P: party party party

AlphabetChallenge

This past Sunday (April 15th) was my birthday *cue excitement and all that jazz* and although most years my birthday is all sad and blah for me, this one was great!

There was no amazing eye-catching birthday cake, nor was there a specially invited list of guests....instead my amazing team of birthday revelers - my sisters, 3 friends and my hunni; took to the streets with the Bacchanal Jamaica 2012 crew for Road March.


I'll admit that with so much stuff on my mind, I was worried about how much fun I would actually have. Though there were some hiccups with the moments of grumpy little me; the road march rain, the soca music and the hint of rum had me thoroughly enjoying the time with my team who ensured that there was never a dull moment from start to finish.

On Monday, the remains of my great day included leg pains, sunburn, a raspy voice and fatigue....all of which will be 'cured' hopefully by the end of the week. Sadly I haven't gotten all the lovely photos from the day that I wanted to post, but when I do I will post them so you all can see how I thoroughly enjoyed the start of my 22nd year!

O: opportunities abound

AlphabetChallenge

 oh lookie here...my post is early this week (thanks to a long weekend) =] 

Instead of looking at the stress, complications and possible hiccups...focus on the opportunities that will come during and after the experience. -Kim 

It's been a rough couple of weeks!

I've been just about swamped with work as I try to get everything together for my foundation to launch at the end of April; plus I've got work and work and freelancing and my life (including sleeping, blogging and spending time with my bebe) to balance.

I think it's fair to say though that I am surviving and doing a decent job at it. Of course with all this work there must be some benefit to be derived and I'll just look at it as 'opening the doors for more opportunities.'

My various hats and the experiences that come from each one, have allowed me to meet new and interesting people who open doors and make other experiences possible.

I'll admit that my biggest fear is failing, but I guess that just makes me a normal human being. I don't necessarily worry that things won't work out, but I honestly worry that things won't work out the way I want them to. Again I guess that makes me normal.....but this fear becomes more forward in my mind as I plan events, meetings, campaigns and complete sponsorship contracts.


Even now, as I put everything together for a campaign with D'Events, I am a bit concerned that my over the top ideas will be a bit too much for a first try; but I've been lucky enough to already see the opportunity for new connections to be made and new doors to open. It's a whole lot of work especially since I'm balancing it and the other things I need to get done.

 You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. -Eleanor Roosevelt 

I guess in order for me to keep surviving...besides having faith that it'll all work out, I'll be keeping the thought in mind as I work on my Bloom Foundation for Education, get my work done with HYPE Tv and TEENage Observer, as I continue my graduate school hunt and in between my freelance work!

Consider it a tip from Kim!

N: next on the list!

AlphabetChallenge

Another late post I know....I'm getting from bad to worse sigh

Anywho...I think by now most people know that my things to do lists are my all and everything lists that keep me sane and remind me of course of what I need to get done.

Each week I make a list for each hat I wear and I note the deadlines for those things that actually have deadlines. I use arrows or some kind of symbol to note the ones that have to be done so something else can get done and I highlight the 'places to go' ones like the meetings I need to be at.

More or less these little things to do lists have helped me to get organised for as long as I can remember. Although sometimes I focus on one list and kinda ignore others (for example now my main list is the one for my Bloom Foundation for Education and everything else is secondary).

But on a serious note, persons who have trouble with procrastination, memory and organising, the easiest thing to do is to make a list of all the things you need to get done. Here's some tips to making a good things to do list and making it work!

1. On one sheet of paper, write it all down regardless of which area of your life the 'thing to do' belongs to
2. Then think about all the areas of your life that you have things to do for (eg: school, work, home) and write each heading on a sheet of paper
3. Separate the list of things you wrote down and put then under their respective headings
4. On each sheet, highlight the places you need to go, things you need to purchase and people you need to call in different colours or using different symbols. 
5. By this time you should be able to see what needs to get done and you should be able to see a full idea of the things you can try and tackle together (eg getting all the things you need to buy at one time).
6. Tick things off as you get them done!

Feel free to jot down on the lists some things that you've already done so you can tick them off and feel a bit motivated to get other things done. It's important too to put the list somewhere you can see it easily or have easy access to it, so that you can add and tick off things easily. Also remember to make your lists probably on a Sunday afternoon when you can really sit and think through all the things you need to get done in the coming week.

Try to remember that one of the main things that cause a lack of progress is the lack of organisation....so get to it!

M: making a difference

AlphabetChallenge

It's amazing to see how one person can make a difference, and how in the same breath so many people think that lending a hand means very little and changes nothing.  -Anonymous

The statement above is quite true in my opinion (considering that this blog expresses my opinions)....and ever too often I think persons ignore a situation within their local community (or seemingly push it to the side) because they don't think there is any way they can help or they believe it is the responsibility of someone else.

My belief is that every individual no matter what, should think it is important to give to those in need....whether in cash or kind...large or small. I think it is extremely important for persons to make 'making a difference' a part of their life goals.

Yes there are those who can do more and should do more but what help is it to someone in need if you complain about what others should do instead of doing something yourself? Why try to convince the world that we are humanitarians and love mankind, if we prefer to point a finger and wait for a revolution nobody wants to start? Why is it that so often we turn a blind eye to an issue until it reaches a point of severity?

So here's my solution.....

Since we often sing on the statement 'to each his own' it is (in my opinion) the responsibility of each citizen to become a part of a foundation that helps others. Whether you join as a donor, member or volunteer; once you are helping to make a positive difference in the life of someone else I believe you feel better about yourself and you can from there help to spread philanthropy like a good virus.

I've already decided how I will make a difference, and if you want you can feel free to join me as a member or donor of my Bloom Foundation for Education, where the aim is to improve the educational services and opportunities available to special needs students in Jamaica. But, if you have a passion for something else or you want to work closer to home, then start the search for the non-profit organisation or association that suits your preferences.

And you don't have to have loads of money! That's a myth and just totally ridiculous. Even if you decide to have a coin drive, or donate in small amounts...that's you making a difference. If you put away all the coins you have at the end of a day, by the end of the month or even the year most persons have a good amount of money in coins and that can be donated....now imagine if you, your family and two or three other friends did the same?

You don't have to sell your soul or to go as far as to put yourself at a disadvantage...just do the little you can to make a difference.

sorry loves....

 Once again my hectic schedule has delayed my posting.

I do have the next Alphabet Challenge post for you - M; and I'll be finishing it tomorrow and posting it. I've also got some other news and updates to post so it looks like I'll be having a weekend of blogging!

I promise to have them up ASAP and hope that I won't be too busy to keep them coming. =]