6 years ago
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Back In The Account
I was unable to access my account until now due to an inability to use my recovery email address. After paying Apple for a 2TB iCloud+ subscription, the prodlem has been resolved. I atupdated the password and WOO HOO I am back. I have been through A LOT since the last blog entry. I moved from Atlanta back home to Los Angeles. I got a job at a crappy telemarketing job and made enough money to restore my driver license. I was on Oprah a second time. I became a Bus Operator for Los Angeles County. I got fired three times, become a rideapp driver with Uber and Lyft. I lost everything and ended up living in my rented BMW 740i. Went through several other rented cars in an effort to excape homelessness. I was in a collision that could have ended badly for me. Thankfully, only the car was driveable and repairable but a total loss.Then I had a right side posterior cerebral artery stroke that could have done all sorts of damage, but I survived. After lots of work and pain, I regained the ability to walk. I am disabled, but I can drive a car. After participating in a homeless interim housing program, I am living in a new one bedroom house in Los Angeles I briefly had a job as a security guard but I was forced to resign due to my disability and unfortunate politics. I am now trying to figure out what to do to earn money so I can survive All of my plans have failed. All I can do now is objectively evaluate my current position in life, consider what I offer to the world, be realistic about my strengths and weaknesses, and determine the first thing I must do to ultimately achieve my goal of solving my problem.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Six Months Later
Six months ago today, I boarded a bus in Atlanta bound for Los Angeles. On February 5, 2010, I arrived home to an overcast sky. It had just rained and I was surprised at how happy I was to be home. Even though I enjoyed my stays in Saint Louis and Atlanta, things didn't work out as planned in those cities. I was back home, probably for good.
I wanted to wait until today before resuming my blog. I wanted to see how far I progressed since my las entry. I give myself a C+. I could have done a better job with the money I have earned since returned home. Otherwise, I am doing well.
After I got settled into my sister's old room, I took a tour of my mom's house. My bedroom is now her walk-in closet. The kitchen, living room and hallway were completely redone. And, the biggest surprise, mom installed a top-of-the-line air conditioning system in the house, complete with the best thermostat I have ever used. Her plan is to sell the house when she retires and move to Louisiana, her childhood home.
Mom has made it clear that my last day in her house is January 1, 2011. She loves me, but I gotta get it together and get a place of my own. That's no problem because I am doing all I can to get a place of my own as soon as possible. I already have a few spots in mind. Just saving the money to move in.
I went to the Los Angeles Department of Social Services and applied for assistance the day after I got home. A new DPSS building was built just down the street from my mom's house. I was given 12 bus tokens, $220 on a debit card for food and $178 cash to spend however I saw fit.
I didn't remain on the County for long. I found a job in April at a telemarketing company and officially started my new job selling cell phone services (and phones) at a third party vendor for Verizon Wireless on my birthday.
The job pays $10 an hour and it is giving me the resources needed to take me to the next step in my plan to rebuild myself.
I just started a new home based business ad plan to market it in a very big way. Of all the companies I have been involved with, I have NEVER sent information to friends and family. This one is different. The product is fantastic and the pay plan is simply the best ever. I will do well with this company.
My driver license is still not restored. I miss driving so much!! When I finally saved the money to pay the $808 fine, a little voice in my head told me to hire an attorney for assistance before paying the fine. I found a fantastic traffic court attorney online and paid him $500. I am glad I followed the voice, because if I didn't hire the attorney for his expertise and advice, I would have ended up with a misdemeanor conviction on my criminal record, with no way to get rid of it.
February 2008, I was stopped for driving without registration on my car at the time, a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. It was a simple $15 fix-it ticket. In addition to the ticket, I had to register the vehicle to clear the ticket. I didn't have the $636 to register my car. I had just enough for the $700 payment. I was living in my car at the time. When the March 2008 court date arrived, I went to court and was granted an extension till July 2008. I missed that court date due to the emotional turmoil of losing everything in storage and the repossession of the car in May 2008. Then, I moved to Saint Louis in June 2008. When I discovered my license was suspended in October 2008, I scheduled another court date over the phone for March 2009. I missed that date due to my move to Atlanta. With two failure-to-appear citations on my driving record, the California court system was unwilling to release the hold on my license until I paid the fine in full AND appeared in court. If I just paid the fine, my license would have been restored, but I would have automatically plead guilty to the charges, and because of the two FTA's, I would have been stuck with a criminal misdemeanor conviction with no way of fixing it. Hiring the attorney was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
I was given three choices:
1. Pay the fine in full today, get my license restored today, but be stuck with a misdemeanor criminal conviction for life.
