least we can pay them back. We are also thankful for our education.

Let’s all remember to be good stewards with our money as we are moving to a wealthy place. Stewardship is also important if you’re already at a wealthy place, and some of you are there.
-- “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:14-15.

Also, check out these great sites if you are looking for sound financial advice..................
http://www.blackenterprise.com/
http://www.suzeorman.com/

Love Ya!

The people have voted. AND THE WINNERS ARE......
http://www.cnn.com/
www.newsandobserver.com

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Mid term elections are just has important has presidential elections.

Harold Ford Jr. will be the first black senator in the South since Reconstruction if he wins the Tennessee senate race!
http://www.fordfortennessee.com/

Get It Right, Get It Right, Get It Tight...................

I had a good weekend. I went to Zydeco with my friend Trish on Friday. It's been a while since I've been there. I forgot how much I love live Jazz. I voted for the mid term elections on Saturday morning. I guess we'll know the results tomorrow. Saturday morning I realized that I've been surrounded by elderly folk every time I've voted. I know the rumor is that young people don't vote, but let's prove them wrong.

It's usually hard for me to get into work mode on Mondays, but today went well. I spent the evening with some sisters from my church. We have life groups at my church, in which we meet every two weeks or so to discuss Sunday's sermon and apply it to our lives. We also spent time just bonding and having girl talk. I realized that when in doubt I have to throw it out and anything or anyone that I have to justify my reason for being with them or doing that thing needs to go. It's easier said then done, but I'm going to stop making excuses for people and myself. Nothing is going to block my blessing! More importantly, I need to trust God and exercise more faith. My faith is unshakeable in certain areas, but it needs work in other areas. The Word says that I will be fruitful and multiply, prosperous, that my husband will be respected, and people will call him blessed because he has me, so why do I continue to get stressed out over not being as financially stable as I would like to be or wonder when my husband will come. It's already done, and I'm doing what I need to do (God really helps those who help themselves), so I just need to be patient and exercise faith. I need to remind myself that I am only 25!!!!!
"You are a designer original. Everyone cannot afford the price you demand and that's all right. If they could, you would be common...."MMH.

Take Care!

Alright, I know it's late, but I feel its time for me to start blogging! More to come..........