I started this on Facebook already but since I am making a new commitment to blogging, it should be here as well.
I am starting 2010 with goals. My goals are accomplish-able and only require dedication from me. I invite everyone to participate in my goals. If you have a goal you believe I should accomplish, post it. I will decide to accept the challenge or not. I will be updating this blog as goals are accomplished or added. At the end of 2010, I will review my list and take pride in my achievements.
Here is the list so far:
1. Open a savings account
2. Save at least $1200 (not including 401k)
3. Take a vacation somewhere other than Cedartown or Kansas City
4. Start a new wardrobe (buy something new every other month and discard something every other month)
5. Lose 50 pounds
6. Go to someone's house for dinner (they must cook entire meal)
7. Start a scrapbook (from Mario)
8. Write a poem and perform at Lyric Cafe (from Mario)
9. Beat Clarence at a video game (from Mario)
10. Prepare one meal a week
11. Blog at least once a week
12. Start a gratitude journal
13. Take a vacation day once a quarter (without accessing Blackberry or laptop)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lessons from the road
It's been a while since I posted a blog. It's been a crazy month. I have 4 out of the last 8 weeks traveling for business. I did learn a lot while I was away.
....and last but not least, It's good to be home.
- Absence does not make the heart grow fonder. It makes the heart grow lonely.
- It is possible to tire of fancy food. After 2 weeks of eating whatever you want, no matter the cost, you long for greens, corn bread, and even a turkey sandwich on Sara Lee bread.
- The nice hotel can make you smile. There is nothing like coming back from a 10 hour day of work to find your incense already lit, the air conditioner on your favorite setting, your bathroom counter clear of clutter and your bathroom awaiting on the bed.
- When you don't have to pay for gas, it's easy to fill up the tank. LOL
- When you work around new people you might not ever see again, it's really easy to be honest. Even if it hurts.
- The hotel room was 500 square feet. It had a kitchen, bedroom, kitchen table, and living room. Some people pay $1 million dollars for that. C'mon smart people. Don't do it!
- If the weather man says rain for a week, wear a pony tail. Give up. It's not worth the extra time.
- The grass is not greener on the other side. If someone thinks the grass is greener, they need to check because they are wearing someone else's glasses.
- When you are going to be away from home for three weeks, pack more than a week's worth of clothes.
- Juice is better than soda any day.
- When you call your spouse and both of you just listen to each other work without saying a word, but hold the phone, it's time to go home!
- Having two LED tvs within 1 feet of each other but only 5 HD channels is a WASTE OF PLASTIC!
- Going to Wal-mart every night can be an adventure. There are strange people out at night. Like, really really really strange people. Like, for real. Strange. Like, you have NEVER seen people like that before.
- When you haven't driven much in 4 years, 4 weeks of driving can send a person over the edge.
- Do not stop at gas stations if there is not a McDonalds around. It's probably a very small town where the population is all white and the most common occupation is agriculture. Yeah, they stop and look when a Black woman with an afro blasting gospel music pulls up. Stops. Looks around. Puts car in reverse. Heads to next exit. Yeah. I am not the one. Well, actually. I AM THAT ONE.
- It's time to go home when the housekeepers at the hotel start teaching you spanish so the conversation can be better.
- If anyone ever has to stay away from home for a long time, stay at Homewood Suites. Free breakfast and free dinner. Yeah, even if you never get to experience it because you work 10 hours. Just good to know they care.
- Living in Atlanta is not worth the rush hour traffic.
- Living in Atlanta is worth the worship experience. Thanks Dream Center Church. It was awesome.
....and last but not least, It's good to be home.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
3/5 Human? Seriously?
So. This is what happened. Yesterday. September. 2009. Seriously. At work. No kidding.
I was preparing to leave for the day when a representative approached with a customer issue. The customer was demanding to speak with a 'manager who was a non black woman'. Initially, I laughed. I thought to myself 'Self, this is September. 2009. At work. Couldn't be.' I contemplated my choices. Should I stay at work longer, take this escalation, or go home and forget I had heard such statements? I looked at the representative who had answered the call. The young lady could not have been more than 20 years old. She had a blank look on her face. It was one of those 'Is this happening to me?' looks.
I had to take the call. If for no other reason, I had to do it for the young lady who had taken the call.
Let me back up and say this: I don't take calls. I don't take escalations. This is not apart of my job. It would be expected I ignore the escalation.
I take the headset from the representative, settle in for what I believe is going to be a long call, and say into the phone, "Hello. This is Rita Prior. How may I be of assistance to you?"
No kidding. This is some of what transpired.
Caller: Is that thing on the phone?
Me: This is Rita. How may I assist you?
Caller: I said, is that thing still on the phone?
