It’s that moment when you say to yourself “Did you make the right decision?”
It’s that moment when you’re so close to your dreams that it becomes reality.
It’s that moment when you know that you have arrived.
That moment is called success and today I believe that I achieved some degree of it. #ProjectB coming soon. I can’t wait to tell the world about it.
#takemyfoolishadvice seize the moment!
Beloved,
AWalk
Hello TMFA family,
I wanted to share with you something that happened to me early last week. Since the summer of last year I’ve been very vocal with my family and colleagues about wanting to become a professor; teaching general business, marketing and human resources courses. Well last week my colleague said to me “why haven’t you applied for those types of positions yet?” And I explained that I was waiting for the ideal time. To be honest there is and was no “ideal” time I just had not put my desire into tangible form. She wasn’t buying my answer and quickly gave me the names of some key people that could take my dream and make it my reality. I went immediately to my desk and called all three people on the list. One never called back, the second one wasn’t helpful or encouraging at all but the third, the third individual was different.
The third individuals took the time to speak with me about what I needed to do and how I needed to do it. She even went as far as requesting I email my transcripts to her before we got off the phone. I was amazed and completely taken back by the information she had so freely given and the fact that she would credential (meaning, look over your transcripts and professional experience to determine what courses I would be qualified to teach at that institution) me on the spot. She called me back about 30 minutes later and told me that my entrepreneurial experience in starting and running my own business is exactly what they were looking for the 2013 summer sessions. She also told me that talks were going on right now to select candidates to hire and I should take her recommendation, my resume, transcripts and information regarding my business immediately to the hiring manager.
Allow me to set the stage for you so you can really feel the dynamics of this situation as it occurred. The hiring manager travels a lot and would only be in the office the very next day. His calendar was already filled so getting some face time would be difficult. This woman that had been so helpful would be able to assist me in that regard. Before we got off the phone she informed me of one more thing, she was retiring the very next day so I should try to take full advantage of her last day of employment.
My window of opportunity was there, as narrow as it might have been, it was there. I went home and tried desperately to compose an eloquent cover letter and restructure my resume to highlight the key elements that would set me apart from the rest. I also needed a current business portfolio to demonstrate how my company went from conception to today. None of these things I had ready to go. I was deflated.
The Disappointment:
I didn’t get the cover letter, resume and portfolio done. The next day came without me getting in front of the hiring manager. The sweet lady that was ready, willing and able to assist me, had bid me farewell and good luck on her last day. I was left in almost the same position I had started.
I had resolved to say that “Well maybe it wasn’t the right time. When God sees fit to lead….” No, I messed up. I prayed for something while doing nothing and expected results. God doesn’t work like that.
#takemyfoolishadvice you can’t pray for an opportunity and not be prepared for it. We may never know when our opportunity will arise and how long it will be there so we have to be prepared. I hope you are prepared for your next opportunity.
Beloved,
AWalk
Christmas 2012
Dear TMFA family,
On Christmas Day I would like to wish upon you one of the most precious gift life can offer; peace and love. I pray that you are surrounded by peace and filled with love this holiday season. I also pray that your able to take a moment to reflect on this year and where life has taken you. Upon reflection I hope that you find peace in knowing that “you are still here to march on another day.” And because you, me, we are still here that means we are loved by someone. Be merry, filled with love and at peace with what life brings you today and always.
Beloved,
AWalk
I had plans of staying home this weekend but decided at the last minute to attend a Christmas banquet. Here’s a few shots. Enjoy!
Beloved,
AWalk
Every era brings forth new enlightenment, new technology, new discoveries, new terrors, a new strand of hatred, a new degree of violence. “The heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: Who can know it?” I came home today with full intentions of giving my 8 year old son a stern talking to for forgetting his homework at home again this week. Instead I just hugged him, pinched him and kissed him all night. I understand that Sandy Hook Elementary school could of been, or possibly be, my son’s school. I thank God that tragedy passed over my door step and family today. At the same time I am deeply saddened that tonight, at this very moment 20 parents will not be able to pinch their child, hug their child and kiss their child all night.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is a horrific tragedy no child, parent, school administrator or community should have to experience. Today we witnessed the result of sin being introduced into God’s perfect creation. Today we as a country cried out in unison to the one source that could console us and give us strength, God. Please continue to pray for the victims, their families and the healing of this nation.
#takemyfoolishadvice I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalms 121:1-2)
Beloved,
AWalk
This topic was requested after I posted my month long 30th birthday celebration so I wanted to touch on it a bit. Most of my readers know that I am a single parent to an awesome young boy and have been for 8 years.
He’s sooo handsome. I did good, I did good. LOL
In these past 8 years my social life has had peaks and valleys. I’ve shared a few dating mishaps and hang up here and here. I have concluded that whether single, married or widowed the climate of your social groups run in a cycle of hot to cold and the definition of “fun” continuously change. There are a lot of factors that come into play in this topic but for now I will discuss having fun two ways: Fun with your children and fun without. Read the rest of this entry
Bahamas 2012. I was so in love with my animal print leggings. They were comfortable and on trend.
