My new Georgetown hangout

When the hostess at Bourbon Steak remembers me before asking for my reservation time, I’ve become a regular. Right now I need it because I love walking one mile to clear my mind and people-watch. Experiencing this magnifies that I am moving up socially. This means a lot to me because I’ve only gone to Georgetown to shop at CUSP. Now Bourbon Steak is my go-to place whenever I am in Georgetown. What humbles me about being acknowledged is that I am the same person now as when I arrived to Washington, DC five years ago. Though my wallet has changed, my behavior of displaying courtesy hasn’t.

Donating to Books for America

Yesterday I realized that I have a plethora of books that were cluttering my place. I surfed the Internet finding the Books for America charity. This bookstore donated books to schoolchildren. Since I was a literacy advocate completing America Reads tutoring, this organization was right up my alley. Taking an early lunch I sorted through my inventory finding 28 books. I separated them into two recyclable bags that my mother gave me after DC ratified the 5 cent plastic bag fee. After work I called the employee telling her that I would be arriving. Weather cooperating I put one bag on each shoulder walking the five blocks to Books for America. The employee sorted through my books checking for yellowed paper, highlighted pages and publication dates. Adhering to the charity’s guidelines I was certain that she’d accept all of my books and I was right. The woman rejoiced at seeing Toni Morrison’s A Mercy exclaiming that the bookstore didn’t have much of her. “I was happy to feed the need.’ I replied. I understood her sentiment because if you didn’t get Toni Morrison on its release date the book would be sold out! Returning home I felt great giving my books to help improve area children because I knew the importance of literacy. This initial drop off motivated me towards donating books on a quarterly basis to not only de-clutter my humble abode but to enrich my community.

PMI has approved my Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) application

I am so happy that the Project Management Institute has approved my Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) application because obtaining this license is one of my career objectives. My first test date is Friday, June 10th. If this falls through then I will take it Friday, June 17th. Though 61% is the minimum passing score, I have designated 75% because I will take the harder Project Management Professional (PMP) exam and need to master the material. If I score over 75% then I will submit my PMP application that Saturday. PMI takes 5 business days to review references before rendering a decision. I want to take the PMP as soon as possible because I want to retain as much knowledge and to reclaim my summer.

My Second Individual Career Session

I have had my individual career session this afternoon. I handed him a copy of my career profile and individual development plan outlining my decision to take the two project management certification exams. The first one was the Certified Associate Program Manager (CAPM) was the lower-level one and I will take it in June. I decided to take it because at $225 it was $180 cheaper than the Project Management Professional at $405. I didn’t know the test’s format so taking the CAPM made more sense because once I knew what to expect, I’d register for the PMP. Moreover, during last week’s PMP exam prep course one of my classmates was audited while another was denied. Attaining CAPM certification eliminated either situation from happening to me because Project Management Institute cannot disqualify my application.

I told him about how receiving these licenses all but guaranteed a promotion at Census because last year when I interviewed for several positions, I would had received the job had I obtained either CAPM or PMP certification. In addition, obtaining a position qualified me for the Leaders Development Program. I informed the counselor that my mentor and other graduates received another promotion after completing this program. Ultimately, becoming a Senior Executive Series was my goal. It was interesting because when I told him about the three career paths that were my foci the counselor commented how could he help? That astounded me and I answered that I felt the need to bring something to the table. After all my career was my responsibility to navigate. I just needed some feasibility tests. The hardest thing for me was decided whether or not to use my third and final career session in August or immediately after Labor Day or wait until December.

Studying for my CAPM and PMP

With finals over with, I am reinvigorated and ready to study for my Certified of Associate Project Manager (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) exams this summer. I have enrolled in online classes since last April. Currently I am enrolled in USDA Graduate School's PMP exam prep evening course which has exposed me to a real certified instructor. I like the face-to-face interaction because if I am unsure I can receive immediate feedback. There are no discussion boards and waiting 24 hours for the instructor to post my answer. Furthermore, the USDA instructor is providing us with tips on creating an application that doesn't get audited. This is huge especially since I have never taken the PMP before, the exam will change on August 31st and I don't need an audit delaying my application. This will force me to take the new PMP exam which is something I truly don't want to do. Though there are only two more weeks remaining in my PMP exam prep, I will have both my Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and study guide books read. They will help me access when I will take the CAPM and PMP exams. I have decided to take the CAPM first since it is $180 cheaper and has the same format as the PMP. If I don't do well on the CAPM, PMI allows two more retakes with the re-examination fee. Moreover, I don't have the pay $405 to fail on the PMP. It is all about knowing the test format before entering the PMP exam. Hopefully, I can take the CAPM by mid-June and the PMP by mid-July.

Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is Teacher Appreciation week and I would like to thank my econometrics professor and teacher’s assistant for accommodating my homework submissions and teaching me STATA. Though I am an economist and well-versed in SAS, learning another statistical software helps differentiate me from everyone else. This has taken time and effort and I grateful.

The White House Front Lawn after Hearing about Bin Laden's Death

How You Can Help the Tornado Victims in the�South

How You Can Help the Tornado Victims in the�South

Redeeming Qualities

Rats! I have bombed two questions on the math economics final. All I want to do is score 80% but now I will be happy with a 70%. What is so disappointing is that I have studied and read the material. This is the second time that I have taken this course which is incredibly discouraging. It would be one thing if I haven’t put any effort into this thing. However, I have done just that which is why I am hurt right now because math economics is like day and night versus econometrics. At least I have econometrics where I can redeem myself. I have been earning 96% on my research report. This week I am looking forward towards submitting my final econometrics assignment and other homework because I will receive an A. Having scored an A at the USDA Graduate School, I want to keep my A here. I can still redeem myself. In the meantime, I will focus on econometrics and project management.

I know the reason why I am not fretting as much over math economics is because of project management. This is one event. Earning my CAPM certification redeems my spring and summer. Now I can devote myself towards project management. The CAPM is straightforward. There is no professor using me as a guinea pig to publish his new textbook. Manny is trying to get me ready for acing the certification test the first time. Now I can reread my PMBOK and doing my brain dump. Even with econometrics right around the corner, I will reread the first four chapters of PMBOK by next week. This Friday is my off day so I will dedicate myself towards project management. I still feel that another employer will call me in for an interview before May 19th so it is essential that I get everything read before May 12th. This extra week lets me review the material before taking the CAPM. Possessing the CAPM certification before entering the interview puts my resume on top! I really want to work at the Bureau where I can help people. This is one of the reasons for pursuing my CAPM certification. I get be of service helping people. I remember what it was like dealing with a shady creditor without any government help. Now I will be in a position to help others suffering in silence. After finishing the CAPM, I will write down a lessons learned then submit my PMP application to sit for the exam. I will finish way before August 1st because I envision myself attaining both licensures before my birthday. I want to have some kind of metrics because I feel as if I am running in place for the past two years. Receiving my CAPM and PMP guarantee that I am farther along in my professional progress and measly math economics cannot deter me from this!

WMATA has the worst customer service

Wmata has the worst customer service forcing me to file two complaints: one going to school and another coming from school. I arrive at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue NW promptly at 7:40pm knowing that the bus will arrive there at 7:45pm; but, it didn’t show forcing me to wait with two others until the 8:08pm bus. If this were Tuesday’s econometrics class, I would had been late for my finals. This tardiness compelled me to complain because this was the beginning of my university’s two-week finals exam. If that wasn’t bad enough, I arrived at the corner for the bus at 9:01pm but that bus didn’t show. Never in my life did I ever have to wait two hours to go down the same street. That’s crap! However, the one good thing about my bad fortune was that WMATA didn’t have to worry about me using its buses on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rush-hour surcharge or not, I am hailing a cab because acing my finals are too important to depend upon WMATA.

Reconnecting

Yesterday I dropped off my evening dress to a friend who worked at a high school. The school took these dresses for needy girls who couldn’t afford a prom dress. Even though I could had asked for a receipt, I didn’t because seeing a girl happy at her prom was payment enough. Later I learned from my friend that another undergraduate alumna lived here but after her residency will return to Ohio. I told her that I was thinking the same thing. I wanted to start by funding a scholarship. I didn’t just want to return with more money and experience but with more meaning. What was the use of spending five years here returning the same way as I came? I envisioned endowing two book scholarships one per university. I even knew how much money I would need to bring my dream to fruition. She then notified me that every month she ate brunch up in upper Northwest DC. I told her to provide me with the details and I would attend. This drop-off opportunity was a wonderful way of reconnecting with old friends.

Project Management Brain Dump Assignment Forces Reassessment

Doing the project management brain dump forces me to change my studying approach. Now I will start from the beginning by outlining chapter 1. I will do this later today since my PMBOK is at home. I am happy to discover this now instead of later because I can make-up for lost time. I can finish rereading chapters 1 through 4 by Thursday and finishing chapters 5 and 6 by Sunday even with the final review sessions. I will not be stopped! Completing ½ of the PMBOK this week is realistic given that I have already read 1/3 of the book. Furthermore, Manny says that I should read the PMBOK three times. The first time I’ve read it, I haven’t picked up on the definitions. Now that I will be rereading the material, I can do this. I want to be just like that old man in class who remembers every single definition. Memorization is indispensable since I feel that I must read ahead in order to sit for the exam. For some reason, I feel that a potential employer will interview me either this week or next. In two weeks having ¾ of the PMBOK read positions me to ace the certification exams. I don’t know why my intuition is telling me this. I guess it is the rapidity of the Bureau’s response to my Policy Analyst fellowship application. I am ready to go for it because I am a winner! I just pray that I don’t have to take it the same week as my AU finals else there will be some problems. However, if so then I think that I can manage this.

