So...
I can't believe that I've already been in LA for three days. I forgot to mention in the last post that last nite I did meet up with some friends that I haven't seen in a while. We just went out to dinner, but it was great seeing Matt and Jessica. Matt and I met freshman year of college through another great friend of mine. We, Matt and I, would get into the most ridiculous fights......sometimes I would just stop talking to him. It was awesome to talk about those times and just laugh. I'm glad to see that he is doing well. Oh, my friend’s girl also met us out for dinner, which was good; she is friends with Matt and Jessica. Hopefully we, Dawn and I, will get to go out later this week before I leave, she is a lot of fun.
So the day....well, it was mostly uneventful. I did get up this morning and eat breakfast, which by the way is not free. But, I'm not paying, so I don't care. I had this awesome french toast. If you are ever staying at a Holiday-Inn, try the cinnamon roll french toast, to die for.
On my slate for today, I had for schools. Well, when I got ready to go to the first, wouldn't you know it started to rain. Which made me instantly think of that song from Tony, Toni, Tony..."It never rains in Southern California"....love it. So of course traffic was a little crazy. It's like snow in DC, the city doesn't really know what to do with itself. It's almost like brimstone was falling from the sky, oh well.
So I make it to my first school with no problems at all. First up was an all boys school, that looked more like a compound for refugees....oh well. I get to the school a little early, because of the rain, and talk to the college counselor. She was so excited about my University. We talked about people and places that she knew in DC, which was somewhat comforting to hear. After about 45mins, no student showed up. Oh well, I think that I was being punished for seeing so many students the day before. So I left packed up and made my way to the second school.
Got a little lost, had to take the freeway to this school. I eventually found my way to the famous Sunset Blvd, this time an all-girl's school. Again no students. I now knew that I was being punished. Oh well. Because, there were no students to see I got to drive around the area a bit. I eventually found out that I was in the famous Bel-Air neighborhood. So many Benz’s and BMW's....not enough time. Of course I looked hot in my Dodge Strauss.
I then headed off to my third school. Too bad I got extremely lost and I think that I hurricane started, cause it started to rain so hard, traffic was at a stand still. So I eventually called the school and told them that I was not going to be able to make it, because of the weather and traffic. I then turned myself around and headed back to Sunset, where my last school was located.
This time the school was directly across the street from UCLA......which is beautiful. I met with one student and then contemplated going jean shopping. In the end I just came back to the hotel and read a little bit before dozing off. I woke up just in time for the ANTM reunion show....the season premier is tomorrow, so trust there will be a post about it.
So now, it's time for bed. The one thing that I'm finding out that I don't like about being on the road, is that I don't get to see the faces that make me smile all the time....I miss my Mean Girl crew......
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
LA- Day2
Sorry for not writing this last nite.....
My Monday started very early. I got up at 5:30 to cut my hair and to make sure that I was up for my 8:30 appointment at an all girl school. For the most part my morning went well. I got to the school with no problems what so ever....even had time to stop at Jack n' the Box.....I love it. Got to my first school and started my career officially as an Admissions Counselor.
My first meeting with a high school guidance counselor was interesting. All I had to do was smile and all the sudden this older women, who had been working in education since 1970, poured her heart out to me about higher education. We talked for some time about the raising cost of education and those that will eventually left out, because of it. This woman displayed a passion that one rarely sees. She was so committed to getting the students in her school, which by the way was mostly Latinos, to a college. She repeatedly told me that everyday she stresses to her students that without an education, nothing will come to you. After we had our wonderful conversation, I finally got to met with my first student on the road. She was a quite girl who had only a few questions about the University. I went through my normal routine and that was it.....no fireworks, no champagne popping in the background, just a whiff of air.
I left the school feeling like a complete failure. I just visited my first school and came out feeling like I did nothing at all. It was horrible. I then had a conversation with myself and tried to figure out why that was so non-climatic. In the end I chalked it up to me not being me. I went in there and talked as though I was some robot, sent on one mission and given specific instructions. That's not me. I love talking about higher ed.....I think that it's an awesome opportunity that we have in this country, an opportunity that too many of us take for granted. As I was driving to my second school, I vowed that I would only continue with this career if I was only going to be myself. That person that loves talking to students, parents, and teachers.
With my renewed energy, I went to my second school, which was an all-boys school. I was again ready to meet with at most one or two students. The thing about coming out to California to recruit is that I don't expect to get a lot, because my school is all the way in DC, not around the corner from LA. But, I walk into this class room and there are about 30 kids, all seniors, all on their lunch break. It was a great feeling. At the end of my presentation the counselor came up to me to thank me for coming and then the last thing she said was, "you really did an amazing job, and I know that a lot of our kids have a strong interest in your University, after your presentation." That right there made it all worth it. That was me. The person that for some reason I couldn't be that first time around.
