Almost a year?!?

Yeah...it's been almost a year since I've posted something on this page.  I need to link some of my pages together so the posts will show.

Okay time to go to bed...night, night!

Oh, I'm not done yet

So I have to get this out...


I have Yahoo Messenger and I hardly use it because most of my friends contact me through Facebook or Twitter.  Anyhoo, it automatically logs on when I turn my computer on and I am listed as "available."  I walked away from my computer and when I came back about 5 minutes later, I have a message from my ex boyfriend, who I clearly deleted from my page.  Unfortunately, he hasn't deleted me and felt the need to contact me.  URGH!!!

His message to me was.."Hey (protecting my name), Dont know if your on or not but I wanted to say hi! Hope there are still no hard feelings and I would like to be friends. Im doing well and I hope the same for u."  Ahhhh he got no response from me.  Totally ruined my few minutes.  Oh well, I'm over it now.

Confirmation again?

Today I received another e-mail for the exact same job posting that I got over a week ago.  And now, I am not going to shuffle my feet, I'm running.  More and more this is just pure confirmation that I have to make a change in my career and my life.  I can't keep sacrificing my happiness for the benefit of a company. 

So tonight I am focusing on updating my resume and hopefully by the end of the week, I will be applying for that position.  I am still going to put in for the Federal Government because that is my ultimate goal.  But this will be a stepping stone for me to step out on faith and strengthen my experience.

Okay that's all for tonight...I got to update my resume!

Is this God's will appearing on my e-mail?

My pastor told us last night in Saturday Service that God can use any form of external confirmations to show you his will for your life.  It's only one layer of four but such a powerful one because anything around us (people, signs, mail, etc.) can be used for God to communicate with us.  He also said if we talk with God, he will talk back to us.  God's will for us is laid out already for us, we just have to believe in him and be open to receive what is in store for us.

With that being said, on Friday, I received an e-mail from a staffing agency, offering me to review a job opportunity with a non-profit company in the area.  At first I was wondering, how did they get my e-mail, especially my work e-mail.  I don't remember signing up for a staffing agency or any job/temp agency.  Secondly, who gave them my information or did they research all of the non-profits in the area that had similar job that would fit this position.  But through all of this analyzing I did in my head, I proceeded to read the information that was presented to me.

The job is for a newly created Member Relations Manager for a non-profit regulatory society.  The description of the job is definitely in line with what I currently do at my job, but you have a few more responsibilities and a opportunity to connect with international companies.  I check the legitimacy of both the staffing agency and the non-profit society and they are both are legitimate and fully operational companies.

So now here is my dilemma...should I stay at my current job or should I go?  This has been something I've been toiling with for the past year and figured after the summer travel season, I would dedicate myself to searching for another job opportunity.  Right now doesn't seem the ideal time for another position but at this point, I need to look out for myself and not so much for the job because they will still go on even after I'm gone.  I care too much for my current job that I stress too much for my current job.  But I don't want to pass up something that could be an excellent that would help me grow in my career goals.

Just to give you a little background about my goals when I moved to the area in 2007, I said that I would like to be in my current position for 3-5 years so I can establish myself to the area and figure out where I want to go and what opportunities are out there.  Also I wanted to finish my Master's Degree, which has been a road block because of the balance of work and the demands of work (travel and time).  I want to be able to network with other professionals in the DC area for one to build myself up as a young professional in the area and two to step my game up in keeping myself in the know in the job trends and what I need to do to align myself to advance my career.  And in 5 years, if my relationship status doesn't change, I would like to own my own home.

So with all of this being said in this long blog, I am going to take this to prayer with God.  His will is out there for me to seek and only he can give me his plan for me.  If this is where he wants me to go, then I have some planning and laying out to do.  I definitely don't want to let a great opportunity pass me because of my reluctance to step out on faith and make myself better. 

Quick though

Have you ever had a though that you are not completely happy where you are in your life right now?  Well currently I am having a moment at this time and I need to get a grip before it gets out of control. 

