Hello World!

It's been a while and it is now fall, it was summer when I last let you inside my world. A lot has changed, definitely for the better! No longer working in the government contracting world, I'm now in the not-for-profits arena and so far it has been a blessing. In September, I became the administrative assistant for the T. Howard Foundation. The Foundation provides media and entertainment internships for women and minorities wheAlso, I'm proud to say I am a former intern who had the opportunity to intern at Satellite Brodcasting and Communications Association in N.W. DC.

In addition, I've become more visible and local in my volunteering aspects. Past posts have mentioned that I am a part of NAMIC, this is a great organization for meeting people in careers that you aspire to one day work a part of or gain a better understanding of. The organization also holds great panel sessions from Digital Marketing to Tapping into Ethnic Consumers in Cable., one in which I helped coin a title for. What I'm most proud of is helping out in my community in that of Charm City. I've been told I was nominated to sit on the community board - what position? IDK. Thanks for the nods though :).

This has been a year of change and I have welcomed it wholeheartedly. I will admit it seemed the storm would never be over regarding a few things, but, so far I am sticking to my New Year's Resolution of Pursuing My Happiness!

A Learning Experience...

Always looking to advance or hone my writing skills and learn about different approaches to writing I agreed to write a section of a proposal regarding Customer Relations. I was very happy about the experience and I still am! Anywho, I wrote to what I thought the proposal was asking for- even the director gave me positive feedback and did make some edits, and revisions. So, a meeting with all of the writers was held and I was told the meeting did not go well. Several people had to rewrite their sections because of various reasons. My section was one, but, I didn't do very much of the re-writing! I guess I really blew it! But, I feel that in this I was walking out of the will of God. Once again I've pitched my tent, and got comfortable somewhere I am not supposed to be. It was example of me not trusting God and man have I learned my lesson! Going back to the day when I told Him I would trust him with my life it should have been a closed case, but nooo! I had to get involved and do things my way. I was just wondering how will I learn if I don't get experience? No one will give me a chance. I must always trust in him and then rest in him as he is the master. I learned that it can be costly walking outside of the will of God. I am a little embarrassed, but, oh well. I am still happy that I gave it a shot and failed, versus being upset not having given it a try.

Allowing Yourself to Trust Him

Man has this been a job in itself! About two weeks I surrendered my will to God's will. This was hard to do as we want things to happen when we want them to and how we want them to happen. Already saved, I'm trying to put off my ways and allow more of him. I'm trying to trust God in all areas of my life- especially in my finances and my career. A few times I have noticed myself anxious a few days over the past two to three weeks. It was revealed that I had not been trusting God or that I don't trust him. I can remember pacing the floor and going over in my mind how to take matters into my own hands. My head would hurt and I became restless. Looking back it was tiresome when knowing there is someone who wants to take on our burdens. When we decide to take Him up on this offer it is then that we can rest. As long as we walk uprightly he will give us the desires of our heart. So many people reference this scripture, but forget the part about us having to walk uprightly and display righteousness. This doesn't come for free, nor is it obtained easily because of our fleshly; earthly desires.

God I pray that you will continually allow me to trust you in all areas of my life!

By the way- I suggest you check out the Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omaritan! I bought the book in the earlier part of the year, I put it down because of other books, other distractions. I just came back to it after someone brought it up- I left off about half way. I can admit when I first bought the book I was not ready for it, but after picking up with the book it is right on time for this season in my life. I highly recommend this book!

The Last Week of Class and the Controvesy of Marketing

During the last week of class, my professor offered in a post for the class to take part in providing photos or clips that created a PR crisis for an organization or an individual. All of my class members chose moments of the infamous New Yorker cover of the Obama in ethnic garb and military fatigue doing the fist bump to the Beijing Olympics. I chose IndyMac, the bank who recently collapse after word spread of plummeting stock prices and a possible seizure from the Feds.

