It is hot

 It is hot here in Maryland. Temperatures soared past 90 degrees Fahrenheit over the past few days. I even saw a news story about it. I am trying to stay cool. I am staying in and drinking lots of water. I think this summer will be a hot one.

As Usual

 I just got dressed and ready for a doctor's appointment. As usual, I got up and did what was necessary to get my appointment on time. I am currently waiting for my father to pick me up. I am dealing with a lot these days but I try not to feel sorry for myself.

I also rode with my father to meet up with family and friends for a graduation party last Saturday. It was nice to meet with family and old friends. I had a good time. Going out is important.

Update

I was not working on revising and publishing my school papers for a while. There were papers being reviewed by journals but I stopped submitting new papers/articles. I was in Guyana doing other things. I accomplished some things in Guyana. I actually wrote a poem book for publishing! In May of 2024, I mentioned in this blog that my poem book was accepted for publishing. I expected the book to be published by the end of the year. It is taking longer than expected. A few weeks ago, I selected and signed off on a cover design for the book. Hopefully my poem book will be published by the end of this year.

While in Guyana, I heard back from two journals. However, I was unable to continue the process or complete what was requested because of resource constraints. I guess I missed out on publishing those papers.

Updates To Profiles

 I updated two of my research profiles today - my ORCID page (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7559-8068) and my Google Scholar page (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=GPKVHLQAAAAJ). I miss working on papers for publishing. I should be back working on papers for classes at Northcentral University (now National University). I am unable to at this time.

Morning

 I'm up early taking a cup of tea. I am using a mug I've had for many years. I am taking the tea as a like it - just the tea bag with no milk. It is very quiet - good for reflecting while I take the tea. My neighborhood is generally quiet. I don't have appointments today. My eye feels better. I think the doctor will be very pleased when she sees my eye next time.

Exercise

 Just moving around the house made me tired. It could be a lack of exercise. I get breathless and feel very tired. It seems like I am headed in the wrong direction. I recall that I had issues with my lungs and legs in the past. I vividly recall lying in the hospital bed unable to slide my legs off the bed to stand. I did everything in that hospital bed - cleanup, eat, and so on. I recall I could not go to a closet to change clothes when requested to do so. I ended changing my clothes right there in the bed in front of that person. I don't want a repeat of any of this. I will get back to exercising regularly. I found the weights I used to exercise in the past.

Morning

 Good morning! I got up early this morning. I am currently enjoying tea with some small pastry bites my father brought. This is different from Guyanese pastry I grew up with but I like it. I enjoy the rich taste. I think it will be a good day. I don't have appointments today. I will be at home relaxing. My right eye feels much better.

June already

 I can't believe it is June already. The time has zipped by. During the past few weeks I was busy with appointments and dealing with my not-so-healthy eye. Sometimes I felt drowsy and just miserable. Sometimes I was just overwhelmed. I made it through the difficult times. This morning I went out for a short walk. It made me feel energized. I have several appointments coming up.

Update

I received good news at my last appointment. The doctor said my eye improved. It feels much better too. I wish I didn't have to deal with such issues.

Appointments

 I had several appointments over the last few weeks. A few days ago, I had an eye procedure that felt like surgery. I was lying under the light while the doctor added glue. The eye feels irritated. I can't wait for it to heal.

Adjusting

 I've been in the U.S. for a few weeks. I've adjusted very well. When I first got here, it was chilly for a few days and then it got warm. I had a lot of mail to go through and things to set up. I have been busy getting back to normal life in the U.S.

Travel Day

 I traveled to the United States yesterday. It was a hectic travel day. Two flights got me to where I wanted to go (from Guyana to Maryland). I left Guyana at 6am and arrived at my final destination at around 7pm. 

I actually enjoyed both flights. The flights were long but the time went by quickly. I didn't expect it, but I was served snacks on both flights. 

Driving around

 We had a good time driving around Linden today. We drove to Watooka and passed by my old primary school Watooka Day School. Oh my! A lot has changed.

