Work....and More of It

Alright so I totally got off track from writing, and for that, I feel guilty...sorry blog!!! Anyways, just thought I would come in and give an update on how I'm doing. Coming up on May 18, it will make four whole months that I have been a part of the Cox Communications family. Wow how time flies, huh?! After several bouts of training since January, I can finally say that I made it through, weathered the storm, and made it to the other end of the rainbow! So far, tech support has its good days and its bad days with the bad sometimes outweighing the good. I have never come across so many people getting upset over cable, not to mention taking their frustrations out on us because we can't fix it right away. This past weekend was a doozy for me being that I was the last one to leave two nights in a row past 10:30. While I love doing what I do, it sucks to have to take the backlash from others because they expect you to do magic and solve it all at one time.

By the end of the day, I feel that I have done all I can do, but at the same time, I'm still learning. Technical support is probably the biggest challenge I've ever had to deal with because of how much information is involved with troubleshooting, but if you get those cooperative customers, it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Once you get the really rude and grumpy ones, that's a whole different ball game! I feel that I have done a LOT of growing as of late and I am handling my attitude a lot better (even though those who know me would be shocked to know I have a temper). Praying also makes for better days within the workplace as well. I had my moments with my co-workers I trained with, too, but since we ended strong, we all get along quite well.

Needless to say...I'm content as to where I am now, but I have a LOT of work to do...a LOT!! Hopefully by next month or July, I will be able to be sit amongst the best and continue to succeed as a tech support representative. Until then, I have to get through the obstacles the day may bring and get through those. Oh yeah....I'm turning 25 this month, too! I'm pretty excited...25 on the 25th! Then the Hangover Part 2 comes out the following day...what a birthday for me!! Hopefully I will be back to update again very soon as I continue to move along on the job. I may be starting grad school as well, so I'm sure there will be a full chapter on that IF and WHEN I get accepted :-D!

Happiness is Back Again!!!

Now that I have gotten past the grief from the previous two weeks, I have something good to report. Remember how I mentioned that I ended up landing a new job with Cox Communications back on the 13th last month? Cox has been FANTASTIC!!! While the work load is getting a bit more challenging, the feel of the place never leaves. I mean you can have the day from hell before you walk in the door, and all of that is gone in an instant. The people are amazing and so genuine, and the company itself treats all of their employees like royalty. I got a taste of that yesterday when they decided to let our class leave earlier because of the weather. Most of the jobs I've held only let us get out if it was really bad as in a hurricane coming. Other than that, we never had a chance to leave. Just for us to be safe, they ordered lunch today and yesterday for the employees so that way, they wouldn't have to travel out into the weather since we had sleet and ice most of the day here.

My overall experience, by far, has been a great one! Our training class is like a family, and it's only been three weeks into the job. We tend to have a lot of fun, but we get the work done and learn that's for sure. The trainer...a riot (in a good way)! She will have us laughing so hard about ourselves and the things she's seen within the company and then some. I don't think learning has been more fun since I graduated! Even training for the last job wasn't as great as this one has been! I really hope that I will be able to stick around for as long as I can with Cox because they have the total package when it comes to benefits, perks, and more. If I can stay on for a year or more, I am looking to work in Productions since they have their own TV station. I just hope that with this job period, I will be able to move up because I have always been strong willed and determined to make it in this world, no matter what all I had to do to get where I want and need to be in life. On top of other things, I can honestly say that I am HAPPY! I haven't smiled this much in a long time, and I thank God for second chances so that I can smile and have my joy. Even the littlest things bring me joy but even moreso as an adult. As Annie would say, "I think I'm gonna like it here!"

Saying Farewell

Here I am back again with a brand new blog only this time, it has a different mood. As it nears Saturday, I begin to start feeling bittersweet about the day because of the fact that a truly remarkable human being that I admired greatly is being laid to rest. On January 2, 2000, I was bored and flipping through channels to see what was on that night because on most Sundays, nothing was really on TV unless you were lucky enough to find a game or documentary on. I just so happened to stumble across what was on CBS, thinking that it was a movie because all of the people were at a New Year's party dressed in their tuxedos and ball dresses. I figured I would leave it there since it looked interesting. After the first few seconds, I saw two familiar faces that I had seen as a child before seeing the next one that completely changed things in an instant. My eyes became locked on a handsome man who appeared to be in his early to mid 30s with sandy blond hair, green eyes, and a great sense of charm. I ended up adding on to the list of crushes after that one. As I continued watching the show, I had to find out what the show was and what his name was. Come to find out....it was 'Touched By An Angel,' one of the hottest shows on CBS at the time and thought why I didn't start watching the show sooner. Of course, I later found out that his name was John.

