Monday, June 26, 2006
Adventures from Rockville Pike
Today is the second software class and the instructor is breezing through 10-15 pages of exercises to meet a deadline! Yikes and this is only the first day. At the afternoon class I will try to save the software to a disk to practice because she's blowing right past me!
Wet and Wild Weekend
Yesterday evening while watching the Florida Marlins shut out the New York Yankees, my apartment flooded. The water rushed in knocking open the screen and unlocked door. The sudden rush of water, mud and debris scared me so much that I ran up a flight a stairs and called for my landlady who unplugged the clogged drain and swept out all of the water. Earlier today she said that she would rent a wetvac from a tool store to dry my carpet. Mother Nature's force was so unsuspecting that it took me by surprise! At least no of my items were affected which was okay.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Across the Board Respect
This morning in the shower something clicked within my brain: with two more weeks and one more paycheck before July 5th that I could establish a payment plan and enroll in a community college. Unbeknownst to me some of my best ideas come while in the shower because there is no stress and I start off fresh without any problems. Little did I know what would unfold at the departmental cross-cultural seminar.
This morning’s cross-cultural instructor astounded, encouraged and provoked my thinking to enhance and excel in an increasingly global workforce and society without prejudging and discriminating against any other. Her life was prolific: A black female baby boomer serving as active military; traveling to far distant places such as Japan, England, etc.; managing a family; earning an MBA and continues teaching others at Montgomery College, the local community college. It literally blew me away! She possessed a dynamic personality which was immediately felt as she greeted everyone with a handshake and introduced herself. The seminar was thoughtful by providing positive and realistic solutions regarding cross-cultural solutions as well as dissected and reexamining generational differences. As a 28-year-old she was the first person to say that my generation, which she labeled the Boomerangers, because though we received a college education would return home to reside with our parents, comprised of the best thinkers and were the most educated and technologically savvy people in the office. We didn’t need computer lessons, learned extremely quickly and demanded respect and results. Respect is the main word she stamped into our minds over and over again because truly that what understanding different cultures is all about in the first place. Throughout the seminar all of my accomplishments came back to me: attaining both a BA and an MBA; graduating from high school with Honor Spanish V and Honors English IV; traveling to London as the only Northerner on a southern university program (that was intra-cultural and inter-cultural shock at times); relocating from Cleveland to Washington, DC and making decent middle-class money; and, am in the process of continuing my MA in Economics degree because discipline and follow-through are very important to me.
Ms. Middleton also told the class about her presentation at the United Nations and how she met children throughout the world who knew four to five different languages (Well, at least I knew two and will be learning another two through either a cultural learning center or an agency). She also asked the Secretary if there were programs created here to which he didn’t provide a real answer. She admonished the US school system that except for the Chicago public school system for not teaching American children foreign languages. When she asked did she know of anyone whose children attended a public school system reminiscent to her example, only I rose my hand; and, secretly thought that I knew children twenty years ago studying Chinese. Heck, I took Spanish. Learning another language was nothing new but I noticed that foreign language instruction was reserved for honor students only.
This morning’s cross-cultural instructor astounded, encouraged and provoked my thinking to enhance and excel in an increasingly global workforce and society without prejudging and discriminating against any other. Her life was prolific: A black female baby boomer serving as active military; traveling to far distant places such as Japan, England, etc.; managing a family; earning an MBA and continues teaching others at Montgomery College, the local community college. It literally blew me away! She possessed a dynamic personality which was immediately felt as she greeted everyone with a handshake and introduced herself. The seminar was thoughtful by providing positive and realistic solutions regarding cross-cultural solutions as well as dissected and reexamining generational differences. As a 28-year-old she was the first person to say that my generation, which she labeled the Boomerangers, because though we received a college education would return home to reside with our parents, comprised of the best thinkers and were the most educated and technologically savvy people in the office. We didn’t need computer lessons, learned extremely quickly and demanded respect and results. Respect is the main word she stamped into our minds over and over again because truly that what understanding different cultures is all about in the first place. Throughout the seminar all of my accomplishments came back to me: attaining both a BA and an MBA; graduating from high school with Honor Spanish V and Honors English IV; traveling to London as the only Northerner on a southern university program (that was intra-cultural and inter-cultural shock at times); relocating from Cleveland to Washington, DC and making decent middle-class money; and, am in the process of continuing my MA in Economics degree because discipline and follow-through are very important to me.
