XD30 – Day 21 – Getting Sleep and Rest

                This morning is the first day where I have awakened at 6:45am. Usually, I would have not only been up but finished my walk. I have been at peace, going to sleep and enjoying it. I do think that everything is falling into place.

                I am very happy that one of the projects that I truly want to participate deadline’s is still open. I will apply today because I do see myself deepen my broadcast knowledge. I am a member of this group but I am still all about creating high quality content.

                Yikes! I am happy that I have allotted more time towards completing the app because there were more questions on the final page. I am getting it done but whew! They are asking for a whole lot. I will email my contact asking for more information. At least the application deadline is still open.

                I am applying for this because I view this as an opportunity to grow and communicate even more. I love communicating, sharing and exchanging ideas because I learn something new and become smarter.

                Finally, by getting rest I am able to be my best and take full advantage of advice clinics. I have received a value tip that will help me; and, I am grateful because I am fully present to be able to receive this information. 

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.

What I have learned in 2015

2015 has offered me a whole lot of lessons, both good and bad. Here are my biggest lessons:

• The higher up I go, the more stealth my backup plan has to be.
• I am very good writer and will publish my new book next year.
• Overcoming my fear of failure has increased my opportunity. I have owned my own website and started my own online radio show.
• My being genuine has helped me personally and professionally in so many ways.
• That I’m now a senior-level professional who might have to rely on search firms now to aid me in my job search.
• I’ll have to entertain entrepreneurship because I think that I might have hit the ceiling on pay.
• I need to speak more instead of thinking that the data will speak for me. I admit that I am quite an analytical person but many people aren’t.
• After filing a customer complaint, release my emotions from the final result.
• I have been in DC for 9 years and have survived every situation. I most certainly will survive whatever happens next. 

I’ve Decided to Grow Up Today

                I have purchased Money  magazine at the CVS this afternoon. After reading it, I buy a 2-year $20 subscription because I need to grow up and manage my money better. Now I do earn 6 figures, save 25% of my non-rent paycheck and max out my retirement savings to receive the corporate match but I just feel stuck; therefore, I have decided to better educate myself financially. I know that I am full capable of not only getting to the $1 million level but surpassing it. I know that I possess the ability to become the first wholly owned black Fortune 500 CEO company. I have grown up over $32 ($12 for 1-year Kiplinger Personal Finance and $20 for a 2-year Money magazine subscriptions). I may also consider buying Worth magazine because my goal is to prepare myself for the stratosphere. I know that my book career will take off and reading financial magazines are the ways that I’ll be prepared for positive change.

Documenting My Knowledge

A business card company offers to host my website. Although I decline the offer, the idea has gotten me thinking. I have an MBA and a PMP so I possess a wealth of insight for people. I aim to put it to great use by writing what I know. 

PMI-PBA Weekly Progress

                This week I will improve my PMI-PBA exam score by reading BABOK chapter 4 and taking two traceability and monitoring drills. I have scored 25% in this domain which is completely unacceptable. By next Sunday, my traceability and monitoring score will move up to 62% (61% is the minimum passage rate). These two drills give me more practice to see more exam-related questions. I know that I am capable of passing the PMI-PBA on the first try. I have passed the PMP the first time. I am happy to have purchased the PMI-PBA online exam simulation instead of cross-referencing the CBAP practice exam because the former has shown me my weak areas. I am no longer walking around blind anymore because I know how to address my weaknesses. That’s the one thing I don’t want to do when I walk into Prometric this fall and take the PMI-PBA exam.

                The PMI-PBA certification affords me more cross-disciplinary opportunities out there. I have received a phone interview for an adjunct position. The college combined its economics and business administration departments. This benefits me because I have economics and business administration degrees. Also the PMI-PBA can fill the void because this is a small private college which does not have anyone who can merge the two disciplines. Obtaining the PMI-PBA certification not only bridges the gap but makes me indispensable. I love teaching because I get to communicate and share ideas and information. This motivates me to earn my PMI-PBA.

Cleaning My Plate and Clearing My Mind

                Internally I have been thinking about going for my PMI-ACP and PMI-PBA certifications. I am actively looking for a new opportunity but the feelings are so strong. I just want to clear my plate. Getting these two certifications free up a lot of mental space in my head. The PMI-ACP goal has been stuck in my brain since 2012 and the PMI-PBA goal has been stuck in my brain since May 2014. Earning these two certifications increase my earning potential. I need them gone right now to go onto bigger and better things. 