In addition, I will keep a journal chronicling everything that’s happening. This week, I will complete the certification's application Excel spreadsheet submitting it to Manny for him to review it. Since I will reread the first four chapters, filling out the application is will be easy. I will be proactive because you only get in what you put out and my intention from the beginning is to ace both certification exams during my first try. I will email Manny about this because taking the first one is the cheaper, easier route. I want to be able to know what the exam looks like before putting down more money for the second test. I will ask him after the second class because I want this held in confidence. I am thinking about sending it to him Friday, Saturday the latest. Manny says that I must view this endeavor as a project if I am going to pass the test on my first try. I am ready to tackle this and anything else that comes my way!

Spring Cleaning

Today I have thrown away two bags of trash containing old shopping bags and clothes that I haven’t worn in over two years. There are some things that I have purchased and never worn. Since I cannot donate them to any charity, they must go. This exercise forces me to take stock in how much space they have taken up all of these years. Also I have found many new pictures and books that are necessary to my receiving a higher grade. Throughout this entire weekend I have been thinking about putting my dresses in the dry cleaning to organize my closet. I need to know what I have because during these next two weeks I will drop off prom dresses and business clothes. There are many size 12 girls and women who need my clothes. Finally, spring cleaning helps me de-clutter mentality sharpening my focus; and, I need this with three weeks remaining before finals.

Project Management Class Week 1: Motivation

I leave Thursday’s class tired but knowing that my instructor was capable of having me pass the Certificate Associate Program Manager (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications this spring and summer. He has taught the brain dump exercise where you spend the first 15 minutes writing down all of the formulae and notes that you have remembered. I will apply this to my American University classes since their finals will be in three weeks. Also I learn that having read four chapters of the PMBOK that I am further along than my classmates. Today I have completed my brain drain and will reread my first four chapters before starting chapter five Monday. By Thursday, I have chapter six read. This represents half of the book with this being my second week. Chapters 5 and 6 along with chapters 7, 8 and 11 are the most covered chapters on the CAPM. Getting these out of the way during weeks 2 and 3 will enable me to pass the two exams on my first try. The instructor says that we should read the PMBOK. At this rate, I will accomplish this objective.

Getting ahead will also benefit me because a potential employer is interested in me. Having my CAPM license increases my chances. If this doesn’t pan out then there are other public and private employers interested me. My instructor says that obtaining the PMP certification results in one promotion. This is music to my ears because after five years I am looking for one. However, I like how project management has organized my work because I truly want to do better professionally.

Helping a Friend

A friend of mine has emailed me saying that his university of choice has denied him based on low GRE scores. I recommend him to www.learnatest.com because it offers free GRE exams. In the middle, I search Spanish and see all of these tests in my results. There are math tests which I will learn because I will obtain my translator license and travel for the US Foreign Service. Also this site has three MS Project 2007 courses which I am thinking about enrolling in as a refresher. They will complement my upcoming project management class because I just don’t want to pass the CAPM certification exam, I want to kill the competition. It is my way of realizing my promotional goals.

I know what it is like to be denied acceptance into my dream university but this motivates me to work harder. I use my work money to finance math courses to pass economics classes. In addition, I have used my money to enroll in several project management courses, join the Project Management Institute and ascend the corporate ladder. Using money out of my own pocket, I know that he will take full advantage of these free resources. Learnatest is the reason why I am at my current school because it has pulled my math grade up from 490 to 600. This site is the reason why I am here and want him to realize his dream of not simply being accepted into the counseling program but also attending debt-free and working on the university staff. I want him to live out his dreams because he is a hard worker.

Let the Countdown Begin!

Let the countdown begin! I enrolled in USDA Graduate School today and in less than two months I will obtain my Certified Associate Program Manager certification. I have gone from inertia to action! Now it is real because next Thursday the 14th I will be sitting in a classroom armed with my PMBOK ready to learn. This transaction has taken me out of my lackadaisical thought because I am starting to get sick of American. I just want it all to be over with allowing me time to enjoy my summer. No more new software learning or spending two nights a week in class. I can reclaim my life! Yesterday’s brilliant 75-degree weather drove home the point for me that I needed to get out more and evening courses weren’t conducive to that! I just remembered that in one more month it will all be over with allowing me to focus on my summer.

Obtaining my CAPM certification and then my PMP project management certification later this summer or early fall is essential to my career because I feel as if I am stuck in a rut. For over three years I have tried getting a promotion but feel like I am running in place. Last year I enrolled in project management courses and now will complete my final certification preparation course before sitting for the CAPM certification exam. Receiving this license increases my opportunities in both the public and private sectors and armed with five years’ experience, I am a shoo-in for a lot of managerial positions. I am giddy with excitement that my life is about to change for the better in the next 1 ½ weeks that I cannot hide and it has been a very long time since I have felt this way!

Happy

Everyday I awake
I know what's at stake
And I am happy
And nobody will make me sad
I decide to shut out hate
And instead be glad
For what I have
It's important to make the most out of day
Therefore I can let drama get in my way
Of becoming happy

Exceed is my 2011 Word of the Year

Exceed is my 2011 word of the year because I will exceed everyone's expectations even my own. There is no way that I will be here December 31, 2011 at the break even point. By that date I will receive my promotion, MA in Economics degree, Certified Associate Program Manager (CAPM) and Professional Management Professional (PMP) certifications, payoff my Cleveland State Perkins and Great Lakes student loans even though I am enrolled part-time and they are deferred because I will eliminate all debt, employ my organizational knowledge to advise an interest chapter to full-fledged status, become healthier physically, emotionally by taking time for myself and realigning my hip, travel more professional and personally by using all of my vacation days, and getting my company off of the ground with sales of $100,000.

Exceed is my 2011 Word

Exceed is my 2011 word of the year because I will exceed everyone's expectations. I will earn my MA in Economics degree, receive my promotion, have my book published, travel and have more fun.

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.

Reclaiming my Internal Hustle

Attaining a 94% on my consulting practice final has helped me reclaim my internal hustle. With finals and papers right around the corner, I truly need this injection because I am working overtime. Starting now I am working on creating my own communications company. Thanks to the National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) competition, I have amassed over 35,000 words. Though this is short of the 50,000 words mandated to win, this is the farthest I have gone in my four years competing. This abundance of material enables me to produce short stories under my new company's name. Make no mistake: With my newly found hustle, I am closing 2010 on a big note and 2011 will be legendary!

I Love All of You!

I know that I have been off of my blog for over two months but it has been an extremely productive period for me. I thank everyone for his and her well wishes! Love!

Week One in Econometrics

The instructor overdid it by lecturing the entire three hours straight! We had to beg him for a break. Also it was totally unnecessary to start the course with calculus II-III and linear algebra overview. That made me glad that I took all of those requisite math classes and AU graduate school courses else I would had dropped econometrics immediately! Actually, while others scrambled I was thankful for the opportunity to refresh my math and statistical knowledge because this semester I am studying advanced statistics and next semester I will return take another econometrics course. If I could survive the math review certainly I can thrive next week's simple regression lesson!

In Relationships Everyone Makes Deposits

I responded to a blogger's love versus security question. Knowing that I would piss her off because I take love, I answer love is secure. She snaps Love is not secure-wtf. Oh well, I am not the only one because she then replies that many of her respondents would pick love over security, too. There are too many people especially women in relationships for money. These become abusive because they cannot leave once they sour. Having your own money enables women to exit. When someone loves you, you always feel secure. Finally, good relationships occur when every one makes deposits. Bringing something into this relationship ensures its longevity.

Resilience

The word resilience has been stuck into my brain ever since returning from the funeral. I do not really know why but I do think that this has something to do with my mother's comments about my travel planning on such short notice. After telling her that by flying out of another airport, I am able to afford both flight and hotel, she says that I am very knowledgeable of travel sites. I have applied this to my life and realize the importance rebounding and shifting gears. These traits have been very helpful in my life.

Four-Month Milestone

Today marks four-month milestone of my starting project management. Since April 16, 2010 I have taken project management applications, MS Project 2007, project management fundamentals and am currently enrolled in Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification 1 course which I will finish by the end of August. I am so happy at the progress that I have made.

Proactivity Blog Entry #12: Making Headway

This morning I score 92% on my project management applications final. Completing my third class gives me a project management citation increasing my promotional potential. Furthermore, I have just learned that I have received another interview to display my newly acquired knowledge. Having this kind of good fortune makes me happy that I have enrolled in supervision II because now I can use all of this knowledge to ace my upcoming interview.

Proactivity Blog #11: My Actions are Receiving positive feedback!