I left the school, feeling better then I had in a very long time. I even treated myself to a place called "Pink's Hot Dog's"....supposedly a world famous hot dog place in LA. It was good, had the bacon chili cheese dog.....I couldn't help myself.
After lunch, I made my way to my final school for the day; again it was an all-girl’s school. Unfortunately, there was a mistake on the counseling department and I was left off the schedule. No worries, I talked with the counselor for a minute or two, and then I was on my way.
Overall, I have to say that I now know that this is what I want to do. This, this job, is me and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
My Monday started very early. I got up at 5:30 to cut my hair and to make sure that I was up for my 8:30 appointment at an all girl school. For the most part my morning went well. I got to the school with no problems what so ever....even had time to stop at Jack n' the Box.....I love it. Got to my first school and started my career officially as an Admissions Counselor.
My first meeting with a high school guidance counselor was interesting. All I had to do was smile and all the sudden this older women, who had been working in education since 1970, poured her heart out to me about higher education. We talked for some time about the raising cost of education and those that will eventually left out, because of it. This woman displayed a passion that one rarely sees. She was so committed to getting the students in her school, which by the way was mostly Latinos, to a college. She repeatedly told me that everyday she stresses to her students that without an education, nothing will come to you. After we had our wonderful conversation, I finally got to met with my first student on the road. She was a quite girl who had only a few questions about the University. I went through my normal routine and that was it.....no fireworks, no champagne popping in the background, just a whiff of air.
I left the school feeling like a complete failure. I just visited my first school and came out feeling like I did nothing at all. It was horrible. I then had a conversation with myself and tried to figure out why that was so non-climatic. In the end I chalked it up to me not being me. I went in there and talked as though I was some robot, sent on one mission and given specific instructions. That's not me. I love talking about higher ed.....I think that it's an awesome opportunity that we have in this country, an opportunity that too many of us take for granted. As I was driving to my second school, I vowed that I would only continue with this career if I was only going to be myself. That person that loves talking to students, parents, and teachers.
With my renewed energy, I went to my second school, which was an all-boys school. I was again ready to meet with at most one or two students. The thing about coming out to California to recruit is that I don't expect to get a lot, because my school is all the way in DC, not around the corner from LA. But, I walk into this class room and there are about 30 kids, all seniors, all on their lunch break. It was a great feeling. At the end of my presentation the counselor came up to me to thank me for coming and then the last thing she said was, "you really did an amazing job, and I know that a lot of our kids have a strong interest in your University, after your presentation." That right there made it all worth it. That was me. The person that for some reason I couldn't be that first time around.
I left the school, feeling better then I had in a very long time. I even treated myself to a place called "Pink's Hot Dog's"....supposedly a world famous hot dog place in LA. It was good, had the bacon chili cheese dog.....I couldn't help myself.
After lunch, I made my way to my final school for the day; again it was an all-girl’s school. Unfortunately, there was a mistake on the counseling department and I was left off the schedule. No worries, I talked with the counselor for a minute or two, and then I was on my way.
Overall, I have to say that I now know that this is what I want to do. This, this job, is me and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
LA- day 1
The next two weeks, I'm going to try to write about what one does on the road as a college admissions counsler. Because this is really my first "real" go at it, I think it will help me and maybe others to view my thoughts and preception of this life that I so want. Let's get started.
I got to LA, after what was a bit of a long weekend. The "new guy" came into town and I did not want to live DC nor did I want him to go back to NYC, oh well. Life must go on. So, after getting home at 4am and still needing to pack, me and the "new guy" took a nap...if you can call closing your eyes for 30mins a nap..........and I got up at 6:15am to catch a 8:40 flight out of Dulles. After getting a little lost to the airport out in the cut, I got on the plane and waited for my 5hr. flight to start. I slept, as you can imagine, most of the way out here. I was so tired, I think I saw the guy next to me twice; once when I got on the plane and the other time was when I got off of it. Oh well.
So, I've only been to LA once and that was when I came out here for the Rose Bowl, my sphomore year in college....so it's been a while. I gather my luggage from baggage claim and look for the rent-a-car place. Now you have to understand that any time I travel, I never drive, there are always people who wish to do that, but not this time. So, I found out, that I had to wait for a shuttle to take me the place for a car. Now, because I rented a car, or someone else rented a car for me, from a place called Advantage, I had to wait for sometime before the shuttle came. Which was ok, I had nothing else to do. I decided to come to LA a day early just for reasons like this.
