Posted on

#ThankfulThursday Scheduled Posts

Believe it or not, this post was written a week and half before it was published. Because I’m unsure of my schedule during the next two weeks, I’ve taken the opportunity to harness my creativity and write two weeks worth of posts. The ability to write several posts and schedule them to be published at a later date allows me to take advantage of my thoughts and ideas and provide content without physically needing to push a button. In fact, I don’t even need to Tweet my posts in order to solicit readers — I’ve got a widget for that. Scheduling posts has also allowed me the freedom to publish content when I’m not physical present or capable of writing said content. While I’m away accomplishing tasks for my supervisors, I’m reassured that I’ve got material waiting to be read and shared.

Share
Posted on

#ThankfulThursday Change

I’m embracing change, feeling gratitude for the opportunity it’s bringing me. I’m no longer part of the unemployed masses. I’m bringing in money to pay our bills, reduce our debt, and change our circumstances. The past year and two months has given me time to reflect on my life’s path and consider my future. I know now that I want to become an English consultant, providing tutoring, writing, and editing services to my clients. I’ve also determined that there’s a need for sliding scale tutoring services. Everyone deserves educational success because I’ve come to realize that a Bachelor’s degree is the new High School Diploma. In my parents’ days, graduating from high school alone led to fairly lucrative careers. Nowadays, those same careers require a Bachelor’s degree. I believe this is because many more people have the ability to attend college, thanks to financial aid. However, student loans lead to economic hardship upon graduation, and it’s important that our children receive excellent education so that they can success in the classroom and in their careers. Better grades will lead to more scholarships and more opportunities. I also believe that the ability to read and write supersedes all other knowledge because we can’t learn history, science, or math without reading. We can’t use our knowledge without the ability to write. Reading and writing are also important in the workforce — from low level jobs to executive positions.

For the rest of 2011, I’ll be embracing change, working towards a better future, and spending more time manifesting what’s next.

Share
Posted on

#ThankfulThursday Part-time Job

On this day, I am thankful to announce that I’m now gainfully employed once again. It’s a part time job in food/ retail, and the personnel manager has already recognized that I’m overqualified — but she acknowledged that even overqualified applicants need to pay their bills. She’s absolutely right. I’ve got bills to pay just like everyone else. While it’s only part-time, I’m choosing to view it as more time for me to find tutoring clients, write, and align my websites. And today, I’ve got plenty to be grateful for. Gwen Bell’s offering a spectacular deal* on doing just that — aligning my websites. Nearly every item on her “this is for you if you” list spoke directly to my situation and visions.

Things are going to change for the better. I’m going to get back to reading Ashley Ambirge’s ebooks, and I’m going to make this work. In 2012, I’m going to set an income goal, and I’m going to pursue it full force. First I need to pay for my overhead. Then I need to pay my bills. I’ll need to replace my paychecks, and I’ll need to start meeting goals. I expect that by 2013 I will be well on my way to making this dream come true. I will become successful before my 30th birthday. Today is a great day to be alive.

*I may not make it in time to reap the rewards of this deal, but it’s the thought that counts here.

Share
Posted on

#ThankfulThursday Heat Reprieve

I’m incredibly thankful to have seen mid-80 degree weather for a couple of days, followed by upper-60 degree nights. After spending months above 90 and hoping to see mid-70s by morning, it was such a relief to step outside without feeling like I’d sweat standing still. It was a pleasure to open the windows in the evening and enjoy fresh breezes and the sounds of crickets chirp as we fell asleep. Alas, it was only a brief reprieve as we’re now on our way back to the sweltering temperatures we’ve been suffering all summer. Of course, I should remember that we’re not in Florida anymore — the 90-degree weather will be gone soon enough. I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to crisp breezes, changing leaves, apples, pumpkins, and the scent of cinnamon and cloves permeating the air. I’m looking forward to welcoming back my sweaters and scarves sooner than normal.

Share
Posted on

#ThankfulThursday – A Nibble

On this lovely Thursday, I’ll finally be going* on a job interview. Now, I realize this isn’t what I keep manifesting here on The Prose of an Electrate Mind. I typically manifest self-employment and pursuing my passions, but the starving artist lifestyle doesn’t appeal to this momma. The first seven months of 2011 have shown me that I still have a long way to go before my passions can be the breadwinners in my life. Additionally, the job hunt hasn’t ended simply because I wished to be my own boss — far from it. I also realize that getting a shiny (or not-so-shiny) place of our own will likely be contingent upon having an employer, and that fact has plagued my 2011. As you can imagine, finally getting even a nibble on the line has filled me with hope for the future and a strong sense of gratitude. Perhaps this interview will lead to gainful employment and a path towards building the dream. This budding writer/ editor/ tutor/ consultant cannot function unless the bill collectors have been appeased, that’s for certain!

*By the time this post is published, I’ll likely already be finished with my interview. I plan to tweet the results.

Share
Posted on

Thankful Thursday: Early Spring

I know what you’re thinking. Wasn’t she looking forward to winter? Didn’t she say she missed the snow? Yes and yes — you’re absolutely right. I did say that. I was excited for sweater and scarf weather. I was excited for snow. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I embraced the fact that it was more than I had enjoyed in several years. However, the sunshine, fresh air, and 60 degree weather has invited me to lounge by the window, send the kids out into the backyard to play, and even head outdoors myself. This weather brings planting season, which means I can start a fruit and vegetable garden in the backyard with my family. I would greatly appreciate going into the yard to pluck delicious, fresh food to feed to my family. Smelling the fresh mountain air has done wonders for my outlook on life as of late. I’ll admit this move has taken quite a toll on my psyche, and I’m more than ready for a change of pace. This weather has offered me that. Spring might not be technically due until next month, but I can tell that it’s here to stay in Northwest Georgia.