2. Schedule a court appearance for the first available date. That date is February 11, 2011 At that time, I, my attorney, or both of us, appear in court to argue the case. The misdemeanor never happens, my license is restored and I have a good chance of paying a reduced fine.
3. I pay the full $808 as soon as possible and demand a speedy trial as required by the law within 45 days after paying the fine. If the court cannot grant me a speedy trial, the state forfeits the case, returns my money and releases my driver license with a clean criminal record.
My attorney filed for the court date on February 11, 2011, and advised me to pay the fine as soon as possible so option 3 could be explored. The $500 is a flat fee, so he will represent me and pay the fines on my behalf. I won't have to show up in court at all.
When I get my license and a car, I will post those here. Meanwhile, because my new business is home based, I will not need a vehicle for some time. I am comfortable waiting till February 2011 if necessary to resolve the driver license issue.
I am making a lot of progress restoring myself. It feels good going to a job making money every two weeks. It feels good putting my business plans in motion. The pay I receive is enough to properly market my online ads for my business. Once I have earned a good amount of money from this venture (I will) I will write about it. For now, I have learned not to tell friends, family or coworkers about it. I am looking strictly for success-motivated individuals who "get it" like I did and just sign up and do the work needed to be successful with this business.
One bad thing has happened to me - I gained 20 pounds since returning home.
I am single. I decided to stay that way till I have something more than nice conversation to offer someone. I'm broke, out of shape, traveling by bus, living at home, with a low paying job. Not the best way to offer someone the incentive to want to get to know me.
One thing I do know - I won't be this way much longer...
I wanted to wait until today before resuming my blog. I wanted to see how far I progressed since my las entry. I give myself a C+. I could have done a better job with the money I have earned since returned home. Otherwise, I am doing well.
After I got settled into my sister's old room, I took a tour of my mom's house. My bedroom is now her walk-in closet. The kitchen, living room and hallway were completely redone. And, the biggest surprise, mom installed a top-of-the-line air conditioning system in the house, complete with the best thermostat I have ever used. Her plan is to sell the house when she retires and move to Louisiana, her childhood home.
Mom has made it clear that my last day in her house is January 1, 2011. She loves me, but I gotta get it together and get a place of my own. That's no problem because I am doing all I can to get a place of my own as soon as possible. I already have a few spots in mind. Just saving the money to move in.
I went to the Los Angeles Department of Social Services and applied for assistance the day after I got home. A new DPSS building was built just down the street from my mom's house. I was given 12 bus tokens, $220 on a debit card for food and $178 cash to spend however I saw fit.
I didn't remain on the County for long. I found a job in April at a telemarketing company and officially started my new job selling cell phone services (and phones) at a third party vendor for Verizon Wireless on my birthday.
The job pays $10 an hour and it is giving me the resources needed to take me to the next step in my plan to rebuild myself.
I just started a new home based business ad plan to market it in a very big way. Of all the companies I have been involved with, I have NEVER sent information to friends and family. This one is different. The product is fantastic and the pay plan is simply the best ever. I will do well with this company.
My driver license is still not restored. I miss driving so much!! When I finally saved the money to pay the $808 fine, a little voice in my head told me to hire an attorney for assistance before paying the fine. I found a fantastic traffic court attorney online and paid him $500. I am glad I followed the voice, because if I didn't hire the attorney for his expertise and advice, I would have ended up with a misdemeanor conviction on my criminal record, with no way to get rid of it.
February 2008, I was stopped for driving without registration on my car at the time, a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. It was a simple $15 fix-it ticket. In addition to the ticket, I had to register the vehicle to clear the ticket. I didn't have the $636 to register my car. I had just enough for the $700 payment. I was living in my car at the time. When the March 2008 court date arrived, I went to court and was granted an extension till July 2008. I missed that court date due to the emotional turmoil of losing everything in storage and the repossession of the car in May 2008. Then, I moved to Saint Louis in June 2008. When I discovered my license was suspended in October 2008, I scheduled another court date over the phone for March 2009. I missed that date due to my move to Atlanta. With two failure-to-appear citations on my driving record, the California court system was unwilling to release the hold on my license until I paid the fine in full AND appeared in court. If I just paid the fine, my license would have been restored, but I would have automatically plead guilty to the charges, and because of the two FTA's, I would have been stuck with a criminal misdemeanor conviction with no way of fixing it. Hiring the attorney was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
I was given three choices:
1. Pay the fine in full today, get my license restored today, but be stuck with a misdemeanor criminal conviction for life.