After the interviewer mentions my project management coursework, I start realizing that I am going in the right direction. This is a good feeling especially since I have been enrolled in project management courses since April. Currently, I am wrapping up my third class this week giving me a citation! In addition, I will enroll in my second supervision class. The interviewer's feedback is a huge motivator for me since I am seeking a promotion! Hopefully, it will materialize soon!

The NBA Hall of Famers are Right to Call Out LeBron!

Michael Jordan and Ervin 'Magic' Johnson are absolutely right for calling out LeBron James as a follower who does not have the heart to compete against his other NBA rivals! One, LeBron will not win a ring in Miami for three reasons: 1) he is no longer the leader who cannot make 100% of the decisions, 2) in between him, D. Wade and Chris Bosh there are too many egos on this team and 3) friends and business do not mix. Unlike Yahoo! Sports blogger Trey Kerby who has neither won a literary award nor won a championship, Jordan and Magic are not complaining. These two men have 10 championship rings to LeBron's 0 rings! Furthermore, when MJ arrived in Chicago, the Bulls were not contenders. He made them one by winning 6 titles! Moreover, both MJ and Magic are astute businessmen. This commonality directly derives from them not quitting when things go bad! Magic Johnson has amassed a $500 million dollar business empire. Michael Jordan's staying in Chicago has taught him to stick it out in the hypercompetitive business world. This is the reason why Jordan now owns his own NBA franchise the Charlotte Bobcats! This translates into money or in James' case the loss of money. This week it has been reported that James is no longer a top-3 endorser slipping to #4. This is crucial because companies will not pay as much for him as a follower versus LeBron as a leader. Dwayne will get all of the money! I doubt that LeBron will ever make it to this MJ's and Magic's sports and business levels because he has bailed out of a tough situation. This character trait reappears in business. Finally, what MJ and Magic think about LeBron matters because it leads to my third point: NBA Hall of Fame entry. Current Hall of Famers determine future Hall of Famers. If MJ and Magic words are any indication, LeBron James will not receive enough votes for entry. In between, the loss of respect, money and Hall of Fame status, there is no way LeBron will ever win a championship or recapture the credibility everyone once had in him!

LeBron's Cowardice Will Never Win a Championship in Miami

LeBron has made a very, very bad career decision by going to the Miami Heat that will have career implications for four reasons. First, is the Shaq factor. Dwayne Wade has not won a championship without Shaquille O'Neal; whereas, Kobe has won two NBA championships. Wade is the catalyst for the Miami Heat so if he cannot get over the hump, how will LeBron James and Chris Bosh? Second, LeBron James will never be considered a first-round NBA Hall of Famer because he jumped shipped. Look at Kobe Bryant. Even when things were bad, he stayed in LA helping the Lakers win two more championships. The same with Tim Duncan staying with San Antonio winning 4 championships. From a historical point, look at Michael Jordan staying with Chicago winning 6 championships; Larry Bird staying with Boston winning 4 championships; and. Magic Johnson staying with the Los Angeles Lakers staying winning 4 championships. There is no way that the voters would send LeBron to the Hall of Fame after pulling this stunt. Third, I knew that when Chris Bosh was interviewing for ESPN instead of Wade, that there would be problems in paradise because now he thought that he was at the level as Dwayne and LeBron. Chris was never an All-Star starter. Now he thinks that he is at their level and going to get plays drawn up for them? That's three directionless prima donnas in Miami versus a cohesive Los Angeles Lakers team? I reside in Washington, DC and have seen how Gilbert Areans, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison have fizzled going up against Cleveland. I am taking Kobe over Dwayne, LeBron and Chris. Finally, LeBron cannot function well in a subordinate position. He is used to being the 'King' for seven years and celebrated as this generation's Michael Jordan. Now he has relegated himself to the Scottie Pippen role. This is not going to work. It is a train wreck waiting to happen!

Career Management: Passing the Supervision Fundamentals Exam

Yippee! I have just scored 86% on my supervision fundamentals final exam. This is the first step towards becoming a manager. Becoming a Senior Executive Series (SES) is my career objectives, and, this course has opened my eyes towards evolving into one. Now I will update my resume and enroll in the second supervision applications course this July 14th.

DC's Sad Social Commentary

It says something about Delegate Eleanor Norton and Mayor Adrian Fenty when they can promote medicinal marijuana but not statehood. I am glad that this is an election year because they have a lot of explaining to do!

Letting Go and Letting God

This morning Mary J. Blige has tweeted two very good messages on being your own person. The first is "Try not to run the race that every one else does because there is no leadership or peace in that race." I truly identify with this sentiment because with everything from the right to die to assisted suicide debates to the Tea Party rants becoming overtly political here in DC, I am officially done with it. Once you close the door, it is over and now you must start reclaiming your inner peace. There is a bitterness here when people try to call you stupid and assassinate your character when you disagree. Look no further than Keith Olbermann who rips people's character whenever someone disagrees with him. Though I am a Democrat, this is not the way to respond to someone. Civil discourse has gone the way of the dinosaur. In my own way, I have reached back to get it for myself.

The second is " Things always turn out better when we follow our own intuition not what some me else thinks or believes." Running at my own pace has helps me deal with a lot things here. Actually, intuition is my internal compass guiding me through life. I listened to it when I decided to intern in Washington, DC during my junior year; traveled to London, England during my Cleveland State University Accelerated MBA Program; and relocated here to Washington, DC to work in my major. I can always count on myself so there is no problem with listening to my inner voice.

Positivity=Productivity

This is the fifth week of my project management classes and in two weeks I will be on the cusp of completing the first leg of my two-step of the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification journey. After June 4th, I will enroll in project management applications and in six more weeks I will qualify to sit for the organizational tips that will help me personally and professionally. I can prioritize my tasks in order of importance. This enables me to increase productivity. Furthermore, I learn that the Department has two project management programs. Completing the certification positions me for headquarters promotions. I will reap a lot of benefits. Combining my PMP certification with my Aspiring Leaders Development Program experience, I am thinking of hanging out my own shingle by starting my own business. Possessing the adequate background and experience, I will be a success!

Proactivity Blog Entry #10: Living My Life on My Own Terms

Today is the first day of daylight savings time, I am awake all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Also I realize that I do not owe anyone any explanation for anything. I will simply start living my life uninterrupted. Channeling all of my energy into receiving my promotion and being a better person every day enables me to be further along this year than last. Each day I want to accomplish something significant and by focusing on myself, I will be more beneficial to everyone around me. This newfound feeling of serenity comes from some developments that force me to reexamine everything. I realize that I will be not just okay but better afterwards. So hit me with your best shot! I can take it!

Proactivity Blog Entry #9: Premonitions of Good Fortune

Sometime a while ago, I had this premonition that I should put my black sweater and Ann Taylor slacks in the dry cleaners because something good will happen to me; and, that Friday I received a phone call scheduling me for an interview. It was amazing because I did not know where it came. I aced the economist interview and sometime later that week, I received another email for the second statistician position. It just seemed that everything was coming together two weeks after four feet of snow froze everything. However, this good fortune was not mere happenstance but a whole season of hard work. In 2009, I enrolled in summer school to complete the six statistics credits to qualify for the statistician position. I realize that combining my mathematics credits, I also qualify for the mathematical statistician occupation. I was happy that now I was eligible for three mission-critical occupations; thus, giving me three avenues towards becoming a Senior Executive Series worker. Receiving this promotion was the first step towards achieving one of my career objectives, and, something told me when the time was right another premonition would come my way.

Proactivity Blog Entry #8: Being a Blessing

This week while doing my taxes I realize that I will receive the largest refund of my entire working life. This directly derives from my Dress from Success donations. When I was donating my ill-fitting shoes, I wanted them to go to women wearing a size 12AA. It was rough finding shoes for 12 narrow. The organization would give them to poor women wanting to work, earn a livable wage and feed their families. I did not think that putting them on EBay was appropriate because this recession ravaged the poorest people who could not afford decent shoes yet needed them the most to keep their jobs. The District's 12% unemployment rate proved this. Throughout 2009 I donated over thousands of dollars in shoes.

This year I will expand my charitable giving beyond Dress for Success to include Suited for Change, Goodwill and the Salvation Army. I already have my stuff mapped out. This week I will donate two evening dresses to the DC Public Schools' Annual Prom Donation Drop-Off. Originally I think I would only give the black evening gown I would had worn to the Southern Inaugural Ball; but, after learning that I am a size 8 in strapless gowns, I will give my size 10 silver sequined cocktail dress, too. In addition, I will give my White House Black Market dress and three Forever 21 dresses to either the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Finally, within two weeks I will donate some more shoes to Dress for Success.

Giving to others makes me feel better because I am contributing to my community. This is not a single isolated event. For instance, the old National Coalition of 100 Black Women chapter has sent me the DC Public Schools email. Social change is the cornerstone of all of my social memberships. I refuse to join any group that does not serve the community.