Me: This is Rita. How may I assist you?
Caller: I pay my bill every month. I decide who I talk to. You do not decide who I talk to. I refuse to talk to that thing. She is not even human.
Me: How may I assist you with your device issue?
Caller: Transfer me to technical support.
Me: I understand your frustration when your device is not working properly. I will be happy to assist you. What exactly is the device doing, or not doing?
Caller: Just transfer me.
Me: I will be happy to transfer you. Prior to you speaking with another department, I need to fully understand the issue to ensure I connect you with someone who is able to resolve your issue.
Caller: You don't tell me who I can speak to. I tell you. Transfer me.
Me: I will get someone on the line now. Please explain what you are experiencing with your device.
Caller: Are you one of them?
Me: One of who?
Caller: One of those things. Like the one I was just talking to.
Me: My name is Rita. Please explain the issue you are having with your device.
Caller: You are one of those things. How dare you tell me who I can speak with. You are not even human. You are 3/5 human. Didn't you read the Constitution? Can you even read? You are a thing. You are a black woman. Black women are slothful and ignorant. You will not tell me who I can speak with. I am the human. Not you. Transfer me now, you thing!
Me: Please explain the issue you are having with your device.
Caller: You thing! You will transfer me now! You are ignorant. You are stupid. You are not human. How can a non human tell a human what to do? I will always tell you what to do. Transfer me now.
|Sidenote| At this point, I look at the young lady who originally took the call. I can see in her eyes I had to maintain this for her. I had to show her it is possible to overcome this type of ignorance.
Me: Mrs. _________, as I stated previously, I am able to transfer you to another department but not before knowing what issue you have.
Caller: I can not send picture messages, you thing.
Me: How long as this been a problem?
Caller: Since I bought the phone three months ago, you slothful, ignorant thing.
Me: Tell me exactly what happens when you attempt to send a message.
Caller: I will not talk to a non human. I want to talk to technical support now. You are the worst, ignorant, slothful, 3/5 human person I have ever talked to. You are beneath me. You are thing.
|The phone does dead|
Note to self: You are the author of the only dictionary able to define you.
I was preparing to leave for the day when a representative approached with a customer issue. The customer was demanding to speak with a 'manager who was a non black woman'. Initially, I laughed. I thought to myself 'Self, this is September. 2009. At work. Couldn't be.' I contemplated my choices. Should I stay at work longer, take this escalation, or go home and forget I had heard such statements? I looked at the representative who had answered the call. The young lady could not have been more than 20 years old. She had a blank look on her face. It was one of those 'Is this happening to me?' looks.
I had to take the call. If for no other reason, I had to do it for the young lady who had taken the call.
Let me back up and say this: I don't take calls. I don't take escalations. This is not apart of my job. It would be expected I ignore the escalation.
I take the headset from the representative, settle in for what I believe is going to be a long call, and say into the phone, "Hello. This is Rita Prior. How may I be of assistance to you?"
No kidding. This is some of what transpired.
Caller: Is that thing on the phone?
Me: This is Rita. How may I assist you?
Caller: I said, is that thing still on the phone?
Me: This is Rita. How may I assist you?
Caller: I pay my bill every month. I decide who I talk to. You do not decide who I talk to. I refuse to talk to that thing. She is not even human.
Me: How may I assist you with your device issue?
Caller: Transfer me to technical support.
Me: I understand your frustration when your device is not working properly. I will be happy to assist you. What exactly is the device doing, or not doing?
Caller: Just transfer me.
Me: I will be happy to transfer you. Prior to you speaking with another department, I need to fully understand the issue to ensure I connect you with someone who is able to resolve your issue.
Caller: You don't tell me who I can speak to. I tell you. Transfer me.
Me: I will get someone on the line now. Please explain what you are experiencing with your device.
Caller: Are you one of them?
Me: One of who?
Caller: One of those things. Like the one I was just talking to.
Me: My name is Rita. Please explain the issue you are having with your device.
Caller: You are one of those things. How dare you tell me who I can speak with. You are not even human. You are 3/5 human. Didn't you read the Constitution? Can you even read? You are a thing. You are a black woman. Black women are slothful and ignorant. You will not tell me who I can speak with. I am the human. Not you. Transfer me now, you thing!
Me: Please explain the issue you are having with your device.
Caller: You thing! You will transfer me now! You are ignorant. You are stupid. You are not human. How can a non human tell a human what to do? I will always tell you what to do. Transfer me now.
|Sidenote| At this point, I look at the young lady who originally took the call. I can see in her eyes I had to maintain this for her. I had to show her it is possible to overcome this type of ignorance.
Me: Mrs. _________, as I stated previously, I am able to transfer you to another department but not before knowing what issue you have.
