Blog experience summary

Well, I must say that this has been a very interesting semester. One thing that I have never done before this class was read blogs. I definitely never thought that I would ever reply to a blog. The experience has been fun and enlightening. I have had the opportunity to express my feelings concerning certain difficult situations. This blog has turned out to be therapeutic for me as well. I have been able to discuss several things that have been a problem in my life. Being able to hear a different perspective from others that have been through the same problems that I have experienced made me feel that I was not alone.

I was able to inspire others and give them a different way to look at things. Taking a positive approach to difficult situations is often hard. There are so many different ways to look at things. People go though a lot in their lives. Some of the more difficult issues can either make you or break you, depending how you look at the situation.

Going forward blogging will become a part of my life. First of all it is a learning experience. Secondly, your response or experience could help someone else. Lastly, it is fun! There is a vast amount of topics that can be explored and discussed. I will make a conscious effort to blog and stay part of the community that I have joined.

Now that my body won't stop hurting, what now?

My neck, my back, my legs, and my feet have been hurting all week. I don't know what is wrong with me this week. Maybe I am just getting old. I was off the entire week of Thanksgiving. I was able to get some rest, and lounge around. I then started a new job. I might have gotten lazy and my body might have to get used to being up and around again. I tell you what, whatever it is, I can't wait until I feel better.

I have been going back and forth on the metro for a few days. I mean several trips back and forth to get the needed paperwork for my job. It is almost complete now, and I just hope that tomorrow will be just a normal day where I go to work, then go home. I can't wait until the weekend. A friend of mine who is an extremely great cook, is having a seafood fest at his house. No matter how bad I feel, believe me, I will be there! I have been wearing heels to work everyday, and walking from the metro to the job as well as to my car. It is quite a little walk. I know that is part of the reason that my feet hurt. I used to wear tennis shoes to walk from the metro, but, since it is a smaller distance than I used to, I decided to just keep my heels on all day. Maybe that was not such a good idea. I need to either get better shoes or look tacky in tennis shoes and a suit.

My back and neck always hurt. I took physical therapy and thought that it was supposed to help. What a waste of money. I still hurt. I did buy the Wii Trainer, and worked out faithfully for about a week. I felt great. Then Thanksgiving came, and I have not worked out since then. It seems since I am back at work I am so tired, and so busy. Once I get home there is always something to do. I need a vacation. I can't do everything. I have not started my Christmas shopping yet. I have not put up my Christmas tree yet. Normally it goes up the day after Thanksgiving every year.

Why can't I get back in the swing of things? I am such a slacker right now. Am I resting my body or am I being a lazy whining bum? I need to get a grip and get my swagger back. There is a lot that I need to do. I need to paint my house. I bought my home over a year ago, and am still trying to figure out what colors that I want to paint it. I had it all figured out finally, but after asking some of my friends opinions, which was a huge mistake, I am more confused. I had bought paint samples of the colors that I wanted. After a friend left my hose and told me that all of my colors were too dark, I did not have enough light, my color coordinations did not flow, and everything else, my neck and back started hurting again, and never stopped. I am getting stressed over painting my new home. This should be fun. I should have never asked any opinions. I wanted it done by Christmas when my family comes to town. If I don't figure out what the heck I am going to do, my house will look a mess for Christmas.

Yes, I definitely need to get a grip and get to moving. I am making a decision to get motivated, stop stressing, and get back on track with my exercise routine. This will help my body to relieve stress and stop hurting so much.

Analysis Paper

My analysis paper will be about overcoming difficult situations. I have found a few other blogs that deal with difficult situations that have happened in peoples lives. One that stood out to me was Ichoosechange.

This blog was very informative and gave a lot of feedback from others in similar situations. It gives other websites that have other related topics. This blog talks a lot about taking responsibility for your situation and not blaming others. I do feel that a lot of situations in my life have been caused by my own actions, or lack of taking any action at all.

Several of the topics that I have written about were in some way related to my own personal life. Through blogging and researching I have decided to learn how to get past these difficult situations, stay positive, and move on with my life.

Now that I ate too much for Thanksgiving, what now?

So you promised yourself that you would not overeat this Thanksgiving. The turkey with stuffing, collard greens, ham, fresh rolls, baked macaroni and cheese, glazed carrots, sweet potato pie, and chocolate cake totally ruined your plans. You suddenly feel like you have gained 20 pounds in one day. This is not good.

