Which Way to the Exit?

Last week we were informed that everyone is required to complete a Career Profile. During the two minute overview (or lack thereof), it was explained that this was previously utilized for executive level associates only, and the "privilege" has now been extended to the peons. I went in thinking great; this provides me an opportunity to highlight several achievements and successes from my prior work experience at other organizations where my light brightly shined. Wrong!!! The database is very exclusive, simply allowing for "key accomplishments" achieved over the past 3 years within the company. From my standpoint, I am great asset wherever I work. I have a strong worth ethic, a commitment to delivering excellence, and a desire to continually develop my skills and talents. We were given little time to digest the idea that this is mandatory along with just a few days to compose our information.

I managed to summons up a snapshot of my great contributions, but remained annoyed by the fact that there was no option to demonstrate my expansive skill set. Moving on to the Career Preferences section we go: What are your goals? lank stare…blank fields…literally, blank stare ended in blank fields. This ought to go over well with boss man. If any of you have ever watched the movie, Office Space, you may very well understand my moments of corporate office insanity. When the character Peter Gibbons is asked if he is going to quit, he replies: "Nuh-uh. Not really. Uh...I'm just gonna stop going." Sounds tempting...a nice way to shake things up a bit and take a walk on the irresponsible wild side. This movie is a must see for the corporate office prisoner.

"Do not follow the leader. Do not follow the pack. Follow your dreams." ~ Casey W

P.S. Do not get canned. lol

Peace, love, & blessings…

Bookworms aka Nerds

I am looking to get back into one of my favorite past times: reading. The bookworm in me has been dormant for a while. Although I was considered a nerd growing up, I did not appreciate the value of required readings when in high school. That was some time ago; however, I am reflecting on many important aspects of my life (past, present, and future). I do not watch much television, because many shows are void of substance and family values. I have noted the mention of some great reads in certain sitcoms over the years. I have a lot of "if I only knew then what I know now" moments. On one hand, I feel a sense of knowing to simply be familiar with the readings. On the other hand, I wish I took the time to fully grasp and attain the intended life lessons. I am going to challenge myself to circle back to reread a few novels that immediately come to mind such as:

• 1984 - George Orwell 
• The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger 
• Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte 

*** Bragging rights: I read The Catcher in the Rye in either 7th or 8th grade. I was placed in a gifted and talented class both years. A little #nerdism blast from the past considering this was on the 11th grade reading list two years ago. ***

Additionally, I have a desire to stay abreast of recent and upcoming college reading lists as well as books from the official banned books list. A ban has been requested to remove The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  from the 11th grade reading list in Ohio. I stumbled across the news about the controversy over this book from one of my newest idols, Melissa Perry Harris. She too identifies as a nerd (#nerdland). I recall wanting to read this novel when it was on Oprah's reading list some years ago. A copy may already be stored away in my book collection.

I would like to challenge you to join my bandwagon, bookworm or not. Hopefully we can start a discussion of our readings. First on my list is this summer’s college reading for incoming students, The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea. The story is based on actual events of 26 men who attempted to cross the border traveling across the deadliest section of southern Arizona’s desert.

Peace, love, & blessings...

Embrace & Cultivate

One of my greatest fears, secondary to living a life void of purpose, is growing old. I think about this all of the time. Today I arrived at the library minutes before opening (that is a story within itself). I thought for certain there would already be some elders there to keep me company. A few straggled in shortly after. As each of them individually strolled in, I wondered how peaceful it must feel to no longer have to worry about the hustle and bustle of everyday life that comes along with reporting to a "nine to five". I watched two gentlemen looking through the stand housing various newspapers as they selected their preferred material of reading. They sat and read as if no one else existed which to me constituted divine serenity. I then reflected on a brief conversation I had with a woman I encountered earlier this year. Since I did not pursue my college education immediately after high school as planned, I often wish I can get a "redo", a second chance to find my course earlier on in life when I had little to no responsibilities. When I mentioned this to the woman, she stated that she would prefer fast forwarding to retirement stage. I was very intrigued by her outlook. I know I need to fully embrace my life as it is today, and continue to plan and strive toward the future I want. We have to embrace all of the good that is in front of us. We are all gifted with some form of talent or innate ability that somehow aligns with our destiny. Some of us are fully aware of it, but do not know how to cultivate it. Others will never know unless someone or some defining moment tells them.

Peace, love, & blessings…

Dreams vs. Reality

I have been away longer than I wish or prefer. Some days (most days) I am juggling many obligations that take away from my ability to fully devote the time needed to pursue my dreams. Thoughts of succumbing to the notion that having a job, especially in this economy, continues to dance around in my head. I wish I could abandon my day job sooner than later. Thankfully, I am a believer as well as my biggest motivator. I will not allow time to prevent me from striving toward my goals. It is very tempting to surrender, but I am a fighter. The harder you work, the greater the reward and gratification. I encourage you all to believe in yourselves and keep fighting for things that give you sense of purpose in life. We all have purpose.

I initially speak of fashion in my introduction. I am a true believer that looking good helps to make you feel good about yourself. There is no vanity associated with this thought; at least not from my perspective. I just wanted to emphasize that prior to expressing how much I fantasize about establishing a career as a writer. Writing is in the forefront of my mind today. It is one of the primary reasons I decided to start blogging. Whenever I am mentally devising my plan to attain self-efficacy, I often think of the character Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City”. It would be an awesome experience to have a career as a freelance writer that would allow me to write about all elements of art, culture, and life itself. I also related to Carrie because she was quirky and needless to say, quite the fashionista.

In the next couple of weeks, school will be added back to my agenda. Who needs sleep right???...

Peace, love, & blessings…