Homelessness isn’t easy…

Today, was somewhat a rough day on me.  As many know I’m the LISC AmeriCorps Housing Support Specialist where I don’t just help with the low income families/individuals but also the homeless.  It is something that is very close to my heart due to the fact that I want time I was homeless myself.  I’m in a position to give back but it’s very hard when the person I’m trying to help isn’t really willing to work at it to get out of homelessness.  Nothing is given for free without some sort of work on the person part.  There isn’t an easy fix to anything.  For example, the government throws money at homelessness thinking that will take care of it only it doesn’t.  Various agencies around the US put some limitation on their services to homelessness which is evident from outreach specialist that I follow on twitter and other social media.

I don’t claim to have all the answers but I could very well be a valuable tool with my experience at one time being homeless.  There are a lot of changes that are needed to fix homelessness across the US.  I think it starts with the actual people themselves that are homeless.  The government and agencies really need to understand the problem before they can fix the problem.  To be able to understand the problem they need to talk to the homeless and they will have a better understanding on homelessness.  Everyday, I’m exposed to homeless individuals and families that I just wish I could help more than I already can but I know I can’t because these individuals and families have to want these changes.  I’m always reminding myself that talking about my experience is a lot easier than when I was actually homeless.

As of right now, I have a potential of four families/individuals on my work plate that I can see in their eyes the determination that dig their self out of homelessness.  We started the process as I have them referred to various programs and etc.  I just hope they understand that I’m their for them if they need something.  This is what I’m great out is helping others and one of the reason I love what I’m doing.

TL

Cold Stone Truth About TL…

I think the blog title of this post explains where this post is going.  Over the past week or so, my co-workers and maybe some of my friends probably thought I’ve been unsociable or not happy?  It’s not that I was or anything but more like I was doing some serious thinking about myself and the things I want to accomplish between now and when I turn 40 in three years.  There are several things I want to do between now and then but before I can accomplish them I have to figure out a major detail about myself.  It’s all good and dandy that I have plans and etc but what good are they if I fizzle out in the middle of my plan?  Like I said, over the last week I’ve been looking back at all the goals and plans I had for myself only to find a disturbing pattern to all my failed plans compared to all my successful goals and plans I’ve had.  That pattern is “accountability”.

“Accountability” is a major role when it comes to achieving goals and life plans.  Without that role, how does one keep them self motivated or continue to fight the good fight when nobody is there for you to turn to or be by your side?  This is what I have noticed about myself.  I have noticed that I start my goals or life plans out like a wildfire only see it fizzle away when I have nobody that is by my side through the process.  Without that “accountability”, there are days that that I need that motivation or the kick in the ass that a friend or workout partner can provide.  In all my successful goals or plans that I have seen through, I’ve notice that this role was present but in the unsuccessful goals or plans the role wasn’t there.  For example, in 2008 after I was diagnosed with diabetes I was able to lose roughly between 80 to 100 lbs.  The strict diet I was on along with the exercising I was doing, my mom and step-dad was there.  Most importantly my step-dad was a big influence on me when it came to exercising.  My step-dad held me accountable everyday when working.  He even joined me in our walking.  Even though his was a faster walker, knowing that he was out there with me made a huge difference in me wanting to do the walk.  Because afterward, we would talk about how that workout felt or why my time was slower or faster?  It was my step-dad that was my “accountability” and got me through the walks.  Another example, is my car IDA program that I started in September 2009 which ended in me getting my car in April 2011.  The “accountability” in this goal was both the Financial Resource Specialist and the rules of the IDA program.  I mean, would I ever been able to save $2000 for my car to be eligible for my 100% match by Brighton Center without the specialist or the goals?  Believe it or not, I wouldn’t have.  I have tried before and failed miserable.  These are just a few of my examples which aren’t very many.  Don’t have many more successful examples to give though.  So, I’m going to continue think about how I can create the right “accountability” to make my goals before 40 to be successful.

What exactly is my “Goals before 40”?  I think that will be the fancy name for my goals.  What do you all think about it?  “Goals before 40” is a plan where before I turn 40 years old, I’m going to accomplish these goals.  Everybody know that when turning 40 its all downhill in life?  If that’s the truth, then I want to have fun because the first 40 hasn’t been anything but fun for me.  So, I want to kind of re-invent myself over the next three years.  But I don’t want to fail.  My “Goals before 40” has three goals to it.

• Goal #1:
• Before or when I turn 40 years old, I want to lose 150 lbs or weigh around 200 lbs.
• That means on average for the next three years, I need to lose 50 lbs per year.  That’s very doable in my book.  It’s not a goal that isn’t unattainable.
• I’m going to need to find a workout partner.  In the past when having a workout partner, I’m very dedicated to actually working out.  I have no probably on a few days to work out alone but I tend to lose focus if its day after day.  But having somebody there I know will hold me accountable.  This is where goal #2 will come into affect.
• Goal #2:
• Before or when I turn 40 years old, I want to get my diabetes under control.
• Which losing 150 lbs will go a long way in helping out this goal.  So, what I’ll be doing to start this goal is looking at two things?
• 1)  Getting educated correctly.  Usually when diagnosed, all the newbie get educated.  I didn’t have the chance to be educated or take any classes when I was in the hospital regarding diabetes. All my education up to this point is me doing the research and filling in the blanks.
• 2)  Finding a diabetes support group.  I’m hoping this will help with the “accountability” role that I’m needing.
• Goal #3:
• Before or when I turn 4o years old, I want to have in my career job.
• First, I need to know what my career job is?  That is one thing I need to find out.  What exactly is it?  Is it staying in the non-profit field which I very much liked for the last two years.  Or is it going back to the technology field?  Is it a combo of the two fields?  Or is it culinary?  Is it photography?  What exactly is it?  Might need to figure this out first before I can start my career job.

These three goals will be a major start to my “over 40” years.  As you can also tell, these three goals basically go hand in hand.  These are very attainable goals to achieve only if I have the “accountability” role in place.  Anybody have any websites or know somebody in the Northern Kentucky area that might be a great resource or person to contact?  If so, please leave a comment here.

In other news about my life, I’ve also been thinking about other aspects of my life the last few weeks.  Here is a small quick update on things going on.

One of them is about AmeriCorps.  It’s beginning to look like I’m going to be doing a third and final year of it.  Well, I have decided that it will be my final year if I do so get a third year.  I’m kind of counting on it.  AmeriCorps would help me greatly to work on my “Goals before 40” plan.  Basically be working with low income families and homelessness along with some new responsibility.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Second thing is that my car is slowly being repaired.  When I bought the car, there were some cosmetic stuff that needed to be fixed.  So, I have gradually been fixing small things.  But this week, I’m going to have my “check engine” light and my “airbag” light fixed.  I’m hoping my car will make it to this Saturday when it goes to the dealer.  I’m having some problems with it currently due to the “check engine” light.  Apparently, my car decided to give me a code of “system to lean”.  This problem started about a few weeks after I had the car.  So, barring no major expense I’m going to have it fixed this weekend.

