Monday, October 31, 2011

Shed The Fear...




Mostly, through my career and even work history, I’ve never really left my comfort zone. I’ve always applied for jobs I knew I would secure. How risky is that? I guess, it falls on the statement my wife repeatedly throws at me, “Ray you’re afraid of success!” Man, am I? Am I so afraid of success that I choose then not to attempt achieving it?



I have the tools for success, but I’m very nervous to pull the trigger. I have too much to (i.e., my family) and too much to loose. I found the non-profit sector as my area of comfort. Lately, I find myself researching and looking into my career opportunities in the for-profit sector. Although, I find the competition in the for-profit sector intimidating, there are several opportunities, which I will apply for. I hope to get over this fear of stepping out of the secure doorway of my comfort zone. A friend (Helen Henderson) helped me try and get into the interviewing process for for-profit career opportunities. 

    

Friday, October 28, 2011

Headhunters Wanted...

Recently, a friend posted on FaceBook about having a Headhunter. I know it sounds morbid, but this type of Headhunter helps you find jobs/careers. Most have a financial cost. I may need to search for a Headhunter to help me find a more lucrative career.

If anyone knows any good Headhunters please forward the info to me.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Class Pictures @ HCS....

We're here at Highland Community School for our youngest three children to take a picture together. This is cool. Because they attend the same school, they can take a group picture for home.

I'm still tired and not feeling well, but I'll push through it. I work from 12:30-8:30 today. I gotta get motivated to get the day rolling properly.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Waiting In The Rain...

I'm waiting for my wife to finish at this training so we can head home. We're on the south side of Milwaukee and the odd thing is, I have to use the bathroom very badly. What can I do? Of I hold it, I may blow a vessel.

The kids are good. They get out at 5:30 this evening and the baby is getting picked up by Kyra. My sister is awesome!!!! Not because she's picking up my son, but for being her natural caring self.

Creating Real Opportunities of Business Development...




I woke up this morning not feeling well and have decided to remain home and try to get this bug out of my system. I hope I don’t end up passing it through the family.

After talking to several associates, I’m coming close to a decision to have a Brainstorming Session at my house. I’ll invite a group of business people and innovators over for a cookout/concept session. You know, getting a group of hungry and ambitious talent together for networking purposes in hopes to spark one another towards creating opportunities in business development.




I am tired of watching opportunities for growth and independent contracting fall to the wayside while there are hungry intelligent and very capable people to do the jobs. Politicians are yelling about jobs development, but I’d rather say come up with an idea (a logical and realistic one) and take it from the Planning Stage to Execution Stage.

This would be a great way to get advice and assistance in launching and starting your business weather you want a for-profit firm or a non-profit contract. I have many ideas and plans for business development, but in particular areas may need direction or assistance from someone.



I’ll keep you posted on the development of the session so you’ll be well notified.    

Friday, October 21, 2011

I Jumped The Gun Again...




Wow! 

What a shocker did I get today! I had an appointment scheduled today with the representative from an agency wanting to hire me for supplementary income. This was right on time and going to be the start of a new and refreshed Ray. After my appointment with my doctor who did my Rotator Cuff Surgery, my wife and I headed to Hales Corner, WI for me to sign the Employment Packet and get my start-up schedule for this new exciting job.
As we crossed into Wauwatosa, WI there was the sound of a phone ringing. It was my cell phone. I answered it. It was the representative from the job. She stated I was “NOT” cleared and she would have to freeze the process and Employment Offer until, I was cleared by Concentra.

Damn, this is the ultimate downer. I just knew everything was developing in a positive light for me and I would be on the road to personal redemption within my own heart and spirit. Now the agonizing pain of failure and defeat have once again found comfort in my own self doubt. I guess, I need to take a deep breath and take some of my own advice. “Buckle down and lace my boots up!” I’m not sure if Concentra didn’t get the clearance or even if there were restrictions on my being hired.

What can I do? Is there anything that can be done?

Talk to you all soon!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The White Whale...



I caught the white Whale this morning. My wife surprised me and bought me the iPhone 4! WHOA!!! i downloaded everything and am on my way. It's feeling much better having my iPhone back. I bet you your newest pair of Nikes, my wife is cooler than yours, =D!!

Downsizing For A Few Months...



