I Have A Dream...Too

On this 50th commemoration of the March on Washington, I realize that I, too, have a dream.  It is deeply rooted in the American dream as well as the Black community's dream and my parents' dreams.  And I'm taking this moment to reflect on my progress toward it.  What have I done, what am I doing, when will I achieve it?  I'm always enamored by the opening line of Langston Hughes' poem, A Dream Deferred -- "What happens to a dream deferred?"  Mine is sagging like a heavy load right now.

I'm often dissident when references are made to Dr. King's historic speech because we all too often harp on the color factor and play the race card -- the very opposite of what his wishes were.  I even cringe when I hear references to the "First Black President" and see t-shirts with Obama and King shaking hands.  It saddens me to see the efforts of the movement misconstrued in such ways.  Yet, there is a dream.

After reading an article about Asa Philip Randolph, I've found perspective.  I've always wanted to honor those unknown and forgotten members of the Civil Rights movement, even those who didn't support it.  We each have a role to play in life and no matter who gets the glory, we all progress.  My father was one of the thousands at the original march in 1963 (years before I was born) and I smile every time I think about it.  To know that he participated makes me stand taller and walk more confidently.  It's also humbling to know that he wasn't mauled by dogs or ripped in parts by water hoses or beaten by spectators or lynched or missing and I'm here by divine design.  What choice do I have but to shake my dream off and walk around with it on my shoulders?!  It's no longer deferred, it's not dried up or festering or stinking.  It's exploding!

Thank you to all who helped to make it happen!

Employment Agency Conundrum

It may not be the best decision to speak out about this, as a backlash from the employment community may ensue.  However, I believe "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" as stated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  I recently found that I was "ineligible for rehire" by Keepers Staffing Agency.  Is that even legal?  A staffing agency!!!  I've never skipped on assignment, why would they not want to rehire me?  Instead of creating feelings of self-doubt or insecurities about my skills and abilities, this news stirred an uprising in my pen.  Time out for being nice -- they are neither the only agency in town nor the only ones playing the "you didn't let ME find you a job so I'm going to make this hard for you" card.  I'm not sure what can be done to curb this type of activity, especially since the majority of leads found on sites like Indeed, SimplyHired, and Monster are agencies.  Hopefully, exposure is step one.

If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

I've heard this repeatedly, even found it to be true and it hurts every time I relive it.  The most recent lesson was taught by Keepers, a staffing agency.  Most agencies offer to find jobs, usually at no fee to me.  Of course, the companies I've worked with are charged a finder's fee, so to speak and if I'm hired full-time as an employee, they pay a hefty fee to the agency.  Sadly, things have changed significantly over the years since companies want to weed through resumes, taking placement a little longer.  It's rather ridiculous for short term temporary assignments but an unavoidable measure.  Keepers is one agency, rather local, that requires exclusivity.  According to the contract, you aren't allowed to work with other agencies or work anywhere else for that matter.  They guarantee, yes guarantee, to keep you working 30 hours per week while they find you a permanent job.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  I signed up.

November 2006.  Unfortunately, I'd already registered with other agencies and other, more lucrative opportunities were presented.  I terminated my employment with Keepers to pursue these avenues. On a recent job search (2013), I reached out to all of my contacts for job leads, then re-activated my registrations with agencies. Now, a few have neglected to respond to emails and voicemail messages and I'm hoping it's because they don't have anything that fits my skillset.  This situation was quite different.  I'm not the only one who's experienced this as I've found reviews about the company that read similarly.  I'm just finding it hard to understand why the attainment of a permanent job (poor choice in terms for today's employment culture) is not applauded. 

Even though I've realized that agencies are optimal for entry level workers and those who don't wish to work full time for whatever reason, I still register.  But for those of us who require a salary, benefits, vacation time, some semblance of stability and maybe, just maybe, a permanent job, agencies are just not the answer.  Though posting this has been a hard decision, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  

Helpful links:
http://www.keepersonline.net/home.htm http://business.reachlocal.com/search/career-employment/recruiters-agencies/DC/Washington/Keepers/283bb0e/ http://www.jobitorial.com/keepers-inc--job-reviews-C4973 http://www.manta.com/c/mtw1f3x/keepers

Civic Responsibility

I've realized the reason we all hate the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)...that's how you get chosen for jury duty.  Yep, thanks to my birthday gift and the need for tags and registration,  the DMV used my information to enter me into the jury pool  -- more chances to win than the lottery and a host of unhappy people to spend the day with -- and I won!
What did I win, you ask.  I won the opportunity to sit in a plush lounge in PG County for nearly the entire day until assigned to be selected for a case.  Bored to tears and feverishly trying to find some reason, any reason, why I'd be partial to the defendants, I failed at every turn and was selected for the jury.  I notified my employer and settled in for a long second day of what was sure to be much less exciting than the OJ trial.  After instructions from a studious bailiff and a very amicable judge, I listened to opening statements and a few witnesses before the case was dismissed and I was relieved of my duties.
Fortunately, I made new friends along the way.  We shared information on a number of topics, a meal, a couple of rides, exchanged phone/email/social networking information, and even hoped we'd be called back in 3 years to meet again.  How optimistic we are!
This puts in perspective another civic duty that will occur in just a few weeks.  I've stated repeatedly that your choice in candidate's is as personal as the nose on your face, but please exercise your right to vote.  After receiving my elections booklet, I'm taking the time to research the candidates running for other offices in my state and county in an effort to decide who I prefer to select and I strongly suggest you do the same.  I'm never one to force my beliefs on others (though I feel that anyone over 65 should no longer remain in office) but strongly encourage you to do your own research -- don't rely on TV commercials and campaign slogans, billboards and discussions around the water coolers of corporate America, sound bites on the news and signs in yards, bumper stickers and the opions of others -- but use your common sense and weigh your values.  This is your opportunity to do more than just talk. Your vote does count, so use it.
After a long day in the courtroom, I feel more strongly about it than ever.  Until next time...