Caller: I can not send picture messages, you thing.
Me: How long as this been a problem?
Caller: Since I bought the phone three months ago, you slothful, ignorant thing.
Me: Tell me exactly what happens when you attempt to send a message.
Caller: I will not talk to a non human. I want to talk to technical support now. You are the worst, ignorant, slothful, 3/5 human person I have ever talked to. You are beneath me. You are thing.
|The phone does dead|
Note to self: You are the author of the only dictionary able to define you.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tennessee Trip
Last weekend we went to Tennessee to my family reunion. As with all family reunions, you mentally prepare yourself. We first realized we needed a very good hotel room. Truth be told, we really didn't plan on attending all the activities. I just really wanted to see my mom and brother, who were also planning on being at the reunion. We called the Holiday Inn first. My family use to stay there all the time when I was a kid and I remembered the great suites. So, we call them and ask a few very important questions.
1. Do you have room service?
2. Have your rooms been renovated recently?
3. Do you still have the suites with a detached living room and kitchen?
They answered all the questions with yes. We then called Double Tree. We asked the same questions. Unfortunately, the answer to number three was no. Because we were planning on spending a lot of time with family in our room, we wanted the extra space. Also, we always work while we are out of the office and we needed the extra room for laptops, printers, phones, etc. Oh, and Clarence needed space for the Xbox.
So, we reserved a room at Holiday Inn. We actually paid for the room in advance. Upon arriving at the hotel, it looked the same as I remembered. It was still spacious with the lounge in the middle and a stacked bar. As a kid, we would go and take up all the bar room asking for grape juice and sprite. LOL
Anyway, we take the elevator up to the fourth floor. I first notice the couches near the elevators. They look familiar. Could they be the same couches from the 1990s? No, couldn't be. Must be the same color. We arrive at our room and the wonderful breeze of the air conditioner hits us. We walk in, throw our bags down and then turn the lights on. What is this? Couldn't be? Yes, it is. Its the same furniture I remember from the 1990s. The same couch, lamps, tables, and even the same TV. Say its not so! Certainly they have plasma by now! No, they do not. Wait, I see something new. Yes, it is new. Finally. New lampshades and energy efficient bulbs. Way to go green, Holiday Inn. I finally realized. This is not a failure to renovate, this is a way to conserve our resources.
I call Chris, the front desk clerk.
Me: Chris?
Chris: Yes, do you like your room?
Me: I have been here before.
Chris: Oh, have you stayed in that room before?
Me: I don't know about the room but the couch, tables, lamps, and dresser have followed me from the 1990s. And this room is tiny. I need space. Where is the kitchen? Where is the dining room table?
Chris: Laughs
Me: I need an upgrade. What do you have?
Chris: Well, I do have a better room. But it's expensive.
Me: How much more?
Chris: $10 a night.
Me: (thinking to myself) Do I look that broke!?
Me: (to Chris) We will take it.
Chris: It's on the smoking floor.
Me: They still have those. I thought hotels were smoke free.
Chris: Laughs
Me: What room?
Chris: I will have the bell boy bring up the key.
So, we get the key and travel down two floors. We arrive to our new room (trying not to die on the smell). What awaits us? Yes! Bigger. Table. KitchenETTE. SAME FURNITURE. You have got to be kidding me. What also awaits? Two queen beds. I am married. I can sleep in KING beds now. But, we give up and take it.
We go to check out the hotel and talk to the manager about their environmentally conscience decorations (old). While we are talking, an Indian (dot, not feathers) woman is having an argument with another lady. She approaches the front desk and ask to use their phone to call to Dallas. They refuse her saying she cant make a long distance call. We try to reach the number from our cell phones. They didn't answer. What was the reason the hotel wouldn't let her call? She has been outside asking for money. Yeah. Okay.
We go outside to our car. As I am about to take pictures, I see a few ants on the door. I follow the ants trail and I see a HUGE amount of ants all over the front of the car. Of course, I am going crazy. I look inside the car and there are ants all over my seat. I am itching, jumping up and down, screaming. Yes, I went overboard. Clarence moves me out the way and start wiping ants out of the car. Apparently we parked in an ant hill.
Why am I itching just typing this?
Clarence tells me to get in so we can go vacuum the car. I refuse to get in the car. Finally, after I don't see any immediate ants on the seat, I jump in the back seat on the drivers side. We go to the dollar store to get ant spray. I used an entire bottle. They were everywhere. We then drive to a vacuum to get all the little dead ants out. It was horrible.