A classmate in particular chose the United Colors of Benetton. I have been in the store from time to time, never bought anything, and visited their website. Until the classmate's post, I was unfamiliar with UCB's style of pr campaigns ranging from animal protests to world hunger. I was new to the thought of controvery marketing or what I like to refer to it as "shock" marketing. My professor mentions that companies make money or creat publicity through this type of marketing and proceeded to share this article by David Frey. I could not believe what I read regarding why companies retort to this style of marketing and to learn that it actually works. I think I may give one of those a shot. Be sure to check out 5 Methods of Creating a Storm of Controversy Marketing.

www.MarketingBestPractices.com

Last Friday I receive a personal invite to attend Women In Cable and Telecommunications PAR Initiative on the Hill. I must say it was a great event! Women from all over America met on Capitol Hill to hear Cong. Diane Watson, chair of the Congressional Entertainment Industries Caucus mention the launch of bill that would require women to receive pay equal to men.

WICT's PAR Initiative is that of:

Pay equity where women receive equal pay to those of men
Advancement opportunities where women are represented to numbers equal of men at every level
Resources for work/life where companies work/life support practices enable the ongoing advancement of women at all levels.

The president of WICT, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley served as moderator to a decorated panel of executives in the media industry. There were about 200 people in attendance, the event was held in the Senate Hart Office Building in N.E., Washington, D.C. from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Thursday, July 31.

The panel discussed ways that companies work to retain its best and brightest managers; helping entry-level advance to greater levels of responsibilities and ways companies market to women minorities.

It was a great opportunity to hear women's concerns of wanting equality across the board in the working world. I'm glad I was there. WICT seems like it may be a great organization and I am considering joining. Here's how you can learn more!

www.wict.org
http://www.wict.org/WICT/Research/PAR/2008/default.htm- PAR Initiative

Good Morning!

Today is the day that the lord has made- let us rejoice and be glad in it. Ever wondered what would happen when finally decide to trust God with all aspects of your life? I can tell you- it takes the load off of your shoulders, freeing you to rest in his arms as he gives you the desires of your heart. This week I have begun to see just how faithful he is. This isn't the first time, but the first in a while where I welcome Him in to take the wheel of my life.

This song is hot right now!


Check it out for yourself- remember to create a great day.

God bless,
Robyn

Artist Site

More Videos

Has anyone called your name lately?

Good Morning!

Around 3 o'clock this morning, I heard someone call my name. Twice to be exact, so I try to come up with my own understanding as to why this happened and what this meant.(Yes, I know God often talks to us around 3) So, I go to trusty Google and type in the phrase 'dreams someone is calling your name'. I come up with random Yahoo answers from people who asked a similar question and received guestimates from people who were on the site. Not creditable. I then go back to Googe and type 'dream interpretations', ahh, now I'm on to something. I click on a site that has dream listing titles from A-Z. I click on 'C' for call but that wasn't listed. Next I go to 'N' for name. Listed first was if you had dreams of forgetting someone's name, as I keep scrolling I have hit the jackpot:

Name

To hear your name being called, indicates that you are in touch and in tune with your spirituality. It also makes you aware of your own uniqueness and highlights your individuality.

According to Dreammoods.com, I am in touch with my spirituality, I am aware of my own uniqueness and my individuality has been highlighted. I always thought I was in touch with my spirituality, but I guess I am now more than ever! This has been a humbling experience, it has been quite a journey to get here. I always think about whether I am hearing God's voice, and what type of prayers I can pray to be sure that I am hearing his voice. I have learned that we have to cut out the noise around us and in our minds in order to hear his voice. I have made great progress in doing such. I am truly elated about this revelation in my dream.

Every Weekend is a Great Weekend!

