Passport DC

            Passport DC is the annual open house for all embassies.  Though I come out late for the festivities, I still manage to get my Cultural DC pamphlet stamp with four countries’ passports.  Even though I live right across the circle from the Australian embassy, that round-the-corner line deters me annually.  I opt for Mozambique Embassy off of New Hampshire avenue.  Later I cross DuPont Circle continuing down Massachusetts Avenue to the Bahamas Embassy where I take a photo of a man in carnival costume. Walking up Florida Avenue to Connecticut Avenue, I cut back to New Hampshire for Rwanda Embassy scoring a pamphlet.  I return back to Massachusetts Avenue. Seeing that the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy’s line has dwindled, I enter the building. After getting the stamp, I take a photo of the steel band and fellow Trinidadians. Then I bypass a man in a carnival insect costume crosses 17^th street. Taking his photo, I go withdraw money to purchase Peruvian food.  Ordering pollo and causa rellena for $10, I return home satisfied that I have a ball at Passport DC!

Perfect Chemistry

Yippee!  Ed2Go has an Introduction to Chemistry course!  Even with total quality applications and managing customer service, I will enroll in this because I’ve always wanted to take chemistry.  I made the mistake of skipping it to take physics in high school because I wanted to sit my senior class instead of juniors.  I ended up failing physics miserably.  However, since then I have taken linear algebra and three calculus classes adequately preparing me for chemistry.  I will supplement the online class with Chemistry Essentials for Dummies and reviewing all of the course’s links because I will absorb everything like a sponge!  The Dummies series have a lot of chemistry books which I will pour over.  I don’t want to simply learn the basics.  I want to be able to return to UDC and take a couple of courses.  Right now I want to expand my career opportunities.  Science and technology offer a wide array of quality jobs.  Besides, with the high start-up businesses, mastering science gives me a working knowledge of their products.  I am very big on conducting due diligence and knowing that I can proficiently read the science materials will help the agency.  However, I will not stop at chemistry but continue onto physics and statistics.

I might even weave in some physics because it is closely connected to calculus and statistics.  I think that taking the online chemistry serves as the launching pad towards returning to physics because I am in science.  This entire year I’ve been thinking about jumping back into science because I’ve been away too long.  2010 was the last time that I took a math class; and, since, I am working in quality metrics so beefing up my math and science are necessary.  Thus far, I’ve enrolled in total quality fundamentals to relearn statistical tools.  This new analyst job is fertile ground to delve deeper into these two disciplines.  These science classes will not compete with my filmmaking and project management because science intersects with these two fields.  I know that it is nerdy to be giddy over an introductory chemistry class but hey I love learning more. 

           

Wishing Derrick Rose Well

            Though I am sadden by Derrick Rose tearing his ACL during game 1 of the NBA playoffs, I agree with a blogger that David Stern and the greedy owners creating this abbreviated schedule are at fault!  First, no one knows whether it is a partial or a whole ACL tear.  Second, many NBA players had torn ACL and rebounded.  Dirk tore his in 2009 and three years later won the championship with Dallas! Finally, Derrick will listen to his doctors, fully healing from both his ACL.  Instead of returning to the NBA in January 2013, Rose should go to the developmental league for the remainder of the 2012-2013 season.  This move lets me regain his contact play.  Chicago and the Bench Mob can get the Bulls back into the playoffs.  Derrick must care about himself and his future.  Though it is hard to take ego out of the situation, Derrick must do this for survival else meet Brandon Roy’s fate.  Roy suffered an injury, returned too soon, won a playoff game for the Portland Trailblazers but was forced to retire because of said injury.  Rose is far too smart for that.  Playing in the D-League from January to April will get him back into game shape.  It isn’t as if the Bulls or Adidas will say no.  

In It for the Long Haul

Yippee!  I have finished PMBOK chapter 4 and after watching the 76ers versus the Bulls, I will solve RMC chapter 4 then continue onto PMBOK chapter 5.  I do feel that I will be finished with chapter 5 leaving me with RMC and PMBOK chapters 7 and 8 tomorrow.

 

More yippee!  I’ve finished outlining PMBOK chapter 5.  Sunday morning I will complete RMC chapters 4 and 5.  At least I don’t have to outline them.  Later next afternoon I will outline PMBOK chapter 7.  It is shorter than 4 and 5.  I might even squeeze in RMC chapter 7.  I am happy to keep my schedule because I will have PMBOK chapters 8 and 9 read by Thursday.  That’s ¾ done with PMBOK. I know that it is realistic outlining one chapter per day allowing me to completely outline the manual 2 weeks ahead of schedule!  I will reread the PMBOK again to review anything that I’ve overlooked this time.  In addition, I will solve the 460-problem handout, RMC study guide, PMP prep study guide and other practice exams that my instructor has given me.  Even though I have the money, I don’t see myself purchasing the $299 1400-question data set when there are cheaper alternatives.  I would literally have to fail in order to consider this item!  And, I refuse to go there knowing that failure isn’t an option! 