Ms. Middleton also told the class about her presentation at the United Nations and how she met children throughout the world who knew four to five different languages (Well, at least I knew two and will be learning another two through either a cultural learning center or an agency). She also asked the Secretary if there were programs created here to which he didn’t provide a real answer. She admonished the US school system that except for the Chicago public school system for not teaching American children foreign languages. When she asked did she know of anyone whose children attended a public school system reminiscent to her example, only I rose my hand; and, secretly thought that I knew children twenty years ago studying Chinese. Heck, I took Spanish. Learning another language was nothing new but I noticed that foreign language instruction was reserved for honor students only.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Take Five
Right now with all of the time commitments: working a 8:30-6:00 compressed schedule to free up Mondays, the financial literacy meeting after work, and two morning department seminars, it is time to take a breather and rededicate myself towards mental renewal by reading the library books I withdrew last Saturday. It has been nearly four days and except for carrying Bliss to work during my commute (but never read), I haven’t really made a dent. However, it is high time to reclaim me-time, you know the lunchtime and morning and afternoon breaks legally allotted during the day to employees. For a moment, student loan consolidation, whether my Intermediate Algebra book will be mailed, updating my wardrobe and acing the GRE will take a back seat to reading a book in the lunchroom.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Rejuvenation and reconsideration
Rejuvenated from my three-day weekend, I am full of energy and vitality! Currently contemplating whether or not I should attend either Howard or American, I am rigorously researching both programs to evaluate which is the better fit with my career goals. Howard University has more math courses which is okay except graduating within one year is my goal. I have discarded trying to graduate by age thirty. My objective is to complete one chapter (masters) while opening another chapter (doctoral) school; however, I also acknowledge that my math skills are less than desirable so taking pre-calculus and calculus are priority.
Idea: Maybe instead of trying to compete and race around like a chicken with my head cut off, I should just pace myself by taking the math course first. These courses are extremely important to me. More so than trying to cram all of the other economics courses, besides I can audit econometrics and mathematical economics is offered both semesters so I will graduate. In addition, with the consortium, I can take the advanced statistics course in the spring ensuring that I will graduate on time.
In the meantime, I will just focus on exceling at my job and learning as much as humanly possible during my upcoming training session.
Idea: Maybe instead of trying to compete and race around like a chicken with my head cut off, I should just pace myself by taking the math course first. These courses are extremely important to me. More so than trying to cram all of the other economics courses, besides I can audit econometrics and mathematical economics is offered both semesters so I will graduate. In addition, with the consortium, I can take the advanced statistics course in the spring ensuring that I will graduate on time.
In the meantime, I will just focus on exceling at my job and learning as much as humanly possible during my upcoming training session.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Decisions, decisions
I am on day twenty-eight of the thirty day journal assignment given by the life coach at my MBA membership meeting. Since that meeting that a lot has happened to me from a bounced check resulting from my former employer mailing my last check instead of directly depositing it into my account; receiving a letter that my mother mailed me regarding my acceptance into another DC university’s graduate economics program; displaying determination by attending a users group meeting against the wishes of some; and, getting the hang of both my job and Washington, DC. These experiences made me grow into a much better person; the next thirty days will bring more decisions to made from which school to attend; whether I remain at my residence and return home for my birthday; taking the GRE; and establishing an emergency fund. This writing exercise has helped me put my feelings into clear, concise thoughts. My brain is no longer jumbled because all of my thoughts flow.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Weekday Planner
Great news! My emails are being returned at a rapid clip! Finally, other agencies are providing disaster relief information so that now I can compile data for my components. Also since my boss is extremely quiet today, this is a good omen that attending tomorrow’s meeting is still in the cards. Attending this meeting is big because first it is located off of the red line meaning no transfers! Second, I am out of the office for half of the day (No lugging that big carry-on around. Also I will purchase lunch outside today. . Third, learning about the agency software will be great for me since next week is my first course.
More good news: the not-profit financial management corporation has emailed its money management workshop flyer (which I quickly confirmed because home ownership is in my future!). Also while visiting the Internet, learned that my first credit report is free. During lunch, I will purchase one.
