Atlanta....it's been real! #deuces

Well, I can't speak for Sherrica, but then again, I probably can. When I moved to Atlanta 2 years ago, you couldn't tell me nothing! Big city, things to do, closer to home, great job, more money, and the women (I was single at the time)!!!! I would have never guessed that two years later I would be married with a new baby, packing for Abu Dhabi. Ain't GOD Good!

While I present to most as a modern, intelligent, articulate, well traveled man....at the core of me is just a country boy from Alabama. I AIN'T BEEN NOWHERE:) Seriously, you don't believe me...

L.A.- No
Vegas- No
Chicago- No
Miami- No
Texas- Barely
New York- only for my ADEC interview
Boston- Yes...(finally one place)
Out of the country- NO....unless you count that cheap ass Carnival Cruise by the Bahamas because we weren't there long enough to say I went to the Bahamas.

See, I told you I am really "country as a sofa on a front porch". I just hide it really well! #RachelDolezal

Although I'm African American, you get the idea:)

Two years ago, I hadn't even heard of Abu Dhabi, let alone working there. Had I, I probably would have chosen to go then, but EVERYTHING happens for a reason and had I gone, I would have been the picture of what not to do. Where I was mentally two years ago, I would have BALLED OUT. Yacht parties every weekend, shopping, shopping, shopping, probably driving a new Range, living in a villa much bigger than what I would need....did I mention shopping. 

Thank God for maturation, a greater sense of purpose, a WIFE (Proverbs 18:22), and a renewed commitment to my financial security, but more importantly, the goal of securing my family's financial future.

I was attracted to Atlanta two years ago to help with the renaissance of Atlanta Public Schools. For those that do not know, APS was part of one of the largest, if not largest, documented systemic epidemic of cheating. THOUSANDS of children were impacted and continue to be impacted as they were "literally" passed along year after year and given passing test scores...well, actually teachers changed the students answers so that children would pass state end of year test. I needed a change and the idea of joining with other new principals to serve students and communities that had been impacted was, "at the time", my DREAM JOB! I won't bore you with the details, but I leave Atlanta with APS in my prayers. Nearly 4 years after this tragedy, APS is still trying to pull itself off the mat from the blow of the cheating scandal. I pray for APS because at the core of all school systems are the children. What will need to happen, but most certainly won't happen, is that ALL the brilliant people in APS, and I do honestly mean BRILLIANT, will have to talk about the main thing and not about the "next thing". With that, I truly wish this school system, more so any other that I have worked for, GOD's SPEED and GUIDANCE!

The past three days have had me asking, how in the "cotton picking" world did my ancestors do it? It has been hot!!!! Yes, I had my 13 year old to help me, but if you have kids that age, you already know how that went. I will give him his props, he helped and I couldn't have done it without him, but I felt like a cowboy trying to break a young stallion:) I thought that by giving away all the big things that loading a truck with the little things would be easy. I didn't take into account the daily 95 degree heat, along with the 14 steps that had to be navigated about 75 times. Talk about a work out!!! And while we gave away most things, I only had one simple request when those people came to pick items up...bring MUSCLE! In one instance I gave away two bedroom sets, with dressers, beds, side tables, mattresses...you get the idea. The person who I gave it too, while I love to death, she brought a U-haul and her 65 year old retired husband as the MUSCLE! Are you f$%^ing kidding me? So, there I was, doing what I did not want or intend on doing which was lifting and carrying, very slowly I might add, furniture up and down stairs.....it didn't help that after her husband fell with the mattress on top of him, things went progressively slower. I STILL lover her and I am appreciative that he gutted it out, because he had no idea what his wife had set him up for.....even though renting a large U-haul might have given most others a small clue:) LOL

After another three days of packing, we made our SLOW way to Alabama and we will be here for the rest of the summer until I leave. Surprisingly I got an email from my recruiter yesterday telling me to be patient. If she only knew, I still a tremendous amount of work to do. I have made a list using the Wunderlist app. It's the best! Some of the things still left to do are:

• purchase luggage
• do one final sort of clothes
• purchase a VPN
• Make copies of all my paperwork
• Do a Will
• Register my car in Alabama
• Figure out the cellphone "thingy"

A funny thing has happened over the past month or so. Initially, I wanted to board a plane and leave immediately. I was so excited...maybe too excited because I was spending all the free time I had reading blogs and on every FB group associated with Abu Dhabi there was. At one point, there were at least 15. I have since cut back to about 10:) The point is, my wife became extremely angry at me and told me that I was killing "the mood" for her. I was sooooo excited about what would occur in...who knows when (you know how that Golden ticket thing works) that I wasn't living in the present. I had to reflect on my wife's perspective and while I am still excited to go, over the past month I have come to a place of peace about not caring really when I leave. I find myself more excited about my vacation to Orlando, or stressing about where to take my 5 year old fishing since that is ALL he keeps asking me for the past week. Why am I stressing, because the trip means nothing if we don't catch fish and while I am not a novice at fishing, I am certainly not an expert. I am excited to have the time to work out and then do nothing! Abu Dhabi is not going anywhere and I will get there when I get there. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be in the last group, but living in the moment feels a lot better than worrying about or anticipating the "unknown" future.