The entire episode, I couldn't get over how gorgeous he was and how great of an actor he was, too. It was almost like he WAS who he was on the screen off the screen, too! I made it through the entire show, and eventually, it turned into watching every Sunday night, grasping the messages that the angels would bring to people and to let us know how much God loves us and is there for everyone. Now I will admit...the crush definitely grew after a while, but what was the most important thing was seeing issues that people went through in the real world as well as words from the Father. As I got better with internet, I started researching on how to contact cast members of the show (since I am big on collecting autographs and letting people know how much I appreciate their work and such), and I was in luck. Before starting my Freshman year of high school, I sent a letter to him saying how I had become a big fan over time and that he was such a great actor and part of why I no longer fear death like I did since he was portraying Andrew, the angel of death. I wrote him a poem too which I thought was kinda cheesy but I figured it would grab his attention.

*Fast Forward a year*
Right around my Sophomore year at East Ascension, I received one of the greatest gifts of all...an 8X10 sized manilla envelope address to me and was titled "Miss" in front of my name....in John's handwriting! I opened it and saw an autographed picture just for me as well as a note saying "Thanks for the poem. Beautiful" and then he signed that too! I think I broke the walls in my house a little at a time from all the screaming I did! That was the second time in my life that someone I looked up to actually took time and got back to me despite a busy schedule. I took that autograph everywhere, to school, family functions...you name the place, I brought it with me! Getting settled into school took a lot of my free time, so one day when we actually had down time in class, I decided to sit down and try to write a thank you letter to him for the little present. Of course, that came with trying to get a date for Homecoming too because when you're in high school and you constantly got rejected by the guys there, it was time to move up to bigger and better...and you didn't want to miss out on the dances and such! Unfortunately, that letter never got to him because after the 9/11 events, a lot of networks were turning away fan mail due to the anthrax threats, so that letter was sent right back to me.

As I continued to keep up with the show until it ended near the end of my Junior year, I always kept it in mind that one day, I would get the chance to actually say thanks and then some. For the time being, I had to settle for reruns of the show which made me sad and think about what he could be doing since the cast went their separate ways. I know that since then, he did do a few films but they weren't anything major. I just at least knew that he was still around somewhere and was alright.

*Present Day-2011*
Going into Christmas, I had a tradition of watching the two movies he did with Kathy Ireland (both which are great by the way), and so even after the holiday, I still watched the movie. I also watched some of my favorite 'Touched By An Angel' episodes I had on the DVR in recent days, too. I had even stayed up four nights in a row reading a story I wrote about him within one week and had a cast photo at my desk at Home Depot hanging next to one of my favorite singers. On January 13, I went off to Marksville with my family to enjoy a night stay at Paragon, reading that story in the car once more and changing my iPod wallpaper to one of my favorite pictures of him. Everything seemed to be going great....until dinner time. I had been texting occasionally due to the lack of cell phone service, and I felt the phone in my pocket when it vibrated. It was one of my close friends texting me to say hi and to see if I had seen the news and that she thought about me in the process. Now I'm thinking that something happened at home or closeby, but when I asked what happened, she broke the news to me. John had passed away from a heart attack on the 10th, but the news just broke that day. I had no desire to eat my lemon meringue pie anymore after hearing that. I had a lump in my throat so bad I thought I was going to be sick, and my eyes started to get misty. I kept thinking, "This HAS to be a hoax...it just has to." Soon I checked the main page on Yahoo and saw his picture there and the article saying that he had died at 47. My heart broke into millions of tiny peaces and fell into my stomach. I had to keep it together since I was with my family, and they were already giving me grief about the issue just because I didn't know him personally. I don't think they understand that when you love someone and admire them for what they did and who they were, something tragic happening to them, and at such a young age, is devastating. Losing someone like that is like losing a friend whether you knew them personally or not. That night before I went to sleep, I went through my pictures in my phone and found the one I had and kissed it and said how much I loved him quietly and then said a prayer before tossing and turning an hour or two.

As I stated not too long ago, it's very sad to know that someone you admired whole heartedly passes away. It cuts like a knife because it's a shock when you just saw the person and they have crossed your mind as of late. What I do know is that he is with the real angels now in a better place, and that in itself makes me happy. It is hard to say goodbye, but ever since that day, I have done nothing but look back at all the good times and smiled, even shed a few tears as I laughed. Since he is being laid to rest tomorrow, I wanted to write this blog to get all of my feelings out. Thank you so much for all of the good times, great memories, and all that you gave while you were here. You will ALWAYS be in my heart, and you will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Johnny....God Bless.

And the Pages Begin to Turn....

Hey there! See...I told you I would be back on more often LOL! Alright...let me not speak too soon before I get super tied up with stuff and end up not writing for months again ;-)! It looks like the pages of the new chapter in my life are finally beginning to turn for the absolute best. As you knew in my last blog, I was dealing with the constant torture of the job I was working at Home Depot Direct. I am glad to report that I no longer have those struggles. Why? Because I was able to FINALLY land a job at....Cox Communications! That's right....I am working within my field of study now, even though it isn't ultimately what I would like to do in life, but I am stepping in the right direction. After numerous failed attempts at trying to get on there, I slowly started to lose some hope as the drama continued daily at Home Depot Direct. Luckily, my sister knew someone that knew I was interested in working there since I graduated and asked if I was still looking for a position at Cox. All I could think was, "YES!!! I got a second chance! Thank God for that one!" I applied immediately and went through the process...taking assessments and interviews. It was a very strenuous process indeed! I waited in two-week intervals before hearing a bit of news. Finally, on the morning of January 13, my phone rung. It was the call I had been waiting for. The recruiter started with, "We have made a decision on the Tech Support position..." and took a severely long pause leaving me in suspense. Then she continued with, "and you were offered the job. Are you willing to accept this position?" You should know I had no problem turning that down at all. All the months I waited to get on there, and it was finally a dream come true.

The dream really came true on my first day (orientation that was today). We were shown great appreciation by having breakfast AND lunch catered to us, and the people there are amazing as well as the programming. It really didn't sink in until we took our tour around Cox that caught my heart by the seams. We had a chance to look inside Cox 4 which is their TV station they run from there, and that was it. I immediately thought, "I am in love with this place....I could BE here in a few years or something...this is a dream come true!" It was such an exciting day for me I just couldn't put it in words! All I can say for now is that I really can't wait to get started! To make things even better....I WILL get to go to grad school after all! I am absolutely blessed and honored that I was able to have another chance and to have the opportunity to really shine, if if I'm not on the small screen yet. Can't wait to get started tomorrow, but for now, I need to get some sleep. God is GOOD...ALL THE TIME!!!

New Chapter in Life

Wow...it has certainly been a LONG time since I wrote a blog, hasn't it? Don't worry I can explain though! Things became pretty hectic leading up to graduation, but you know what? It was all worth it! I am so proud to say that as of May 15, 2010, I am a college graduate! I would have to say that May 15, 2010 will be one of those days (like many others) that is etched into my memory. As I was getting ready for my big day, I had a sense of the jitters both good and bad. I was more nervous about falling or tripping as I walked across the stage than anything else! The good thing was, I was proud to look at myself in the mirror and say, "Look at you...you finally made it! It was a challenge, but you made it!" I was all smiles the entire day...that was until I got in the car to leave and a thunderstorm warning of ALL things came across the radio.

I swear that since my dream is to become a meteorologist, it ALWAYS rains the day of graduation, sometimes really bad! When I graduated from high school, it stormed. Graduation from community college...stormed AND had hail! Southeastern graduation...you guessed it...blinding rain, deadly lightning, and a tornado touchdown in LaPlace during the ceremony! It must be a sign LOL! Anyways, I put on my cap and gown and kissed my boyfriend goodbye before going to meet with my college. All types of energy was flowing through my veins when I looked out and saw all of the famiiles and friends being seated. I saw Dr. Narro, one of my professors, before the big event, and she hugged me and awarded me with a Journalism ribbon and said, "Congratulations...you're a journalist now!" Not only did I think the pin I received at the colloquim was a pretty big deal, but a ribbon for my hard work?! That was AMAZING! After that, the band started to play "Pomp and Circumstance," and it was almost time to walk out with my fellow classmates and graduates. The second I stepped into the University Center, all I could do was hold my head up and smile. I did get misty-eyed because I started thinking about all I overcame to get to where I needed to be as well as those that I lost who pushed me to the max and believed in me every step of the way. It took everything in me not to cry, but I was overjoyed with my accomplishments, and having my family there to see it made it all the more better! Once I received the degree cover, I held it high at the end of the ceremony and screamed with joy to show that I made it and was darn proud of it.

So as you can see, despite the stormy weather, things turned out to be bittersweet but enjoyable nonetheless. As for now, I have been trying to work full-time and study up on my weather because Mississippi State may be adding another graduate to their meteorology program. I haven't a doubt in my mind that I will be somebody, I will be able to do for those that I couldn't do for before, and that I will ALWAYS keep the dream alive. The dream is no longer just something I want to do. It is a sacred promise. A promise to my grandfather and aunts that no matter what, I won't give up. I miss them so much, more than words can say, but by taking pride in the thing I love most, I always have them close to my heart. I also wouldn't have made it without the help of those who are still here that have helped: my mom, my sister, my boyfriend, and his family. I definitely couldn't do it without the help of my teachers and professors because without them, what was the purpose of an education?! Last but not least, I have my true friends to thank, even those I may have lost touch with. No matter how different I may be from other people or what I'm passionate about, I have never been seen as weird or anything at all. Hopefully in due time, the dream will come alive, but for now, I will have to get used to not being in school until next year and working harder and harder to reach my goals in life. Also, I will try my hardest to write a little bit more :-D! God Bless!

Mission: Graduation

Well...I'm happy to say that I have survived writing my first ever thesis! I just can't believe I was able to pull it off! The entire semester has been stressful because of a lack of instruction to write a great paper, but at the same time, learning new techniques and gaining a sense of confidence when it comes time for the colloquium made it all the better. Once I turned that paper in Tuesday, I felt like the clouds just separated and the sun came down full blast! I was so excited to say, "Hey...I wrote this! This is my finished thesis and my hard work." I've been on a high all week even before submitting the paper. I did have a tough time after I lost a really good friend of mine towards the finishing process, but I'm sure that even though we can't communicate right now (for really stupid reasons), she's still supporting me from where she is.

The colloquium is coming up in 11 days, and I don't know whether to be excited or nervous. I know no details on who will be asking me questions and providing me with feedback after the presentation, and I don't know if I'm going to have a small audience or a really big one. A good bit of my classmates are coming to support me and I'm hoping one of my really awesome teachers can come as well. I'd really like for my family to be there if they can, but I know that they have hectic schedules with graduation coming up and school ending. Words just can't describe how estatic I feel about everything. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity of a lifetime to make history and be proud of what I've done throughout my school career. I know for sure Grandpa, Aunt Doris, Aunt Theresa, and all of my other family members are smiling down from heaven saying how proud they are of me and letting me know that they love me. For once, things feel more right than ever. I just wish I was able to share more of it with the ones that mean the most to me....

Mid-Semester

Well...shockingly I have survived half of my final semester, and now feels more critical than ever. I'm actually halfway through working on my thesis (which has been stressful ALL semester long) and managed to nail two mid-terms back to back in one day. Hopefully I did well on them! There's 57 more days left before I actually walk across that stage to receive my degree. Reality hasn't even hit me just yet that I'm actually graduating, but it probably will when the colloquium rolls around. I'll be so relieved once I finish that paper...it will be as if the universe was risen off of my shoulders at that point. I decided to turn the tide and do my study on why people find hurricane coverage funny rather than informative, so hopefully I can manage and win the crowd over plus graduate :-). For now, I just have to hang in there and keep pushing and doing my best. I pray that this semester will be another C-free one which would land me on the Presidents List yet again for the 2nd time in my college career! I just find it amazing how both my sister who is almost 11 years older than me and myself will be graduating the same semester. It truly is a blessing to even see that happen and to be able to share this time with her and my family, friends, peers, teachers, and everyone who isn't here to physically see it happening. I know they're all proud of the two of us and that makes me feel like I'm getting closer and closer to my dream.