Mentality Change

Talking to former officemate is the best thing to happen to my day because she has gotten the job and I get to process my legal situation.  Originally, I am disappointed that it’ll take more than $8000 to get a down payment; however, I realize that SBA has increased my salary substantially.  I will save this amount in one year with a whole lot remaining.  I just want to leave here before of all the crap that has happened.  Also I must pay the lawyer and a settlement (maybe!).  I am just getting my feet underneath me by starting at SBA and this black cloud still hovers over me.  Yuck!  I hate this; plus, I still need to square away money for bills and starting my business.  I will build my company one brick at a time.  The hardest thing is completing the summary, therefore, I will pay $109 to enroll in the Writers Store screenwriting punctuation course starting May 21^st.  I might also buy the Screenwriter’s Bible for cheap because it is $90 cheaper than $109.  I have done just that because 1) it is cheaper and 2) I will finish reading it way before May 21^st. Doing this I no longer feel trapped and stuck and like a victim of circumtances.  Now I'm empowered to submit my TV script to the channel I want it aired.

Finalnically, purchasing this book  has saved $90 which is nearly equal to the $99 Ed2Go total quality fundamentals course which will advance my career.  This extra $90 amount will go towards total quality applications because this will improve my job performance.  I cannot wait to receive the book and start my class because it empowers me focus my personal and professional lives.  I cannot wait until I see my officemate again because I know that I will have more progress to relay to her and more money in my pocket.

Start

Start: (verb) 1) to begin or set out, as on a journey or activity.

            Today I start my first day in my newly-promoted position.  I am happy to defend myself against telework.  My work and personal lives don’t intersect.  Moreover, I’m not spending my money to purchase office supplies and use my computer and Internet to do my employer’s job; when I can go to the work site and my employer pays for all of this? Hey, if I’m spending my own money then I’m starting my own business!  Plain and simple.  I’m glad that I possess an economist’s mentality because the opportunity cost is too high to take a self-inflicted pay cut to ‘improve my efficiency and flexibility.’ This doesn’t make any sense!

            On a much happier note, I’ve created my own personal schedule where I will take at least 5 quality management Ed2Go courses, ace my quarterly review and pass my PMP exam by August.

My final day at the old place

The only constant is change and my life is freer because I’ve accepted it.  I remembered being okay with passing the CAPM because it meant the very real possibility or not being here at my (now) former employer.  Well, today’s the day.  Monday morning I will work at the new agency, armed with my CAPM and working towards my PMP. I’m taking the same approach towards PMP.  I am very much okay with the reality that I will qualify for Lead Management Analyst next April.  My job is to keep pushing forward capturing all available opportunities. Since I’m starting at the new agency and view myself one year in advance, I do see myself getting my TV show aired by the Aspire TV by next April. Currently, I am taking classes, joined an organization and am writing my TV summaries (plus participating in ScriptFrenzy). I just know that I’ll be farther along.  That’s embracing change; and, really isn’t this what life is truly about?

Four Seasons Washington Send Off

            At the Four Seasons Washington, I tell Flora that I have received my promotion and will start working at another agency, she commissions the chef to bake me celebratory chocolate cake.  In one week, I will be finished working as an Economist and start working as a Program Analyst position.  I am so happy that I am that I will get to use my project management certification because it has been two years in the making.  When I felt that I was stuck, I asked my other friend, she said that she detailed as a Management Analyst during the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act project.  I took online project management courses through the community college since UDC doesn’t have any ones.  In 2011 I enrolled in the Graduate School PMP exam preparation.  I passed the Certificate in Associate Project Management (CAPM) on August 23^rd.  Eight months later I will start working as a Program Analyst exactly 8 months later. 

Change and Transition

Change: 1a) to make different in some particular; alter; 1b) to make radically different; 1c) to give a different position, course, or direction to

            When I studied for my CAPM certification, I accepted that my life would change and been okay with it.  Well, in two weeks I will start working at my new job directly resulting in a promotion.  Now that I’ll reenroll in my PMP exam prep class, I am open towards receiving a step increase accelerating my promotion.  This promotion puts me in the stratosphere.  The added bonus is that I am doing what I love.  I’m using SAS and working in project management.  What better combination? I get to grow personally and professionally in my new position.

Personal Enrichment Is a Must

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

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

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

Lights, Camera, Business! Day One at the Hill Center's Workshop

             As a Writer Center member, I subscribe to the Hill Center’s newsletter.  On Wednesday I saw An Insider’s Guide to the Business of Media class.  Immediately I wanted to attend.  I emailed the staff about receiving a Writer Center discount.  The staff responded that it was independent of the Hill Center.  I paid the money because learning about the business was what was needed to get my TV pilot launched. 

            This is the best money I’ve ever spent thus far on a class!  As soon as the first seminar starts, I learn something new. This film workshop makes me proud to have an MBA, because I understand the bottom line. It’s amazing how creativity types don’t value LinkedIn. It’s only the go-to business networking site! I know that even MGM, Miramax and Warner Brothers have LinkedIn profiles. Remember, it’s a business. I’m glad the professional at our table drives home this point. ‘You want something working for you when you are asleep!’ He also stresses 1-page resumes because it shows your editing skills.  As a science/business type with a 2-pager, this is news to me.  I’ll get on that immediately!  Also joining TV professional organizations help expand your network enabling you to get jobs.  Furthermore, during the break, I meet with a lady who sits on an organizational board that interests me.  I’m unclear about which membership category I fit since I’m not in the industry.  When I mention professional, she concurs.  I get to save $20 off because I’ve attended today’s workshop.  That’s money in the bank!  This is proof positive that even with the plethora of Skype, online chats and instant messaging, face-to-face still dominates.  There’s no pretense.  You get the answer ASAP!

