Resolved in 2008: No More Drama

Resolved in 2008: No More Drama! No more waiting for blowback and any other bad emotions pent up inside of me allowing them to fester. It is imperative to immediately address any and all issues that I have either with someone of myself because life is too short to carry grudges. Furthermore, I will diffuse all erroneous and blatant libel and defamation swift and immediately so that they too will not linger. I will be total peace with myself physically, emotionally and spiritually this coming year!

Conversations with my mother and other enlightened discussions

Last night I have told my mother that I have earned a 3.25 grade point average in my initial semester at UDC and she was very pleased. Then I divulged that maybe I was a nerd for carrying three different kinds of calculators to which she said that I was not and recommended that I purchase a leather organizer to store all of them. Afterward, Mom notified me that one of my maternal cousins was expecting in the summer (Hopefully, it would be August because we need more Leos :)). Upon learning that she worked at a restaurant, immediately I cringed remembering the woman at the Wendy’s drive-in who returned to work one month after giving birth. I did not want her to end up like that. My mother then says that another cousin was stressed over her supervisory job at MBNA to which I responded she was probably working with seasonal people who would not return after January. Finally, I confessed that I bought a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes in addition to the laptop as personal Christmas presents. Her reply “Get out!” When I explained to her that how I miscalculated how I would walk in these shoes because they were four-inch heels instead of the one and one-half inch heels of my gold shoes, mommy asserted that I would not be working in them merely attending parties. Furthermore, I should buy a shoe travel bag (She’s very big on bags this Christmas season!). All in all it was great speaking to her because I can tell her anything!

This conversation also crystallizes my 2008 goals because now my math grade goal will be a B+ and I will focus more on my music which are very important to me. In the beginning of 2007, with precalculus being the most advanced math class I’ve ever taken, I could never have imagined that I would earn a B in calculus I and calculus II! This is big for me. However, during our talk, she’s also mentioned the need for balance; and with two USDA distance learning classes outstanding which must be finished, I should heed this clarion call. Taking out more time for me is one of my 2008 resolutions!

Sean Taylor Posthumously Selected to His Second Pro Bowl

Sean Taylor was posthumously selected to start in what would have been his second Pro Bowl. The fans admired his work and even in death recognized his contributions not just to the Washington Redskins but to the National Football League. Taylor will be sorely missed.

A Haute Couture Christmas

Christmas present to myself: I have bought the Jimmy Choo shoes that I have always wanted (the red ones fit better than the black ones plus it’s my favorite color). However, they are four inches (I thought that since my 1 1/2 inch heels have a thinner heel, that the four inches' thicker heel would cancel out any uncomfortable feelings). Though I am 5’ 11” never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought that I would have to transform into Giselle, Tyra or Naomi (Secretly, I wonder how they do it especially when they have to break in new pairs of five inch heels minutes before embarking on the runway). They are so high that my right foot ALMOST cramped and these shoes work my calf muscles (I am used to flats but the ones at the store fit too snug and I worry about them rubbing against my toes). Furthermore, the carpet in my room and apartment are harder than the store’s compounding the problem. Oh well, I have four weeks to break them in so I will be okay! At least I have stayed within my budget!

Opportunity Journal #17: Push, Persistence and Perseverance Pay Dividends

Yesterday my professor returned my take-home exam and on its front sheet had my score and overall course grade which astounded me because I did not think that I earned a B. This pleasantly surprised me and immediately I thought about taking calculus III and not fighting over finishing the lab assignment's last problem because there was enough cushion to sustain myself. Also I learned that I was the only student who completely solved all of the problems (because well, that was what was required of me so I did it!). During the beginning of the review session, another student talked about one who departed early. I told him that he resided far away and since it was an evening class, the trains and buses took longer. However, I secretly did not condone him leaving early because last year when I lived in Arlington, VA and had AU night classes (sometimes the class concluded at 10:40pm), I had to take two rail lines and bus to arrive home at midnight sometimes 1m and had to awake at 7am to take a bus then transfer to rail to get to work. Furthermore, (I know that I am a Type A but still) as an immigrant, he should had some grit in him because his family came to the US to seek better opportunity.

Oftentimes I am confounded by my drive to be the best that I can be. As soon as I received this job, I finished school transferred to AU, and continued my education even when I moved to Arlington. Now after improving my math skills at UDC, I am reapplying to AU to complete my MA in Economics degree. Sometimes, my type A personality puts me into overdrive but I still
manage to get at least six hours of sleep and reclaim my weekends. It's all about balance and striking that has enabled me to enhance both my personal and professional lives!

Today my boss informed me via email that the agency has approved my calculus III tuition request! Immediately I search for the training form on the Intranet but could not find it; so, I ask the secretary who then ask my boss to locate it. During this time, I find a paper version, complete and copy it then return it to the secretary to process. I want my form processed by Thursday (which with the antsy HR man that I have will happen!) because UDC's returning student registration deadline is December 21.

Calculus III is very important to me and upon learning that integration will not be mentioned, further motivates me to enroll. In addition, my first choice for doctoral school has told me that calculus III along with regression is its requirements; meaning, that this will be the first time since my undergraduate years at Hiram, that I have entered school with all of the required math courses. Furthermore, with my MBA I can finish the program within 4 1/2 years instead of the standard 5 years which makes me extremely happy! It is about push, persistence and perseverance!

Darren McFadden Got the Heisman Shaft

I totally disagree with awarding the Heisman trophy to Tim Tebow over Darren McFadden because his own conference, the SEC, gives Darren Offensive Player of the Year honors. If the Georgia Bulldogs cannot play for the BCS national championship because it hasn’t won the SEC conference championship, then why should Tim Tebow when his won conference hasn’t voted him the best offensive player? Furthermore, Tim hasn’t defeated the #1 team, the LSU Tigers, but the Razorbacks have. In addition, half of this decade’s winners are unemployed (Eric Crouch, Chris Weinke and Jason White). Everyone agrees that Darren is the better overall player meaning that Tim will the fourth winner not playing in the NFL while McFadden will garner Pro Bowl selections and Super Bowl championships! What a shaft!

My Take On the BCS

Honestly, I feel that Ohio State should have played Hawaii since it is the sole undefeated team in the top 25 myself. That’s what I hate about the BCS. Ohio State deserves to be number 1 but should not Hawaii at least be number 2? Both teams win their respective conferences. Though many people proclaim that capitalism is the undercurrent for selecting LSU, remember Baton Rouge is 55 miles away from New Orleans so many of the hotels will go unfilled. If Hawaii is selected there will be virtually no vacancies since they will have to seek shelter on the mainland. Furthermore, how can the committee pick Kansas over Missouri when the Tigers not the Jayhawks make it to the Big XII championship? . The Jayhawks play only one top 25 opponent (Kansas State) so the BCS is bogus. Moreover, the Rose Bowl committee chooses traditional over reality by selecting Illinois over Georgia to play USC. I would prefer to see Georgia play USC However, the one decision I respect is to place LSU, the SEC conference champion, over Georgia who was ranked #4 in the BCS. If you cannot win your own division, you should not play in the championship period (Please take note Georgia football coach Mark Richt!)

Jason Whitlock is a Butthole who Should Be Fired for Misreporting the Facts

Jason Whitlock deserves to be fired for writing such an incompetent piece on Sean Taylor admitting in his article" Taylor's Death a Grim Reminder for Us All" that he does not know all of the facts (He calls it "aggressive speculation". Immediately I have posted my response that both the Washington Redskins and Sean Taylor’s family will sue him for libel and defamation of character plus forwarded my complaint to Kansas City Star’s Reader’s Representative because this is against journalistic ethics. You cannot report on anything without knowing all of the facts. This is a case of racism because if Jason Whitlock was a white man misreporting the fact, he would have been fired!

I have contacted both FoxSports.com and the Washington Redskins because this is the ultimate form of libel and defamation of character. Mr. Whitlock has no right to speculate when the police has not conducted a proper investigation. What every by now knows is that a burglar entered his house eight days before the murder, left a knife on his bed then returned during the middle of the night to kill him in front of his girlfriend and 18-month old daughter. This is not random but a planned, cold, calculated murder and the guilty parties must be convicted to the fullest of the law!

Olin Buchanan is a Jerk!

Rivals.com writer Olin Buchanan is an immature jerk who labels people whenever he cannot win an argument. Yesterday he called me a "Tebow hater" after I have told him the truth that Darren McFadden not Tim Tebow defeated the #1 LSU Tigers. Initially, I thought that this would blow over and since turning thirty, wanted to not get emotionally involved with pettiness; but, name calling is something totally different.

For the record, I do not hate Tim Tebow but let's be clear: his jinx is the fact that during his freshman year he won the national championship but this year hasn't positioned the Gators to win the SEC championship let alone the national one. Furthermore, his focus is winning repeat national championships not the Heisman which is true and Timothy has professed this in interviews earlier this season. Therefore, I am not lying by proclaiming that Tim would not be upset if he does not win the Heisman because this is not his primary focus. Moreover, his individual production of 20 rushing and 20 throwing touchdowns have not translated into wins because the Gators have three losses. Mr. Buchanan obviously cannot see that lack of ineffectiveness. For example, look at Chase Daniel, Missouri's quarterback. His numbers are not even in the same category as Tebow's but he has positioned his team to be #1 in the polls. The Heisman winner usually plays for the championship or is somewhere close to it. Therefore, that is my reasons why after careful analysis, Tim Tebow may not win the Heisman.

This year the fans have been treated to the most surprises. Anyone can get beaten on any given Saturday and that's the beauty of college football. If Tim Tebow does win, I have no problem with it but I know that he'll rather hoist the BCS national championship than the Heisman any day of the week!

