It’s Here…

As I’m about to head to bed for the night, I’m excited about what’s I’m going to be waking up too.  It’s going to be a day of pampering for myself that will end up in Rupp Arena as Chris and I are going to be going to the UK Basketball game Monday night.  I’m looking forward for this game.  It’s going to be my second game that I have seen at Rupp.  So, I’m excited.  But before we get to Rupp Arena, there are a few errands that I’ll have to run Monday.  These errands made me take a day off of work.  But I must say that I definitely needed a day off.  But I must say I love working at Brighton Center so much that even though I have a few errands to run and the game in the evening I had a very hard time deciding if I wanted to just take the morning off and coming in for a few hours to just work and then head to Rupp.  But after asking several people, I decided to take the day off after my supervisor basically made the decision for me.  Even right now, I still think I should go in and work for a few hours.  Go figure?

As for my last week, it was very busy at Brighton Center.  With the recent food donation drive we had, it was busy everyday as people continue bringing in food.  Also, I had to make a few trips with Bear Clifton to a few companies during the week to pick up food donations from the companies employees.

Also, I learned about my HEARTH case.  Looks like United Ministries is willing to give me one month of assistance for me to move into a place.  But then after that month they will re-evaluate to see if I need anymore assistance afterward.  I’m hoping to get between three to six months of assistance.  Not just one.  But as of right now, they need to inspect the apartment that I picked up and then fax a letter over to the apartment people.  Then the apartment people will either approve me or denial me.  So, I’m hoping to get in by December 1st.  We shall see.

TL

Brighton Center’s Food Donation Drive

On Friday, November 6, 2009, I witness something that I never saw in my whole life and that was a community coming together to help out the Brighton Center.  All day, I saw our volunteers coming in and out with carts full of food.  It was just amazing.  Also there was WLXT doing a story about the shortage of food in our food pantry.  Let me just tell you all now that lonely box of cereal isn’t alone anymore.  I want to thank everybody in the community.  It was just amazing seeing carts after carts coming in.  Great job community!!!

TL

If I was a weather person…

The best way I can explain this last week was if I was like a weather man.  Maybe that is what I should had dressed up as for Halloween?  If I was a weather man, I would probably call this week like this.  High possibility of bad news with a sprinkle of good news over the week.  The bad news mostly came in form of this new program I’m helping out with called HEARTH.  Several people we are submitting for this program is being denied.  Therefore, it took a lot of me because some of these people really needed the help that this program would had provided.  But this is the same program I have applied for as well.  Even though the good news is that I was approved for the program, they decided that it would be a conflict of interest for the Brighton Center to be my case manager.  Therefore, moved me over to United Ministries.  What does this mean?  A lot because Brighton Center was going to work several things out for me.  Now, I’m going to have somebody at the Brighton Center to call United Ministries and talk to them so I can get the necessary help that I needed and that they were going to give me.

Now that I have been approved for that, the next good news come on Friday as well, when I was told by the apartment people that I put in my application in with last week, told me that if I do get the type of assistance from the HEARTH that I would be able to rent the 1 bedroom apartment.  Otherwise, I won’t be able too because they are concern with how much I’m bringing in money wise.  So, this week I’m going to have a few people call United Ministries to talk to them.

Also, I got some very good news.  I was offered some tickets to a Kentucky Basketball game this year.  A friend and I are going to be going the November 16, 2009 game against Miami University in Lexington.  I’m so pumped.  This will be his first time at Rupp and my second time to see a game.  But I love UK basketball.  I’m so excited to see this year’s team and to top it off, it will be Walls first game back.  So, I’m stoked!!!!!

TL

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

First Week Came and Went…

As everybody by now knows, I started my year long volunteer job with the Brighton Center.  I’m the Housing Support Vista Volunteer.  My main job for this year is to work on creating a resource list that is full of housing information from agencies around the Northern Kentucky area.  Plus, I’ll be creating a tracking system on how these agencies use this resource list and what they think about the resource list.  That is my main goal for this year.  Other things I’ll be doing is helping Brighton Center counselors with any help in regards to housing.  This first week was very information packed!  My first task is to meet like 17 different program coordinators to help me better understand the different programs that Brighton Center has but also let them know who I am and see what I can do for them during my year service.