I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you guys that I have deleted two of my blogs. "Fat Boy Jiujitsu" and "Don't Be Mad" both have been suspended due to focusing on the "Pinehill Road Diairies" Blog and Website. I'll be moving my website from iWeb to another server so I can continue it and get it out to more viewers.


Stay tuned in to this blog and I'll be posting soon. 

Up Early In The Morning....


"Friends! How many of us have them? Friends! One's we can depend on..."

Rough…all I can say is, it feels rough trying to get in and voice your opinion in an atmosphere unfriendly from several unpopular positions.

One of the traits I truly try and nurture about myself is “Honesty.” Not just being honest to my wife and my family, but being honest as much as possible to everyone I encounter. I have a theory! If you tell your honest opinion about things and are honest to people, there’s no question where you stand. People will know you are a straight shooter and respect you for that.

I learn every now and again, my decision to play the honesty role will cost me relationships with long time friends. Then I have to question, ”Were they my friends in the first place?” Friends and family claim I tend to carry an attitude and am a self-proclaimed “Asshole” to everyone. Many just happen to be friends or so-called friends to my wife, but I have an idea about that. “You should look in the mirror.” When you look in the mirror, you should look at yourself for three minutes and really ask yourself if you’re comfortable with every aspect of your life. You’ll be surprised!!! I bet you’ll then think “Ray’s not really that much of an Asshole...not that much!”

Misery adores company and victims...


Monday, October 17, 2011

Security Officer - Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - AcademicJobsToday.com

Security Officer - Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - AcademicJobsToday.com

This sounds like a pretty cool job. I'd apply for it if not for the Monday hours. I'd love to work that. And just think, You get academic hours for free if you work there. Sounds cool? Apply for it!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Protest Or Work...


I need your advice or opinion rather. I did something today, I thought would work as a motivator for a few co-workers and staff. I found an article in the local newspaper here in Milwaukee; I printed it then tacked it to the community board in our main office. The title of the Jounral Sentinel article was Wisconsin Loses 800 Private-sector Jobs; Unemployment Rises. The meat of the article was about how we (America) are in a horrible economic period and how we are steadily loosing jobs.

I understand we are suffering from horrid and depressing times right now. We seem to continue to have no idea on how to solve this problem and are continuing to do the same things, which have set us here. As people and families are falling victim to these dire times, I still see people living as though they have all of the time in the world to regroup and get their household finances under control. Below is a comparison of both Wisconsin and United States unemployment growth over the past year or so. 

Wisconsin Unemployment     U.S. Unemployment

August 2011: 7.9%          August 2011: 9.1%
July 2011: 7.8%          July 2011: 9.1%
August 2010: 8.0%          August 2010: 9.6%

I understand you may not be where you’d like to be financially. I also understand it would be only a few people’s choice to work in an environment like they currently work in. for example, I embraced my employment, not because I liked it, but originally because it was a job. As I see friends and co-workers (and myself) who are working so far below their deserved pay grades, many have to find supplementary incomes working below their earning potential. What’s funny too is many employers will refuse to hire those with extensive experience and educations. They do this so they have reign and control over those who aren’t knowledgeable about the job and the job duties.

I’ve experienced several friends who have full time jobs, but who are currently searching for supplementary incomes. They’re working on the weekends or later in the day shifts. This feeling to secure those secondary incomes to save money or even just to break even each month are becoming more important to families and individuals of the American work force.

I’m continuously seeing updates on these “Occupy Wall Street” protests and wonder what the people are trying to achieve. You got do what you have to if you want to get yours. Mc Donald’s is hiring!!!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

When I Grow Up...


My youngest sister wrote a FaceBook post this morning asking the question: “Why do so many young black males (now white and Asians too) want to be Rappers and Basketball Players?”

I hear her question then have to fall into comfort in knowing, my wife and I are known as parents who are far more supporting than wanting our sons to limit themselves at being Rappers or Basketball Players. Being an African-American and living in a predominately African-American community in Milwaukee, I find my family to be a rare breed. Although, we push athletics and social involvement, my wife and I understand the importance of our sons and our daughter to focus on academic supremacy.



My oldest child, Nasir is currently going through the process of researching and finding his own high school. He understands how going to the “right” school can put him in an environment, which will propel him into a league of financial security and social success. Amazing! 

I still find myself saying, “I wish I could go back to my youth. I would change so many things!” 

