Investing in Myself

I got this idea from one of my favorite blogs Dream and Hustle.

Mr. Dream & Hustle specified that in order to invest in yourself, you need to learn new skills and create portfolios for presentation that can help you deal with the right people who can get you in the right places. Well that is my focus right now (with my personal and professional life).

I have created “I’m Hungry” folders. In these folders, I am working on the following items:

1. Establishing better writing/grammar skills.
2. Learning about creating and maintaining websites.
3. REALLY getting my business up and running.
4. Completing some kind of public speaking course.
5. Networking with like minded individuals.
6. Learning Spanish and Japanese
7. Research and learn about International Law and Business
8. Learning how to efficiently draft different types of legal agreements.
9. Become proficient in MS programs.
10. Obtaining my real estate license.
11. Making something happen with my blogs.

Lastly of course is getting into law school and actually graduating this time. J

Look who's back!!! (This time for real LOL)

Hey everybody!!!! Long time no hear huh? LOL!

Well I am back. Life has really got in the way this year.

I also started an additional blog call BOOK SNOB WANNABE. Check it out:

http://www.booksnobwannabe.blogspot.com/

So what have I been doing? Just the normal quarter life crisis things……….

Living Arrangements
12/31/08 I got my own place!!!!! I love it!

Job
It is becoming an extremely stressful situation.

Misc
I am trying my best to conquer my addictions one day at a time.
I went natural!!!
I am making exercise apart of my daily routine.
Finally found someone to talk to (a professional of course).

Hobbies
I completed a new “Vision Board”.
I started a “QLC” scrapbook.
Have a summer reading plan (25 books) which can be found on my book blog!
Creating a Look book

Things I am thinking of doing:
Learning to sew
Learning Spanish

Things I cannot let go of:
I took the LSAT (AGAIN) and I am going to apply to law school.

My goal is to have at least ONE post a week. This is a commitment to me because I really need to work on my writing skills and I really want something to come from this blog (and my other one, and the one I am going to start Jan 2010. LOL). I have been jotting down tons of ideas; it is the matter of finding time (more like making time) and working on them.

Quote of the day

I saw this in the comment section on another blog and it was a light blub moment for me!

"Simply paying the bills, and existing, isn’t sufficient."

I need to start doing something about it.......

Quote of the day

"If you are going to worry, why pray. If you are going to pray, why worry."

I am on twitter!!!!

www.twitter.com/bcyprain

ALSO..... I am still here. Some personal issues came up and I had to deal with them. Slowly I am getting back on track. THANKS!!!

Song for the week!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Been on a Blogging Break (more like procrastination)

To whatever few readers I have left:

I took what one would call a “blogging break”. I have diagnosed myself with an extreme case of procrastination.

I really need to work on putting first things first. I am going to use the next week to concentrate on getting some things together and getting organize.

However I am back and ready to blog my brains out!!! (so lame!)

I have sooooo much to write about that its crazy!

Cleaning House in 2009!

I have been really busy mentally lately and so when my mom sent this email to me, it described exactly what I was going through.

Last Week I threw out worrying, it was getting old and in the way.

It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out a book on MY PAST (Didn't have time to read it anyway).

Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.

I threw out hate and bad memories, (Remember how I treasured them so)?

Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.

Threw out I might, I think and I ought. WOW, you should have seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND, I hadn't talked to in a while. His name is GOD the Father, and I really like His style.He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.

Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.

I FOUND IT- it's called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.Yes, I've got my house looking nice.Looks good around the place.

For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any space.

It's good to do a little house cleaning.

Get rid of the things on the shelf.It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!

I am in the money!!!!!!

Superbowl Champs!!!!

Now I can go to bed!!!!!! LOL

My Blogoversary!!!!!!

YEAH!!!!!

“My Quarter Life Crisis” is officially a YEAR old today!!!!!!!


I cannot believe that I have kept it up. Even though I have not been a regular poster (see “I am a slow blogger” post), it has really helped me continue my hobby of writing. My goal for 2009 with regards to posting is to post AT LEAST once a week.

I think that 2009 is going to be a great year for QLC!!

I want to thank the following blog(s) for keeping me inspired to blog:

http://theglamchron.blogspot.com/
http://www.auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://renaissanceblackwoman.blogspot.com/
http://www.thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://www.whattamisaid.blogspot.com/

Anyway, I have moved into my apartment (YEAH!!! – more on that later) and I will not have Internet until this weekend. So basically I am on the Internet at work trying to sneak and post this!!! LOL!!!