Silent No More

                Until now, I’ve remained silent and others have taken this to their advantage. People have told me to polite, courteous, and ‘to trust the process’. That stops today because I’ve reclaimed my voice. I refuse to let others and my enemies speak for me and write my story. I’m telling my story and my truth. I’m reclaiming my voice and my life. I’m giving life and voice to all of my dreams and aspirations. I have stopped fearing the future and what might happen. I am living in the present, taking each day as it comes and making the most of it. By being present and capitalizing upon all current available opportunities, I will make the future better; and, all of these things start with my declaration of not being silent any more.

Preparing for the Project Management Institute's New Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA) Certification

Friday I learned from Project Management Institute’s Twitter that it is holding a Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA) certification pilot program.  This motivated to read PMBOK, BABOK and purchase a study book to prepare.  Unlike my PMI-ACP certification endeavor (which I will return to later this year), I have a lot more overlap with business analysis than agile.  I have a PMP, MBA, business analysis education and 8 years’ business analysis experience.  I would easily qualify.  

                After debating and expending much energy deciding whether or not to return to my office, I’ve discovered that I can copy and paste the BABOK to Word enabling me to create a chapter 1 summary sheet. There is a whole lot of information that I must grasp but I am ready to absorb everything in order to pass the PMI-BPA pilot program.  Though 61% is probably the passage rate, I am aiming for 80% and will accomplish this through using CBAP exam materials.  I do think that buying the Rita Mulachy CBAP flashcards and writing down a couple per day will help me become stronger in the business analysis area. Even though this is chapter 1, there is so many differences between business analysis and project management. I have to learn the lingo. My brain is expanding with blood circulating through parts of my brain I probably haven’t used since studying for my PMP last year. 

Receiving a Career Blessing and Now I am on My Way!

Yesterday I received a LinkedIn invitation from someone with CBAP certification who is willing to refer me for my CBAP certification. This is huge because IIBA requires 2 recommendations to sit for the CBAP exam. These recommendations were my main hurdle but not anymore! Clearing this hurdle all but guarantees me earning two professional certifications this year. This spring I'll pass my PMI-ACP then CBAP. I am also applying for online adjunct faculty positions because I have a graduate school and more than enough experience to share. Furthermore, I want to be able to help people get on their way professionally because they are making an effort to improve themselves. Becoming an online adjunct professor would help me be a blessing to these students. That's why I am embarking on this journey.

Synergy!

Things are moving fast. Today while working on applying for jobs and enjoying my snow day, I receive an email congratulating me on becoming a Small Business Book Awards judge.  I am honored because there will probably a whole lot of applicants. It just feels good to be acknowledged. I’ve submitted my two topics (economics and technology). Possessing economics work experience, I am well-versed in the topics. Furthermore, I have over 10 years’ data mining experience and am a Trekker so technology is right up my alley. Most importantly, I love reading books because I can always learn something from them. With the Small Business Book Awards, I intend to read all of the cutting edge business topics to stay on top of my game.

                This announcement comes on the heels of receiving Chaz’s Careeranista book and being mentioned in the acknowledgements. I will build upon this momentum by considering freelance writing. I might even restart my fiverr.com page to earn more income. $5 is better than nothing. I think it’s even my 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) from the federal government.  And it doesn’t just stop with this new book judge announcement. It gets better.

                While reading my graduate school’s alumni newsletter, the university says that it is looking for bloggers. Since the alumni department follows me on Twitter, I know that I am a frontrunner. Furthermore, I have stayed in the alumni notes page with my promotions and project management certification accomplishments. I will use my writing as my ticket to get out of this predicament.

Making Moves

                I helped proofread a friend’s book and she quoted me and wrote me in her acknowledgements. She also debuted a career website along with her book. I asked her about writing articles for the site and if freelancers wrote the majority of the material. She responded that though most freelancers wrote the website material, they did it for free. Well, I knew that I could at least get something since I helped her with the book.  Furthermore, I wanted to expand my career opportunity and writing is right up the alley.

                Writing will be my ticket out of a toxic workplace. With the government shut down, Friday being my off day and Monday being Presidents’ Day, I have 5 days towards working on my craft. Immediately I wrote her my biography (BA, MBA and PMP) and a photo to her copy editor to get started. Even in the midst of a snowstorm, I am making career moves.  I am using my pen to get out of this raggedy mess.  

Paying It Forward

                Today I receive my Cleveland State University Perkins student loan payoff letter. In it the university says that since I’ve paid off my loan, my money will be used to make loans to other students. That’s an unknown added bonus for me because I know the struggle.  Although I graduated 12 years ago, I know what it’s like to be struggling for money. I worked at the Upward Bound and took out Perkins loan to afford the tuition. Luckily, I was an Ohioan so I received the in-state rate.  My Cleveland State University education has helped me land a GS-9 Economist position in my first government job.  Currently I am a GS-14. I want my money to go to current students so that they can have the same if not greater opportunities than I do.  Below is my payoff letter.