It’s these haunting thoughts that terrify me the most. Those thoughts make me question my worth and my usefulness. I don’t want them (my children) to work jobs. I want them to have careers. Real careers full of opportunity and growth.

I remember saying "When I grow Up..." Well, I still find those words creeping from my lips. I hope he finds success in everything he does. Al of my children deserve happiness.

Friday, October 7, 2011

POLITICAL HOGS...




Up until nearly three months ago, I was contemplating trying to make a run for political office due to a lack of leadership in Milwaukee County. My wife worked as a legislative aid for a county board supervisor (10th District) and knew the political machine very well. I was not satisfied with our “so-called” leadership in my district due to the supervisor never coming to interact with his constituents. Soon my wife was left in limbo due to those she entrusted her career with felt obligated to pursue great aspirations in the political arena. When a new supervisor was elected, he started off two-steps ahead and used what was left of my wife for his own gain. I realized then, politicians are truly all the same. I couldn’t fell comfortable discharging people for individual gain.




I grew a horrible taste in my mouth for politics and those “so-called” leaders in city and county government. Then a friend, who happens to be a politician, called me out on giving up. She said I would be giving up on my children and the future of my children’s children. She was right…

…Most of time when I get angry about politics in Milwaukee, my friend, Milele Coggs will help redirect my focus. She great about that.

I’m not sure how much I want to play in the political arena, but it’s necessary to understand it and have a voice. What are your concerns? That doesn’t matter. The important thing is what do your constituents want and need for their families and communities? The new county supervisors need to learn that lesson. The old ones need to remember that same lesson.

We shall see!!! 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

WHERE'S THE MONEY???




With the holidays creeping upon us, I find myself going through that tunnel-coaster of worry and self-doubt. I heard the number of people who fall in depression rise around the holidays. I’m in no way saying I fell depressed, I just feel unsatisfied with my position within this economy. I haven’t heard about any promotional opportunities or openings to transition to within the county. I’ve researched supplementary income opportunities and have applied for several of them, but still I’ve heard nothing as of yet.

My availability is limited to third shift hours and weekends. With working second shift, my availability is very limited. I have a history of working third shift so that’s really not an issue. It may sound funny (or odd), but as long as I’m able to train Jiujitsu and get rest, I’ll work two 10-hour jobs a day.



I’ve worked in youth and family services for the past 15-years. It’s not getting old, but I think I need to reinvent myself and bring worth into my talent and experience as a manager and employee. As a primary career choice, I’m not sure which direction I can go in right now.

I’d be lying if I said money isn’t a factor. Of course, I’d like to bring more money to our (my family) table I think that goes without saying. Now with Nasir preparing to enter high school and having his pick of where to attend, more money would help if the school requires costs per semester. Also, more money would allow us to rebuild our savings, which were affected during the past few years.



Developing opportunities to create more disposable income is tough right now for me. My focus and desire is to create those opportunities in Jiujitsu and/or Mixed Martial Arts. I’ve had a set back with my Shoulder Recovery, but I still have plans and will work on them to develop into cash creating opportunities.  

    

What's Going On...


My Novel…



It would be easy to say I ran into a writing slump or am having a brain-fart, but that’s not the case. You guys haven’t gotten anything about my writing projects because I’m getting back to the groove actually using my right hand. My entire arm is full of pain. Right now, the pain seems to be mostly in my shoulder and riding down towards my elbow. I’ve had to catch myself because when my arm is feeling okay, I forget it’s not working and try to use it only to be reminded by a great deal of pain shooting through my shoulder and arm.

I still have my writing projects on deck and they’re coming along pretty well. I’m going to let them sit for a week or so before I begin writing again so my shoulder and arm can heal a little more. It’ll come together.

Knit Me A Heart…



N’kya has done it again! N’kya has started an organization, which is called “Knit Me A Heart.” This organization was thought and created by a 10-year old girl. My daughter! She knits the animated hearts and then sells them. The money she gets from the various knitted hearts, she purchases clothes and other necessities for youth who have suffered an ill-occurrence. I’m proud of her. She just needs to refocus on scheduling and using her time more efficiently.  


Steve Jobs 1955-2011...


I just found out that Steve Jobs of Apple has passed away. This is a sad day around the planet. I pray for his family and friends.