I had this feeling a little over 3 years ago when I was going through some things with my previous job, not being happy at home and just wanting better for my life.  But in all of that going on, I didn't do anything to change the situation.  In a snap, I lost my job, was just depressed and didn't know what to do.  With prayer and some close sorors, I was able to get a temp job to keep the bills paid and within 3 months, I had a new job in a new city.

While I am not going to relocate to another area (tell my mom, she would love for me to settle back in Richmond), I just feel like I am in a rut in my current position and not sure where to go.  I have a history of starting something and not completely carrying them out to the end. 

So while I am typing this, I plan to commit a few things to myself.  1) Daily prayer and be specific with God.  I need to stop playing.  2) Get a serious plan of action for the things I would like to do and again prayer.  3) Work on my finances because in a couple of years, I would like to purchase a home and join the ranks of homeowners.  3) Stop mopping around the house and get out.  The cold shouldn't be an excuse...even though I don't feel like I can be cute during with the extra windy days...lol!

Okay this was suppose to be quick but I had to get some things out...LOVE YA!!

Lazy Day

I love the days when I can just chill on my couch all day long, watch TV, nap and do absolutely nothing. No phones, no e-mails, no faxes or any other thing that gets on your nerves Monday through Friday. Unfortunately this is the only day that it can happen because Sundays are full of church, games and getting ready for Monday. So if you have a chance to have one of them days, even if it's a Mental Health Day, take it and enjoy it. We all deserve a lazy day.

My epiphany for the day

Well I just came to the conclusion that if I want to do something, then I need to move!! Not move in the sense of packing up my apartment and relocating, but move in taking the time to do whatever it needs to be done to make things happen.

I'm tired of being single so I need to go out and meet people. Stop mopping around my house.

I would like a new position. Get my resume together and send it out.

Get my finances under control. That means work on my budget and control my spending.

I want to be healthy. That means get to the gym and stop eating so much take out.

I think that's everything but I know my list will grow!

Remember, faith without works is dead!

Oh hell no

My neighbors above me have to go!!!!! This heavy stomping is riduculous, opening the sliding door every five minutes is annoying and the bowling of bodies on the floor is just unnerving. Okay I just had to let that out...GOOD NIGHT!!

Halfway through January

Hey ya'll.....

So today is January 17, 2011, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and a little over halfway through the month of January. So far, 2011 has been a great year, doing things that I want to do and working on the things I need for me.

One thing that I want to work on is the time that I go to bed. Normally my bedtime has been 11pm or later and that makes one groggy b**** in the morning. So we are going to take baby steps. I'm going to work on getting to bed at 10pm.

Next thing is returning phone calls. I am getting so bad at that and really the only time I've been answering the phone is when it's family or close friends calling. So even if it's someone I'm not really conversing with on a regular, I will make an effort to call them or at least answer the phone.

Third, I have made a pact with my friends that we need to hit happy hour at least once a month and that we go somewhere different. How are we going to find men and potential dates if we don't get out there. Soooooooo our first meetup is on Valentine's Day.

Okay that's all so far. I will post a picture that I took with Aaron Gilchrist from NBC 4 News (he started at NBC 12 in Richmond, my hometown). He's such a looker and I am glad that I got a chance to meet him.

Anyways deuces!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Thank God we have made it to 2011. This past year (2010) has had it shares of ups and downs with me. I brought the New Years in with some great friends that are the best (see my friend Terrance in the picture with me).

I know that 2011 has so much in store for me and I am opening myself to receive it. I hope to grow, to love, to be open and to be closed...but most of all to continue to build my relationship and walk with Christ.

Much love to everyone...and enjoy life, it's a celebration!

