The coconut tree is a very important tree. I recall learning a song about the coconut tree from a music book -
Coconut tree, oh coconut tree, what a very good friend you are to me.
Tall, swaying coconut tree
What a good friend you are to me
So many things I need everyday
You provide for me in a special way...
I am working on the poems...
This is the first version/draft of a poem on the creation of icicles
Aunt Magnet gave me free goodies
Icicles, puff and much more
The icicle was a welcome treat on a hot day
I held the cold block in my hand, bit the plastic and enjoyed the fruity ice
They were of many colors - red, green, and so on
The creamsicle was cream in color and made with milk.
The school children all enjoyed the icicle
They bought a lot of them
My great aunt was a well known supplier of icicles
She sold in front of a particular school in Linden
Some days she ran out, did not have enough for everyone who wanted one
Making the icicles was interesting to watch
The taste of the drink is important so there was much attention to the flavor
My great aunt prepared the drink in big basins
After the drink was ready, there was work on the creation of the icicles
Her children assisted
Someone poured the drink, someone sealed secured the product so there will be no leaking, someone else packed the stack of icicles in the freezer
To secure the product, there was sealing of the plastic for a time
At first a candle was used
Then there was a sealing machine
Then there was an improvement
Instead of sealing, there was knotting - adding a knot at the top
It is close to the end of the year! 2023 was a difficult year for me. I am looking forward to new beginnings and new opportunities. I hope my health is better in 2024. Hopefully, I will not need that wheelchair I was issued (at rehab in Maryland).
Yesterday I decided not to travel to Georgetown for a further eye appointment. I wasn't feeling up to it. Plans are in place to go on Tuesday.
The eye feels better. Good things are happening. I trust in my God, the Most High God.
I finally visited the hospital to have my eye examined. A few relatives assisted (made it happen). I am thankful that the examination was professional and very thorough.
I saw a black cat when waiting for my ride home from the hospital. That was strange. It reminded me of the black cat that was around the house when I lived in my childhood home. I helped to care for the cat - I fed the cat, and so on. I recall that the cat would rub herself against my legs when she wanted something. She did that with other members of the household too. I also recall that the cat became a mother. She had several kittens, all black. Mother and kittens liked to lay/rest under the sink.
I will work on at least one other poem under the production theme. I will write about making icicles. My great aunt made icicles for school children. I was very familiar with the process.
It is always good to praise God. Praise Him, praise Him!
My God is the Greatest - there is "Nobody Greater"
He is the Most Holy, The Great I Am
I am on a roll...
Another poem. This one includes some information on a seamstress in Linden. I see a theme in my poems so far - production (whether at home or in a factory/plant).
I wore the standard brown and cream uniform during primary school
My mother made my school uniform at the sewing machine
She determined what was required, bought the fabric, the "cloth", and put together the uniform so I met the school's requirements
My mother also made a lot of the regular clothes I wore
I wore a lot of short pants that my mother made
But there were some outfits that came from elsewhere
I recall a special red and white tube dress that required bows at the shoulder
I do not believe my mother made that one
A seamstress, a friend of my mother's, made several special outfits for me
She was very good, considered one of the best
Her work was considered exceptional but she sometimes took a while to finish the outfit
I believe it was because she received a lot of orders or requests to make clothes
My interaction with the seamstress was interesting
I recall the messages I delivered to the seamstress from my mother
I would walk from my grandmother's house, past the cashew tree that I once sold mangoes under
Then to the area the seamstress lived and to her door
A typical message was "Good afternoon, Mummy wants to know when the clothes will be finished"
Sometimes it is good to get things off your chest, make your feelings known. And now it is back to business...
Another memory, another poem
I am not sure why I didn't remember the trains at first
It could be because I was thinking of regular passenger trains to get around Linden
After much thought, I recalled the trains that passed across one road in particular
The road that passes in front of the Trade School and curves towards the hospital
A little past the dog kennel that was on that road
I recall seeing vehicles stopping by the railroad crossing so that a train could pass
The trains were associated with the bauxite company
I am working on a Christmas poem...
