JenOni

Archives for April 2016

Planning – What I Accomplished?

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Planning for the unexpected.    Losing a job is never welcome news however I feel all experiences are a valuable lesson of some kind.   My last day at my previous job was May 30th.  I stayed in my last position for a year but feel I learned more in a one year than the last twenty years of working.

I used the time to focus on all the things I had put off in the last year to get my HOUSE in order.  In addition to my goal setting and planning I continued to look for a new position.   As I prepare to start a new job on Tuesday,  I thought about some of the things I have accomplished in 3 months.

Planning -Things I Accomplished in 3 months

  1. Updated resume with wonderful assistance
  2. Had real conversations with my kids
  3. Created an office space/organization station in apartment
  4. Secured medical and dental benefits for the me and the kids
  5. Took an online programming course via Khan Academy, I still have to finish but it was fun to learn something completely new.   We are never too old to learn.
  6. Consulted with a financial expert on debt elimination and credit restoration
  7. Educated myself on my rights as a consumer with debt
  8. Reviewed my credit report from all three credit bureaus, updated credit report with consumer statement and corrections.  Yes you can do this on your own without hiring anyone.
  9. Sent cease and desist letters to creditors to stop communication via phone and mail
  10. I found a monthly budget template to control and monitor my spending
  11. Finished lining kitchen shelves, sewing project,  and reupholstering chairs
  12. Worked with Danyelle Little at The Cubicle Chick to give my blog some SIZZLE as she says
  13. Attended my first blogging conference in NYC
  14. Finished some odd jobs in the apartment without hiring someone
  15. Completed kids’ back to school shopping
  16. Planned a momcation for my birthday, TBD
  17. Unpacked some boxes from our move in last year
  18. Learned FEDEX store will shred documents for $.99/lb, saved on buying a shredder
  19. Watched some great movies on Amazon Prime and HBO Go
  20. Had fun working on social media platforms and connecting with people
  21. Trying my hand at designing for my blog  as well as vlogging
  22. Planning and organizing for back to school and meal planning
  23. Getting all appointments scheduled for kids
  24. Visiting the city with kids for some fun activities
  25. NEW JOB!!!!!!!

 

Lesson Learned, use all of your time wisely for the purpose of a BETTER YOU!  Work to Live and Live to Work! Where do you stand? My favorite video with the best PERSPECTIVE!

 

Fitness: TRX (Total Resistance Exercise) System for In Home Workout

My return to my TRX for my in home fitness.  I’m still holding out to buy the Peloton cycle so until then I am switching back to using my TRX.

 Fitness: Week 11 of using my TRX Update

Some  things I learned in 11 weeks:

  1. Adjusting the straps for specific exercises
  2. How to challenge me with proper positioning
  3. Proper form while completing each exercise
  4. Improved endurance
  5. Muscle definition

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I will admit it is a GREAT way to challenge your body. When you first look at the bands it does look challenging however over time it gets easier. I found a great video on YouTube to get started as a beginner. The video was excellent for my initial 4 weeks. My progress is evident after 4 weeks in terms of my form and endurance. The video is at RealFitTv and you can move at your own pace. I was able to finish 2 sets in my first four weeks but I will say I am ready to progress to 3 sets.

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The only confusing part with using the TRX is the length of the bands. There are three different lengths: short, mid-length(marks on the band) and long. Also, there is the mid-calf length as well if you are doing exercises from the floor.   I will also let you know that using the TRX with feet in stir-ups is an exercise challenge.   This will definitely take some time to perfect.

I a found a video on Shape.com to set-up TRX at home

 

This is another home workout using your TRX.