I gotta stop doing this

Ok, I am looking at my blog after two months of pure neglect. I have to do better. Alright, I am going to try to post at least once a week. *crossing fingers*

Car trouble for Ms. Carr

So on Thursday, September 30, 2010 will be a day in my life I won't forget. My car broke down on me on the highway while I was on my way to work. I mean I was driving in moderate traffic, in the rain on 395. The music was up and I was singing to the top of my lungs. All of a sudden, my car just starts to stall and clunks out on me. Luckily, there was enough speed to allow my car to coast to get to the emergency shoulder area. Oh I forgot to mention that it was raining buckets and buckets of water courtesy of Tropical Storm Nicole. AAA came and towed me and the car to the dealership so we could figure out this problem.

After waiting for almost 2 hours at the dealership, they came back and told me that my fuel line went bad and as a result the fuel pump clunked out on me. *sigh* The estimated cost of the repairs would be at least $800 and it would take a couple of days before the car would be ready because they would have to order the part. Right then, I had a serious situation on my hand. Should I repair my car with the chances that something else will break down or should I break down and buy a new car.

Well I have prayed on it, about it, laid hands on the financing papers, thought about how am I financially going to make it. I am hoping that within the next 24 hours, my answer will be made. I can't afford any additional storage fees.

Thankful!

So yesterday morning as I was cooking breakfast before work, I took time to thank God. Thank him for all that he has done for me, the people in my life, and things yet to come. I have to be nothing but thankful because I have been through enough that many don't know.

Living literally paycheck to paycheck, with only 5 dollars in my account until next week, yet I don't complain. Somehow God works is out that I am still on the train to work, have food to eat and pay all of my bills.

My mom was here this past weekend for her birthday and she made sure that I had food in the house, even though she is tight with her money. Thank God for a giving mother.

Majority of the time, I take public transportation to work and mainly drive my car in the evenings and the weekend. My gas is low but digging through my purse, I found a 10 dollar gas card (yeah it's not much but something) that I got at National Convention. Thank God for giving me what I need for use later.

For the past 2 years, I have been working with a company to reduce my debt for some bills I consumed over the years. I had one creditor left and the company was still in negotiations with them to settle on an firm amount to pay. Even I was suppose to have a notarized letter sent in giving the company I am working with Limited Power of Attorney to work on my behalf. I checked my account yesterday and the account was paid in full with the funds I had in their escrow account. Do you get it...PAID IN FULL!!! I am done with the program and can start my financial life over again. That's $400 a month back in my account. Thank God for extra so I won't be struggling!

I can go on and on about God's grace for me, even for the simplest things. I thank him for not letting me hit rock bottom, getting evicted, able to pay my bills on time. A thousand thank yous would not be enough for all he has, is and will do for me.

Thank God every day, not just in your grace at meal time.

Courage...

Today was my first day of working out. I am a bit sore but it felt so good to complete a 30 minute walk (with one rest break) and break a sweat.

Before my workout, I went to 8:00am service and it was communion Sunday. As I took the break and drank the "wine" I had an epiphany...that I need to have the courage to pray and take control of the things in my life. Courage to stand up. Courage to say no and mean it. Courage to not let my relationships bring me down, but build me up. Courage to not let my desire for someone be greater than my desire for God. I know that it is a long road for me and it's going to take me to get on my knees and pray that God will embody all of that in me and so much more.

So as I begin my workout/exercise routine, I have to remember to have courage to break out of my mold and to rise above it all!

Have courage and love yourself, but most importantly, LOVE GOD!

ARGH!!!!!

I just have to share my disgust today for the little virus that has invaded my body and made me sick. My throat is scratchy and my tonsils feel ashy. I sound like a dude, or as my co-worker put it, "you sound like Tone Loc!" So far I have a mixture of things in my immediate view. Cheratussin for cough, Amoxicillian for any infections, cough drops and a shot of tequila every once and a while :)!

Oh I forgot

So what I failed to mention is that I've sort of started talking to a guy I met about 2 months ago. It's "sort of" because we have started on the wrong foot when we began talking. He's a great person but I know that there are some things that he's not telling me or cares to share. Maybe it's too early but then again, it's never too early to say the important things that are in your life. Anyways, we will see how this goes and I already see we might just be enjoying each other's company and that's it.