Preparation of the fruits came first
I saw bags and bags of carambola (five-finger) for the fruits
The tree in our yard produced a constant supply of the fruit
Then weeks before Christmas preparation of the carambola began
There was peeling, cleaning, soaking
Then there was the boiling with sugar so that the fruit changed into a sweetened, dry-looking version
Then it was time for the next step, working on basic ingredients
It is always good to eat a mango. I enjoyed a few ripe mangoes recently. I like them ripe and sweet. I especially like them half-ripe with salt and pepper. I need to get more mangoes. I think I should sell mangoes (not as my main job, of course, but while doing other things).
Yesterday a relative (Otis) sent me coconut water in a bottle. It was cold and refreshing. I finished the bottle of coconut water quick!y.
Very funny and interesting video by Wodemaya:
https://fb.watch/p01CkHkx-E/?mibextid=Nif5oz
When I was a teenager, one of my "chores" was working as a conductress on my father's small bus. I loaded the bus (like Wodemaya is doing in the video) and collected fares from passengers. It is a very profitable business.
I walk really well now. I was so shocked when I woke up to near-paralyzed legs in the hospital months ago. I could not get out of bed. I appreciate the help and support I received especially at rehab (I wrote about rehab in a previous post: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2023/07/scarf.html). The rehab management issued a wheelchair in case I needed it in the future.
I remember this song from childhood:
Good King Wencesles
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SQVUMG6LZGM
It is beginning to look like Christmas here in Linden. Some homeowners (residents) in my area/neighborhood put up lights within the last 48 hours. I hope the trees outside have lights too.
Sharing an order of Chinese food with my mother...
I no longer live with my mother but it is good to "catch up" with her.
Yesterday I tried to check my accounts and the status of other things in the US.I had some difficulty (I noticed some things changed). I hope everything will be better on Monday.
I do not plan to travel to the US soon.
Today's WordPress prompt:
Tell us one thing you hope people say about you. (Link: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-2152)
My response:
I hope people say I am accomplished and inventive. Over the years, I have accomplished a lot. I was fast out of the gate. In primary and secondary schools, I was attending classes with older students (I was the youngest in classes) and performed well. I performed really well at UG and in the fast-paced, intensive MSF program at GWU.
I worked in several prestigious positions at outstanding companies. The Business Analyst position is an example. I am more of an 'expert' (consultant) paid for expertise or competence. I am proud that I am multidisciplinary - I see different perspectives and recognize when concepts/theories can be applied. I come up with new ideas of my own.
I was able to accomplish a lot despite difficult situations and setbacks (adversity). I am happy I had the opportunity to do different things. I expect to achieve much more.
Tamarind leaves are shaped like a Christmas tree. Do you see it?
Merry Christmas to everyone (Happy holidays, if Christmas is not your thing).
I had tamarind balls recently (thanks to my relative RA). I enjoyed them. I also had good tamarind balls from a PC friend a few years ago.
My mother makes tamarind syrup or balls from time to time. I recall helping my mother make tamarind balls when I was young.
There is usually black cake at Christmastime in Guyana. I recall that we made black cake every year - it was a "big thing" (important). It is one of the Christmas traditions in my family.
I wrote about cashews or rose apples in a post yesterday. Cashews are used to make wine. Cashew wine is produced commercially.
It has been at least 20 years since I have seen a cashew tree. I recall that the tree is first covered with flowers/blossoms before the fruit is "produced." The blossoms usually fall to the ground and lay scattered all around the tree.
Bible verse:
1 John 1:7:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
I went walking yesterday. While walking, I stopped to pick cherries from a neighbor's tree. The cherry trees here have lots of (are laden with) cherries. The cherries are sour and good. They help with digestion.
I think cherries are very interesting. In Guyana, there is also the gamma cherries that are used in kite-making.
I like the cherries available in the US a lot. They are different. The color of those cherries remind me of Guyanese cashews (rose apples) that are deep red in color when fully ripe.
It is also interesting that cranberries look like cherries - an example is the holly with cranberry Christmas centerpiece shown below.
I did well at statistics at Northcentral University (during my PhD). I prepared some of the papers in Florida and some in Maryland while on vacation. I recall working on papers for one of the statistics courses at the Starbucks close to a popular mall in Maryland. I stayed there all day working on assignments. I recall that I needed to use SPSS for the course. I believe I signed up for the student version from IBM.
A section/excerpt from one of the papers (that deals with the normal distribution - I first learned of the normal distribution during A-levels and then covered at UG):
I am currently deciding on a journal to submit my research to. I think it should be a journal that publishes papers on careers, preferably one that does not have very strict or rigid requirements (one that publishes more informal papers). A Google search provided some good options. The page https://careerwise.ceric.ca/2020/10/15/career-development-academic-journals/ includes career development journals from around the world. I would like to try one of these journals.