My business background has aided me during the afternoon session.  When attendees ask about how much creative control they have when pitching their show ideas, I wholeheartedly understand one of the executive’s responses that she has a budget and viewership metrics to meet.  I think that so many of the students and other participants are so busy creating, they aren’t quantifying.  Everything costs money.  Afterward, we exchange business cards and I head home knowing that I have so work to do because I want to feedback on my TV pilot show.  Better get it tomorrow during the pitch session. 

This first day has given me so many ideas and goals to set allowing me to build my resume.  The announcement has a resume workshop flummoxing me because I am in the industry.  Throughout this first day, I learn that I can volunteer and network to create one.  This motivates me to join the women’s professional organization and look to joining some more.  In addition, there are an abundance of project management jobs.  The fact that I have project management certification and writing experience, I know that I can get jobs in film.  Today and tomorrow I will evaluate my transferable skills to land me a film job. 

Creating Win-Win Situations

            Friday I had the hiring agency’s HR lady tell me that I didn’t qualify for the position.  I was disappointed because I was also nursing a nasty cold taking a ½ day off to recuperate.  I truly didn’t need that dismal news upon returning home.  She then asked me for my agency’s contact.  I told her that mine was out until Monday.  Crazed I called my mentor who advised me to reach out to the hiring official.  He might had some pull to hire me.  My officemate told me that my federal status was the sole thing holding me back.  If I wasn’t working for the feds, the hiring agency would had approved me.  Her words calmed me bringing my blood pressure down for the entire weekend.

            Fast forward to Monday.  My agency’s HR responds to my email.  I answer that it has gotten a whole lot more complicated since Thursday night.  Making a follow-up call to see if she’s in her office.  When she confirms, I walk to the second floor telling her everything.  I have taken my finger prints and eQip 85.  Also how originally the site says that I am not selected.  I ask the interviewer this before getting started.  He tells me that the certificate is still good.  Agency HR is astounded that I’ve gotten through the entire process undetected.  In disbelief, I mention that I have the announcement.  She tells me to get them.  Returning to my office, I am disappointed that the higher grade announcement has merit attached.  Printing the USAJOBS account, the lower grade one is for everyone.  I go back down to HR’s office armed with both.  Seeing these two, my HR is flabbergasted.  I guess HR has picked me for the wrong announcement.  I ask her if it is possible to switch me from the higher grade to the lower grade.  This saves me time and HR money.  No one loses face for a paper mistake.  Mine agrees telling me that she anticipates a call from the other HR to smooth it over for me.  Creating a win-win situation speaks of personal maturity.  Why make someone look stupid?

Sharing the Load

Today I walk out realizing the reason why I have so many options is because I am putting in the work.  Many people wait for God to do the work when in fact He’s telling you that you must share some of the load.  I’ve seen this today at landlord and tenant court with people falling on the mercy of the court.  That’s why I’ve filed all of the necessary paperwork, and spoken with the necessary people .  Now I am in a position to be stable through this spring through my CSU 10^th year reunion.  I’m doing all that I can so now God will help me out. 

Yippee!  Later this evening I received an email for a very important position.  Immediately I completed the form because I wanted to get this job.  It was in project management and that was the direction I wanted to go.  I obtained my CAPM certification last year for that very reason.  Now the seeds had been sown, it is only a matter of time because I reap the harvest!  Wish me luck!

This Week

This week will be awesome! I’m sure of it because the sun is shining and so am I! Nothing will get in my way! There are so many wonderful things that will happen that I must keep them top secret!

Getting to Happy

Though I’m disappointed that no one at the charity organization tells me about the buzz in procedures for tonight’s leadership volunteer training session, I am happy that it is $2 Taco night at El Centro D.F.  I might go after the hectic day I’ve had.  If not, I will sit pretty watching all of the interesting Discovery channel programming and read The Start-up of You.  This book has helped me crystallize the skills I must acquire in order to get to the next level. 

I'm a Three for Three in White House Tweetups!

Yippee!  The White House has selected me to attend the March 14, 2012 Tweetup where the President and the First Lady will greet UK Prime Minister Cameron and his wife for their first visit since the British elections.  This is the third time that I have been picked!  Next month’s event is right up my alley because I have a BA in International Economics degree and traveled to London, England ten years ago during Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee.  Immediately I complete and send my Excel spreadsheet with all vital information because I will be front and center. 

Get Recruited! Book Review

            Ever wonder why you land many interviews but never a job offer? You haven’t seen the process from the recruiter’s perspective.  There’s a difference between job searching and recruiting.  The former is uploading your resume on Monster, CareerBuilder and Indeed.  The latter means cultivating relationships and developing a brand.  Get Recruited! supplies superior insight to increasing your visibility by tapping into the recruiter’s world, a hidden job market of unlisted positions. This book goes beyond burnishing your resume, by helping you network with recruiters, like-minded professionals, create a career advisory board, media kits, business cards and find mentors and sponsors. Mentors and sponsors are meaningful because you’ll need them at every career stage.  When change jobs or receive promotion, you must find new ones.  Graham also says that media kits, business cards and branding specialists aren’t only for Fortune 500 firms. Use them to create your own branding strategy to find the job that you want. Finally, the author shows you how to use various networking levels (friends and family, volunteering, social media, past jobs and organizational memberships) to expand your current network.  Ultimately, Get Recruited! succeeds where other texts don’t by getting you unstuck.  What more can you ask for in a career management book?

