I can't believe we're already in March! It's exciting, if you're my friend you already know what I usually say around this time, "This month is almost over!"
Sorry, I can't help it. I am conditioned in thinking months ahead because I usually plan events for my nonprofit, The Gem Project, around that time frame. If I were to have an outer body experience, my spirit would be tap-dancing all across my wooden floors right now. My spirit has always had this amazing sugar rush, too bad my physical body can't keep up with it.
This is why I try to get my *runs* in. Running does not only keep me quick on my toes, but it allows me to focus better and maintain my mental fitness. Last year for about 5 weeks straight I started running 30 miles a week. I had to put a halt to that routine because I was losing too much weight, and weight loss was never my intention. I don't even own a scale, I don't think I will ever buy one of those things. I saw the weight loss in my face, neck, and well you get the picture.
When I say I have an affair with my work, well that can be taken as an understatement. I've been busy with meetings, proposals, and possible future collaborations. I have to keep myself grounded often and say mantras like, "To quick on your feet, as quick your dreams will flee." - Ebokosia| Building foundation takes time and I am seeing the bigger picture of a lot of things right now. I am focused. I am me.
As we grow older we hope to become wiser. I view myself as this continuous student in this thing called life. I am not above all in my actions nor am immune to life's imperfections. My circle these days has been tight and small, I prefer it that way--I don't feel I am spreading myself too thin.
Climb a mountain, I'll show you the followers before. Climb to the top, I'll show you those who will be there waiting.
Saving is an essential way to help achieve desired goals and aid for emergencies. Emergencies are usually spontaneous situations that present themselves with panic and frustration. These situations can be a loss of a job, ill family member, or an unexpected trip. Whatever it may be, most individuals want to feel prepared for the situations at hand. Savings can be a critical and vital help for those persons who need to get through the unexpected.
Choosing the right savings account can positively affect your earning potential. It is important to choose the right account that can help you earn the most and benefit you the best. The road of discovery in finding the best saving accounts is not as complex as it may seem.
Here are a few tips in getting the best savings account:
1)Seek out a high APY rate ( Annual Percentage Yield) - Savings accounts that grant rates of 2% and higher are considered competitive. The higher the APY the higher yield you will gain, this is what maximizes your earning potential. Another thing that is great about APY is that they compound your earnings.
2) Get acquainted with your banker: Find how often your bank compounds their rates.
3)Keep your eyes peeled for banks that offer incentives for saving each month. For example, Bank Of America offers the keep the change program: A project that rounds all purchases made with your debit card to the nearest dollar. They immediately take the difference and place it into your savings account. It is a very easy and interesting way to save.
Many online banking accounts offer competitive rates with very low minimum monthly balances. In fact, many online banking companies are very competitive and often lead when it comes to competitive APY rates and low minimum required balances.
The following companies listed below offer competitive rates and accounts with low minimum required balances:
Company| Account Type |APY |Minimum Balances:
SmartyPig| Savings| 2.01% | $25 SFGI |Savings |1.85% |$1 ALLY| Savings| 1.49% |$0 ING Direct |Savings| 1.25%| $0
The following above information is as of 2/2/2010. Rates may vary over time. If you follow the above tips you will be on your way in earning the most you can gain.
Innovation is promising."Out of the box thinking" is what keeps companies afloat and most dreams alive. If I were to choose a word for many up and coming entrepreneurs, or simply individuals trying to keep dreams alive, it would be innovation.
Innovators plant seeds to tomorrow's next big thing. Innovators nourish the seeds to translate yesterday's intangibles to today's successes. - A. Ebokosia
Being an innovator is not easy. It requires reasonable risk and a tremendous amount of work. Before there was a success, there was always a failure. I am yet to find anyone who cannot couple the two. In order to achieve desirable results, there must be trials to overcome and conquer.
A reasonable risk is a sacrifice that you can make that will later positively affect you. The benefits should outweigh the losses, the losses are usually the time spent to achieve your goals.
With today's ailing economy some may say, "it's bad business for big business." I say, It's a chance to get budding entrepreneurs into the game of success. It's a time that risk is appropriate and also a time for creative juices to flow.
It's not odd to read, "Laid off single mother opens an online boutique for children and strikes gold," as a news headline today. The greatest success stories of entrepreneurship often deal with immense pressure and the ability to plant unique seeds into a vision.
Insight on S. Orman's, "How to save yourself in turbulent times"
"How to save yourself in turbulent times"
That was the title of the introduction of Suze Orman's book, "Women & Money." I first saw her book "staring" at me from the newsstands at an airport in Chicago. There was something so enticing about that cover. It could have been because it reflected a happy woman, a strong powerful woman. I did not buy that book then.
