Up in the Club... because I'm a good friend

Man!!!

It feels like it's been forever since I've gone out downtown, and I'm sure it's not even been a year, but I see that it's not the place for me. The crowd is younger, and I'm just not interested in just drinking and smelling like smoke. If it wasn't for a friend wanting that experience, no way would I have gone.

The narrowed down destination was not packed as normal and we spent the night just watching people. I think I'm going to write a satire book on the types of people that go to clubs. Here are 3 to picture in your mind #1, the people that come to the club just to take pictures of them and their friends all night. 2. Guys trying who horn up their girls so that they can get some sex out of them before the night is over. And 3. people dressing like they didn't bother to look in the mirror while getting dressed in the dark, and OH!!! or they have no dayum friends to tell them any different.

I wish Orlando had something, but it's looking like I'd have to create whatever it is I'm looking for, and if I do find it, be prepared to be the only person in the room that looks like me. Why do things have to be sooooo dayum and frustrating?? Why why why!!??????

Holiday Magic

At the last minute I decided to "make" dinner at my dad's for Thanksgiving.

So with the help of Sam's, Stoffers, Stove Top & Publix... the meal was not bad.

I did have 3 other places to make it to, and only made it to one. Holidays are killer when it comes to spending time with others. I look forward to having my own place in the next few months (because I am getting that job!!), and everyone can come to me :-)

So I have my Christmas list, and I did get out to do some shopping. Not as organized as usual, but I pretty much went to where I needed to go. If I had a couple hundred more, I would have been able to take care of everyone on my list right now. And another couple hundred more, a few things for me too :-)

My mom asked me what I wanted, and really what I want, she can't give. A job & my own place is a great start. But otherwise I have a list of electronics, a Wii, a gps, a new digital camera and a flip.... you know the stuff that is on sale now. But the stuff is not important.

I'm looking for ways to be out and around other people so that I am able to share God's love. I took my nephew to lunch this past week and because we were outside, I ended up buying lunch for a homeless man. I'm hoping to volunteer with the Salvation Army toy drive set-up and a friend's church that will be making bagged lunches. But I will be going back for my 5th year to volunteer with Baby DJ. Volunteering is on my list of 40 things, I just gotta seek out the opportunities, and find some diversity.

This is the season of giving, and so many people are in need. When the "holiday season" is over, i don't plan to stop. And with that, I hope that you are inspired to share your time with someone too.

Another Friday Night &

Ooooppppss!!!

Sorry, I forgot to blog last Friday... BUT I'm here NOW!!

So I'm working on getting serious about my list and just getting focused

period, including getting healthy.

One of my best friends has turned me onto boot camp and Zumba classes. BBBOOOOOOOO!!!

But I'm trying to get moving. By the end of this year I need to no look like an improved me right now.

I pray everyday, but being motivated to do anything has been a challenge, and I guess it is for anyone that is trying to figure out which way they should turn to move in a forward motions.

I did start working for the botanical garden in Winter Park, which is wide open for me to

do what I want to do, how I want to do it. Only thing is that it is not completely funded, so

I'm not sure how long it will last, but I'm looking at least 8-10 months.

Then I had an interview with an organization I found through the Clinton Foundation. They want the job filled by the end of the year to have the person attend a conference in January. I'd have to travel the state, but I'd still be able to work for the garden......

So let's all take a moment of silence for me and this job................ AMEN!!!

the last one

So here is my completed list finally.

I'm wwaaayyyy behind, but here we go!!

Take a look and tell me what you think...

