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

 It was three poems, similar to my paper on three articles. My backgrounds 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.