The night before we purchased a room online with priceline.com for our Memphis stay. We stayed at the downtown Marriott for $75. The rooms are normally $160. We park the car in the underground parking garage, unload all the bags, and head to the front desk. What is between us and the front desk. Escalators. Why is this an issue? I discover Clarence as a phobia of escalators. What happens? No, you cant guess this one. I get on the escalator first. I am at the top, waiting on Clarence. I am coaching him to put the bags on first, then step behind them. What happens? He lets go of the bags, steps on the escalator and hold on for dear life. Where are the bags? On the floor at the bottom of the escalator. What is in one of his bags? His Xbox. What do I have to do? Walk down the other side (which is not working) to retrieve the bags and ride back up. Yes. I am serious.
We arrive in our room and its nice. Nothing huge but nice. We make plans that didn't work out but decide to go ahead and enjoy our evening. We leave the hotel and spend the evening at a music festival and Beale Street. I will reveal more about that later.
So, I get back to Marriott and we find the elevators have been shut down after 11p. Are you kidding me? This is a hotel located a mile from Beale Street, attached to the Convention Center, near the baseball stadium, and you shut things down after 11p? How does that work? We wonder around the garage trying to find a way to our room. We finally find an elevator that will work. Where does it take us? The convention centers were the members of the National Baptist Convention are setting up for their conference.
We cant wait to upload my pictures on Facebook. Something is wrong. My laptop wont connect to the internet. I check the connection again and try again. It keeps bringing me to the Marriott's website. I call the nice people downstairs and advise them of my issues. Guess what? I have to pay for the internet. No, not just the internet, but for phone calls as well. Are you serious? Motel 6 has free WIFI and the Marriott doesn't? So, being the computer junkie we are, we pay $6 for unlimited internet. We refused to pay for phone calls. We have cell phones.
The next morning we hear banging on the door. What time is it? What is going on? Is there a problem? It's 9am. Wait, I hear someone opening the door, or at least trying to. It is the cleaning staff trying to get in. Check out is not until noon. Why are you bothering me at 9a? Clarence yells from the bed 'Go away. We are not ready to leave'. Does it work? Of course not. 10a. 11a. 11:30a. Knock. Knock. Key in. Door opens. Chain blocks. Yes, they continue to try to get in the room. What part of NOON does no one understand?
So, we pack to leave Memphis. Downstairs, we remember our issue. How does one get back to the garage without attempting the escalators. We try the elevator and find it does not work. We try another set. They do not work. Wait, what about the convention center elevators? No way through the crowd. The Baptist have taken over. Guess what we did? Yes, the escalators. Clarence went first, leaving the bags behind. I send the bags down for him to get off. Does he? Of course not. He was celebrating his victory of his escalator decent.
What did we learn from this trip? Do you NOT always get what you pay for!
1. Do you have room service?
2. Have your rooms been renovated recently?
3. Do you still have the suites with a detached living room and kitchen?
They answered all the questions with yes. We then called Double Tree. We asked the same questions. Unfortunately, the answer to number three was no. Because we were planning on spending a lot of time with family in our room, we wanted the extra space. Also, we always work while we are out of the office and we needed the extra room for laptops, printers, phones, etc. Oh, and Clarence needed space for the Xbox.
So, we reserved a room at Holiday Inn. We actually paid for the room in advance. Upon arriving at the hotel, it looked the same as I remembered. It was still spacious with the lounge in the middle and a stacked bar. As a kid, we would go and take up all the bar room asking for grape juice and sprite. LOL
Anyway, we take the elevator up to the fourth floor. I first notice the couches near the elevators. They look familiar. Could they be the same couches from the 1990s? No, couldn't be. Must be the same color. We arrive at our room and the wonderful breeze of the air conditioner hits us. We walk in, throw our bags down and then turn the lights on. What is this? Couldn't be? Yes, it is. Its the same furniture I remember from the 1990s. The same couch, lamps, tables, and even the same TV. Say its not so! Certainly they have plasma by now! No, they do not. Wait, I see something new. Yes, it is new. Finally. New lampshades and energy efficient bulbs. Way to go green, Holiday Inn. I finally realized. This is not a failure to renovate, this is a way to conserve our resources.
I call Chris, the front desk clerk.
Me: Chris?
Chris: Yes, do you like your room?
Me: I have been here before.
Chris: Oh, have you stayed in that room before?
Me: I don't know about the room but the couch, tables, lamps, and dresser have followed me from the 1990s. And this room is tiny. I need space. Where is the kitchen? Where is the dining room table?
Chris: Laughs
Me: I need an upgrade. What do you have?
Chris: Well, I do have a better room. But it's expensive.
Me: How much more?
Chris: $10 a night.
Me: (thinking to myself) Do I look that broke!?
Me: (to Chris) We will take it.
Chris: It's on the smoking floor.
Me: They still have those. I thought hotels were smoke free.