Finally after reaching the car place, it took a bit, note to self (rent from national companies only).....I finally got the car and made my way for the "dangerous" LA freeways. Not so dangerous. I got a little lost trying to find my hotel, which is across the street from the Staples Center. I then decided that I would find out where some of the high schools were that I have to visit tomorrow. For the most part, I think that I will be the only person of color for some miles. A lot of the schools that I visit tomorrow are in very deep hispianc communities. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I just think that things will get interesting. We'll have to wait and see I guess. Other then that I stopped and got Jack n the Box, which we have in St. Louis, but I've not found anywhere else.....do not knock the tacos, spicy chicken sandwich, and the potatoe wedges.....they are the stuff to die for.
That's about it.....found my way back to the hotel and I decided that I would just stick around the hotel and order room service and read and watch the emmy's......I know totally lame, but I'm really tired after last night and I think a little jet lagged.......until tomorrow.
I got to LA, after what was a bit of a long weekend. The "new guy" came into town and I did not want to live DC nor did I want him to go back to NYC, oh well. Life must go on. So, after getting home at 4am and still needing to pack, me and the "new guy" took a nap...if you can call closing your eyes for 30mins a nap..........and I got up at 6:15am to catch a 8:40 flight out of Dulles. After getting a little lost to the airport out in the cut, I got on the plane and waited for my 5hr. flight to start. I slept, as you can imagine, most of the way out here. I was so tired, I think I saw the guy next to me twice; once when I got on the plane and the other time was when I got off of it. Oh well.
So, I've only been to LA once and that was when I came out here for the Rose Bowl, my sphomore year in college....so it's been a while. I gather my luggage from baggage claim and look for the rent-a-car place. Now you have to understand that any time I travel, I never drive, there are always people who wish to do that, but not this time. So, I found out, that I had to wait for a shuttle to take me the place for a car. Now, because I rented a car, or someone else rented a car for me, from a place called Advantage, I had to wait for sometime before the shuttle came. Which was ok, I had nothing else to do. I decided to come to LA a day early just for reasons like this.
Finally after reaching the car place, it took a bit, note to self (rent from national companies only).....I finally got the car and made my way for the "dangerous" LA freeways. Not so dangerous. I got a little lost trying to find my hotel, which is across the street from the Staples Center. I then decided that I would find out where some of the high schools were that I have to visit tomorrow. For the most part, I think that I will be the only person of color for some miles. A lot of the schools that I visit tomorrow are in very deep hispianc communities. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I just think that things will get interesting. We'll have to wait and see I guess. Other then that I stopped and got Jack n the Box, which we have in St. Louis, but I've not found anywhere else.....do not knock the tacos, spicy chicken sandwich, and the potatoe wedges.....they are the stuff to die for.
That's about it.....found my way back to the hotel and I decided that I would just stick around the hotel and order room service and read and watch the emmy's......I know totally lame, but I'm really tired after last night and I think a little jet lagged.......until tomorrow.
Here We go
For the next two weeks I'm on a trip for work....that in the end, will take me all over the place; Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. Sitting here in my hotel room, I can hardly believe just three weeks ago I was still temping and wondering what my next move was going to be. I had thought that I really had come to the end of my rope. I had been unemployed for five months and nothing. No job, no one calling for a job, nothing.
The whole time that I was not "working", I kept telling myself that everything happens for a reason. Even though it seemed that I just up and quit my job on the whim of a breath......that may or may not be true.....I did it. And, I knew that the outcome may not be pretty. But, the more that I work at my new job; I have realized that "that", me quitting my job, was one of my defining moments in life.
We all have them, defining moments. The moment in time when we stand up to what ever it is that gives us a headache every night, when we tell ourselves "no more". That moment in life where we refuse to live, the way we did the day before. Everything changes from here on out........ Of course we, you, I, can have a million defining moments. In the end I just think that it's about recognizing those moments as such and not just a casual moment that just happens.
I'm glad that I've had another defining moment in my life. My first, I would have to say, came when I decided I would go to Purdue. I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I knew that in order to do "something" in life, I would have to go to college......my defining moment. The next came when I "came out" and started to tell those close to me that I was gay. I no longer wanted to keep my life a secret, I had another defining moment. The last one has been chronicled just a bit on this blog, so no need to go into detail about that.
So what's my latest defining moment?? I'm ready to be in a relationship......I know that I have written about my relationships....past and present. But, the truth is that every since I met this "new guy", I have realized that I'm ready to stand up once again and live the next day a little different then the previous one. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
The whole time that I was not "working", I kept telling myself that everything happens for a reason. Even though it seemed that I just up and quit my job on the whim of a breath......that may or may not be true.....I did it. And, I knew that the outcome may not be pretty. But, the more that I work at my new job; I have realized that "that", me quitting my job, was one of my defining moments in life.