Proactivity Blog Entry #7: Helping Others Helping Myself

My friend and I are discussing the latest workplace shake-ups on Facebook. I relay to her how everyone is getting moved and how these dynamics will affect us. Personally I am happy with my new branch chief because he is creditable and does not play favorites. My friend is less excited with her new boss because she is not trustworthy. During the conversation I mention that she should pursue the Management Analyst and Contract Specialist jobs because I hate her always being miserable. Immediately I forward her the Contract Specialist and Program and Management Analyst OPM qualifications. Though she has thanked me for motivating her secretly she has helped me understand that I, too, qualify for the Management Analyst position. My economist job, MBA, management courses taken during undergrad and ALDP participation supply more than enough experiences to snag these positions. Furthermore, the Management Analyst earns the same amount of money as other mission-critical occupations. My personal fave is that they are centrally-located at the department headquarters, thereby, shortening my commute. Starting today I will create a template of standard questions to apply for all of these vacancies and apply for them. When the federal government reopens either Monday or Tuesday, I will fax my supplemental documentation. It is so amazing that in the midst of helping my friend, I manage to help myself broaden my career horizons!

Proactivity Blog Entry #6: Retraining

President Obama discussing retraining at Lorain Community College in my home state of Ohio and highlighting two factory workers' working full-time jobs while enrolling in a 6-month retraining program resonate with me. After completing my ALDP detail in November 2008, I wanted to become a statistician. The federal government required 15 math credits, 6 of which must be in statistics. Though I had over 15 math credits, I had 0 statistics credits thus last summer I took elementary statistics. During the same time one of my friends received a GS-13 Survey Manager position, I was motivated to complete business statistics last fall semester to qualify. Immediately upon finishing business statistics, I requested a student copy of my transcript to vie for similar statistician positions. Now I am on the cusp of receiving a promotion. My retraining is not limited to mathematics because I am pursuing my BA in Political Science.

While researching the college catalog for my BA in Spanish, I learn that my BA qualifies me for a lot of the political science credits. The university has accepted all 120 undergraduate credits thus allowing me to bypass the major's general requirements. In addition, I think that the department would waive the introductory level courses because of my BA and MBA. Having taken a political science class while enrolled at Hiram College, I am petitioning the university to accept it as an elective; thereby, leaving me with only four classes. However, I want to take the credit by examination to liberate my money. This is manageable especially if I take a position outside of downtown Washington, DC. The majority of statisitcians are outside the District. Today the Arlington Library has notified me that it has placed my poli-sci book on hold for me at its Central location. This weekend I will gather it and begin reading the book because I really want to test out of the classes. The university credit by examination fee is $50 versus $350 for actually enrollining in the class so why not go for it?

Earning my BA in political science is my way of expanding my career opportunities. Here in DC there are an abundance of job positions. Even though I possess a BA in International Economics and an MBA, having the poli-sci degree is equivalent to having my passport stamped. I can secure political appointments and foreign service positions. One of the department's elective is US foreign policy. Obtaining it along with two degrees and five years' economist experience enable me to lay the foundation for passing the Department of State's foreign service officer exam. Attaining important assignments allow me to fully use all of my skills and as a Type A personality I love it!

Financially Empowered Fashionista

Last Friday after saving the money and placing my name on the waitlist four months ago, I purchased the yellow Jimmy Choo Hunter boots from the Chevy Chase store. I truly loved them for their originality. My reason for buying the yellow was that everyone else had the red and the black. The store manager confirmed that I was the sole size 42 yellow boot pre-order which was wonderful because I did not want anyone esle to have it! Upon exiting the store, I asked the manager if I had to put my name on the red and the black waitlist since I wanted the other colors. She said that it sold out of the red but still had the black; but, I should contact headquarters. Immediately I emailed the company about the procedure because I wanted them in red, my favorite color.

I am going to pair them with each a white or navy blue raincoat because these colors complement my yellow rainboots. In the meantime, I will continue saving my money and rocking my yellow pair!

Proactivity Blog Entry #5: Following Through with my Commitment

My commitment to rebuilding Haiti is unwavering as I continue using my Twitter page to inform my audience. Today I have retweeted non-profit organizations CARE and UNICEF USA. These are reputable organizations which will use donors' money for Haitian relief. Furthermore, I am retweeting Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti $5 cellular phone charity donation because the singer is in Haiti now. Moreover as a native he has always helped his homeland and I respect that. The rebuilding process will take at least 5 years. The first year is about stabilization because a 7.0 earthquake will dismantle any infrastructure be here or in Haiti. The second and third years will be about reestablishing the Haitian economy and encouraging foreign direct investment. The fourth and fifth years will be about returning to any kind of normalcy, if I can call it that, because really how do you accomplish that in the face of astronomical loss? This week I will continue giving money to Yele online (It will reach Haiti faster than my cell phone donation) and notifying my audience about progress.

Proactivity Blog Entry #4: Helping Haiti and Myself

Yesterday I donated $50 to Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti organization online, $5 to Yele via text message and $10 to the American Red Cross via text message. Two days ago on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, I started my Twitter advocacy. It continues today because the relief supplies will start arriving today. Furthermore, it will take at least 36 months to get over this hump because a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. When one of my Twitter friend asked what if everybody gave money everyday to crisis. I promptly responded that people give money everyday but the earthquake put people on alert. Ironically, this was when I realized that I did donate to Dress for Success and other non-profits to eliminate daily suffering. Now it is time to plug-in and donate even more money to ensure that people can eat, cloth, and start rebuilding.

Senator Harry Reid's Hypocrisy

It is amazing that some people deem Reid's words regarding Obama being a light-skinned black man who speaks without an urban dialect as 'candor' but if he is so honest why does he not examine his ranking within his own race? Senator Reid is neither blond hair nor blue eyes so he is not the fairest of them all? So when a certain MSNBC commentator exclaims that "people who says racist things are not racist" then this is hypocritical. As a dark-skinned black woman, I see President Obama constantly parade his dark-skinned wife and children around constantly. Finally, to the black people saying that Reid is telling the truth, ask yourself this: can you speak for yourself?

Proactivity Blog Entry #3: Eradicating the Negativity in My Life

As much as I like this particular liberal blogger, I must subscribe from her newsletter because of her continued marijuana legislation advocacy. Marijuana is an illegal drug and should remain illegal because of its potency. Ask any crack addict how they have become hooked on this drug and he or she would answer marijuana. First, they lace their marijuana cigarettes with crack cocaine. Second, they become addicted. However, I will use current social policy regarding cigarettes to make my point. Nearly every restaurant and office building have banned smoking. Eliminating an activity reduces the number of smokers; thereby, reducing tobacco company revenue. Therefore, why legalize a drug when there is no real break-even point? That's just plain stupid and you do not need to be an economist to understand that when your costs outweigh your revenue, you shut down! Finally, if the public contends that it does not want to smell cigarette smoke, why should they want to smell marijuana smoke?

Proactivity Blog Entry #2: Following Through

This morning I have revised my resume and applied for seven positions because I really want the promotion. Instead of watching college football bowl games all day long, I have decided to sacrifice by investing time and energy in my pursuit towards ascending the corporate ladder. Completing the six statistics credits required to become a statistician have given me a real mental boost because now I can apply for more than one mission-critical occupation. Becoming a Senior Executive Service professional is my career objective; and, this demands GS-14 status. Securing the promotion ensures that I am one step closer towards bringing my dream to fruition. More importantly, I am looking for additional growth opportunities to broaden my reach. Working as a statistician on my Aspiring Leaders Development Program detail has given me insight into another occupation; and, this is something that I want to pursue. Furthermore, I am majoring in statistics so this job perfectly complements my studies. I receive graduate from the University of the District of Columbia in 2012. Hopefully, I will be a GS-14 by then.

Proactive Blog Entry #1: Creating My Own Luck

Today is the first day of this year and this decade. I have decided since I am unhappy with my current career trajectory that I will create my own luck. Right now I am revising my knowledge, skills and abilities for economist and statistician announcements. Saturday I will apply for these jobs. Make no mistake: I will receive a promotion this year by employing my newly acquired statistician abilities and Aspiring Leaders Development Program capabilities.

This Year, This Decade and the Next

From graduating from the agency mentoring program and the Commerce Department’s Aspiring Leaders Development Program to completing the six statistics credits, I have accomplished so much this year. However, I must admit that I am frustrated with not being promoted so I have decided to do something about it and apply for both statistician and economist jobs. Now I know that I can find a job twice as quickly. By March I will have a GS-12 or GS-13 promotion because I refuse to settle.

Never settling for something has been my mantra ever since starting my blog; and, it will continue well into next decade because there are so many milestones I want to reach. In 2010 I will accomplish the following objectives: GS-12/13 promotion; payoff last two credit card bills; travel to my Warrensville Heights High 15th high school reunion, Greater Cleveland Black MBA Association 25th Anniversary and the National Black MBA Association 40th Annual Conference in Los Angeles; attend both the DC and NOVA fashion week events; and test out of elementary statistics II, business mathematics I and II, and differential equations if UDC decides to cancel the class during fall 2010 semester. By the end of next decade, I will achieve Senior Executive Series professional status before 2015; payoff all of my credit card and student loan debt; l travel more; and, found my own Hiram College and Cleveland State University book scholarships.

