May22

 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. 

Book

 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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update

 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.

(Photo showing my tea/coffee station at home. There is tea and sugar in the jar. The items at the back are coffee creamer and salt. I drink coffee from time to time. Fluids all day works.)

God's Characteristics

 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.

Library

 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.

Update

 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.

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking about options

 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denied

 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.

Update

 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. 

Power

 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.

After the hospital

 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. 

Trusting

 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.

Home soon

 I am on my way home from the hospital. I was at the hospital's emergency room yesterday to receive medical attention.

Family

 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.

Update

 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).

Christian

 My Facebook news feed is full of Christian posts recently (maybe because of Easter). I see familiar verses, prayers, and so on. I enjoy.

Compensation paper

 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.

IT Professional

 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.

Good Friday

 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

God is working in my life

 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).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally completed

 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.

Close to God

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research

 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.

Decisions

 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.

Memories

 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.

Christian

 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.

Update

 I ate at Golden Corral recently. It was very crowded. Paying for the food then waiting for a table took longer than usual. It was good to interact with members of society (the men who assisted my father near the door, restaurant staff, and so on).

News update

 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.

Reading plan

 Here is the link to a personal Bible study I completed over 7 years ago. I found the Bible reading plan/challenge on Pinterest. I liked it. I was pleased to find such reading plans online. They are usually in published books or on cards.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z5J9zgx7lmNDyqsxxLZz8rWf8hooIXYGyFNPGktZgi8/edit?usp=drivesdk

Sick

 I am not feeling well today. My eye is swollen. I don't feel well all over. I was sick yesterday (threw up and so on) and hoped today would be better. It is disappointing. I don't know what is happening. I hope this cup of green tea I am having will do me well. 

Experience as an auditor

 Remembering (throwing back to) my days at the Office of the DC Auditor. The work was interesting and I became a much better writer. I worked on several audits/reviews. One of the audits I worked on was the audit of ANC 4C. The (published) report is available at: https://dcauditor.org/report/audit-of-advisory-neighborhood-commission-4c-for-fiscal-years-2000-through-2003-as-of-march-31-2003/. You can tell that I contributed to the report from the code shown on the title page (016:03:FM:gk). I was a main contributor. Looking back at it, I don't believe I included so many tables! I like them a lot. They work in the report. Another assignment was to assist a Senior Auditor with a parking meter audit (I guess I was a member of the audit team). I liked being on location at an office on U Street. The audit included a review of finances (parking meter revenues) but it was a performance audit.

#ThrowbackThursday 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funding

 Academia.edu provides information on funding opportunities! I received an email from Academia.edu notifying me that their AI software found a $20,000 funding opportunity that "aligns perfectly" with my paper/research on the online review industry. I am so happy that my papers for publishing are on that site. It would be great to obtain funding for my research!

Update

 It is the 27th. There was an appointment for today. It was rescheduled at the last minute (yesterday). The call from Kaiser was a surprise. I did not have to go out after all. It has been a while since I went out. It has been a few weeks.

Sometimes life is difficult

 I don't do as much as I used to, which makes sense because I am dealing with a lot of health issues. It takes a while to get things done. I do the best I can. I was busy doing some chores today. There was some pain involved (back pain and so on) but I got some work done. I am not complaining. Life is difficult. I am a person who has to deal with health problems for now and still try to hold it together (take care of things). I am looking forward to a "normal" life again.

(I am still working on obtaining disability benefits/income and I need to prepare for appointments.)

New preprint website

 I found another website that allows sharing of papers that are for publishing. I joined today to try it out - I have a new account at Research Square (https://www.researchsquare.com/). I uploaded my marketing paper (mentioned in my recent post https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2026/02/update_10.html) for review. It is currently in prescreening status. I saw that the preprint will be posted and a DOI issued once prescreening completes. The paper already has a DOI issued by ResearchGate. It appears that I cannot opt out of a new DOI so there will be two DOIs assigned to my paper which may cause issues.

This Saturday

 This Saturday I did not do much. There are issues all around. For a pick-me-up, I had mangoes and some other good stuff. Yes, food can make a difference on days like this. Mangoes make me think of Guyana and the Caribbean. The mangoes I had looked and tasted like the long mango. It has another name in United States.

Remembering a vacation

 Today I remember my vacation time in Georgia many years ago (my second trip to Georgia since living in the United States). I enjoyed the drive there (from Maryland). I also enjoyed my time there. It felt like a vacation - I stayed at hotels, I spent some time exploring the local area, and so on. I was at ease in Georgia although I had a bad experience in the past (in another part of Georgia). I took some photos that I added to this blog. I remember I used the hotel computer in the lobby for a post. 

These two posts show photos of some of my activities in Georgia:

https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/08/still-traveling.html

https://fahmeenaodetta.blogspot.com/2022/08/interesting-article-on-online-reviews.html

#ThrowbackThursday

Update

 Today is not going well. I made a few calls to try to get transportation to go to appointments, but the result was not as expected. It seems that the only way to make upcoming appointments is to pay for a cab or Uber to take me there.

I am currently reading one of my papers available as a preprint. It is the paper on the use of marketing professionals in the new product development process. Like other papers, I was able to use my background/experience well (especially my experience as an Analyst in the Testing/QA Group with a special assignment to assist to improve the quality of requirements further up the process). I am certain some people would not believe the paper was developed from my school assignment to write a marketing plan for a product. My eye is still a problem but I am getting some stuff done.

Water issue

 I am better today after a mess yesterday. I am not certain whether a pipe broke or something disconnected but there was water gushing out from an area to form a stream on the floor. I am also not certain what led to the issue. Maybe it is related to the snow and frigid temperatures. There was also an issue with our bathroom sink that may have led to problems in the system. We are currently obtaining water from bottles. We have water and I am thankful.

God In Charge

 I keep myself sane in a lot of ways. Interesting guidance from the Bible:

The information reminds me of the song 'Take It To The Lord In Prayer'