Health note: Breakfast is important (but so is sleep!). It is important to strike a balance between the two so starting Tuesday, I will eat breakfast. The meal doesn’t have to be grandiose just peanut butter and toast. Anything to get me started every morning. In addition, since the NBA finals will not start until Thursday, I will go to sleep around 10:30-11:00 every night to awake well-rested. Also I need to purchase more nourishment for lunch because a sandwich and a TV dinner do not seem to be working for my stomach. This week my grocery list will contain fruits, chicken, steak, shrimp, salad, barbecue sauce, Lawry’s seasonal salt and juice to wean me off of soda.
GRE: I will be back at it tonight. Analytical writing is this week’s focus and with everything going on here in DC, there is enough fodder to never run out. My goal is to still score 710 on the exam.
More good news: the not-profit financial management corporation has emailed its money management workshop flyer (which I quickly confirmed because home ownership is in my future!). Also while visiting the Internet, learned that my first credit report is free. During lunch, I will purchase one.
Health note: Breakfast is important (but so is sleep!). It is important to strike a balance between the two so starting Tuesday, I will eat breakfast. The meal doesn’t have to be grandiose just peanut butter and toast. Anything to get me started every morning. In addition, since the NBA finals will not start until Thursday, I will go to sleep around 10:30-11:00 every night to awake well-rested. Also I need to purchase more nourishment for lunch because a sandwich and a TV dinner do not seem to be working for my stomach. This week my grocery list will contain fruits, chicken, steak, shrimp, salad, barbecue sauce, Lawry’s seasonal salt and juice to wean me off of soda.
GRE: I will be back at it tonight. Analytical writing is this week’s focus and with everything going on here in DC, there is enough fodder to never run out. My goal is to still score 710 on the exam.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
F.E.A.R.
F.E.A.R.
For
Everything
A
Reason
I am in this city alone because I have willed myself to have a better job and more opportunity. I felt that I deserve better. Why scrap as a lowly county employee for $11 an hour when I have an MBA when I can earn twice as much doing something in my profession! Even though things are extremely slow right, I have taken the initiative to participate in outside activities that will boost my job knowledge because I really want to excel! I have the skills but more importantly the heart to know that this is my calling. I like adding numbers and reading in between the lines.
Case in point: I reside on the DC/Maryland border and almost everyday some migrant workers sit on the curb awaiting their ride. I never experienced this while in Cleveland! People pass by as if there is no problem (I’ve made it my goal to speak to them because I find it alienating to not acknowledge someone.) I often wonder about their lives because it was only three weeks ago that I was in another city; two weeks ago that my checking account bounced because my former employer mailed my last payroll check instead of directly deposited it into my account; and one week ago got lost trying to commute to work; However, I emerged from all of these potential downers stronger than ever and am intent upon leaving my mark in my profession, this city and the world.
Writing this blog accomplishes my mission by allowing me to document, evaluate and assess my feelings. Maintaining decency and decorum have always been the pillars of my page because there are enough voyeuristic, egomaniac people cluttering the blogosphere that my contribution must be positive. In addition, there have not been any real accounts about Generation Y professional living and I wish to participate in this discussion. Upon my arrival to Washington, DC, though there are a lot of young professionals under thirty, the majority work in support positions. Here at my employer, forty-two is the average age. At age 28, it can be downright depressing at times. Being under thirty cuts me off from some of the activities. I feel like I am 17 all over again! This age imbalance carries over into the professional organizations because although the young professionals are in my age group, most are not professionals but support workers. However, I use my age as motivation to accomplish everything and anything by age 30, 35 and 42.
Right now I am amassing my collection of thoughts, essays and poems into a book because I have been feeling one for quite some time. It will include some of my pictures, essays about my travels, blog entries and, of course, some new experiences courtesy of my relocation. Regardless, of what topics are covered this journey has taught me never to fear the unknown or the unexpected.
For
Everything
A
Reason
I am in this city alone because I have willed myself to have a better job and more opportunity. I felt that I deserve better. Why scrap as a lowly county employee for $11 an hour when I have an MBA when I can earn twice as much doing something in my profession! Even though things are extremely slow right, I have taken the initiative to participate in outside activities that will boost my job knowledge because I really want to excel! I have the skills but more importantly the heart to know that this is my calling. I like adding numbers and reading in between the lines.