2. Schedule a court appearance for the first available date. That date is February 11, 2011 At that time, I, my attorney, or both of us, appear in court to argue the case. The misdemeanor never happens, my license is restored and I have a good chance of paying a reduced fine.
3. I pay the full $808 as soon as possible and demand a speedy trial as required by the law within 45 days after paying the fine. If the court cannot grant me a speedy trial, the state forfeits the case, returns my money and releases my driver license with a clean criminal record.
My attorney filed for the court date on February 11, 2011, and advised me to pay the fine as soon as possible so option 3 could be explored. The $500 is a flat fee, so he will represent me and pay the fines on my behalf. I won't have to show up in court at all.
When I get my license and a car, I will post those here. Meanwhile, because my new business is home based, I will not need a vehicle for some time. I am comfortable waiting till February 2011 if necessary to resolve the driver license issue.
I am making a lot of progress restoring myself. It feels good going to a job making money every two weeks. It feels good putting my business plans in motion. The pay I receive is enough to properly market my online ads for my business. Once I have earned a good amount of money from this venture (I will) I will write about it. For now, I have learned not to tell friends, family or coworkers about it. I am looking strictly for success-motivated individuals who "get it" like I did and just sign up and do the work needed to be successful with this business.
One bad thing has happened to me - I gained 20 pounds since returning home.
I am single. I decided to stay that way till I have something more than nice conversation to offer someone. I'm broke, out of shape, traveling by bus, living at home, with a low paying job. Not the best way to offer someone the incentive to want to get to know me.
One thing I do know - I won't be this way much longer...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Right Back Where I Started From
Atlanta - March 21, 2009 to February 3, 2010 - A very nice, yet heartbreaking visit. I am glad to have experienced Atlanta and I am saddened that the dream never happened for me there.
The song goes:
California Here I Come ... Right Back Where I Started From
I started this blog the day I arrived in Atlanta to document my rise from the ashes. I was determined to make it. After ten months of living on a runway of faith, just as my hopes of an Atlanta comeback began to take flight, I had to make the difficult but necessary move back home to the start of this mess - Los Angeles, California.
I can look back and say that I tried everything I could to land on my feet in Atlanta. In the end, it just wasn't meant to be. The fact that I couldn't get a Georgia ID card should have told me something. Moving back home was not an easy decision. Several events convinced me that trying to build a life in Atlanta was not the plan for me - I belonged in Los Angeles.
November 1, 2009 - I decided on that day that if I did not get a job by January 1, 2010, I would return home.
November 30, 2009 - I began Certified Nursing Assistant training
December 16, 2009 - Paying the final tuition payment for school was a challenge. I had no money. My friend who was helping me since I moved to Atlanta informed me that if I was not able to pay for school, he would no longer help me and he would send me home on January 1, 2010.
December 17, 2009 - A good friend agrees to loan me the money for school. The school does not kick me out and I can continue with CPR training and nursing home clinical training the following week.
December 21 - 22, 2009 - I complete CNA clinical training. I am given five strong referrals for possible employment.
December 25, 2010 - While riding in a car on the north I-285 west to I-85 south overpass, I realize that I have no connection to Atlanta while looking at the city skyline.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - I complete CNA training with a final score of 94%. That same day, I travel to Decatur to apply for a position with Georgia Regional Hospital. I decide to extend my deadline to February 1, 2010. My friend agrees to give me the additional time.
Monday, January 18, 2010 - With February 1st fast approaching, I begin to sense pressure to find a job. I receive a surprise phone call - an interview request with Georgia Regional Hospital.
Monday, January 25, 2010 - I perform very well on the interview. I am practically offered the job, pending successful results from my background and reference checks. I am told that the references will be called immediately after the interview so I can start on February 1.
Friday, January 29, 2010 - My references did not receive a call from the hospital. I call the hospital, only to get disconnected from the call, then voicemail when I call back to ask if I am still being considered for the job.
Monday, February 1, 2010 - After enduring much frustration, receiving no word from the hospital regarding the possibility of being hired, being advised by my friend that they were likely not interested in hiring me because the references were not called in the time I was told they would be contacted and the growing discomfort of asking my friend for still more help after 10 months of unemployment, I made the decision to return home.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - My friend purchased a Greyhound bus ticket for me.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - At 5:30AM, I rolled out of Atlanta on a Greyhound bus for the long journey back home. Later in the day, my friend sent a text message advising that Georgia Regional Hospital called for a reference check - I was strongly considered for the position. Seems they ran my background first, then decided to contact my references.
February 5, 2010 - At 8:00AM, I stepped off the bus to rain in Los Angeles, CA. It feels good being back home. For the time being, I am staying with my mom.