 

Reading: My First Book of the New Year-Growth & Development

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Reading: Personal Professional and Positive The 30 Day Challenge by Danyelle Little & Telie Woods

One of my goals for the new year is to read more books that are focused on personal growth and development.   This is my first book and I wanted to share some of the key points I learned after reading.   The best part of the book are the key areas and how they are divided into specific areas of focus.  Each chapter provides real-life examples, key action items, and motivational quotes.   I plan to incorporate the valuable action items to assist me with living a more positive and fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

Personal

  1. Take time for you
  2. Make unplugging a necessity
  3. Remove things from your life that stunt your growth
  4. Find ways to destress
  5. Sleep is essential, develop a routine each night
  6. Stay focused
  7. Writing is good for the soul and a visually way to capture thoughts
  8. A positive perspective is everything
  9. Capture moments with those you love
  10. Find your passion

 

Professional

  1. Give 110% in everything you do in your professional environment
  2. Be a positive model for others to emulate
  3. Always let your actions proceed you
  4. Do not get caught up in anything that is counterproductive to your progress
  5. Find effective ways to improve and deliver solutions
  6. Develop your skills to position yourself to train and mentor
  7. Organize a support group with varying levels of expertise for success

Positive

  1. Acknowledge positivity in your daily walk
  2. Organize, Organize and Organize to minimize stress; make it a monthly ritual
  3. Be an active listener
  4. Take time to relax, release and let go
  5. All good things come in time
  6. Do not let your past define your goals and objectives
  7. Always make it point to extend yourself to others

Sports: My Brown Girl and Lacrosse

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Sports: Playing Lacrosse

This year  my daughter wanted to register for one of the sports leagues- her choice,  lacrosse.    Who knew lacrosse required so much equipment with  a hefty price tag.  Her equipment is definitely more than she required for soccer.  We were in the lacrosse store for about twenty minutes and the haul included a stick, goggles, mouthguard, and cleats.

My Brown Girl

One thing that struck me is when my daughter said I’m the only black girl.  I never want her to feel being the only brown girl is in any way a disadvantage.   This spoke volumes to me because I want her to always to after her dreams, goals and interests.   My response to her “you can become the Misty Copeland of Lacrosse”.

Because of Her She Can…

I always like to direct her attention to trailblazers who have paved the way for those who are following.    The main reason for us watching,  Black Girls Rock on BET.     It is so important for me as the parent of a brown girl to always encourage and inspire her to be the best.   I want her to know she can do whatever her heart desires while I stand on the sidelines as her cheerleader.

One silver lining to this experience was reaching out to Jazmine Smith of JazmineSmithEnterprise/EyekonzSportsLeague.   This is a field hockey and lacrosse league for girls of color.   It was such a pleasure to connect with Jazmine especially when I learned she grew up in our area played lacrosse, basketball and ran track.   Also, she was the first African-American homecoming queen at Radnor High School.    Now, is this #BlackGirlMagic at its finest.   I’m so excited for this connection and looking forward to my daughter meeting Jazmine.   Hopefully,  this meeting will put it all in perspective for my daughter.

 

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Reunion: West Catholic Girls High School 29th Class Reunion

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It is unbelievable how quickly 29 years passed.  It feels like it was just yesterday we were preparing for our graduation ceremony at Villanova Univesity.   In lieu of waiting until for our officially 29 years since graduating in June, we planned a reunion with a girls night out at Painting with a Twist.   Everyone had to bring a dish and their favorite bottle.

This was my first time at Painting with a Twist and I assume having wine definitely alters or improves your artistic ability.    It was great to reconnect and it felt like high school on FAST FORWARD.    The only difference is our conversation has evolved to real life marriage, children, and parenting.    It was definitely a sanity check for me as I am challenged with raising a teen.    No matter how many years were missing we connected like it was yesterday.

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What I realized after 29 years is that we all share a common thread – being MOTHERS.  It was so much fun to connect on the challenges of raising children.  I realized as mothers we all have similar experiences in parenting.   In 1987, our conversation was filled with plans for our futures now as we fast forward to 2016 our lives have evolved over so many chapters.   I believe going to all girls high school created lasting friendships.   When we meet after some many years it is easy to pick up where we are today.   I’m looking forward to celebrating our 30th REUNION.

We are now committed to a meetup every quarter.  See you in June!!

 

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