Photos from the emergency room are included in the Facebook blog.
This FlashbackFriday, I remember an incident at Watooka Day School that resulted in an emergency visit to the hospital. I was playing with swings (in the playground on the school grounds) when one of the swings hit my head. There was blood. I believe the cut required stitches.
When driving around Linden a few years ago, we stopped at the school for a short time. Everything looked different. I didn't see the swings.
I visited the emergency room again. I decided to go because of unpleasant experiences. I wanted the hospital to review my condition (it seemed as though a blockage or obstruction cleared). My emergency room visit went well. The hospital ran tests (including a CT scan) and didn't find major issues. My blood pressure is in the normal range. I believe the blood sugar was normal too. I feel better.
(Photos will be posted later - my phone charger is malfunctioning.)
Here is another weird coincidence:
I was the youngest in my batch at President's College, and so the youngest female for that batch. The oldest female for the batch was Karen Renata Bonnett (now deceased). Karen and I shared a birthday in July (month and day the same).
At some point in my life I didn't want to invest in a PhD. Later, I thought a PhD was not necessary for some things. I had reason to question what jobs and opportunities the PhD provides because of weird coincidences I mentioned before:
Isn't it interesting that there was a guy with a PhD in my master's degree program at GW? And, later, there was a professor in my training program at Fannie Mae?
(From: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/07/commencement-documents.html)
Just another weird coincidence in my life.
I am happy that I invested in a PhD. I am better off because of the degree program (You may know that I wanted to join a program in Florida. I ended up in another). Funding it (tuition, expenses such as food and transportation) was a challenge.
Funding for a PhD and finances during the program is an issue for many. I remember my struggles during my PhD program. I had several "side jobs" but still had issues. I missed my regular paycheck from an IT job. I sought funding from different sources.
There is good information out there on the finances of PhD students. I was piqued by a website on Personal Finance for PhDs. There were different experiences.
My post yesterday mentioned a red and white flutophone. A red and white flutophone is shown in my blog for the Research Methods course (https://fmooresignatureassignment3.blogspot.com/2016/08/work-continues_17.html and https://fmooresignatureassignment3.blogspot.com/2016/08/taking-break.html). The blog shows a lot of my background (There is a lot of ME. Some would say it stinks of Fahmeena Odetta Moore). There is a photo of the dorm at UG (https://fmooresignatureassignment3.blogspot.com/2016/08/rewrite.html), a photo of the presentation on Guyana for my church's International Day (https://fmooresignatureassignment3.blogspot.com/2016/08/working-despite-issues.html), and so on. Incidentally, my Research Methods course includes a lot of economics and IT. I used knowledge gained at UG. That was a good course!! I enjoyed it.
Note: UG refers to the University of Guyana rather than the University of Georgia in the US.
I was young, but I remember quite a lot about Watooka Day School. A post in Facebook made me think of pony combs I wanted when I was a student there. My friend Claudia wore them all the time. I liked her fat ponytails. I remember we wore brown and cream on regular days and white on Fridays. Looking back, I am proud that I qualified for the flutophone band. The school issued a red and white flutophone that I loved. I remember that there were swimming classes. I didn't like swimming very much.
I put that incident behind me. I continue to work on job applications. I am working up a storm. Professor positions request more than a typical position - CV and documents/statements such as a Teaching Statement. I don't mind the extra work. I will be home for a while. I don't mind that either. The last time I dressed up to go out was a few days ago.
I knew it was loud. I didn't expect my mother to react as she did. Our praying hands fell (it looked like the praying hands in the picture below). It was an accident and the praying hands broke into pieces.
I recorded a quick video a short time after the "event." See the home video at: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14gEjWfXmvh/
When I started contemplating work, I noticed a lot of open IT Professor positions. I continue to be surprised by the number of open IT Professor positions available. [I started looking for positions after the denial of Social Security disability benefits (which means the position of the organization is: I am not disabled but able to work).] I ran an idea by my father for his input - the idea to stop the focus on health for a while (maybe even stop treatments) and get back to work. I am not sure where it will take me. I hope for the best.
I am very happy that I applied for benefits which included providing information on my situation, chores I complete, care at home, and so on. I am also happy that an organization looked into my medical records. It was scattered all over, for starters.
Education....
I was always good at school (received good grades/performed well in school). Education took me places and accounted for all sort of experiences in my life. I would do it again. When it comes to compassion, education that teaches about tragedies, pain and suffering could lead to understanding and compassion. I got some of it from my history lessons. Some came from books.
It is Guyana's Independence Day! Guyana became independent from British rule on May 26, 1966. At that time, the country unveiled the new flag (the Golden Arrowhead), national anthem, and other official "national identity items" for the country. National songs, a new passport, and so on went into effect (my father tells me Guyanese citizens used to have British passports). It was good to read about the original Independence Day celebrations as well as current celebrations in Guyana and abroad.
I did not witness Guyana's independence. My father's generation did.
It is Friday May 22. I feel better today. I didn't make my usual cup of tea this morning. Instead, I am having lemonade.