I am confident that I will be successful in restarting my life now that my monthly income requirement is less than $700, compared to $3,000 when I left in 2008.
My goals are the same as they were when I arrived in Atlanta - secure money for a monthly bus pass ($62) prepaid cell phone ($60) and rent ($300). Once I get a job, I can then worry about getting a place of my own and a vehicle. And then comes the bigger task - repaying all those who have helped me.
I have a lot of work to do.
I once read that when you lose a person's respect, you lose everything. In the end, I destroyed a friendship I desperately need. I am a nice guy, but I FUCKED UP big time, and I'm man enough to admit it. During my darkest hour, he was there for me and I took him for granted. He helped me and asked for very little in return. I wish I were one of those people who can say when they are old that they have no regrets in life. I have too many of them. There are tons of things I would do differently. And sadly, many of the regrets I have won't be forgiven with an "I'm sorry," a handshake, hug, kiss, nice email or money. Some losses are painful events that become permanent scars even if the friendship is restored. I am forever changed and will regret the loss of my friend's love and respect for the rest of my life.
As for my blog, I plan to continue working on it. The ride continues on a different roller coaster now.
The song goes:
California Here I Come ... Right Back Where I Started From
I started this blog the day I arrived in Atlanta to document my rise from the ashes. I was determined to make it. After ten months of living on a runway of faith, just as my hopes of an Atlanta comeback began to take flight, I had to make the difficult but necessary move back home to the start of this mess - Los Angeles, California.
I can look back and say that I tried everything I could to land on my feet in Atlanta. In the end, it just wasn't meant to be. The fact that I couldn't get a Georgia ID card should have told me something. Moving back home was not an easy decision. Several events convinced me that trying to build a life in Atlanta was not the plan for me - I belonged in Los Angeles.
November 1, 2009 - I decided on that day that if I did not get a job by January 1, 2010, I would return home.
November 30, 2009 - I began Certified Nursing Assistant training
December 16, 2009 - Paying the final tuition payment for school was a challenge. I had no money. My friend who was helping me since I moved to Atlanta informed me that if I was not able to pay for school, he would no longer help me and he would send me home on January 1, 2010.
December 17, 2009 - A good friend agrees to loan me the money for school. The school does not kick me out and I can continue with CPR training and nursing home clinical training the following week.
December 21 - 22, 2009 - I complete CNA clinical training. I am given five strong referrals for possible employment.
December 25, 2010 - While riding in a car on the north I-285 west to I-85 south overpass, I realize that I have no connection to Atlanta while looking at the city skyline.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - I complete CNA training with a final score of 94%. That same day, I travel to Decatur to apply for a position with Georgia Regional Hospital. I decide to extend my deadline to February 1, 2010. My friend agrees to give me the additional time.
Monday, January 18, 2010 - With February 1st fast approaching, I begin to sense pressure to find a job. I receive a surprise phone call - an interview request with Georgia Regional Hospital.
Monday, January 25, 2010 - I perform very well on the interview. I am practically offered the job, pending successful results from my background and reference checks. I am told that the references will be called immediately after the interview so I can start on February 1.
Friday, January 29, 2010 - My references did not receive a call from the hospital. I call the hospital, only to get disconnected from the call, then voicemail when I call back to ask if I am still being considered for the job.
Monday, February 1, 2010 - After enduring much frustration, receiving no word from the hospital regarding the possibility of being hired, being advised by my friend that they were likely not interested in hiring me because the references were not called in the time I was told they would be contacted and the growing discomfort of asking my friend for still more help after 10 months of unemployment, I made the decision to return home.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - My friend purchased a Greyhound bus ticket for me.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - At 5:30AM, I rolled out of Atlanta on a Greyhound bus for the long journey back home. Later in the day, my friend sent a text message advising that Georgia Regional Hospital called for a reference check - I was strongly considered for the position. Seems they ran my background first, then decided to contact my references.
February 5, 2010 - At 8:00AM, I stepped off the bus to rain in Los Angeles, CA. It feels good being back home. For the time being, I am staying with my mom.
I am confident that I will be successful in restarting my life now that my monthly income requirement is less than $700, compared to $3,000 when I left in 2008.
My goals are the same as they were when I arrived in Atlanta - secure money for a monthly bus pass ($62) prepaid cell phone ($60) and rent ($300). Once I get a job, I can then worry about getting a place of my own and a vehicle. And then comes the bigger task - repaying all those who have helped me.
I have a lot of work to do.