Saturday Night at Policy

            The reason why I decided to eat Policy was because that screenwriting instructor advised to ‘get a life and go outside when all of your characters sounded alike.’  I was truly against surrounding myself with broke hipsters who used to live off of DuPont Circle but since the Great Recession now lived off of U Street, I made the trek up 14^th and T streets NW at 10pm and it was a madhouse!  There were people lined outside of the door!  Luckily, I had a reservation or so I thought.  I told the male host about mine and he disappeared for 10 minutes.  The people kept coming crowding the small waiting area.  The security guard asked me for ID which was extremely ghetto.  I could dine at Palm or Bourbon Steak without showing ID and they are five-star restaurants!  I had to chase down the female hostess and snag the booth.  My tables wasn’t bussed because the staff was spread thin.  At least I got a sheet. I asked my waitress for recommendation and she mentioned that the chicken wasn’t small plates but everything else was.  Then I inquired about the olive and she said that was a good choice.  Now I loved olives but not the full bushel of them!  I sat there thinking there was no way Policy could make a profit giving three pounds at $1.99 a piece!  Sheesh!  Next was the chicken with mashed potatoes were excellent.  What wasn’t excellent were all of the wannabe people there.  They were my age but unlike me didn’t have the disposable income.  See, I was a professional; whereas, they were support.  The men walked around in Men’s Warehouse shirts and the women paraded around in Limited dresses.  These items you typically didn’t see in my neighborhood!  My meal was actually so I considered desserts but after waiting 15 minutes for my waitress, I declined asking for my check!  I paid and returned back to my humble abode.  Next time, I will simply go for lunch and save myself to Cititrends drama or people posing without any real income!

Last Night at El Centro D.F.

            I am back at El Centro DF because I craved Mexican food and familiarity.  Though Opentable.com had Policy reservation, I refused to sit amongst all of those broke hipsters.  I knew that I made more money than they did.  Just ordered my Jalisco shrimp and crab dinner and ate in peace!  I walked up to the restaurant where the hostess initially assigned me to ‘the downstairs dungeon.’  I barfed telling her that I preferred sitting on the ground floor.  The downstairs wouldn’t be bad if the steps were wider.  If someone was going in the opposite direction, you must stop.  That was hard when you were on an incline.  I ain’t breaking my ankle over no food!  Okay so the lady seated me right across from the men’s bathroom.  Whenever it was in use, the bright light hit me.  I felt like a pre-midnight Gremlin, I claimed victory by not being seated in purgatory!         

            When the waitress brought me my Jalisco meal with the plantains and cilantro rice, my eyes expanded liked one of those cartoon characters.  I was in disbelief that I would get all of that food for $15!  It was bigger than the family-sized HungryMan TV dinner.  It was yummy, too!  Also it’s so colorful, I should had brought my camera!  This reminded me to buy the USB cable chord from Amazon ASAP!  Though I could not eat the whole thing, I made a major dent into the plate.  I finished off one soft taco, ½ the plantains and ¾ of the cilantro rice!  I prided myself of consuming that much food!  Major gastronomical feat!  I should had taken a bow of over it!  I had the waitress box the rest of my meal because plantains would be wonderful for tomorrow’s breakfast.  Exiting El Centro D.F. fat and happy and carefree from today’s world wind day. 

No, You Can't Pick My Brain: It Costs Too Much Book Review

            The global workforce is in flux.  Workers, used to staying at one job for 30 years, is vaporizing.  They need flexibility and portable because this is a knowledge based economy.  Brain not brawn is the order of today.  Workers must acquire the skills that’ll help them stay afloat in choppy career waters where the sharks circle them.  Adrienne Graham’s No You Can’t Pick My Brain serves as the blueprint for maneuvering in this new paradigm for retaining your knowledge for your benefit.

The Week That Was

Attending the White House Tour and covering the White House’s State of the Union Tweetup made for an eventful week. The tourists aligned outside of Hamilton Place behind the Treasury Department; however, unlike the Christmas tour neither camera nor purses were allowed. A man brought his camera and a lady brought her purse. I recommended to both of them to walk across the street to the W Hotel asking customer service to hold it for them until the tour concluded. The nearby hotels housed tourists so they understood. I met with fellow bloggers and others in the line. Walking into the White House, it felt different without the lights and trees. The residence looked naked. I remembered all of the adornment. My group did get the funniest tour guide that I ever had. He admitted that he was a Secret Service man (Who knew? I originally thought, but, then it made since they were responsible for protecting the President. That would be the best Secret Service job in the world!). The group also had a toddler who though made noises, didn’t cry. He was very well-behaved for 45 minutes.

Once the tour concluded, I walked home to drop off some of my White House memorabilia then scheduled lunch at the downtown DC Morton’s Steakhouse. Lunch was divine but more importantly the hostess remembered my name and seating preference over one year later. That customer service made me seriously reconsider the restaurant given that my favorite didn’t accept reservations for 1 anymore. I ate shrimp and scallops plus people-watch. The atmosphere resembled the Palm and every other high-end steakhouse. I returned home getting ready for my second Tweetup. 

This was my second time at the White House and was ecstatic that the Eisenhower Executive Office Building has wi-fi allowing me to carry my laptop there. The security procedure was late so the guards were scrambling. I sat four rows behind because of the rush making my photos blurry. Mind you I never used my wi-fi connection so I was very happy for assistance. Finally, I got the Internet connection and started asking my Twitter followers for more State of the Union questions. Once President Obama started there was so much Internet traffic I was forced to use Apple Safari over Internet Explorer. I tweeted so much that I thought Twitter would put me in Twitter jail. There were so many people retweeting my posts it amazed me that I could paraphrase President Obama’s speech. After the speech ended, administration officials spoke to the bloggers. I didn’t exit until 11:15pm. The 17th street McDonalds closed forcing me to huff all the way to 19th & M streets which stayed opened until 1am. I bought dinner returning home around 12 midnight. 

