My sister was jokingly talking about her husband possibly having a case of AADD (Adult Attention Deficit Disorder) because he just seems to be all over the board when it comes to what profession he's in pursuit of--finance, retail, teaching, or ministry. What's funny is that as she was talking, I couldn't help but think to myself, "That sounds a lot like me!"
If you ask me, besides writing--the only constant in my life--I'm all over the board with my interest. The fact that I have a undergraduate and graduate degree in business administration, I feel compelled to pursue a management position in the company that I've been working for over the last 10yrs. However, more recently, I've been considering a different avenue altogether--teaching.
High school teacher. Community college teacher. University teacher. Those are my options. With the exception of community college (if I remain in the business field), the transition would require additional education on my part. I could either pusue secondary education certification for business to teach high school or a doctoral program to teach at a university.
Then I face the question, do I really want to teach--on any level? The question requires serious thought. The last thing I want to do is spend time advancing my education, only to decide it's not the path that I really want.
Optimally, I would love to get an advanced degree in creative writing and teach that. That would be awesome!
My life motto is "As long as you still have breath, there's still time." So the way I see it is as long as God grants me days on this Earth, I'm gonna spend each of those days trying to get it right on EVERY aspect of my life. While some may call it AADD or just plain 'ole wishy washy, I'm never going to stop trying to find that right balance for my life. And I'd encourage everyone to do the same. There's only a small percentage of people who automatically know what they want to do with their life. For those of who weren't so fortunate, we just have to keep searching until that final curtain call.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
So What Now
This past Monday was the last session of the Weight Watchers program I participated in for the past 12 weeks. I wasn't as successful as I'd hoped--losing only 5 lbs--but I emerged with some important revelations as it pertains to my weight loss goals.
For starters, I've been on this journey since I gave birth to my first child fourteen years ago. Lucky for me, my weight loss battle has never involved a significant amount of weight to lose--never more than 20 lbs, and that's being generous. I gave up a long time ago of trying to regain my prepregnancy weight, which would have been my high school weight of a mere buck oh five. So, probably about five years into it, I decided that all I really wanted was to trim the fat off of my belly. Hence came my REAL problem.
In my mind, since I only had one part of my body that I wanted to change, I didn't feel like I needed to make that many changes. I was no stranger to exercise, having the best example with my dad, and avid jogger and bicyclist my whole life. While not athletic, I'd always been a walker, plus every now and then I'd do sculpting exercises like bicep curls, pushups, situps, etc.
After tweaking my diet as much as I thought I needed and exercising, most times consistently, but not always so, I didn't yield the desired results. This made me angry. It was extremely frustrating for me to witness others who didn't appear to be working as hard as me have the body that I so desired. They would still eat pizza, burgers & fries, desserts,etc. But it was like, when I did those things (admittedly more often than I should've), my body and self-esteem suffered.
The most important thing I learned from the Weight Watcher program was that I'm doing great if I want to stay where I am. I'm moderately active--taking brisk walks around the neighborhood and walking over my lunch during the week. I even have a gym membership so I can go there when weather doesn't permit outside exercise. I also learned that my biggest weakness is lack of preparation for evening meals. During the program, I would lose weight when I planned ahead for meals. I would gain that same weight back the following week when I didn't. Up and down. Up and down.
What I know is that I don't want to enslave myself to anyone's gym. I have way too much going on with my children, their activities, and my own activities. Plus I'd prefer to get my exercise by doing just what I've been doing and other activities that include my family (bike riding, skating, walking, playing badmitton, etc.) I'm more about having fun and staying fit.
Where does that leave me? Well, I still have dreams of a better looking belly. But now I have time working against me. I'm only a couple of years away from 35. And for women, that's about the time when weight loss gets extremely difficult because of a quickly declining metabolism. However, I'm no quitter. Now that I'm comfortable on my stance of exercising, I can more fully concentrate on my diet.
So Weight Watchers, here I come again.
For starters, I've been on this journey since I gave birth to my first child fourteen years ago. Lucky for me, my weight loss battle has never involved a significant amount of weight to lose--never more than 20 lbs, and that's being generous. I gave up a long time ago of trying to regain my prepregnancy weight, which would have been my high school weight of a mere buck oh five. So, probably about five years into it, I decided that all I really wanted was to trim the fat off of my belly. Hence came my REAL problem.
In my mind, since I only had one part of my body that I wanted to change, I didn't feel like I needed to make that many changes. I was no stranger to exercise, having the best example with my dad, and avid jogger and bicyclist my whole life. While not athletic, I'd always been a walker, plus every now and then I'd do sculpting exercises like bicep curls, pushups, situps, etc.