I knew something had shifted about a week ago when I was sorting through my suits. All of a sudden, I was like, why am I taking all this STUFF! This is about an experience, financial freedom, travel, and family! I don't need 30 suits to accomplish any of this! I found myself placing suits and shirts and ties in a Goodwill bag. Mind you, some of this STUFF, I have never worn before, but how many DAMN blue shirts do I need? All of this STUFF was a symbol of gluttony and money wasted! It was a symbol of everything, I didn't want this opportunity to be!

STUFF= Something(s) That Undermines Family Fun. How much STUFF are you holding on too? How much STUFF is in the way of you having an incredible life with your family? How much STUFF is holding you down or drowning you financially? Let the STUFF go...Hell, you can't take it with you anyway and with this opportunity, I "literally" cannot take ALL THIS STUFF with me!

I'll end this post thinking about the horrific acts that occurred this week in Charleston, South Carolina, a state by the way that still flies the Confederate Flag as a symbol of pride. My prayers are for the families of the victims, the Charleston community, and the world (U.S) we live in.  I still get asked the same questions about how safe is it "over there", and I am beginning to hate the phrase, "You be safe over there!" I want to respond that "It's safer there than it is here or I'll try to be as as safe there as I am here." And I am sure there are others, who behind my back, speak negatively about my leaving as well with regards to safety. For all those who worry about my safety and the safety of my family President Obama, this week unfortunately, said it best:

I'll just drop the mic and walk off now and let you digest the reality of what your "safe" truly is/means....

The Invisible Man

Yesterday another reality "boulder" was dropped on me to make me realize that this experience is really about to happen. I could go on about how "un-professional" my district was in not creating a time and space for a more formal introduction, but why waste my time. In the spirit of Kevin Hart...Let Me Explain...At about 11:00 a.m., my secretary walked into my office and stated that I had a guest. Let's call him "Mr. New". I walk out of my office and while shaking Mr. New's hands, he introduces himself as the new principal. Again, thanks to the district and it's leadership for emailing me, calling me, or texting me. Hell, they could have sent a pigeon or something.... THIS was how I found out who would be replacing me.....To be honest, I took it as a slap in the face. As this kids say...I just might be in my feelings though:) BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS!

While sitting and chatting, it was sort of surreal that I was no longer going to be the principal. I kind of felt like a mother bear wanting to protect her child. There was a feeling that I did not want to turn my "baby" over to someone else. I guess I know what mother's feel like the first time they drop their children off to day care. Realistically, I know that the comparison is not the same, but you get my drift! I actually think that this is a sign that I need to finally let go of the present so that I can fully appreciate what is ahead of me. I know for some, it is easy to just mentally let go and become excited about this move..and don't get me wrong, I am excited as well! However, it feels funny to go to work everyday and not be engaged in "the work". I feel like the invisible man now. Oh well, I guess this is my new normal, or at least it will be for the next two weeks. I guess it could be worse:) LOL

We have 15 more days until Sherrica and I move out. Time is flying. The following few weeks are going to be a logistical dance somewhat of the Tango to make sure that it all comes together. Packing, moving, a quick trip to Virginia, selling items, donating to Goodwill. I'm already mentally tired already! In just two more weeks, we will be out of our Atlanta home and back in the great state of Alabama:) #WAR EAGLE

With the move to Alabama also comes the realization that I will not see my Atlanta crew anymore until we are all in Abu Dhabi. This journey has been amazing to take with people who are just as excited, and wide-eyed as I am. Their support and friendship has been AMAZING! My hope is that I have been to them what they have been to me throughout this experience and WAITING:) It is also my prayer that the reasons that each of us chose to take this incredible leap of faith, will be the same reasons that keep us buoyed to not only endure, thrive beyond the culture shock, challenges, frustrations, heat, and uncertainty that we will NO DOUBT have to persevere through when we arrive.

This week a great article was published. While it is written from the perspective of a single mom living in Abu Dhabi, many of the insights that are shared, many of us can easily identify with. It was inspiring and I hope you enjoy it or are able to pass it along to someone who may be struggling with questions such as:

• Can I really do this?
• What about my kids?
• What is it really like over there?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tenille-livingston/single-mom-goes-from-american-hustle-to-living-her-dreams-in-abu-dhabi_b_7490560.html

Until next time......Take Care and Be Well!