I was happy that I took Wednesday off to recuperate because I was up since 7am. Usually I worked from 7am to 4:30pm but the White House schedule stretched until early Wednesday morning. When I came back to work at Thursday I was so giddy knowing that I was registered for the Agency’s International Accounts training program. This course expanded my network letting me exploit opportunities in another directorate. I felt that I accomplished so much in my current position and though I loved my Agency, I needed new challenges. The training program exposed me to new stuff. Since it was down time, I also got to reexamine my personal interests. I decided to switch my science interests from physics to biology because I had more classes underneath my belt with the latter. In high school I took biology, botany and anatomy & physiology. NASA’s Astronaut program mandating pure science degrees over social science degrees (I have an economics one.), motivates me to pursue it. While enrolled in UDC and taking calculus III, I learned that the physics majors only had to take calculus II. If I had that kind of math proficiency certainly I could master biology or physics. Most of my math credits covered the UDC’s biology major leaving me only the science part. I ordered Biology Essentials for Dummies and was glad that I had because if I purchased Biology for Dummies it would had whooped my butt. That was too much information and biology required a lot of memorization!

Friday was the Commerce Department Combined Leaders Development program graduation. I volunteered as the floater/usher taking Deputy Secretary to her seat. How cool was that? I wanted to give back because the leadership development program helped me in my career. Tonight it helped me understand that I was frustrated not getting the proper management opportunities on my job so I registered for ServeDC and Greater DC Cares. I possessed project management certification so I was qualified to do the work. After completing the online orientation, I would RSVP for February leadership volunteer program. I would volunteer my way towards becoming a manager or a director. I owed that clarity to the Department’s program. It was very rare that every single day was eventful but this week was the exception.

The Best Time to Blog

This is a very good ReadWriteWeb article entitled about the Best Time to Blog. Enjoy!

Dinner at Lost Society

I ate at Lost Society off of U Street tonight because next Saturday the restaurant is the destination after the Young Guru Gilt City DC event. I mistakenly RSVPed for tomorrow because the hostess honored my reservation allowing me to dine there. I was happy that Lost Society still offered Restaurant Week one week afterward. I ordered the lobster quinoa, Parpardelle pasta and chocolate and butterscotch cookies with gelato. I loved all three dishes and immediately after finishing up my meal, I found the manager asking about the Gilt City DC details. I made a RSVP guaranteeing a smooth transition from the studio to the restaurant. The deal mentioned only light hors d'oeuvre I covered myself by placing a dinner reservation. Overall, I thought that Lost Society’s ambiance would complement Gilt City’s event. I cannot wait!

Masa 14 Dinner Restaurant Week Review

I went to Masa 14 for my final Restaurant Week meal because I saw the Kung Fu Chicken. Anything named that was worthy of a try. Since it was on 14th street instead of either downtown, DuPont Circle or Georgetown, I didn’t think that I needed to reserve on Opentable a day before; but, I was wrong. I called the restaurant for 8pm. I wore my black Neiman Marcus cashmere sweater, black Armani Exchange jeans and black Nine West booties there because I wanted to stand out against all of those low-rent hipsters. I was right. I looked way more polished than these peons. Well, I started ordering and first up with the Masa chicken salad which I loved because it had more chicken than salad. Second was the okra and chilies which was okay but the dish contained more chilies than okra disappointing me. Third, was the Kung Fu Chicken, the reason why I dined there. It was very good not tasting like generic Chinese food with MSG. The dish tasted like an actual chef created it. Finally, there was the banana cake dessert. It was moist and delicious! I would return to Masa because unlike other small plate restaurant, I left full which was wonderful because I had no desire to cook after returning home.

Thoroughly Enjoying the Brief January Warm-Up

The nice 65-degree weather (I don’t care what anyone says about global warming. I need this after that bone chilling cold weather earlier this week!) has made me put on my salmon pink Ann Taylor dress and Stuart Weitzman Mykonos sandals running all the way to McCormick & Schmicks off of F street for salmon rigatoni! I need this and an earlier nap to refresh my legs! I think because I have run so fast that the blood in my brain couldn’t get any oxygen forcing me to take aspirin. However, it is very rare to have a mid-60 day in January. Tomorrow it’ll be colder so enjoy it now!

2011: Notes at the End of the Year

This has been a very crazy but productive 2011! Here’s what I have learned this year: • Change is the only constant • Regardless of income always have an emergency fund • Become more financially literate by knowing what’s in my retirement • I am more resilient than I give myself credit • Holding grudges are counterproductive for my health and happiness 2012 will be a very good year because I have finally realized what I am doing and am ready to take it to the next level. I will live my life to the fullest by becoming more creative. I will also resolve my living situation, remove any and all grudges and increase my productivity by earning my PMP and SAS certifications and start my own business.

Celebrating New Year's Eve 2011

I ate at McCormick & Schmicks this evening. I have a lot to celebrate this year. Regardless of my personal life, I have managed to earn my CAPM certification in the middle of an earthquake! If I can achieve this distinction during a natural disaster, certainly nothing can stop me in 2012! Cheers!