So, in this first week, I had a lot of information given to me and I also read a lot of information.  Already did a few things like reformatting the apartment listing and working on another document that they wanted reformatted.  Plus, I started setting up appointments with the different coordinators that must be done by the end of October.  Been reading a lot of information about Brighton Center and the programs they offer.  This upcoming week is going to be as busy because I already have something like seven meetings all this week and more to come.  Not to mention continuing to get the computer and office the way I want it.  I’m very much going to enjoy working there.

Now on the TL’s front, things are going pretty good.  My mom would be proud of me because I’m using a gift that she gave me a long time ago when I graduated with my bachelor degree back in 2002.  She gave me a briefcase that I have mainly been using to carry odds and ends things whenever I move and then it sits in the closet.  Really didn’t have anything to really use it for until now.  So, I have dusted it off, re-organized the inside, and stuffed it with work from Brighton Center.  Are you proud of me mom?

I have to start acting and looking professional now.  I guess I better look and act like one?  My friend Chris commented on how professional I sounded on the phone.  Not to mention I have been taken steps to keep myself more professional and making sure that I don’t get any complaints similar to the ones I did at other jobs.  For example, where I’m currently staying here in Delhi, it takes me two hours to get to work.  I get up at 5:30 am every weekday morning.  I walk from the house to the bus stop on Delhi Pike to wait for a bus.  That is maybe a quarter of a mile if that.  Then I take a 40 minutes bus trip downtown to Government Square in Cincinnati.   Where then I walk from there to Ann Street in Newport.  A very long walk (roughly 45 minutes) but I love it.  So, as you know, I’m a big person that sweats a lot.  Well, now I’m not wearing my work shirt but I’m carrying it with me in my briefcase.  Plus, I have deodorant and cologne in my office now.  I didn’t do this in the pass.  So, when I get to work in the mornings, I go and change my shirt to a clean shirt and reapply deodorant and etc.  That way, I’m hoping it will help me eliminate the complaints I got at the other jobs at this new job.  This is all part of me trying to work on things I know I need to work on.  But I do this walk twice a day and I love it!  But with winter coming won’t be doing it that much though.  Hopefully not at all as I’m trying to get housing closer to the Brighton Center.

Which brings me up to the next thing which is housing.  I took a step toward gaining a new place to live this week as well.  Just waiting to hear that it has been accepted.  I filled out my Butler Foundation paperwork today.  If they get accepted then it’s in a positive step toward gaining a place.  As of right now, even if I did find a place to live, I wouldn’t be able to the utilities into my own name because I owe Duke Energy, and my last landlord money.  This could keep me from getting my own place.  What the Butler Foundation does his it will pay off those past bills if they accept it.  So, in doing my paperwork, we also added my cell phone bill.  So, hoping that all three of these bills get paid!  Keep your fingers crossed.  Once I know about those, then things really open up when it comes to finding housing because not only will those bills be paid off, I’m also available for the Hearth Program as well.  The Hearth Program will pay for my rent and/or utilities for up to a year.  So, that is another huge help on my part.

Wow, look how much I wrote?  I guess I bored you all enough for now.  I’m trying to get more involved in writing sooner rather than having a long wait between blogs.  Keeping praying for me and call me if you know my number!

TL

The Time Has Come…

It has finally arrived.  T-minus 14 hours until I start fighting poverty.  I can’t wait to enter the work field again.  I’m going to get the experience I need over the next year as I become a new me.  So, what isn’t there be excited about?  Over the next few week, I will start to gradually continue getting my stuff out of storage.  Tomorrow night I will start with my clothes.  Since I’m starting to work I need more choices than what I currently have.  Then when I get my new apartment, I’ll get the rest of my stuff.  I really miss my computers and some of my stuff.  But more importantly I’m thrilled to be working again.

TL