I just wanted to acknowledge this big occasion.

QLC will be back to its regular schedule (come to think of it, I never had one – LOL) this weekend. Until then……..

SEE YA LATER!!!!!!

So I been thinking........

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Glad the 40 detox is over....... now I have to blog about it.

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I will be creating an additional blog about books I have read.

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Why am I creating another blog when I barely post on this one?

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Got to do better with posting on my blog in 2009.

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Not looking forward to the 6 1/2 - 7 hour drive to Louisiana.

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I am looking forward to some Gumbo though!

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Cannot contain my excitement about having my own apartment!! December 31, 2008 I will obtain the keys!!! YEAH!!!

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Excited to finally meet my new niece!

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I am finally starting to feel contentment.

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I think that 2009 will be a great year for me!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

What to expect for Xmas?

Once again it is Christmas time and I will be heading to good ole Louisiana Tuesday!!! However with every positive, there are some negatives. Now I love my relatives, but at times (especially for the holidays) they can be a little to much.

The "Drunk" family members

These individuals usually are the ones who start the fights/arguments. They are usually older male relatives.

The "Criticizing" family members

These relatives always making snide remarks or been judgmental. For example, "OH! You still haven't went back to law school?" Usually older female relatives.

The "Wild Child" family members

Another Christmas, another child and babydaddy/mama. Always bugging you to go to the club with them later. Assume that you are big ballin and want to talk in private so they can ask for some money.

The "I'm saved now" family members

Was a "wild child" and/or "drunk" family member last Christmas. Trying to preach to you about what you need to do with your life and criticizing you for not being where they are at in Christ. FUTURE OUTLOOK: Becoming a "Criticizing" family member.

The "Competitor" family members

Usually around the same age as you (so that mean they are a first and/or second cousin).

I get a new job, he/she got a promotion.

I get a new apartment, he/she bought a house.

I get a new boyfriend, he/she get engage!

The "Impostor" family members

Moved away and people assume he/she is doing great. Do not want family members to know that he/she is doing anything LESS THAN great. However everyone know that you are struggling. I THINK THIS IS ME. LOL!

NEVERTHELESS, I love them all the same and cannot wait to see them.

FREEDOM

Day 37 of 40

The detox is going better than I thought it would. Truthfully, I thought that I would have quit by now. That’s sad huh? Nevertheless I am pushing along. Some stuff I back sled on whereas on other things I have remained strong.

If I am going to be honest with you guys (and to myself), as I am looking at my list, I do not see where I have done a lot. I did complete my 5 day food detox!!!! No cokes or drinks period. I just had water, fruits, and vegetables. With regards to the 5 day food detox, I learned that I am going to have to gradually take myself off of cokes. LOL!! No cold turkey for me. So I drink one SMALL cup a day (and that’s hard for me to), but I am drinking more water than I use to. Especially since I heard that it can come back to haunt ya when you get old! I have not cut down several days of television, but I do not watch television on Mondays.

Nevertheless I have had an epiphany; I AM GETTING MY OWN PLACE.

Even though I have no money saved, hardly getting by now, for my piece of mind, I know that it is necessary. There are several individuals (including family members) that are telling me that I am making a stupid/dumb decision. Those doubting me and bringing negativity to my life will only make me try even harder. Going through this detox and the event that occurred recently, has made me realize that I was/am in a “comfort zone”. I need to step out on a limb and do this for myself and not because I am feeling pressured to do it, not because I feel like a failure, not because I should be doing what everyone else my age is, but because it’s the right decision for ME.

I am learning that I cannot always go by someone advice. I can take it under consideration, but at the end of the day I have to do what makes me happy. That has always been my problem, trying to make the adults in my life happy and satisfied, but not realizing that I am an adult myself. If I fail, well I tried. I will be the one who will have to deal with it. Nobody else has to. So if that mean sleeping on an air mattress (which if I buy a good one, they can be extremely comfortable) and eat cereal and ham sandwiches everyday, SO BE IT. If that is what it takes to have piece of mind, then that is what I will do. Now even though we are in a recession, I will try my damn est to get a part time job.