Rest in peace, Sean Taylor (1983-2007)

Sean Taylor’s death has really broken me up because it was only late last night that the news reported him responsive. Here he was 24 years old with an 18-month daughter, who was in the house when the allegedly botched robbery occurred, murdered. The bullet hit a major artery in his leg and he bled out. His death forces me to reevaluate my priorities because I haven’t been putting things into perspective. This whole calculus II thing does not matter remotely as much because if I fail (which I will not), I can simply retake it. Sean Taylor is dead. There are no retakes!

Memo from the Upper Crust

Attending the Cleveland Club of Washington was an eye-opening experience because I wasn’t the only person who did not know about it. This group, founded in 1957, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The Cleveland Plus presentation has made me feel much better about my beloved Cleveland area because there was much growth. The presenter correctly informed us that though we were hearing doom and gloom stories about Cleveland, no one resided in Cleveland proper which was true. All attendees were suburbanites. But still, we identified ourselves as Clevelanders! Cleveland Plus created a statistical area containing sixteen counties including Akron, Youngstown and Toledo in its demographic. However, it was important to ensure that native Clevelanders could fully participate in this job market. The reason why most of the attendees left was job opportunities. There were more entry-level economist job here than in Cleveland. The dearth of entry-level and middle-level opportunities really hit the area hard because there was no bridge between the two. It was just all upper-level management jobs. Honestly if the National City job reopened, I’d seriously reconsider it because I knew that I had the experience plus the bank would pay me adequate compensation.

Yet most people weren’t as gung ho because they felt returning to Cleveland was professional suicide because Washington was on a higher plateau (Well, DC was neither NY nor LA and people did fine!). This one lady said that she had been here 2 ½ years and that everyone including family dissuaded her from returning to Cleveland proclaiming that she’d outgrown the place. I didn’t feel that way because many of my Cleveland colleagues worked as vice-presidents and held upper management positions so I would fit right in. This experience helped me realize that it was people not places that were the great equalizer because if you knew the right people you could always get another job. I could unequivocally say that even if I do not return professionally, I could see myself staying there during retirement because Cleveland was not a rat race place.

You Don't Get What You Deserve, You Get What You Negotiate II

Today the student loan agency has agreed to align one of my loan forbearance with the other due date. This is a major coup because this is the first time I have ever negotiated this with any type of financial concern. Also dissatisfied with my current career trajectory, I use my Linkedin and MySpace connections to search for a professional resume reviewer. I have received two good emails which is better than not asking. Remember, you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate!

Quit Hating on Ohio State and the Big Ten

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the number 1 college football team. Unlike then #3 Oklahoma who lost to unranked Colorado, former #1 USC lost to unranked Stanford, and former #2 Boston College losing to unranked Florida State, Ohio State just keeps winning which is more than what everyone else can say. Furthermore, I disagree that the Big Ten is weak especially when six teams (Wisconsin, Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, Ohio State, and Michigan) have been in the top 25 at one point during this season which is more than what the Pac-10, Big Sky, ACC, and Big Twelve can say!

You Don’t Get What You Want, You Get What You Negotiate

Today I call the student loan agency to confirm my ninety-day forbearance which will save me over $500 in the next two months because I’m only taking four credits at UDC. This is a perfect example of you don’t get what you want, you get what you negotiate.

Opportunity Journal #16: Reading is Fundamental

During yesterday's math class I realized how dedicated and disciplined I was because in the beginning, I taught myself integration by reading and outlining chapter 5 to arrive at this point. That was remarkable because it is a testament to the importance of literacy. Reading is truly fundamental.

This three-day weekend I will apply this skill to ensure that I secure the promotion. When I inquire about why the divisional information is not the agency's Intranet, the branch chief has given me the binder holding with all of the confidential information! Now that's what I call insider information. My ability to read and comprehend this manual all but ensures my promotion.

During lunch I devised a timeline to gauge when I should receive notification of my first economist interview. Since my interview is Monday, October 22, 2007, Sharon should have an answer by Monday, November 5th. My second interview is Wednesday, October 24, 2007, and I should receive an answer by Wednesday, November 7th. During this process, I will still continue monitoring my data sources, revising my flowcharts, work on my Aspiring Leaders Development Program application because regardless of what transpires, I can control my performance.

This is mine and no one will ever claim it!

Opportunity Journal Entry #15: Taking Charge

Yippee! The division program manager emails me for my agency's ZP-III Economist interview. This is important because now I have two opportunities to remain here while securing the promotion. Initially, I was happy but afterward a little afraid about my newfound fortune because I really did not want to work for her but still wanted to remain on the eighth floor (Okay so I am picky but have just realized that since I work within the division neither my boss nor his supervisor can interview me).

Never back down from opportunities! Embrace it especially since my boss’ boss has told me that I had to become a subject expert and wait until the end of the county cycle. Already I am thinking of ways to successfully convert my skills into the ZP-III promotion. Having just revised my flowcharts, I can take all of my experience of using different data to complete my state components as a sign that I am a flexible problem-solver (Who can argue with that?). Furthermore, during my seventeen-month tenure, I have completed two state cycles and one county cycle, received pay-for-performance. Moreover, I am the youngest Data Review Tool (DRT) member who is selected because I have taken both SAS A/F classes and am responsible for maintaining the frame. Capitalizing upon all of these opportunities enable me to take charge of my career.

I Think I Have Gotten It!

Though the ladies at the local ladies chapter was nice, professional and sophisticated, I felt that I could reach the next level by becoming a Link. And for the first time, I did not feel guilty for my ambition. I am a Leo and a Type-A personality who come here to DC to conquer the world and I refuse to defer my dreams to accommodate others’ expectations! It’s my decision to fulfill all of my potential especially on the heels of interviewing for the ZP-III Economist. I already have the qualifications: an MBA, community service record and a high-profile job. Furthermore, since properly managing time, I can now devote my attention to becoming an Alpha Kappa Alpha. I’ve always loved education because that’s the reason why I am an economist and believe that I can contribute on the scholarship committee. However, I cannot foresee myself moving from this chapter to Washington, DC one because the ladies are so hospitable (I don’t know the DC ladies but I don’t want to lose that homey feeling). Also I have some Links in my other online profile but I cannot see myself telling them that I want to become a member because that’s opportunism; and, I avoid that at all costs because I possess the qualifications therefore I’ll be okay.

Lately I have been thinking about returning to Akron to see my maternal family, attend civic events and the uproar of wearing high fashion. Living in Washington, DC, wearing Armani Exchange and Stuart Weitzman shoes are seem as normal but returning to Akron would cause a stir. How many people have purchased $135 sandals (not shoes, but sandals?) and wear $250 Limited suits? However, every time I travel a learning experience ensues, therefore, I expect no less from fellow Akroners.

My dreams have been providing the road map to navigate around obstacles to become a Link. It is becoming clearer that God has been transmitted messages using my dreams as conduits informing me that I can be whomever I want, just do not lose yourself in the process! A Ha! I finally get why all of my dreams revolve around family because I hold them dear (even though they get on my nerves at times!).

Bill Cosby is an Adulterer and a Hypocrite!

My take on Bill Cosby, a serial adulterer writing family books: He is a hypocrite! Everyone in black America knows this about him. Furthermore, his ability to write books on black Americans is a testament to race because if former Reverend James Baker were to publish the same stuff, no publisher would risk his/her livelihood on releasing it.

Book Review: The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans

The Vixen Diaries is a testament of maturity and accountability that the author has accepted during the aftermath of Confessions of a Video Vixen. Karrine recounts the positive and negative reactions from fellow celebrities; newfound financial stability; hypocrisy of Tyra Banks and Donnie Deutsch (both people passively question Hugh Hefner although he has three girlfriends) and the sympathy Oprah shows regarding her story; how speaking to students at historically black college Philander Smith in Arkansas boosts her self-esteem; and regaining custody of her son after having a nervous breakdown; her personal relationships with Bill Maher, Antonio Tarver, Bobby Brown and Ray-J; and the passing of R&B legend Gerald Levert. These experiences helped her overcome her demons.

Karrine reconciles her past and by the end of the novel practices forgiveness for herself and her mother. During her relationship with Antonio Tarver she lets go over her torrid past in Tampa, deciding to blaze a new trail. Furthermore, Ms. Steffans is neither having continual nervous breakdowns after the failure of a relationship nor pulling the covers over her head like the boogeyman is coming to snatch everything away; she possesses solid self-worth thereby no longer defines herself by the man in her life. Most importantly, even with incessant name dropping of past beaus (she reveals Papa as rapper Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan), Karrine has realized to keep her current love interest secret because sometimes it is best to keep what is private, private. The Vixen Diaries is a complete 180 degree turn from its predecessor, Confessions of a Video Vixen;but in order for Karrine Steffans to survive let alone thrive, she has had to put the mirror to her face and change.

Notes from the Republican All-American Presidential Forum (Why I Will Vote Democratic in 2008!)

I must respond to the Republican accusations that all black people are welfare recipients. Here’s is my summary:

The problems I have with the Republican Party during yesterday's All-American Presidential Forum viewing black people as welfare recipients even though 65% of welfare rolls comprise of white people) and the ardent advocacy for states’ rights in the midst of Jena and the unfair application of the death penalty persists after the conclusion of All-American Presidential Forum at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Moreover, in the prologue of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Why We Can’t Wait he details a married couple, the wife who works as a live-in maid for a family and her husband who is unemployed yet this union possesses two characteristics not present in the Republican nominees’ answers :1) does not result in divorce and 2) result in welfare roll dependency. It amazes me that Duncan Hunter is against DC statehood because the district disallows guns in homes. Further it blows me away that Tom Tancredo asserts that if DC wants to achieve statehood then the part ceded to Virginia should returned and the part ceded to Maryland should be returned. However, West Virginia was a part of, you guessed it, Virginia but it achieved statehood. Then this morning again Tavis Smiley says that we should not have been surprised with the answers we’ve received given whom we are talking. However, this just serves as one more reminder of why I will vote Democratic in 2008!