We all have them, defining moments. The moment in time when we stand up to what ever it is that gives us a headache every night, when we tell ourselves "no more". That moment in life where we refuse to live, the way we did the day before. Everything changes from here on out........ Of course we, you, I, can have a million defining moments. In the end I just think that it's about recognizing those moments as such and not just a casual moment that just happens.
I'm glad that I've had another defining moment in my life. My first, I would have to say, came when I decided I would go to Purdue. I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I knew that in order to do "something" in life, I would have to go to college......my defining moment. The next came when I "came out" and started to tell those close to me that I was gay. I no longer wanted to keep my life a secret, I had another defining moment. The last one has been chronicled just a bit on this blog, so no need to go into detail about that.
So what's my latest defining moment?? I'm ready to be in a relationship......I know that I have written about my relationships....past and present. But, the truth is that every since I met this "new guy", I have realized that I'm ready to stand up once again and live the next day a little different then the previous one. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Last night.....
So this is an e-mail that I sent to my friend this morning when I got to work; mind you that I'm suppose to be at work at 9am and I got here at 10am....oh well, I live for another day.... the one thing you need to know is that I had about 5 or 6 Jack and Coke's......what a way to start a night...
"So......after you left my drunk ass me and Tony went to Cobalt...where I had maybe half a drink. Then I was like...." I have to go". Nard, I could barely stand.....I was such a mess. So I left there and put myself in a cab.....I get in the cab and I'm like, " thank god I got out of there" so then I'm like I'll take a little nap........nope.....I go to put my head down in the cab and everything I drank came up in my mouth....so I open the door to the cab while it is still moving and puke......then I'm like...ok glad that's over....nope.....as soon as I close the door...I puke again....this time in the cab.....all over the door.....so the cab pulls over and I'm trying to wipe it off the handle so i can get out......before the cab driver could say anything to me...I throw $20 in the cab and run down Ust.........that's when I called Jeff and was like...I have to come over now..so I get over there and pass the fuck out.....wake up this morning and had no idea where I was.......I'm a mess"
So funny
"So......after you left my drunk ass me and Tony went to Cobalt...where I had maybe half a drink. Then I was like...." I have to go". Nard, I could barely stand.....I was such a mess. So I left there and put myself in a cab.....I get in the cab and I'm like, " thank god I got out of there" so then I'm like I'll take a little nap........nope.....I go to put my head down in the cab and everything I drank came up in my mouth....so I open the door to the cab while it is still moving and puke......then I'm like...ok glad that's over....nope.....as soon as I close the door...I puke again....this time in the cab.....all over the door.....so the cab pulls over and I'm trying to wipe it off the handle so i can get out......before the cab driver could say anything to me...I throw $20 in the cab and run down Ust.........that's when I called Jeff and was like...I have to come over now..so I get over there and pass the fuck out.....wake up this morning and had no idea where I was.......I'm a mess"
So funny
been gone for a min.
So upon the request or demands of some......bitches.........I'm going to post a new update.
Things have been going good with me. Met the really awesome guy, had three amazing days with him and then he moved to NYC. The crazy thing is, I can't stop thinking about him. Don't know if that is a good thing or not. We'll have to see how this pans out. I would love to see him again, but who knows.
Work is amazing. Having a really good time. Plus, it's always a good feeling, when you want to come to work, instead of dreading waking up in the morning. I don't know what is; maybe it's that I'm doing something that I want or that I actually have responsbilities here. Whatever it is, I hope it doesnt' stop.
Sorry about not updating in a while.....I promise I'll be better about it.
Things have been going good with me. Met the really awesome guy, had three amazing days with him and then he moved to NYC. The crazy thing is, I can't stop thinking about him. Don't know if that is a good thing or not. We'll have to see how this pans out. I would love to see him again, but who knows.
Work is amazing. Having a really good time. Plus, it's always a good feeling, when you want to come to work, instead of dreading waking up in the morning. I don't know what is; maybe it's that I'm doing something that I want or that I actually have responsbilities here. Whatever it is, I hope it doesnt' stop.
Sorry about not updating in a while.....I promise I'll be better about it.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
A sad day
I know that I haven't posted in a long time, I promise I will. So much to talk about.......new job, travel plans, a boy that I'm uber crazy about..........but I did want to say, please pray for all the victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina. What is happening in the Gulf Coast is horrible and makes me extremely sad. If you can, give what you can. Every little bit will help. The New York Times offers a great link to a lot of different charities. Please get involved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