1. Read 40 books

2. Listen to 40 new music artists

3. 40 new restaurants

4. 40 drinks

5. 40 different/new foods

6. Lose 40lbs

7. 40 dates

8. Start voice lessons

.9 Go 40 miles East/West/North/South

19. Make 40 recipes

11. 40 social events

12. Start a blog

13 Try 40 new wines

14 Donate 40pcs of clothing

15. Write 40 short stories

16. See 40 indie films

17. Frame 40 pictures to give away

18. Attend 40 garage sales/farmers markets

19. Kiss 40 guys in 40 days

20. Write 40 letters

21. Take pictures in 40 outfits

22. Give away $40

23. Learn to say hello in 40 different languages

24. Reconnect with 40 people

25. Attend 40 social events

26. Sing in public

27. Give away 40 roses to 40 women or people

28. Plant 40 different things (trees, plants)

29. Learn to play the guitar

30. Volunteer 40hrs

31. Buy 40 lottery tickets

32. Go to 40 new bars/lounges

33. Give away 40 bag lunches to someone homeless

34. Take a ballroom dancing class

35. Watch 40 old school movies 1970 and older

36. See the sunrise &/or sunset on both coast in one day

37. Make a quilt or complete a knitting piece

38. Buy drinks for 40 strangers

39. Collect 40 postcards from around the country/world

40. Leave 40 notes for 40 people

better late

ok...

so I didn't make it for Friday... but it's all good.

I'm starting to feel the energy flow through me that will have me moving into a purposeful direction.

Starting with my list :-)

The other morning I woke up with a thought on my mind, and 45mins later, I had a children's book written. Now to find an artist and learn how to get it published.

I got my guitar restrung, now to sit down with my dvd to learn the basics & once I've found a job, I'll be ready to pay someone for "real" lessons, as well has voice.

Speaking of job. I kinda miss having somewhere to go in the mornings, but I don't miss the drama that goes along with it.

I'm ready for God to sweep through my life, clear away the clutter and reveal a clear path for me. I need to get outside of my nice comfy, at times annoying box, so that I am able to move into my purpose, and bring a smile to God's face.

Let's Do This

ok...

so I started this blog as a part of my list of 40 things for the next year.

I can't quite figure out how often to update, but I have decided at least when.

On Fridays. And as I type, maybe every Friday, I will make a post, because my last post

will be on my next birthday which will be on a Friday.

So as I try to figure out more, I hope that you will give me tips and encourage me...

translation keep on me honest, and on point.... ROFL

Until I decide how to sign off...

peace :-)

V

Six months down...the REST of my life to go...

It’s been exactly six months since I’ve been “career challenged.” Can’t say I don’t enjoy the free time to able to just go off to enjoy myself… but I’m over being in a state of, what next.

Nope, I’m not gonna complain about the cramps in fingers from typing and retyping. And I’m not gonna say just how much I loathe cover letters. Or how I’m putting on weight sitting in the middle of my bed searching the internet for not just the next thing, but the “right” thing… Nope… Not talking bout any of that!!!

What I will say is I had a nice conversation with someone last week, that knows little about me and my life, but knows enough. It was nice to have someone actually listen to me, with open ears, ve understands where I’m coming from and trying to get to.

Being raised by the generation that desegregated the public schools in this country, the first in their families to get a full education; the challenge to be something other than a work horse is hard. The moment I decided that I was going to leave my first “real” job, I knew what the response would be… “You mean to tell me, you’re going to quit that good job?!!!” Which by the way was pretty much their exact words.

Growing up, I lived my life pretty much to the expectation of others. Never did I want to cause problems or have to have a “talk” about anything with my parents. Well, it took me well into my adult life to get the itch to live for myself, and start the search for whatever it is that will be my purpose in this world.

So it’s time to get it!!! Time to let LIFE BEGIN!!!

a month and a day

Today's posting is to just let things off my chest so that I can make room to catch you up on the last month, and to better explain the point of this blog. After this one, I will write on the regular to keep you updated on what's going on with me and my 40/40 list.

Now...

I've been a year older for exactly one month and still not exactly sure about what I'm suppose to doing. For the last month I've been traveling, searching, and sharing my time with friends and family, and thinking about making decisions. (hahahaha)

So... At this point in time, I acknowledge that I've just been going through the motions of life, and I'm soooooooo ready for that to be done. I am ready to live!!!!