Share
Posted on

Thankful Thursday (February 10th)

Do you remember my gratitude series? Do you remember my lists? That’s right, I’m going to make a list today.

1. I’m thankful for the eBook by Ashley Ambirge, You Don’t Need A Job, You Need Guts. I’m on a journey to learn as much as I can in order to make this — my endeavors to become my own boss — work.
2. I’m thankful for the concept behind Letter.ly. While I doubt I’m even remotely ready to create my own paid subscription, it’s nice to know that I’ve got the option later down the line.
3. I’m thankful for L’Oreal Paris Collagen Micro-Pulse Eye. Seriously? Absolutely worth the amount I paid for it. I can’t say for certain if it’s helped rid me of dark under eye circles or if that’s simply because I’m back to taking my vitamins and iron pills, but I can say it makes my eyes feel so relaxed and refreshed. (Nope, not being paid to say this — but I’ll gladly accept compensation from L’Oreal if they feel so inclined.)

As this evening comes to a close, the fire burning in the fireplace begins to die down, and the satisfaction of hot chocolate and chocolate pudding still lingers on my tongue, I’m reminded that I have much more to be thankful for than I sometimes choose to admit.

Share
Posted on

Reverb 10: New Name

Prompt: New name. Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

Honestly, I’m just fine with my name. While I do get a little irritated having to spell out my first and last name every time, I wouldn’t trade either for any other name.

And because I feel like a 60-something word post would be a waste of time and space, I’ll remind you that it’s Thursday — Thankful Thursday. Today, I’m grateful for having the resources and means to work through whatever problems life throws at me. I might feel as though many aspects of my life are currently crumbling around me, but I still have the ability to weather these problems. I have the opportunity to make my life better, to pursue my dreams. Some people never get that chance. I’m also thankful for all the food I’ll be serving to my family for Christmas dinner.

Share
Posted on

Thankful Thursday: Opportunities Abound

To all my USA readers, happy thanksgiving! To all my non-USA readers, happy Thankful Thursday! While this is a tradition observed in the United States, I’m sure we could all use a day of celebration with food, family, and friends to remind us how fortunate we really are. On this Thanksgiving day, I’m thankful for my family, without whom I wouldn’t live very happily. I might be down on my luck right now, but I’m very fortunate that I’ve got some great people in my life. I’m also thankful that I’ve got a great opportunity to branch out on my own and begin my career anew starting in January. While theoretically I began formulating plans in July, I haven’t exactly made all the moves yet in order to go forward with the actual plan. I figure at this point it’s probably easier to wait until the advent of the new year anyway.

In addition to these joyous blessings, I’m thankful for my web host — Host Gator. Considering I’m an alumna of UF and a Florida Gator through-and-through, it feels like a perfect fit. For past couple of years, they’ve given me great web hosting service with all kinds of wonderful benefits. Tomorrow they’re running some seriously awesome Black Friday specials, and I’ve been authorized to stroke their egos all I want (as long as I don’t start spamming people). Head on over to HostGator.com to capitalized on a great deal. I promise you won’t be disappointed. They may not be in your face with young ladies daring to expose themselves, but they certainly know how to treat their customers. I can proudly say I both utilize their services and affiliate with them, and I’m not ashamed to promote their cause in the least.

So raise a glass, have some turkey (or tofurkey if that’s your style), and count your blessings. It’s a great day to be alive.

Share
Posted on

Thankful Thursday: Chicken Dinner

Dear Alton Brown,

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to you for showing the world how to butcher a whole chicken. For a few reasons, I like to buy a whole chicken instead of just the parts. For one, that carcass makes for a tasty stock, and I do enjoy a good bowl of homemade chicken soup. For another, I’m sure you realize the price per pound is more like a couple of dollars after the butchers do all that work for you. I know you shop at Publix — you can black out the name of the store all you want, I know what their herbs, milk, etc. look like — so I know you know boneless skinless chicken breast can go for $3.99/lb, whereas a whole chicken goes for about $1.29/lb. I’d say that’s a pretty steep up-charge for letting the guys behind the counter do the messy work for me.

Now I admit it was a little tricky at first. I’ve never used your techniques before, so you do mention that it takes some practice. However, it went smoothly after I got a bit more confident. That second drumstick and thigh? Came apart just like you said. Now I can buy whole chickens year-round, knowing I won’t have to turn the oven on just to cook the whole darn thing! Tonight, I’m able to cook the dark meat with some root vegetables. Tomorrow, I can turn my boneless skinless white meat into a delicious stir fry. And on top of the stove, I’ve tossed the carcass and a mirepoix into a pot of water to boil down into a stock. Thanks again for taking the guess work out of butchering up a very versatile meat! You’re the best!

Sincerely,
Meredith

P.S. By the way, you also gave me the courage to chop my own garlic. And you shared a great recipe that can sometimes keep the boxes of brownie mix out of the house — I say sometimes because sometimes when Publix has the buy one get one free deals on Ghiradelli, I can’t resist the unmentionable ingredients. Hey, we’ve all got our guilty pleasures, don’t we?

Share