You can find me in the A! (Im on it)

Atlanta, here I come!!!!!!!!!!!

The miracle of life

Alysia, one of my best friends of 11 years just gave birth today to a healthy baby girl. Welcome to the world Amira Charles!

The miracle of birth to me is just one of the many indications that there is a Creator. The time, developmental stages, the end result of two human beings copulating is no accident.

To some the idea of "God" is hard to rationalize. To me, its harder to rationalize that the sweet flavor, succulent juice, and savory aroma of a strawberry (let alone the birth of a child) is the result of a "big bang."

Life events such as these really put things into perspective no matter how much disarray surrounds you. It amplifies the joys of life and brings irrelevance to the negatives.

Births as with deaths are staunch reminders to me that my days are numbered and to make everyone of them count.

So welcome to the world baby girl, and thank you for putting life in perspective for me. I loved you before you took your first breath of air...

All I want for Christmas is...

Howdy!

For those of you that have been living in a cave, Thanksgiving was yesterday. In light of the holiday, im starting a new tradition this year. Since retailers put out all the Christmas stuff right after Thanksgiving, I figured I would put my Christmas list out right after Thanksgiving as well. Feel free to buy any, all or none of what you see on this list. (I know you think im crazy, but its worth a shot right ? I think so)

1. A white West Highland Terrier (A little white dog)
2. A black 2008 Lexus IS250 (A black car)
3. World peace (Quit killing each other! Dayum)
4. "Ambitchous" by Debra Condren (A book)
5. My teeth whitened (pearly whites)
6. The second season of Desperate Housewives on DVD (no smart comment to put here)
7. Perfume (from B, Paris, Mariah or Diddy to name a few)
8. A pair of "Latchh" boots by Steve Madden in Cognac
9. Bluetooth ear piece 1
0. Laptop tote from Tarjay (Target) in brown or red leather
11. Anything from the heart

...feel free to send me your Christmas list as well! Smooches!

XOXO,


AYT

Im back!

Its been a while…I blame it on sheer laziness. Nothing more, nothing less. Well let me get you caught up to speed. I have been on my current engagement almost two weeks. Fortunately, my daily commute to the client site is only 20 minutes on a bad day. So for that, Im greatful.

I have a few trips lined up before the close of 2007: Atlanta (of course), New Orleans, and N. Carolina. Its killing your girl’s pockets! Its all good though, such a small price to pay to spend time with my loved ones.

Im really exicted about the progress of the non-profit I work with (http://www.kopeinc.org/). We have some new members and they all bring their own flair and talents to the table. Welcome to K.O.P.E.!!!

Last week I started a Hip Hop class! I miss performing and learning routines PLUS I need to exercise more, so this was right up my alley. Watch out for me in the next Ciara video =) I am trying to figure out other ways I want to ‘get involved’ during my stay here in D.C. Those of you who know me, know things aren’t right if I don’t have a million things to do at once.

Things have been really slow motion in the social department. But that’s changing slowly but surely. I’ve been meeting some pretty cool cats on this work assignment. The hip hop class is taught by a co-worker and I take the class with another co-worker.

It took over a month, but I can officially admit that I am H-O-M-E-S-I-C-K!!! It happened after I missed my flight to Atlanta. I wouldn’t have missed the fight home had I been home already. Its all good…im coping as well as possible. Please believe that EVERYONE who can make it happen knows that my first priority is coming home. On the same note, I am trying to balance myself and not have tunnel vision. I definitely need to enjoy myself while I’m here.


Well, let me get back to work…lol

TTYL

…XOXO,

AYT

Bye St. Charles

My time at St. Charles has come to an end. It was nice revisiting college one more time. I will say that by the second week I wasnt so outgoing, but overall I still enjoyed myself. This has definitely been the most networking that I have done in my entire life.

Last weekend I had the chance to visit Chicago. Myself and my Atlanta start group stayed at one of their sister's house in Lincoln Park. Beautiful place. I did the touristy thing and hopped on one of those tour busses and rode through the city for 2 hours. That one city has sooo much history. The highlight of my tour was seeing my homegirl, Ms. Oprah Winfrey's residence. After that, I could have ended the tour right there.

I had a deep dish pizza...Fab-u-lous! Definitely got ,my cheese fix from that one.

So now im getting preared for the real world. I have already been staffed on an assignment. Yay me!

Core Analyst School was great. Did I meet tons of new people? Yes! Did I pig out and gain probably 5 lbs.? Yes! Will I take those experiences and memories with me forever and ever? Yes! Would I do it again? Probably not...lol

Peace!