I once read that when you lose a person's respect, you lose everything. In the end, I destroyed a friendship I desperately need. I am a nice guy, but I FUCKED UP big time, and I'm man enough to admit it. During my darkest hour, he was there for me and I took him for granted. He helped me and asked for very little in return. I wish I were one of those people who can say when they are old that they have no regrets in life. I have too many of them. There are tons of things I would do differently. And sadly, many of the regrets I have won't be forgiven with an "I'm sorry," a handshake, hug, kiss, nice email or money. Some losses are painful events that become permanent scars even if the friendship is restored. I am forever changed and will regret the loss of my friend's love and respect for the rest of my life.
As for my blog, I plan to continue working on it. The ride continues on a different roller coaster now.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Unlimited Remote Computer Service for $20 - Mac or PC
If you use a Mac or a PC, I can solve your computer problem RIGHT NOW! All you need is a phone, an Internet connection, Firefox or Internet Explorer installed on your system and a comfortable place to watch me work on your system - on your schedule - remotely or in person at the location of your choice. Payments are accepted through PayPal.
Unlimited By The Day
$20 - Remote
$40 - In Person
If you need computer service more than twice a month, consider one of these unlimited-service packages.
Three Months - $275
Six Months - $450
Twelve Months - $850
(404) 954-1267
Follow Me On Twitter - PeteTheTechGuy
www.PeteTheTechGuy.com
Unlimited By The Day
$20 - Remote
$40 - In Person
If you need computer service more than twice a month, consider one of these unlimited-service packages.
Three Months - $275
Six Months - $450
Twelve Months - $850
(404) 954-1267
Follow Me On Twitter - PeteTheTechGuy
www.PeteTheTechGuy.com
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thoughts About Laws In General and Same-Sex Marriage
The other day, I had a profound thought: laws are supposed to benefit, protect and penalize all citizens equally.
I've never attended law school or discussed my opinion with someone who has a law background, but this seems like reasonable sense to me. It is unfortunate that all of our laws are not applied fairly.
When I look at the issue of same-sex marriage, it is clear that the entire situation is unfair when four basic questions are asked. In fact, these four questions can be applied to any law.
1. Who benefits if a resolution becomes law?
1a. How?
1b. Why?
2. Who does not benefit if a resolution becomes law?
2a. How?
2b. Why?
3. Who benefits if a resolution does not become law?
3a. How?
3b. Why?
4. Who does not benefit if a resolution does not become law?
4a. How?
4b. Why?
Written another way:
If same-sex marriage is legal in this country, who benefits?
If same-sex marriage is legal in this country, who does not benefit?
If same-sex marriage is not legal in this country, who benefits?
If same-sex marriage is not legal in this country, who does not benefit?
To understand the importance of these questions, remove "same-sex" from each of the questions and ask them again. Throw in some other long-time favorites, like pornography, bearing of arms, etc.
During all the argument surrounding same-sex marriage in this country, I noticed that no one has ever asked those four questions.
Last time I checked, God gives all of us free will - if you believe God exists. It's the laws of man that restrict us.
I believe that if a person wants to marry, they should have the free will to marry whomever is willing to enter in such an agreement with them. Let that couple deal with the spiritual, psychological and social consequences in their own way, without religious influence.
I should not have the right to go to a ballot box and essentially order an atheist or agnostic couple that they cannot marry because they do not believe in God.
No one should be able to vote on a constitutional amendment that penalizes me for choosing to remain single.
Proposition 8 and all of these "marriage laws" deprive a specific group of people of their right to choose who they wish to marry, in order to satisfy the spiritual needs of religious people.
I would be interested in reading a well-reasoned viewpoint where no references to the Bible or reproduction are mentioned.
I find it amazing that the church casts you out and calls you everything but a child of God when you don't follow the rules, and then still wants to run your life when it comes to the establishment of laws that should benefit all of us equally. I respect the rights of the church and its members. The church should respect the rights of those who do not want to belong to the church. I really hope that whoever decides this truly believes in the separation of church and state.
I've never attended law school or discussed my opinion with someone who has a law background, but this seems like reasonable sense to me. It is unfortunate that all of our laws are not applied fairly.
When I look at the issue of same-sex marriage, it is clear that the entire situation is unfair when four basic questions are asked. In fact, these four questions can be applied to any law.
1. Who benefits if a resolution becomes law?
1a. How?
1b. Why?
2. Who does not benefit if a resolution becomes law?
2a. How?
2b. Why?
3. Who benefits if a resolution does not become law?
3a. How?
3b. Why?
4. Who does not benefit if a resolution does not become law?
4a. How?
4b. Why?
Written another way:
If same-sex marriage is legal in this country, who benefits?
If same-sex marriage is legal in this country, who does not benefit?