Progressive

At this stage of my life, I only entertain progressive ideas because my life is about truth and growth. Though I’ve never been childish, turning thirty has accelerated my maturity and significantly reduced my tolerance for ignorance. My time on earth is too precious for any craziness that zaps my joy! I have designated this week as financial advising week because I want to invest and have my money work for me. Well, no sooner did I write that did MSN have an article about women investing. Hmmm, this is affirming! My lifelong goal is to become the first black female Fortune 500 CEO, therefore, I declare war on anything regressive! I am too focused on being progressive!

Opportunity Journal Entry #14: Don't Hate Participate!

The woman on the board of my local economics club asked me if I would volunteer for the annual dinner and council of economic advisors debate! Would I ever? I would be honored because that exposure would help me in so many ways. Although I had missed this Tuesday's class beacuse of my meeting, I will not hesitate to attend the annual luncheon next Tuesday.

At least the debate is Friday morning meaning that I'll get paid because it was career-related! I could incorporate my Toastmasters public speaking skills, treasury management techniques and hobnob with the most prominent people in my field. Viewing this debate would also let me observe how executive economic policy is made. I am humbled by her decision to ask me first because that means that I am emanating positive energy!

Opportunity Journal Entry #13: Aspiring to Be Better

The Department has notified everyone that the Aspiring Leaders Development Program (ALDP) vacancy will open next Friday, September 28, 2007. This time with 16 months under my belt, I know feel confident that I will be chosen for this position! Furthermore, as Treasurer of my Toastmasters, I possess true leadership experience to improve not only my agency but the entire department. Moreover, the ALDP will supply transferable skills to help me handle three other associations' 2008 annual conferences. This presents another opportunity to learn more skills while boosting my pay! I will become a ZP-III economist! :)

Introspection

After viewing singers who’d I grew up listening to MySpace profiles and learned that they had married and moved on I reexamined my personal evolution. I was not 18 but 30, had my own apartment, worked in my major, lived in DC and possessed two degrees. Analyzing my personal and professional progress made me happy and appreciative because many friends and family hadn’t had the same opportunities and sometimes drive that I had. Those artists inspired and motivated me with their songs and I could honesty had said my life would not had as full as it would had been without these songs.

My Kind of Sunshine

Earlier this morning I discussed an apartment problem that I had had ever since moving here calmly with my landlady and it was quietly resolved. She put my name on the maintenance list ensuring that it would rectified. This exchange pinpointed the importance of being cordial when addressing a problem because it yields better results than hollering. People just shut down and problem still persisted. As I mature I realized that life was too hectic to be aggravated over minor mishaps.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

I remembered the stories that my father and his sister would tell me around shooting his bb gun at the residential naked-man who flash them in the projects. Never in a million years would I had thought that the same thing would had happened to me; but, it did and on Massachusetts Avenue of all places. In Washington, DC Mass. Ave. was known as Embassy Row an upscale avenue of embassies. My apartment building sits across the street from the Embassy of Tunisia. On Sunday, I opened my window to take in the view that I paid an extra $15 a month to partake and boy did I get more than what I bargained for because the naked man (actually he was along with a naked woman) were making out in plain view across the street at the Courtyard Marriott. I was in complete disbelief. The naked man got an upgrade and was right across from me. And on Sundays of all days. Since these two love birds did not know that they are publicly displaying their affection for each other in such an urbane environment and numerous residential calls flooded the hotel desk, they quickly pulled the curtains. Sheesh! Have some respect why don’t you?!

Book Review: Giving by Bill Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton’s newest book, Giving, highlights people rich and not-so-rich, who have made a difference in the lives of marginalized communities. Mr. Clinton has a special affinity for the black community and mentions Osceola McCarthy, the elderly woman who after dropping out of high school to care for an aunt, spent the next 57 years washing clothes. During this time she saved over $150,000 which she donated to the University of Southern Mississippi as an endowed scholarship; John Hope Bryant who started the Silver Rights Movement proclaiming the financial empowerment will be the civil rights battle of the 21st Century; and Tavis Smiley, PBS correspondent, author of both The Covenant with Black America and the Covenant in Action, and moderator of the Democratic and Republican All-American Presidential Forums. On pages 130-131 Clinton asserts that the Covenant is “the most comprehensive American model for citizen service I’ve come across also centers on African Americans, but can be adopted by others…I cannot begin to do justice to The Covenant movement, to the power of its inspiration, instruction, and examples.” The former president makes a calculated attempt to round up the black vote for Hillary’s 2008 presidential campaign especially since Barack Obama is the most viable black candidate in ages.

Giving also features philanthropic luminaries such as Bill and Melinda Gates, Bono of U2, William Buffett, who have donated billions of dollars to AIDS victims and undeserved communities. However, with Time magazine’s criticism that Clinton lets the government off easy since his spouse is vying for the presidency because throughout chapter 12 he highlights numerous non-governmental organizations which fill in for government’s absence. He never specifically pinpoints how the federal government, Democratic or Republican, can effectively deliver AIDS medication, reduce climate change and improve education. Even with this daring oversight, Giving, still achieves its feel-good mission to encourage every American to give what he ort she can to improve the betterment of his fellow man.

Opportunity Journal Entry #12: Clarity

Even though my leg muscles are weak and I really do not feel like reviewing math right now, I will still make a concerted effort; the concerted effort paid off because solving four of the Bernoulli problems (two of them on my own) boost my confidence! Now I feel that I can ace this quiz however I will still review this equation and both the general and particular solutions. Starting today whenever I have a problem or want to expand my learning, I will travel to the UDC MAC to work with tutors. Finally, I no longer fear integration. I just have to work on it!

My boss' boss mistakenly sent an invitation to meet regarding promotions and other personnel matters. My ZP-III promotional meeting really shook him enough (He admitted that the current system was unclear!) to schedule one with the program managers. Clear, concise rules would benefit everyone in the division. Furthermore, my speaking out further helped the entire workplace because with the pay-for-performance deadline six weeks away, clarity is important (Although he already acknowledged that I would be getting one!).

Opportunity Journal Entry #11: Speaking the Honest Truth

While giving my seventh speech in the Toastmaster competent communication manual, I have learned that the advanced manuals only have five speeches instead of ten. Therefore, after completing my competent communication manual, I will start an advanced one. Since the 2007-2008 Toastmasters year ends on June 30, 2008, I know that I can deliver eight speeches in eight months! Developing my public speaking skills have helped me during my ZP-III promotion meeting with my immediate supervisor and his boss.

Though I do like the time lag between the GS and pay band schedules, at least he has given me some great feedback(Although I honestly feel that if another GS-11 opportunity comes along then I will take it because my personal timetable does not match my boss' boss.). ZP-III is a subject matter position so I must become well-versed in all of my components especially the laarge government programs. I will request information from these federal agencies to learn more about it. Also, after I return to my room, I will relearn SAS. He has also mentioned that I am doing well enough to receive another pay increase and also acknowledges that the pay band system is not as clear as the GS. However, I have pried a timetable out of him. He reviews ZP-III promotions after 20 months of service so I will excel on my county estimate cycle and prepare to become a subject matter expect so that I can petition for my ZP-III increase. Whether or not I am here at the BEA, becoming a subject matter expert is a helpful career move regardless of the position. I like research so this will be easy. Speaking of subjects I will research the Pell Grant for my research report. Honestly I like researching higher education because I place such a high value on it so I will take to my boss about how to go about it.

Clearing the air and knowing what is expected of me presents an abundance of opportunities to excel on the job and in the game of life.

Guardian of Truth

Okay. Black culture has hit a new low when Tom Joyner endorses the playing of a BET cartoon that curses at children. We should never compromise our integrity especially regarding our children! That’s ridiculous! We as adults should never bow down to lowest common denominator just to get something across to our youth. As a member of Generation Y, I am particularly concerned with the negative images being fed to my generation and I aim to stop this cartoon before it airs.

Yesterday I posted my discontentment with the Russ Parr Morning Show and now I am displaying my disapproval to acquiescing to crude behavior of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. This ordeal has made realize that regardless of format, I must decipher all messages and remain vigilant in promoting positive images inside and outside the black community.

Maturity at Age 30

Okay this is another sign of maturity. I’ve changed the channel from the Tom Joyner Morning Show to listen the Russ Parr Morning Show and instead of uplifting the people they are talking of Keke Wyatt’s Essence magazine comments about her proclaiming that although she’s 25% black with long hair and a pointy nose, that she fights on behalf of black people with dark skin and big noses. I guess my whole aggravation comes from B plus’ comment that it is to claim many different things (I am not against biracial people but Barack Obama calls himself black.) Most of the callers know the singer and says that she’s come from the project (which is funny because it’s always someone who wants to deny where he/she comes from). With all of this nonsense, I’ve missed the new Sounds of Blackness song Kings and Queens. Well, that’s a sign that as I turn 30, I am focusing on what is important. For the record, black people should create a classification system defining who is black. Why worry about someone else’s self-definition when there are real battles to fight. I wish all of those people the best, but when the police pull them over and throw them in jail, don’t call the NAACP to bail you out and fight on your behalf because remember you are not black in the first place.