XOXO,


AYT

Core Analyzing

So today is actually day 2 of training. I was too wrapped up in yesterday's festivities to share with the rest of the world. Shame on me again! For me, yesterday was a cornucopia of cultures and cuizine. I met people from Sao Palo, Portugal, Australia, S. Africa, Milan, Caracas, Holland, Chicago,England, Ireland...literally every corner of the globe! The language barriers both frustrated and facinated me. I learned so many interesting cultural differences, similarities, and misunderstandings for a years worth of conversation and debate. I was really in my element.

They divided us into teams of 5 or 6 the people in my group were from the Melbourne, San Francisco, Paris, and Madrid office. Needless to say there were language barriers, but we rocked it anyway winning 1st place in a brick-holding competition (see above for winning design, kudos to our French engineer for the design...man do they know how to build!). My goal is to meet everyone in this session of CAS. Can I meet my goal? I will let you know by the end.

Ive committed to exercising everyday to offset all this free food they are stuffing down our throats. My Brazilian collegue thought otherwise...to him we didnt have a "decent rice" or any beans worth his time...lol. None of the Eurpeaners can understand why and how we eat so much here...hey neither can I!

Day 2 was very different from yesterday. Our activities were more involved. Very insightful activities. Im sure it will be applicable to my duties...whatever they will be...


I've gone on long enough...there will be more to talk about very soon...

You know, despite all the differences we discovered in each other today and yesterday, what was the one thing the majority of us had in common? FACEBOOK!! Absolutely amazing...freaking genuises...Im speechless...


XOXO,


AYT

Chi-Boogie

I left the D dot today for 2 more weeks of training in Chicago. They are really investing in your girl! From the travel accomodations, to the 1hr limo ride, to the huge campus in the "Middile of Nowhere", Illinois. (45 mins outside of Chicago to be exact). I guess youre like "Duh, thats Corporate America for you. Where have you been?" Cut me some slack, im new to the game.

Within 15 minutes, I met a girl from France by way of Ivory Coast and a group who came all the way from Italy for the training. If you know anything about me, you know im other-worldly and just love learning about new cultures and meeting people from all over the world.

I met up with my start group out of Atlanta and we all ate in the dining facilities...reminded me of life back in Snelling dinning hall (good times). Im going to try and excercise self control and not gain the dreaded 5lbs but its definintely going to be hard.

On the plane ride over, I had to sit by an older gentleman who was aksing about the Bear's score every 10 minutes. He admonished me for having attended the UofGa and not being a sports fan. Shame on me! Ah well...lol.

Yesterday I went to a party given by a co-worker of mine with my cousin. I was definitely out of my element, but I managed to have a very good time. Who says you cant have fun outside your box?

Im away from everything I know, but I can actually feel myself growing as a person. Insane! I really hope everyone takes notice to the improved me. I've even found my inner photographer with the new digi-cam.

Well, goodnight all. I need to be rested for "Day 1."


XOXO,


AYT

Whew!!!

Well my first two weeks of training are finally over. Good thing because I was tired of feeling slow. Its called SDF training and it was an introduction to computer programming. Everyone else had Java/C++ experience and the like, while your girl only has VCR+ programming experience...lol

Now im getting ready for two more weeks of training in Chicago (Burrr!!!)

I really cant say that im homesick just yet, although it has been hard not having any friends I can just call on and hang out with....I've been cooped up in a room with 6 other people and havent had a chance to meet any new co-workers yet. Im sure all of that will come in due time. Until then, its just slow motion for me.

I did have the chance to go out last weekend to this reggae club called CrossRoads with my cousin and her friends. I had one helluva time! It wasnt too hot, crowded, or filled with smoke. But I always enjoy myself at the Carribbean parties/clubs. They know how to have a good time. And big up to the ppl who were teaching me all the dances. I swear they have a dance for every song! lol

I hate im going to miss Howard homecoming because I will be in Chicago, but im sure I will have plenty of stories to tell from that experience. Get ready for those stories!

I hope all my peeps (where ever you are) are doing well. Love Ya!

XOXO,

AYT

Everyday is a new adventure...