Function Meets Fashion

As a new mommy I am slowly morphing into a lifestyle of convenience where function meets fashion. My husband and I plan to travel separately due to my sister’s wedding in late August.  The thought of traveling by myself with a 6 month old has given me sporadic thoughts of anxiety. I plan to make this experience a little smoother by ensuring that I have all of my essentials in a hands-free bag. I suspect a diaper bag backpack would do the trick; because I could toss it on my back without having to worry about leaving it anywhere and it would also keep my hands free to care for my little princess.

I wrote down a list of items I would need to place in my backpack. They include:

§  8-10 diapers

§  Wipes

§  Baby snacks

§  Baby Headphones

§  Breastfeeding cover

§  Small blanket

§  2-3 little toys

§  3 changes of clothes for baby + 1 shirt for me (My baby likes to spit up)

§  Iphone

§  Ipad or MacBook

§  Travel toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste)

§  Baby medications

After researching, I believe I have found the perfect stylish backpack. The Skip Hop FORMA Backpack!

§  Price: $70

§  Size: 16x8x14"

§  Colors: Peacock or Black

§  Pros: Interior pockets, cell phone pocket, holds up to a’15 laptop, changing pad pocket, multipurpose mesh cube for clothing and snacks, insulated cube for bottles, extra wide dual zip opening, hangs neatly on a stroller (integrated stroller clips), water resistant.

§  Cons: The straps are short, so if you’re tall (5’9 and above) it may be uncomfortable.

§  Where to purchase: Nordstrom or Amazon.com

 

Once I place all my belongings in the backpack, I will give an update on its functionality.

Stop trying to explain......

Now if you have friends, family, or co-workers like mine, you have probably heard all the (how shall I put it)...ill-informed comments or questions. Tell me if you have heard any of these:

• Is is safe?
• What about terrorists?
• You aren't afraid?
• How does your wife feel about having to wear all that stuff?
• They don't treat us right over there?
• WAY OVER THERE!!!!
• How are you going to leave your kids?
• You crazy, I wouldn't ever go over "there".

Here are my normal retorts to these questions or comments:)

• Is is safe?-safer than most communities in the U.S.
• What about terrorists?- what about them, last time I heard "Isis" wasn't located in that region. There is a difference between Pakistan and Abu Dhabi!
• You aren't afraid?- no more afraid than I would be out late at night in bankhead! (those in ATL no what I mean)
• How does your wife feel about having to wear all that stuff?- you mean dresses from Old Navy! (I normally walk away after I see I have left them utterly confused)
• They don't treat us right over there?- Who is "us" and how do you know? Most people cant articulate a real reason.
• WAY OVER THERE!!!!- YES, WAY OVER THERE in my most gleeful voice!
• How are you going to leave your kids?- Yes, it is an incredible sacrifice but the opportunity to show them new cultures and countries is worth the sacrifice...By the way, where are you taking your children on vacation?...Oh Six flags:) I'm sure they will enjoy the rollercoasters and long lines...
• You crazy, I wouldn't ever go over "there". Then don't, I wasn't trying to recruit you!

I am sure that you can add many more to the list, but you get my drift. When God gives you a vision, he will also give you "provision", which is a way to make it happen. MANY, MOST, and the MAJORITY will not get it. Not only will they not get it, they will try to kill your vision. People with no vision are often dream killers!  Can I get an AMEN?!!! I once heard T.D. Jakes talk about the vision of a Giraffe versus the vision of a turtle. Turtles (while cute) often see obstacles. Because their vision is so low to the ground they rarely see anything beyond the front of their nose. I would also add that most turtles are slow and snapping. Don't give your vision to a slow person who might try to snap your dream!

But Giraffes, while not the most graceful at times, GET IT! They see over the trees to the Promise Land. They understand that there are challenges and obstacles, but they also understand that the focus should not be on problems of the work, but the PROMISE OF THE HARVEST!

This is a tremendous opportunity for us all! Don't waste huge amounts of time trying to convince people of what they cannot see. Plato's Allegory of the Cave is a great way to describe these type of people. The ONLY believe what they can ONLY see. Isn't that a horrible way to live:) Where would many of our inventions come from??

Live your life responsibly, enjoy your life, make every moment a learning and teachable moment, and do not apologize for your choices and decisions. Remember you are a giraffe and God blessed you with the vision...not THEM! If he thought they could handle it, then he would have blessed them with it. 

Remember....You NEVER see a giraffe talking to a turtle!!! 

Forever I Love Atlanta!