The Struggle Continues 44 Years After The March on Washington

On the 44th anniversary of the March on Washington, I found myself defending higher education at the Brookings Institution Poverty in 2006 seminar held at the National Press Club in downtown Washington, DC. Mayor Bloomberg, the keynote speaker, say some of the stupidest things that I ever heard: paying poor children for class attendance and good grades. As a first-generation college graduate whose paternal and maternal grandparents were on welfare even although all four held full-time jobs, the mayor’s so-called opportunity program was the dumbest thing economically and socially for New York City because giving children money is immoral. Regardless of social ranking, you were supposed to go to school for your own betterment. Since Bloomberg liked espousing the virtues of capitalism, let me break it down. Even though his opportunity fund was privately funded, that $50 million was a one-time deposit and all future income streams would be publicly raised. The fundamental problem with publicizing this program was that the parents would be doubled-taxed. For example, in FY2006 the parents’ property taxes were allocated to the school district which gave their child $500 for each standardized test and another $500 for perfect attendance. Say, that the kid passed all four parts of the merit assessment tests and achieved perfect attendance thereby receiving $2500. That $2500 would be reported as income earned by the child on his parents’ FY2006 tax form that they filed in FY 2007. That same $2500 would be taxed by the federal government again into perpetuity. Though well-meaning Mayor Bloomberg’s opportunity program was in direct violation of capitalism which was laissez faire of not allowing the federal government to intervene!

Seek and Ye Shall Find

Recently my preoccupation of women receiving invitations to join select clubs got the better of me (I am already a member of one but this one was more exclusive than mine; and, all of the time I wondered what they had that I did not. At age 30, I was an economist with two degrees earned by age twenty-five and possessed and was active in many social service organizations because higher education was my calling. I had even met some women who were members though they were in their mid-fifties.) Since I lived only three blocks from the headquarters I decided to walk in the drizzle during Saturday evening. During the trek I bypassed the nondescript building which was a sure sign that if I missed its importance then it really was not important in the first place. Returning home, one of a group of lost German tourists asked me for directions to their hotel off of Rhode Island Avenue, NW and I kindly guided them back to their destination. At the end of the journey they waive goodbye. Finally, making it to my apartment, I understood that I was seeking the wrong kind of attention and that experience made me realize the real reason why I would make a perfect for this and any organization: I had goodwill, kindness, and a sure sense of direction.

More Than Just Window Shopping!

Perusing the racks at the CUSP Georgetown store during its advertised luncheon (well, it’s more informal than that), makes me comfortable being around semi-luxury clothes. This was not always the case. In my Banana Republic working days, I felt ashamed of my working class origins (I never saw anything over $250 in a mall before!); Although still married to the sales rack (you’d find the best stuff on sale at Neiman Marcus and Saks!), I successfully managed to overcome it. Though I occasionally splurge on an item, I am still a bargain hunter at heart. While looking at certain prices (a $350 dress would net me an entire Ann Taylor suit and Marmi shoes or an entire New York & Company slack collection), I did love the $750 gold sequin dress which’ll make me look like Tina Turner! :)

Sage

Sage (n): a very wise man; especially an old man respected for his wisdom, experience, etc.

Sage advice
Helps the future steer clear of vice
So that they do not make the same mistakes twice
And live life without strife

Imparting my knowledge like my ancestors, the griots
So that the younger generation can keep it thorough for tomorrow
Dispensing my wisdom
Reaching everyone like the prism’s spectrum
Education and truth are my sanctums
Because when they know better
They do better

Dignity

Dignity is indispensable
To be invincible
It’s impossible to be respected
When your morals have been ejected
We need to correct it
Instead of neglect it
So when life gets hectic
We’ll arise as expected

It's Not the Kids, It's the Adults

The ignorance behind paying children for good grades being constantly proliferated throughout the media will cripple our society because kids will expect cash payment for every good deed. Honesty, integrity and morality are not for sale. Therefore, instead of fighting with nonsensical people, I’ll use this blog to espouse positive solutions to help children become better. Remember, they are our future!

Embracing all of Life's Possibilities

Embrace (verb): to readily accept.

I have embraced turning 30 with such a fervor that, I have no intention to be 18, 21, or 25 again. Finally I have a job in my major and am self-sufficient. Why go through it just to change some things. My goal is to be a mentor to the younger generation and fight for better access to opportunities. Education is the reason why I am here and I want to extend that to those who come behind me. During my fourth decade on earth, I will endow my book scholarship to ensure that other first-generation college students can afford books since they now costs in excess of $500 per semester. That’s a huge burden for many whose parents can barely afford life’s essentials let along lofty collegiate expectations. However, obtaining a college degree is indispensable in today’s society; therefore, it is imperative to provide a means of funding for these students since they are our future!

Hustle & Muscle: Being the Change That I Want to See in This World

Hustle (v.i.): to work, or act rapidly or energetically.

Muscle (v.): to make one’s way by sheer force.


During the previous two weeks, I have been passively waiting to witness this life-changing epiphany that comes with turning thirty years old; but have realized that in the words of Ghandi I must be the change that I want to see in this world. Nothing gets done by being on the sidelines and my economist is proof positive of that. I remember working numerous temporary jobs, scrapping money together to afford Greyhound bus fare and Independence Air tickets to fulfill my dreams by taking the BLS and BEA Assessment exams and spending days on end at the public library applying for jobs, reading trade materials and brushing up on MS Office skills. Oftentimes, I struggled financially and emotionally as I saw my peers ascend the corporate ladder (so I thought). During these years, I had two checking accounts in arrears and bad credit. However, holding steadfast to the dream of becoming an economist, I persevered. These adversities though leaving me battled-scarred has also molded me into an impenetrably steely resolved woman who can out-hustle and muscle and withstand anything and everything! And, this is how I will enter my thirties!

Self-Examination at Age 30

I am so happy that a person has read my blog and has considered me to apply for an online commentary blog job! That’s an honor because all I try to do is remain positive and optimistic in the face of adversity. My blog uplifts not berates people.

Honestly, I am apprehensive about applying for this position because of my strong opinions on illegal immigration. I want to write about economics, women’s history and higher education (Women’s issues are an available topic); however, I will apply and see what happens.

However it makes me realize how important my interests are to me; and, has inspired me to write more blog material. One of my main motivations for writing this blog is disproving to certain people that I possess adequate writing skills; however, as I approach thirty, appeasing people is not even on my agenda. Now self-development is my focus. My thirties will represent a ten-year window of opportunity to accomplish everything that I want spiritually, emotionally and educationally. By age forty, I will be closer to holistic truth than I am now by eliminating the noise (fear, hate, anger) around me.

Marathon

Running and excelling at my own Fortune 500 firm is a marathon. Remember this’ll consume years of my life and I am intent upon putting my all into it. These elements to create the molecule called my business are school, creativity, and financial management. Attending UDC to strengthen my analytical knowledge will get me into Harvard, acing my work will enable me to win the GS-11 Economist promotion and a spot in the Aspiring Leaders Development Program.

Within two weeks, I will be thirty entering my fourth decade of life and with one-third of my life finished, I am seeking new challenges to grow and become a better person. During my first twenty-nine years on this earth, I have learned that quick fixes never work. Actually, I end up digging bigger holes over these misadventures but age and wisdom correct everything. Now I am more insightful about my future and more demanding of respect because I have earned it without stepping on people to advance (That’s big with me!).

Midterm Progress

Giving my fifth speech, I realize that I am halfway through my first manual. It gives me a lot of confidence to go farther. Since I will celebrate my thirtieth birthday in Miami, maybe I should email the local club to give it there. Throughout this year, I have conducted thorough self-examination on how I want to live out my fourth decade on this earth. I want to become a philanthropist through my book scholarship, an investor with a multi-million dollar portfolio by age 39, a wife and mother, a doctor and a homeowner.

Adventures in Interviewing

Since my boss did not explicitly say that I would automatically receive my promotion, I started interviewing to secure my raise. During a one week period, I had three interviews and here were the summaries:

July 17, 2007

I interviewed for the economist position with another federal agency but scratch it off because of the 20 minute walk (It was too dependent upon the 71 bus.). My boss questioned me about my three-hour absence. Well, that would not happen Wednesday because the next one is off of L’Enfant Plaza.

July 18, 2007

This interview went way better than the other one because I did not have to hike 20 minutes to and from the appointment (Sidebar: DC Mayor Adrian Fenty was at the Greenleaf Recreational Center, the very one I pass en route to my interview, to endorse Barack Obama. How cool was that! At least there was not a tragedy. :). After my afternoon break, I will type and mail my thank you letters.

July 25, 2007

The interviewer gave me the creeps during our interview. I did not want to work for him because he gave weird pauses and openly challenged my decision to become an Economist with “When do you think you determine a raise? (Hey, watch already!). I answered all of his questions but that was the second time that I felt that the interview was confrontational. However, regarding the regression analysis, I gave him an advanced answer which brought me back into form. At the conclusion of the interview, he told me that he wanted a cleaner version of my resume besides what USAJOBS gave him. Afterward I sent him a copy then I divulged all of the goodies to my friend who called during the interview and left a voicemail.

Opportunity Journal Entry #10: Transferring

During the http://www.blogger.com/ snafu, a lot of opportunity has come my way. I have lined up interviews at both the Washington, DC and Cleveland, Ohio educational opportunity centers to review my options. The first meeting produced an extremely unlikely outcome: applying to the DC state college. Please read the passage below:

July 9, 2007

Initially I thought that the DC EOC meeting was nearly a huge waste of my time because the counselor already told me what I’ve already known about researching scholarships. However, during this time I contemplated about whether or not to attend AU because my goal was to complete my master’s thesis and if I cannot do this then I would enroll at the state school and reviewed my options. Yet, the professor was tenured professor so I would remain here (I had just emailed her about her research specialties because I wanted to get as many references as possible. Once again, it looked like I might be taking three courses this summer in order to assemble my panel.