Chris: Laughs
Me: What room?
Chris: I will have the bell boy bring up the key.
So, we get the key and travel down two floors. We arrive to our new room (trying not to die on the smell). What awaits us? Yes! Bigger. Table. KitchenETTE. SAME FURNITURE. You have got to be kidding me. What also awaits? Two queen beds. I am married. I can sleep in KING beds now. But, we give up and take it.
We go to check out the hotel and talk to the manager about their environmentally conscience decorations (old). While we are talking, an Indian (dot, not feathers) woman is having an argument with another lady. She approaches the front desk and ask to use their phone to call to Dallas. They refuse her saying she cant make a long distance call. We try to reach the number from our cell phones. They didn't answer. What was the reason the hotel wouldn't let her call? She has been outside asking for money. Yeah. Okay.
We go outside to our car. As I am about to take pictures, I see a few ants on the door. I follow the ants trail and I see a HUGE amount of ants all over the front of the car. Of course, I am going crazy. I look inside the car and there are ants all over my seat. I am itching, jumping up and down, screaming. Yes, I went overboard. Clarence moves me out the way and start wiping ants out of the car. Apparently we parked in an ant hill.
Why am I itching just typing this?
Clarence tells me to get in so we can go vacuum the car. I refuse to get in the car. Finally, after I don't see any immediate ants on the seat, I jump in the back seat on the drivers side. We go to the dollar store to get ant spray. I used an entire bottle. They were everywhere. We then drive to a vacuum to get all the little dead ants out. It was horrible.
The night before we purchased a room online with priceline.com for our Memphis stay. We stayed at the downtown Marriott for $75. The rooms are normally $160. We park the car in the underground parking garage, unload all the bags, and head to the front desk. What is between us and the front desk. Escalators. Why is this an issue? I discover Clarence as a phobia of escalators. What happens? No, you cant guess this one. I get on the escalator first. I am at the top, waiting on Clarence. I am coaching him to put the bags on first, then step behind them. What happens? He lets go of the bags, steps on the escalator and hold on for dear life. Where are the bags? On the floor at the bottom of the escalator. What is in one of his bags? His Xbox. What do I have to do? Walk down the other side (which is not working) to retrieve the bags and ride back up. Yes. I am serious.
We arrive in our room and its nice. Nothing huge but nice. We make plans that didn't work out but decide to go ahead and enjoy our evening. We leave the hotel and spend the evening at a music festival and Beale Street. I will reveal more about that later.
So, I get back to Marriott and we find the elevators have been shut down after 11p. Are you kidding me? This is a hotel located a mile from Beale Street, attached to the Convention Center, near the baseball stadium, and you shut things down after 11p? How does that work? We wonder around the garage trying to find a way to our room. We finally find an elevator that will work. Where does it take us? The convention centers were the members of the National Baptist Convention are setting up for their conference.
We cant wait to upload my pictures on Facebook. Something is wrong. My laptop wont connect to the internet. I check the connection again and try again. It keeps bringing me to the Marriott's website. I call the nice people downstairs and advise them of my issues. Guess what? I have to pay for the internet. No, not just the internet, but for phone calls as well. Are you serious? Motel 6 has free WIFI and the Marriott doesn't? So, being the computer junkie we are, we pay $6 for unlimited internet. We refused to pay for phone calls. We have cell phones.
The next morning we hear banging on the door. What time is it? What is going on? Is there a problem? It's 9am. Wait, I hear someone opening the door, or at least trying to. It is the cleaning staff trying to get in. Check out is not until noon. Why are you bothering me at 9a? Clarence yells from the bed 'Go away. We are not ready to leave'. Does it work? Of course not. 10a. 11a. 11:30a. Knock. Knock. Key in. Door opens. Chain blocks. Yes, they continue to try to get in the room. What part of NOON does no one understand?
So, we pack to leave Memphis. Downstairs, we remember our issue. How does one get back to the garage without attempting the escalators. We try the elevator and find it does not work. We try another set. They do not work. Wait, what about the convention center elevators? No way through the crowd. The Baptist have taken over. Guess what we did? Yes, the escalators. Clarence went first, leaving the bags behind. I send the bags down for him to get off. Does he? Of course not. He was celebrating his victory of his escalator decent.
What did we learn from this trip? Do you NOT always get what you pay for!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Irritated
I find myself in an uncomfortable position. I am irritated. The issue is finding the source of this irritation. Is it because my allergies are keeping me from resting? Is it because I was awaken from a semi-sleep with great promises? Is it because people are truly showing who they really are this weak (not a misspelling)? Is it because my mother's last day of work at Chrysler was yesterday? Is it because my brother is attempting to manage the pain of losing a dear friend? Or, better yet, could it be it is after midnight and I am hungry. Nope, that couldn't be it (it probably is).
