A Lending Hand

Don't we all feel we want and need someone?
During times when you're happy and sad...
Wondered where and where that person might appear...
Thinking that person might be the one... but
Who's gonna look for you when you're lost?
Come find you in the middle of nowhere
Who's gonna catch you when you fall?
With open arms and shoulders to lean on
Who's gonna cheer you up when you're sad?
Kiss your forehead and say it'll be alright
Who's gonna listen when you want to talk?
Lend their ear and let you speak up
Who's gonna lift you up when you're down?
Make you laugh and be a clown
Who's gonna make a toast when you win?
Be proud of you and look up for you
Who's gonna heal you when you're hurt?
Keep your spirit up high in the sky
Who's gonna miss you when you're gone?
You will matter to them as well as distance
Who's gonna make you shine when feeling dull?
Treat you like a star and fabulous and all
Who's gonna defend you when you're weak?
Let themselves be your shields
One thing for sure that is what you call a friend
Someone that loves you over and beyond
And lend their hands without hesitation
A true friend is hard to find
Keep your eyes open for someone willing to lend their hands...

Turning Into A New Leaf

During the first quarter of this year, I would say it has been quite eventful--whether I had control of it or not. The year started off pretty exciting because of (1) the intent of being more committed with working out, (2) taking on another class at NOVA, and (3) meeting new faces. All of that went pretty intense at first until it all became typical and just plain lame.

The idea of becoming more physically appealing was great during the first few months, but unfortunately the trade-offs such eating habits and exercise methods were not taken into full consideration. I started doing the low-fat, low-calorie, low-whatever-else diet for several weeks, and I must say that it made a difference, but minimal. With the stress at work and the overall influences by others, it kind of put what I have started off to the side and focused on other irrelevant stuff instead. Now, I think I'm back to square one! And, I'm sitting here thinking "Oh, my God! I have to start all over again!". And, guess what -- that's what I need to do! Sometimes I question why am I doing this? No one really cares about how you look. Wait!!! Yes, people care about what you look and unfortunately you are judged based on how you look externally. Sad - isn't it? Anyhow, I ought to stay on track with my exercise and be healthy. F! being toned!

For those who knows about my school, I checked my credits today and I got an A as my final grade -- w0ot w0ot! My superior was quite pleased with it -- so was I! I'm really glad I took this course - Principles of Association Management - because it gave me an overall understanding of the different elements of association management. I learned quite a few things and I must say explicitly that I enjoyed the class when we were discussing government relations, public outreach, and membership and marketing. Although I have relatively fair amount of experience in some of those topics, but it is quite beneficial to have an overview of things and the educational support and feedbacks from certified professionals who have established themselves in the field of association business. I think I'm going to take another class pertaining to either Finance or Publishing this Fall. Again, I'm taking classes not only for educational benefit but to meet the CEU credit requirement that the CAE certification program requires. After the Fall class, I'm going to need a break...

Lastly, meeting new people during the past 4 months was quite interesting. Met some low-key individuals and met others that were completely the opposite. In this day and age, your acquaintance with people is not quite right until you have met them, talked to them, hanged out with them a few times, how they've carried themselves throughout conversations, and have found the things they look for. Then you later question yourself whether that person is quite the match for you or not. Everyone has preferences and that is definitely the truth because I have preferences myself. I guess by setting either high or low standards will get you one way or the other. Don't we all aim for perfection? Yes, we do - but realistically that is not going to happen or at least the chances are slim. I realized that there are things about a person that may seem or appear imperfect based on my standards, but if I factor in potentiality of the person in becoming better or by compromising workable things, that person may just be what I've been looking for. We sometimes overlooks that and our eyes sees what it chooses to see. That sounded rather selfish - didn't it? I'm abandoning that approach and am going to embrace new avenues where to meet people. One of these days I need to be soft-surfaced--that way any opportunities doesn't bounce off of me too quickly. Bend the rules, d-Jae...bend the rules!!!

Getting up in the morning with a new attitude doesn't happen over night. However, it is possible and it can happen...

Cosmo or Pom-tini?

Man, I'm telling you -- this past week was so intense and crazy at work. It makes me just want to quit instantly with no hesitation whatsoever! Sometimes I feel like a machine that just never stop and the only time that it would probably shut down is when the battery (or whatever!) suddenly just die. Don't you think that is beyond comprehension? Yes, unfortunately it is! Well, I guess the good thing about it is that it only happens once a year, especially during this time, but throughout the rest of the year, it is quite mediocre--you know the usual stuff. Since I took this job, you know the program development deal, every year I will be just as crazy, if not crazier. Oh, well! As stressful as that might sound, I always look at it positively and sometimes ask the "What's in it for me?" question and you know I say "More for under my belt!"... Experience, experience people! I gain as much knowledge and experience as possible so that I can say "I've done that and I can do it again!". This unfortunately matters within the association management business that I'm in. That's the growing trend for most associations that are in the Washington, DC area! People hire people who might have a degree, but WITH plenty of experience. So more experience, the better!

