Update

 I saw the doctor yesterday. I am happy things worked out. I am back to normal (no longer in a stressful situation - dealing with a lot but at ease and healing).

I saw a photo from yesterday and marveled at the message. Think jumbled head.

Memories

 I found an old textbook yesterday. It reminded me of my master's program at UMBC. I especially remember that I prepared a paper on the furniture industry for my Electronic Commerce course. I discovered that the industry is fiercely competitive. I remember furniture businesses were closing all around Maryland. Years after, I wrote a signature assignment on IKEA, a dominant player in the US furniture industry.

Back then, I preferred the physical books. I did not use/purchase a single electronic textbook during my program.

Update, Weird coincidences

 It looks like I will not make the appointment I have today. I am upset because it took a while to get the appointment. I also need to go the laboratory for blood work. Please help me God.

I thought of another weird coincidence from my days in UG Economics. I was happy that two colleagues from President's College were in the program (Diahanne and Kevin). Diahanne was from my batch. She did not complete A Levels at President's College. Therefore, she left the institution years before I did (I was an A Level student from 1991 to 1993). It is interesting that our first names look complicated, have 'h' as well as doubles. RIP Diahanne.

I also remember Seon Phaul from UG Economics. There were two Seons in the class - a female and a male. That was interesting. Thank you to the people who assisted me in some way (a place to stay or in some other way). 

Grace

To Paul Tripp (https://www.paultripp.com/articles/posts/6-types-of-grace), grace is the most beautiful word in the universe and one of the most overused words in the church. God's grace is important. "You need it. You can’t live without it, but you can’t purchase it and you can’t earn it. It only ever comes by means of a gift, and when you receive it, you immediately realize how much you needed it all along, and you wonder how you could’ve lived so long without it." It is clear God decides when to extend grace and grace is a gift from God.

More coincidences

 I explained in my previous post that I noticed Hill-Rom in other environments after noting that a Hill-Rom solution/product produced significant impact. This is included with my other weird coincidences. 

The Rom makes me think of cd-rom. You will not believe that Hill is a name I noticed in the past. There is Lauryn Hill and there is Faith Hill, both outstanding singers. Those first names are significant. Lauren and Faith - the names of two outstanding, "brown skin" girls from my days in Guyana. Lauren was into music. I know Faith from UG economics. Faith was beautiful - the class had quite a few beautiful females (Grace RIP, Claudia, Ayodele, and more). Someone told me that I looked like Grace.

There is a lot to think about.

MondayMemory

 I remember I noticed Hill-Rom when eating at Hopkins (food was good at Hopkins - lunchboxes and all of it). I had a flashback to my days in rehab. I noticed Hill-Rom at rehab. Hill-Rom always reminds me of my hand hygiene paper. I really like that paper. That paper and course used economics principles (other posts in this blog provide further information). The use of economics may have been weird to some since I studied it for undergrad and not graduate school. There was a bit of finance. I did not stress the finance areas though.

This reminds me of my employment at Fannie Mae. It was "systems work" or technical work (information systems/information technology). It was audit-type work too. I am happy I used auditing principles a lot. Finance work was not the emphasis.

Stamps

 I was into stamp collecting early in my life. I barely remember. I do not believe there were writers on stamps back then. When did this begin, I wonder?

Latest ideas

 Based on my post that contributed an idea on a fictional character that is complicated, I can make the argument that my life should be made into a movie. Maybe my book should explain how my coincidences came to be. 

I had another idea. I should try to collect documents supporting details in my first published book. Maybe health records (showing that I was treated for a dog bite, and so on) are filed away somewhere. I don't know whether the company had a record retention policy. I do know some companies ensure records are no longer available after a specified number of years.

And I had yet another idea. It occurred to me that I need a doctor's letter concerning certain issues (what is possible, likely). I need it for my records. I may need it to qualify for an apartment. Some may assume I need special facilities or that I am high risk. Once, in the middle of the night, I was transported to an emergency room. I don't know how that happened.

After all this, I need to explain somewhere how this blog helped me figure out some things. I need a major article.

Ideas. They are important.

Life comes with decisions

 Some things I believe in...

Some things don't change

 Lavender...that was a good thought.

A fictional character

 The Wordpress writing prompt for today 9/18 is weird and interesting. I decided to take a stab at it. The prompt:

If you had to switch lives with a fictional character for a week, who would you choose?