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

I am wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Financially Speaking

Finishing the analysis and valuation for stocks final has taught me a new set of finance skills. I am better equipped to decide my future including retirement. I am developing investment strategy which’ll provide me with more income. Since next year, I’ll deal with more intellectual property with songwriting, magazine articles and TV pilot. Moreover, I can read financial statements, calculate ratios and uncover deals. I will do these checks on firms that interest. Next year I’ll celebrate my 10th year MBA reunion and even with marriage and child rearing I’ll be sitting on a Fortune 500 board by my 20th year MBA reunion. Tomorrow I will open a regular savings at PNC. I’ll deposit what I can into it. Right now I want to create a habit. The statement savings requires $200 floor and my life isn’t stable enough for this account. Once it does then I will upgrade accounts. Right now I want to create a savings habit. In addition, I want to reconcile then close my HSCB account because I am no longer using it. Furthermore, I will read my retirement statements and reassess my diversification because it will start working for me in 2012. I’ll fax the HQ office for more 2012 investment information because I make my retirement decisions over the Christmas holiday break. Thanks to the two finance courses, I will be more astute next year. I have taken analysis and valuation of stocks to decipher venture capital deals and become an angel investor. I possess sufficient business knowledge to advise new start-ups. Acquainting myself with the value side will help grow businesses. I am also big on microfinance because I know that offering small businesses these small amounts stimulate the economy pulling America out of the recession. Next year, I will focus on realizing all of my business goals.

Good News

I have a multitude of good news. First, my George Patton Memorial Scholarship check is in the mail and I should receive it by Tuesday. I have pestered HQ for nearly one month over $200. Still it is a scholarship and I have earned the money. In even bigger news, I have won a personal victory which I cannot comment on only to say that I am very proud of its results. I can breathe and enjoy Christmas, New Year's Eve, MLK Day, Presidents' Day and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Most importantly, I can be still listening to intuition. Tomorrow I will restart my project management studies by purchasing another notebook, buying PMP Certification for Dummies and Headfirst.com PMP Certification books, rereading PMBOK and start reading PMI Scheduling practice guide. I have three months giving me more than enough time to focus on obtaining my PMP certification. Attaining the PMP separates me from everyone else; and, that's exactly what I want. In addition, I will pay the SAS' base SAS certification e-course tomorrow because I know that I can master the material WAAAY before March 2012 when Rockville holds its base SAS certification class. I want to do more than stand out! I must be ahead of the curve! Come spring, I will possess two certifications. My future has become brighter and there is no limit towards achieving the life I want to live.

White House Tweetup Photos

Here are the Monday, December 5, 2011 White House Tweetup photos

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Eisenhower Lobby Christmas Tree

Brad Cooper

Macon Phillips

White House Holiday Open House and Christmas Tree Tour

White House Holiday Open House and Christmas Tree Tour
I follow the White House on Twitter and when it posts the Tweetup link, I click on it registering for the event. I am thinking ‘What the heck?’. The last week of November I received an email saying to respond by noon; however, my boss and I were so busy with the deadline that I didn’t see the email until 12:15pm. I feverishly completed the registration form praying that the White House would had penalize me for my tardiness. When I received the confirmation, I jumped for joy running out to buy a new digital camera specifically for this event.

The instructions told us to meet at 17th and State Place NW to pass security before entering the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. After going through the turnstiles and obtaining our passes, we walked through a maze from the Eisenhower building to the South building where lo and behold there was no wi-fi for the Tweetup. Luckily, I had my small notebook where I jotted down notes and photographed all of the White House staffers: Tina Tchen, the First Lady’s chief of staff; Brad Cooper, Executive Director of Joining Forces non-profit; Jon Carson, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement; Aneesh Chopra, Assistant to the President for Technology and US Chief Technology Officer; Macon Phillips, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Digital Strategy; Laura Dowling, White House Florist; and, Bill Yossess, White House Pasty chef. I asked Jon Carson about if the Administration considered nationalization the $50 billion infrastructure program to reduce unemployment like FDR did with the New Deal and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Carson thanked me for mentioning the American Jobs Act provision then explained that FDR didn’t solely rely on the federal government to create jobs. He partnered with private companies to hire workers when unemployment was 25%. He also mentioned that President Obama was trying to broker the same deal with the American Jobs Act.

The Tweetup ended with all of the participants leaving the South building for lunch and upload photos and post tweets. I ate at Café Soleil right down the street off of 17th street NW. Afterward I walked through Executive Park to 15th and Alexander Hamilton Place for the Christmas Tour. Receiving this invitation was awesome because normally you must contact your elected official to obtain approval for a White House tour. I was on the grounds with the other Tweetup participants and several others. After going through three checkpoints, we entered the White House. Every single room contained Bo, the Obamas’ pet dog. The Florist and Pastry Chef said that Bo was a big factor in the Christmas designs. There was Bo made of recycled material and another one constructed from marshmallows and licorice. Finally, the high school choir sang Christmas carols in the foyer next to the White House front entrance.

This Tweetup and Christmas tree tour were more than just goodwill promotions appeasing people. They were informative granting us access to key White House personnel. The Christmas Tree tour embodied the season presenting ebullient decorations throughout the House. I loved both events and couldn’t wait to register for another Tweetup!

White House Christmas Tree Tour Photos

Here are the White House Christmas Tree Tour photos that I have taken on Monday, December 5, 2011.

The White House Blog Has Published My Tweetup Photo!

