Honored

            A colleague of mine emails me his stepdaughter’s CV today.  She’s a political science PhD.  Though I have a Master’s degree, the fact that he has thought of me, is an honor!  This being a presidential election year, she should have no problem snagging a job!  It also makes me consider returning to school for my doctoral degree. I refuse to let one bad experience hinder me from receiving mine!

Bourbon Steak Saves the Day!

I truly need this Friday off because this week has been a wreck!  There’s a bad salon experience, monsoon weather and work snafus galore.  This morning all of these things have been rectified.  I’ve dropped off five white dresses for dry cleaning, gotten my hair re-pressed and celebrated these two events at Bourbon Steak.  During the last week of National Burger Month the restaurant is highlighting the Forager burger containing an egg, relish, dried aged beef and onions.  I remove the egg because it causes the burger to slide.  The burger is immense mandating that I use utensils to cut it in half.  The medium well-done burger’s juices ooze out of the patty.  I savor every morsel even using my fork and knife to scrap the sweet relish from the plate.  I finish my meal with a West Indian Limeade.  This lunch has given my day new life reinvigorating me.  If I weren’t so full, I’d have seconds!

Now that PMP Exam Class is Over

I have skipped that last (make-up) PMP exam prep course because I am not feeling it and have another exemplary Project Management Professional (PMP) book helping me a lot. Last Saturday, I bought PMP Practice Makes Perfect and it exposes my knowledge gaps. The book highlights concepts that I haven’t thought about but must now. Friday I will answer Practice test A. Every day I will do a new test. There are four practice tests. I will decide by Memorial Day whether or not I am ready to take the PMP exam. In addition, I complete reading my Rita Mulachy study guide chapters 4-6 and 9. Clearing this study guide enables me to focus on the second one and taking the five other practice PMP exams. I will complete all of the practice exams before taking the PMP exam because I must have as many looks as possible.

Writing My Ticket to the Top!

Today while perusing the Ed2Go site, I see Introduction to Screenwriting course.  Two weeks ago I asked the company if it would offer one since I took Sitcom TV Writing.  I paid the money, printed the past three assignments and thank Ed2Go.  The Writer Center isn’t offering anything decent until June.  By then I will be on the 10^th out of 12 lessons.  The upstart cable channel that I dream of writing for will start airing in June, less than one week from now.  I really need a kick in the rear.  Though I have written 12 outlines, I haven’t written an episode. Enrolling in the Introduction to Screenwriting accomplishes this.  The class instructor is the author of Writing the Pilot book that I bought off of Amazon.  I will read this in tandem with the class asking questions.  Besides taking Introduction to Screenwriting, I am taking five more courses before the Writer Center class .  First is the Artomatic’s workshop.  Second is the BlueCat Screenplay workshop.  I’m auditing this class. Third is the second Artomatic evening workshop.  Fourth is the Hill Center DC Food Writing Master Class.  As soon as I saw this I had to enroll because I am contending for the restaurant writer job.  I must upgrade my skills and prepare for the opportunity.  Finally, is third Artomatic workshop.  I am taking all of these three classes because I possess Women in Film & Video membership.  It has given me carte blanche into all of the media-related events.  Come the Writer Center class, I will be ready.

            Writer Center will offer How to Produce a Play.  I email the organization about applying my outstanding credit. I need to know how to stage a TV show and evaluate the fluidity of my episodes.  By the class, I will have written three episodes.  The organization says that I owe only $52.10 due to my credit which is a bargain.  Also I will check out Capital Fringe Festival to see how plays are done.  I might be able to write one myself.  The biggest thing that I will do is network because I might have to start writing plays to get noticed, but, I’m ready to put forth the effort.  I will keep you informed regarding my progress and if the network calls.

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.