For some reason I have this calmness about the situation, I have went over my bills and it is really possible. I looked and found a great apartment, in a great location, and at a great price. I have to just fix something on my credit report tomorrow and it will be mine. I will be able to move in December 31st!!!

This means that I will be starting the New Year off right! Please pray and wish me luck on this new adventure that I am about to embark on!

Complainer

Day 36 of 40

You know how there are some people in the world that you hate to see coming because they ALWAYS complaining about something? I hate to say it, but I think that person is me. Okay…….I know that person is me. LOL! I complain entirely too much, and it is sad when you yourself is the one who realize it.

It always starts off innocently, I could be talking about something and I will find the negative in it. Complaining is a part of most my daily exchanges. I even use complaints as icebreakers.

However even though I have a lot of stuff to work on in my life, compared to others (especially in this recession and holiday period) I am doing pretty good.

I am healthy and able bodied.
I have a warm and safe place to sleep at night.
I have family and a few friends I can depend on.
I have a reliable car that can take me from A to B.
I have a job that provides income to live off of and to take care of necessary expenses.
I have food to eat.

After realizing that I needed to stop surrounding myself around negative people and/or individuals who are not trying to better themselves, I had to take a look at myself. I thought, “What is it about me that makes me want to be around these people or why do they want to be around me?” “How can I bring more positive people in my life?”

Well it starts with me!

Sunday at church, the preacher made it quite clear. If it is one thing that God does not like, it is a complainer. He can tolerate/forgive you when He sees you TRYING, but if you are just giving up and complaining about the situation without doing anything about it, well that is just UNACCEPTABLE.

How can I complain about my living situation when some people do not know where they will lay their head tomorrow or if they will even have a home?

How can I complain about being lonely because I am not in a relationship when I have friends and family who I KNOW I can trust 100% and they will never let me down?

How can I complain about my job and boss when over a million people have lost their jobs and do not know where the next meal will come from?

I am starting to wonder how many things have I missed out on in life because of my complaining.

Instead of looking at the each negative point in your life, take the time to look at it in a positive light.

I NEED TO BE MORE GRATEFUL.

God created each and every one of us with free will. That means that we choose our thoughts and I (and you) do not have to accept every negative thought/image that comes to mind.

So starting today, I am making a conscious effort to not complain (and whine because I am good at that also). It will be an extremely hard task for me, but it is an important step to take in my quest for spiritual and mental growth!

FOUR MORE DAYS AND THE DETOX WILL BE COMPLETE!!!

I have so much to share.

Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak

Okay you guys. I have been a little quiet when it came to my man Kanye because I thought that he had a breakdown. I was not feeling the song "Love Lockdown". Kanye singing? Nah....... However since he is my man (of course only in my mind) I have to stick by him through THICK AND THIN. I am glad that I did because I am loving the CD. Now it is kind of depressing and if you are in a funky mood, it will not cheer you up. Nevertheless I am feeling it. If anything, the album proves once and for all what an incredible artist my man is!!

My favorite song is HEARTLESS!!!




My man is so creative!!!

I am also loving "Say You Will"





This one is called "Welcome to the Heartbreak"






Okay that is all I can give ya. Since I actually "bought" this album, I am going to need for you go out and support my man. LOL!!

Today was a good day!!!

Grambling won 29-14!!!!!

I can have a great Christmas and bragging rights for a year. YEAH!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!

Detox for the mind, body, and soul - PART ONE

Day 6 of 40

Since turning 26, I've found myself becoming much more reflective and serious about my life. Not that I wasn’t before, but now in a much lucid perspective. Nor am I taking myself too seriously, but I’m starting to notice how much more aware I am of myself, my thoughts, relationships with others, career, path and purpose. I feel that I am sort of grieving and putting away my young self. Nevertheless I am extremely excited and deathly afraid of what is in store.

I am always searching out for women older than me to get their perspective on life and ask did they go through the same things at this age and stage. When I hear all these amazing stories of women truly finding themselves in their 40’s and 50’s, I am like, “Dang! Am I going to be crazy for another 15 years?!”

So here I am trying to gain some knowledge to get me through these twenties, and all they can say is, “Girl your 20’s are going to be some of the best and worst times of your life.” The majority of them felt that their 20’s were so hard for them and life gets so much better in your 30’s and up.

Last week as I was getting dress for work, I looked in the mirror and thought, I’m grown!