This past November to celebrate my 30th birthday I went on a cruise to The Bahamas. I was attracted to the idea of a cruise because it was all inclusive, had lots to offer in regards to food and fun, affordable and a destination away from home. The hardest part about cruising was picking a place to go! Now that my first cruise is behind me, there are a few things I will do differently next time. Please see my guide for the first time cruiser below. Read the rest of this entry
I decided earlier this year that I wanted a HUGE 30th birthday bash. I wanted a fresh new hip experience with my closest friends and loved ones around me. My birthday was November 17th and as the month approached I couldn’t quite think of the most supreme way to usher in a new decade of life and adventure.
I first decided on a resort stay in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Not everyone could make it. So that changed to a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico but due to scheduling conflicts the cruise was sold out and not everyone could get a cabin. That trip has now been postponed to the summer of 2013. My options were short and time was expiring. I struggled with not having everyone that I wanted to spend my birthday with in one location. Thus I decided to celebrate my birthday the whole month of November and take the party to them if possible. My month long celebration officially ended November 30th.
Here is a rundown of what I did and the less incriminating pictures to go along with them. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Week 1: Fort Lauderdale & Miami, FL
This weekend was awesome because it was Fort Lauderdale’s Jerk Festival, Art Festival, and South Florida’s International Auto Show. I stopped by all my favorite restaurants for fresh Sushi and Asian cuisine. I skipped out on the Jerk Festival because let’s face it; I’m Jamaican and I can enjoy most of those flavors at home. When I wasn’t eating I spent most of the weekend at church, on South Beach shopping and hanging out with friends.
I caught “SkyFall” on its opening weekend. For those of you living under a rock, it featured the sexy and sophisticated Daniel Craig as James Bond. Mini-review: I love the Bond series and Daniel Craig BUT I felt like this movie fell a little flat and it was too long for no reason. The plot really wasn’t that complex. All the same I was really excited about a hot love scene between Eve and Bond, but that never happened. Naomi Harris, aka Eve, did a great job as I anticipated she would. I wish she had played a more prominent role in this feature but I presume that is to come when she reprises the role of M.
Let’s eat!
Week 2: South Florida
In the middle of the week I hosted a young adult meet-up over a huge bon fire. It was a great relaxing way to share experiences with like minded folks. At the end of the week my fabulous co-workers decorated my office with birthday party decor, they caught me completely off guard, and treated me to lunch. Having co-workers that you love is a wonderful feeling!
I went to church on my birthday which was a gift within itself.
Week 3: Thanksgiving Day and Nassau, Bahamas
I love this time of year, family, friends and lots of food. This is the second year in a row that I cooked Thanksgiving Day dinner. I enjoyed sharpening my culinary skills but I’m happy Thanksgiving Day only comes once a year.
To the cruise ship we go! The next morning we woke up and jumped in the car to head to Miami, FL. So here is a little tid bit about me that you never knew. I have only been out of the United States once in my lifetime. And, I have never been on a cruise before. So ultimately this was the best 30th birthday experience to have. I sailed Carnival’s Imagination. The first night was a bit rough but the next three days I was aw struck by the beauty of God’s creation. Once in the Bahamas I had a hard time appreciating all it had to offer because it reminded me so much of Florida. I am fortunate enough to have beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters in my back yard. Never the less the people were jolly and I felt right at home.
Take a look!
By the end of the month I was exhausted but happy to have shared a little piece of me with those I cared for. Most of all I’m ecstatic about, and for, the New Year.
#takemyfoolishadvice live life today because each day is a celebration on its own!
Beloved,
AWalk
I voted early this time in an effort to avoid long lines and the pinned up frustration Election Day brings once the count gets down to the wire. I also live in Florida, aka the “Steal the Election State” so that should tell you a lot.
I’ve had mixed emotions about this election all year long and today seems to be no different. I’m not sure what it is but no one in my household feels like watching the news to monitor the tug of war for the White House. Maybe it’s the thought of seeing Mitt Romney win. Maybe it’s the thought of seeing Obama lose. Maybe it’s because ushering in a new President means four years have come and gone so quickly. Maybe it’s that same ole knee jerk reaction to accepting change and something different. One thing is for sure we are anxiously waiting for the results but simply don’t want to watch television.
If there was ever a time to stay abreast of the twist and turns of this political roller coaster it would be tonight… right? Well tonight just seems to be different and I’m not sure what it is but I know that, it is.
On another note I have some exciting news! My dear friend and favorite married couple, Martin and Phenice, called me tonight to tell me that they are expecting. I was elated to hear the news and even more excited to hear that they want me to be the godmother! I couldn’t be more excited for them and excited for myself too. LOL. I can’t wait to for the next 9 months to unfold.
#takemyfoolishadvice a change comes every day the significance of the change is how you respond to it. Here’s to another election year and new beginnings!
Beloved,
AWalk
Text messages that read “call me now”. No reply in 2.5 seconds so you call my cell phone, no answer. You ring my house phone and leave a message on the answering machine. My work cell phone is right beside me and I am sure it will buzz any second now. No success, you send an email. Watch and wait for me to login to my facebook account and IM me. You send messages through other family member and friends in an effort to try to reach me. When all else fails you show up at my house. I know and accept freely what I am to you. I am your sounding board, moral compass, spiritual advisor, confidante, go to person, source for inspiration, positivity and creativity, your teacher, a listening ear, your personal cheerleader and I appreciate it all, all of these hats you have adorned me with. But I hear your voice even when you are not speaking to me and that is the problem. Sometimes I just want to turn off all the noise in my head and in order to do that I have to mute you! Read the rest of this entry