There are many things I am not (or attempt not to be). I am not:
One of the main goals in my life is to be transparent. What you see is what you get? I do not like people attempting to pull the strings of situations/people to fit their personal agendas. I do not like to see people fight for something meant for them, only to be held back due to the selfish motives of others. I want people to know why I make the decisions I make. I want people to understand the purpose of my actions. I desire my words to be precursors of my actions. They must be seamless. They must coincide with each other. If they don't, I fail. I fail to reach the goal of Him which has created me.
Each day more and more people are striving for things which should be easily accessible. People are waking up without food, water, and even required medications. People are home sick and dying due to the inability to afford healthcare. People who wok everyday attempt to stay 'legit' in a word of corruption. People are suffering from the abuse and pain afflicted by other hurt people who suffered from the hurt and pain of other hurt people (I pray you followed that). Some people are so blind by their own situations (understandably), they are oblivious to the smoldering world around them.
I pray I am never so consumed with me I fail to see you.
I pray in my search to get to where I am, I didn't step on someone's dream, destiny, plan or goal. I pray the paths I have taken have been those created for me, not those created by me. I pray my fight to deliverance did not leave someone still in the ring. In all my giving, I pray I gave to the right people, at the right times, in the right seasons. Only then will I receive back. No, I do not want back what I gave. It wasn't meant for me. I want more of Him. More of what He wants for my life.
I desire to be relevant. My goal is to forever be linked to my power source so others may plug in, get the needed power to continue their course. I never want to find an alternative source. A hybrid won't do. I need the real thing. The needs I have cannot be satisfied with money, position, titles, food, sex, travel, or even a smile. These needs only come through deep internal revelation of who I am. Not who Rita is. Rita is unimportant. It's who is in Rita which matters. Who gives the direction. Who provides the resources. Who leads the way. I must be so in-tune with the Who in me I am never thwarted. I must be focused on the Who so the 'hows' matter not. It's only then, when the Who is in me matched with His own power, am I able to create continue to keep doors open so others may follow and/or find the inspiration to open their own.
It matters not the plans and methods of others. It matters not how pure the intentions are. It matters not the conversations and schemes meant to alter the course. The course I run has already been ran for me. I am just following the leader.
And guess what happens in the end? Irritation gone.
Good night.
There are many things I am not (or attempt not to be). I am not:
- ignorant
- false
- unworthy
- uneducated
- mean
- inconsiderate
- vindictive
- uncaring
- void of compassion
- talent-less
- manipulative
- coveter
- selfish
- unethical
One of the main goals in my life is to be transparent. What you see is what you get? I do not like people attempting to pull the strings of situations/people to fit their personal agendas. I do not like to see people fight for something meant for them, only to be held back due to the selfish motives of others. I want people to know why I make the decisions I make. I want people to understand the purpose of my actions. I desire my words to be precursors of my actions. They must be seamless. They must coincide with each other. If they don't, I fail. I fail to reach the goal of Him which has created me.
Each day more and more people are striving for things which should be easily accessible. People are waking up without food, water, and even required medications. People are home sick and dying due to the inability to afford healthcare. People who wok everyday attempt to stay 'legit' in a word of corruption. People are suffering from the abuse and pain afflicted by other hurt people who suffered from the hurt and pain of other hurt people (I pray you followed that). Some people are so blind by their own situations (understandably), they are oblivious to the smoldering world around them.
I pray I am never so consumed with me I fail to see you.
I pray in my search to get to where I am, I didn't step on someone's dream, destiny, plan or goal. I pray the paths I have taken have been those created for me, not those created by me. I pray my fight to deliverance did not leave someone still in the ring. In all my giving, I pray I gave to the right people, at the right times, in the right seasons. Only then will I receive back. No, I do not want back what I gave. It wasn't meant for me. I want more of Him. More of what He wants for my life.
I desire to be relevant. My goal is to forever be linked to my power source so others may plug in, get the needed power to continue their course. I never want to find an alternative source. A hybrid won't do. I need the real thing. The needs I have cannot be satisfied with money, position, titles, food, sex, travel, or even a smile. These needs only come through deep internal revelation of who I am. Not who Rita is. Rita is unimportant. It's who is in Rita which matters. Who gives the direction. Who provides the resources. Who leads the way. I must be so in-tune with the Who in me I am never thwarted. I must be focused on the Who so the 'hows' matter not. It's only then, when the Who is in me matched with His own power, am I able to create continue to keep doors open so others may follow and/or find the inspiration to open their own.
It matters not the plans and methods of others. It matters not how pure the intentions are. It matters not the conversations and schemes meant to alter the course. The course I run has already been ran for me. I am just following the leader.