After tweaking my diet as much as I thought I needed and exercising, most times consistently, but not always so, I didn't yield the desired results. This made me angry. It was extremely frustrating for me to witness others who didn't appear to be working as hard as me have the body that I so desired. They would still eat pizza, burgers & fries, desserts,etc. But it was like, when I did those things (admittedly more often than I should've), my body and self-esteem suffered.
The most important thing I learned from the Weight Watcher program was that I'm doing great if I want to stay where I am. I'm moderately active--taking brisk walks around the neighborhood and walking over my lunch during the week. I even have a gym membership so I can go there when weather doesn't permit outside exercise. I also learned that my biggest weakness is lack of preparation for evening meals. During the program, I would lose weight when I planned ahead for meals. I would gain that same weight back the following week when I didn't. Up and down. Up and down.
What I know is that I don't want to enslave myself to anyone's gym. I have way too much going on with my children, their activities, and my own activities. Plus I'd prefer to get my exercise by doing just what I've been doing and other activities that include my family (bike riding, skating, walking, playing badmitton, etc.) I'm more about having fun and staying fit.
Where does that leave me? Well, I still have dreams of a better looking belly. But now I have time working against me. I'm only a couple of years away from 35. And for women, that's about the time when weight loss gets extremely difficult because of a quickly declining metabolism. However, I'm no quitter. Now that I'm comfortable on my stance of exercising, I can more fully concentrate on my diet.
So Weight Watchers, here I come again.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
If Not for Mother's Day
Unfortunately my Mother's Day weekend didn't get off to the greatest start. Something I ate didn't agree with my stomach and it became clear at approximately 4 o'clock in the morning when I awoke with terrible stomach cramps. Still, about six hours later I tried to trek on to work to take advantage of infrequently offered overtime. But the closer I got to my job, although mildly improved, my crampy stomach told me I wouldn't be able to concentrate on much else. So, regrettfully I turned around to go back home. Then I had a epiphany! As far as anyone knew, I was gonna be at work for the next four hours. So I figured this was the best opportunity for a little "me" time.
While quietly suffering, I preceded to treat myself to a much needed and well deserved pedicure, followed by my favorite meal of the day--breakfast(albeit I was unable to enjoy it). Had it not been Mother's Day, I would've taken my behind home, but something just didn't seem right about not having some time to myself to do things for myself that I deserve and enjoy.
I really appreciate the opportunity that Mother's Day affords me. Although I know plenty of moms who treat themselves to pedicures, manicures, facials, etc on a regular basis, I have not been apart of that circle in a few years now. Since returning to single mom status a couple of years ago, I was forced to readjust my financial priorities to, not only accomplish some short-term goals, but also to continue the pattern of saving that I managed to establish being married. With that came less trips to the hair salon, only seasonal pedicures, no manicures, and no major wardrobe upgrades for myself. I committed myself to spending regularly for the children's needs and only as needed or for special occassions for myself.
As mothers, we know that our children always need one thing or another. Whether its lunch money, field trip money, money for hanging out w/friends, socks, undies, and the list goes on and on. Well Mother's Day (and my birthday) are the only times of the year when I can, with a clear conscience, declare that the only spending that I'll be doing will be on ME.
So, until the children are completely self-sufficient (whenever that is), whether rain, sleet, snow, or stomach ache, I will continue to set aside Mother's Day to treat myself to a little luxury.
While quietly suffering, I preceded to treat myself to a much needed and well deserved pedicure, followed by my favorite meal of the day--breakfast(albeit I was unable to enjoy it). Had it not been Mother's Day, I would've taken my behind home, but something just didn't seem right about not having some time to myself to do things for myself that I deserve and enjoy.
I really appreciate the opportunity that Mother's Day affords me. Although I know plenty of moms who treat themselves to pedicures, manicures, facials, etc on a regular basis, I have not been apart of that circle in a few years now. Since returning to single mom status a couple of years ago, I was forced to readjust my financial priorities to, not only accomplish some short-term goals, but also to continue the pattern of saving that I managed to establish being married. With that came less trips to the hair salon, only seasonal pedicures, no manicures, and no major wardrobe upgrades for myself. I committed myself to spending regularly for the children's needs and only as needed or for special occassions for myself.
As mothers, we know that our children always need one thing or another. Whether its lunch money, field trip money, money for hanging out w/friends, socks, undies, and the list goes on and on. Well Mother's Day (and my birthday) are the only times of the year when I can, with a clear conscience, declare that the only spending that I'll be doing will be on ME.
So, until the children are completely self-sufficient (whenever that is), whether rain, sleet, snow, or stomach ache, I will continue to set aside Mother's Day to treat myself to a little luxury.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A New Day Has Begun
Two important things occured in the special election on May 5, 2009. Of the 15% of registered voters, it was clear that the Detroiters who really care about this city don't want anymore of the same. We just got rid of one arrogant mayor, who put himself above the interest of the city--we didn't need another one with Ken Cockrel Jr. And while I question what Mayor-elect Dave Bing can accomplish in the short seven month stint of his term, his election to office still signifies the change Detroiters need and want.