DC Sports Bog is a Classist and a Hypocrite

I cannot believe the high level of classcism spouted in Mike Wise's Washington Post column regarding Tiger Woods. First, Tiger has done this to himself. As a married father or two, no one tells him to get a harem of misstresses. Mr. Woods will experience the same level of embarrassment every other man does when he repeatedly cheats on his wife: divorce. Furthermore, telling the audience not to judge further pushes Wise's classicism because the rich are beyond reproach. Second, Wise did not come to Kobe Bryant's aid when he got caught cheating in Colorado. Was this because Bryant possessed a high school diploma, whereas, Woods attended Stanford? I graduated from Hiram College, the same college that President James A. Garfield graduated, so I possessed some credibility regarding my class argument. I highly doubted that Mike Wise would write an article in defense of Kobe because of his academic pedigree. Third, I totally agree with Augusta's and Woods promoters stance against him. It is business and contracts have morality clauses. Tiger Woods violates them with his public infidelity. Why should Woods be treated any differently than anyone else? I congratulate his sponsors on showing no preference to Tiger because of his middle-class background and Stanford education. This is a business and they have done the one thing that no one else especially Wise has done: punish Woods for wrongdoing. I believe if Tiger Woods do not have all of these yes-men, he would not be embarrassed. Finally, if Mike Wise can defend Tiger Woods what is next, a Bernie Madoff column?

Becoming a Statistician

I check UDC Web4students grade site and learn that I have received an A in business statistics! This is huge because I keep my statistics streak alive and well. I need to blog about this because I am so happy to qualify for the statistician classification. It is essential to be the best at anything. Now I can enter 2010 qualifying for two mission-critical occupations instead of simply one; and, upon receiving my linear algebra grade I will become eligible for the mathematician occupation.

This journey started September 2008. I was on detail at another federal agency and during my 45 days, realized the similarities between economist and statistician. While visiting the Office of Personnel Management's classification site, I read that to become a statistician I would need 15 math credits, 6 of which must be in statistics. Though I possess the mathematics credits, at the time I had no statistics classes. Since my graduate studies return did not pan out as I had planned, I returned to UDC to retake calculus III spring semester, elementary statistics I summer semester, and business statistics fall semester. Enrolling in these three classes along with linear algebra helped qualify me for both the government's statistician and mathematician positions.

The government lists these two occupations as mission-critical because retirements would create a dire need for replacements. Currently I am an economist, also a mission-critical occupation, however, I want to expand my career options especially since I want to join the Senior Executive Service (SES). SES takes only mission-critical people and having three different ways to qualify ensure that I will become an executive one day.

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.

Taking Care of Family

My friend discusses that her mother does not babysit her grandchildren is somewhat disturbing. I cannot see anyone in my family saying that they would not watch my children. This is crazy because someone watched out for you. Moreover, my parents especially my mother paid for daycare but we saw our paternal and maternal grandmothers every weekend. It is quite selfish though I have learned that her mother has arthritis. She remarks that my family is nice. In addition, she says that most grandparents are busy and have lives. My maternal grandparents went on numerous cruises yet still found time to babysit us. I guess because I do not have that kind of dissention within the family ranks! It just sounds weird.

Black Friday Observations

Today on Black Friday I have bought five Ann Taylor cable-knit sweaters for $106 and an Acer computer for $450 (it includes anti-viral software subscription!). I am so thankful that I have the money to buy another computer because now I can schedule the Monday Comcast appointment tomorrow. Right now I am tired because Black Friday has consumed an abundance of my energy.

Earlier this morning I had to walk to Ann Taylor Loft twice because when I originally arrived at 9:05am, the store was closed forcing me to return home and call the store to verify. As soon as the saleswoman said that the DuPont location was open, albeit late, I returned to the store. That took a lot out of me. After watching Matlock I went to Farragut North and boarded the red line for Tenleytown metro. After climbing those escalators, I arrived at Best Buy where the small netbook screen saddened me. Immediately I looked for a laptop and after talking with two employees I bought the $349 Acer with anti-viral protection for another $79.99. Since the software was not installed I had to sit in the Geek Squad lounge for 15 minutes. Though stores were usually packed on Black Friday, this was not the case at Best Buy and it was not because I arrived at 11:15am. The recession took a very huge bit out of Christmas spending. Though many of my friends comment that Wal-Mart and JC Penney are crowded, when you are scared about keeping your job, a new computer is not high on your list! This situation is another realization that I am lucky to have a high-paying job to allow me to replace my computer. Later, I walked to Chipotle where I ordered the usual chicken burrito. I used cash and it was only returning home when I realized that the company mailed me two free burrito coupons. Rats! Speaking of returning home, this man who resided in my apartment was moving real fast through traffic. If I did not have my computer I would had secretly raced him home.

Response to Bissinger's NYT Opinion

On the eve of Michael Jordan’s 25th anniversary playing his first NBA game, I am disappointed the New York Times would publish Bissinger’s opinion. He is a UNC graduate and ardent age and college supporter. Bissinger is wrong to solely focus on the NBA when the NFL has the same age and college requirements. The fact that no one is disputing weakens Bissinger’s argument. There is a huge difference between high school and college. Colleges prepare these boys to handle publicity, improve teamwork at a higher level and improve their conditioning to avoid injury. These things require college. Ask Carmelo Anthony and Shaquille O’Neal who openly profess that their tenure at Syracuse and Louisiana State University have helped their career development. Just because the focus is athletic as opposed to academic does not mean that college and the age requirement are irrelevant.

I Feel So Honored

Yippee! The National Black MBA Association President has accepted my Facebook friend request! This more than compensates for the Ann Taylor incident! Immediately I have suggested two DCMBAA officers. I feel so honored!

Living Paycheck to Paycheck

No, not in that sense. I realize that by focusing on my paydays the weeks go quicker. For instance, today is payday and in two weeks it will be Monday, October 5th, two weeks from fall break and two months before the end of classes. Adopting this payday mentality makes me accomplish things quicker because there is a finality to it. That’s how I have been able to graduate from ALDP, ace my elementary statistics class and process the new child tax credit. Finally, it will also be the reason for getting my GS-12 promotion and acing fall semester classes to qualify for the GS-12 Statistician and Mathematician positions.

Nice Try But No Cigar

A male blogger friend of mine talks about enabling abuse but I take particular issue with blaming the victim because it was all about the female singers but not male abusers. What are the abusers’ psychology? This sticks at me because even though he’s a gay man, he’s a man nevertheless so he does not understand.

The Problem I Have When People Deem What They Say As Intelliegent But It Really Is Not

Unlike NY Times' Room for Debate, I do not believe that Mexico decriminalizing marijuana will affect the US drug policy because of our no tolerance drug policies. Look at student financial aid. If a student is caught using drugs, his financial aid is cancelled. Therefore, I do not understand why this or any publication would waste trees trying to entertain something like this! The New York Times is just stupid for even making this gesture. Now I am officially on Marc Anderssen's NY Times Deathwatch list because all the papers seems to do is write salacious pro-drug articles to generate web traffic. Wow! How the mighty (newspaper publication) has fallen!

You Cannot Give with a Closed Palm

Increasing my philanthropy has been one of my 32nd birthday wishes so receiving the DC Dress for Success annual luncheon invitation has made my day! Attending this event enables me to realize my personal objective. Having donated money and shoes, I am an avid supporter of this organization because it ensures that women can wear professional clothing, get jobs and feed their families. In addition, the ticket price is affordable. Furthermore, since one of my social service organizations holds clothing drives, I will ask if I may attend this program and give a report at the general body meeting. Since I am picking out my annual event table, I might as well infuse something that’s free! More importantly giving to DC for Success is about lifting as I climb.

This has always been core to my being because no one gets here by himself. Also I want to see people do better. Moreover, charitable giving shows my money maturation because one year ago I could find afford this ticket. However, after signing a one-year rental contract which keeps my costs down, my band promotion, and paying off a student loan, I have enough money to give to others, and in a way, myself.

Financial Empowerment & Upward Mobility

I really want the $98 Stuart Weitzman Puddles rain boots but the shoe company only carries it to size large (sizes 9-10). Knowing that I need an extra-large to fit my size 12 feet, I begin searching the Internet, and viola Bloomingdales comes up in the first page results. Though I click on the link, I am cautious about it because the department store carries women’s shoe sizes until size 11. Therefore, when Bloomingdales offers Puddles in extra-large, I am astounded! Immediately I search the site for the Chevy Chase location, call the main number and get forwarded to the women’s shoe department where I ask the sales employee if it has the extra-large. He says the store does so I ask if he could hold them for me. Not only does he hold the boots, he asks me when can I pick them up? I tell him lunch time around 12pm-12:30pm. Obviously brimming with optimism and anticipation, I cannot wait that long and leave the office at 11:35 am en route to Farragut North and eventually Bloomingdales. I board the third car because it aligns itself with the Western Avenue elevator. Right upon exiting the train and the station, I decide to take the elevator to Wisconsin Avenue. Upon seeing that it is on the train’s level, I make a mad dash for it (Of course, I wait to see if anyone else wants to board.). Why climb two sets of escalators when the elevator takes you to the street? I hit the button transporting me to the street where I walk two blocks to Wisconsin Center where Bloomingdales is located.