I selected Spiderman as the fictional character I would want to be based on what I read in this movie review: https://johnaugust.com/2007/perils-of-coincidence. The reviewer was unhappy about the unlikely coincidences in the movie. But you expect that sort of thing in a movie. It is for entertainment. I am known for weird coincidences but they are all true.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just doing what I need to

 I decided to call the Social Security Administration to tell them about my eye. The problems seemed to reoccur.  I don't know what they will say about me qualifying for disability benefits.

By the way, this blog does show a lot of "workings" ("behind the scenes" details or "under the hood" information). It reminds me of workings submitted with math exams. Feel free to comment on my work.

What I'm currently working on 9.17.2026

 I am working on several books to be published. One will provide more information about me and my high school experience. Another will include three poems on President's College. (See post on three items that say so much: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/08/three-items-to-say-so-much.html). There is also a book on luck. It will look into my weird coincidences. I like how the projects are coming along.

I have a reputation for having weird coincidences. See weird coincidences on this page.

My FOIA Request

 The status of my FOIA Request is 'On Hold - Need Info/Clarification'. I don't have details on the clarification needed. It could be that there are questions about the meetings held to discuss the work needed and make certain decisions before preparation of the requirements document. Maybe the meeting minutes/summaries can't be found. However, Outlook does store some information on meetings - meeting date, description, invitees. That information would be okay. 

I held meetings with other members of the requirements team. (There was also editing in Word using track changes). I missed the meeting with the Government Requirements Lead. I could have held meetings with Developers to have input into the information provided to users (how error produced, how to fix) so that there is no need for a Developer to assist the user directly.

It was clear the writing/explanations could make a difference. I saw that sort of thing at other jobs too.

My Book

 Short video on memories that made a difference for my book: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C8idR75rM/

The poems in my book provide insight into my life in Linden, Guyana, South America before President's College. It explains a lot - some of my choices may make more sense to you. Obtain your copy at: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Town-Linden-Fahmi/dp/1837948542.

Extra:

A short poem about the opportunities Watooka Day School led to: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/07/book.html

And information on my music exam performance: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/07/update.html 

Eye better

 An update...

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1PtGHDWMd6/

Icicles

 This #ThrowbackThursday I remember the custard icicles I enjoyed when I was in Linden. I saw the icicles offered for sale in a packet (about 10 in the packet) and wanted to try it. 

I know a whole lot about icicles. As a little girl, I saw icicles being made. I enjoyed different flavors. I watched customers (of my great aunt's) enjoy the icicles as well.

There is a special poem about icicle production in my book. Production process in the home. There is quite a lot of that in Guyana. I witnessed some of it.

RIP Aunt Magnel

To order a copy of my book: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Town-Linden-Fahmi/dp/1837948542

I ended up in Baltimore

 It was a whirlwind. One emergency room to the next. I ended up in Baltimore. Then one examination after the next until things improved. I appreciated that I could see eye specialists without much fuss/notice at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I made the decision to stay close to the world renowned Wilmer Eye Institute. It will be Baltimore for a while. I was dealing with issues anyway.

How I Feel Today

It was very interesting today. Not much I can say.

Sometimes you take it as it is and progress. It is not what I expected or wanted. It assisted me in all sort of ways. I thought about root issues and symptoms. If it feels good for some, then that's okay. Moving on. 

I continue on. I expect to "land" sometime soon.

Today

 Yesterday I was lying in bed nursing my sick eye. The old favorites I listened to made a difference. I realized again there is poetry in a lot of songs...Circle of Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwH9YvhPN7c), All of My Life (https://youtu.be/rL37v_TarAI?si=FkoiLH8p9QPKsYup), and so on. I highlight a church song that I like that is a poem:

Love Lifted Me

I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. 

I like this song as Benny Hinn sang it in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPD1lpdAXFM.

I attended a Benny Hinn conference many years ago. I quite enjoyed it. I still remember the trip to the Baltimore Convention Center. My mother drove. I was not feeling well. It all worked out.

Update

 Poetry is really everywhere like I said. Here is an another example of poetry in a song. It is a really good song.

The Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But don't let anyone take them away
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time
You'll find the way

[Chorus]
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

Linden

 As the name indicates, Watooka Day School was in Watooka. Watooka was a privileged part of Linden for executives and managers of the bauxite company (used to be mostly expatriates). I was there during school hours and in another area after school. I got to see and experience different environments/lives. This may be evident from my book. Get a copy today. https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Town-Linden-Fahmi/dp/1837948542 

What I'm working on

 Voice Update...