Paying it forward just doesn’t stop with new students. It continues with me because now I am more motivated to payoff my American University tuition debt.  I will use my tax refund to pay it off because it has been 3 years since I last matriculated. It should be over by now!

Cleveland State University Perkins Student Loan Payoff Letter

Rededicating Myself to Studying for the PMI-ACP Certification

            I’ve considered rededicating myself to studying for my PMI-ACP certification today. Ever since October 1^st, I felt like something was untapped. I needed to adapt to a new situation. Earning my PMI-ACP certification is the answer because there are a lot of IT and agile opportunities out there that I can tap. I already have PMP certification and 3.5 months later it’s high time to start working on earning my second certification. I’ll apply the same schedule of taking one knowledge area practice exam then a full practice exam every week that I implemented while studying for the PMP exam. Furthermore, I am mentally in 2014 mode and earning my PMI-ACP certification is a nice way of ending 2013 and starting 2014. I am thinking bigger and better for next year. I am looking for my GS-15 and armed with two project management certifications, I know that I’ll get one.

            I am all about taking full advantage of opportunities and the PMI-ACP certification is one. I know that employers are starting to demand it and why not position myself? Though many people have the PMP, not too many have the PMI-ACP. Also the PMI-ACP is more rigorous than Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Personally, I am all about the grind. Whenever I see that there’s a pathway leading me to more opportunities, I take it. It’s the reason why I have an MBA, PMP and now a PMI-ACP before December 31^st.

Adapt

            On Independence Day, I receive an email from one of my LinkedIn recruiter connections saying that she’ll check out some PMP-related opportunities. With my current situation in limbo, I must adapt. That means submitting my resume on holidays. Independence Day isn’t Christmas, Easter or Good Friday.

            In the spirit of Independence Day which gives me the freedom to choose how I want to live and where I want to work, I’ve used my free will to earn my PMP. This certification has opened many doors for me and I’m taking full advantage. Presently, I’m one grade below the federal government’s maximum grade. I’ll max out before age 50. Why stay stagnant when inflation doesn’t? Moreover, I feel like the ground is shifting under my feet and seeking out new opportunities attached to my PMP. Remember, at the end of the day. I’m responsible for my career; and, it’s adapt or die!

Not Waiting on Forever

I’ve just learned that the DC Fashion Incubator has delayed its pattern making course from June 22^nd to July 6^th. Immediately I pay Bits of Thread $30 for its pattern making tutorial because I am not waiting around for the Incubator to learn as much as possible of the fashion industry. It’s bad enough that the organization has delayed the textile class two weeks because no one has any money during the middle of the month. I do and arrived there last Saturday on the 18^th. On top of this I receive an email saying that the June 1^st textile museum plan has been nixed and that we’ll meet back at the classroom. Correction: The newbies will be meeting in the classroom because I’ve already attended orientation.  Besides I live near DuPont Circle and the Textile Museum is right there. The museum has a free day and I will partake in all of the demonstrations to learn more about clothing. In addition, the X2 bus that I board will be full on the 1^st of the month.  While riding the bus back from the classroom home, someone says that the homeless man smells like ‘cold piss’ which is one for the record books! I refuse to subject myself to that tomfoolery until June 8^th. Moreover, until all of the other classmates, I have the book and will have at least ½ of it read by the eighth. Also I’ll get the textile kit this week since I’ve budgeted for it.  I’m not waiting for non-paying people and the DC Fashion Incubator to straighten themselves out, I am going for dolo! And it doesn’t stop with purchasing the materials and attending the pattern making tutorial.

            This Tuesday evening I will attend the Nana clothing summer event at Bits of Thread.  Until seeing this announcement in the DC Scout newsletter, I didn’t know that Bits of Thread sewing fashion line clothes. Well, why am I learning how to sew if Bits of Thread can do it for me?!  I draw my stuff and throw them a couple of bucks and be done with it!  Next week I’ll attend a Georgetown fashion show accumulating more exposure plus ask Bits of Thread more questions about its rates because it they’re reasonable then I’ll have them sew my designs for 2014 Cleveland fashion week because this is business. My clothes will be at the tenth annual fashion show just you watch; and no one is getting in the way of that!