And guess what happens in the end? Irritation gone.
Good night.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Priorities
I talked to an associate today lamenting about his job and the woes thereof. I realized a few things:
1. Priorities are a must
2. Work is never #1
3. Never expect people to do what you wont
1. Priorities are a must
2. Work is never #1
3. Never expect people to do what you wont
Monday, August 10, 2009
It's a good day.
Today was a very good day. I often hear people talk about how they hate Mondays. I refuse to fall into that trap. It is a self created trap. I have learned I affect the outcomes of my circumstances. Even if crazy stuff happens, I do not have to allow it to affect my mood, thought pattern, or attitude. I went to bed last night with success on my mind. I achieved success today.
Now, if only I could create success in the sleep department. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I see it!
Now, if only I could create success in the sleep department. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I see it!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Celebrate life!
I am so excited about my birthday. I am excited every birthday. When I tell people how old I am, they are shocked I am excited about getting older. When I turned 30, I made sure everyone knew. Turning 31 and 32 were no different. Why should I change for 33? I often wonder why people are afraid of embracing age. Age is a beautiful thing. Consider the alternative.
My childhood was a blessing. I was surrounded by my grandmother for most if it. I know everyone loves their grandmother, however, I am bias. Lena S. H. Taylor is the best grandmother created on earth (you have a right to disagree). She taught me patience, humility, humbleness, and quiet strength. She never said much in the open but would talk about God, blessing, holiness, and family love all day. Either I lived with her or she lived with me most of first 18 years of my life. I believe we shared a bond unlike any others she or I shared with others.
As I traveled on in life, my 20s were met with DRAMA! At 23, I had a stroke. Well, that's what the doctors called it. I woke up one day with little eye sight. I went through some crazy surgeries and a stay in ICU. To God be the glory, I am yet alive with partial sight. It could have been so much worst. I survived that, a few relationships, and many jobs.
I have made plenty of crazy decisions in my life. I have done some crazy things. No matter how crazy I thought them to be, I have met people who have made life changing decisions. Some things people have been through are mind blowing. I have met people who have been rejected by their families, people who have lost loved ones to drugs, disease, and crime. I have met people who have experienced more before the age of 10 than most of us have experienced to date. The point is, I have met them. They are survivors. I celebrate their life with my life. We have an internal fighter inside us. The fighter inside us refuses to allow us to hide in the darkness of sin. This fighter keeps us alive. This fighter keeps our mind while everything in us says to go crazy.
Some people struggle with celebrating life when they are unable to create life. When Clarence and I were married, everyone started asking about kids. You know, people should really think before they ask questions. Most of the world assumes having kids is as easy as having sex. I guess it would seem to be so with the number of children created in the world, however, it is not so. The first time the doctors advised children may not be in my future, my mind immediately went to all the friends, family members, associates, etc who have children or aborted children they didn't plan or want. I started to actually get upset and feel they didn't deserve their kids. Note: All is well. I have repented. I know children are a blessing no matter who the parent is :)
Infertility is emotional! Some woman say it feels like a death of a child they always dreamed of having. Some say it’s a feeling of loss. Some are angry at life, mothers, and even children. It’s a silent hurt. I have met some people who hurt and long so much for a child they can’t celebrate the birth of children. They avoid places with children. It’s a lesson to us all. Never assume to know what another person is going through.
I am sure everyone has seen the many news stories where women steal babies and even kill the birth mothers. That is a rare extremity. Infertility does hurt, but it won't kill you (and it's not suppose to kill anyone else). I embrace celebrating life. I celebrate life because it is precious. Not everyone can create life but everyone can celebrate it. I am not angry, depressed, nor jealous of those who can create life. Hey, maybe someone will create life for me one day!
33 years in the world is 33 years of life lessons. 33 is a master number. 33 is powerful. 33 is a force to be reckoned with. I gave God back His words. 2 Corinthians 2:9 says “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him". Because I love Him, I know all will work out for the good!
I will forever celebrate life. No matter the number, God is still a provider. I am excited about 33 and I will be excited about 34, 35, 36...... I celebrate life because THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT!
But God!
My childhood was a blessing. I was surrounded by my grandmother for most if it. I know everyone loves their grandmother, however, I am bias. Lena S. H. Taylor is the best grandmother created on earth (you have a right to disagree). She taught me patience, humility, humbleness, and quiet strength. She never said much in the open but would talk about God, blessing, holiness, and family love all day. Either I lived with her or she lived with me most of first 18 years of my life. I believe we shared a bond unlike any others she or I shared with others.