 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19DcoZjEaQ/ 

 

Uncertain times

Wordpress writing prompt for 8/17/2026: How do you deal with uncertainty?

 Everyone likes and wants a sure thing. I would like to know that I will get that job I applied for with certainty, perhaps within one month. People like to know the highest offer on a home so they are sure their offer will be better and will be accepted. People like that the job they have will pay them for the next year with certainty. However, there are usually no sure things. I like to give myself more time for important things. I also like to obtain as much information as possible so I am informed of potential issues and risky behaviors. Praying helps.

This all makes me think of the contractor job I held at the FAA. Those were uncertain times (on the job). I didn't want to ruffle feathers or stand out in a negative way. I remember at one point, the solution did not meet expectations. Change was needed. I understand why I wanted to be known as good. I balked at certain assignments. I ensured I did well. I did not ask for too much. You should know that I am very happy I worked there. I am happy I was a part of a complicated structure. I figured out the FAA used ambidexterity, the example mentioned in my org structure paper.  

Update

 I woke up late this morning. I will have a busy day writing and applying for jobs. There is no need to go out (for appointments or other reason). I am at home lounging. 

During the past few days, my mother had a bunch of people over. I was surprised. I half expected a realtor/real estate agent. Maybe I will make an introduction. I met Bette Deller by accident years ago and she turned out to be very good. 

There is so much on my mind. For example, is it right to run the a/c all day? I think we need to conserve electricity. Power is expensive.

 

Three items to say so much

 Three poems that say so much about President's College (my high school). I came up with a combination that "sings." I can't believe I did. It is somewhat similar to my paper on three articles. My backgrounds now intersect.

https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/08/special-poems-highlighting-wooden.html 

https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/06/paper-for-publishing.html 

Special poems highlighting wooden background

 I am currently working on another book of poems on President's College. I also started a book on luck. There is a lot of work to do.

 Included are three poems that highlight my wooden background. It sort of gives special meaning to "knock on wood" (https://www.rd.com/article/knock-on-wood-meaning/). The poems and book must be special.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

(Note: Flute is used in place of 'woodwind instrument' in the third poem..)

 

My book is now available

 My book is published! I wasn't certain about the availability date for a particular reason. I discovered that it is available on Amazon.com. Please support me. https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Town-Linden-Fahmi/dp/1837948542 

 The book is a collection of poems I wrote during a difficult time. The poems provide insight into my life in Linden, Guyana, South America before President's College. It was an important time in my life.

Respect

 Thought for today... 

People usually don't look good when they are down, during struggles of any kind. Failure is an example. When a person figures out what to do, transforms their career, leaves struggles behind and emerges victorious, that is to be respected. Respect is complicated.

He who has never failed somewhere, that man cannot be great. Failure is the test of greatness. – Herman Melville
(https://philosiblog.com/2012/08/01/he-who-has-never-failed-somewhere-that-man-cannot-be-great-failure-is-the-test-of-greatness/)

Failure is another stepping stone to greatness. - Oprah Winfrey
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/538954280399843166/)

When we’re recovering from a spiritual fumble, we must realize everyone does stupid stuff. No one is exempt. An occasional misstep doesn’t brand us as stupid—it makes us real. God loves us regardless of our mishaps. After a fumble, do as any good football player would. Fight to recover what you lost, get back into the game, and let the Creator turn your loss into a gain. With Him, in spite of our fumbles we can rise to great heights.
― Jake Byrne, First and Goal: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up 

What's happening

 Good morning from Lanham, MD! I got up later than normal today. I am working on those poems. I think this is good preparation for a job. I will be able to take the rigors of the position. 

I am still reviewing positions/vacancies. I would like a Professor position that requires working from home although I am not certain where that will be. I am reviewing all the options. Maybe I could earn substantially more for writing.

I made the decision to apply for positions after denial of my Social Security Administration disability claim. (see: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/05/denied.html and https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/05/thinking-about-options.html).

Months ago, I thought of living in at a facility much like the rehab facility that worked on my legs (mobility). I change my mind. I am better (I also don't need to be under the care of medical professionals). See https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2025/09/thinking-about-solution.html. My legs are pretty much back to normal. My eye is better.

 My research side wants to know how people handle the denial of Social Security claims. Do they make major changes (like go back to work)? Do they end up with a lot of debt or homeless?

 

Happiest

 When was the happiest you've ever been in your life?