You are now thinking that you are a loser and can't stay focused on any of your goals, so why bother. Don't give up. Many people make goals then get a little off track. Just stay focused and pick up right where you left off.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Try to cut back on the fatty and high calorie foods. Salads, vegetables, and fruit are always good choices. Try eating some of the best foods to help you lose weight.

Exercise a little more than you normally exercise. If you do not exercise at all, start now. Daily walking is great if you do not feel up to exercising. It is also helpful to walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator. In addition, try to park farther away from your job or school so that you can walk to and from your car to get additional exercise.

Always remember that you can get back on track. Don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes you have to laugh at yourself, which does burn calories. I have added a link with the Top 101 Signs You Ate Too Much Turkey Last Night. I found this list to be hilarious, and I think you will too. So sit back and laugh for a while and burn calories, then go out there and get back on track!

Now that the analysis paper is almost due, what now?

I have searched the web much more than normal during my time in this class. What I have discovered is that I like it! I like being able to give my point of view as well as search for other views on the same topic.

In my analysis paper I will be using a few sources to help me continue my journey. Since my blog has been mainly regarding how to deal with certain difficult problems that may arise such as the loss of a job, a loved one coming back from war, divorce, etc., I have found myself staying on the side of positivity. I try to do this in my everyday life, and impart this to those whom I come in contact with. However, I have to also remember to stay realistic on the way.

A few of the sources that I will be using are a Life Optimizer website, a Life coach blog, and Suite 101. All of these help with having a balanced life and teach how to deal with difficulty and have a happy and productive life.

Now that I am a homeowner, what now?

Everyone wants to have a beautiful home of their own. It is such a wonderful experience. The market is great, and the homeowner benefits are amazing. Once you have bought your new home there are some things that you need to remember to do.

Make sure that you follow up on your utility transfer. This process should already have started prior to closing. Also make sure that you complete a change of address card at your local post office, and get a new license at the Department of Motor Vehicle. Another thing to make sure to get done is to call a locksmith to change all locks.

Some other things to consider once you are in your new home are maintenance tools. You will need to keep your own grass cut as well as your yard looking tidy, so you will need a lawn mower and some garden tools. In the DC/VA/ MD area, there is also a chance of snow,so a shovel would be a good idea. One thing that a lot of people forget is that an outside garbage can is not provided.

Another important thing that you will need to get is homeowners insurance. You will want to protect your investment. Typically, homeowners policies cover you for damages that are caused by things like theft, fire, vandalism or wind. If you also want coverage for other disasters, such as floods or earthquakes, you will have to purchase extended coverage. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance does not cover normal wear and tear. This is considered general maintenance, which means that you will need to save a little extra in your budget to take care of this type of maintenance.

Last, but not least, sit back and enjoy your new investment. You deserve it!

Now that my marriage is over, what now?

"What just happened? It was meant to be forever, or so we thought. We were together for 5 years before we were married. We thought of everything. Everyone always said that we were made for each other. But now, after 11 years of marriage, it is over."

There is no need to point the finger at each other, it just did not work out. You are now in a position of confusion, loneliness, and embarrassment. What do you do now?

Look for things to do that have lots of people around. Working out is great for the body and it is a great place to network to meet new people. Walking in the neighborhood allows you to meet new people in your community.

Adding a hobby to your life can be phenomenal. There are so many hobbies to consider. Pottery, golf, reading, salsa, kickboxing, painting, making jewelry, coaching a pee wee league, volunteering, and so much more.

Go back to school and finish your degree. If you have completed your degree, consider obtaining another. There are also opportunities to teach classes as well. There are mentoring programs such as Boys and Girls Club of America. This program are always looking for new people that are able to make a commitment to helping others. This should give you an overall feeling of well being.

Friends are always a great way to fill the void that you might be feeling in your life. There are new movies that come out each week. Dining out with friends is always fun, too. Museums and Art Galleries are fun and add culture to your life. You can also find a local church to attend, and maybe even join a committee at the church.

Make sure that you surround yourself with positive people. Whatever you decide to do, just remember that life goes on. No time to lay around and let life pass you by.

Now that I lost my job, what now?

So today you woke up thinking that it was going to be a wonderful day. The sun was shining and the weather was wonderful. You were looking great when you came in the office. Then you saw it. You received a pink slip letting you know that your services were no longer needed. First you think that someone is playing a cruel joke on you, but you realize that several others are walking around in shock, just as you are.