Wisconsin Center’s construction is going along at a rapid pace. In addition, to Bloomingdales, BCBG, Cole Haan and Eileen Fisher are now tenants. Furthermore, Capital Grille is under construction; and, I hope that they finish before Christmastime so that I can eat there! Bypassing the other stores, I enter the department store, look at the directory and make my way towards the women’s shoe salon where I see a male sales employee going right by me. Thinking this is horrible customer service, I am fuming. Then I decide to talk to the female employee who is cleaning the displays. When I tell her that I have come to try shoes that are held for me, she proceeds to her register where my boots are. Oops! Right after putting my feet in them, the wool sole padding surprising me because it minimizes the amount of space. This addition magnifies the importance of purchasing the extra-large. While seated I remark to the female employee that they feel snug to which she recommends that I stand up. Upon doing so, the Puddles are looser. Immediately, I buy the $103.88 ($98 plus $5.88 in taxes) and wear them outside since it rained earlier. The lady places my Munro in the Stuart Weitzman boot. After purchasing a slice of vanilla bean cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory across the street, I return to Friendship Heights metro station where I board the red line back to downtown.

Looking around my room I see the five other purple Stuart Weitzman boxes. The Puddles purchase brings my total to six. My ability to have all of my bills paid and snap up a pair of haute couture exemplifies how far financially I have come in three years. In 2006 I was a financial mess with two checking accounts in ChexSystems, the delinquent checking account bureau and credit so bad that no one would rent to me after my apartment flooded. This forced me out of DC and into Arlington, VA. During the next three years, I have enrolled in CCCS paying off two creditors along with my $1200 Hiram College Perkins loan. In addition, I have received my GS-11 economist promotion which helps accelerate my debt; thereby, liberating more discretionary money to buy Stuart Weitzman. :)

My 9/11 Reflections Eight Years Later

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks by Al-Qaeda. Even though Osama bin Laden is still outstanding, I pray that President Obama catches him. His capture would symbolize the turning point in the War on Terror. Thus far, we have aimlessly been pointing guns, running around in circles, trying to find the chief masterminds of these attacks. Even though the United States has captured the #3 Al-Qaeda terrorise, no one will rest until Osams bin Laden is caught!

My Promotional Job Search Thus Far

When one of my interviewers asks me to supply a reference's phone number, I believe that I may be on the cusp of receiving a GS-12 Economist offer. Though staying internally is my original aim, the interviewer's department has this neat housing project focusing on my hometown so I would not feel bad if I go there for an opportunity. In addition, this department has its own leadership development program enabling me to still realize my career objective of joining the Senior Executive Service. Therefore, if I must make a move then so be it. The decision should come either late this week or after Labor Day. During this time I will contact my internal interviewers to inquire about the status of my applications because this is crunch time!

However, if this and other opportunities do not materialize there is always six more GS-12 Economist applications which have been forwarded to the hiring official in the last three weeks; four of them within one week. I feel that after Labor Day people will once again call me for interviews therefore I am not worried since one of these applications is inside of my department and Human Resources rates me qualified at both the GS-12 and GS-13 levels!

Sunshine at Midnight

Sunscreen in my eyes cannot keep me from attending my apartment building’s rooftop gathering! The first time it was rained out; and, it looked like it would rain again but, alas, it did not. I am glad to breathe the air, venting all of the trivial details of today. I need to do this more often (and next time wear the maxi dress because this one woman wears a Gypsy 05 dress and I know that I can do better than that! OMG I am so sick of these secretarial support chicks thinking that they are styling and profiling!). Anyway I am so happy to meet with other tenants in building and this rooftop event serves as a stress release from thinking about tomorrow's economist interview.

Ascending the Ladder

Yesterday I nailed my economist interview by asking two very good questions and possessing very solid economics knowledge. I could see myself working for the hiring manager because I could discover new things without competition. After lunch I returned to my desk where another person asked me about my availability for a brief 20-minute interview for the healthcare economist. I replied saying Tuesday, August 11th since Friday and Monday were my off days. Finally, while printing my announcement, resume and application answers I noticed that the agency forwarded my newest application to the hiring official. Immediately I clicked on QuickHire and my III/IV economist application had been forwarded to the hiring official!

I notified my boss about interviewing. Though he had taken it well, this was the hardest thing that I had to do because I really loved my job! In addition with the recovery transfer payments being implemented I knew that next year there would be so many new components! However, getting accepted into ELDP was my primary career objective so if moving on means moving up then so be it! Ever since my friend who took a detail at Main Commerce became section chief at another agency told me that I qualified for higher grades, I knew that I could realize my goal. Never settle even if I liked my current position!

I Don't Need to Surround Myself By Stupid People Like These

Checking my Facebook page, I saw this crap from an atheist white man questioning Christianity and blacks being brainwashed by slave traders. Knowing that Coptic Christianity existed in Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa, this was so dumb that I de-friend him. I know where my ancestors come from and now that they were not pagans. My friend likes my status. Later tonight I will divulge her my reason behind the post. She is a practicing Christian so she will understand my angst! I cannot be around someone that dumb. The Coptic Christianity is highlighted on Wikipedia not to mention Brittanica!

Career Management

Who knew that working with a resume writer rto rewrite my resume would be so much harder than doing it myself! However, it is all worth it because my new resume is way better and reflects my professional growth. Now I can say wholeheartedly that I am a GS-12 subject matter expert and paste it on my Monster, HotJobs, JobBankUSA and USAJOBS tomorrow! Furthermore, I will email all of my prior contacts about the status of my applications because my August 1st deadline is 1 ½ weeks! I need this position because I have done everything good!

The Problem I Have with In Plain Sight

After watching In Plain Sight, I do not know if I could idly stand by and watch my partner kill innocent (well, anyone not associated with the crime) people in the name of ‘justice’. This whole no-snitching thing is stupid and does not save anyone life. Therefore, I totally disagree with this episode because it honesty and the truth do matter. His partner was a hothead who needs to go to jail because he steps over the line!

Ah! I feel better because I have gotten this off of my chest but this still affects me especially since it had a military connotation! This whole thing that some kinds of dirt is okay but others are not does not sit well with the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of veterans!

Opportunity Journal Entry #26: Aspiring Leaders Development Program Graduation Ceremony

I am happy to have graduated from the Commerce Department's Aspiring Leaders Development Program because it has stimulated my personal and professional growth and many of its participants have received promotions. The senior executive's lobbying us to take American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) detail drives home this point because I highly doubt that he has gone to the average Commerce Department employee asking him to join. He is looking for the best and the brightest!

Even though it turns out to be a sunny day, initially a monsoon sweeps through funneling wind and rain! I return to my humble abode, get my winter coat with the hood, wear my boots and charge outside ready to take on this hurly-burly force! Hey, I, too, am a force to be reckoned! Ever the Type A personality, I think that I am late arriving at 11:08am but hardly anyone is there. I sit in my assigned seat, draft a plan on how to receive my plaque and certificate without bumping into anyone. Afterward, we take numerous pictures. I particularly want our class picture with Brianna's son because when he turns 25 and enters a leadership program I want to be the one who says that I was there in the beginning!

After graduation, the weather calms down and the sun emerges. I drop off my winter gear, wash my face, call my mother preceding her casino trip and head to my favorite steakhouse to celebrate this momentous occasion! Armed with the restaurant's April $49 six-ounce lobster special in my hand, the waiter recommends two $28 soft crab which are pretty good and filling! They are also cheaper than the monthly special and as the waiter quips, 'You have the rest of the month.' True, indeed. With the cost savings, I have ordered a Coke and a peanut butter chocolate cake which has come nearly to the original amount.

This entire yearlong experience has served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Without it, I would have never known how much potential I have. I know that I am a good economist but now I know that I am a great economist! I can actually become not just a GS-12 economist but will one day become a senior executive service economist myself!

The Second Time Around

Yippee! I (think) that I have aced my calculus III final Thursday by reviewing my work thrice. It is essential to take my time . This tactic and asking the professor about the error analysis question result in getting four questions right. This caps off a great two weeks because the professor says that no one in the class will fail, I promptly complete my summer tuition assistance for elementary statistics and registered for linear algebra or business statistics for the fall semester. I have regained my life and my doctoral aspirations are back on track! By the end of this summer, I will have twenty-three math credits and halfway towards becoming a statistician and by December 2009, I will have twenty-nine math credits and qualify for the statistician, mathematician and mathematical statistician positions. I want to become a full-fledged member of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community and am nearly there. During this time period, I will attend the American Statistical Association JSM conference and its continuing education seminar. By December 2009 I will have everything professionally in place.

Retaking calculus III is a humbling journey because this is the first time in over five years that I have received a D in math. Although it is hard, I know that cannot have that blemish stay on my academic record because doctoral school is on the horizon. Therefore, I have put my all into this class because my future is on the line.

Stupidity on Both Sides of the Miss USA Controversy

I think that I need to layoff Twitter a bit after reading Roland Martin’s commentary. Disclosure: I dislike Roland Martin and his ilk because they present themselves as so-called carriers of the Freedom Movement but have left out some considerable amount of its principles; thus, they are watering down the Movement’s potency. I have to post this on Twitter because I simply hate his hypocrisy! Aah! I feel much better after this! Now I am not letting Perez Hilton off the hook because I really do not understand how the pageant allows him within 1000 feet of Miss USA. The problem I have is not with Miss California’s response that she is against gay marriage but Martin’s assertion that being pro-gay marriage is politically correct. This is a disturbing accusation and I refuse to tolerate it or let those who believe or disbelieve be labeled!