July 10, 2007

Last night I wrote out my plan to drop AU because it offered me an opportunity to conduct research and saved me a lot of money and grief. My AU advisor emailed me about meeting to which I responded that I could see her next Tuesday at 11:30am. By then I would had requested all of my transcripts. Since my transcript request had not gone through because the address was not changed, I’d probably would have to submit it by mail or fax. Well, at least I should receive it by late July well ahead of the August 2nd, deadline. I will be accepted!

Traveling to the state college helped me a lot especially when my financial aid counselor told me that it had not processed fall aid yet. Immediately upon returning to my office, I filed my finanical aid and added the school. Therefore, by next week, the school should receive it and my aid can be calculated. In addition, I spoke to the scholarship coordinator and left a voicemail for the person who has the foundation scholarship applications. Having returned from typing thank you letters, I realized the abundance of opportunity available. Now I will cancel my attendance at tomorrow’s Toastmasters meeting because I needed to meet with Edna to obtain those scholarship applications. This was important besides my next speech was within two weeks!

The divisional manager emailed me saying that his boss approved the majority of my fall tuition grant which I was grateful for but if I did not receive a satisfactory answer from Professor Reynolds regarding my master’s thesis then I would resubmit my training request. Since my entire academic year costs $3,000, of course, they would approve this! :)

July 11, 2007

I am putting everything together. During this time, I will obtain more information, prepare my transfer credit defense by copying syllabi and aligning them with the state college's courses, and creating a budget to pay for all of my books even though the agency will pay for it.

During my commute, I initially thought about taking a couple of CLEP courses (specifically American history) to save money. Then I realized that this method could had been used to compensate for the lack of transfer credit. My goal was to graduate in 2009 debt free just in time for Harvard! Furthermore, I will register for either an independent study or a research seminar every semester to strengthen my analytical ability and publish material. By graduation, I will have eight papers. Ask Dr. Steadman about taking these courses each semester.

This three-day saga is far from over but it has taught me the importance of resiliency (the meeting never materialized because I was in a meeting when she called), time management, and keeping my eyes peeled for all future opportunities such as next week's slate of events. I will keep you posted!

Drive

Drive (v.t.): to force to go; push forward; impel; to force to work, usually to excess.

Genealogy fuels my drive to outperform everyone. It’s the reason behind applying for GS-11 Economist positions because I cannot be stopped! This drive propels me to a BA, London, MBA and traveling numerous times to take both the BEA and BLS Economist assessment exams multiple times.

During these moments, doubt often crept into my mind especially while working temporary jobs because taking off work meant losing money. However, I had this vision to become an Economist. This conviction is similar to Robert Kiyoshi who slept on friends’ couches while amassing his empire; and, after everything that had happened to me I would not exchange any hardships because the setback made me stronger producing a steely resolve directly attributed to my drive.

Furthermore, I am taking a more active role in assembling my master’s thesis because if I am paying that kind of money then I will research my thesis! I’ve called the secretary about who has taught ECON 505 (it happen to be an adjunct faculty who hasn’t taught at AU). Disappointed I tell her my frustration and she asks if I have an advisor to which I respond No. She then tells me that my advisor is Professor Reynolds whom I’ll email because haste makes waste.

Career in Motion

I have completed my component and remembered yesterday’s journal entry about being grateful for the opportunity to work as an Economist. Within economics as one of the hottest majors around and there are only 500 slots available, therefore, I am mindful of the fact that I have this plum position and am working in my major!

Good news: Another agency has deemed me best qualified both the its domestic and merit economist positions meaning that I should receive an interview by mid-July. I am so happy because by the end of July I will have at least three economist offers.

The Making of a Mentor

I was so happy to have met one of the Cleveland State University Urban Affairs DC Seminar yesterday at the alumni event because it enabled me to realize that I possessed the ability to become a mentor. During our conversation I asked her the group's composition and she commented that this year was evenly split between undergraduates and graduates (There were even two were PhD students!). Then I inquired if any one of them wanted to work in DC to she replied yes. I told her about USAJOBS, the federal government's job site in addition to several others. She gave me her business card and throughout last night and earlier this morning, I located resources to help her Urban Affairs students acquire jobs and schooling. This meeting allowed me to use my prior research knowledge of obtaining greater Cleveland higher educational resources for poor, first-generation college students into action. Though I supplied advice, personally, staying and working in Cleveland then relocating to Washington, DC would be better because they would had acquired the requisite experience and skills to excel. That was how I obtained my economist position. As a graduate student I worked as an Information Officer with the Cuyahoga Support Enforcement Agency honing my Medicare and food stamps transfer skills. When I relocated to Washington, DC to work as an economist in the transfer payment section, I hit the ground running!

Who Defines Classiness?

Diana Ross’ comments while receiving the BET Lifetime Achievement Award about being classy are timely and important but I am concerned about what outside forces compromising the art form. Yes, I have never sagged my pants, called myself a nigger, or acted immature but we, the rap crowd has to make the decision not someone else. Also I feel that Al Sharpton’s comments about the marketplace are ill-fitted because there are many positive forces such as Kanye and Common who will be coming out with albums. We must control our communities’ dialog! Furthermore, class is relative because how can you hail from the projects and spent time incarcerated exude upper-middle class sensibilities? I am a member of an upper-class invitation-only organization and it would never have thought to invite her to attend our annual convention. Finally, it is no mistake that the black scholarship fund honored Aretha instead of Diana Ross because Aretha's father graduated from LeMoyne College, an HBCU, while Diana was raised in the notorious Brewster Projects!

Escalating

I awoke late because I did set my alarm clock. Also something happened to my tv around 1am.
Throughout this morning, I thought about being a mentor and what advice I would give to the Urban Studies students. A woman next to me had the Washington Center Internship bag which gave me a starting point. I, too, interned there and this experience gave me the assurance that I could become an economist.

Since I am 29 years old and most of these students are in their twenties, I can relate to them. Actually I feel that serving as a mentor for TWC would help me gain clarity on my life’s purpose. Motivating and encouraging people are important. Plus I like to distribute positive energy (as I have done earlier this morning when Uncle Tom posts something extremely mean and disheartening about blacks having a lower graduation rate.). His negative post pushes me to graduate from American University now because I refuse to be stereotyped! (For the record, another blogger came right after him and posted the "outperforming" quote, thereby, making me feel so much better. And, I need it because...

I have made and read two ignorant black women and this is not even noon! First, during my morning break, I gave this young woman directions to Strayer college. When we met again after my stroll, and upset that she had received dollar coins yelled at the hot dog man saying that “She had to work hard for her money and that she was not one of those people with the things around their heads.” Then whispered into my ear that “We were not white.” Oh Lord! Afterward, I read Essence’s interview with Monique who was extremely ignorant proclaiming that the word nigger has not meaning; and, when she got to heaven that is what she would call her ancestors. The cherry on top was that she proclaimed black people as too sensitive (Wait a minute! Monique calling us ignorant. She accepted the word fat so did that make her a fat, black nigger?). That’s ignorant! Why me?

The thing that got me was Monique’s accusing black people about being too sensitive. She made this remark about why we should stop worrying about who was calling us nigger (My problem was her ignorance!) and focus on improving our crumbling schools (With that kind of vocabulary she displayed, that was the reason why so many fell through the cracks). What a cop out!

It is stuff like this that cannot be ignored! Besides, I feel that this pervasive ignorance will not uplift anyone especially in the black community! Okay, I confess that at times I can get sensitive but this is ridiculous! This is not humorous!

Regardless, of their narrow-mindedness, I still push on, escalating to a higher station, and more moral clarity in life!

The Right Season

Since there are too many scheduling problems, I will not be traveling to Brazil during my birthday after all. However, I will travel during fall break. This saves me over $1263 which, I will save. Now I will book my Cleveland trip (but, of course, I will still call Ingenuity Cleveland and ask for packages.) and not fear any budgetary problems.

When I decided that this was not going to work, there was neither anger nor bitterness just the acceptance that this was not the right season. Furthermore, this indifference was directly attributed to financial empowerment. Since I established an emergency fund, there was no panic. Moreover, recent conversations with my family illuminated why I did not have to measure up to anyone. I had was the torchbearer and that was okay with me.

Opportunity Journal Entry #9: Moving On Up

I have been approved for my apartment! I am so happy because the search is over (although I am still looking at other apartments within the Friendship Heights area for price comparison purposes.). The rent is only $15 more than my current residence plus I do not have to spend any transportation money and can walk to the grocery store. That's cost savings. The lower rent allows me to afford furniture, a return trip to Cleveland, and my NBMBAA conference. I must admit that sitting in the apartment manager's office completing the paperwork without fear of my denied because of bad credit is liberating!

Now for some not so great news: Dropping out of mathematical methods for economists this summer, the AU course conflicts with UDC's calculus II and III meaning that this would have to wait until Spring 2008. Normally, this would have been disappointing, however, this presented another opportunity to take my time with calculus I and take calculus II at USDA since my Wednesdays are free. Also, it will allow me to save money which is my goal and I am still in contention of applying for a doctoral program just in case I exhaust all options here at AU.

Reading Educational Pathways magazine has inspired me to soar higher and not to waste time. Though I have always placed an extremely high premium on education (It's the reason why I am an economist today.), the articles highlighting black firsts in education motivated me to continue my educational pursuit with vigor! Now I have set some new achievement goals:

Complete AU by next year
Complete calculus III by first summer session
Complete my master's thesis (That's why I am in the MA program)
Retain my Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society distinction
Win one research scholarship

These goals will equip me with the necessary tools to be successfully both personally and professionally.