I also read a good review online about it. Even so, I did not buy that bookthen. I bought the book yesterday after coming back from a charity benefit to provide relief for the people of Haiti. Lately, I have found myself becoming an avid book collector rather than the reader I once was. In my apartment I have stacks and stacks of books unread. It's quite disappointing so it seems the only way to cure such a thing is to be apart of a book club.
Now let me reflect back to Orman's first chapter entitled, "How to save yourself in turbulent times." I'd rather place a focus on the phrase rather than the actual content of that chapter. Forget for a moment who "Suze Orman THE financial guru" is. Forget it all. Read this phrase slowly, How to save yourself in turbulent times, now make it into a question: How can you save yourself in turbulent times? I am not talking about the pitfalls that you've made financially nor am I limiting "turbulent times" to the current state of our economy.
The fact is we're living in turbulent times. It can be a spectrum of things such as relationships, environmental issues, economic crisis, crime, war, and natural disasters. Steps to save yourself:
Examine your situation.
Don't become overwhelmed by it, only tackle what you can handle.
Do your part, many parts make up a whole.
Get help, assistance yields faster results.
Stick with your vision even in tough times, these are how results are made.
Learn the art of delegation to avoid unnecessary stress.
Create a Do It Now Book. Writing things down may help to solidify your commitments.
These are a few ways to save yourself in the midst of turbulent times. What are some ways have you saved yourself?
During the holidays my mom gave me a 2010 calendar. I honestly preferred that than anything else.
It helps to physically write events down from pen to paper rather than typing them out on a computer or phone--sometimes.
For those who know me, being simple in thought or practice does not work for me. I remember when I did a documentary in Brooklyn by Dennis Bellone, I was told-- "You're that type of woman who just has to do something. He went on to advise me that I should just wake-up without anything to do.
Translation--- Meditate do that, or just people watch one day at the park. My bestie told me about "people watching."
Perhaps he is right--- but for now-- I am going to say, " Pass the schedule please." I am 23 and there are so many things I am yet to do. There are so many heights I am yet to climb and there are so many unmentionables I am yet to bury deep within my heart.
"AE QUOTE: Be the Picasso of your portrait called, Life. Let each stroke be strong and confident. In the end your masterpiece will be extraordinary. -EBOKOSIA"
The New Year is almost here! There is something so refreshing in starting off with a New Year, I think for everyone. We can all claim that a lot of pivotal moments have occurred.
The only resolution I would possible make ( I try not to really make any-- for the start of a new year) is to live my best life possible. Everyday is a resolution to be made not just because we're beginning a 'new year.' I find that if you just say, "I wish to strive to be a better person than the woman who I was yesterday," all your goals will seemingly be easier to attain. I am in constant battle with that woman.
I've been running high on passion lately. It has pushed me into the hours of the night when I physically could not go on anymore. My work ethic has been crazy, I am determined to work harder to see the results that I dreamed about.
AE QUOTE: Desirable results are only partnered with desirable efforts. Expect what you CHOOSE to give.-♥ EBOKOSIA
I have been enjoying family and friends these past few weeks-- I am in the holiday spirit. I love the warmth of people. I especially <3 when it's the people you care about most. I can sun bathe in that type of warmth-- the love of family and close friends.
The Gem project, my non-profit--- is moving UP UP UP. I finally renovated the website! Check it out over (here). I've been working on it so much lately because I am putting a new team together and changing how I manage things. I am elated with everything that it has done in the past and I look forward to the future!
Peep the new logo:
I foresee collegiate and high school chapters being done throughout this great nation in the future. I've placed forms on the website for that. I had a vision that the teachings and practices of The Gem Project as an organization would just ramify out from state to state-- and it will happen. I would be lying if I said I was not 100% sure. I think my dreams into reality, with the assistance of action of course ;). It has never failed me. I have never failed myself. Only others have failed me.
Peep my new logo for this site : AE EMPIRE: Amanda Ebokosia.com--
I don't think there is a particular age where you just finally "get" it, the answers to life's questions. During my sophomore year of college I had a conversation with a room-mate who I lived with during the summer term.
She explained to me that you'll still get those "I thought I got it, whoa -- never doing that again" days no matter if you're 19,25,30, 60 years of age &--- beyond.
It's funny. I suppose that's what makes life so interesting. Once you feel you've solved an answer, a new one is presented or an old one is reintroduced.