Full Circle: To celebrate my 30th birthday I took a trip to Dubai with my girlfriends. We joked amongst ourselves about the idea of living in Dubai one day. However in my heart I always felt Atlanta would be my permanent home to jump start my career. During my 20's I had to opportunity to live in a few cities like New York City, DC, and Rome, Italy. When I decided to settle down and make Atlanta my new home I accepted a job, started my own business, joined organizations, and purchased my dream car thinking I was beginning to build my life here.

Within in the blink of an eye, I fell in love, got married, had a baby and now moving to UAE! Excitement was set in motion this weekend when we sold our dining table and sofa set. But I have to admit I still get slightly sentimental when I think about leaving my "home"! See I love Atlanta and in my opinion it is the best city to live. So I've decided to take a journey and create a to do list to experience everything I love about the city before we leave. It's even more exciting, because I get to experience it with my daughter.

I recommend everyone take the time to experience everything they enjoy about their current situation. I remember being extremely excited to study abroad that I didn't enjoy my last days in NYC. So after the excitement wore off, I became a little homesick wishing I had taken in my last moments.  I know everyone on this journey is extremely excited, but do not forget to stop and enjoy the process.

“We're so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are.” -Bill Watterson

So the wait is real now.....

So I am sitting at my desk on a Friday afternoon around 5:00 p.m. and it so happens to be the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! It's funny because I am seeing all my "teacher" friends and 15 Hopefuls post pics of themselves running out of school and I am still sitting here. Well don't feel sorry for me. I am actually killing time before I head out to see the Hawks play the Cavs tonight.

I have this countdown app on my phone  (countdown +) and today marks a significant milestone with the ending of school. School has somewhat kept me distracted, however admittedly I take a peek and look at the number of days till I "think" or I have been told I am leaving. It is now only 66 more days until July 31st. This past week has been exciting as ADEC released a prospective calendar, although everyone says will change 100 times. I also received an email from my recruiter letting me know that administrators "supposedly" will be brought over quicker....but who knows if that will in fact be the DRY reality....get it...DRY as in desert:) LOL....

So now I am just waiting on a few more milestones to occur that will shorten my hopefully not so long wait! I must admit the horror stories of others who were stuck waiting stateside until October and November scare the crap out of me, but I have a back up financial plan and Faith and Belief that that will not be my testimony!

I am not sure if this happens to others but I seem to go through bouts of excitement and feeling like "whatever will be will be" in terms of leaving. There are days I wake up or moments I have where I become really excited and then there are times when I am just ok with the waiting process. Well this past week I had one of my excitable moments and I decided to purchase my carry on bag this week. I have come to realize that when I become excited, I normally buy something:)

Many other hopefuls have purchased it and the reviews are great. The video is also really awesome to watch on the website. It can be found at http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/tls-mother-lode-weekender-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10209111

I still haven't come to a resolution with my phone service or what to do with it. I am not so sure anymore about a dual sim phone. I will just wait until it gets closer. I have heard that you need a phone when you arrive to set up different accounts and such, but after that, you really don't use it anymore. I might just buy a cheap phone as opposed to a $500.00 dual sim phone. I am trying to start the mental process of doing what is economically smarter rather than what is most convenient. It's a struggle but the phone might be a great place to start. Abu Dhabi will have ALL the trappings and if I....or you..or anyone else are not careful, we can and will easily blow this financial opportunity and find ourselves no better off than when we left the states and Uncle Sam was digging into our pockets every 1st and 15th:)

My OMG Moment!

Not even 24 hours after delivering my beautiful daughter Madisyn my husband received an email with details about his final interview with ADEC in New York, NY. He had to report to NYC in less then a week. Did I mention I just delivered our first baby??? I always try to support my husband in all his endeavors, however this time was a little different. While a part of me wanted to breakdown and cry because he had to leave, the other part of me knew he was exploring this opportunity to provide a better future for our family. Thank God for my mother, sister, and mother-n-law who took turns coming to Atlanta from Alabama to assist me with my new transition into motherhood. 

Why is this an OMG moment?

From February 2^nd-February 27^th, I delivered my daughter, got engaged, got the news my husband was chosen for the position in Abu Dhabi, and got married…WHEW….My life completely changed within a month. 

I would like to say I wasn’t prepared for this journey, however GOD does everything for a reason. I have confidence that my life’s preparation have allowed me to boldly face this opportunity without opposition.

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future. Proverbs 31:25

So here is a little background information about me. I am 32 years old with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a MBA in Marketing. I’ve worked in various industries (finance, entertainment, technology) throughout my career. My passions include being a great mother, building relationships and political and socio-economical issues in low-income communities. My favorite TV shows are the Real Housewives of New York, Atlanta, and New Jersey (In that order)!

I hope you enjoy our journey as we prepare for our Big Move and Transition!