If same-sex marriage is not legal in this country, who benefits?
If same-sex marriage is not legal in this country, who does not benefit?
To understand the importance of these questions, remove "same-sex" from each of the questions and ask them again. Throw in some other long-time favorites, like pornography, bearing of arms, etc.
During all the argument surrounding same-sex marriage in this country, I noticed that no one has ever asked those four questions.
Last time I checked, God gives all of us free will - if you believe God exists. It's the laws of man that restrict us.
I believe that if a person wants to marry, they should have the free will to marry whomever is willing to enter in such an agreement with them. Let that couple deal with the spiritual, psychological and social consequences in their own way, without religious influence.
I should not have the right to go to a ballot box and essentially order an atheist or agnostic couple that they cannot marry because they do not believe in God.
No one should be able to vote on a constitutional amendment that penalizes me for choosing to remain single.
Proposition 8 and all of these "marriage laws" deprive a specific group of people of their right to choose who they wish to marry, in order to satisfy the spiritual needs of religious people.
I would be interested in reading a well-reasoned viewpoint where no references to the Bible or reproduction are mentioned.
I find it amazing that the church casts you out and calls you everything but a child of God when you don't follow the rules, and then still wants to run your life when it comes to the establishment of laws that should benefit all of us equally. I respect the rights of the church and its members. The church should respect the rights of those who do not want to belong to the church. I really hope that whoever decides this truly believes in the separation of church and state.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
2007 - 2009 - A Recap
Some of you might be wondering why I had a tough time fixing the situation I was in regarding obtaining employment. Here is a quick recap:
October 13, 2005 - I voluntarily left a secure, 15-year career with the City of Los Angeles. I wanted to be happy and after six years of thinking about it, I felt that the only way to have a happier life was to take the biggest risk of my life and quit my job in order to earn more than the $50,000/yr (before taxes) I was already earning. Had I never left my job, I would have never learned what I now know which will help me achieve that goal. However, that knowledge came at a very high price. I lost everything I worked for during the last 20 years of my life, including the irreplaceable stuff like my Army uniform. By leaving my job, I no longer qualified for unemployment compensation in any state. The company I worked for from September 2006 - July 2007 did not pay unemployment taxes. I was a 1099 worker.
February 2008 - I was ticketed for driving with expired registration. If I registered the car by the court date, the fine would only been $15. If I no longer owned the vehicle by the court date, the full fine of $700 would have to be paid. In order to register the vehicle, I needed nearly $700. My car payment was nearly $700 and it was two months past due. And I was living in the car at the time. I had three choices - register the car, only to have it repossessed; pay the payment, only to risk more tickets and impound; give up the car only be on the streets and still be forced to pay the full fine of $700. When I was blessed with the house in Lancaster, I made the car payment, hoping I would land a job in Lancaster to keep the house and car. The car was repossessed on May 16, 2008 and the fine for the ticket jumped to $808 when I didn't show up for court. My driver license was suspended. When I pay the $808, my driving records will be released in 72 hours and I can get a Georgia ID card or driver license.
June 12, 2008 - I moved to Saint Louis, MO where I worked for a financial services company that went out of business October 15, 2008. I received one check from the company three weeks before they went out of business.
March 21, 2009 - Instead of moving back to Los Angeles, I moved to Atlanta to try something different. From there, obtaining work has been nearly impossible due to my resume filled with landmines. Even though I have 15 years with the city of LA, I have too many periods of unemployment after that. I have no formal education beyond high school, no valid driver license and no references beyond my days with the City of Los Angeles.
My hope is that my new career as a medical professional - beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant - fixes all of those problems in short order and puts be on the part of regaining my independence.
After getting a job, my next goal is to restore my driver license.
October 13, 2005 - I voluntarily left a secure, 15-year career with the City of Los Angeles. I wanted to be happy and after six years of thinking about it, I felt that the only way to have a happier life was to take the biggest risk of my life and quit my job in order to earn more than the $50,000/yr (before taxes) I was already earning. Had I never left my job, I would have never learned what I now know which will help me achieve that goal. However, that knowledge came at a very high price. I lost everything I worked for during the last 20 years of my life, including the irreplaceable stuff like my Army uniform. By leaving my job, I no longer qualified for unemployment compensation in any state. The company I worked for from September 2006 - July 2007 did not pay unemployment taxes. I was a 1099 worker.