Well, thank you for reading my whole blog post if you are reading this.  Please leave a comment.  I’m tired of having no comments because I think people don’t want to hear me but it’s all part of the “accountability” I’m talking about.  Feel free to e-mail me if you want.  I’m always looking to meet new friends.  Again, sorry for the long post.  Enjoy your morning and/or night!

TL

A Small and Quick Update…

I’ve been going back and forth on if I should be sitting here right now writing this post?  One minute I do and the next minute I rather be doing something else other than writing this post even though I’m going to be sitting at the computer.  Why do I not want to be writing this post?  Sometimes I feel nobody cares what I write in this blog.  I do have a small set of friends that I do know read this blog.  So small that I can count them on one hand basically.  But I’m happy to be writing this anyway.

It’s official.  I got the official IDA word that I have completed the program and I can start looking for a car.  So, that means I can start looking for my Hyundai Elantra or Sonata that’s some where between $4,000 to $6,000.  But anything over $4,000 I have to try and get a loan for.  Here is what I have to do.  I have two months to look for this car, I have to get insurance, come from a dealership, and if I get a loan, the loan rate has to be less than 11%.  Plus, have to get the car inspected before I get the $2,000 from Brighton Center.  I’m very excited and can’t wait until I find the car I want.  Bring on the cars!

This Thursday, 3/10/2011, I’m going to be heading to my mom’s place to setup up her home network and new computer.  I will be taking off of work on Friday, 3/11/2011 and Monday, 3/14/2011 to have the time to do it.  Why am I bringing this up?  Because as part of our agreement, I get her old computer that I’m replacing with the new computer.  So, I will be adding one more computer to my already large collection of computers I got here at the house.  Yippee!!!!

Speaking of computer, I recently started working on one of my computers idea for one of computers I have here.  As some of you seen from my tweet, I have introduced “Aural Euphoria” to my long list of computers I have.  “Aural Euphoria” is all about multimedia.  She is going to be my music computer where I download music and etc.  She is also going be the computer where I create my videos and podcasts.  Basically, if it’s multimedia, “Aural Euphoria” is going to be the girl handling it.  As of right now, she barely has a leg to stand on to be honest.  I have to do a lot of upgrading to “Aural Euphoria” to get her to a place where I can do all the things I want to do.  So, it will take some time but “Aural Euphoria” will get there.

Also, lately been doing a lot of thinking about life again.  I tend to do this a lot.  I don’t think people or friends really understand how much AmeriCorps have really changed my life.  If I could I would do AmeriCorps for the rest of my life but I can’t.  The max I could would be four years.  But if things go the way it does, I might not be able to do all four years as government is looking to cut it’s budget and AmeriCorps is on the chopping blocks.  Which got me thinking life lately.  Should I start ramping up my job searching machine and start looking?  Am I ready to get back into the workforce?  Is two years of AmeriCorps enough for updating my work experience I currently have?  These are the type of questions I ask myself over and over.  What do you think?  Should I start looking and applying for other jobs?  But it doesn’t stop there for me though.  Also, been thinking that I can do more.  What exactly I’m not sure?  But just have this feeling that I can do a lot more than what I’m doing.  Ever had those feelings?

Well, so much for being short and quick huh?  I guess I better head to bed.  Had serious allergies/sinus problems lately that I' seem to shake away from.  So, I need to get as much sleep as possible to feel refreshed in the morning.  Night and talk to you all later.

TL

Why O Why…

Basically the title of this post says it all.  Can this day get any worse for me?  Maybe I shouldn’t even got out of bed?  I’m very frustrated and pissed off that it’s not funny.  The more I think about it the more upset I get.  Let me tell you…1) In the last few weeks unexpected bills have been coming in.  These bills are putting a wrench in my “getting a car” plan.  Where I should be using money to pay off old debts off my credit report to complete my IDA obligations, I’m paying off these unexpected bills.  Which leads to another unexpected bill today…2)  When to get my taxes done and basically I owe $571 in state taxes.  Yes, you heard me right.  An AmeriCorps Volunteer owes money.  Great!  Basically any money I get from my federal, which is only $184 and from Ohio state taxes, $93, won’t even cover it.  So, I’m going to be forking out another $350 or so dollars.  3)  Now, Kentucky freaking loses.  Apparently they don’t want to play on the road.  So, what else can go wrong?  Can’t wait until this day is over with.

But the good news is though I might have a plan for me to still get a car on time according to my time table.  But I won’t know until Monday when I go into work and talk to a few IDA people to see if it’s possible that I can use what I pay off to the IRS as part of my IDA obligation for paying 30% of my debt.  If I can then I’ll be alright.  If not, I’m going to be a few months behind.  I was pretty sure I’ll have a car by the end of February but now I’m not sure.  We shall see.

TL

Dentist Update…

It’s basically 9:55 am on Friday, 1/21/11, and I was getting ready for my dentist appointment when they called me like 15 minutes ago to let me know that the dentist wasn’t available and they needed to reschedule my appointment.  Throwing my whole day up into air.  But the extraction is still on but for next Friday, 1/28/11, now at 11:30 am.  So, another whole week to get used to the idea.  But now I don’t know what to do.  Should I go to work at the Brighton Center or should I go downtown Cincinnati to find my AmeriCorps co-workers where we are supposed to be doing training all day?  Right now I’m going to go to the Brighton Center where they are very short handed and could use my assistance unless my AmeriCorps people call me and tell me otherwise.

TL

Year 2011: Preview…

So, what does the year 2011 have installed for me?  As I’m sitting here in somewhat of pain from my tooth ache, the first thing I have coming up is pulling of a wisdom and one other tooth on January 21.  You know I’m looking forward for that.  NOT!!!!!!!!  Here are some things that should be coming up this year.  Of course not in any particular order.

1)  Car – last year I saved up my $2000 and this year Brighton Center should be release their part of the deal to me soon.  So, I’m kind of looking for me getting a car around the end of February or beginning of March.

2)  Possibly moving – Even though it’s not far but I’m looking to move into a two bedroom apartment here where I’m already staying.  If I can talk the landlord into the right lease and deal.  I’ll basically be moving next door where my neighbor/good friend moved out.  I’m going to talk to the landlord this week coming up.

3)  Vacation – for the first time in years, I’m looking to take a vacation.  Right now it’s scheduled for May 16 thru May 20, 2011.  In this week, sits my birthday.  Usually I just take my birthday day off but decided to do the whole week because I get a paid vacation from work.  Where I’m going is still up in the air.  Not quite sure yet or I might just stay home?

4)  AmeriCorps – My service year ends in September.  I do want to do another year of AmeriCorps but it has to be like a promotion for me.  So, if I don’t get hired somewhere, I’m planning on doing another year of AmeriCorps. I’m allowed up to four years of service.

5)  My Health – This is always on my agenda every year.  I need to start regulating my diabetes and monitoring my health better this year.  I really can’t afford these medical bills.  So, need to find a way to make myself more healthier.

6)  Visiting my mom – My mom wants me to come down soon to help her setup and transfer files from her old computer to her new computer.  That will probably be my first long trip shortly after getting the car.

7)  Computers – Maybe during this year, I can get some of my other computers back up and running.  So that I can either sell them or put them to use like I planned on using them in the first place.  Plus, I would like to create my own computer case from the plexi-glass that I’ve been saving for years.  Basically I have ideas with each of these computers I got.  For example, I want one computer to hold nothing but my music, movies, and videos files.  Another computer I want to turn into a server so that I can learn how to run a server.  I really have somewhat gotten away from this field.  I need to get back into technology.  It’s what my Master degree is in.

8)  Photography – I want to get back into photography.  This is something I have kind of gotten away from over the last few years.  But every time I hold a camera in my hand, I feel the happiness and my senses coming back to me.  So, one of my computers will be a photography editing computer.  But first I will need to save up for a Cannon Digital SLR during this year.

9)  2nd Job – Since I’m able to get a 2nd job this year, I might just do this to help with paying some of my bills, to save for that digital camera, and help fix my computers.  There is one particular job I wouldn’t mind working and that’s at a movie theatre.  So, I might apply for part time at one near by?

10)  Blog more – Something I want to do more of is blog.  I have a unique life that I can share my experiences with people.  Only if they come and leave comments and etc.  I know I might not be the best writer in the world but I have all kinds of information that it’s not funny and I want to share it.

So, if anybody wants to help me achieve any of my goals, please feel free to contact me.  I’m not always looking for money.  I’m also looking for a mentor in photography, computers, and in life.  I always wanted a mentor but never really got one.  I’m always needing guidance in something.  I’m a great person to be around and etc.

TL

2010: A Year In Review…

This was my first full year of being re-housed since I’ve been homeless.  Even though I was re-housed the last month of 2009, I was able to stay in the same place all year in 2010.  It started out rough for me as I had to get used to the idea that I had a place over my head.  But it didn’t take long before other feelings started to come back to me.  For example, the feeling of loneliness of when I came home from work every day.  But that was remedy later on in the year as I got a roommate.  Even though it’s different, have a friend to talk to is always a plus.  More about him later on in this post.  Year 2010 saw me grow as a person.  I think many of my friends would agree with me.  Even some of them think that being homeless was probably the best thing that happen to me.  Even though I understand where they are coming from, I would have to disagree.  Because I wouldn’t wish being homeless on anybody.  Being homeless is a totally different ball game.  But for me it did something though.  It kicked my determination into high gear.  Want to get motivated, become homeless?  So, what did the year 2010 have for me?  Well, let me tell you.

First, it was AmeriCorps.  Being an AmeriCorps member has did a lot.  I met more people that either are or were in a similar position like I was.  These are people that really are their selves.  No playing game or anything.  The sit down with you and they listen.  They don’t act to be your friends, they are your friends.

Just AmeriCorps alone has done more for me in 2010 than I probably could for myself.  Besides friends, I started job training.  The more I work as an AmeriCorps member, the more on the job training experience I get.  It has helped me update my resume for my job career.  Until September 15, 2010, I was a VISTA member and then switched over to LISC AmeriCorps for this last three months of 2010 where I am currently.   The switch from VISTA to LISC is actually a promotion.  It was more money but more responsibility came with the job.  Also, I’m impacting family lives in my current position.  But don’t get me wrong, as VISTA I was still impacting family lives but only behind the scenes.  For example, it was all about making a method of a program that’s already in place and make it better.  So another words, make it run smoother.  Which I did.  One of the projects took off big times and that was my housing packet.  This packet went out to over 4500 people within the community.  Now, as a LISC worker, I’m impacting family’s lives as I’m working directly with them.  I’m able to give people what they need.  It’s been amazing so for.  I can only imagine what 2011 will hold for me in this area.

Brighton Center is an amazing place.  To have this opportunity to work for them has been humbling for me.  They have helped me in many ways.  For example, they helped me pay off some of my bills so that I had no barrier to worry about when it comes to getting this place I’m currently living out.  They helped pay off my last landlord when I was unable too.  They also paid off Duke Energy bill that I had from my last place.  Plus a few other things.  But I think the biggest thing they helped me with that is immeasurable is the ability to get me to save money.  In 2010, I started my IDA account for a car.  I was able to save up $2000 in which they will match me $2000 to use to get a great car which will come in 2011.  So, budgeting was an important for me in 2010.  They actually got me to budget which I tried many times before.  But still have some problems and a long ways to go before I can say I’m successful at it.  But it’s a start.  Having great co-workers is a plus too.  It’s amazing what one can learn from co-workers at the work place.  I’m grateful for Brighton Center and hopefully I will be hired on as an employee there.

Besides for my work life, other part of my life was enhanced in some way.  My personal life has seen me go out more with friends and do more things that I normally don’t know.  Like going to events that are here in the Northern Kentucky area like wine tastings, motorcycle rally, and do more volunteering.  I was able to visit my mom for the first time in a few years.  I also adopted a family for Christmas as I bought presents for a single mom and her two kids.

Even though it seems that 2010 was all good, it wasn’t.  There were times that I had to deal with something or help a friend or two with a problem.  2010 has seen two of my friends going through a divorce.  Going thru a divorce can and is a tough thing to do.  But having a friend that is always there for them can help cushion the blow some.  One of them is my roommate right now.  He knows he has a roof over his head and a friend to talk to anytime he wants to talk.  The other friend has just started the process the last few months of the year but he will know what to do but until then, he knows he has a friend in me.  Another thing that hasn’t went good for me is my health.  My diabetes are still high but that will change soon though.

You see year 2010 wasn’t the worse or the best but it’s by far since my homelessness the best year I have had and it can only get better for me.  What does 2011 have install for me?  Got to come back when I do my “2011 Preview” post in the next few days.

TL

The New Year is Upon Us…

I know, I know.  We are not only six days into the new year but where have I been for the last few months?  Well, work got hectic, I got sick, then the holidays.  That’s what happen.  Many of you all know I love my volunteer job with AmeriCorps.  Well, things have been very busy for me.  Since I got back from Jacksonville, FL, it’s been non-stop for me at the Brighton Center.  But I love what I’m doing though.  During all the work I have been doing, I get sick with a nasty cold that stuck around way to long.  I think I was sick for like a month before I finally got it out of my system.  After that, the holidays came.  There was basically the month long holiday drive at the Brighton Center.  It is basically three weeks to setup for it and one hectic week of families coming through the Brighton Center.  But the good news is I survived and back online.  Anybody miss me out there?  Happy New Years to everybody out there.  My year in review post will be coming soon.  So, stay tuned…

TL

My word of the day...Vulnerable.

As many of my twitter followers know, I'm currently down in Jacksonville, FL for the LISC AmeriCorps National Orientation Training. This conference is from October 23 to October 28. I'm currently on Day 3 of the training and today was a big day personally from my standpoint. If one word comes to mind today it is "vulnerable". As part of my reasoning to do AmeriCorps is to grow as a person. That means at times, I'm going to have to open myself and be "vulnerable". Guess what? That day was today.

You see today was a session that I was dreading the most which so happens to be my last session of the day. These last day or so, we all heard how we had to dance in this session. This session was all about team building. You all might be thinking "big deal TL". But to me it was a big deal. It's usually something I want to avoid doing in public is dancing. The faciliator did say "if you don't want to do it that you didn't have too." Usually that is where I excuse myself. But I wasn't going to let me. My whole AmeriCorps experience is about "My Personal Journey" and "my growth" into this new TL. So, I reached down deep inside me and told myself that I was going to do this excercise. That mean's I was going to do the "Cupid Shuffle" with my group and I wasn't going to worry about what others think. There is a video of it but as soon as I get my hand on it I'll post it. But doing this session took me out of my comfort zone and in process made me vulnerable as I opened up. People got to see the real me and that is what "My Personal Journey" is all about. Opening myself up and letting others see and at the same time grow.

All my life, I have been staying in my comfort zone. It's time for me to start breaking out of it and start growing. My goal when I'm done with AmeriCorps is to be this new person that both old and new friends won't recognized. I want my old friends to say "I can't believe the change in me" and my new friends to say "they can't believe I was who I was back then". But most importantly, I want to feel better about myself and feel proud of myself. People, I'm going to change and re-invent myself. Either you can come for the ride or you can stay behind. This is going to be the new me. Come with me on "My Personal Journey".

TL

It Is Finally Official…

When I started my AmeriCorps VISTA last year, one of the things that I started was the IDA account.  It stands for Individual Development Account, where basically you save a target amount of money ($2000) and once saved, it will be matched 100%.  Yes, you heard me right.  It’s matched 100%.  But it can only go toward whatever your saving up.  In my case, it is for a car.  So, for the whole year I have been saving my money.  My goal was toward the end of my AmeriCorps VISTA that I would have my money saved.  Guess what?  It’s official…I have reached that goal.  Basically starting next year off right basically, I’ll be buying myself a car with the $4000 that I’m going to be getting.  I barely got on the waiting list as the fourth and only person for the list.  I’m so thrilled and excited because basically this is a huge accomplishment for me.  It is my first time that I actually was able to save toward a goal without taking the money out of the saving account for something else.  Of course, having the rule that if you do take any money out, you will lose any match that you earned.  Now you see what I’m happy?

In other things, my new position has the CFS Housing Support Specialist is off to a great start.  Finally was able to nail down my goals, output, and outcomes for this position.  I’m looking forward working with low income families and/or individuals over this upcoming year.  Next Friday, October 1st, is my first monthly training at the LISC office in Cincinnati.  Excited to see the other workers again at the other places.  Also, my flight is booked for my National training in Jacksonville, FL.  I’m getting an all expense paid trip to there.  If last year’s training was any indicator, than I’m in for a hell of a time this year.  Can’t wait.

My diet is still going strong.  Found out that my food stamps really only cover enough for one week.  So, I have been going off script a little and prepared meals that I normally had on week 1 again on week 2.  But I’m still going at it.  In October I’m going to be working out at a gym.  That is a goal of mine and phase 3 of my master plan.

Well, I guess I’m done for now.  Been coming down with either a cold or I have been having a lot of sinus problems.  Either way, I’m heading to bed.

TL

Exciting Week for me…

Hello everybody!  Long time since my last post.  *lol*  Anyway, today has been a very important first day in what should be an exciting week for me.  All along I have been mentioning that I’ll be making a lot of changes in my life.  This week continues those changes.  I’m excited for this!  As you will see below:

Sunday – September 12, 2010 - Today, was the day I started my diet like I planned too.  Already after one day, I’m seeing results in regards to my blood sugars.  When I woke up this morning, I tested my blood sugar and it was 210.  Since I started back checking my blood, it’s very rare that I got below 200 for my blood sugar.  So, I started my diet this morning as I woke up at 7:00 am and started my day out correctly with breakfast.  Under my new diet, I’m eating three main meals and three snacks in between.  Also, trying to stay within 1300 to 1500 calories per day.  When I went to take my blood sugar before I ate lunch, it was down to 176.  Then before supper it was 157.  It will be interesting to see what it will be in the morning.  Plus, I got a lot of things accomplished around the apartment that I needed to have done that I have been putting off.

Wednesday – September 15, 2010 – This is when I’m officially ending my service year as an AmeriCorps VISTA.  It’s been a great last year for me.  To go from being homeless to where I’m out now, is just amazing and a blessing.  Even though this is two days short of my full year but it is only because I’m starting my new position the following day.

Thursday – September 16, 2010 – This is the start of my new position as a LISC AmeriCorps CFS Housing Support Specialist.  I will be starting my training this day.  I’m so excited looking forward for this day.  It’s another chapter in my ever so changing life.  This will bring me new experiences and challenges for the upcoming year.  Also, this should be the day that I’ll get my big paycheck that will include my end of the year cash stipend on it.  Then I’ll put around $1,000 in my IDA account for my car to reach my target.  Then I should know where I stand on the waiting list to receive the match from Brighton Center.  If I’m one of four on the waiting list then in January 2011, I’ll be buying a car.  That would be a huge get for me.  With this new position, it allows me to take on another major bill which will be car insurance.

But it will mean much more than me just getting a car though.  It will actually be the first time that I actually was able to save money.  Usually in the past, I’ll try to save but only to end up using it for something else.  So, hitting this goal is very meaningful for me.

So, the above things is why I’m so exciting for this week.

TL

My New Job…

Yesterday, I told the world about me getting a new AmeriCorps job and how it is the next step in my work life.  This blog is going to be describing that new job and what I’ll be doing.  Starting September 20, 2010, I’ll be starting my new job as the Center for Financial Stability (CFS) Housing Support Specialist.  That’s a mouth full!  But before I start then, I have a two day training on Monday, August 30, and Tuesday, August 31 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Can’t wait for this training.  A blog about this training will be forthcoming next week.  But my hours are basically the same from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  But since I’ll be going in early, I’ll be starting at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.  This is an AmeriCorps, which means I’ll be getting a stipend rather than a paycheck but it will be a bigger stipend than what I’m getting now.  It’s basically a $7,400 raise for the year.  Yeah, I know but still.  It’s more money than what I’m currently getting but this isn’t about money for me.  It’s about getting on my feet and staying out of homelessness.  That’s what this current job has given me.  This next job I’m doing gives me more experience to get my work life back on track.  I couldn’t be more happier than I am right now about this opportunity.  So, what will I’ll be doing?  Well, follow me as I tell you.

The position description is that the CFS program seeks to help low-income households achieve greater financial stability through an integrated system of workforce development services, work supports, and financial services.  So, another words, I’ll be responsible for connection families to appropriate housing services, seeking out community housing resources, and providing tenant education/counseling services.  Other responsibility includes:

• Assess individuals and family needs in order to determine appropriate type of housing services needed
• Assist customers in applying for appropriate housing services
• Make appropriate housing service referrals and follow up on referrals
• Connect families to community resources such as food, clothing, transportation, housing assistance, and utility assistance
• Jointly develop a housing plan of action with participant to address and meet his/her family’s needs
• Maintain case notes for each customer to reflect his or her plan of action is being followed according to program procedure and guidelines
• Administer monthly tenant education classes
• Provide support to Family Center Case Managers and Resource Advocates
• Work in collaboration with Financial Stability Navigation Specialist, Center for Employment Training staff and Financial Services staff to ensure effective integration of services and customer referrals
• In a regular and timely manner, enter services and data into CFS tracking systems and generate monthly reports
• Participate in trainings and meetings
• Other tasks as needed

I don’t think there is a single job that doesn’t have that last responsibility that is right above this sentence in their description?  The famous “Other tasks as needed”.  No more saying “that’s not in my job description”.  Guess what?  It is!  It just under “Other tasks as needed”.  Got to love that.  This job is going to be a challenge but I’m up for this challenge.  What I will like most about this job is working with the actual individuals and/or families.  So, I can’t wait until September 20 to start this job but there is also another date I can’t wait for either?  That’s October 23 – 28, 2010!  Anybody want to guess what that date will be?  I’ll give you a hint.  It’s going to be another blog post other than the blog post I said above.  To the person that guess, gets free dinner.  *lol*

So, I’m excited and cant wait!

TL

The Next Step…

Today was not only a great day for me but also a very big step in my life goals.  I learned that I got this other AmeriCorps position that I was hoping for.  So, in the scheme called my life, how does this fit in?  See from day one of working at Brighton Center in September 2009, I had a plan to re-work my life.  One thing I knew was that I didn’t want to be homeless again.  I decided that I was going to take control of my life, of course, with Gods help.  Re-working my life would take a lot of effort but one area that I knew I wanted to make a change in was my work life.  Here I am, a 36 year old single guy with a Master of Science in Technology degree and didn’t have anything to show for it.  I took inventory of my work life and came up with a plan.  To start recover from homelessness is actually where you are starting your life all over again.  Of course, you don’t have to go through all the different life stages.

Working as an AmeriCorps VISTA allowed me the necessary time and patience to implement things.  Working as a VISTA allowed me to at least gain both volunteer status and full time experience.  Up until that point, I didn’t have either.  Yes, I volunteered at school and etc but that isn’t the same.  Not only that, working as a VISTA allowed me at the end of my service year to open another area in the job market.  I will get non-compete status in the government job field.  Meaning that the government job market will be open to me.  Also, after working my year as a VISTA, I was able to start updating my experience.  Up until now, my experience was majorly out of date.  So, just for this one year, I was able to gain volunteer experience, full time experience, open up the government job market area to me, gain non compete status, and start updating my experience.  Not to mention using my passion to not only overcome my homelessness but help fight homelessness as well.  Where can I go from here?

Working as as AmeriCorps VISTA allowed me to build capacity within Brighton Center.  So, I couldn’t do that much direct service like working with individuals and families.  VISTA was about me providing a better system for another person to help that individual or family.  Now, I’m going to actually be that person that helps individuals and families as I will be able to do direct service now as I’m just going to be an AmeriCorps.  In the next couple of days, I’ll be doing a blog post talking more about what I’ll be doing.  But off hand I can tell you that gaining this opportunity is huge because it continues my step in my work life in the right direction.  Not only is this job more money, it’s also more responsibility.  Which means more experience for me.  Experience I’ll be gaining is case management.  Not only do I gain that but I’ll also receive entry level experience as this position will be considered.

But it’s not all fun and dandy though.  Between now and September 20, when I officially start this other AmeriCorps position, I’ll have a lot to do from finishing up my current service year as a VISTA to doing orientation on Monday and Tuesday of next week for the new AmeriCorps position.  Also have to check out things regarding my food stamps and how this position will affect that.  I don’t think it will but just want to be on the safe side.

Now, for this real reason, why today was a huge day for me.  I can start researching about buying a car.  This means a lot for me.  With this job, I know now which way to go with my $1200 end of the year cash stipend that I’ll be getting.  Majority of it will be going into my IDA account where I have nearly $1000 saved up.  When I hit $2000 saved, Brighton Center will match me 100 percent.  So, I’ll have $4000 to either buy a car outright or put down a payment on a new or used car.  This job will allow me to take on another major bill which will be a car insurance.  So, probably around the new year, I’ll be driving again.  Plus, it will allow me a few little bills as well.  So, in the meantime, I’m going to go and relax and be happy.

TL

Is AmeriCorps in your future…

As the title suggests, is AmeriCorps in your future?  This blog is going to be about my experience as an AmeriCorps and how it changed my life.  But not only that, it will give an overview of AmeriCorps.  The end results is hopefully after reading and looking into the different AmeriCorps program that you, yourself, will sign up to be an AmeriCorps and serve.  AmeriCorps can make a big difference in your life and could help you gain that valuable experience.

What Is AmeriCorps?

According to the AmeriCorps website, “AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.”  I must say that AmeriCorps has made a big difference in my life and this is my first year I volunteer.  Before I found this, I was homeless, living with friends and out of a car for a year and half.  It was during my homeless phase that a passion was lit under me.  I was determine more than ever to help fight poverty, homelessness, and many other problems facing America or in my area.  As an AmeriCorps member, I’m able to use my skills to “address critical needs in communities all across America” especially in any of the following areas:

• Tutor and mentor disadvantaged youth
• Fight illiteracy
• Improve health services
• Build affordable housing
• Teach computer skills
• Clean parks and streams
• Manage or operate after-school programs
• Help communities respond to disasters
• Build organizational capacity

With my Master of Science in Technology Degree which has an area of specialization in Technology Management and my Bachelor of Organizational Studies with an area of concentration in Information Systems, I knew that I would have no problems doing this volunteer job.  So, after many months of trying to look for a job, I was able to get my current AmeriCorps position “Housing Support VISTA Volunteer” in the area I lived in.

Besides AmeriCorps helping me, I’m helping people in my community to make a difference by what I have created for the community.  Each time an agency uses my tool, it’s making a connection to the families and/or individuals.  Over the last year, I have helped several homeless individuals and families start getting back on their feel either by working with them closely setting goals or by providing them with housing resource for the Northern Kentucky area.  The following are resources I have created and it is disburse to over 4,085 people per month:  (to read more about this project, read my post on Housing Resource Outreach Report)

• Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet – This packet gives individuals and/or families the resources it needs to help find affordable housing.
• Rental Resource Guide – This guide helps individuals and/or families find affordable apartment and housing the Northern Kentucky area.

Benefits of AmeriCorps

Thanks to AmeriCorps, I’m slowly recovering from homelessness.  Volunteering for AmeriCorps has allow me to get back on my feet.  As an AmeriCorps member you will get the following benefits:

• Modest Living Stipend – depending on the area you are serving in, you will get a paycheck every two weeks that will be enough to just pay for your basic expenses.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award - $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.
• Professional Development – During the year, you will attend trainings, conferences, and gain valuable on the job full-time training
• Non-competitive clause – after your year, you will open up a whole new job market area in the government sector and gain a non-competitive clause.

AmeriCorps Programs

AmeriCorps is made up of three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).  I’m currently an AmeriCorps VISTA.  To learn more about these programs, follow the program of interest below:

• Learn more about AmeriCorps State
• Learn more about AmeriCorps National
• Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA
• Learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC

How Do I Join?

Did I convince you to join up and start Volunteering In Service To America (VISTA), for AmeriCorps State/National, or AmeriCorps NCCC?  To search for an AmeriCorps national service opportunity that fits your interests and desired location, click here.  Applications for any position can also be submitted online – all you have to do is create a user profile.

If you need additional assistance or have questions, please:

• AmeriCorps Fact Sheet (PDF) – great facts about AmeriCorps
• History of AmeriCorps – let’s you know the history about AmeriCorps
• Stories of Service – read stories about AmeriCorps members that served and how it changed their lives
• Frequently Asked Questions – still not convinced? 
• Call 1-800-942-2677 – call to ask specific questions you can’t find.
• E-mail questions@americorps.gov – or e-mail AmeriCorps your question.

There are thousands of opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps. Each one provides an incredible opportunity to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you.  So, what are you waiting for?  Tell them TL sent you!  Well, not really.  You can for the fun of it but they will just act like they don’t know me.  *lol*

TL

The Weeks in Review (July 19-30)…

The last two weeks have been very busy for me.  I had a conference in Charleston, West Virginia to attend for work.  The conference was called Faces of Leadership.  A very good conference I must say.  The conference was from July 20-22.  Even though this conference was mainly for West Virginians, it was still great to go too.  Tori, myself, our one other person from our organization were the only three out of state conference attendees.  Which we thought was funny.  Plus, it seemed like it rained every day we were up there.

On July 20, 2010, my office mate Tori and I drove to West Virginia in the morning.  We started at 7:00 am and after a few wrong turns and missed exits, we finally got there around at 11:30 am.  We registered and went to lunch.  Our first workshop was at 1:30 pm that day.  I took a workshop on “Organizing your workspace”.  I very much like the presenter in this workshop.  His name is Timothy Johnson.  He is the President/CEO of Leadership 101.  He is a must see person if you or your organization gets him or has a chance to go to where he is presenting.  This guy is just amazing.  A personal favor of mine.  The second workshop I attended was “Community Partnerships and Linkages”.  Both Tori and I signed up for this workshop.  The workshop was a little confusing because the presenter set up the workshop around the different regions of West Virginia and the organizations within the state.  They worked on problems involving what’s going on in there community.  So, Tori and I had to think of this workshop more as a conceptual and how those concepts would relate to what’s going on here in the Northern Kentucky area.  After these two workshops were over, we had dinner with the West Virginia’s VISTAS that were there at the conference.  Then after that we were finally able to check into our hotel rooms.  We got situated and then Tori and I went out to see the movie “Inception”.  Which is a very great movie.

On July 21, 2010, the second day of the conference.  I slept in on this morning as our workshops didn’t start until 1:30 pm.  I got up around 10 am and got ready.  Around 11 am, I walked over to the Civic Center and walked thru the exhibits that were setup and got several good informational stuff.  Then at 11:30 am, I went to lunch and listen to a great speech by Timothy Johnson.  He talked about it it means to “Lead” and be a “Leader”.  I think I would enjoy working for this guy.  He would be a great leader and be able to inspire me to be great under his supervision.  Then our workshop started at 1:30 pm.  On this day, I signed up for a two part workshop called “Financial Fortress”.  For this workshop it was about implementing a financial piece within your community.  This financial piece was modeled from the Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace.  What I love about this workshop was I’ll be getting the whole financial folder that is used to teach this piece.  One of the reason I decided to take this workshop.  After this workshop, Tori and I went to a local restaurant called “Fifth Quarters Steak House”.  It was a very great steak house.  Tori and I ended up staying there for like 4 hours as we ate dinner, drank a little at the bar, and was outside on the patio talking about different things enjoying the beautiful evening after it stopped raining.  Just chatting away and relaxing before heading back to the hotel for the night.

On July 22, the last day of the conference.  Things switched up a little.  The last two workshops were first thing in the morning basically.  At 9 am, the first workshop I had was “Technology used by West Virginia Youths” was mainly about an E-mentoring program being implemented in the school’s of West Virginia.  It gave various overview of the program and how it will help the state.  I think it’s something we here at Kentucky can used.  Which reminds me I have to e-mail the lady and talk to her because I have yet to hear from her.  The last workshop was “Social Media for Non-Profits”, which was ran by Emily Bennington.  She went over various social media that non-profits could use and ways to use them.  So, it was more of a refresher workshop for me in a way.  Then after this workshop was lunch at 12:30.  They had some kind of entertainment during lunch but Tori and I left right after we ate lunch.  We got back on the road at 1:45 pm and ended up back in Newport 5:30 pm.  We met Amy and her mom at Mokka’s for dinner right at 5:30 pm.

So, basically that was our whole conference and mainly our week at work.  Yes, we had to return back to work on Friday but this conference gave us the necessary rest and energy that we needed for the last month of our VISTA service year.  I have really enjoyed this year of my VISTA service.  Yes, I’m doing it again that is for sure for another year.  More on this later in the month.

As for this last week, July 26 through 30, it’s been hectic.  One of VISTA’s important job is outreach.  Outreach is very important when creating partnerships and working with other agencies.  This week was very busy as Tori and I attended several meetings for outreach.  Not to mention, I started a few new outreach projects with other departments within Brighton Center.  Also, re-packaging the packet that I created.  Plus, I had my first supervision meeting under my new supervisor.  Which I loved very much.  I like when a supervisor gives you ideas and bounce things off you.  So, the 1.5 hour long supervision was just perfect for me.  Then to end the week, I attended the company picnic.  The picnic was a nice distraction.  I played cornhole for three different teams and lost.  I held my own I thought.  But still lost.  But it was good to catch up with employees.  Which leads me to the weekend where it is nothing but rest and relaxation.  Gotta love my life!