Pearls of Wisdom

Yesterday’s National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Northern Virginia Chapter Installation Ceremony solidified my community purpose. Though as always I was the youngest one in the group, this time it did not faze me because this event had meaning. I would join a broad collection of black female professionals advocating social change. All of a sudden, the conundrum of which chapter did I join after relocating dissipated. Right then, I was in the company of my sisters! At age twenty-nine I finally had the support to pursue my foundation work. This next decade I promised myself to found a scholarship program to help students afford books.; and, I was well on my way.

Confessions

When I dropped mathematical methods for economists, I realized that unlike previous circumstances, one class did not determine my future. Here I was still an economist in contention for GS-11 status and more importantly, I already had enough education to sustain me for a very long time. My BA from Hiram College equipped me with skills to become an economist. During these past two months, I saw my former classmates, in Washington working as economists. Their presences were proof-positive that a Hiram education was more than sufficient to do this work! These reminders enabled me relinquish any guilt about my decision. Furthermore, when CSU emailed me about its DC Alumni meeting, all of a sudden I realized that this decision was minor because here was a bigger goal: serving as a mentor. Mentoring had always been my top goal especially as I enter my thirties and this event offered me an opportunity to do just that. I remembered being twenty years old, doing this for free! These experiences made me the person that I am today. Coincidentally, I worked one block from 50 Years is Enough but a world of difference: now only was I being paid but my perspective changed. When I return to Cleveland, Ohio, I thought that keeping in touch was unimportant but I wasted lots of time not doing so. What I would recommend was to join industry associations to begin fomenting your relationships now so that you’d always have a network.

Becoming a mentor in my twenties is impressive because (at for me) I haven’t done anything major. Yes, I have earned two degrees by age twenty-five, completed one year at American University, have relocated from Cleveland to Washington, DC, survived on bad credit and now have good credit and received a pay-for-performance bonus; but, I haven’t done anything really big. However, inspiring anyone of these students would make my day!

Speaking of going back, I remember the vast amount of progress that I have made since arriving here. It is only now that I acknowledge how bad I want to become an economist. I moved here with two checking accounts in ChexSystems and horrible credit. Every apartment complex denied my application forcing me to find shelter on Craigslist. Now one year later, I have two checking and savings accounts and good credit. That’s an amazing feat to turn everything around and become successful!

The Morning After

A lot has transpired since my last posting. First and foremost, I've dropped mathematical methods for economists for health reasons. Now I can focus on resting and my apartment search which has hit a snag. It disappointed me immensely because I was number three on the list even though I had called the owner first! Oh well, it nothing pans out this week, I will submit my trip money and go to 1500 Massachusetts Avenue. At least I am close to work and I can walk to the DuPont metro and the N2 bus. However, I do have some stellar news regarding my job search. This morning I have completed four job offers and have faxed all of the information. Furthermore, tomorrow is my first GS-11 Economist interview and tonight I will revise my writing samples to ensure that they reflect my ambition. Like I gleefully told my career coach that come August 1st, I will not even be here if my boss does not come with a great counteroffer.

Overcoming my Fears

Even though the mathematical notation is Greek to me, I will overcome my fear by mastering it. I refuse to allow this to get in the way of acing this class. Therefore, this weekend, I will read and solve all chapter problems to ensure that I receive a high grade (Anything is better than a zero.) Furthermore, I have overcome my fear of not getting an apartment near college by calling real estate agencies. All of a sudden, five offers have materialized with three within my area. It looks like I will be able to return to Washington, DC by July!

Opportunity Journal Entry #8: Leave No Stone Unturned!

Meeting with the career coach has helped me better process and clarify my ideas regarding my job search. I have told her about receiving an interview with another agency but really want to stay here. The other agency offers loan forgiveness and tuition assistance which will truly help me; but, here I am already in the system where securing a ZP-III promotion is much easier than going else. During the conversation, I inform her about contacting the HR representative about the timetable because it is realistic that I can be in government on the fifth floor by August 1st. Immediately afterward, I travel to see her and inquire about the announcement’s timetable. She says that after it closes, the staff will review it for 10-15 days then email individuals who made certification (She says that I can view it electronically.). She has validated my earlier assumptions. Riding high and full of optimism, I return to my office in preparation for today’s meeting with the new associate director.

Unbeknownst to me, the BEA’s Regional Program Outreach Potential poster hanging on the wall offers an abundance of opportunity to expand my job search. I have written down every single organization. This represents a watershed moment because I never know that many regional economic organizations exist! When opportunity knocks, you better answer!

Opportunity Journal Entry #7: Full Steam Ahead

A lot has transpired since my last opportunity posting. This morning a potential employer called to schedule an interview which, of course, I obliged. The agency wanted some writing samples forwarded to them prior to the interview. I viewed this as a prime opportunity to use my Toastmaster skills to advance my career. If selected, my starting date will be late August to complete my estimates and take a vacation.

Of course, I debate leaving my current employer especially after applying for an internal position which would allow me to stay here while earning more money. Thankfully, the career coach returns tomorrow because I really need advice on this matter. First, I will email HR for a timetable to evaluate my options. I really prefer to stay here and receive my promotion. My boss even says that he'll evaluate my progress after the estimates then confer with his supervisor. However, that's too many chefs in the kitchen! Second, I will meet with the career caoch to hammer out the details. If I accept this position, my starting date will be late August to accommodate the state estimates and my vacation. Coming off insincere is the last thing I wish to project!

Rise Up!

In tribute to my beloved Cleveland Cavaliers reaching the NBA Finals, I will entitle this blog entry: Rise Up! :)

I will rise up and seek out every opportunity to live abundantly, realize all of my dreams, and have fun while doing it.

Unchained Melody

Last night's mathematics for economists lecture and quiz gave me a rude awakening that I had to study in order to excel at this class. Last week's ninety minute lectures spoiled me into thinking that this would be a cake course and I'd arrive home by 8pm. Yesterday's lecture comprised of basic calculus, especially the chain rule, and differentiation. Later this afternoon, I will read some the material so that I would not be further behind.

Seeking New Challenges

Ben Silverman’s promotion as co-chairmen of NBC Entertainment and the NBC Universal Television Studio, has inspired me to examine my current and future progress. He is 36 years old and by age 36, I will have graduated from Harvard’s Business Economics doctoral program and still be on the fast track to become this agency’s Chief Economist (I will also be married and a homeowner!). His ascension coupled with a friend's economics professorship challenges me to reassess my long-term goals. I can foresee myself as a tenured professor who is also a Fortune 500 CEO. Furthermore, I will have the first non-white firm to be included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). This will happen because I will make it happen! Kevin Liles, current record president and author of the book entitled, Make It Happen!, has begun his music career as an unpaid Def Jam intern rising through the corporate ranks to become label president; and, one the label was acquired by Universal ascended to is presidency. I, too, remembered my days as a non-paid intern; and, it still amazes me that at the end of my twenties, I have fully realized my goal of becoming an Economist, but I have so much more inside of me to explore and offer. I refuse to be content (Working at a top statistical agency, is a badge of honor, however, I define my life and career.) because I know that I can do so much more.

The Impact of Positive Thinking

Making suggestions to the writer about helping eliminate poverty and providing positive alternatives to the youth, gives me a wonderful feeling because I’m now stepping into the mentor role. Mentioning Upward Bound, Gear Up, YMCA Black Achievers and America Reads recalls the importance the organizational staffs have had on me. When I return to Washington, DC, I will participate in these programs. This exchange coupled with reading Earl Graves Sr.’s June 2007 Black Enterprise editorial advocating that black businesses step up and provide high quality alternatives to the dearth of role models within the community (I am glad that he does not finger only the poor but also the rich!), has made me realize the amount of leadership and knowledge skills that I possess. This summer I will participate in both DC and Arlington Reads. I know that I possess the training and the talent to help people become more literate. Furthermore, I would love to teach GED preparation courses in addition to community colleges. After completing my UDC math courses, I will apply for an Upward Bound Science Math precalculus teaching position. Moreover, I can incorporate my SAS knowledge to create a computer science class that exposes children to new computing languages. Aha! This exercise has enabled me to positively channel my creative energies which result in change. All I have to do are focus on my work and devote thirty minutes daily towards learning. Improving my skills will help me improve my community.

Since founding my own college is my life’s goal, participating in educational programs and learning more about the grant process are imperative towards realizing this dream. Even attending the Ingenuity Festival and traveling to Brazil will deplete my vacation hours, I will enroll in the DC Foundation Center’s one-day grant writing seminar to acquire the writing abilities necessary to finance this endeavor. It is important to obtain as much experience as possible to ensure that I know what I am doing. It amazes me the impact of one little email has had on today’s critical thinking!

The Art of Dealmaking

Yesterday after exiting the disappointing DuPont Circle opening house (the apartment was half the size of my current one), I struck up a conversation with a fellow AU undergrad student about apartment hunting. I told him about my success calling real estate companies and that he should try this and next week to obtain July and August. Also, I told him about my Friendship Heights and Arlington, VA basement apartments to which he responded that “those were some great deals.” Prior to his remark, I never saw myself as a deal maker. However, I managed to pull off what many in the metro DC area could not: getting the most space for my buck! And, if I could blindly seal deals then think how effectively I would be now with my eyes and ears wide open!

I will call more firms to receive insider information for the July/August vacancies. In addition, I delay purchasing my trip until June 5th, when I have a ballpark figure and pulled my credit score. By the time I settle in to my new diggs, I will have closed my biggest deal ever: a basement apartment with no less than 900 sq. ft!