The second important occurence in the special elections is the decision to revise the city charter. Who will revise is it, I'm not sure. But the fact that it's going to be revised is a great start. One of the first revisions should be an amendment to this entire special election process. If there is 18 months or less for the vacating mayoral position, then the interim mayor should serve the rest of the term. That makes a lot more sense than spending all of the money that has been spent so someone can be in office for a little over 6 months, only to have to run again for a full term.
While the process has been crazy, it's well worth it for a new leader of the city to have emerged. Having fresh blood take the reins of the city gives Detroiters hope that we will finally move in the direction that the well-intentioned, but entirely too arrogant and immature, former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick envisioned for our city.
Now we can look forward to the major election in November and get a clean slate on City Counsel.
The second important occurence in the special elections is the decision to revise the city charter. Who will revise is it, I'm not sure. But the fact that it's going to be revised is a great start. One of the first revisions should be an amendment to this entire special election process. If there is 18 months or less for the vacating mayoral position, then the interim mayor should serve the rest of the term. That makes a lot more sense than spending all of the money that has been spent so someone can be in office for a little over 6 months, only to have to run again for a full term.
While the process has been crazy, it's well worth it for a new leader of the city to have emerged. Having fresh blood take the reins of the city gives Detroiters hope that we will finally move in the direction that the well-intentioned, but entirely too arrogant and immature, former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick envisioned for our city.
Now we can look forward to the major election in November and get a clean slate on City Counsel.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Show some Detroit Love Please
I'll be the first to admit that it's hard to love Detroit right about now. Others may say it's ALWAYS hard. Amidst the auto crisis, high crime rate, high property taxes and insurance, failing public school system, and such highly publicized corruption in our local government, this is probably about the worst time to love Detroit.
Nevertheless, whether you are stuck in this city because of the current economy or have chosen to remain in the city for reasons only you, personally, may understand, we {Detroiters} still have a responsibility to uplift our community.
I, like many people, know people who live all over. In respects to Michigan, I know just as many people who on the outskirts of the city as I do people who live in the city od Detroit. But you know what, I never hear the people who live outside of the city, a.k.a the burbs, talking down about their resident. And believe me, there could be something negative said, albeit not as much as Detroit, of anyplace.
But what's worse about Detroit is that as many people who don't live in the city who trash it (literally), there are just as many, if not more, who do live here that trash it as well. That's what breaks my heart.
Now check out this piece of news: A city is only as good as the people who inhabit it. So for those of you who are adding to the mayhem and destruction, GET IT TOGETHER!
My challenge to all others is, for as long as you are a resident of Detroit, show your city some love, some pride. Maybe if we do, others will follow suit.
Below are some simple ways you can do this:
1.) Don't throw trash out the window of your cars.
2.) If not totally detestable, pick up the trash in your neighborhood or any area you happen to walking in if there's a trash can near by.
3.) Next time you have out of town guests, try showcasing some of Detroit's hot spots (i.e. Starters Lounge (the original), the Riverwalk, the Ren Cen, Detroit Insitute of Art, etc.)
4.)If you're speaking of something negative going in the city, follow it up with a possible solution.
5.)Vote in every election and avoid choosing people solely based on name recognition. Find out what candidates plan to do and see if they've done it before in another capacity. Let's the stop putting our city in just anybody's hands.
Nevertheless, whether you are stuck in this city because of the current economy or have chosen to remain in the city for reasons only you, personally, may understand, we {Detroiters} still have a responsibility to uplift our community.
I, like many people, know people who live all over. In respects to Michigan, I know just as many people who on the outskirts of the city as I do people who live in the city od Detroit. But you know what, I never hear the people who live outside of the city, a.k.a the burbs, talking down about their resident. And believe me, there could be something negative said, albeit not as much as Detroit, of anyplace.
But what's worse about Detroit is that as many people who don't live in the city who trash it (literally), there are just as many, if not more, who do live here that trash it as well. That's what breaks my heart.
Now check out this piece of news: A city is only as good as the people who inhabit it. So for those of you who are adding to the mayhem and destruction, GET IT TOGETHER!
My challenge to all others is, for as long as you are a resident of Detroit, show your city some love, some pride. Maybe if we do, others will follow suit.
Below are some simple ways you can do this:
1.) Don't throw trash out the window of your cars.
2.) If not totally detestable, pick up the trash in your neighborhood or any area you happen to walking in if there's a trash can near by.
3.) Next time you have out of town guests, try showcasing some of Detroit's hot spots (i.e. Starters Lounge (the original), the Riverwalk, the Ren Cen, Detroit Insitute of Art, etc.)
4.)If you're speaking of something negative going in the city, follow it up with a possible solution.