I also need to find a journal for my other paper.
The Road of Memories (of Early Childhood)
I walked along the road to school with my mom
She taught me the song Morning Has Broken along the path
When events led to a new school, I needed to take the road to join a bus
I frequently ran out of steam along the road to catch the bus
The road I took to neighbors to deliver a message or attend a party
The road used as the ground for a cricket match that I watched from the verandah
The road I took to Sunday School a few times
Good morning from Linden, Guyana (in the smallest county Demerara)! The temperature is reported to be 31 degrees Celsius -weather provided by timeanddate.com (https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/guyana/linden/ext).
I noticed a world clock on timeanddate.com. It reminded me of the hotel I ended up staying in/at in Georgetown. In the hotel lobby, there were clocks showing the time in Georgetown (Guyana), U.K., and the U.S. (if I remember correctly).
The different peoples/cultures contributed to the food in the country. For example, pepperpot is based on a traditional Amerindian dish. Metemgee is from Afro-Guyanese. And, roti and dhal from the Indo-Guyanese. It is good that people do not only consume (or stick with) the food from their original ancestors. Everyone eats and enjoys the food. There are interesting mixes (ideas) such as fish cakes with dhal and rice, choka with dhal, and so on.
I had some good dhal puri today from my uncle and aunt (they came over). Like dhal, dhal puri (called just puri) is made with split peas.
I found Wodemaya's first day in Guyana very interesting. That was sugar cane juice near the end.
https://fb.watch/oREg4B0S27/?mibextid=Nif5oz
There are reports of much misinformation on social media. Some of this includes lying about someone in a strong competitive position, lying about assets (which is related to tax evasion and other fraud), fake news, and so on. Professionals review information posted on social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter (now X). Even LinkedIn profiles provide information that could be used for reviewing assets and background.
As an example, my LinkedIn profile includes details on my Lessons Project that was first a hobby that became a "home business." I included information about the hobby on my tax form.
I remember this poem from high school. It highlights some of the issues with people and prescribes how to behave (what to say, the need for silence etc.).
Desiderata
By
Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Online mis- & disinformation and hate speech need to stop. It would be nice to have top quality news, updates, reports and other information everywhere. This is related to reputation management.
It occurred to me recently that Guyanese quinches is like or similar to bread and jam. Quiches is made from cassava. I believe it is considered a type of cassava bread. I remember enjoying quinches as a child. Family members made the quinches.
Take a look at Guyanese quinches:
This post by a local business/restaurant provides photos: 📸 Look at this post on Facebook
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0PK5dTJ9QDSmTQhhPEeg36mLYLigRAGNFyfUEoGi7PS1oQfrzBz4dVDz4dUCXgEdkl&id=931175066995374&mibextid=CDWPTG
Quinches are usually smaller.
You may also be interested in one of my previous posts on different bread: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2023/07/different.html
Years ago, I started looking into remote or overseas jobs. Articles on the benefits of living in specific countries and expat living swayed my thinking on living elsewhere. I am still open to opportunities in different countries.
(Link: https://housinganywhere.com/living-abroad-benefits)
(Link: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/best-countries-for-american-expats)
Link to one YouTube video on living abroad: https://youtu.be/Ihy8P03j3Sc?si=u9oCp8nVtxSuROdB
My sincere condolences to the families of the "army men" who lost their lives in the accident. Guyana lost some talent.
I am working on the preparation of that audit resume I mentioned. I recall that I planned to move to the big city (away from DC) for a Financial Analyst job over 15 years ago. I was about to move when another opportunity presented itself. The opportunity was the auditor position. I learned a lot at that job/organization. My LinkedIn profile includes examples of audit reports I drafted (worked on as an auditor in the office). Those reports were also published (and they show my initials in the code on the cover page).
Wisdom from the Holy Bible...
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Don't be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
My previous post made me think of fruit-picking at President's College. Students picked jamoon and maybe mangoes (I don't remember much about this). I do recall that some students picked fruit during the time slot for meeting with pastoral parents. I recall doing other things during the pastoral time slot - in retrospect, they were beneficial; I recall a very different and enjoyable session.
