Moving forward

I just find it amazing how tragedy turns into triumph.  I wouldn't say it's that easy to get over any setbacks that happen in your life but to handle it with grace and not letting it bring you down is the real pull to moving forward.  This past month helped me realize how strong I really am and how much risks I've taken in my life.  Looking back at my life things could have turned for the worst with some of the choices I've made.  But you know what that has not happened.  Everything I've done has turned out better than I could hoped for or helped me get to where I need to be.  Let me give you several examples how God's grace is good.  This past month I lost my job. I disagreed with how management treated me and I fought and reported them to HR.  Of course they didn't like it and found ways to let me go.  I was prepared for the worse.  All I cared about was being eligible for unemployment (UE).  Even though mgmt. followed the proper protocol of letting someone go to avoid paying UE I was still able to get it.  What's even amazing is that people were telling me I may not get it.  I didn't let that discourage me if all fails I have my backup savings.  A week later my computer completely crashed on me.  It was devastating because I needed my computer more than ever.  I had things in there I needed plus my study program which I solely needed to study.  I couldn't waste any time.  I decided to purchase a cheap computer off Craigslist.  Things were working for one day and then that crashed on me as well.  I got ripped off.  I was worried having have to buy a new computer now that funds were limited.  I shared this with my IT friend and whalaa he was able to fix my computer.  Not only did he fix it but now my computer is faster and better.  Feels brand new again.  I wish I spoke to him earlier but no worries the best thing is I'm back to business.  Now that my computer works I continued to have trouble getting internet at my place.  My neighbor whom watches my dog sometimes lets me log onto her network sometimes.  Well I thought to myself instead of paying more money to sign up with a new provider why not just pay her for a while till I get back on my feet.  She didn't mind at all.  Now I have reliable internet.  With all this free time that's available to me I do admit those down moments started to sync for a while.  I was starting to feel discouraged. I would spend most of my time sleeping it away and watch sappy movies.  I try not to dwell in my sorrows for too long so I limit my self to one day.  After one day I'm usually revived again and back on my grind.  It has been up and down with me but for the most part I've had better days than sad.  I still went out with my friends and not let my finances limit my happiness.  If there's something I wanted to do that's within reason I did it.  If there's an outing I always wanted to check out now that I have the time why not.  Just the other day I found the time to get my carpet cleaned I shopped online trying to look for the best deals.  I whined up calling my complex to see if they had an recommendations.  They were able to offer me free cleaning because I recently renewed my lease.  I was so grateful for that.  Another thing I'm grateful for was not having to pay for my personal loan for one year.  I had signed up for the loan protection where you don't have to make payments when you lose a job.  What I didn't know is that I have to one year to get back to making payments even when I do get back to work.  How awesome is that I'm able to build my savings again which gives me more than enough time to payoff the loan.  I was so happy about that.  I try not to let these minor set backs get me too down because I refuse to go there.  I can't say it was easy for me to get up but I can understand how much harder it is for others.  I am blessed to have good people surrounding me and the love and support of my family and friends who care.  It does help, tremendously.  The simple phone call from my Dad everyday keeps me motivated.  The follow up calls and texts from my friends to remind me to keep studying.  The emails my friends forward me of certain job postings.  As annoying it can be I appreciated it.  I couldn't do this all alone.  No one can!  It's actually selfish and hurtful to me to think I can do it alone.  Oh and wait did I mention having that quite time with GOD helped me find my peace and calmness when these setbacks happened.  I couldn't let it happen even if I wanted to.  I continued looking forward and not let these setbacks hold me off.  I didn't let having to pay extra to get another computer hold me back because that is a necessity I couldn't pass up.  Yes, we have to be smart on what we spend but some things are worth paying for in the long run.  Even though that cheap computer was a waste of money my attitude towards it wasn't and with that I was able to land me a job.  As I start my new venture with this new company next week I can not believe how much time flew with all this freedom.  You would think free time slows down time.  I don't even know if I truly enjoyed this break as a vacation per say but I can say I am well rested and now I'm back and ready to get back to the real world.  This break has given my all the time I needed to show how much these setbacks in my life are minor compared to deeper or worse tragedies that are out there.  I wouldn't discount my experience but it has been in these moments that help me reflect and appreciate how much I am looking more forward to my future.  It's God Grace, your Faith in him, and believing in yourself that will always steer you to where you need to be.  He has not doubted me yet nor will he ever!