So, stressful week being the case, I need to relax and get away from the computer this weekend. I plan to have a good weekend this week. I want to go see Iron Man at the movie theater near my house and visit my Mom for Mothers Day on Sunday. I bought her one of those voice-recording card thing and recording my message was just funny. Last night I tried that and I was just laughing hysterically. All you could hear in the thing was "Hi, Mom! It's me... I just want to wish you a Happy Mothe... *sneezes*... OH SHIT! DAMN IT!...". So, yea! I think she's gonna love it though, nevertheless. It's the thought that counts! And, besides, Mom is a cool mother, and she'll take anything. She often ask me "Am I not a cool mom?" and I said "Mom, you're not cool! You are just fucking AWESOME!" She's the only woman in my life and she will ONLY be and she knows that!

Oh, and one more thing - I haven't seen Jabari for 2-3 weeks now because I have been busy with work and so was he. I have been hanging out with my friend Gino at TOWN and Fuego a week ago--we had a blast! I'm not sure if we're going out this weekend, but it would be awesome if we do. I'm flying to San Francisco in two weeks so I'm gonna spend the remaining weekends before my trip as fabulous as it can ever be!!! AND, of course I'll be checking the bars and clubs in SF while I'm over there. I will make the stay as memorable as possible and hopefully something that will drive me nuts and die to go back. *wink*

Well, have a great weekend, everyone!!!

d-Jae

Be Under Eighty Five

This past week was just the beginning of crunch at work before my trip to San Francisco. A lot of crazy stuff going on that even makes me keep working until 11:30 at night -- both me and my boss! Everyone was like "Umm...bring your pillows tomorrow!". I think we might as well given all prep we have to do before our meeting. And, what made it worst on top of all that was my finals. By the way, I turned my 6-page thesis in today. Quite confident about it - but I shall see what my final grade is. My last three papers were graded A, so I'm hoping this one will turn out just as good (or better). What's interesting is that I was able to manage those pressures calmly and with strategy. Normally, I'd panic when I'm up against something critical, but oddly enough I did them all just fine and now I'm relieved -- seriously relieved!

On both Friday and Saturday nights I hanged out with a good friend of mine, Gino, at Fuego last Friday and TOWN Saturday night. Oh my god! I never thought that Fuego at some point I would lose interest for in going. I used to hit Fuego every Friday last year, but having found TOWN (first night was with MikEy) I felt like I'm back to the clubbing scene. Don't get me wrong - I liked Fuego until when certain individuals in my group got out of control and have made conflicts with one another on several occasions, so I lost interest in them and stayed at a distance. Too bad it turned out that way, but I have no desire being around people who have issues with other people who are in the same group. I feel awkward about it. I like fresh and outgoing people -- people that likes to have a good time! At any rate, I had fun with Gino. We will definitely hit TOWN again soon, probably this Saturday. He's going to Florida for two weeks and I'm heading to California for a week. But, we shall see...

Also today we had a cook out! W0ot w0ot! Weather was perfect today -- but my allergies didn't like it too much. Damn, allergies!!! I was still able to help out, though. Food was really good and the company. We will try and have another one this coming weekend. We're excited about Summer so we're starting early.

This week is another crazy week -- isn't it usual??? Yea, unfortunately for the next two weeks. Oh, well...what can you do! Also, this week is Mother's Day. I planned to buy my Mom and mail her one of those voice-recording cards--that would be really neat. Something different. I might take her out for dinner, too. Last year wasn't all that great, so I wanna make it up to her. =)

Well, that's the update this past weekend. The weather says this week is going to be in the high 70's possibly low 80's. However, I would prefer it being under eighty five--that way it's not too hot. So, enjoy guys! Have a great work week!!!

d-Jae

Empty Like Dead Skull

Well, I have several hours to write my final paper before turning it in - but so far I have only plotted out my ideas on a piece of paper and I haven't thought of how I'm going to write it - it is rather frustrating! The pressure is definitely on...

I'm writing a thesis about diverse stabilities of non-profit organizations in todays competitive business worlds - given all the overgrowing trends in the association industry and factors negatively impacting various efforts especially advocacy. This paper certainly requires a tremendous amount of comprehension with current trends affecting non-profits.

I believe I have found my foundation to write my paper on -- comparison between the Society for Prevention Research and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. Both focuses on advancing academic and medical prevention programs through education and research. So, that is the subject matter. Ain't that fun?

I seriously need to get on this ASAP - so wish me goodluck!

Well, have a fabulous weekend, everyone!!!

d-Jae