Ok, now I'm going to bed for real.

Hey ya'll (in my southern Paula Deen drawl),

I missed writing on my blog and hopefully I will devote some more time to it. Here's what has been going on with me since the last time I was here.

1. I went on vacation with my family to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. It was so nice to get away from DC for a week and relax. I will say that I wasn't too impressed with Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Not to say that it's not a great place but touring the island, you see all of the poverty and people working hard to care for their family. It made it to the point where there are serious hustlers just trying to make a living. Maybe I will visit another area of Jamaica.

2. I was in New Orleans with my job for 11 days. ELEVEN DAYS!!!! And I didn't even enjoy it. It's hard working and being a tourist when you don't have the time to even get to see the sights. The trip really worked me to the bone and has me doing a lot of thinking. I can't say what the future has for me but I know that I can't become complacent. Eventually it will be time to move on to something different.

3. As soon as I got back from NOLA, I went to "home" for my family reunion. It was great to see so many family members and meet new ones. But I will tell you, who ever planned it sure has a small town mind. I am not saying it has to be an extravagant affair but so much more could have been done. That is why I asked to be on the committee for the next reunion. We can do so much, not just for the family reunion but those of us who live in various areas around the country.

4. And lastly I'm sick!! :( I was out of work today with a sore throat, swollen tonsils (they felt like they were going to jump out), a terrible cough and congestion. I've been taking nasty cheritussin and amoxicillin (just in case it might be strep). And I snuck in a little tequila and some of the swelling went down. I might go back tomorrow but I am going to make a sick call to the doctor.

Anyways that's enough of my boring life so far. Going forward, I am going to try to think of positive topics for my blog cause it doesn't have to be negative. I am a positive person so we should keep it like that.

Until next time....

VACATION in 5...4...3...2....

I can't WAIT!!!!!!!! Friday night, I will be in Miami, a day ahead of my cruise on Saturday. I am so excited because I need a break from the rat race of Washington, DC.

The only downfall of it all, I dislike packing for anything. I don't want to over pack but I feel like if I don't pack it, I might need it. Such a dilemma. Hopefully there is a Wal-Mart or CVS near the hotel.

Okay Bye!

Appreciation

I strongly believe that people are placed in your life by God to 1) realize love 2) realize true friendship 3) realize growth within yourself and 4) realize the negativity that you don't need in your life. All in all, whatever category that person falls under, we gain a teachable moment to apply in our daily walk. That all came to fruition when I received a card from a dear Soror who took me under her wing when I came back home and when I moved away, all I can do is return the favor.

Every time that I have a life change or I just answer a question for her, she sends me, through the mail, the nicest card with the sweetest words. It makes me happy and cry because someone thinks enough of me to send me something truly from her heart. And I try to figure out what to get her, but for her, the only thing she will accept is a thank you.

I appreciate her and love her like she was an older cousin that always looked out for us.

Appreciating the Little Things

In this life, we all want some piece of the American Dream. What wasn't told to us was that you have to work extremely hard and take small steps to even achieve a slice of that goal. And boy this has been a climb that has tuckered me out.

The one thing that I can say in achieving all of this is that thank God for my parents teaching me to appreciate the little things so that I won't go so gung ho on the big stuff. Okay if I get a new car or a new TV, I will be overjoyed, no doubt about that. But it doesn't have to be the top of the line or the priciest of them all. As long as it does the function that it's suppose to do, I am happy.

That even includes my paycheck. I know that with the money I earn on the 15th and the end of the month, I can take care of my household, my food, my transportation and whatever is left over, a little fun.

Okay so enough with my rambling, but let me say this, in times where money is funny, change is strange and jobs are hard, just remember that the littlest things should be appreciated because without it, you wouldn't know what you really have.