AE QUOTE: When you believe you're at the cusp of life's bountiful treasures of answers you find yourself awestruck and pensive on seemingly "new" issues, only to find that it's a dull old one.
I had my moment again. I'll admit, "I still have a lot to learn and more "growing" up to do." There are so many things that have been presented to me these past few days & weeks, I will take it all with stride. In due time they will all reveal themselves.
Yesterday I baked some holidays treats. I've been getting real fond of baking & cooking as I've been marking my territory in my kitchen.
Below:
Chocolate chipmint cookies--- The scents warm up my quaint apartment, the second place I call home. There's a competition of scents, I've grown addicted to candles and I especially love the aroma of apple cinnamon sticks that mine gives off.
Yesterday felt like Spring, well close to it anyway. If only all days in December would be equally as beautiful! I can only dream, hope, and pray. I'm busy with several things today. One of them being, assisting in this production event for a not-for-profit. It should be a lot of fun. I sent out 68 reminder invites yesterday, so we will see. I'll see if I can sneak in some video footage.
I'll be busy.
Here are a few select snaps from the shoot, I know I promised full but I think it will be best that I release a little at a time.
Designer Casey Russell of Claude Russell designed the shoot. Photographer: Rollei
My fitness blog has been updated today, I'm ending this week #4 with 114 miles ran since I started running in November.
I suppose being busy has its perks? Check list of issues equates to blessings
I suppose being busy has its perks? Yes it does. I am sitting here with issues that others may glance at as being blessings. I suppose I should take my issues as blessings and react to them as such, praise and give thanks.
God is good.
My issues (blessings in disguise):
booking a trip to see my lovely family
figuring out if I should take a proposal to go to London early spring-- for a shoot!
wondering if I should paint this wall-- w/o knowing if I'll be accepted to go to a medical school out of state, if God plans it that way-- If I get accepted this cycle-- let us pray.
figuring out an article to write for this company about relationships-- it's been 7 days since my last one! This is how I make some money as a writer, besides this website
Wondering when I'll upload all my work for The Gem Project and get things back up to my "order" of business for 2010
following up for a possible researcher position for interview no.3 I hope, for brain cancer research--- my life's dream, well besides being a neurologist one day
Planning to meet new and old friends before the break of 2010
Being a better Christian than I was yesterday, you shall never rob me of mistakes--- I will make plenty-- I'll just try to do the "right" thing
I want to try to be the best in all that I do. Honestly, I am quite disappointed sometimes-- I am an odd sort off perfectionist, my mind is a circus yet I want order in my surroundings. Funny.
Life is a muffin-- I just can't seem to taste it-- I've found myself walking through it with a cold. I fear it has robbed me of my senses to indulge in the satisfaction of that muffin. A cold.
I love life. I get bogged down with it all, but I CAN'T seem to shake off being busy. I suppose I won't even try, I was born this way--- I can imagine when everything is said and done---- I'd leave this world shaking in my bones.
Be powerful always my love.
AE QUOTE: Key to Power: Being able to utilize and master all pertinent outlets for your mission-- don't be limited to just one.
The heart to heart --Mom-Family-The De Pintos-Lianna-Erin-Sorie-Bukie-Chandra-Dayna-Carm
I love my family and I love my friends. Yesterday, I had a heart to heart moment with my mother over the phone. She has to be the busiest woman I know. I was sad sometimes as a child, seeing my mother was always busy raising us 3 kids on her own---this took out of our playtime, keep in mind this was a child's thought. I'm just reflecting here, I would not change it for the world . According to last night, she wouldn't either.
My mom is the reason why I am the person who I am today. If that makes sense, she is the reason why I strive to be a better person each day. I am so blessed to have what I feel is the best role-model for me. I couldn't ask for anyone else because no one is as great to me in my eyes.
My comfort from being many miles away is the fact that I am my mother's daughter. Those words are more valuable than any man made object or feeling evoked on this earth. The feelings, the love, the respect--- is far greater than I. I suppose my love is great-- My family is small so my mom and my brothers, and my uncles & aunts on her side is virtually all I have.
We are a God fearing family. God has always been the captain as we navigated through the seas of issues, issues, and more issues. God has worked miracles and transformed us all for the better. Just to digress slightly, one of the greatest experiences I've witnessed in college at Rutgers University-- was experiencing other cultures besides my own. This also came with witnessing and respecting other person's religious beliefs are lack of.
