Uneventful Week…

Well, this last past week really didn’t bring anything that exciting until around Friday evening when I viewed an apartment in Dayton, KY.  I will know more about if I get it either Monday or Tuesday.  I saw a one and two bedroom.  I’m going to call Duke Energy on Monday to see about what the monthly average electric bill was for the previous owners.  Other than that, my week wasn’t really all that eventful.  But this upcoming week is going to be very busy as I have my days packed with appointments to see families for the HEARTH program that the Brighton Center is starting.  I’m going to be collecting a lot of documents and making sure people are eligible.  Not to mention be hearing back about the apartments.  Plus, I will find out what I will get from Brighton Center for housing.  Other than that, I’m not expecting that much to happen this week though.  But I’ll let you all know.

TL

One of My Best Week…

It’s going to be hard for me to explain my feelings on how this week was for me.  This week was very huge for me both from work and personal life perspective.  It’s been now one month since I started working at the Brighton Center as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer.  According to our manual this is supposed to be about the time that we are supposedly start second guessing our self about joining AmeriCorps and possibly be over our heads at the job.  Well, I’m totally the opposite as I look back.  I can’t even be more happier about my decision to join AmeriCorps and do what I’m doing now.  As I’m typing this blog up, I really think doing this was one of my better decisions I ever made.  Just got to keep up the great work I’m doing.  But since I made the decision to become an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer, nothing but good things have been happening to me.  And I don’t mean good things but good things as in getting back on my feet.

This week alone, several things are happening in my life.  On Monday, I was able to get my IDA Orientation done one on one with the person in charge of the IDA program.  Then on Tuesday, I opened up my IDA Savings Account with the Bank of Kentucky with $100.  I have decided that each time that my paycheck gets direct deposited into my checking account which I opened last week that I’m going to put $100 into my IDA account.  So, that means that every month I’m going to be saving $200.  The minimum that I can put into the IDA account is $25.  Once I saved $2000, the Brighton Center will match that same about meaning I will be getting $4000.  I had a choice on how I was going to spend that money but I decided to use that money to buy a car.  But first I have to save $2000 before that happens.  I decided to go with $100 a month because I can but I will probably have to adjust that when I find an apartment.  But I will probably know more or at least become clearer after next week when the HEARTH Program starts which I’m hoping that I will be eligible for.  But for now I will continue to put in $100 per direct deposit that I get.

On Thursday, I went to my last of two finance class that I have to attend which now means that the counselor that taught the class can pull my credit report and I can start repairing my credit.  Not only is the credit repairing is critical but I will start learning on how to create a budget and keep to it.  Which is another huge reason why I went with AmeriCorps.  I knew once I was with Brighton Center that I could take advantage of these programs that were offered to become a better me and start the process of getting back on my feet.  So, I’m thrilled on how things are going for me in the financial department.  Just have to keep the momentum going that I have created.

Other things also happened to me this last week.  Some of my old bills got paid by the Butler Foundation.  I’m very grateful of the people from the Butler Foundation that took care of those three bills.  The three bills were my old Duke Energy from my last place was paid off.  My damage bill from my last place was paid off as well.  Then my past cell phone bill was paid off as well.  As many of you all know, I didn’t have cell phone service for about the last month.  But on Wednesday, my cell service was paid which meant I was able to get my cell service back.  Also, on Friday, I received the other two cell phones from my friend Michael.  So, now I have four phones and lines which I’m only using one of them.

Now, all the above mentioned things was just about my personal life.  Let’s talk about my work.  I couldn’t be more happier about work than I am right now.  The things I’m doing is what I really want to be doing.  I just can’t believe it took me this long to figure it out but at least I have figured it out.  Now I know where I want to go in my life.  Over this next year, I’m going to be doing some more personal growing as I try to get as much training as possible for what I want to do.  One of my goal is to start a non-profit organization to help fight poverty.  This goal is probably why I’m always so happy when I get to work and get ready to work.  I just love what I’m doing and can’t wait to see the end product.

Then as I was coming home today from work, I was wondering how could things get any better for me as things were this week?  Well, can you all believe that I forgot what happens tonight?  I actually did!  Tonight was the first official start of the NCAA College Basketball teams can practice.  Which of course means just one thing?  BIG BLUE MADNESS!!!!!!  Do I need to say any more?  I was actually able to watch it on the internet.  I’m so excited for UK this year.  But not because we got rid of Gillispe but because that excitement is back and I can’t wait to watch that excitement!  GO CATS!!!!!  So, what a perfect way to end a great week by watching my all-time favorite sports team, THE KENTUCKY WILDCATS!!!!  Or should I say the 2010 National Champions Kentucky Wildcats?  Actually, I’m thrilled and can’t wait for the season.  I want to see how Calipari will blend this team together with 6 newcomers and 7 returnees?  I want to see a “team”.  Calipari is right that it’s “one heartbeat…if this team can become one heartbeat, they will be unbreakable and unbeatable.”  Can’t wait until the exhibition games to really see this team in action before I will make a prediction on this season and some of the players.  But couldn’t think of any better way to end this great week than to watch the BIG BLUE MADNESS!!!!