So what do you do? The last thing to do is to stand there ans feel sorry for yourself. At this particular time, the last thing that you need to do is waste time. If this is your only job, you now have no source of income. The bills are still due, and you need to feed your family, so time is of great importance.

I have spoke to a few people who found themselves in similar situations, and there are a few things that should be done. The main thing to think about is that the paychecks will now stop coming, but the bills will not.

One young lady that I spoke with went straight to the unemployment office after she left her job. This will assure that the paychecks will keep coming in. Of course, it will not be as much, but it will be more than not receiving anything. Most people are eligible to receive unemployment benefits for up to 13 weeks. Once she left there she went to the unemployment office to find another job. She went home and looked online at monster.com and careerbuilder.com. She also registered with several temporary placement agencies. She was able to find another job within two weeks.

A second young lady solicited the help of a consulting firm to help her rewrite her resume to make her more marketable. She had been on her job for such a long time and discovered that she had not updated her resume, and was unsure how to word her experience. She was very nervous about interviewing as well. She was able to find a private human resources agency called Evolution Consulting Services who specialized in Individual Career Services. The fee was very reasonable. This company came highly recommended, and had worked with military retirees, as well as government employees that had were scheduled to go through the next BRAC round. This agency was able to help make her resume look more professional, help with mock interviews, as well as give image styling. She felt more confident in her abilities and skills, as well as her appearance. She was able to land the job after her first interview.

First 30 Days is an article that explains some of the feeling that might be felt in the first 30 days after you receive a pink slip. Another great article is How to Make a Great First Impression. There is no need to fall in a slump and feel sorry for yourself. That will definitely not get you a job. Stay proactive, positive, and productive. There is more than one job in this world. You just have to put the work in to get one.

Michael Jackson left a musical legacy that will touch lives forever

Michael Jackson has been laid to rest, now what will happen to music? Most of the pop and R&B music was stemmed from either the beats or the moves of this very talented man. Michael Jackson has long been labeled the King of Pop. His music has been around for as long as I can remember. His music has crossed racial as well as age genres. For my family, his music has crossed over 4 generations. His music from 25 years ago is still played on some of the biggest radio stations. His untimely death has left an emotional void in the lives of many people. Many people did not understand his behavior or need for secrecy. He was accused of child molestation, which caused a lot of people to stop listening to his music. At his death, he was planning a comeback to show that he was still the King of Pop. Although he did not have the opportunity to perform, his movie still made millions and was the number one movie once it was released. Time Magazine reports that Michael Jackson's "This Is It", director Kenny Ortega's compilation of rehearsal footage from the London gig that was aborted by the star's death earlier this year, earned $101 million in its first days at the worldwide box office, according to initial estimates by Sony Pictures. That set a global record for a concert film. Micheal Jackson might have been controversial, but his talents and music have touched lives. "Michael Jackson will forever and always be remembered, by me, as a truly extraordinary, incredible and iconic legend" (Rochea).


References

Corliss, Richard. "Michael Jackson Is Still 'It' — At Least Overseas." Time.com. Time Magazine, 1 Nov, 2009. Web. 10 Nov 2009.

What a beautiful day!

Today is a brand new beautiful day. It is up to you what you do with it. Slow down, take time to smell the flowers, and enjoy the beautiful day.

Now that I have graduated high school, now what?

As a high school student, it can be pretty scary thinking of jumping into that big world of adulthood. There is so much to do. There are so many responsibilities. There are so many expectations. The first thing to do is to calm down! It is not necessary to take on the entire world the day after graduation. Hopefully there has been some thought given to some of the things that you would like to do. If not, try to sit down, think about a few things that you would like to do in life, which direction you would like to go, and just start putting a little action behind your thoughts.

When you graduate from High School, it is the end of an era, not the end of your life. There are many choices, and after researching you will see that life is really just beginning. What happens in your life now totally depends on your choices. The key thing is to research all of your options, and never limit yourself.

Some options are Colleges and Universities. If you did reasonably well in High School and developed pretty good study habits, this might be an option for you. One thing to consider would be the cost. Tuition can be very expensive. If you have received good grades, you might be able to qualify for a scholarship. There are also grants that are out there. One site to consider is fastweb.com. This site can help tremendously with financial assistance. There are also loans that can pay for tuition.