May 22 is interesting to me. It not only has double deuce and is the third week of Easter, but I discovered that there are a lot of holidays on May 22. I found a website that provided a list of holidays/celebrations on today (see below). Included are National Solitaire Day, Buy A Musical Instrument Day, National Maritime Day, and International Day for Biological Diversity. I also discovered that there were interesting, sometimes sad, events on this day (in the past). See https://www.britannica.com/on-this-day/May-22.
So, for your information, I am working on a book on luck and life. I do not plan to include poems. The book contract I signed years ago (for my first book - a poembook) includes a clause requiring use of the same publisher for my second book.
It is Sunday. I will not be going to church (these days I miss church all the time). I enjoy watching the worship services online. A cup of tea will make me feel better.
Some of God's characteristics:
The Lord is holy and perfect. He does what is right and just. He is a God of justice. He rewards the righteous and promises punishment for the wicked. It is interesting that He is slow to anger. This suggests lots of patience.
My phone is working again. I am able to make calls and receive text messages again.
This Thursday, I remember my days as a frequent user of the nearby New Carrollton library. I visited the library quite frequently to complete assignments/work. A lot of times I walked over to the library using a shorter path (shortcut). It was good exercise.
I used the library computers quite a lot to work on school assignments, complete job applications, and update my blog. After a while, I got smart about using the library computers. I ensured that I signed into an account that required entry of a code from my phone (two-factor authentication) for login. My LinkedIn research account is one such account - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahmeenaodetta/.
I enjoy working at the library. It is good to see that it is now open on Sundays. In the past, I visited other libraries (within the PG County Memorial System) when I wanted to use library services on Sunday.
Today was rather eventful. My mobile services got paused. I used the computer instead of the phone. I usually call about appointments. Today I sent notes/letters. Unfortunately, I missed an appointment today. I spent the time applying for the Adjunct Professor opening. I am sad about missing my appointment but very pleased with my application.
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I was surprised to learn that approximately 62% of initial Social Security disability claims are denied. I guess my denial falls within what is expected. Some appeals result in success.
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It would be good to have an online teaching position. I saw a job posting that has been open and accepting applications for an extended period. Maybe they are having difficulty finding qualified applicants - very good for people in a situation.
Today I found a letter dated 4/30/2026 from the Social Security Administration. My claim for disability benefits was denied. I am so disappointed.
I stayed in again today (yesterday was very interesting - I rescheduled an appointment). I expected to hear from the Social Security Administration by now. I guess my application is complicated.
We were running low on food. A timely delivery to our front steps provided groceries for the household (a big thank you to my sister and Walmart!). Sometimes there are issues with the food included/selected for delivery - freshness and so on. There were no issues. Of course, I expect this from Walmart. I used them in the past. We also get fully prepared food or "hot meals" in this household (My father usually brings fully prepared/cooked food over).
I had apples as a snack today. I made my own apple slices. It was good fruit. I eat apples fairly regularly. I figured out what to do. I like apples in sauce form too.
Wordpress prompt for today 5/6/2026: What super power do you wish you had and why?
I thought this question was very interesting. We are born with talents and need to figure out what we are good at, what work makes us happy, and so on. Some excel at math, some excel at literature, and so on. Most people don't think of their talents as super powers. When we think of super power, we think of super heroes such as Captain America, Superman, and Spiderman. For me, a super power could be some talent or ability that is "out of this world" such as the ability to become invisible, control minds, look like someone else in a flash or cross great distances (get to different places) in a jiffy. These super powers would provide all sort of advantages. They would likely lead to a better life.
I was on a liquid diet during my hospital stay. My lunch tray at the hospital included soup, milk, juice, jello, and ice cream. Everything was good. Unfortunately, I did not stick to liquids only when I got home. Since returning home, I had cereal, milk, tea, and soup.
I have good reason to trust in Almighty God. God is altogether wonderful. I studied and loved his characteristics (what he is about, what he stands for, and so on). Lord, my days are in Your hands.
I am on my way home from the hospital. I was at the hospital's emergency room yesterday to receive medical attention.
Family time is important. I saw lots of family members over the last few days. They made their way over to our place. We had a steady stream of visitors. Their hugs and concern made me feel better. At some point, I would like to visit London to take my half-sister up on her offer.
I am still not feeling well today. There is a lot going on beyond me. It caused me to miss an important family event. I am at home dealing with issues. I wish I had my "own" place. I am enjoying a cup of tea. It is without sugar and still tastes pretty good.
(I was just gifted a box of those packet sugars. I can't find it. I have no idea where it is. Things are weird - reminds me of a previous time: https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2023/01/weird-stuff.html).
My Facebook news feed is full of Christian posts recently (maybe because of Easter). I see familiar verses, prayers, and so on. I enjoy.