 I was happiest when I survived the impossible and live on to another day. Sometimes I cannot believe things worked out the way they did and I feel lucky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(https://x.com/wisdomXplorer/status/2086793977890546000)

 

I worked on poems again

I wrote about mass games. That was an experience. I don't remember everything but it is good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My name

 How to pronounce my name...

 

Status

 The status of my FOIA Request is 'Assigned for Processing' (see below). I expect the requested information by 8/31/2026. The response will likely be mailed. I say this because I needed to provide my address. I assume mailing is necessary but it could be that the department needed to ensure the request was from a US resident (or both).

Up early working

 I am up working on a book. I have early drafts of poems. They need to tell a story. The book is coming along.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurel

 When I traveled to Dallas for work, I boarded flights from BWI. I lived in Laurel at the time. I quite enjoyed living in Laurel. A lot of things around made me feel like I was in one of the Maryland counties a far way off, but there were the usual conveniences of a Maryland city (lots of stores and shops, including convenience stores).

I liked having.McDonald's, Taco Bell and a supermarket (Giant's) close to my apartment. I ate at McDonald's regularly. Sometimes I ate at the Chinese buffet around the corner. The buffet was super convenient. I was happy I could quickly select Chinese food options for takeaway. I introduced my father to that buffet. He loved it. I don't remember whether sushi was available at that restaurant.

Update on professor search

 An old coworker told me she was contacted to provide a reference for me. I am still to hear from the organization. Maybe soon.

There are several new Professor openings. I will be applying for those positions soon. I noticed quite a few positions in Texas. I remember those days so long ago when I traveled to Texas for work. Some employees of the company moved to the area. I also remember my last trip there. I ended up continuing on to California. I didn't like what was happening (not related to the house or household). I left quietly. I remember I looked around for a pen and paper to leave a note saying I needed to leave (I planned to stay there for a while), but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

Planning

 Good morning from Lanham, MD. It is a new day and I have a lot planned. I need to set up a hair appointment. I did my hair in nearby New Carrollton in the recent past (see: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2023/09/dealt-with-issues.html). I may go back to that hairdresser. I remember a hairdresser near Largo was good to me. She is far away though. I really wish a certain church member was still living in Maryland.  She would have been preferable. I also need to call about a colonoscopy. I am busy with all sort of things.

International Friendship Day

 I learned from a post in Facebook that the UN designated July 30 International Friendship Day. The organization (Poetry Book Society) had a great idea for this year's Friendship Day: have team members identify poems that are friends to them. I decided to join in.

After some thought, I decided to report that the poem The Road Not Taken is a friend.

Note

 I stumbled upon an interesting video that encourages praying for financial blessings by explaining what to include in the prayer, and so on. I am not certain how I feel about this. I will review more thoroughly. Link to video: https://youtu.be/vh5zlpkupBU?si=7U4xFUy-r_pAgdED.

Should be a busy day

 I am up early. I just made myself a cup of tea. I hope it will be a very productive day.

Yesterday, I submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). I requested a requirements document I assisted with when I worked at the Department of Labor (for contractor ASRC Inuteq).

News from Guyana

 The significant news stories from Guyana caught me by surprise. It was a lot of sad news. The latest is the death of Ian McDonald. He was a legend in Guyana. I remember that I enjoyed reading his column during one of my trips to Guyana - a piece on decision-making, I believe. I caught the piece when reading the Stabroek News online. It was good catching up on old things. RIP Ian McDonald.

Resume updated

 I updated my resume today. I made the details of my assignments clearer (job example shown below). I realize that this was a good job. I like that the Office performs "independent" reviews. There is a need to be objective, impartial and reasonable - some of my qualities.

 

 

 

 

 

Time makes a difference

 My post on my brief stay at the Holiday Inn Express was good. That hotel stay happened years ago. The post included what I remember about the stay. I used a photo to refresh my memory. It would have been a very different post if I had posted right after the stay. I am certain I would have included more details and maybe highlight different things. There is a good chance I would have been more thorough, more particular about the details (more nitpicky). It is interesting that the purpose of the writing is exactly the same in both posts. However, the end result would be substantially different. My enthusiasm, my approach to writing the other post would have been different.

Known For

 Three things that stand out about me (I need to toot my horn from time to time):

I like to understand and make sense of things. I also have good ideas. My Lessons Project is one of my ideas/projects that stand out. Just aggregating the various lessons was good.

