Gratitude Journal : Day 6

                Today is my Mommy’s and aunt’s birthdays. I am very happy that they are around. In addition, I am extremely giddy when my mother tells me that she’s received my birthday card. This has made my day! Here are the things that I am grateful for:

Gratitude List - Day 6

1. I have the money to pay my bills
2. Upwork has given me rising talent distinction
3. I have the roof over my head
4. My mother is celebrating her 67^th birthday
5. I qualify for so many opportunities to get me a job on Upwork and Indeed
6.  I am preparing for ITIL and I am in good health
7. Brian D’ Souza thinks so highly of me that he sends me the Data Scientist position
8. My Mommy calls me today
9. I receive my book press release.

The second biggest achievement is receiving my book press release. Yesterday I sent my meet the author book blurb to the promotions company and it acknowledged receipt. That happened within one hour shocking me. I was well on my way! Next I gave the freelancing company again after 3 weeks (the first interview went left).  I applied for 10 more proposals. I recommitted myself to not letting anything deter me. Afterward, I researched an opportunity with a high-income metro DC area magazine. That deposit money that a business conference wanted for its conference ad would give me a very big return on investment so I took. I started devising a sales plan just for it. Finally, I was grateful that I had the credit to afford it.

A Google Doodle for My Birthday

                How cool is this? I have my own personal Google Doodle for my birthday! Check it out below.

Back to Where It All Started

            On the last day I’m 35, I am officially here in Cleveland and cannot be any happier because I’ll celebrate my 36^th birthday here. This past year I have received my GS-14 promotion, a new DuPont Circle apartment, and earned my PMP certification. These are major especially the GS-14 because not too many people get to this level at my age.

I will be with my father all day tomorrow but since my Mommy has moved our lunch to Sunday, I am free for my birthday dinner. This means that I will wear my Valentino dress. I bought it at Gilt City warehouse sale this past spring. I will pair it with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals that I broke in for an event but didn’t wear. I love them especially since I bought them 50% off. Speaking of fashion, I’ve bought the fashion Cleveland t-shirt from the Cleveland store off of Euclid & East 4^th. I will rock that with jeans on my birthday. It’s only right since I’ve promised myself that 6 months from now, I will showcase my collection for the 10^th Fashion Week Cleveland show. I refuse to let my housing situation deter me from success. I breathe creativity plus I possess the business acumen so I will always make a profit!

            I know what I will continue to do in my next year of life: stand on principle. Okay so people hate my drug free stance. They’ll get over it. I am an epileptic who has nerve problems and I’m not resorting to either marijuana, or any other type of drugs or alcohol to ‘cure’ myself. I work on myself and becoming better every single day. That’s all I can do and do it well I will!

Honoring Dr. Maya Angelou and Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King's Assassination

            Today commemorates the 45^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray.  It is amazing how much racial progress has been made since 1968.  America has a black president, school desegregation, you can shop, live, eat and play anywhere you want.

            It is also Dr. Maya Angelou’s 85^th birthday.  She is a national treasure for her civil rights advocacy and poetry. Her grace and perseverance in the midst of overt segregation is honorable. She has survived and thrived and if I get to be 85, I would want to accomplish the same level of success. 

Tonight I used my Palm Steakhouse's complimentary 3-lb. lobster coupon for my birthday.  I decided that this would be a great time to use since tomorrow I am out of town until Friday.  I might not have the energy when I return.  Besides this has been a very good time for me.  This year I've received my promotion and gotten accepted into my second leadership development program.  Along with the potato au gratin, the original bill was $94.  I was unfazed because this year I could afford it.  Last year I was struggling; and, next year I will receive another promotion.  With everything going my way, I am very happy right now!

3-Lb. Lobster with Lemon and Butter plus Potato Au Gratin

My Vanilla Ice Cream with Raspberries and Raspberry Sauce

Celebrating my Birthday in Cleveland

            I returned to my hometown Cleveland for my birthday.  I truly needed a break from DC’s breakneck pace and dangerously hot weather.  Off of Lake Erie, the temperature was 75 degrees.  When I returned to Baltimore Washington Airport it was 93 degrees! In between the Wednesday when I landed and this Monday when I returned, I managed to reconnect with family, visit Cleveland State University, my alma mater, celebrate my birthday and 10^th year Master of Business Administration anniversary at Mortons Cleveland Steakhouse (after telling the waiter my story, he told another couple who paid for my chocolate mousse dessert!), relax at the Doubletree Cleveland hotel and eat at Mallorca and John Q. Steakhouse.  Enjoy my photos!

Lake Erie and Cleveland coastline 

Celebrating my birthday at Mortons Cleveland Steakhouse

Filet of Salmon with Crabmeat, Asparagus, 2 Shrimps Topped with Crabmeat and 3 Baked Shrimp

Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream, Raspberry, Mint Leaf and Birthday Candle

Happy Birthday Greeting on the Menu

Waterfront Line, Great lakes Science Center (Dome) and Rock N Roll Hall of Fame (right)

Cleveland skyscrapers

Cleveland State University Student Center

Cleveland State University Student Center

Cleveland State Campus District

Euclid Commons

Shubbery

Cleveland State University banner

Cleveland State University Art Campus off of East 13th Street

Mallorca Lobster Ravioli and Vegetables and Potato Chips

John Q. Steakhouse Sirloin Steak with Bleu Cheese and Broccoli Au Gratin