February 2008 - I was ticketed for driving with expired registration. If I registered the car by the court date, the fine would only been $15. If I no longer owned the vehicle by the court date, the full fine of $700 would have to be paid. In order to register the vehicle, I needed nearly $700. My car payment was nearly $700 and it was two months past due. And I was living in the car at the time. I had three choices - register the car, only to have it repossessed; pay the payment, only to risk more tickets and impound; give up the car only be on the streets and still be forced to pay the full fine of $700. When I was blessed with the house in Lancaster, I made the car payment, hoping I would land a job in Lancaster to keep the house and car. The car was repossessed on May 16, 2008 and the fine for the ticket jumped to $808 when I didn't show up for court. My driver license was suspended. When I pay the $808, my driving records will be released in 72 hours and I can get a Georgia ID card or driver license.
June 12, 2008 - I moved to Saint Louis, MO where I worked for a financial services company that went out of business October 15, 2008. I received one check from the company three weeks before they went out of business.
March 21, 2009 - Instead of moving back to Los Angeles, I moved to Atlanta to try something different. From there, obtaining work has been nearly impossible due to my resume filled with landmines. Even though I have 15 years with the city of LA, I have too many periods of unemployment after that. I have no formal education beyond high school, no valid driver license and no references beyond my days with the City of Los Angeles.
My hope is that my new career as a medical professional - beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant - fixes all of those problems in short order and puts be on the part of regaining my independence.
After getting a job, my next goal is to restore my driver license.
A Man With Real Problems
Before I wrote my previous blog entry, I came across this AP article on Yahoo News.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_immigration_the_back_door
It speaks of a 31-year-old man from Somalia who left his wife and 4-year-old child behind to seek asylum in this country to save his life. It speaks of his journey through several foreign countries and the considerable risks he took to get here.
I think of how his life must have been like without a predictable source of clean drinking water, edible food, clean clothes, a shower, a toilet. I read that his experience occurred around the same time I went through mine.
In the end, he was granted asylum in Lancaster, CA - ironically the same place where my journey started. But, I realize that my journey was a luxury compared to what he went through.
After his asylum hearing, he was released from custody and transported to a train station with $5 in his pocket. The guards told him "Welcome to America" and went back to work.
Whenever I meet people, before I "judge" them or get angry if they reject or criticize me, I always keep in mind that I do not what pain they went through to be who they are today. Whenever I think of how hard my experience was, I will read this man's story again and remember that everything I lost can be replaced and the hardships I experienced were inconvenient lessons I had to learn.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_immigration_the_back_door
It speaks of a 31-year-old man from Somalia who left his wife and 4-year-old child behind to seek asylum in this country to save his life. It speaks of his journey through several foreign countries and the considerable risks he took to get here.
I think of how his life must have been like without a predictable source of clean drinking water, edible food, clean clothes, a shower, a toilet. I read that his experience occurred around the same time I went through mine.
In the end, he was granted asylum in Lancaster, CA - ironically the same place where my journey started. But, I realize that my journey was a luxury compared to what he went through.
After his asylum hearing, he was released from custody and transported to a train station with $5 in his pocket. The guards told him "Welcome to America" and went back to work.
Whenever I meet people, before I "judge" them or get angry if they reject or criticize me, I always keep in mind that I do not what pain they went through to be who they are today. Whenever I think of how hard my experience was, I will read this man's story again and remember that everything I lost can be replaced and the hardships I experienced were inconvenient lessons I had to learn.
Happy 2010
Between November 30 and December 29, 2009, I was in training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. So many other things have failed for me between August 2007 and today that I didn't want to mention any of this until I earned the certificate. On December 30, 2009, I accomplished that goal with a final score of 93. The top student scored 94. Beginning on Monday, January 4, 2010, when all the festivities and vacation is washed out of the country and we all go back to work, I will be seeking employment with the one nursing home willing to hire me fresh out of school. I have one year after completing my classroom instruction to test for state certification. Once I am state certified, I can increase my pay and work in hospitals.
I have always wanted to be in the medical field, but I was under the impression that you had to have a two year degree for even the most basic of jobs. I remember what my sister went through to become a dental assistant. Given my circumstances, I would not have survived two years of struggle without a reliable income.
Completing CNA training was a miracle from start to finish. I was riding with a friend on Old National Highway who needed help locating the post office on Godby Road. On this day, the car I was riding in lined up with a sign I never saw before - "Free Training For Those Who Qualify." It was posted in front of a building I always passed but never paid attention to each time I rode the bus to the train station. Since I already knew I didn't qualify for the free training (I don't qualify for any government programs) I took down their number anyway, just to ask questions. While my friend was in the post office, I called the school and they proceeded to tell me about Certified Nursing Assistants, how in demand the jobs are, how men are strongly in demand for the position, and that they had just two seats remaining in a class that just started. Tuition was $600 and I could start the 5 week class immediately if I had $250 to start.