I hope you can say the same- I wasn't always so happy for the weekend, but all of that has changed. I remember reading a quote over the weekend, that says 'if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. ' On Friday, I went out to Bahama Breeze in Towson with my sister after she returned from New Orleans. She had been to the restaurant before and had wanted me to check it out. Hence the name, there was an island theme throughout the restaurant. Lots of vibrant colors, fruity themed drinks and an elaborate menue. Since I had eaten literally minutes before I had the Bahamarita and it was like that! It had a blend of kiwi, strawberry, and lemon. By the time Saturday rolled around I did laundry, but before that I discovered a mall right across from the Baltimore harbor- The Gallarey at Harbor Place. I also went to a cook out with a girlfriend of mine outside of D.C., it was great and the food was wonderful. I did bring some to work for lunch ! After a great sermon by Pastor Jenkins on Sunday, I became lost in Law and Order- Criminal Intent. Then, once the segment was over I went to do more school work. Then, around 5 I began to get ready for Artscape, Sunday was the last day for the arts festival. I had a blast, there was tons of food, people, art and jewelry. I even petted a horse! I didn't see the monkey all of the newspapers had been writing about. Artscape also had performances each night such as Roberta Flack, Mario, and the Wailers. If you find yourself in Baltimore in July of 2009, join us for Artscape!

Well, only 5 more days to the weekend!

God has been so good to me! This has been an interesting morning. Living in the charm city can present some surprises at some points, but all in all it's not bad there. However, close to three months ago we had some "squatters" on our third floor who were also street pharmacists. Now they have put out and some have returned to seek revenge on the property, we think that's the last of them until this morning I receive a call from my sister who is away on travel that some guy came in to our house looking to retrieve some mail for a relative who was a part of the drama on the third floor. It turns out our neighbor contacted her and told her about the situation as she was leaving for work. God has truly blessed me and has encamped around me as well sending angels to look out over our house. I pray that my sis and I can be invaluable resources as our neighbors are for us. He let me sleep a little bit later, while someone else awoke bright and early to catch the person in the act. It is things like this that lets me know God has things covered. As the morning progressed, my nerves got a little worse, because what if he hadn't been in there to retrieve mail. Thank you God is all I can say. He truly gets the glory- have you given him the glory today?

-R

Ugghhh! Should I or shouldn't I?

For almost a week I have contemplated making contact with a guy I had to chew out for 1)bringing me another girl's jacket and 2) cancelling our date to go see Erykah Badu and the Roots. It's like desperation is kicking in- I prayed about this very thing. I have two perfectly good reasons why I should NOT contact this guy, not to mention every attempt I make to hang out goes no where. Make that number 3.

Why continue to bother?

God! How can I know when I have reached that new level in you?

This has been a question I have been seeking the answers to lately. I've gotten back in to the habit of going to Bible Study, praying as I should and removing some barriers from my life.

However, I feel like I need to do more? I have signed up for various ministries at church and that's about where it ends. I have yet to attend one meeting...I need more of you God!

MORE.

I have to go back to what I heard once, which is that we MUST live a life of service. Clearly I haven't been doing that- all other areas of my life are together, but I need to be around Christ centered men and women, find more people to be accountable to.

God, help me to get to that next level in you!

I believe it was around April or May when I first heard Jazmine Sullivan's, I Need You Bad. At first I was like- what in the world? Has she been looking in on my life, reading my journal notes? I had just broken up with my boyfriend who is an islander and the reggae, island vibe of the music made it all so real. I suddenly began missing him, wondering if I made the right choice by ending our relationship. I've talked about this over and over again with friends and my sister, God and numerous times in my head, so I'm not writing about it in this blog. I'm just focusing on how the song made me feel. Music is incredible, it is able to bring life to thoughts, it verbalizes what we cannot say. This song spoke to me loudly and clearly- yet, I don't feel like I made the wrong choice about ending my relationship with my former boyfriend. Had I cheated on him from day 1 or ignored his needs or done some other selfish things then I would feel convicted by this song, but I don't. The end did turn out differently, so, I decided to break things off. Music can have this way of holding us captive or setting us free. It provides a chance to go back and make things right, learn from our mistakes and get it right the second time around. Perhaps, I could have tried to go back and fix things, but, I just didn't see the need. Sometimes it's best to walk away from somethings, for me anyway. If it sounds selfish it probably is, but, we all need to be selfish at some point in our lives to keep ourselves happy and balanced.

Man that song...

Hello There!

It's been a while, but I am back. There have been so many new things going on in my life, it feels like the sun is shining bright again. Ahhh. Let's see, since my last post I was at a standstill, not for sure what would be the next step in my life.