I recall making a fruit salad during home economics class. I believe it was related to desserts. I wonder why the kitchen staff (the dining room) did not serve fruit.
The fruit I eat are usually store-bought. In stores, there is a lot of fruit available for easy purchase - displayed well and at a fair price. As expected, fruit is "from the original source" fresh (the equivalent of farm-fresh) if picked from a tree. I remember there was much fruit-picking by children in Linden when I was young. Young Fahmeena picked fat pork and other fruit (climbing the tree was usually out of the question - I prefer to get fruit within reach or low hanging fruit).
I tried to pick papaw (papaya) with a stick yesterday. I was unsuccessful so had to walk away disappointed. A relative sent a papaya for me.
When I was in Georgetown, I read somewhere that jamoon is in season. I am not sure whether it is in season in Linden. Apparently not.
Photo of a guava tree...
I like guava including guava jam and guava cheese. I like both types or varieties. In the US, I could not find guava in stores. However, the pear (not the avocado pear) available in the US is a lot like the large guava.
I have had success training/teaching others so a training position would work well for me. I am sure that my background (education, experience, and so on) would also get me an Auditing/Inspector General position. I have a lot of experience with audits. Early in my career, I provided information for Auditors to complete their audit of the processes and controls in capital planning. Later, I obtained a Financial Auditing position. I used my auditing knowledge in the Testing department within IT. Later, I understood processes and issues very easily in an IT Analyst position because of my auditing experience. I do not believe my current Analyst resume highlights my auditing experience adequately. I think I need an Auditing resume.
I have a research resume, an Analyst/Consultant resume, and a HR resume (all on LinkedIn). I think I need to add an audit resume.
There are usually different prices for some people in society, such as lower prices for the elderly and for children (called price discrimination). The Lord God required less for the poor such as less costly substitutions for burnt offerings as noted in Leviticus.
I moved (changed addresses) months ago. I no longer live with/support my Mom. I planned to move back to Florida. I am yet to move my belongings/stuff. My trip to Guyana was like a distraction.
I am hoping everything works out well. Last time, I carefully planned my move to Florida but there were surprises. When I traveled (to Florida), I was in the final round of interviews for a job in Gainesville. I expected to get the job. I didn't which affected me financially.
It has been a while since I posted an update. I am in Linden and feeling better. I am thankful for everything - for warm weather, for "local" family (RA) and others (Debbie) who assisted me here, and so on. I go walking sometimes to exercise my legs and lungs (get healthy).
I have many reasons to praise God. I am thankful I survived my surgery. I am happy that I can write good papers, and so on.
My verse for today:
James 4:7 (New International Version)
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Today's thoughts from Inside Fahmeena Odetta's Head:
I am posting using my Amazon Fire. I am so happy I bought it (it serves as a backup).
I am not sure what I should do now. I don't think I should travel to Linden now. Should I remain here?
Is there a need to think through everything you are told? Is there a place for 'taking things at face value' ?
In my opinion, people and places are a lot more complicated. A simple example is my name. Fahmeena Odetta Moore seems Indian or even Muslim but I am neither Indian nor Muslim. I am Black - I wear braids in my hair sometimes. I am from a country, though, where there is much mixing of the 6 races. I have eyes that look a little Chinese.
Definition - Taking things at face value: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/take-something-at-face-value
A previous post on whether I am Indian: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/10/not-indian.html
POST FROM FACEBOOK:
Life is painful sometimes.
(A post on cancer - I hope Rayann does not mind the repost. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0wJm1VSpLHh7mNtQAgpyZX4i6UkaCQMMuqpnawVedBTTTBGa47UA2Uy5qQaNFyb5Hl&id=100082925781926&mibextid=Nif5oz)
I received emails about revising one or more of my papers submitted for publishing. I will look closely at what is requested. My computer still does not work so making edits at this time will be an issue. This reminds me of the hand hygiene paper that needed editing when I was in rehab in Maryland. I requested additional time then and will request additional time for the other paper(s).
(See the screenshot for this post at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02g1RiAnLRhKHhJaSQsh1PFyntx6rXtPUyr8B1hhcNVBZAZCqaNoVCFpgVyvWbD5HXl&id=100082925781926&mibextid=Nif5oz)
I was temporarily offline because of phone problems. I also had other problems (since I came to Guyana) such as debit/credit card problems. I even had problems with the hotel room shower. I am at a particular hotel because my debit/credit card works there (I am not implying that there are usually problems at the hotel - it is considered a luxury hotel).