I am dealing with a lot right now. I am not "busy" a whole lot but it helps to be. I got a new idea for my compensation paper so I got up and went to the computer. I prefer this new and different approach because it will lead to very interesting and useful results/answers. I think I will have a better paper - it will be somewhat similar to a paper I read on strategies employees employ to get ahead. I bring useful ideas/information to the research such as knowledge that sometimes employees are hired as a group with the exact same title and compensation. I am proposing research to determine what worked/clicked for those employees that were compensated higher or promoted faster. It may be that the supervisor rewarded some because of the work they completed (maybe were on high profile projects or completed special work). Or maybe they asked for higher pay. I remember that I asked for a transfer rather than for more compensation. I did not want to ask for a lot (and pretty much have an agreement with the manager) and then leave the department. I wanted to leave my situation. There are all sorts of complications.
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I specialized in finance for many years (held Financial Analyst, Financial Auditor positions). Then I became an IT (information technology) professional. I held several IT/Business/Systems Analyst positions. I worked in Testing/Quality Assurance and on (software) requirements teams. A training program assisted with my transition from business to IT. I later completed a master's degree in information systems. I learned a whole lot. My Modern Systems Analysis and Design course was particularly interesting. I worked on an actual project. It was good team work.
It is Good Friday. Christians think of the crucifixion of Christ especially on this day. I was once told that the most important verse in the Bible is John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. God gave his son Jesus Christ of Nazareth for the benefit of the world - for the atonement of sins. Jesus Christ of Nazareth was the perfect and final sacrifice.
Is God working in my life? Sometimes I am not sure. There are times I can only say things turned out well because of God. Take the papers I worked on when away from school contemplating my future. I cannot believe ambidexterity fits so well. I was able to report cases of ambidexterity not yet known in academia (see screenshot). The marketing paper is another example. The paper came together after careful thinking about my experience (a special assignment) at a previous employer. I was assigned to the Testing/Quality Assurance department with a "special" assignment/task to improve the quality of requirements prepared elsewhere (Testing does not prepare requirements).
I finally completed the Social Security Administration form for further information/detail on my inability to work (disability). It requested information on chores I assist with, hobbies, and so on. That organization seems very thorough. The process is taking longer than I expected. I expected to receive benefits/payments (or a reject decision) by now.
Right now, I am about to enjoy a half-ripe mango. I do not feel my best.
I found this verse during my review of results/items for a search on "heart and soul."
Psalm 84:2:
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
I found it very interesting. I believe the writer is crying out for God to work in his/her life. The writer wants to be close to God maybe because he/she believes God will stand up for fairness (this may be why courts is mentioned). God must not be dead or far away. The interpretation of this verse by Google AI was interestingly different. I didn't like it as much. I usually like the AI summaries.
When I got to the PhD level, I completed my first research courses - such as Research Methods and Qualitative Research. I also read a ton of published (research) papers - papers that provided answers to specific questions as well as papers that provided new knowledge to the field. It gave me a new appreciation for research. I did prepare research papers during my undergraduate and graduate studies (for example, a final research paper to complete my MS in Finance degree), but I did not complete formal training on research during those years. I am quite positive research is my calling. When I was young, I asked a lot of questions (I was inquisitive). I liked to learn new things and understand how things work or function.
Trip down memory lane...
It is funny how things work out. I started training in accounting and economics when I signed up for the business stream in high school. I learned a lot and did well in the courses. I made good grades at the external exams. I was proud of the A in Principles of Accounting (CXC) and B in economics (GCE O Levels). I also did better in Accounting at GCE A Levels. There was no teacher for economics. I did not make the best grades. At first, I intended to obtain a degree in Accounting in college. I later changed my mind. I decided on economics.
I was privileged to attend a special high school that was newly opened. When I arrived, the school had facilities (dormitories, admin building, a fenced area for horse riding, fish ponds, and so on) that were adequate for the number of students. I found it quite impressive. When I was a student there, the school added several new facilities/buildings. I recall that the management added a new dormitory, a large dining facility with kitchen, a new training block, and a new outdoor basketball court. The new facilities (especially the new dormitory and new training block) were not only for new students. I recall that I used the new teaching block for classes and also moved into the new dormitory (along with other older girls). I did not play basketball but I watched others enjoy the court. I remember that the deceased Karen Renata Bonnett enjoyed playing basketball on that court. I believe Dawn played basketball as well.
I was away from home from an early age. I missed family activities and some of the work in a home.
I was in the business stream so I specialized in business. I used that business knowledge well. I did really well at UG and in the master's program at GW. A lot of my papers for publishing are multidisciplinary because of my business knowledge.
I was reading God's Word (the Holy Bible) since childhood. I remember I had a copy of the New Testament. A church member gave it to me. It was blue and it was small - nice for a child. It is available for sale on Etsy, which is surprising. I preferred to read my book of Bible Stories.
My news in Facebook showed a post by US Embassy Guyana on an American corner at the National Library. It was good to see the Guyanese National Library in the news. The last time I used that library was in 2018 when I traveled to Guyana directly after my ordeal in New York. After settling in, I visited the library to work on an assignment for my Business Environment course (the course was near completion). I found interesting materials for my assignment. I appreciate that online courses allow students to work from anywhere.