Clearing the Benchmark

Yesterday’s meeting with my boss helped me set a benchmark for achieving success. Thus it was important to finish the first estimate by Friday. I needed to send a message that I would be a ZP-III Economist! This motivated me to excel on my work!

During my Toastmasters meeting, I met my coworker's husband who graduated with his economics doctorate which was truly inspiring (What was less inspiring was that very same coworker trying to correct me when I mentioned that he would receive GS-12 ranking. She remarked that he would command more than that [Not so with him being straight out of grad school; but, I digressed.]). Every morning I envisioned myself earning my doctorate working as the Chief Economist or starting my own business en route toward becoming the first black woman of my wholly owned Fortune 500 firm!

Since most top-tier doctoral schools have daytime curricula, I will build my clientele to sustain myself. Entrepreneurship pushes me to the next level. Upon graduation, my company will have a market capitalization of over $2 million.

Liberation

In between eating lunch at my desk and pondering tomorrow's apartment viewing, I realized that before I signed my life (well, one year of my life) away to a landlord, I must conduct due diligence by revisiting my old stomping grounds where I arrived one year ago. Boarding the red line, I arrived in Friendship Heights to write down some apartment names and inquire about apartment listings. Both secretaries helped me immeasurably. During the first, I thought about how much my financial position had changed since last year and how grateful I was to have the money and the credit to rent. Leaving both rental offices, embarking on my return to work, little did I know walking down Wisconsin Avenue doodling about achieving financial liberty, that the school would accept my credits! Right after exiting the Farragut North red line subway station from apartment hunting, I called the head of the math department who informed me that UDC accepts my USDA calculus I class! This is great because now I will retake not only calculus I but take calculus II. This presents another opportunity to excel because my goal is to complete both classes and land into calculus III this fall. However, I wills till remain diligent especially since I haven’t taken a class at UDC and therefore do not know the teaching style; yet, I am hopeful that I will excel wherever I am placed!

After processing all of this information, I asked my boss about the status of my promotion to which he replied that he hadn’t spoken to his superior yet; but, that he would. Furthermore, he declared that my performance on these estimates served as a great indicators as to whether or not I would receive one. Hmmm! Well, all righty then. At least I was working on them and asking questions because now I have something to shoot for; and, by the time I lay on the sunny beach on Brazil, I will know that my raise will be awaiting me! J

Opportunity Journal Entry #6: Taking Credit

When the landlady told me what the rent would be for next year (it was super affordable!), immediately I shifted into high gear. Earlier this morning, I checked UDC's 2006-2008 catalog for calculus II and it will be offered immediately after my AU classes. This discovery further motivates me to return back to Washington, DC. During my lunch break, I've traveled to the university's mathematics department to obtain additional information. The doctor has told me that my calculus course depends upon the course description. I ask for the fax number and when I return to the office, I've faxed this information; and, tomorrow I will fax my syllabus. In addition, I've checked the university's off-campus housing and viewed the real estate listings.

Financially, I've filed both online and telephone disputes to all three credit bureaus to clean up my credit. Even though the post office has raised stamps to 41 cents, I've still assembled my credit dispute letter package including a copy of my payoff letter. Talking to the representatives has helped me immensely because I've received my new confirmation numbers and timelines. All of this should be resolved by early June. Taking control of my finances have eliminated (sort of) the fear of not resigning my VA lease.

It is important to take advantage of all available opportunities abound because these will position me to harvest low-lying fruit!

Opportunity Journal Entry #5: Business Travel

Even though I have a massive headache on the left side of my brain (which is not because of the sun which is a nice 75 degrees), I can spot an opportunity when I see one. The table has the Annual Meeting brochure and since I am a member, I could pay the Meeting member fee of $750 (since I am both a member and an Economist I could ask my employer to do this!). Also I have until July 31st to pay the fee leaving me with enough time to decide what I want to do. This is big because the business Annual Conference in Orlando is the same week meaning that I must make a choice between school (the first conference is held on Monday and Tuesday) and work. I can visit blackboard for micro's syllabus to make my decision but if I decide to go to the NABE Meeting I will have to tell the other teacher.

Networking in my field and the Pacific Coast provide a lot of opportunities to grow and learn plus I like to travel and since I will be off Friday, September 7th it will allow me time to wind down and enjoy the sights before the conference. Earlier this morning during the meeting I dreamt about attending Harvard for my business economics Ph.D. (this carried over from my morning break walk) and how it along with working as a consultant would boost my career profile. I could envision myself working on the sixth floor (with an Ivy League, I am a virtual shoo-in but attitude still determines altitude.). Attending either conference would help me build a strong professional portfolio because I have taken the initiative to meet people and development the acumen to be successful in every environment.

Awake (I wrote this to get out of my lethargy)

Snap out of my doldrums
Be happy that I am freely breathing in the optimism
Able to capitalize upon any opportunity available to me

Break out the slumber
Awake my creativity
Spring to life
Nurture it through the growing stages
Mines sprouts out life a geyser
Flushing out with spurts of energy, imagination and passion
My creativity will envelope everything like a rainbow

Be

Be happy
Be wise
Be fair
Be kind
Be optimistic
Be aware
Be educated
Be alive!

Show Appreciation

What am I appreciative for?

The fact that I am healthy and able body
I can pursue all of my higher educational pursuit anywhere my ambition and grades will take me.
I can earn a decent wage in my major
To be literate and to use this skill to learn more about life.

Review of Russell Simmons' Do You

This book was inspiring by providing insight from someone who has been in the music business for 25 years. Every time he gave an example from moving to where the action was to clearing off your lenses to realize the abundance of available opportunity, it resonated with me. I wanted to become an economist so I moved from Cleveland to Washington, DC. I knew that continuing my education was important so I transferred from Cleveland State to American (I am in the process of trying to reduce my tuition costs because this fall the university wants $1,111 per credit hour. Yikes!). Also I sought out more challenges to improve myself because ultimately I was in charge of my life. I refuse to believe that there is a glass ceiling (well, concrete because I am a black woman) and that’s why I push the promotion so hard. My work will be rewarded or I go elsewhere. Furthermore, the story about Jinx was extremely heart warming. As former high school dropout, he has returned to earn his GED, and advocates education to everyone who crosses his path. You cannot help but root for him and his recovery from a gang shooting. I hope to hear from this artist soon.

There are some things, most importantly proclaiming himself to be a mogul when he sells all of his ventures. Equity, not money, makes one a mogul because it doesn’t matter if you have money when you have no ownership. Russell has sold Def Jam, Phat Farm, everything so he has essentially no equity. I’ve decided to modify his message since I will become the first black Fortune 500 CEO of a wholly owned company: never sell up to move up.

Motivated and Moving On Up

Today Bloomberg reports that Ursula Burns may succeed Anne Mulachy as the first black woman to head a Fortune 500 company! This is black history in the making because although there are several black male Fortune 500 CEOs, there are no black women. This historical news places me one step closer towards realizing my dream of becoming the first black female Fortune 500 CEO of a wholly owned company.

Since I am anticipating the new Black Enterprise BE 100s, I have decided to request investor and annual report information from last year's list and examine those companies, learn from their mistakes and fortify my own plan for success. I know that I can accomplish any feat!

The Friday After

After finishing two term papers, I declared that I would buy a steak from a high-end restaurant in downtown DC, a swanky place where the politicos hammer out deals; however, after seeing that it cost $20, I opted for the veal that cost $14. Omg! Even in victory, I was cheap! No, I digressed. I was financial astute!

During the lunch, I decided to forego preparing for the macro final exam because I needed down time to breathe after typing and revising 38 pages. Yikes!

The Best Line of Today is from Russell Simmons’ new book Do You: Please don’t tell me you quit your job, or you can’t get ahead at your job, because of a glass ceiling,” he writes, adding after an unprintable exclamation: “If you think there’s a glass ceiling holding you back, then you’re a slave.” Then he urges: “Shatter that glass, brush off the shards and get on with your vision.”

This is why I know that I will become the first black female Fortune 500 CEO because I refuse to allow anything to hold me back! I am a fighter and continue to put God first, I will be successful!

The Early Bird Chronicles: Entry 2

Having two papers due on the same day next week Thursday and the data management project deadlines breathing down my neck, I arrived early to work to type the SIS summaries. I managed to not only complete this task but also find three additional journal articles (one discussed norms!) and travel to AU to withdraw a book. Though I cannot buy some of the older books given time constraints (the shipping date is April 20 and the paper's due date is April 26), I am confident that I will still receive an A because I have revised my thesis statement. Now I can work on this week's summary and use my off day to revise and strengthen my SIS paper.

Also I resubmitted my economics proposal. My paper will focus on Brazil's Central Bank inflation targeting practices. I know that I can complete reading all of the papers using my off day because every week I had to read 200+ pages. So what's 20 per journal article? Later this afternoon I will start reading econ articles and summarized material to ensure that I get a head start.

Virginia Tech Massacre

The Virginia Tech killings got to me emotionally. I resided in Arlington and attended American so I took it personally though I did not anayone. I could not have comprehended it. Still don’t. What would make someone snap. Even worse than the gunman were the politicians jockeying for position on the gun control debate. At that hour did we really need that?

What is needed are prayers for the wounded and condolescences for the dead.

Aspire: Become the First Black Female Fortune 500 CEO of a Wholly-Owned Company

The Fortune 500 is out today and I will need to generate $4.4 billion to be number 491. Also 50 is the average age of a woman CEO so by age 50 I will have become the first black female Fortune 500 CEO. I am so excited because I have positioned myself to realize this ambitious goal. I possess the education, finances, insight, and tenacity to make it happen! I will neither be deterred nor denied of my rightful place in this world! Already by year's end, I will have written my own business plan, started my virtual assistant business, traveled to Brazil, strengthen my professional network, and cleaned up my finances to shore up the money to stay afloat for a 18 month period.