When I say everyday has been an adventure for me, I am not exaggerating! From never coming back from work the same way to driving 30 minutes to the nearest Wal-Mart, I have done it all. Today tops the cake. After staying late at work to finish up some online testing, I discover that my tire is flat. Do I A. Call and wait for road side assistance? (keeping in mind how long they take and that its already 7p), B. Fill it up with air and pray I can make it home? or 3. Find the nearest tire place, get the tire fixed and not risk another flat on the 1hr trek? I decided to go with a mixture of B. & 3. Fortunately for me, there was a tire shop right across the hwy. from where I work. I missed America's Nest Top Model, but I got my tire fixed for the low low. Yeah, as it turns out, the guy who fixed my tire is part Liberian and part Ghanian and his co-worker is Ghanian! I found some homeboys in Reston...lol. They told me for future hookups always come on Thursdays. Please believe I will! I made it home in time enough for nothing! ANTM was off, but ah well..all is well that ends well. Stay tuned to find out about my next adventure! Will it be conversations with one of D.C.'s many crackheads? Or will I finally learn how to get somewhere without getting lost first? Who Knows...ttyl =) XOXO, AYT

Day One

My very first day in corporate America! Reputable company? Check! Swanky building? Check! Nervous? Check! My first day on the job was a mixture of excitement, nervousness, frustration (why the heck did it take so long to happen?), and anticipation on whats to come. My "start group" was a mixture of older and younger. Some coming back to the company after some years away and some just graduating college. Me? I fit somewhere in between those two extremes. Day one was filled with lots of first day what nots - introductions, core values, history, benefits, etc. They fed us breakfast and lunch (yummy!). We recieved our laptops today and we toured the facility. I ran into two UGAers one was facilitating the orientation, and the other was in my start group. I was starting to believe they lied to me in college with the old "youre going to run into tons of UGA grads throughout your career." Two and counting...lol. I look forward to whats ahead and I will keep you posted every step of the way. Goodnight all! A.Y.T.

Adios BOA!

September 11th, 2007...Ironically, the day I have been waiting for since 1/3/06...my last day working for Bank of America. Wish I could say I was sad, wish I could say I shed a tear, wish I could say that I will look back nostalgically...

But I wont. No looking back, only forward. No regrets, only new expectations and goals.

On a day to day basis, life as a teller wasnt challenging at all. At times I found myself doing multiple activities at once to prevent myself from going completely crazy. Nevertheless, I learned so much about people (heck, I came across 250-300 almost daily!). I learned that everything isnt always as it appears and what may be true on the surface may not be the truth to the core. I learned that everyone who wants to be your friend doesnt necessarily want to be your friend. I learned that a little hug goes a long way. I learned patience and humbleness. And the most important lesson that I ever learned in the year, 8 mo., 8 days, 1 hour and 33 minutes I was there was taught in the bathroom at Bank of America. I learned to let go. For the very first time, I completely, absolutely and wholeheartedly let go of all my worries and let God handle it. At that moment I felt more in control than I ever had.

So you see, while im happy to finally be out of that dead-end situation, I appreciate each and every lesson learned and each and every person who taught me the lesson. So to all my readers, if you're holding on to something you just cant solve, let it go. Give it to someone who is more equipped with handling your situation...you know who i'm talking about!


Adios BOA, its been real...now gimme my last check!


XOXO,


Akuba

And the countdown begins!

Chances are if you're reading this, you already know me. With that being said, I will skip right to the good stuff. As you all know (or now know) I was offered a position with a reputable consulting firm in Virginia. I was supposed to begin Oct. 8th, but found out today that has been moved up to Sept. 24th leaving me with 11 days to pack up and tie up any loose ends before leaving. Its been a long time coming and while this is everything i've hoped for for the past two years, its not without its sacrifices. In order to make this move, I have to leave my family here when they need me the most, leave my one-man cheer leader/friend/lover/supporter here in the A, press the pause button on obtaining my Masters, leave my organization (www.kopeinc.org) without a PR rep, among a host of other things (friends, extended family, etc.). Honestly, its really bittersweet. I welcome the challenge, the change of pace, the salary, etc., yet I leave so much behind. To my support group and prayer posse (you know who you are) thank you and I love you.

Who knows what the future will hold. Sometimes you have to step out on faith...i'm stepping out! On the other hand, I will be in a new city with untapped malls and a boat load of tourism to perform. This will be my very own "Sex in the City" (w/o the sex of course...well unless you-know-who-comes to visit...lol).

This blog will be your opportunity to follow me as I grow professionally, personally, and spiritually. Feel free to engage yourself, give advice, or even criticism...I can take it. Watch out! When D.C. meets Riverdale, heaven only knows what will happen! Pray for your girl!


XOXO,

Akuba