TL

In the Right Direction…

This week for me was a very exciting week for me.  On Thursday, October 8, I started my growing experience.  This night was just one step forward for me as I start my trip getting back on my feet.  I went to a Budget class that is just one of my two classes that I must attend before I can start getting one on one financial help.  That is something I need help with is my finances.  So, I can’t wait until I get the second class done this Thursday coming up.  That’s when I can get my credit report pulled and also start creating a budget.  So, getting this help will be great.  After that I have attend an IDA orientation that will get me started saving money.

Another big step for me was on Friday, October 9, I was able to re-open a bank account.  I have been without a bank account for about 8 months.  After 15 years of being with Fifth Third and giving them one last chance, I decided it was time for me to change banks.  So, my new bank is “The Bank of Kentucky”.  It’s a big step again in the right direction.  This will now allow me to get my living allowance from AmeriCorps deposited directly and get it a much earlier than waiting for the actual check in the mail.  Another good thing that could help me is that the Bank of Kentucky is a little stricter than Fifth Third.  So, it will help me be better at managing my money.

Also, another step is my social life is starting to take off again as well as I was able to hang out with my friend Chris and Mark as I played some Magic the Gathering game for a few hours.  Then on Saturday, I meet up with my other friend Bret and hung out for a few hours.  I had a great time with him and my other friends.  So, all of this is a great direction to be heading for me.  Let’s keep this up!

TL

Just one of those days…

Just like the title says, it really was!  My day started out on the wrong foot and ended on the wrong foot but there was some good news sandwiched in between though.  Apparently, in downtown Cincinnati thought they needed a motivational speak but it didn’t work as it made me late by 50 minutes.  Stupid traffic that was chaotic had Cincinnati backup big times.  Should had just walked across the bridge like I normally do but decided to test out the Shuttle Tank rides.  Did that backfire on me?  Anyway, when I did finally get to work, I learn that I didn’t get my paycheck but did get information that the Butler Foundation is going to pay my back bills.  Therefore, I’m going to get my cell service back, along with being able to get utilities in my own name as well.  So, I’m excited about that.  Then, on my way back home, the bus that I was on almost got hit by a car.  After finally getting off the bus to start walking home, it started to rain.  What a perfect ending to a pretty messed up day basically huh?

TL 

Week 2 came and went…

Week 2 was here and now it’s gone.  Where do the days go when you are having so much fun working?  I’ll be honest, in the last year and half the days went by so slow that I would actually forget what day it was.  Now, the days are flying by again.  But you know what?  I love it!  Getting back to work is huge for me.  It makes me feel like I’m a part of something again.  This last week’s highlight.

Mainly this last week, I had several appointment with different program coordinators that run different programs for Brighton Center.  All the appointments were very useful to me as I came away from them with better understanding of the programs and with tons of valuable information that is vital for my success in the job I’ll be doing over the next year.  Out of the 17 program coordinators that I have to meet with, I have already met with 6 of them.

Also, during the week, the new project that I was asked to take over re-launched with a new face lift as I reformatted the apartment listing that is used for our customers that are looking for apartments and houses to rent.  I was also able to target a certain website that could benefit this project big times.  I have that meeting this week coming with the owner of the website.

On Wednesday, I had a luncheon to attend and my vegetable salad was a big hit.  I was hoping to have some left over so I could eat it for lunch during the week but it wasn’t meant to be as it was all ate up. 

On Friday, I had the New Hire Orientation that I had to attend.  It was 4 hours of information about the history of the Brighton Center, the different programs within the program, and some great Papa John’s pizza!  It was at this orientation that I was able to find some key piece of information that I will need to make my year long service a success.  I was able to find a way to gather landlord’s name and address without having to send out letters and etc.  Now, I just provided more work for myself.  Which I love to see happen to me!  The more work I do, the more successful I’ll be in life and at my job!

Outside of work, I did a few things but not much really.  It’s very tough to be able to do anything when you have a 2 hour trip to get home.  So, 4 hours total a day on the bus really doesn’t help your life outside of work.  But on Friday, I was to catch up with my friend Chris.  We went to get Chinese food and then went to see GI Joe.  What a great action movie it was.  Can’t wait to see what they will do with the second movie!  Other than that, I really didn’t do anything outside of work during the week.  I love having the weekend off!

So, what’s going on this upcoming work week #3?  Well, I still have program coordinator’s appointment during the week.  I have a meeting with a website owner on Monday.  Along with meeting with my supervisor.  Another meeting about customer service task that might be required of the Vistas.  Will know more about this on Monday.  I have to update the apartment listing on Wednesday.  Also, have to figure out the best method of reviewing information out of files to be put into a database regarding landlords.  Plus, I have to setup a few appointments as well, review a lot of information, and whatever else comes about during the week.

Outside of the work week, there are some major things going on.  I’m going to be starting to work on my personal life starting with budgeting.  This week on Thursday, I have a budgeting class that I’ll be attending.  These classes are required for me to attend if I’m planning on participating in the IDA program.  Also, will be finally getting a checking account back after not having one for the last 6 to 7 months.  Just waiting on my 1st paycheck this upcoming week to come in.  Then I also will be viewing an apartment this week as well.   So, as you can tell things are starting to look back up for me and I can’t be more happier!

TL