I know that I can accomplish this long-term objective!

Opportunity Journal Entry #4: You Never Know if You Don't Ask

Giving thanks: Prior to the CAAB seminar, I have mailed three thank you letters to Craig Jones, Lavern Chatnam and Marion Barnwell for accepting me into the fold! Regardless of what’s going on today, stopping to give thanks for the many blessings that I have received. So I am too blessed to be stressed!

Blog: Yesterday I was accepted into Johns Hopkins University's Applied Economics program as a provisional student. The school requires three courses then I could change my status to degree-seeking. Since I currently attend American, this status is okay especially since I intend on remaining here.

While peeking on the secretary’s desk (to see if she was there to gather a training justification), I saw one in her inbox which said JHU. Immediately I asked Rob about if funds were available (I told him that I did take a course. Honestly is the best policy.) He said to apply for the summer to see what happens and if money was available this fall then I could resubmit for that semester. This liberates my finances because now I can use my HSBC money towards my trip and relocation (though I am still entertaining taking statistics but that is another matter.) Furthermore, I called the training officer to locate the form on the intranet and during our conversation mentioned that no comparison was needed if my course was below a certain dollar amount (which it was!). Finally, after some kind of weird email exchange with a JHU financial aid secretary, I contacted my AU financial aid counselor who provided the consortium financial aid agreement releasing my funds to JHU.

All of these developments would have never materialized if I had not asked the director about summer aid. Now I have more options available to me simply because I overcame my indifference to taking more than one class and asked.

First 100 Days of 2007

The First 100 Days of 2007: Overcoming Fear

Today marks the 100th day of 2007 and I have accomplished a lot by overcoming my fears of rejection. I have paid off two creditors, applied to two graduate schools to reduce costs, and maximized my money by opening an online savings account.

By the Thursday, July 19th, 200th day of 2007, I will have accomplished the following:

Better credit
Ace my spring and summer graduate courses
Finalize my vacation
Improved my health
Have my new DC apartment

Not Sweating the Small Stuff

One of the creditors I paid off informed me that because my finance charge payment was received last week, I could not receive the payoff confirmation letter until May. This infuriated me because in February the representative told me that I did not owe any finance charges. I hoped that I did not deter my credit report.

My anger subsided somewhat while mailing my monthly payment, receive an updated credit report, and RSVP for a finance seminar. I will ask about DC Saves because I will align my savings goals with this organization.

While walking to the bank to open another account, a woman was asking for directions to the testing center. I told her the right way because I took the GRE test there. Immediately I remembered that God placed me in this woman's life to help her get to the next level because I wanted to leave earlier but had something else to do!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

April is financial literacy month and I will dedicate myself towards improving my finances. Today my counselor informed me that it received the extra money from the previous creditor and asked what I wanted to do with the money. Immediately, I instructed her to apply it to my current balance. This amount coupled with my monthly payment would accelerate my payoff.

More good news: I received an email from a college loan officer notifying that my credit dispute had been resolved and that only positive information would be on my report! This would assuredly boost my credit score.

The best news of today: My internet bank told me that I would earn 6% APY on all new money deposited into my savings account until April 30th. All the more reason to stash money there! By May 15th, I will have accumulated enough to pay for my summer class, relocation and vacation!

Opportunity Journal Entry #3: Appreciation

Today, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, marks the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination. All night I thought about King’s impact upon my life because though I was not alive during the Civil Rights Movement, I am benefiting from it. Without it I would not have been an economist or my education. While walking to JHU, I realized how Dr. King’s legacy enabled me to even consider applying to a white college. Prior to 1965, my only option would had been Howard University; but, now I have endless alternatives which I will take advantage of all of them!

Financial Spring Cleaning

These past two days, I have received financial confirmation from newspapers and commentators regarding my decision to start spring cleaning my finances. In today's Washington Post Michelle Singletary's column about spring cleaning, resonates with me because this Monday I pulled my credit report and was surprised by the abundance of wrong information on it. Immediately I wrote the three credit bureaus and filed electronic disputes. These corrections will boost my score and save me money! Also I am awaiting April when I can request my second payoff confirmation letter. The representative mentioned that the bank had to hold the money for thirty days to verify the funds. Afterward, the bank would report to the credit report late April/early May. By May 15th, everything will be resolved!

Yesterday I posted a question on a MSN message board regarding my credit score and the counselor congratulated me on nearly completing my program. He also told me that my score would receive a boost because I paid all of the money instead of settled, however, because several different variables he could not specifically determine my score.

Earlier this morning, I've realized that after being here for two years by summer 2008, I will be able to purchase a home. Also by then all of my creditors will have been paid off and I will have enough for the down payment. It is important to be proactive because financial spring cleaning is my goal!

Seize Opportunities II

Though this is the end of winter, the spring cleaning vibe has invaded my psyche! I am so happy to have applied to two universities that are highly reputable but will save me thousands of dollars.

I have just returned from two trips to the university where I will transfer (one to submit my application, resume and official transcripts, the second to deposit the $70 application fee) and Chipotle for my lunch (I budgeted for this because I would be out of the office during lunchtime). A customer service representative immediately emailed me a confirmation to which I asked about if the school has received my check. The woman whom I handed my application packet on the first trip acknowledges the check's receipt upon my inquiry about sending my GRE scores. I feel so much better than before because I know that the school will promptly process it. Now all that is outstanding are my recommendations and one has already been mailed.

During the final stages of preparation, I read the course descriptions and discovered that statistics was a prerequisites for econometrics. This motivated me to complete my distance learning statistics class by the end of April so that I could transfer it to my new school. This will allow me to take required courses, thus, accelerating my graduation.

Seize Opportunities

Earlier this morning I emailed my advisor about taking the majority of my economics classes at USDA but the program rebuffed. Instead of getting mad, I got active by visiting all of the local DC economics grad school then I stumbled upon a local grad school with cheaper tuition and an easier applicaton process. Reading the graduate program's curriculum, I know that I can graduate within one year. Also these summer classes are offered during reasonable hours meaning that I do not have to adjust my schedule. This summer I will take at least two classes maybe three. If I like this program, I will transfer all of my AU credits.

Immediately I called the office for pertinent information (FAFSA, GRE, recommendations). Tuesday I submit my application, resume and official transcripts to the downtown office because it is imperative to seize this opportunity! Submitting all of my information ASAP allows me to concentrate on securing two recommendations. This liberates me from being stuck in Virginia! I am not worried about not being accepted because I am already an Economist who has received stellar performance evaluations. Now it is time to realize the abundance of available opportunities that abound!

Spring Break Reflections

This week I have been out of school (for the most part) and out of the office attending a policy conference, economist luncheon and two Toastmaster events. These events allow me to gain perspective about the importance of balancing work, school and life. This entire week, I haven't done any homework. Instead I shopped for career clothes, arrived home early and rested and just plain enjoyed myself knowing that come next week, the daily grind will resume.

I needed this break because the twin dynamics of attending school and week had zapped my vitality! I was so dogg tired that my muscles were always tense and contracting. I just felt tired. However, since I did not have those stressors, I could just rest, review my daily and weekly progress without time constraints.

Since today is the conclusion of spring break, here is what I have learned and accomplished:

That attending policy conferences, allowed me to learn new things and network with some fantastic people

That I need to take a break and listen myself every day. So I have included a wind-down phase to de-stress.

That I will elevate my game and complete all tasks on time. No excuses!

That as an American, I embody the requisite courage and perseverance to conquer anything. One the Toastmaster speaker mentioned these character traits and I totally agree because I rely on them to move from Cleveland and continue working while attending school. Immediately afterward, I mailed my first online statistics lesson in the pouring rain. As I walked to the post office to purchase a stamp, I realized the enormous amount of available opportunities that abound me; and, I refuse to allow rain to get in the way of this! Upon returning to my office reinvigorated with the thought that I can complete this online statistics class in my time frame, I packed everything in my book bag rejuvenated with the spirit of accomplishment that I can tackle whatever comes my way!

Two Steps Forward with Feet Firmly Planted on the Ground

Last month, paying off my smallest creditors while paying down my second-smallest creditor were my two biggest financial goals. And after accomplishing them, I moved full steam ahead by paying off the second smallest creditor. By the end of the this year, I will be debt free!

My poor financial mismanagement is the real why I reside in Virginia instead of DC but by August, I will be back in the city! I can almost feel it because my credit score will have increased over 100 percentage points. Coupled with my income and much improved saving habits, and I will return in better shape than when I departed.

This one year exile has made me become more fiscally responsibility for every decision that I make. If I don't understand something, I ask numerous questions. I am unafraid of looking too bossy. This is my money therefore, it is my life! I have taken control of everything from my money to my career. Even though I have been here for only ten months, I have taken five computer training courses, and participated in two organizational conferences to enhance my economic understanding. I vie for more challenging assignments because I hate complacency and stagnation! I can envision myself as a ZP-III Economist and will accomplish this in May.

Envisioning myself as a wealthy woman has broaden my outlook and has touched every aspect of my life. Now that I can envision myself doing these things, I no longer feel inadequate. For instance, when I saw my Perkins Loan bill and realized that it was less than two of my credit cards, I began developing an action to payoff the total amount rather than defer it. After my credit card debt, I will tackle my student loan. I can see myself as totally debt free by age 35. This is what I mean by taking two steps forward with my feet firmly planted on the ground!