As some of you know, I teach computer classes at an organization that serves women looking to improve their situations by learning a new skill (e.g. computers). I came across this organization following the death of two of my co-workers almost two years ago. I'm on my 3rd class and last night we finished up the keyboarding portion of our course - which means we're a third of the way done with the program! Time seriously flies!!!
Anywho, a common thread among some of these women is that at some point they've been victims of domestic violence. Sometimes they suffer from low self esteem or self worth. They've never had someone tell them that they could do something - they've always been put down. This is where my 750 words comes in.
Think back to a time when you were learning something... say keyboarding. I take for granted that (once we moved to Texas) the schools I attended had computers and we always had a computer in the house (Thanks Dad!) so keyboarding is a skill I never really put much thought into learning. Now, I can type upwards of 75 words per minute.
One reason I'm a stronger typist than others is that I spend a lot of time writing / blogging / etc. So I've encouraged my students to start doing the same. 750words.com is a website developed on the idea of Morning Writings. The thought is that if you write three pages every morning (roughly 750 words) it frees your mind and allows you to think more clearly for the rest of the day. The added bonus is that if you're learning to type, you can get practice and comfort typing to your little heart's desire.
The thing I L O V E about 750words.com is that it is completely private - unless you change the settings. They also give you fun statistics (nerd alert) about your writing and who doesn't love getting into their subconscious? The only downfall at this point, is that they're going to a paid only subscription to assist in offsetting the cost of running the site. It is very modestly priced but my point is that even if you don't use this particular platform - getting those pesky thoughts out of your head every morning really helps you become a more productive and creative person.
Give it a try. You never know what you might find out about yourself. Even if it's just that you improve your typing speed :)
In my profession (even as it's morphed over the years) I'm always meeting new people. People are fascinating.
But what I love is the stories we take away at the end of the day.
Just think, without people, you wouldn't have:
1. Awkward 1st date stories
2. Lessons to take with you on that next job, relationship, purchase, vacation, day in court (lol)
3. Entertaining stories to tell at cocktail parties
4. A kick-ass stand-up routine
5. Finally, who could do without those stories that are so crazy - they bond us together.
I love that people - all kinds of people - make the world go round. Without them, I'd laugh WAY less than I do now :)
As I mentioned yesterday, I participated in the 2013 Tarrant Literacy Coalition Corporate Spelling Bee along with my fellow teammates from Mayor Betsy Price's young leader initiative SteerFW.
We came in 9th.
We were one of the last 2 teams on our "side" of the stage (out of 11)!
I'm proud of our team. I'm also proud that we didn't know the word gallimaufry - which I had NEVER heard before yesterday. In case you're like me, and didn't have a freaking CLUE what the word meant it means: hodgepodge.
My first inclination was to think: why not just use the word hodgepodge? but that's not what spelling bees are all about.
Now, let's talk about our costumes! We were the "Stellar SteerFW Spellers". Originally, we wanted to have an aviation theme, but since Lockheed Martin was also participating, we went starry. As you can see - we mean business! Shelly (on the right) was gracious enough to raid Party City for all of their star-themed paraphernalia We got so many compliments and comments on our costumes - it was well worth it.
I'm participating in a Corporate Spelling Bee for the benefit of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition and I fear I'm in over my head.
The competition is tonight, I've studied (yes, I use that term extremely loosely), I've worried, I've quizzed, I've indulged in spelling juice (aka wine). Now the time has come for me to bite the bullet, get up in front of a ballroom of professionals and leaders in my community
and make a complete and utter ass out of myself.
Yes, friends. I'm probably the most nervous I've been about an activity in quite some time. I've spoken to crowds, performed in plays, played an instrument, sang both alone and with a choir - but today I'm a little north of mortified.
Did I mention, I'm on the team sponsored by Fort Worth Mayor?
Did I mention that last year her team came in 2nd place?
Did I mention, I'm the team captain?
Did I mention, I have a SEVERE ISSUE with saying No?
Okay, well with all that - it's time for me to leave work and go get ready (Did I mention, I'm wearing a costume?). Yes it's all in good fun. Look for the horrifying evidence photos tomorrow.
Oh and if you're looking to contribute to a worthwhile organization that believes in parading community members around and making fun of them through spelling, might I suggest Tarrant Literacy Coalition? :)
A couple of weeks ago my employer held a benefits fair. All sorts of banks, insurance companies local businesses and doctors eagerly showed up to share with my fellow employees about how great and wonderful they are. I go for the free stuff. I'm not even trying to front. I usually get a couple of work toothbrushes, some fun crap giveaways and a bunch of business cards I don't want or need (it would be rude not to take them, right?!).
As I was going down the last aisle, I noticed a brochure for food intolerance testing. I have a good friend that did an elimination diet (and as seen all over Pinterest and Facebook) Ain't nobody got time for that! so a blood test seemed perfect for a lazy-ass like myself. A quick call and I was in the next week.
This doctor claims he can cure everything that ails me (including a couple of auto-immune disorders) and get me off all of my prescription medications in 12 - 18 months. I'd be crazy if I didn't take him up on it, right? So here I go. Setting off on the journey of eliminating (probably) everything I've ever loved from my diet. BUT the prospect of feeling good (not even great) regularly is an enticing carrot. I can do anything for a year, right?
I will chronicle my journey on my other blog: jennewilson.wordpress.com
Come on over and see how I'm holding up!
I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with my head chopped off (hence the headless chicken title).
As you loyal 5 readers know, I've recently changed jobs and with that change, the broken hip 2013 and all the fun that 2013 has stressed blessed me with so far I feel like I'm drowning a little.
At least it's Friday and next week is Spring Break, right? Oh wait, I have to work this weekend and I don't get days off for spring break.
Calgon, take me away!
Happy Spring forward weekend, y'all!
I feel like I've been around the block. By no means am I a "worldly" individual, but working in customer service and business development for almost 20 years has given me a view of people that I am constantly stunned by, ashamed of, awestruck by and grateful for at the same time.
I've been the only white person at events.
I've been the only woman at events.
I've been the shortest person
The only dark headed person
The only one without my ears pierced
The only one without a date
The only one without a hubby
The only one without kids... need I go on?
I understand that it takes a certain type of person to survive (much less thrive) in those types of situations - but anger, ignorance and name calling is not a solution. There are groups of people in the world (hell in our back yard) that have views I think are the most abhorrent ideas ever thought of. It disgusts me to think that these people spew their intolerance and hatred among themselves, much less to others, but I have to ask: Will disagreeing with them and calling them names make them change their minds?
Um, No.
Hate begets hate
Anger begets anger
Name calling begets name calling (and makes you sound like a kindergartner)
I believe we are all entitled to our own opinions, whether or not I agree with your opinion or you with mine is not the point.
It's how we handle ourselves in the disagreement that defines us. Today, I am reminded that maybe we haven't come as far in race relations as I had hoped.
One thing remains true though, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity for hope, understanding and tolerance.
Anywho, a common thread among some of these women is that at some point they've been victims of domestic violence. Sometimes they suffer from low self esteem or self worth. They've never had someone tell them that they could do something - they've always been put down. This is where my 750 words comes in.