5.)Vote in every election and avoid choosing people solely based on name recognition. Find out what candidates plan to do and see if they've done it before in another capacity. Let's the stop putting our city in just anybody's hands.
CWA & AT&T--The Fight Continues
The labor contract for Communication Workers of America (CWA) AT&T Midwest employees expired on April 4, 2009. Against the assumptions of non-management and management employees alike, the leaders of CWA did not call for a labor strike. With the economy being as it is, although a labor strike was voted for by the majority of union members, no one was complaining. Striking is not something we want to do, but we are prepared to do WHATEVER it takes to get a FAIR labor contract from telecommunication frontrunner, AT&T.
AT&T is insulting the intelligence of CWA leaders and the hardworking employees, who are the backbone, using the crisis of the BIG 3 Automakers in Michigan as a reason to not only shift massive healtcare costs from themselves, who reaped over 12 billion in profits in 2008, to their already struggling middle-class employees, but also reduce pensions, stagnate wage increases, eliminate job security measures.
Let me make it clear first, that workers of CWA are not looking for major increases in anything. What we want, which is the desire of any working person with or without family obligations, is to be able to continue to maintain our current standards of living. And believe me when I say, that that standard of living is nowhere near the luxurious standard of living afforded to the top executives of AT&T. We want to be able to afford modest homes, modest transportation, supply our homes with food, take care of our children, and have something to look forward to for retirement. That's not too much to ask for from a corporate giant like AT&T, an leader in an industry that is and continues to forecast increased profits.
Next on the agenda to make clear is the all-to-important fact that AT&T is NOT, nor are they anywhere near the predicament of the Big 3 automobile companies. This week Chrysler announced it would be filing for bankruptcy. Both Chrysler and General Motors have needed monies from the government to stay afloat. Ford Motor Company is the only one of the three who decided to manage without the government assistance. However, these dyer states of the automobile companies did not appear overnight. In fact, it's been several years in the making. And guess, what? Their troubles are not the fault of the union. It's the responsibility of the companies management team to maintain the profitablity of the company. And it's the union's responsibility to maintain the rights of its members. Together the groups' goal is to creat a mutually beneficial relationship where the advantage of one is not at the detrimental disadvantage of the other.
Through the years of their negotiating relationship, AT&T and CWA have always been successful with accomplishing the goal of mutual benefits for the labor contract. It's unacceptable of AT&T to be using the tragic situation of the auto industry for it's own selfishness. Rather than leading their industry in the fight with the government for universal healthcare for ALL citizens in this country, AT&T would rather jump on the bandwagon of extinguishing the middle-class.
Well, the members of CWA aren't taking that without a FIGHT! If you support this cause, please sign the petition at the following website: www.standupforworkers.com.
@ 2009 LA Jefferson
AT&T is insulting the intelligence of CWA leaders and the hardworking employees, who are the backbone, using the crisis of the BIG 3 Automakers in Michigan as a reason to not only shift massive healtcare costs from themselves, who reaped over 12 billion in profits in 2008, to their already struggling middle-class employees, but also reduce pensions, stagnate wage increases, eliminate job security measures.
Let me make it clear first, that workers of CWA are not looking for major increases in anything. What we want, which is the desire of any working person with or without family obligations, is to be able to continue to maintain our current standards of living. And believe me when I say, that that standard of living is nowhere near the luxurious standard of living afforded to the top executives of AT&T. We want to be able to afford modest homes, modest transportation, supply our homes with food, take care of our children, and have something to look forward to for retirement. That's not too much to ask for from a corporate giant like AT&T, an leader in an industry that is and continues to forecast increased profits.
Next on the agenda to make clear is the all-to-important fact that AT&T is NOT, nor are they anywhere near the predicament of the Big 3 automobile companies. This week Chrysler announced it would be filing for bankruptcy. Both Chrysler and General Motors have needed monies from the government to stay afloat. Ford Motor Company is the only one of the three who decided to manage without the government assistance. However, these dyer states of the automobile companies did not appear overnight. In fact, it's been several years in the making. And guess, what? Their troubles are not the fault of the union. It's the responsibility of the companies management team to maintain the profitablity of the company. And it's the union's responsibility to maintain the rights of its members. Together the groups' goal is to creat a mutually beneficial relationship where the advantage of one is not at the detrimental disadvantage of the other.
Through the years of their negotiating relationship, AT&T and CWA have always been successful with accomplishing the goal of mutual benefits for the labor contract. It's unacceptable of AT&T to be using the tragic situation of the auto industry for it's own selfishness. Rather than leading their industry in the fight with the government for universal healthcare for ALL citizens in this country, AT&T would rather jump on the bandwagon of extinguishing the middle-class.
Well, the members of CWA aren't taking that without a FIGHT! If you support this cause, please sign the petition at the following website: www.standupforworkers.com.
@ 2009 LA Jefferson
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