En Route to my Hiram College Tenth Year Reunion

2009 commemorates ten years since my 1999 college graduation and I am using my blog to chronicle my feelings about returning to campus.

Hiram was not my first choice. Howard University in Washington, DC was my first choice but I did not have the backbone that I do now so I did what my mother said. She had an ulterior motive which was to prove certain people at her workforce that she could afford to send her daughter to a private school. That was why I disliked it so much. However I managed to create my own life by interning in Washington, DC which was where I currently worked. Needless to say my mother did not like that idea because she was not in control of it. Essentially, she did not like any idea that she did not understand, be it graduate school to earn a second degree or travel to London to accumulate international business experience or relocate here to DC. Prior to DC, I worked at Cuyahoga County and that gave her bragging rights because she could afford it on a clerk’s salary. Working in my major messed her whole fantasy up because she could not control the outcome. Hey! It was my life!

That is a little back story about post-graduation life. Now as I enter my third year as a government economist, the fed will make me a career permanent employee and fully vest my retirement. On the cusp of this milestone, I look at my career progress. In three short years I have gone from GS-9 to GS-12, completing the agency’s mentoring and within one month will graduate from ALDP. In the duration I have broaden my professional networks by joining several economist organizations and have kept my NBMBAA membership up to date. Participating in seminars have helped me stay current of my profession which in turn makes me more successful.

Now as I return to Hiram College I will run into the same, old classmates (Hopefully everyone will still have their jobs but given that BLS reports February 2009 has seen 651,000 unemployed, I highly doubt it! Personally, I think that the mixer will turn into an impromptu job session which I am happy to help because the government is hiring!). The one thing that I will do is bury old emotions and realize that the Carla at age 21 is not the Carla at age 31.

I Wish You Well, I Guess? I Dunno

I have accomplished a lot today! I have submitted my ALDP forms so that my matrix spreadsheet will not be blank. Financial empowerment: Saturday I will deposit $375 to replenish my savings account. Tuesday, I will open my online savings account to stash away more money. In addition, next week I will calculate my bills, register for my Hiram College tenth year reunion, and submit my ALDP management interviews and developmental assignment impact paper.

Later this evening, I am happy to have spoken to my friend about her predatory lending situation because I really want to hear what transpire. For three weeks, I have tried to text message her but to no avail. However, she has notified me that she has bought a new cell phone (figures!). Listening to her, I realize that those silly teenage boys are nothing to the very real problems that she has (Although they will probably be in juvenile detention this summer)! Therefore, I am grateful for the problems that I do have: no predatory mortgage, crazy people particularly family whom I can keep at a distance and not having to deal with bill collectors. However, Ellen’s plight just makes me more of an advocate.

My Life (Thus Far) At Age 31

At age 31
I do not look back because
I am happy to be my age
Unlike what society says
I have no desire to be any younger
I can still rock microminiskirts
Still write poems, songs and rhymes
Still express myself my way without regard to anyone's opinion.

The Day After: My Official Inaugural Story

Having spent all yesterday recuperating from attending the inaugural swearing in ceremony, parade, and official ball, I am writing my inaugural ball entry a day later. While at the Western Ball, one of the ten official inaugural balls where both the president and vice-president danced with their wives, I basked in the glow of my hustle and maintaining my integrity throughout the entire waiting process. From November 2008 to January 2009, many party promoters and organizations have flooded my email and Facebook accounts with their own inaugural balls with a higher price tag than the official ball.

I vividly remember last December 2008 when one of the Young and Powerful representatives wanted me to pay $200 to serve as host for its series of unofficial inaugural events. I replied to Crystal that I could not fork over $200 for an unofficial ticket when the official presidential ones were still unavailable. Attending the real ball was my primary objective. During this two-month period, I saved over $1000, forwent buying extravagant Christmas gifts at deep discounts, participated in DC for Obama, subscribed to the Presidential Inauguration Committee's Twitter feed and email updates, and conducted thorough due diligence to discover that the official ball tickets started at $150, $100 cheaper. On January 14th, Adam, the DC for Obama president, sent me an email with the special Ticketmaster link tp purchase my tickets. Immediately I bought the Southern and Western ball tickets at $173.75 ($150 plus $23.75 processing) apiece and forwarded the link to all of my friends.

Beginning Friday, January 16th, I started searching for the perfect ball gowns. My after work trips to Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie, Bloomingdales at Chevy Center and Nordstrom at Pentagon City were unfruitful. Exhausted, I realized that I skipped Lord and Taylor at Friendship Heights and should visit there Saturday.morning before proceeding to Tysons Corner.

Saturday morning bright and early I boarded the red line train for Friendship Heights and walked into Lord and Taylor where I found the prettiest gray sequined gown. I flagged down a retail associate to give me a dressing room but after ten minutes I left the dress on the rack because I refused to wait that long for one to open up. Right afterward, I traveled to Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue to see if they carried the designer I wanted. Upon learning that they did not, I returned to the red line where I rode the train to Metro Center to transfer to the orange line to Dunn Loring to ride the 2C to Tysons Corner's Lord and Taylor store (During this commute, I realized that the 2C bus left after my orange train arrival so I rode past Ballston). While waiting at the bus shelter, I remembered my whole 3T debacle. Boarding the wrong train lengthened my Tysons Corner trip 50 minutes. If I did not have that experience, I would had made the same mistake once it pulled up. When the 2C finally arrived I boarded it and within 10 minutes I was there.

Knowing that Nordstrom carried my designer I went there first (plus it anchored the entrance.) but it did not have it. Later I traveled to Jessice McClintock which stocked some very pretty gowns but none of them appropriate for the official inaugural balls, therefore, I continued to Bloomingdales where once again, the larger store did not have my particular designer. Finally, I tried the Lord and Taylor and, viola!, there my dress was but in a size 10. Undeterred, I decided to try it on and it fit. That was amazing because 12 was my normal size. Immediately, I purchased it and headed to the Chanel counter to buy all of the requisite makeup. As soon as I sat down, I told the ladies that this was where I had to purchase my makeup because I wanted to look like a sophisticated lady. This was no time for CVS makeup! After purchasing my lipstick, liquid foundation, lip liner and eye makeup, I thought about how empowering it was to save the $1000 cash and to use the 20% off coupon to save even more money. Having purchased the first gown that I wanted, I boarded the 2C bus to Dunn Loring, transferred to the orange line to Metro Center then reboard the red line to Friendship Heights to buy the second dress that I wanted. Upon returning to a now bustling Chevy Chase store, I managed to try on the black halter sequined dress then bought a black purchase. Cumulatively I saved $131.20 on my total purchases giving me breathing room. Furthermore, it made me almost forget not buying the Badgley Mishicka ball gown that I really wanted.

This shopping experience reaffirmed the importance of hustle and staying true to myself because I could had settled for buying the white sequined dress in a size 12 but that was not the one that I wanted; just like that I could had settled for buying the unofficial ball ticket but I saved and waited for the official one to come. These two examples exemplified how patience and integrity were necessary towards being successful in anything.

My Place in Obama Inaugural History

I am happy to announce that I am the very first person to pick up my official Obama inaugural ball ticket from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center! In the bitter cold I walk down L Street to the convention center, inform the security guard that I am here to pick up my two official inaugural ball tickets. And, because I arrive in person rather than having my ticket mailed, I receive an official inaugural invitation with the president-elect's and vice president-elect's pictures!

Notes on the 2009 Fiesta Bowl: At Least My Buckeyes Have Shown Up!

Even though my OSU Buckeyes have lost to the Texas Longhorns 24-21 in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, I am happy that they have at least showed up to play! Furthermore, I am impressed at Terrelle Pryor's maturity who can hold his head up knowing that as a freshman he has given the Buckeyes the lead and the ability to win the game. Actually this game looks like one of those dandies from 2005 and 2006! Finally, I see Ohio State getting better especially with Terrelle at the helm!

Education and Opportunity for All

Work has paid dividends today because researching some counties using the exception edit let me see how other Americans are using the Pell Grant to pay for their education. Until today I have never known that Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Augustana College and Concordia University exist in Oklahoma, North Dakota, and West Virginia, respectively. These are not numbers but people which motivate me to solidify my spring 2009 plans. I have overcome my fear of submitting the wrong email to a professor(I will still call my advisor for vetting purposes). I will finalize my schedule and aid package and check the bookstore for the new book. Completing these classes put me only my master's thesis away from graduating.

On another note, Tuesday I will travel to UDC to submit my certified tax return. I need to have everyhing aligned because this summer I will have two independent study research seminars. This is my way to bolster my analytical background. Also I will conduct county cycle research because this year has been interesting to say the least. I have had the opportunity to find and fix many errors. This has been a learning experience enabling me to grow from it. Personally I feel that these experiences allow me to ace the SAS certification.

Happy New Year 2009!