My First Production Assistant Gig

            I have just finished my first production assistant gig this morning!  Though it entails crumpling brown paper to create a cave, I’ll receive a credit and a premiere party invitation. Dressed in a pink Ralph Lauren polo shirt and Ann Taylor shorts, I’ve noticed that I don’t have enough grunt-work clothes.  I attribute this to being a highly ranked Program Analyst.  There are people who do this for me; however, I am at the bottom rung of the film industry so I might have to hit a couple of Labor Day sales to have a decent collection.  I will email the executive director thanking her for giving me my first shot and telling her that I am available for future opportunities.  Building my resume is my goal. While enrolled in the studio production class, I will book 2-3 more production assistant jobs.  I will have a solid resume.  This job is my first step.

Personal Enrichment Is a Must

            Watching these student videos make me want to hand them a copy of Story  by Robert McKee!  Their pictures would be so much better!  Oftentimes, you read on the required textbooks instead of those on the strongly recommended list.  I admit when I was a student I only read from the former. Now as an adult, I understand the personal enrichment concept.  Though I attend Writer Center workshops, I read as many books from the recommended list as possible to learn more tips.  I’ve learned more from these books than the lectures.  I like Story because even though it was written 15 years ago in 1997, it is eye-opening. 

            After I complete Story, I’ll start reading The Screenwriter’s Bible.  Forget the fact that the USDA Graduate School has cancelled its screenwriting class, I’m still reading its assigned textbook.  As I age, I’ve claimed responsibility for my own education.  Monday, I’ll call USDA asking about the class’ status. Still I’ll order the book to prepare me for ScriptFrenzy and April’s volunteer film role.  I must know what I’m talking about.  Moreover, the Writer Center won’t offer filmmaking until mid-May.  That 1 ½ months later.  Besides, I’m on my personal timetable where I must write no less than three 20-minute TV episodes during ScriptFrenzy in order to pitch my concept to Aspire TV.  I have been looking into learning about filming and cinematography.  I am adamant about creating my own sizzle reel to accompany my TV pitch.  Of course, I’ll have all of my newly acquired film friends.  I have the money so I’ll attend in April as many workshops as possible to absorb as much knowledge.  Remember, this is a business and possessing working knowledge of cinematography helps me establish expectations.

            My business mentality has helped me find creative opportunities.  Combine this with my MBA, project management certification and professional film membership, and I’ll blow up the industry!  I am ready to hit the ground running.  I’ve just joined the film organization today and will research area film schools for workshops because I will become the full package.  I haven’t ignored my online Ed2Go courses that hold me over whenever the Writer Center or UDC doesn’t offer the classes that I need.  I’ve just scored 86% on my Breaking into Sitcom TV writing final and scored 100% on Descriptive Settings quizzes 1 and 2.  This week I might pay $99 to enroll in Ed2Go’s Pleasures of Poetry because I must expand my creativity and vocabulary.  In addition, I might rollover my $87 to attend the Writer Center’s Syntax seminar to improve my wordplay.  These classes are personal investment ensuring that I keep learn and honing my craft to get picked up by the network.

Ode to Elizabeth Edwards

Learning that Elizabeth Edwards has decided to stop her cancer treatment hits a nerve with me because I am an epileptic. We understand that it is essential to live life to the fullest taking advantage of every available opportunity. Unlike the other 99.9% of the population who don't have diseases, we both understand the life's frailty. They float through life taking the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years for granted. Elizabeth Edwards hasn't wasted any of her years on this Earth. She has earned a law degree, birthed four children, ran alongside her husband for the failed 2004 Vice-Presidency. When cancer has reared its ugly head, Elizabeth has managed to turn affliction into advocacy speaking at events to bring awareness. Whether the disease is in remission or not, Elizabeth never has this 'Woe is Me' mentality. Though realizing its potency, she continues going about her life raising her children and money to combat cancer. Finally, when the cancer spreads throughout her entire body and the doctors tell her that she only has weeks to live, Elizabeth has turned disease into dignity. Though her physical being will wither away, her spiritual being will always be present.

Opportunity Journal Entry #27: Testing Out of Elementary Statistics II

This Tuesday I learned from my advisor that I only had to pay $50 to test out of elementary statistics II. Dr. Rice told me that he was using the same book and would send me an email (He still has not after emailing him a reminder). However, I refuse to wait on him so today I call the math department to receive a copy of the syllabus. I will call again because this is so important to me. I really need the copy to finalize my study schedule. I have a lot going for me. Presently I am enrolled in business statistics so I am mentally fresh to take the exam. For the rest of fall semester, I will use my business statistics resources to prepare for elementary statistics. Even though I will only receive credit, this is exactly what I want because it enables me to qualify for more science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations.