Thursday, June 2, 2011

Guilty? Is Guilt Killing You Inside?

People are funny. Some can't hide their guilt and some can't hide their feelings. Maybe if you get me mad, I may get a bit smug but I get over it. If I am guilty, you may sense it as well. I've noticed that people do act funny when they know they've done something wrong.

My grandmother used to say that "ground lizard know what he did to God Almighty, he can't look up". I try to stay up and keep my head up. Guilt is not an easy burden but some seem to have no conscience in carrying it. In some cases, people find you guilty when you have committed no crime. I find that's OK since so many instances in life are judged by perception.

I do find that poeple like to take things out of context and omit details. At this point, I've stopped caring and I will live my life as best as I can. It is no sense to stress over what others say or think - especially when they are accusing others of unwarranted and unjustified wrongs.

I say that we should all just live and leave judgement to God and the courts if necessary. If you know you are guilty and you want to unburden yourself, do so. Don't let it kill you...unless someone else may try to kill you for what you did.  We all know that you can run but you can't hide, so try not to keep the guilt bottled up inside!

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

My Differences


I've always wanted to be different from everyone else. I always like to take a different approach to life. I don't want to be singled out or easily noticed but I want to try new things. I guess that's why I blog and seek writing opportunities.

I wanted my hair natural when everyone was wearing straight. Then many went back natural and back and forth. I'm still natural and will blow out or even try a tasteful weave every now and then. However, that is an expensive lifestyle choice so I'll stick with my nappies.

In college, everyone opted for Finance, Accounting or Management so I did Marketing and Finance. I still feel it's all common sense when it boils down - applying the knowledge in real life situations requires gained experience and a willingness to adapt.

I'm the person who sought opportunity wherever I could. Me - sit at home to wait for a big job when I could take a small one and make some money? Never! I see a scholarship application or essay contest and I run for it. I love events like the Flower Show that I can work with nature. I enjoy working with farmers and anything agricultural - that's my 9-5.

However, I am not the tree hugger who's going to go and clean up the coast. I believe in leading by example and keeping the place clean and placing fines on the litterers. The place does need to be cleaned but that's a reactive gesture. We have to continously educate our people.

I am not well-rounded and I do not do sports. Tell me to dance and I will. Ask me to sing and I'll try. Let me write a poem for what I want to write about. Don't tell me what you want because then you should write it yourself.


I am simple and sometimes quiet but never underestimate me because I do pay attention. I guess I am different because certain things I am leaving to God right now. The people who try to take advantage or pull stunts on me - I leave them alone because I know the come-uppance is in the works.

I am different and I love being me. I have accepted me and the most you can do is the same.

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As much

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Four Years and It's Election Time Soon

It is an election year in the British Virgin Islands. Some candidates have already started and others are lagging behind. Some persons whose names have been called seem to be disallusioned or discouraged and some have given up. Some have tried for over 10 years and are still not successful.

My grandmother would always repeat the saying "the race isn't always for the swift" which goes back to the fable about the Tortoise and the Hare. You take your time to plan, strategize and implement. You may not be successful on the first try but the people eventually support someone who perseveres.

I always smile when candidates who run once, disappear or accept a government job or contract. Whichever the case, they seem to just be fly by night candidates. What are their true motives? Only those one-time persons will know.

The people are looking for solid leaders who seem to have the country's best interest at heart. We have several persons who have tried on more than one ocassion and have eventually won a seat. Former Legislator  Eileen Parsons and Hon. Irene Penn-O'Neal are two good examples of persons, women of course, who persevered and eventually overwhelmingly attained seats. I always say kudos to these ladies for never giving up.

Candidates need to have a good team backing them. They need to get their faces out there at least one year prior to the election if they are in a position to do so. Of course, they should follow the issues and evaluate the prior election results and a focus group in each district is not a bad idea  either.

I am an advocate for people exercising their right to vote. Many are discouraged right now but we just can't go forward that way. If the candidates are not good enough, please tell them so. Tell the party leaders, the independents themselves and all others that they are not ready, not trustworthy or incapable of moving us forward.

Where are the ones who will speak of environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, educational reform (not deform) or cutbacks? I guess they will all step up soon to see who can win the popularity contest. Kudos to those who have already come forward. The people are rearing and waiting for the others.

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Monday, May 30, 2011

Getting Over Struggles

Reaching out to people when you are in need is difficult. Sometimes you feel like no one can ever understand your plight. In fact many of us can and we sympathize, empathize and try to give words of encouragement. There are some of us who take joy in your hurt and tell you what you want to hear to pacify you so that we can gossip or run fast away from your tirade.

I have been on every aspect of that spectrum and these days, I just leave it to God. I keep my close friends close and have casual conversation about the weather, crime, work etc with others. If someone is not bringing positivity towards me right now, I go the other direction.

I recommend that people facing struggles seek help because bottling it up won't solve anything. Reach out to someone but of course not the person who will spread your business on the street like a tabloid. Speak to a friend who is willing to listen and offer good encouragement - not advice. Seek professional advice if needed.

Take a break. Pamper yourself. Go to the beach. Prepare a favorite meal. Visit family and friends. Take up a hobby. Eliminate some of your debt.

DO SOMETHING! Break that chain and find a way to move forward. Even if the outlook is bleak, still persevere and pray for guidance.

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Some Jobs Ain't Easy...

I never aspire to be perfect but instead I work hard and roll with the punches. Many people are unhappy at their jobs and this is a reality worldwide. I am not in an optimal situation right now but so it is with most jobs. What you learn in school or at workshops don't always happen in the real world.

I do feel that just as a one bad egg can spoil the dozen, one good one can still used. Where people become so unhappy it leaves for a very unhappy environment. In some cases where people's jobs are threatened, their work in fear unsure of their next paycheck. What we need to do is learn our rights so that we are not treated as ignorant underdogs. We must also keep a log of events - good and bad. Submit reports for assigned tasks, even when you are not asked.

We have to work with difficult, lazy, disgusting and even micromanagers.  Learn your boss and do what you can until you can do better. If you need your paycheck, try to abide by the rules but remember slavery has been abolished so there is no need to take nonsense or sexual harassment from any supervisor.

Keep your head on and up. Remember, you don't need a job to shine. You came shining and can leave shining. However, you must know your rights!

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Journey of Walking to Car Ownership to Walking Again

I used to want a drive Ford Mustang in the 1990s but then I realized how much gas it burned. I always liked Toyota Camrys too because they were considered a high end sedan.

My first car was a 1991 2-door Toyota Corolla with the flip up lights. Of course this was in 2003 but I loved my little 'ragga' car. I rolled around in that little car for almost 2 years and then I realized that living in the hills required a tougher car. I then realized that a Subaru had everything that I needed - space, all wheel drive and mega comfort. I did get my Forester but it got into an accident. Apparently the insurance guys thought that the car was too good for me so they twisted my arm to get it.

Then I got a Mitsubishi Lancer and that was a huge mistake for me. It was expensive to maintain and then the transmission broke down. This was a time for good decision making. If a car repair costs 5 months rent, is it worth it? I'm cheap so NO.

I then decided that I had had enough. Gas prices have sky-rocketed and cars always need to be maintained. What's harder is that if the vehicle is not a US spec, it's harder to get parts. When you get the parts it's super expensive. I catch the bus and while it's not super convenient, I get around for less cost than owning a car right now. Plus, it's an easy way to just not take part in stuff.

My thoughts on young people just out of high school or college buying a car:
1. Buy a used car but have it checked thoroughly.
2. If you have finished college, think about buying land or opening a business first.  Land appreciates, business blossom but cars depreciate.
3. Be prepared to take care of your vehicle. Rotate your tires and change them as needed. Check your fluids weekly and keep an eye on your wiper blades.
4. Don't let your gas tank go the E often.
5. Park and walk to close destinations.
6. Keep your ride clean inside and out even though I sucked at the outside part.
7. Service the vehicle regularly. A family member or friend can do two of the services for the year and the dealer or mechanic can do one or two also just to ensure that all the sensors work etc.

Every one has to make the decision that makes life easier for them. My journeys sometimes take longer and sometimes I move faster. Once I can get there safely, I'll get it worked out. I'm actually more on time now without the car.

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Happy 2025!