I have a life overflowing with blessings, and it's time for me to fully take advantage of the gifts my heavenly father has given me. Time to take much better care, than I have for the last 40yrs.

For the last month or so, there has been a reoccurring theme, and isn't it great when people point your issues/faults out. So I'm accepting one fault at a time, and deciding that today is the last that I will worry over it. Starting today, I am going to look "fear" into the face, and push it out of my way.

In my preparation for my New Year, I came to realize that my focus needed to shift, and get specific. I am now directing my attention toward some things, and not worry about others. I've decided that it is time to go back to school for my master's (still trying to decide what), and let God handle everything else. What is everything else you may ask?? Well a job. I'm finally starting to hear back from resumes I put out 5mons ago, and I am not on the short or long list for them. The second thing I'm not stressing over, is a man. YES!!! I'd love to be in a relationship, heading to the alter and a family, but it's obvious I am not in the place God would have me to be, to be in THAT relationship. So as I prepare to begin, and complete the next part of my educational journey, if God sees fit to put "him" into my life, that is when it will happen.

I've learned, that when I take that first step the second is easier, and by the third I've got a rhythm and flow that can't be stopped. So, I am getting prayed up... I will die to my Father, so that He may have His way with me, and He can use me to do what it was I am purposed for on this earth. By doing that, the worries will become few, and life will be effortless.

Soooo... over 24hrs into the new year... it's been a lot more out than in... and more going in than being left out...

Today I met with family and friends and had good company and conversation...

With that said, it's time to get down to business and serious about my list... what's on the list you ask?? Well here it is... again, don't forget... I still need a few more ideas to complete the list... so tell me what you got...

The 40/40 List

1. Read 40 books

2. Listen to 40 new music artist

3. 40 new restaurants

4. 40 drinks

5. 40 different/new foods

6. Lose 40lbs

7. 40 dates

8. Start voice lessons

9. Go 40 miles East/West/North/South

10. Make 40 recipes

11. 40 social events

12. Start a blog

13. Try 40 new wines

14. Donate 40pcs of clothing

15. Write 40 short stories

16. See 40 indie films

17. Frame 40 pictures to give away

18. Attend 40 garage sales/farmers markets

19. Kiss 40 guys in 40 days

20. Write 40 letters

21. Take pictures in 40 outfits

22. Give away $40

23. Learn to say hello in 40 different languages

24. Reconnect with 40 people

25. Attend 40 social events

26. Sing in public

27. Give away 40 roses to 40 women or people

28. Plant 40 different things (trees, plants)

29. Learn to play the guitar

30. Volunteer 40hrs

31. Buy 40 lottery tickets

32. Go to 40 new bars/lounges

33. Give away 40 bag lunches to someone homeless

34. Take a ballroom dancing class

35. Watch 40 old school movies 1970 and older

36. See the sunrise &/or sunset on both coast in one day

37. Make a quilt or complete a knitting piece

38. Buy drinks for 40 strangers

39. Collect 40 postcards from around the country/world

40. –??????

Yes…. Today is my birthday… WOO HOO!!!! And I mean that with some seriousness. And of course, the big question of the day is what are you planning to do today to celebrate? My response is…wait for it NOTHING. And NOPE I don’t think I’m depressed. But I am setting a plan in motion.

For the next 365 days, I will be working on a list of things to celebrate me, (my 40/40 list). Some things simple, some a question of why, some things just because, including this blog. This I hope will be a year of self examination, self realization, and selflessness. So as I make the journey over the next year, I hope you will come back and experience this with me.

Everyday is a new day, and starting here, starting now, everyday will be grabbed by the hand and explored until I can't take another step.

Welcome to my world!!!

BTW….I still have 2 slots on that list open for suggestions. If you have any ideas, let me know.

Peace....

V