Another option is considering the United States Armed Forces. They are always looking for people who would like to serve their country. This is a most honorable career with great benefits. There are many career fields to chose from. They offer tuition assistance as well as travel around the world. You can call your local recruiter or visit military.com.

One other option to consider is good old fashioned work. It is a great starting point if you already have a family of your own on the way, or if you would like to stay close and save money. There are great success stories of starting off at the bottom and working your way up to the top. Just be careful that you do not get stuck in a dead end job and wake up with no skills to move on in your journey in life.

I have talked to several High School graduates. One stuck out particularly in my mind. A young lady went from high school straight to college. She had friends who had kids after being out of school for 2 years. Others who had been married, and still others who had joined the military. She felt that her life was not going anywhere since she still lived home with her parents, and all that she was doing was going to school everyday. I encouraged her to hold her head up and feel good about her career choice. I also told her that although she has chosen a different choice in life that will provide delayed gratification, that does not mean that she is not accomplishing anything. What she is doing is positioning herself for sucess.

There are many choices in life. Do not let anyone tell you what you can or cannot be or what you need to do with your life. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the future. MSNBC ran an article earlier this year which gave some students an opportunity to share their stories of life after high school. The article gives five different stories of the obstacles that these teens faces. On thing is for sure. It will not be easy. With a lot of research and hard work, you can be anything that you want to be. Think big.

I served my time in the war, now what?

Many times our soldiers have come home from war, and they are thinking, "now what?" They have left their families, their jobs, their friends, and their environment for extended periods of time, and now, everything is different. Life has changed. Their feelings have changed. Their relationships have changed. They have changed.

As soldiers come home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the military hospitals try to help with the physical wounds, but the soldiers are left with dealing with the mental wounds. No one will ever be able to imagine the horrendous thought that linger from the images that are now permanently burned into their very being. How can they go on when they awake at night in a sweat, seeing and hearing bullets flying overhead? How can they go into the office when they have to pass by the cubicle that their best friend once occupied, knowing they will be coming home from the war in a box?

Many of the most common wounds aren't seen until soldiers return home. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an often-debilitating mental condition that can produce a range of unwanted emotional responses to the trauma of combat. It can emerge weeks, months or years later. If left untreated, it can severely affect the lives not only of veterans, but their families as well. See USA TODAY.

Many websites as well as news anchors have dedicated time to discussing this issue. One thing to help these soldiers as they return home from war is to remember that they may not be comfortable or ready to talk about everything that happened while they were in Iraq. Don't overwhelm them with questions that they may not be ready to talk about with anyone yet.

Re-entry in to the job world may be difficult as well. Previous employers may still have a job waiting, but the responsibilities and skills needed to do the job
may have changed. The returning veteran will have to make a commitment to be patient, to be willing to “work” at moving beyond military life, and to remember that family and work will be different than they were prior to military deployment. See transitioning document.

Veterans can be assured that they are loved, admired, and appreciated. Show a veteran lots of love today.

Blogs that I will use for my topic

Here are some of the blogs that I feel that I can use in my upcoming blogs.

1.) Milblogging.com - This blog gives a military perspective on the topic of what now.

2.) Blog4change.org - This blog will give helpful ways to deal with issues that we face.

3.) Startingoverwithouthim.com - This blog shows opinions and loads of things to do in situations that happen in life. It covers issues such as divorce, going back to college, and lists a lot of resources.

4.) Positivity.org - Really like the energy of this site.

I think that my audience will be middle aged, male as well as female with interest that relate to getting back into the community.

My topic for the semester

For my topic I plan to discuss everyday issues that people face. Most of the issues that I will discuss and research are issues that people run into when they reach a crossroads in their life. I will interview people that are going through these issues. The media point of view will be discussed as well as ways to solve the problem. This blog will hopefully give people a look into people's mind as to exactly what they are thinking when the issues arise. This will also give some guidance as to different ways to handle the issue as well resources that should be helpful.

This is me

My name is Jevette Worthy. I am working on my degree in Business Administration. I have been a student at Northern Virginia Community College for almost two years, and I am looking forward to obtaining my degree and moving on to other goals. I currently work in Washington DC as Assistant Billing Director of a private firm. As with most people, it is sometimes very frustrating trying to juggle work, school, a family, and private time. I firmly believe that anything worth having, is worth putting in the extra work to attain. That saying is what keeps me going. I am looking forward to learning a lot and networking to meet new people.