I finally believe that I am coming into my own. Meaning I know what makes me happy and I want to try and find ways to achieve those things NOW so that I can become a truly happy and content woman.

My passion for history, writing (regardless if I think I am good or not) and entrepreneurship has been weighing heavy on me that I feel like I am suffocating from it. How can I turn my passions into some kind of reality? I have ton of ideas, but currently I am living in a reality where I am extremely in debt, living with a relative and wanting my own place, working a job that does not appreciate my skills and experience with crappy pay, wanting a man-but knowing I do not NEED a man in my life right now, and most importantly trying to achieve a goal that I know deep down inside is not a dream I dream for myself anymore. AHHHHHH!!!!!

With all of this going on in my head, I came to the conclusion that I need to detoxify my mind, body, and soul.

On Monday, November 10, 2008, I started my 40 day detox. The reason I picked the number 40 was because in the bible it means completion/perfect. Instead of starting January first, I decided to start as soon as possible. In my opinion the number 40 represents a proficiency of time that is long enough or large enough to remove doubt; long enough and large enough to prove God's point.

I just want a greater sense of well being, break some bad habits, let go of past failures and regrets. I know that I will not find all my answers in this period, but I would love to start a new year off at a different place.

I keep/kept fighting myself about taking this route. Nevertheless I knew that I had to do something because I am not happy with anything these days. I have this constant state of anxiousness and fear. I am unsatisfied with my looks (these damn 15 pounds UGHHH), I always feel bloated (because of the horrible foods that I consume), I cannot sleep or I am sleeping my days away, and I am always tired and restless to the point of not wanting to do anything, much less read, work on my business, and/or blog. I cannot keep focus or concentrate on anything except the damn television. Basically I just feel “blah” 24/7.

Someone told me that if I want optimum performance, I will need to put optimum nourishment in my mind, body and soul.

The following things are being eliminated while on the detox:

Limited or no TV

No cold drinks (soda to you city folks) - basically Coca-cola because I drink it like water.

Fried foods

McDonalds (10 piece nugget meal)

Dairy products and sugar

Processed food

Meat (Lord help us all! LOL)

Sex/masturbation

The following things are being included in my life permanently:

Walking at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes

Doing YOGA

Water!!!! - This will be hard because I HATE water.

Meditation

I started off slow. The first week was basically getting a new routine for sleeping. Trying to obtain 8 hours of sleep. Instead of my usually 4-6 weekdays/10-12 weekends. Last week I also started drinking a bottle of smart water a day. Slowly trying to move away from Cokes.

This week is my FIVE day major food detox. Meaning nothing but water, fruits and veggies, maybe some grill fish, limited TV (2-3 days), meditation, yoga, and walking all five days. Today is day one and I miss coke and television sooo much!!!! However it is for the better good.

I will keep you all posted.

So I been thinking........

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I finally know what I want to do with myself and what needs to be done.

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I need to stop procrastinating and go to the counselor.

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I really wish I could move Atlanta to Louisiana. I would have the best of both worlds.

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I am really seeing the true/real side of “mainstream” America. (White people)

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I wish I had my own place!

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I think that every time I voice my view/opinion at work this past week, mainstream America think I do not know how to act since Obama won. LOL! Like I did not have an opinion week before last!!

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I am not challenged at work and it is making it very difficult to have motivation.

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I want to start a non-profit organization.

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I am in love with the website www.43things.com. It’s for anal individuals like myself who have to have “to-do” list. Check it out.

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I am researching schools in order to obtain my Masters/PHD in History. How does Professor QLC sound? LOL!!

The Picture says it all!!!!!

So I been thinking........

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If Obama win, I am not going to work on that Wednesday! LOL!

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Will we even know who the winner is Tuesday night?

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I am scared about seeing a counselor because for some strange reason I feel its conflicting with me spirituality.

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I hope that this recession/depression/bad ass financial situation our country is in helps me out in some way. Maybe....... A foreclosed condo? Is that bad for me to think that way?

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Instead of faithing watching "The Biggest Loser", I SHOULD be the biggest loser! Well 10 pounds lighter.

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Its time to find another place (and an additional place) to obtain a paycheck.

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DAMN I need good credit right about now!!

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During these hard economic times, is it okay to get a suga daddy? LOL!!

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I really need to eliminate television out of my life.

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I am so excited about being a new aunt!!!!