Picking Cherries

 It is a bright, sunny day here in Linden. I was out picking cherries (from the tree) just like I did months ago. The trees now have cherries again. The cherries are not like the cherries back in Maryland. These cherries are a brighter red color and have a different taste. These cherries are a little more sour but still enjoyable to eat. They make really tasty and refreshing cherry drink. I like the cherry drink a lot! 

In addition to cherries, I had a lot of fruit recently - mangoes, oranges, sugarcane, guava.

Day of Relaxation

 It is a rainy day here in Linden, Guyana. It is a day of relaxation. I got up, had breakfast and now I am watching a lot of videos on YouTube. It is very entertaining! It is not what I expected but I am not going to complain. The day reminds me of those days after my surgery (years ago). Back then, I spent many days in bed watching YouTube videos for entertainment.

Milk in Tea

 Question: Milk in your tea?

I enjoyed a cup of tea just recently. There was no milk in the tea and I loved it. I believe there should be no milk in some types of teas such as green tea. You get the full natural taste of the tea.

When I was growing up I always drank tea with milk. Now I tend to skip the milk. I enjoy the tea more.

A Little Sick

 It is a quiet day. I am sitting outside enjoying the cool breeze. I will not be doing much today. I feel a little sick. I got up this morning and realized that something was not quite right. I was in pain. Hopefully I'll be better by the end of the day.

Life Lesson

 Question: What's the hardest lesson you've had to learn as an adult, and how has it shaped you?

One of the hardest things I've had to learn as an adult is that life isn't fair. I have seen many times that people don't always get what they deserve, horrible things happen to good people, and so on. It taught me that I had to fight for what I want. It also taught me I should trust in Almighty God.

Wealthy

 I can't believe a man in Guyana is so rich (see video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JdprbBFWUyc). He has love for his country.

MVA Issue

 I spent the last few days dealing with a vehicle registration issue from the MVA. The case is now closed. I am relieved.

Risk

 Dengue is in Linden. I need to stay safe.

Portfolio

 A portfolio is important. It showcases the work you are capable of to potential employers/clients. Currently, my portfolio is a part of this blog. I use the label/tag technicalwritersample to show examples of my writing I would like potential employers/clients to review (https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/search/label/technicalwritersample?m=1). I am thinking of using a separate website for my portfolio.

(Post from LinkedIn)

Current Dream Job

 Wordpress writing prompt for today 1/20: What is your dream job?

In recent years, I have been working towards a professor position (it was my stated goal). However, when I think of dream job, another position comes to mind. My current dream job is a top management position at a major international company. In such a position, I will oversee thousands of employees. I imagine I would travel a lot to conduct the business of the company. I would prefer a service business but would also be excited about the job at a company that produces products. I would not mind if I had to relocate. This position trumps a professor position.

Using Your Background

 This is an interesting post. I was not very close to my professors during my Master's programs and did not keep in contact. I suspect most students do not stay in touch.

I learned a lot too. I did not use the knowledge at work as much as the poster did though. I used my background a lot in my papers. At one point, I had a similar list showing how I used my background to produce a paper.

Sugarcane

 I had sugarcane. It was sweet and enjoyable.

Things the Lord Hates

 A proud look must be more dangerous than it seems. In Proverbs 6:16-19, it is written:

These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.

Puzzle

 Working on another puzzle. I like the topics in the word search/hunt book. This puzzle contains words the rhymes with cat - a simple idea.

The book was an impulse purchase a few days ago. I'm happy with the purchase.

Being Open

 It is not always wise to speak openly. Proverbs chapter 29 includes the following:

A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.

Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The New Year

 2024 is in the rear view mirror and it is time to move forward in the new year. I spent all of 2024 in Guyana. It was a quiet year. I am close to publishing a poem book about growing up in Linden. I had some success in publishing. I am grateful that the Lord gave me some achievements. I look forward to achieving more in 2025.