I am looking around at opportunities in Guyana. One option is a training/human resources position. In previous positions, I did really well at training. (I am sure even reviews by employees would show this). One of my LinkedIn profiles is a HR resume.
I need to go out more. I was out and about yesterday. I went to COURTS (the furniture store that reminded me of Macy's) and some other places.
Good morning from Georgetown, Guyana! I am feeling stuffy today. I hope it will be a good day. There are a lot of things I don’t understand. I am trusting in Almighty God.
I am thinking of the movie I saw of the Indian guy who survived the tiger while stranded at sea. That was a good movie! (and I guess my movie review).
I have a post in my blog on some of my father’s ideas for success. I thank him for his support. See the post here: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/08/happiness.html?m=1
I used a lot of publicly available information on individuals for my Lessons Project. I did not contact all the individuals for additional data. I did contact some for comment. I apologize for any negative impacts tothose individuals. There are sometimes unauthorized biographies.
I selected individuals that were different - from different cultures, and so on that achieved much. There are LinkedIn articles on each person selected.
I encourage everyone to look at the information out there and make use of it in interesting ways. Ask the right questions, notice inconsistencies, and so on.
I thank my family for support.
Everyone wants to be beautiful, but what is on the inside counts. I believe I am beautiful inside and out (of course, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder). I am a lot fatter now - I was skinny. I would like to lose the weight.
Thoughts on Competition
To be among the best candidates for a job, there may be the need to retrain or acquire new skills.
Thoughts on competition
Some may say nice guys finish last, but there are different perspectives on this. I recall reading about being likeable on LinkedIn. Giving back (sharing the bread) is also popular and it is not only a Christian thing. That may fall under ‘never taking more than you give’ from that Lion King song.
There are a lot of books/material on competition out there, but my experience and perspective is sure to be different. I grew up in a country (Guyana) that embraced socialism. I was in competitive situations since I was young. I was in a very competitive class at Watooka Day School. I also know quite a bit about competition and competitive behavior from:
- economics (perfect competition and so on),
- competing for jobs (for example, I got into an IT Analyst/Consultant training program at a major organization without any connections. It would be nice to see the comments and evaluations of the folks who interviewed me), and
- working at organizations.
(Feel free to send me comments, complaints, and any issues. My main email address is moorefo1@gmail.com.)
Thoughts on Competition
My first thought on competition:
To win the race is important. A strategy is needed. Some people want to be the nice guy / Miss Congeniality. Some desire to “take out the competition.” Careful selection of strategy is needed.
The Lord God Reigns.
When God is involved, good things should happen.
https://www.facebook.com/fahmeena.moore/videos/1076565300322489/?mibextid=Xtx9YC
It is a good day in Georgetown, Guyana! It was just raining (the rain came tumbling down). The rain stopped and the place is bright. I am thinking it will be a bright, sunshiny day. (So many ties to music!)
I just saw a woman in polka dots. It reminded me of the splash print that was popular in Guyana over 30 years ago.
It is a nice day in Georgetown, Guyana. It is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
It would be nice to walk around Georgetown today (to get some jamoon and other fruits - I saw somewhere that jamoon is in season, purchase a cone from Dairy Queen, enjoy a cheese roll, and so on. I will “get out” at some point.
I have some health issues - nothing to be very concerned about. FYI: I don’t need to be indoors, attached to a machine or anything like that. I am fine. I have what I need (for now).
Some time ago, I decided to make usability/user experience my main topic. I guess I specialize in usability (specialization is important).
One of the ideas/thoughts I am proud of is the connection I made between utils and usability. Usability could be used to better understand/model utils. See my post on Utils and Usability:
https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/10/utils-and-usability.html?m=1
There is so much of me in my work. Even the course blogs I created for personal tracking of my PhD course activities say a lot about me. For example, the blog I created for the Research Methods course (http://fmooresignatureassignment3.blogspot.com/?m=0) includes images that say a lot about my background, such as the UG dorm, a red and white flute phone, and a photo of a presentation on Guyana. I stayed at the UG dorm during my first year at the university. I was given a red and white flute phone at Watooka Day School so I could play in the school band.
Good morning from Georgetown, Guyana! Google’s search page shows my location as: Tiger Bay, Georgetown!