Case in point: I reside on the DC/Maryland border and almost everyday some migrant workers sit on the curb awaiting their ride. I never experienced this while in Cleveland! People pass by as if there is no problem (I’ve made it my goal to speak to them because I find it alienating to not acknowledge someone.) I often wonder about their lives because it was only three weeks ago that I was in another city; two weeks ago that my checking account bounced because my former employer mailed my last payroll check instead of directly deposited it into my account; and one week ago got lost trying to commute to work; However, I emerged from all of these potential downers stronger than ever and am intent upon leaving my mark in my profession, this city and the world.
Writing this blog accomplishes my mission by allowing me to document, evaluate and assess my feelings. Maintaining decency and decorum have always been the pillars of my page because there are enough voyeuristic, egomaniac people cluttering the blogosphere that my contribution must be positive. In addition, there have not been any real accounts about Generation Y professional living and I wish to participate in this discussion. Upon my arrival to Washington, DC, though there are a lot of young professionals under thirty, the majority work in support positions. Here at my employer, forty-two is the average age. At age 28, it can be downright depressing at times. Being under thirty cuts me off from some of the activities. I feel like I am 17 all over again! This age imbalance carries over into the professional organizations because although the young professionals are in my age group, most are not professionals but support workers. However, I use my age as motivation to accomplish everything and anything by age 30, 35 and 42.
Right now I am amassing my collection of thoughts, essays and poems into a book because I have been feeling one for quite some time. It will include some of my pictures, essays about my travels, blog entries and, of course, some new experiences courtesy of my relocation. Regardless, of what topics are covered this journey has taught me never to fear the unknown or the unexpected.
The Next Phase
Hello everyone in the blogosphere! After a three-week hiatus, I must update everyone on my transition from Cleveland, Ohio to Washington, DC. I have landed firmly on my feet with a full-time job and am settling this summer for a basement apartment in NW Washington, DC; however, after three months I’m probably moving because my entrance is right next the rose bushes and I am always fighting gnats and giant flies. The area is extremely upscale but I refuse to inherit a bug problem to stay there!
Also I am studying to take the GRE but I haven’t really adjusted to relocation so I do not know if I want to receive my MA in Economics. I have headaches and at times have been lethargic as if all of my energy has been zapped. Hopefully, by the end of August I will receive a jolt because right now I feel spent (Watching the NBA conference finals and not receiving eight hours of sleep might be the culprit also.) Solving the test’s quantitative section made me realize that I needed to learn the basic geometry formulas to improve my math score by 8 points; thereby, ensuring that my goal of scoring 710 is achieved.
Good news! The DC Library has learn-a-test which allows me to study for the GRE exam. The database also has algebra and geometry practice tests which I will take full advantage of to boost my score!
There have been wonderful moments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue was magnificent. After Monday’s festivities I vowed to attend the Fourth of July and Labor Day parades and to bring extra film to capture every moment! That experience made me want to explore the city more often and with no school this summer, the city is my oyster! This week I will go out and take in the city by attending some museums and art galleries. There is an abundance of things to do here. Why stay trapped in the basement!
Also I am studying to take the GRE but I haven’t really adjusted to relocation so I do not know if I want to receive my MA in Economics. I have headaches and at times have been lethargic as if all of my energy has been zapped. Hopefully, by the end of August I will receive a jolt because right now I feel spent (Watching the NBA conference finals and not receiving eight hours of sleep might be the culprit also.) Solving the test’s quantitative section made me realize that I needed to learn the basic geometry formulas to improve my math score by 8 points; thereby, ensuring that my goal of scoring 710 is achieved.
Good news! The DC Library has learn-a-test which allows me to study for the GRE exam. The database also has algebra and geometry practice tests which I will take full advantage of to boost my score!
There have been wonderful moments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue was magnificent. After Monday’s festivities I vowed to attend the Fourth of July and Labor Day parades and to bring extra film to capture every moment! That experience made me want to explore the city more often and with no school this summer, the city is my oyster! This week I will go out and take in the city by attending some museums and art galleries. There is an abundance of things to do here. Why stay trapped in the basement!
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