Well, I enrolled at the University of Maryland University College. I am working toward a certificate in public relations. I decided to pursue this to have the knowledge, theory and reasoning to compliment my work experience thus far. I am learning so much in my classes. My professor who teaches the pr course is so inspirational and on top of her game. She is a communications consultant FULL TIME! Until after reading her bio, I became inspired all over again, considering a career as a communications consultant. I got up the courage to ask her about the future of pr jobs and she was kind enough to write me back, encouraging to me try pr agencies, and not to give up on my dream job. Thanks Dr. Aw!

I also became more involved with the National Association of Multi-Ethnicities in Communication's DC chapter and I am having a blast. It feels great to be around media professionals coming together in providing the maximum learning, leadership, and networking opportunities for novices and thriving professionals looking to further themselves in their career or someone looking for a mentor. I am a member-at-large on the board, and I am on the membership and public relations committee. I am very excited to be the board and looking forward to networking and getting dibs on a new career. I have even embarked a consulting gig with a co-worker of mine providing web site development. Now, we'll see if he'll pay me so I can move on to other jobs for him or just move on PERIOD.

As for the dating scene- I last wrote about a guy I met back in January while hanging out with my girlfriend and her friends for her birthday. OMG! Things got ugly around the month of April. It all started when asked me about the Roots and Erykah Badu concert that was scheduled to happen in May. He asked if I wanted to go- of course I said yes. Mind you in between the time he asked, our communication had dwindled off; no phone conversation, no email , but texts only to say 'goodnight' (WT?). So, two weeks, heck it might have been one week before the concert and this negro is like 'we can't go to the concert, I had to move some money around'. At first I'm like, oh okay, I understand (my niceness or niaveity coming in to play). Then, as I began thinking about it I'm like this dude works for the government in the IT field and he has to move money around. Oh, no. So, a few days or weeks go by, it's been a while ago now bare with me in recalling the details. I'm like did you sell off the tickets yet? He was like yep, someone bought them the week prior. I'm like dang, I was hoping he would come back and say we're on, we're still going but no. Anywho, I approach him about the situation trying to get him to see how this looked in my eyes. The fact that we stopped communicating, we don't go to the concert and you expect to me not be upset. He basically doesn't understand it and in my upsetness, I say some pretty mean things. He writes back but doesn't quite stoop to my level! Since then, we have started back talking, I asked his thoughts on the whole R.Kelly crap and I send him the usual random forward emails people send. Nothing of substance- although, I have been wanting to hear his voice and see him. I have to remind myself not to waste time on someone who brings you another girl's jacket...

My job...it has been a real struggle trying to be content at this place. I am writing you from the Receptionist's desk. YES. She is out of the office today and so your girl is here answering calls and offering cheerful smiles to anyone who walks through the door! I know not everyone lands a job in their field of study, but dang... I have a bachelor's degree with work experience and I am one smart cookie! I'm working on an extension of my bachelor's to prove to my next employer that I have what it takes to get the job done and I know why I am doing that way! So, yeah, from time to time I answer phones in addition to my normal duties. However, it is interesting that pr or communications specialists do much of the same line of work as administrative assistants do. Very interesting. Like I said, I have learned to be content- not COMPLACENT!

Uggghhh! This expression describes my frustration and thoughts lately on MOST facets: career, love, education, and faith and lately...my hair. What am I going to do with my life?

CAREER Where do I begin? Okay, on the job- I'm an administrative assistant for a government contracting agency in the DC area. Let's just say I do not want to be an AA the rest of my life and I am sure that I won't, but...a recent career opportunity for Research Associate presented itself and I decided to go after it. I pursued the opportunity because there was an interest there and I wanted to get out of this current role. So, I go through all of the proper channels; let the powers that be know I was interested in the position, and filled out the application only to not receive an interview because the person that chosen was already "experienced" (she really was looking back on the situation) and the company basically made the decision to save this person's job since her contract was coming to a close. Of course, I was upset because they could have given me an interview. Then, on the other hand I'm thinking why interview if I knew I wouldn't have been given the job or that they were looking at me as a serious candidate. Needless to say, word traveled around the office and everyone (mostly) was on my side saying I should have been granted the interview and that I should have gotten job. I myself, was so mad, heated and everything in between, but in retrospect I was not qualified. This experience has let me know to keep learning, and keep trying, being persistent in what I want. This has been a grand learning experience!

