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!