All About Dads Week
Filed under: Blog Entries, Family, Relationships, Society & Culture
This week as Father’s Day approaches, I’ll be highlighting some of the dad-based blogs I’ve found in the blogosphere. I enjoy these sites and can relate to a lot of the topics discussed because my two boys have definitely taught me a lot about myself. Over the last couple of years the role of fatherhood has changed. No more are the “Leave It to Beaver” days, when dad was the sole financial provider in charge of disciplining the boys and keeping the yard together. Us new dads are a lot more involved and in my opinion I think the kids benefit greatly from the additional interaction they receive.
I enjoy the time I spend with my family and my boys are excited to see me when I walk through the door. I know at some point, that may end, but I’m going to take it all in while I can. Times have definitely changed and our kids need a male role-model more than ever. I pray that I can be that person for my kids. I want them to always know how much I love them and to know they can come to me despite the reaction they may receive.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last couple of years, it’s that this fatherhood thing is no joke. Kids will definitely put you through a test. But I can’t really hate too much because I’m sure my parents have some stories of their own. Be sure to come back each day for a new post. If you have a story or memory you’d like to share feel free to leave it in the comments area.
Staying Organized Part II
Filed under: Blog Entries, Business, Family, General, Life, Relationships, Society & Culture, Technology
In part one of my Staying Organized series, I mentioned some of the ways I planned on going e-organized for the new year. It’s been fun and I’ve actually learned a lot about what it’ll take for me to better manage my time. Since the first post some things have changed, so I thought I’d update you on how it’s going.
To get a better plan with Sprint, I ended up renewing my contract and got the Blackberry (BB) Curve 8330. I was reluctant because I was so used to my Windows Mobile phone, but I quickly learned what the BB could do. Under my Google account created a calendar for myself, my wife, the kids, and church. Each have their own assigned colors and I can show/hide which I want to see at any given time. I also created a Google account for my wife, so she would have access to my calendars and the events I entered. I set up the browser on her phone to pull up the mobile Google calendar site when she opened it. That way she’d know what I had planned for the day (I always forget to tell her about stuff I need to do). I still use Google Sync to sync the Google Calendar with the BB calendar on my phone. Trust me, it works great.
I just recently listened to the audio book “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. With the tips in this book, I was able to find a way to fine tune my e-organization plan and add some efficiency to what I was doing. I changed how I used the The Remember the Milk (RTM) app I mentioned in the first post. I used the BB application they created to sync all of my tasks every hour from the website to the phone. Any task, big or small, goes in RTM and I assign date if it’s something that needs to be done soon. This works nice because it allows me to clear my head of all the “stuff” I need to do. It also gives me an organized repository where I can visually see the tasks that need to be done for the day. To make sure the list stayed current, I had to set a goal that all tasks for the day must be completed or rescheduled before I go to bed.
I’ve also started using an application called Evernote that allows me to access/capture ideas, notes and information from my PC or phone. But I’m going to save how I use this for another day because I’m trying to decide whether I’ll post it here or at Liberate Magazine.
Well, that’s all I have for now. I’d be interested in hearing your comments or questions. This may sound like a lot to keep up with, but for me it’s been working. My planner was never with me when I needed it, but I always have my phone. There is a slight learning curve in getting the system together, but the geek in me loves it.
I do have plans on going into each online app I use in more detail, but why do that now when I can have you come back for part 3?
Entrepreneurs – Balancing Work and Life
Filed under: Business, Community, Family, Life, Relationships, Society & Culture
I decided to write this post in response to a blog post I read at Liberate Magazine. The question was “How do you balance work with everything else going on in your life?”. You can leave your comments at liberatemagazine.com.
Finding work-life balance is something that my wife and I’ve been trying to do for a while. There are many times when I wonder if it’s even possible. When you are an entrepreneur with a full-time job, finding that balance becomes a lot more difficult. As soon as we get home, the kids need to eat, get ready for bed and we need to get ready for the next day. To be successful at even finding something close to balance takes a team effort to get it done.
I’ve found that the night time is my best friend because that’s the time when I begin working that “second job”. This can be hard if you’re not a night person and means there are times when sacrifices have to be made. This is why finding something you love to do is very important. When you’re doing something you love, it really doesn’t seem like work at all. You’ll still experience the stresses that go with running a business, but the motivation to success will definitely keep you pushing forward.
Instead of a balance, I tend to see managing work/life as a seesaw. At any point and time either side will get more attention than the other. The support group around me is important and I try to bring keep them informed on what I’m doing and I try to be aware of how I manage my time. I’m always looking for better ways to get things done and I try to keep my life as close to what I feel is balanced as possible. When the scale is tipping too far in one direction, you’ll know. That’s a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way.
AAHMI Celebrates Black Marriage Day
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Family, Relationships
Having a successful marriage is hard work! When dealing with the stresses of every day life, it’s easy to lose focus and get caught up in the rat race. Like a fine tuned sports car, our marriages over time need a tune-up. Here’s a great way to share and learn from others what it takes to keep a marriage strong.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HEALTHY MARRIAGE INITIATIVE OF HOUSTON (AAHMI) INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE BLACK MARRIAGE DAY with A FREE DAY OF MARRIAGE EDUCATION
Sunday, March 22, 2009
9:00 – 5:30 PM
5878 Bellfort Avenue
Houston, TX 77033
If you are interested, please call:
713-867-7764
Ask for Yanira Montes
View the attachment as well as the website (www.houstonmarriage.org) for other dates and locations.
Website Offers Financial Help for Struggling Black College Students
Filed under: Blog Entries, Business, Community, Personal Finance, Relationships, Society & Culture
While attending college, there were a number of times when I needed some financial help and there were people around to look out for me. In my final years I worked two part-time jobs and did what I had to do to pay the bills. FASFA was my best friend and the government was a lot more gracious with the money they were giving out in student loans.
Times have changed and money is tight for everyone (including the government). But an online dating service is stepping up to the plate to lend a hand to those trying to receive their college degree. BlackAlumniLoveConnection.com has a program called Lift and Climb where they give a portion of every monthly subscription to a scholarship fund for African American college students. They plan to distribute $30,000 in scholarships in the next year, with that number growing as their membership grows. In my opinion this is a great way for BlackAlumniLoveConnection.com to get customers for their business and help others in need.
So if you’re single and you’re wanting to get your online mingle on, check them out. You may be able to find love and help a black college student in need at the same time. For more information regarding the Lift and Climb program visit their website at BlackAlumniLoveConnection.com or contact Noelle LeVeaux Dugan at 214.616.1784.
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