LOVE I met this guy about 4 months ago while hanging out for my girlfriend's birthday at Cafe Asia in DC. We've had nothing but fun together ever since and I always look forward to spending time with him and talking on the phone. He told me he was not looking for a relationship and I'm not really looking for another relationship either- just got out of a yearlong relationship and I'm looking for a strong friendship base ( I don't think !). I have been rationalizing my thoughts, like I'm slippin', I'm really falling for this guy and now there's this feeling inside like I have to toughin' up and not let this guy know I'm going crazy over him. Or maybe I'm just overreacting since I've called him one night and he didn't answer, neither did he explain why he didn't return my phone call. There I go getting serious again- I need a hobby :).

EDUCATION To go back to school or not? For about 8 months I've been researching various graduate and certificate programs that suit my interest. I know I probably should go back, but I have several stipulations on not going back; not wanting to default on loans, fear of not landing a job AND accumulating more debt. So, to combat my crazy, but reasonable thinking I've been talking to my friend who told me to get my but back in school, that it would all pay off. I think I'm getting closer and closer to going back to school! I'll let you know when I fill out my FAFSA!

FAITH I had an epiphany on Sunday, not long after I got back from church. I have been saved going on three years now. To be saved means giving your life to Christ, letting go of your former life, behaviors, habits and vices to become a true follower and worshipper of Christ (this is my own interpretation). I had not been trusting in God to answer my prayers I had been relying on friends and family who couldn't solve any of my problems. I then switched my thinking and began to thank God for all that he has done for me, and each time I do this I begin to feel so much better!

HAIR Last summer I cut my hair into this super short, cute pixie cut. I received so many complements and I was pleased, now it has grown out tremendously and I am wearing a bob that stops right at the chin. The bob is cute too, but not like the first time I wore it. I think it's getting too long and maybe it should be shorter or I think it may need some holding spray. I've noticed when I have holding spray the hairstyle stays fresher longer. I dunno!

Well, now that you have the lowdown please keep me in your wishes, thoughts and prayers...until next time!

Happy New Year and Happy Groundhog Day!

So much has happened since I last wrote both personally and on the job. I've received some new funds- who couldn't use an extra few bucks in today's unstable economy? I've also met some new people and have been hanging out as well. The new year has brought some great changes with it. I'm starting to like the DMV more- it helps when you know people and can hang out with them or know that they are a phone call away. However, things between my boyfriend have been really strange- it's like we just can't shake each other. We "broke up" last Saturday and Wednesday was the first I talked to him since. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out... I know my reason for straying or withdrawing, I've come to a point where I feel like I need my space. After going back and forth in my mind about I've come to the conclusion that is my answer. For fear of hurting his feelings I have not told how I felt until Tuesday...in an email. I must get better with this- he now wants to see me on Friday but I may have plans and I wish that he would respect that I do have a life and would like to do other things with my weekend. That is another part of the issue, let me just stop here.

The job- my boss has been promoted which means more work for me! I was thinking of asking for a promotion myself but after consulting with my wise sister we decided now wouldn't be the best time because of all that is going on with her new duties. My sister told me to revisit in a few more months- I've been in prayer about this and perhaps in a few months this could be feasible! Things are getting better on the job- I had been faced with feelings of abuse. You know when you're the one on the bottom of the totem pole people think you are supposed to do every little thing at a moment's notice. Well, I do because I don't want to be seen as someone who is not a team player. So, I bought a book that has been extremely helpful combating my niceness, it's called "Too Nice for Your Own Good". If you too suffer from niceness this book has the remedy. I also bought another book, "Women Don't Ask". The title pretty much sums it up- I'm only in the introduction, but it talks about staggering salary and living conditions among men and women and how they have to be if women would just ask. I can't wait to begin fully reading that one. So, since I went to my training back in November and have been reading these books I have noticed changes in the way I handle myself and deal with co-workers as well as friends and family.