Top Ten Bookish Confessions

Interesting title right?  Yeah, it caught me too.  And being a nerd, well I just had to read Shannon's confessions - Reading Has Purpose - and come up with a few of my own.  The original, as well as other Top Ten Tuesday ideas, are proudly posted on The Broke and the Bookish.

So, here we go...

10. Interesting titles, not graphics, draw me to a book.

9.  Bargains (6 for $1) are my guilty pleasure.

8.  I follow the authors I like faithfully, even on FB, but I'm not big on book signings because...

7. I give my books away -- unless I really, really, really like them or they're signed by the author.

6.  I have to finish a book, no matter how long it takes me, because otherwise I'll feel beaten.

5.  I prefer to read real books instead of digital books (Kindle) or audio books.

4.  I read extremely slowly because I take notes and underline things I want to remember.

3.  I will borrow a book from the library and determine after reading it if I want to purchase it.

2.  I have large library fines because I read so slowly.  Two renewals is just not enough!

1.  I LOVE my Kindle because I can carry so many books (I've downloaded more than 150 free ones) so easily.

Confessions anyone?

Amazing Grace

I just finished watching a documentary called Amazing Grace (published in 2007) that, while entertaining, was extremely white-washed.  It told the stories of the writers of several well-known hymns with great scenery and performances.  But there is some dispute over the title song.  I'm enamored by this account --> http://youtu.be/AVcjnNry4do

I implore you to view both and choose for yourself.

2012 Olympics Recap

First, IT'S OVER!!!!  Finally, no more constant talk, tweet, pics/videos posted, etc.  We can rest for another few years.

Second, the disclaimer.  The following statements are unofficial and terribly biased (in case you weren't sure).

Third, let's begin so that this blog, like the Olympics themselves, can be over!

Opening Ceremony
I heard lots of gripes about the difference from Beijing (2008).

• Get over it...different country, different opening.  
• I didn't realize that even the opening ceremony was a competition too.  Is it really that serious?  
• Historically the opening ceremony is supposed to highlight
• Real differences:  London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (I guess Southern Ireland is its own entity).  I digress.  The UK (or Great Britain as most of us recall) is an oppressive force throughout history-- a boring legacy with great writers to record it. Note the grim faces they always seem to have.  How do you display that during the Olympic Games? China, on the other hand, has an ancient and colorful past that stretches for thousands of years and is riddled with folklore and traditions.  Combine that with their love of precision and technology and sprinkle in the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who participated and you can see why there was such a difference in the ceremonies. It's just logic.

Athletes
Several caught the spotlight.  I'll discuss those that mattered most (to me).

• Uceny - Fell...again...didn't get back up...actually broke down on the track.  There is NO crying in the Olympics.
• Mitcham - Who cares if he's gay.
• Douglas - her ponytail needed some help.  Yes, I said it.  If you're that sensitive about it, think about the following people and let me know if you've ever said ANYTHING about their hair...Sanjaya, Donald Trump, Oprah...you get my point.  Talking about someone's flaws takes nothing away from their accomplishments.  Get over it.
• Phelps - Olympian with the most medals.  
• Bolt - fastest man.  Great finishes.
• Wieber - crying allowed when you're under 21.

Commentators

• And speaking of Wieber, the commentators for this year's Olympics were abhorrent.  I was unsure of their allegiance quite often.  They (I never could figure out any names of correspondents) consistently pointed out negative performances, flaws that would warrant deductions from the judges and teams that were favored to outscore USA.  They were repeatedly wrong and often loudly professed it.  Maybe it was underdog syndrome gone wild.  Maybe they didn't understand what commentating is about.  Maybe we won't hear from them in four years.
• Ryan Seacrest - had to mention him because he's my crush...eye candy rocks!

Sports
Some don't need to be in the Olympics.  Like the following:

• Badminton
• Handball
• Weightlifting
• Trampoline
• Shooting
• Speedwalking
• Water Polo
• Ribbon Twirling

Miscellany

• Gray Jackets -  Hyper reflective to show off medals better.  I disagree.
• Flowers - Medal ceremony flowers were small and ah well.
• Colored Tape - Kinesio Tex Tape - Theratape used for pain and injuries and coming to a gym near you.  But does it work?
• Uniforms - 'Tards and tights that sported the stars and stripes not only boosted morale but also motivated many of us to get up and move our butts.  We may all be relay-ready in time for the Summer Games in Rio!!!

Closing Ceremony

• Snoozer -- so boring that I'd rather not discuss it. 

See ya in Rio in 4 years.

Over the past two years, I’ve been wallowing in a dark place. Though there have been bright moments along the way – marriages, births, etc. – the majority of the time was marred by self-doubt and questions.  But after every storm comes the sunshine, and it’s so warm and soothing to know I made it through.  Not one to take the credit, I appreciate my support network made up of those who commiserated and encouraged, advised and suggested, re-designed and cajoled, motivated and enlightened and generally helped to keep my spirits up.

Now that things are beginning to fall into place, I’m focused on my writing.  Unfortunately, I can’t write from a place of negativity, of anger and self-loathing.  I am much more creative in the positive space of joy, the energy of hope, and the tide of dreams realized.  I can only hope that my support network will bask with me in the glow of ingenuity.  Are you ready?