I appreciate everything in life, just in my book God has been my Captain. My brothers are growing before my eyes, as being handsome strong intelligent young men of society. I am a very proud sister. I can't believe how my brother Brian is so mature for his age. He helps a great deal with my youngest brother, Michael. He is a character in his own way. I love his smile and his big incisors-- well two front teeth.
I just find myself wishing Christmas was here so I can be with my family. I'll be enjoying my Thanksgiving with friends this year- My Italian Family. I love the De Pintos, I really do. I have not had a friend so pure as Lianna, which is one of the many reasons why she is my best friend. She truly has my best interests at heart, as I do her as well. I also appreciate and love my close friend Erin-- she is bright and unique. We are very much alike in a lot of ways. She has such a great artistic flair to her-- I find that this is a rare quality to share with someone who is, like myself, in route in becoming a health professional. It is a rare quality indeed.
Sorie-- how can I forget him? He's A true soul-mate. He's my best friend as well. I can't believe he has been in my life since age 19. Whoa. I Skyped him the other day-- that was kool. He is the reason why I knew about the brain cancer clinical researcher position. He is always looking out for me-- even when I say, "Back Off." Two interviews later and all. I have such great friends.
Carmelys is a sweetheart and a loyal friend as well. I often see her as a younger or the younger sister I've never had.There are other friends who I hold dear to me. I just can't fit everyone in this post. I only mentioned those who have been in constant contact with me this past year or who I've got real close too.
I can go on to write about my childhood- adolescent pals Bukie, Chandra, & Dayna. Words alone can't describe. You all are people who I see myself growing old with.
To sum everything up, I guess you can say I am in love with my mother, family,and friends. I am very much in love with them. I sort of understand it when Angelina Jolie said, " I am so in love with my brother right now." It's a familial/platonic love rest assured it's not romantic love, well maybe for my soul-mate it is.
Go Out and Kiss Someone, You know you Want to! Happy Thanksgiving.
'Tis the day to be thankful, and so are the many years to follow
In life whether you accumulate a lot of obvious blessings or you're in the midst of a monumental trial -- waiting patiently for that solution, you must always remember to be thankful. I find it necessary to be especially thankful for when I'm in situations that are not ideal. Every obstacle that we go through in life prepares us to be stronger and should be greeted and welcomed, for every obstacle transforms us into a better person. Thanksgiving is near and I can't seem to count off a list of all the things that I am thankful for, simply too many. ..
Let's just start off by being thankful for today. When I wake-up each morning, I smile for all the possibilities that can occur andjust having that 'chance' of making them happen. I did not have to wake-up today, but I did. I consider it a blessing, a blessing that shouldn't be taken for granted.
I began my morning like most mornings, a bowl of cereal and a glass of O.J-- however, today was different.
Video Feature: Eight seconds of footage from when I just finished my interview in New York,NY and found that Bryant Park opened their "Pond", a skating rink.
I was told by the 2nd best cancer center in the nation and the largest--oldest in the world, that I will begin my second interview, November 23, 2009. "....just having that 'chance' of making it happen." Life is a bundle of dreams-- and I am living out mine. I started my day half past 6 in the morning, I slept late from the night before. I was energetic and ready to prove that I was the best candidate for the position-- I did not fail.
I went in-- that interview and answered questions to the best of my knowledge, flawlessly. I gave it my absolute best, consider it a moment to be thankful for. In these times there are always moments to be thankful for especially in this dire economy. It takes hard times- difficult situations- to reflect at what matters most and appreciate the simplest thing.
Today I appreciated smiles. I met them all over! I met smiles on the train to New York and smiles on the sidewalks, over the phone, and most importantly, my heart. I smiled in my heart.
When my family members or friends ask,"What do you want for Christmas or Thanksgiving?", I'll say the same thing from last year--- nothing. I am so blessed, I've been blessed since I was born. Being blessed does not have to mean-- monetary things-- goodness no. I grew up from humble beginnings and I did not always 'have it all.' The funny thing is--- I did not know I never had much at all-- until others commented.
Life is a bowl of cereal, eat it up and be thankful.
The New Year is almost here! There is something so refreshing in starting off with a New Year, I think for everyone. We can all claim that a lot of pivotal moments have occurred.
I foresee collegiate and high school chapters being done throughout this great nation in the future. I've placed forms on the website for that. I had a vision that the teachings and practices of The Gem Project as an organization would just ramify out from state to state-- and it will happen. I would be lying if I said I was not 100% sure. I think my dreams into reality, with the assistance of action of course ;). It has never failed me. I have never failed myself. Only others have failed me.
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