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Thursday, July 24, 2008

southern hospitality


I got to thinking - finally...

All this talk of New York City and I have failed to acknowledge the place that has gotten me this far

Atlanta - HOTLANTA - Capital of the South! Where would I be right now if I wasn't here. Literally, I suppose I'd still be in Washington, DC but I doubt it. I could be in California - but I probably would have left again by now.

It took me four years to figure out - yeah - I was meant to come here - not necessarily forever - but at least long enough to learn a few things.

So here's to southern hospitality and the lessons I learned:

When giving directions - include the exit number - it's easier that way

Southern people don't understand why anyone would call it "THE" 400, "THE" MARTA, "THE" 285...so don't confuse them

No matter what you do on the road, simply attach a little wave of the hand - it seems to fix everything - even fatal collisions & near death experiences

Leaving the slightest hint of space between you and another car is an invitation for any one - even three lanes over to cut in

The state motto: Wisdom, Justice & Moderation means wisdom & justice are to be used in moderation - this of course does not apply to Jack Daniels

Apparently anyone is allowed to run a red light as long as it has only been red for under seven seconds - so, yes - you CAN block an intersection even when there is a sign saying not to

Pedestrians don't use sidewalks - they use the force of being hit by cars to get them where they want to go - so please be considerate and hit a pedestrian

If you see a sidewalk - please try to understand that it will dramatically cease to exist at any point (the sidewalk does really end) - wear appropriate shoes for such occurrences.

If you aren't screaming and sprinting to catch "THE" MARTA bus - how will they know you want a ride?

On a more serious note I have learned that it may be difficult to make close friends immediately - but when you make close friends here - you have friends for life - through thick and thin.

I have met some of the most amazing people here in Atlanta who have taught me so much and helped me grow to where I am now. I am blessed to have had such an experience and to leave knowing I am always welcome back with plenty of open arms.

I appreciate and love each of you who have joined me on part of my journey.

love Jey

You've been caught Jey Walking! (and I know you like it!)

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

thanks billy joel


Early on the morning of March 31st - a few days after my classes ended and I graduated college - I got an email saying that I am an acceptable Master's candidate for Milano The New School for Management & Urban Policy in New York City this Fall.

Since then my mind has daily spasms of dreams come true and nightmares realized - a bittersweet concoction of fear, doubt, overwhelming joy and excitement. There are days I think both "Am I ready for New York?" and "Is New York ready for me?" I've come to realize that what I am embarking upon is the beginning of the new authentic ME that sees my vision of my dreams coming to fruition while confronting and conquering my fears. You know, cause if I can make it there, I can make it anywhere and I intend to make my vision come alive EVERYWHERE!

So now one might wonder what that vision is...
Life has thrown me quite a few curveballs and obstacles - I'd venture to say I've even created some those obstacles myself -REGARDLESS - my vision has been and always will be basically this:

I will share all that I have - talents - gifts - knowledge/wisdom - time and means to those who - like me - have endured life's curveballs - continued to fight and are looking to create for themselves a new life and see their visions come alive.

I will achieve this through starting an organization for youth and young adults that focuses on assisting abused foster youth and emancipated young adults in various ways. The organization will also focus on Drug Abuse Prevention Outreach & Education. I will also have an HIV/AIDS Outreach Prevention & Education team serving young adults who are at risk and/or already infected.

I know New York City is the place for me to learn more about how to achieve such goals and, of course, network with others interested in assisting is such a large project and ongoing work.

I am so happy to know in my heart that I am taking the right steps to provide myself with the credentials needed to start and take on such work. I am ecstatic knowing that God supports the work I want to do. The more I think about all the amazing things I've witnessed and experienced in my life and all the things I am about to engage myself into - I can't help but to thank Billy Joel for inspiring me with a New York State of Mind. Thanks Billy Joel!

I hope New York is ready for me...Start spreading the news...

You've been caught Jey Walking! (and there it's ok :D)

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

what 29 means

Aw yes - I am finally 29 years old today!

I am so happy to be that much closer to thirty - but I am getting ahead of myself - I must enjoy the year ahead as it comes.

What lies in store in the next year?


August: move to NYC
September: start grad school
October: miss all my Atlanta friends a lot more!
November: NYC Thanksgiving / Macy's Parade - Vote for US President as a New Yorker!
December: enjoy NYC holiday season / go to Cali for Christmas hopefully to warm up - first grad school semester completed! Oh yeah and NEW YEAR'S EVE NYC style!
January: make resolutions!
February: break resolutions and someone's heart on V-Day!
March: start defrosting!
April: spring break!
May: half way thru grad school!
June: start planning a huge NYC 30th Birthday party for this guy I know!
July: yeah, you know - party 'til dawn the next week! / Fourth of July NYC!

So what does 29 mean?


Birthday Number 29

Optimism will be your best friend. You are imaginative and creative, but rather uncomfortable in the corporate world. You are very aware and sensitive, with outstanding perceptive skills and analytical abilities. The number 29 reduces to 11, one of the master numbers, which often produces much nervous tension. Learn to be calm and cool. This is the birthday of the dreamer rather than the doer. You will maintain good contacts.

Today's most reliable unreliable horoscope:

You'll have high energy today, although it might not kick in until later in the day. More than help you get a lot of stuff done, this buzz will help you make some changes within your group of friends. Not everyone is on the same page right now, and these differences are causing people to forget how much they truly care about each other. It's time for a party or other type of group event where everyone can relax and enjoy hanging out together. Plan something with all that energy of yours!

Today brings a sense of starting over, though you may not be entirely sure what part of your life is changing. That's okay -- you just need to make sure you're open to new possibilities.

Is your birthday day 2 of the month?
Your Life
You have great common sense but usually fail to follow through. This might happens because you are too busy with your mission and shut yourself from the outside world. You are clever and profound so there's a slight chance for self-control problem.

Your Love

Your love progress slowly, and quietly. You seem to be contented with your unrequited love. Your are a romantic and loyal lover.

ANYWAY - so I thought this would be a fun little post...I'm not sure any of this stuff can hold up in court.

You've been caught Jey Walking!