TL

HOUSING RESOURCE OUTREACH REPORT

Ever wonder what I do as the Housing Support VISTA for Brighton Center?  Well, read the following report that I just wrote this week about one of my main projects.  What’s funny about this is that my total number individuals I’m supposed to reach for the whole year of my service is 500.  Read my report and see what my actual number is for one month.  Below is the whole report:

HOUSING RESOURCE OUTREACH REPORT

TL Jackson – Housing Support VISTA

7/16/2010

The Housing Support VISTA distributes the Northern Kentucky Informational Packet, which includes the Rental Resource Guide insert, to various in-house departments and partnering agencies throughout the Northern Kentucky community. The four channels through which the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and the Rental Resource Guide are distributed are as follows:

1) Primary Outreach Distribution List – Weekly updates of the Rental Resource Guide and periodic updates of the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet are distributed to 146 community partners. These community partnerships agencies are comprised of, (includes Safety Net members and other community agencies), Family Resource Youth Services Centers, Brighton Center Career Connections, and local libraries. The graph below depicts this breakdown:

The Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide are sent to 58 agency’s contacts (40%), 75 Family Resource Center’s contacts (52%), 11 Career Connection’s contacts (7%), and 1 local library’s contact (1%) on a weekly basis. On a monthly average, both the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide are distributed to a total of 584 individuals (146 community partner contacts x 4 weeks).

The Housing Support VISTA expects this monthly average to continue to grow as outreach continues with additional community agencies and the Family Resource Centers. Recent efforts in outreach to Northern Kentucky Area libraries, churches, apartment complexes, and the One Stop in Covington and Florence will continue to influence these numbers.

2) Community Partnerships Distribution List – Community partners receiving the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide updates distribute this information intra-agency and inter-agency, as well as, directly to individuals and families. Reported monthly averages from 34 community partner contacts out of 146 community partners reveal that Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide are provided to 2944 individuals within the community. In order to determine the full extent of the distribution through these community partners it will be necessary to receive weekly averages from the remaining 112 community partners.

3) Safety Net Alliance (SNA) Website & E-mail List – The Housing Support VISTA distributes the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide for posting on the SNA website at http://www.nkysafetynet.org. Website tracking logs reveal monthly average downloads of 57 times a month. In addition, SNA distributes the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide to their e-mail list of 100 SNA members which accounts for a total of 400 individuals. SNA website and e-mail list distributes to 457 individuals.

4) Brighton Center’s Family Center – Brighton Center Family Center’s staff distributes an average of about 93 Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide to individual and families per month. In addition, Family Center staff stock and distribute 12 Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide from the West End building. This accounts for a total of 100 individuals per month receiving the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide from the Brighton Center’s Family Center. The graph below shows the actual monthly count for the both lobbies since the Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide started being distributed.

In conclusion, 4085 individuals per month receive housing assistance resource information and services by the Housing Support VISTA in the form of Northern Kentucky Housing Informational Packet and weekly Rental Resource Guide. This number will continue to increase as outreach continues to agencies and Family Resource Centers, as well as new partnerships with community partners. Additionally, the Housing Support VISTA plans to identifying new outreach opportunities and improving the outreach system in preparation of the next Housing Support VISTA.

TL

Why am I doing this…

Have been asking myself lately on why I’m doing this blog?  Apparently nobody is interested in me.  That’s evident by the number of people that visit my blog.  Not to mention that nobody leaves meaningful comments.  It’s rough when I’m not getting much attention in my life but even rougher when I’m not getting any attention at all online.  What do I have to do?  People this is me…I’m a shy kid that want friends but it’s hard for me to make them.  My comfort zone is my place where I live.  My only real joy in life is when I’m at work, I’m cooking, or hanging with the very few friends I do have.  Here is a novel idea for you all?  Maybe you should approach me first rather than waiting for me to approach you?  I feel more comfortable when I know it’s ok for me to approach somebody or if they approach me.  When I’m home, it’s very rarely do I turn on lights, or open my blinds.  Invite me out with you all and you might just see a whole different me.  Anyway, just thought I get that off my chest.

So, what’s new with me?  Well, later this month, I’ll be going to a conference in West Virginia on Volunteerism.  Something I’m looking forward for.  It’s from July 20-22nd and I’ll be going with a fellow VISTA/friend, Tori.  I’m excited.  It’s like a mini paid vacation.  Yippee!!!!!  Speaking of work, I know I’m definitely coming back to the Brighton Center for another year.  If it stands as is right now, I’ll be coming back as the Housing Support VISTA again.  But I’m hoping that I’ll be getting somewhat “promoted” I guess you can say?  There is a new AmeriCorps position coming open that I’ll be applying for that I would love to get.  It is more of a direct service in which I want to do.  Should know something in August about that position.  So, keep fingers cross.

In other good news, in less than 4 hours, I’ll be able to cancel two of my cell phone lines.  For the last year or so, I’ve had 4 cell phone lines and only using one of my phones.  So, I’ll be very happy when I can cancel two of them finally.  Been waiting for this to happen in a very long time.  Yeah!!!!!!

TL

Coincidence…

We all heard about the passing of the late John Wooden right?  For the ones that don’t know who he is, he was the UCLA basketball coach from 1949 to 1975.  Over the span of that time, he won 10 NCAA titles with UCLA and a record of seven straight titles including an 88 game winning streak.  Which hasn’t been broken just yet but will probably be broken next basketball season by the Connecticut Huskies Women’s basketball time who are a few games away.  Anyway, John Wooden became basically the everything coach here at Dayton High School in Dayton, Kentucky in 1932.  He was not only a coach but also taught English at the high school as well.  Why am I bringing this up?

How many of you all can actually say that they have walked the halls and live in the same building (possibly, sill doing research) that the Legend himself has walked, taught, and coached in?  I might not have known him personally but its still a big WOW for me.  That’s right people, I possibly could be living in the same Dayton High School, turned apartments, that John Wooden got his first coaching job in his career.  I do know that the auditorium is still here which back in the days could be its gym?  I’m not sure because it’s locked.  Coincidence?  I’m not telling.  But still a WOW!!!!

In other news, I have taken this weekend to re-work some things in my life.  I have decided that I’m going to get back to where I was before I left to come back up to the Northern Kentucky area after my recovery from my cellulites infection.  I’m going to start tackling my eating habit again and get it back to where I was at that time where I ended up losing over 80 lbs doing my time recovering.  So, I’m going to start eating healthier and more smarter.  I’m going to get back on my plan that the doctor gave me back then to follow.  I’m going to be strict on myself again like I was then.  I made out my grocery list, got myself re-introduced to the different carbs choices that I have and will be trying new things along the way.  I need to watch the portion size of what I’m eating and the type of foods I’m eating as well.  I have to eat a balance meal to manage my diabetes.  Also, included in this is do a better job at exercising.  I can’t rely on a magic pill to take care of this for me.  I’m going to have to make this happen for myself and that’s what I’m going to do.  I can’t use the excuse that I was homeless anymore because I’m not anymore.  So, I need to stop making excuse for myself and start doing it.

My job at Brighton Center is going great.  I only have little less than four months left of my service as AmeriCorps VISTA.  Now, I have made the decision that I’ll be doing another year service as a VISTA if I’m asked to by the Brighton Center.  So, keep your fingers crossed that they will ask me.  I’m going to be going to a conference in West Virginia in July.  I’m very excited about this because I’m going with another VISTA person that I have became very good friends with.  Hopefully we stay friends after she moves on from her service.  So, if anybody is looking for a great marketing advertiser or agent, I have a great person for your company.  Hit me up.