From winning the ALDP slot to receiving my ZP-III economist promotion, I have accomplished a lot of my objectives. However, my American University return has not been as smooth because I must retake both classes after receiving dismal grades. Starting with calculus III, this entire year has been nothing but retakes. Though it looks like 2009 will be a redo, I will still graduate in 2009, conduct two independent study research projects, vie for the GS-12 economist post and expand my career and professional opportunities through earning six statistics credits to become a statistician and attending the NABE, NBMBAA, NAACP and ASA JSM annual conferences. Regardless of circumstances, I will improve my lot this 2009.

A Problematic Idea

This is my comment regarding the New York Times' highlighting Brandon Jennings' move to Europe in its Year of Ideas 2008:

I do not think that Brandon Jennings leaping to play in Europe was a brilliant idea and should have been highlighted here in this Year in Ideas 2008. It is a shortcut and there are no shortcuts to success! This is encouraging high school students to devalue education. Many college basketball players major in business and communication to be able to properly manage their income and images. Brandon will not have this opportunity. Furthermore, there will be a difference in medical care. The United States has the premier medical institutions which are far superior to its European counterparts. Moreover, it is required that all American medical staff speak English. The European Union has three official languages: English, French and German. There is no guarantee that Brandon can effectively communicate with the medical staff when injured. This language gap can lead the premature end of his basketball career and all follow him all of the days of his life. Professionally, the NBA does not have to accept Mr. Jennings’ European tenure because its rule stipulates that he must have one year’s worth of college. Brandon could have gone to any Division I college then to the developmental league before ascending to the NBA ranks. Finally, the most damaging part of this story is that Brandon is surrounded by a bunch of spineless yes-men, including his parents, who do not enforce rules. The college rule is meant to keep players safe by cultivating their games. For every Kobe Bryant there are 20 Sebastian Telfairs who could not make the leap. For 2009 please reconsider including people who take shortcuts for a living on the New York Times list.

What's Happening Now!

Receiving an email from a black businesswoman who has read my blog and become inspired from my life, motivates me to post my first blog entry in over one month! Her remark speaks to what I want to accomplish by sharing my experiences and hoping that people learn from them. I want others to benefit from my mistakes instead of making the same ones. It is all about giving and sharing because we all have a story to tell.

Now what exactly have I been up to since November? The National Novel Writing contest better known as Nanowrimo, has consumed the majority of my time. There have been some monumental stories during this month from Barack Obama’s presidency (I reside off of 16th Street and right after the networks project him as the winner, a horde of 2000 people ran down the street from 11:30pm to 2am chanting ‘Yes We Can’ all the way to White House. One man was even running the street holding a humongous balloon display, like the one you see at the Disney World entrance!), the President-elect’s 60 Minutes interview where he focuses on fixing the college football system instead of the Pell Grant even though it does not match inflation and we have been in a recession for one year, and my grievance process with a crazy instructor which is still in process (the school says that it can take up to 30 days. I pray that it does not ruin my Christmas!), and a well-meaning but evasive professor who believes that if he gives me specific instructions that I am being academically dishonest (Yikes!). This is also ongoing but will conclude next Monday. I have sent my concerns to the proper authority and will see what happens but in the meantime, I have decided to focus on the one thing that I can control: my performance.

The entire grievance process is a blessing in disguise because it supplies me with additional combat skills to face adversity. My agency holds an academic seminar, the morning my final, and throughout it I write down all of my dreams for the remainder of this year and for 2009. With every paragraph, I reclaim my joy and zest for life. I wanted to read the Statistics for Dummies book and take the DSST principles of statistics and the UDC elementary statistics II exams to qualify for the federal government’s statistician classification. It needs 15 math credits, 6 of which must be in statistics. Well, I have 16 math credits but 0 of them are in statistics. Yet, instead of viewing this as a singular opportunity, earning these 6 credits gives me 22 credits, 2 shy of the 24 required for the mathematician position. Here is where the DSST comes in handy again because it also offered the business mathematics exam where I could earn American Council on Education (ACE) credit. UDC accepts ACE credits giving me a total of 25 mathematics credits. Now all I have to do is either retake or test out of calculus III. Personally, after all of this drama, I realize that I can accomplish anything with a little hard work and perseverance. Hey, like the Reverend Joel Osteen preaches, ‘extraordinary people have extraordinary problems’. So I must be at the top of the food chain with all of this swirling around my head like shrapnel (When I swim with the sharks I do the backstroke!)!

A sour ending to 2008 means that this is setup for the 2009 comeback which will show up in all of my actions and Christmas gifts! Instead of purchasing a wardrobe of haute couture clothes and shoes (I confess to buying two pairs of Jimmy Choo on sale, of course, because I am an economist!), I will buy the STATA student version, Official DSST Study Guide and the Official CLEP exam to improve my future. The DSST exam costs $90 apiece versus $375 at the USDA Graduate School, $650 UDC credit by examination fee, and $3534 at American University (I remember when I use to make that much working part-time back in Cleveland so to me this is still a lot of money!). That is a significant return on investment! Moreover, after microeconomics, I am shifting my focus to statistics because it is only out of 100 instead of infinity which is easier to handle; therefore, it is important to prepare for by obtaining as many statistics credits as possible and these purchases ensure that I reach all of my goals.

Getting Ready for Primetime

I have bought an extension chord to create a personal multimedia center by linking my tv, computer and radio. Having taken off election day because I am on detail in Virginia but my precinct is in Washington, DC, I want to hear the Tom Joyner Morning Show wire-to-wire right after casting my ballot bright and early 7am. Immediately upon returning to my apartment, I am logging onto www.barackobama.com to share my voting experience and encouraging people to turn out. It's essential to have a three-prong multimedia feed going because there's an abundance of lies and misinformation to combat. And what better way than to create my own news center? Hey I pay the bill then why not?

This newfound blogging fervor results from seeing my 1/10 score and realizing that I have put all of my energy into my Facebook page, thus neglecting blogging on my Barack page. No more because I have already posted two entries! Throughout this campaign I have used my education and connection to advance Barack Obama and believe that many black professionals should bore the brunt of the burden. I have the ability to use my technological savvy to push Obama into the White House and during the next 48 hours!

Looking at the Bright Side

I admit that I have felt pretty bad over receiving my lowest score to date but unlike other times, this bad mark has not deterred me from saying that I can overcome (though I must acknowledge that it stung for a minute!). I guess it is the leadership program, good credit, and working in my major. I am currently working as a statistician at another agency. Even though it is kind of boring, I have learned how to calculate moving averages which is important to statistics. Therefore, in a recession, the fact that I have two jobs when many are searching for one is enough to view myself as successful. See if I was at Cleveland State studying for my MBA and climbing the ladder then I would be concerned with my academic performance. However, as a GS-11 Economist, steady credit, and an emergency fund, I am not clamoring as much over a couple of bad grades. The financial solvency has calmed my nerves because I live in DC on the same street as the university. I am no longer taking the bus to Farragut Square then transfer to the blue line to the Pentagon metro station then transfer to another bus. All I have to board one bus and get off at DuPont Circle then walk ten minutes to my apartment which I have because of solid credit.

However, I refuse to waste any of my scholarship money on getting anything lower than a B this semester. It is amazing that after outlining the chapters and creating practice tests, my microeconomics score is better than my mathematical economics. Today that I have outlined sections 11.1 through 11.4 and solve the homework to submit this Friday after my meeting with my micro professor and slipping my comprehensive exam form under my advisor's door (Yes, I know that I can pull this around even though this professor moves the second midterm to December 1st one week before the final exam on December 8th.). Also later this evening, I will finish outlining chapter 12 and start solving problems 1 and 3 on the fourth homework assignment. I will walk into the office having read all of the material so I can ask more informed questions. In a weird kind of way, I feel that microeconomics not mathematical economics may be my saving grace which is great because I need the former to sit for the comprehensive exam. This is not over by a long shot!

The Washington Post Endorses Barack Obama for President

The Washington Post endorses Barack Obama for president. Here is the link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101603436.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Notes from the Final Presidential Debate

Barack Obama soundly defeated John McCain during tonight's third and final presidential debate. McCain came off bitter and evasive, never really directly answering any question moderator Bob Schieffer posed to him. That was extremely irritating because I wanted McCain to give an honest answer about education, trade and balancing the budget. Moreover, Barack Obama reinforced the importance of education because if I possess a high quality education, nothing is unachievable. It motivated to push harder to obtain my MA in Economics degree. I agreed with Barack on everything except charter schools because are centrally located in poor communities fostering divide and conquer strategies instead of academic competition. Charter schools are located in inner-city communities not Cicero and Hyde Park. Finally, charter schools are another form of the poverty tax because those parents who have children in these institutions still pay income taxes to the school system that they are not using. I attend my school system and my household stayed above the poverty line because my parents did neither have to pay out of pocket for education nor have to pay gas prices to drive me there.

My Brownies Did It! Cleveland Clobbered the NY Giants 35-14

I am so proud that my Brownies clobbered the Super Bowl champions 35-14 last night in Cleveland. I am so happy about this win because I reside in DC, this is a great morale booster especially after my subpar micro grade!