As I traveled on in life, my 20s were met with DRAMA! At 23, I had a stroke. Well, that's what the doctors called it. I woke up one day with little eye sight. I went through some crazy surgeries and a stay in ICU. To God be the glory, I am yet alive with partial sight. It could have been so much worst. I survived that, a few relationships, and many jobs.
I have made plenty of crazy decisions in my life. I have done some crazy things. No matter how crazy I thought them to be, I have met people who have made life changing decisions. Some things people have been through are mind blowing. I have met people who have been rejected by their families, people who have lost loved ones to drugs, disease, and crime. I have met people who have experienced more before the age of 10 than most of us have experienced to date. The point is, I have met them. They are survivors. I celebrate their life with my life. We have an internal fighter inside us. The fighter inside us refuses to allow us to hide in the darkness of sin. This fighter keeps us alive. This fighter keeps our mind while everything in us says to go crazy.
Some people struggle with celebrating life when they are unable to create life. When Clarence and I were married, everyone started asking about kids. You know, people should really think before they ask questions. Most of the world assumes having kids is as easy as having sex. I guess it would seem to be so with the number of children created in the world, however, it is not so. The first time the doctors advised children may not be in my future, my mind immediately went to all the friends, family members, associates, etc who have children or aborted children they didn't plan or want. I started to actually get upset and feel they didn't deserve their kids. Note: All is well. I have repented. I know children are a blessing no matter who the parent is :)
Infertility is emotional! Some woman say it feels like a death of a child they always dreamed of having. Some say it’s a feeling of loss. Some are angry at life, mothers, and even children. It’s a silent hurt. I have met some people who hurt and long so much for a child they can’t celebrate the birth of children. They avoid places with children. It’s a lesson to us all. Never assume to know what another person is going through.
I am sure everyone has seen the many news stories where women steal babies and even kill the birth mothers. That is a rare extremity. Infertility does hurt, but it won't kill you (and it's not suppose to kill anyone else). I embrace celebrating life. I celebrate life because it is precious. Not everyone can create life but everyone can celebrate it. I am not angry, depressed, nor jealous of those who can create life. Hey, maybe someone will create life for me one day!
33 years in the world is 33 years of life lessons. 33 is a master number. 33 is powerful. 33 is a force to be reckoned with. I gave God back His words. 2 Corinthians 2:9 says “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him". Because I love Him, I know all will work out for the good!
I will forever celebrate life. No matter the number, God is still a provider. I am excited about 33 and I will be excited about 34, 35, 36...... I celebrate life because THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT!
But God!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Welcome to 'The Writer's Project'
For the past 20 years, my endeavor has been to express myself in writing. Words change the world. Words can heal. Words can hurt. Words can make you smile, cry, laugh, and even love. Words have power beyond what is thought, interpreted, or even considered. The power of words commenced at 'In the beginning...' and there is no end. As long as there is a word, there is hope.
I write for many purposes. Sometimes it is just to get something out of my head so I can move on. There are times when my words have arrows meant to pierce the mind (or heart) of the reader. There is no box in my world. I am open to receive words as they come. It is never my goal to hurt anyone, however, there is truth in words. I will never say the truth does not hurt at times.
There are so many dimensions to who I am. I am more than a wife, daughter, sister, friend, cousin, etc. I am a woman on a mission. What is the mission? I introduce, The Writer's Project.
What is the TWP? It's the thoughts, revelations, insights, dreams, humor, news, updates and more...of a writer. This is how I communicate. This is how I open myself to the world. If you want to know me. Get to know TWP. I do not want you to be disappointed. This will not be updated with bible studies and spiritual revelations everyday. I live in a world complete with hilarious moments and paradox reflections. If nothing else, I love to laugh.
I only have two request:
1. Do not judge me
2. Positive comments only (there is a way to say everything)
1 Peter 1:25 | But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
I write for many purposes. Sometimes it is just to get something out of my head so I can move on. There are times when my words have arrows meant to pierce the mind (or heart) of the reader. There is no box in my world. I am open to receive words as they come. It is never my goal to hurt anyone, however, there is truth in words. I will never say the truth does not hurt at times.
There are so many dimensions to who I am. I am more than a wife, daughter, sister, friend, cousin, etc. I am a woman on a mission. What is the mission? I introduce, The Writer's Project.
What is the TWP? It's the thoughts, revelations, insights, dreams, humor, news, updates and more...of a writer. This is how I communicate. This is how I open myself to the world. If you want to know me. Get to know TWP. I do not want you to be disappointed. This will not be updated with bible studies and spiritual revelations everyday. I live in a world complete with hilarious moments and paradox reflections. If nothing else, I love to laugh.
I only have two request:
1. Do not judge me
2. Positive comments only (there is a way to say everything)
1 Peter 1:25 | But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
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