Yes! The White House has published my White House Tweet up photo of Macon Phillips on its blog! This past Monday I and 150 others attended the Holiday Open House Tweet up where we met with Tina Tchen, the First Lady’s chief of staff; Brad Cooper, Executive Director of Joining Forces non-profit; Jon Carson, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement; Aneesh Chopra, Assistant to the President for Technology and US Chief Technology Officer; Macon Phillips, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Digital Strategy; Laura Dowling, White House Florist; and, Bill Yossess, White House pasty chef. When the White House posted my picture I was surprised because when I took it, I didn’t think that it was clear. Regarding the Tweetup I asked Jon Carson a question about if the Administration would nationalize the $50 billion infrastructure jobs program to reduce unemployment similar to FDR’s New Deal. He thanked me for mentioning the American Jobs Act then told the room that the New Deal partnered with private companies to hire workers reducing 25% unemployment during the Great Depression. Carson mentioned that the Obama Administration was trying to accomplish the same things.
Attached is the blog.

Something Big is Coming My Way

Change is the only constant and through it is December, I feel that something big is coming my way! For this past week, I have awaken in hustler mode thinking of the next big thing. Even though the New Year is next month, my mind is percolating all new kinds of things. I am very excited at the prospect of receiving a promotion and attending numerous Christmas parties. This year these events are higher caliber than last year. Meeting newer people enables me to expand my professional network. I am ready to break free of the monotony and this is the season for achieving this. Financially, I am in a better position courtesy of my very good performance appraisal and earning my CAPM certification. These two things position me to earn more money. In 2012, I will pass my PMP certification exam allowing me to vie for more senior position. Possessing an MBA and six years’ experience, I am ripe for a manager or director position. I know that by ending 2011 on the right note, 2012 will be a dandy!

18th Day of Nanowrimo

Today is the 18th day of the National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo for short). I have been extremely busy surpassing over 22,000 words. I still have 20 untyped pages outstanding and more than another 20 pages that I haven’t fleshed out using an outline. In addition, the system still hasn’t been working since November 1st and I have been reduced to typing and submitting my entire manuscript instead of pasting it. I refuse to let this get in the way of winning this year because my manuscript is very inspiring and has helped stimulate my thinking. Tomorrow before waiting for my groceries, I will pick up my outline. This will enable me to get started on writing 1,667 words daily. I know that my outline will exceed 1,667 words. Personally, I think that it’ll exceed 3,000 words. In addition, I will rest then return to Panera Bread to focus on writing more. I do feel that I will be very successful Saturday.

Crumbs Bakery New 17th Street NW Opening

I waited 20 minutes in line to get my red velvet cupcake at the new 17th Crumbs Bakery. The line went faster than Bobby’s Burger Palace. Two months ago when it opened I stood in line for 45 minutes before ordering. In 90-degree heat, that took a lot of stamina. I posted the top of my cupcake. The icing was sinfully delicious and luscious. I used a spoon because of its thickness! I ate every single morsel! I knew that Crumbs had a repeat customer!

Joining 85 Broads

It is official! I am an 85 Broads Washington, DC chapter! I feel so accomplished because it’s symbolic! I equate it to receiving my project management certification. It’s one thing to be an MBA professional. It’s another thing to become an 85 Broads professional. This organization is the crème de la crème of women professionals. I am glad to be a member of the sorority!

Time to Re-Up!

I have taken a nearly one month sabbatical since passing the CAPM exam and now it’s high time to return to studying for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification; and, with good reason. All of my PMP recommenders say that they will approve me and on the 28th headquarters will have a PMP program briefing event. I’ve told the program manager about my receiving my CAPM and my interest in learning more about HQ’s connection to the university project management program. The school awards a MA in Project Management and once I receive my PMP, I am looking forward to being on the staff as an assistant or an instructor. I like helping people reach their fullest potential and working as the liaison between my employer and the school is a wonderful way to accomplish this objective.
I have given myself three months to pass the PMP but I do think that I can achieve this in two months. The new PMP exam uses the same project management manual. In addition, I have the new Rita Mulachy PMP exam study guide. I’ve used the last edition to pass the CAPM; and, since that test uses the same manual I know that I will pass the PMP even if the test has changed 25%. I will bill myself as a ‘change-agent’ because I am able to pass the new PMP without assistance from Internet practice exams. Realizing that in less than two months, my academic fate can change is exhilarating!

Having an Actual Labor-Free Saturday!

Today I have awakened finally able to catch my breath and enjoy this Saturday without running errands. I walk to Books-a-Million (partially because my beloved Borders is out of business) to purchase the latest Washingtonian and Dolce Vita magazines. The latter is an affluent lifestyle magazines befitting of the DuPont Circle area. Seeing that the Books-a-Million doesn’t have the latest Capitol File magazine, I walk down Connecticut to News World magazine shop to buy it. I can always count on this store to have the latest magazines. And viola! Of course, News World has it along with O magazines. I grab these two magazines and head back to my apartment where I watch the Food Network and read these four magazines before departing at 12:30pm for my Four Seasons restaurant lunch date.

I decide to wear the floral v-neck Eliza J dress and carry my larger brown embossed croc Kate Spade purse to accommodate my Capitol File magazine while walking down M street. Realizing that I late, I hail a cab at 21st costing me $5.25. Though I know that I could’ve walked seven more blocks and been late, I think that it is my personal responsibility to be on time. I refuse to take advantage of other people over some meal. I arrive there ordering fish tacos (which dare I say are better than Oceanaire’s that I had during restaurant week and that eatery is renowned for its seafood!) and leaving with a $26 bill ($22 meal with $4 tip). My lunch is cheaper than yesterday’s breakfast (Four Seasons charged $6 for orange juice. Luckily, it didn’t charge for refills.).