Here's some pics. I took. Isn't nature beautiful!

Summer Meadow

Spring Bloom

Butterfly Blue

Chicago Fall

Does that mean he's interested?

I showed up at this network event by myself.  My girl friend had a flat tire so she didn't show up till hours later.  I'm at the bar minding my own business smiling and nodding so I can blend in with the crowd.  A friend of mine that I knew said hello and he introduced me to someone.  I totally didn't catch his name because I was mesmerized on how fine he was.  I said to my self DAM he must be taken.  I quickly turned back around to the bar.  I continued sipping my drink which was very tasty and refreshing from the sweltering humidity that's been going on.  He stood right beside me and ordered his drink as he made sure to keep his tab open.  I graciously smiled and asked what does he do.  He has a great job and a beautiful smile.  He laughed at me because I was a bit obnoxious about how I went about it...maybe I was nervous or maybe I just went straight to the chase and asked him does he know of any job openings in my field.  He said he didn't know then I went back on my way continuing to sip my tasty drink.  As we both continued to stare at the bar or the TV I suppose a gal "non black" chick came up quickly in between us rushing to order her drink.  I say she was older, a bit confident and didn't care I was in her way.  Clearly she was on a mission and I just sat there watching her game.  I may be new to the whole "game game" on how to catch a man but for some reason I say that was clear as day on how she went about it.  I know I wasn't the only chick that noticed him so I got to say to myself that is the only reason why she had to have stood right in between us because there was space on my left side.  I'm just saying, anyways of course she looked to her right and started chatting.  He  being as polite of course joined the conversation in which my guy friend happened to still be in the circle and introduced them as well.  I said to myself man I need to keep my mouth shut and be coy like this girl is, acting like she don't see him.  You know I try not to act "but hurt" so I occasionally smiled and joined the conversation.  She was very friendly to me maybe cuz I was a threat but chick never introduced herself either.  Anyways they were all cheering as I slowly turned back around staring at the non factor television.  I didn't mind watching TV after I while I was enjoying my drink and started chatting up with another gal to my left.  We whined up chatting and a older gentleman started to join our conversation.  He was funny not from the D but was on his 3rd interview tomorrow he's a "cardiologist" should I say so the gal and I real quick started ordering from the top shelf.....you know I started drinking scotch LOL.....no just kidding about ordering drinks he did take care of us.  But I asked the gal has she ever had scotch before and she started telling me the way to get a man is by letting him know what you drink.  She said the higher quality in your drink will upgrade the men you meet.  The gentleman didn't deny that at all.  He told me I need to listen to her.  I said I'm not ready for all that.  Anyways she had to step away and the fine man I was checking out earlier came back to the bar to close his tab.  He saw I was chatting with the older gentleman and I looked at him and smiled as he smiled back at me with the "I see you" look.  I felt we had the eye contact connection and was a bit bummed to see him check out.  But I continued talking to the older guy because he did have a striking conversation although I wasn't interested in him.  As we were talking the guy interrupted us and gave me his card.  He said sorry he had to leave but would like to chat soon.  I had a surprised look but happy he liked me look as he walked away with that bright smile of confidence.  The older guy said "let me back up and have him talk to you sorry I was blocking his way you should of said something".   I said "I had no idea he was interested".  The guy suggested I text him to let him know I'm interested.  Let's just say we scheduled a date for tomorrow ..........to be continued.

Greetings! I'm back again!

I'm back by popular demand LOL.  Sorry I've been on hiatus due to stress from work but I'm free literally and enjoying this freedom.  I have a lot to recap on these past several months and lots to dish about but for now just to keep the momentum going and have you in suspense.... let's just say pimping is not easy look out for that soon! haha. 

Miss yall!