Also, got a little bad news last week but its just put a little delay on my plans.  You see, when I started my AmeriCorps VISTA, I got involved in a program called Individual Development Account (IDA).  This program allows you to save money for a big purchase like to purchase a car, a house, or do major renovation to your house.  This account sets a limit that you must save, in my case it’s $2,000, and then once you meet the limit, they will match you 100 percent.  So, for example, once I hit $2,000 which is going to be at the end of my service, it will turn into $4,000.  I decided I will buy a car.  Only a few cons though?  One, you can’t touch that money.  If you do, you have to start over again.  Two, it’s first come first serve.  This is where the bad news comes in kind of.  I was told last week that the money they have set aside for this year has ran out.  Which means, if I do manage to get $2,000, I won’t be paid until they get more money in which is January 1, 2011.  But once I do hit my limit, I’ll go on a waiting list and I must continue to put money into my account.  So, you see it’s more of a delay.  I’m still getting the money but just a little later than I expected.  But as I’m looking at this situation, it’s probably a good thing?  You see, working as an AmeriCorps VISTA only allows me to have one major bill and several small ones.  Right now, my major bill is my rent, with my cell phone bill and electric being my small bills.  I barely have just enough to live in which is less than $50 a month after I pay everything off.  So, I really can’t afford another major bill right now.  So, even if I did receive my $2,000 after reaching my limit, I’ll wouldn’t been able to buy a car right away and the money would continue to be in my account for a while anyway.  So, it’s like a blessing in disguise?

This Monday, June 7, 2010, I’m going to a Cincinnati Reds game at the new Great American Ball Park.  Been a while since I was last there but not for a game.  I was actually working a game though as a photographer but wasn’t able to enjoy the game though.  I’m going with two other co-workers/friends and we are looking for one more person to go since one of our co-worker that was originally going decided not to go.  So, I’m hoping my friend Chris will go with us.  But we shall see?  We are going to a local restaurant called Mokka for dinner before the game.  I’m excited to hang out with some friends after work.  I have been doing that a lot lately these last few months.  It has gave me the confident to do things.  This is what I always wanted to do.

Plus, this week, my friend that takes me home and I are going to stop to attempt to help this homeless lady that we have notice hanging out at the end of one of the ramps here in town on a certain day.  So, we are going to stop and see what we can do to help her and her family if she has any.  She is always out there on a certain day only.  We are going to see if there are anything we can do?  I’m excited to be doing this.  This is what I want to do.  I will definitely give you all an update later this week to let you all know what happened.

Well, I guess I wrote enough for now.  Until later this week, talk to you all later!

TL

A quick update on me…

I’ll be honest, my last few weeks haven’t been all that good for me but to go into details would be a grave mistake for me as it seems when I take about my mistakes people think I’m whining or don’t want to hear about my problems.  But that’s just me.  If you ask “How I’m doing?”, I’m not going to lie and say I’m doing fine when in reality I’m not.  Just because you see me smile, making jokes, and/or laughing doesn’t mean I’m a happy person.  In reality I’m as messed up inside.  These last few weeks my mind hasn’t been shutting off at night when I go to bed.  I just been thinking about stuff way to much.  For example, I’m going to be 36 in May and as I look back on my life, I really don’t have anything to show for it family wise.  I have no kids, no girlfriend or wife, or anything.  Been doing a lot of thinking about adopting but know that is a very long ways off.  Maybe not even feasible with the way my life is right now.  I’m reaching an age where women aren’t looking to start a family.  I want to have a family to give my lovely girlfriend or wife the love they so dutifully deserve.  Every day going to work is a welcome break as it actually occupies my mind but when I’m off work, I cringe and don’t look forward coming home.  I know when I enter my place its where everything starts going downhill for me.  I have nobody to come home to to talk too or no kids running up saying “daddy’s home" and then giving me a hug.  This is a huge thing for me.  I know what you all thinking?  You just need to get out there and talk to the women.  Well, I do and when I’m about to ask for their number or something, something happens.  For example, the other day, I was talking to this girl on the bus and I was about to ask her for her number when some jackass comes up and ask for her number.  Did that piss me off?  But that’s how things for me when it comes to women have been.  I’m just tired of being alone.  Someday I hope I can write about my wife or girlfriend and my kids.  But for the time being, I’m going to be walking alone in single land.

In other news, UK basketball is doing good in the tournament.  With Kansas losing, UK is now the favorite to win it all but UK have a big game Thursday night with Cornell.  All week we have heard about the matchup and the different angles that the media has came up with.  This is going to be a tough game for UK as it will practically be a home game for Cornell.  With Syracuse being just 45 minutes away from Cornell, I’ll be expecting a lot of red and other fans who love to root for the underdog.  If UK gets pass Cornell, they will play the winner of Washington and West Virginia on Saturday for the right into the Final Four.

Also, ended up buying an IPOD Nano finally.  The music has been helping me drown out the thoughts that have been going on and keeping me awake.  As I’m typing now, I’m listening to my Nano.  Plus, I bought an USB wireless adapter for my computer in hopes of being able to piggy back off a neighbor’s signal to get faster internet speed.  Even though I was able too it seems they know somebody has connected to their router as I get kicked off each time I log on.  What’s wrong with people now a days?  Nobody wants to share!  *lol*

I also decided what I’m going to be doing after my VISTA assignment is finished.  My ultimate goal is to get on at the Brighton Center full-time.  It’s a company that I can see myself working for that can best use the skill sets that I have.  If I don’t get on full-time, then I’m going to do VISTA for another year.  This is huge for me to set this kind of goal for myself.

TL

Little Update on me…

I thought I would give you all a little update on me since it’s been a while since I have.  As much of you already know, I basically been volunteering my services with AmeriCorps as a VISTA Volunteer.  I’m currently assigned to the Brighton Center where my one year service ends in middle of September 19, 2010.  I’m currently the Housing Support VISTA.  My job is to provide housing resources to employees of Brighton Center, to the customers or clients of Brighton Center, and other agencies that calls me.  Also, I try and help homeless individuals and/or families housing as well.  This is a full time job and at the end of my time I will be getting federal job experience as well.

I’m currently considering doing another year of this but in a way that depends on Brighton Center.  My end goal is to become full time with Brighton Center.  But if that doesn’t happen I might just do this another year.  Where I’m not sure.  As an AmeriCorps Volunteer I have meet a lot of great people from friends to business contacts.  Also, working as AmeriCorps Volunteer has helped me slowly get back on my feet allowing me to work on the things that I need to work on personally.  As well as getting me full time experience, volunteer experience, and federal experience which should open up another whole job sector for me when I start looking for a job.  At the end of my service, I should be back on my feet better than I was at this time last year.  To work myself back from being homeless and jobless to where I’m at now is a great feat for somebody like me.  I couldn’t be any more excited than I am right now.  So, I’m very happy that I’m doing what I’m doing because it has should me the directions I want to take my life in.

TL