I walk back home down M Street crossing the St. Mathews church where the bums that I’ve scrapped with sitting on the streets. Since I report them to the church father, they haven’t said anything to me. This makes my day since it’s static-free. I settle down watching TV yet automatically become uninterested because I love wearing my floral dress and must get outside. Therefore, I drop off eleven dresses to the dry cleaners. Since the weather is starting to cooperate staying in the upper 80s instead of the blazing 100s, I can now wear lined dresses. Dropping them off also means that they no longer occupy my mesh bag but now will hang from the closet. I can pick them up Wednesday. Still feeling fidgety and realizing that the Books for America store is still open I call it asking for donating my 15 books. Ironically, the Labor weekend has me doing my spring (fall) cleaning because the end of American summer. I stock all of them in my CVS reusable bag and walk through DuPont Circle down P street to 22nd street where Joshua reviews them for highlighter marks then hand me my donation slip.

As I head up the hill, 15 books lighter, Pesce restaurant captures my attention. It opens up at 5:30pm coinciding with my climb so I enter asking if it’s opened. The bartender says yes and I ask to be seated near the window. Out of nowhere, the waiter puts the large menu board in another seat right next to me. This is a first. I ask him questions about the appetizers and the entrees before ordering the spaghettini. Containing shrimp, corn, broccoli, and linguine sauce, this dish is worth the $20! Since this is a local seafood restaurant not part of a national chain, I will patronize this establishment again. Finally, for now I have returned to my humble abode full of no hard errand running just having fun, enjoying the weather, decluttering my life and reading my favorite magazines.

The CAPM Chronicles

Thursday I received my CAPM license number meaning that I was officially certified! I accepted the reality that my personal and professional lives would change forever because that was a difference between a professional and a certified professional. I possessed an MBA but adding CAPM project management certification provided another dimension. That motivated me to email all of my Project Management Professional application recommenders this afternoon (might as well since Hurricane Irene's aftermath kept me inside). Once I was able to sit for the PMP exam, I will pass it propelling me into the stratosphere. Armed with this coveted certification combined with five years' experience and an MBA, guaranteed numerous options. However, I wouldn't depend solely on these three attributes. Starting next week I will start expanding my professional networking. Call it career management because if my reality will change, I must change whom I associate it.

Tuesday I will attend the 85 Broads Washington, DC chapter's summer soiree, to meet all of its members. These women are corporate CEOs, businesswomen, venture capitalists and community servants. I identify with them because I am just as successful. Though there are several membership levels, I have decided to join the $250 Visionary because I want to promote books and my blogs. Moreover, my nine years' MBA experience tells me that I should start over again especially since I have the credential to successfully function at this level. By the time I join in mid-September, I will have taken the PMP exam (I will not receive my score until mid-October because the Project Management Institute [PMI] has published a new exam and hasn't run diagnostic testing on passing or failing yet). I will arrive there armed with my graduate degree and project management certification.

I've Passed my Certified Associate Project Manager Exam!

I passed my Certified Associate Project Manager exam Tuesday, August 23rd during the 5.9 earthquake. My PMP exam prep instructor remarked that I earned it! I surely did! Now I am awaiting PMI to mail me my license and identification number. Hopefully the organization will release my results allowing me to submit my PMP application. I really want to have everything sent because it lets me focus on preparing for it!

Remembering to Breathe

With everything that’s happening
I need to catch my breath
Inhale
Exhale
Relax enough to smell
The roses
Raindance amongst the waterhoses
I’m hunkered down
This project management’s study
Weighs on me like a ton
Its heaviness nearly won
Making me say uncle
Yet I remember
To Breathe
Inhale
Exhale
Rest and relax
Swell
Never
Dwell
On failures, fear, shortcomings and odd circumstances
These represent life events
Sometimes will make me seethe
Yet all their negativity
Dissipate immediately
When I remember to breathe

Prime Rib Restaurant Week Lunch

The Prime Rib’s lunch special is savory and not to be missed. The restaurant’s imperial crab entrée with tartar sauce and lemon is great especially for $20. Add the house salad and crème brulee and this award-winning eatery is offering a deep-discounted bargain! Furthermore, its impeccable waitstaff service will have me returning afterward. This steakhouse is a winner!

Overcoming my Fear of Failing the CAPM Exam

Ever since mid-July, I have been operating in fear mode. PMI will change the PMP test starting September 1st. Today is August 4th and in five days I’ve decided to sit for my CAPM exam. Yesterday I scored 117/162 on a practice exam falling four points shy of the required 121 to pass. The Oliver Lehmann CAPM practice test has a higher passage rate (74.6%) than the CAPM exam (61%). This higher rate motivates me to retain more knowledge. Today I’ve returned to the PMBOK writing down every project management plan subsidiary plan’s definition, input and output to conquer my fear. Last night I saw a pattern. If I mastered the management plans related to the core project management plan, I would know whether or not the question discusses an input or output. Knowing that would had given me more than four correct answers to surpassing the 121 threshold. My original fear bore out of never overcoming the GRE 700 quantitative threshold because something quirky always happened. Till this day 660 was the highest that I ever scored. It was like an albatross around my neck weighing me down. Subconsciously, the GRE feeling permeated my brain when it came to project management. However, I released that fear of failure by writing down what I didn’t know. I do feel that not only will I pass the CAPM next Tuesday, but PMI will approve my application and I will pass the PMI before August 31st.

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.