The statistics papers I had out there were the most popular. I excel at statistics.

I am accomplished at research. I have really good papers out there. I am also known for some good research ideas. 

Proverb

 It is true that all that glitters is not gold. It is a wise proverb, isn't it? It leads you to say: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There is therefore the need to ask questions and look into things. I know why I am saying these things. I like my lessons in this area too.

Income driven

 I am not doing much, checking my email and such. There is a request to update my repayment plan. I am happy I selected an income-driven repayment plan in the past. When my income is back, I will be able to pay. The plan needs to remain income-driven. No action may be required.

(Email account: moorefo1@gmail.com)

 

Today

 I feel good today. I am making progress with my book. 

I saw an interesting post on Psalm 143 in Facebook. I saw from the included Bible picture that the psalmist used the term "land of uprightness" to refer to what I believe is a straight path. "Land of uprightness" made me think of Enid Blyton's Faraway Tree which is a story of a magical tree that provides access to different lands (the lands are accessed from the top of the tree; one land settles at the top, and the lands move from one to the next sort of like a rotating banner). What a memory! I connect things easily.

Hotel stay

 This #ThrowbackThursday, I remember how grateful I was that a room became available at a Holiday Inn Express in Virginia so that I could stay for a while. I was driving through Virginia on my way home to Maryland. I decided to stop. I quite liked the hotel. I enjoyed the breakfast. From the pictures (shown here: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/08/more-travel-pics.html), you can see I had both coffee and hot chocolate!

 A few of my hotel stays are documented in this blog.

 

Interesting book on mistakes

 I stumbled upon a very interesting book on the mistakes made by 25 inflential women at work. I would love to read it. Mistakes are everywhere, I suppose.

Assistance

 I got up late this morning. I was up late last night thinking through poems. I thought about my first days at PC and whether the girls knew I was the youngest. I don't think they did. I have to ask.

This morning, I quite enjoyed posts from Facebook. I quite like Psalm 27. It provides more information on the "house of the Lord." From Psalm 23, it is a "place to dwell in forever." Psalm 27 tells me it is for every day of one's life. The Lord is my "light and salvation" and "the strength of my life" is important to me.

Relations

 In case you're wondering, I am not related to Governor Wes Moore. He has been governor of Maryland for a while now. I know my father would have told us about a family tie/connection.

By the way, I met two Moores (individuals with last name Moore) at two "old jobs." The Moore at the first organization trained me to prepare the capital planning report distributed by the Section, encouraged me to look into using the ERP system for capital planning, and generally prepared me for new duties. I met the other Moore at a later job. She is from Guyana (and not related to me).

This is another weird coincidence, isn't it? Take a look at other weird coincidences I chose to share at the link: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/06/weird-or-strange-coincidences.html.

Book

 My little poembook focused on a section of my life. I did not include anything about President's College. I want to continue the story in another book. I wrote a little poem for the beginning:

It was quite an experience
My marks were superior enough for Queen’s College
And I qualified for President’s College too
I was one of a group of students from Watooka Day School that made Linden significant and proud
The small town Linden had significant passes for President’s College
My parents were thrilled and beyond excited
People were supportive

I have to say it was the school and piano lessons that made it possible. I have to say it was the school and piano lessons that made it possible. I am happy that I got into PC. I remember there were even stool and urine tests.

A lot more work to do.

Pen and paper

 I saw a post on pen and paper vs. screen in X recently. I would prefer pen and paper to complete the task I started yesterday. Once I have printed my resume (using a printer), I would write down ideas to strengthen the resume (maybe cross out an old idea or add details to something already there). 

I have a post on pen and paper that is very interesting. Here it is: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2023/05/pen-and-paper.html.

Professor update

 So far, I have applied for several professor positions. A few were open for an extended period suggesting there were a limited number of applicants. I wondered whether people were losing interest in professor positions. A look at jobs on LinkedIn proved otherwise. There were 71 applicants for one professor opening. Another showed 63 applicants. I am certain those applications were very good. I may need to edit my resume/CV so that my application is more competitive (stands out so I am selected for an interview). By this I mean I can "play up" my qualifications without lying (examples of lying: lying about completing a degree or lying about job level). I need to think through this. I can say that my resume currently does not show that I trained employees (sometimes coworkers) on policies and procedures. This is additional experience that should boost my application. I could highlight that I usually come up with new and different ideas. There is more. I am happy that professor applications are expected to be longer than applications (resumes) for the average job.