I just cleared an overdraft in my checking account and had ZERO dollars available, but I had to be in that class. I went to the school the next day to tour the facility and ask more questions. When I met the students in the class, something just clicked with me, the instructor and the other students. The energy just felt right, so I filled out the paperwork with half a mustard seed of faith and the school accepted me with $50. That triggered a $34 overdraft fee.
I then needed $60 for the next installment in order to get my book and bus fare. My friend helped me by giving me back the CLEAR commission I paid him.
My good friend Thaddeus needed a reformat and restoration of his Dell laptop. Even though I did the work for free, he paid me for the work. I was able to get my first set of scrubs.
My friend at the house gave me $20 because his spirit moved him to do so. I purchased a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff at Walgreens for $18.18.
Even though the school is 5 miles from where I live, making the trip in this cold weather was not easy. A few times, I had to make the 30-minute walk to the bus stop. When I rode my bike, the time was reduced to 10 minutes, but my hands and face paid the price every time.
But, the big miracle happened when I needed to pay for final $490 due on December 17. That payment was critical because without it, I would be unable to get CPR training or complete the 16 hours of clinical experience in a nursing home. The last three weeks would have been a waste. And, my friend told me that if I was unable to make the $490 payment, he wouldn't be able to help me and offered to buy me a bus ticket back to Los Angeles. Nearly every day leading up to the 17th, the enrollment counselor nagged me about the payment. The main plan I had in place to earn the money failed. I hatched a plan to service computers for just $20 a pop, no matter what the problem, so I could pay for school. Other than Thaddeus, no one took me up on the offer. I asked each of my Facebook friends to consider sending me just $20. Only one person responded and he told me how lame it was for me to send a message through Facebook asking for help. All of my friends and family were unwilling or unable to help me. Seems I asked one time too many for help.
On the day the payment was due, the administrator of the school gave me one more day to come up with the funds to pay the tuition. Otherwise, I would be dropped from the program. A good friend who was visiting family in North Carolina called and told me he would pay the $490 on my behalf.
Now that all of my lifelines have been used and Plan Z seems to be working, I need one last miracle - a job with that one nursing home or organization within reasonable distance by bus that is willing to hire a new CNA who doesn't have a GA driver license or a car. Georgia will not issue me an ID card or driver license until I pay a fine associated with my expired California driver license. I have a valid Missouri ID card, a Social Security Card and birth certificate. I worked for 15 years with LAPD, so my identity is very easy to verify. Other than having the worst possible credit, I will pass any background check and drug test. I know that facility is out there. I just need to find them.
Happy New Year, indeed!
I have always wanted to be in the medical field, but I was under the impression that you had to have a two year degree for even the most basic of jobs. I remember what my sister went through to become a dental assistant. Given my circumstances, I would not have survived two years of struggle without a reliable income.
Completing CNA training was a miracle from start to finish. I was riding with a friend on Old National Highway who needed help locating the post office on Godby Road. On this day, the car I was riding in lined up with a sign I never saw before - "Free Training For Those Who Qualify." It was posted in front of a building I always passed but never paid attention to each time I rode the bus to the train station. Since I already knew I didn't qualify for the free training (I don't qualify for any government programs) I took down their number anyway, just to ask questions. While my friend was in the post office, I called the school and they proceeded to tell me about Certified Nursing Assistants, how in demand the jobs are, how men are strongly in demand for the position, and that they had just two seats remaining in a class that just started. Tuition was $600 and I could start the 5 week class immediately if I had $250 to start.
I just cleared an overdraft in my checking account and had ZERO dollars available, but I had to be in that class. I went to the school the next day to tour the facility and ask more questions. When I met the students in the class, something just clicked with me, the instructor and the other students. The energy just felt right, so I filled out the paperwork with half a mustard seed of faith and the school accepted me with $50. That triggered a $34 overdraft fee.
I then needed $60 for the next installment in order to get my book and bus fare. My friend helped me by giving me back the CLEAR commission I paid him.
My good friend Thaddeus needed a reformat and restoration of his Dell laptop. Even though I did the work for free, he paid me for the work. I was able to get my first set of scrubs.
My friend at the house gave me $20 because his spirit moved him to do so. I purchased a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff at Walgreens for $18.18.
Even though the school is 5 miles from where I live, making the trip in this cold weather was not easy. A few times, I had to make the 30-minute walk to the bus stop. When I rode my bike, the time was reduced to 10 minutes, but my hands and face paid the price every time.
But, the big miracle happened when I needed to pay for final $490 due on December 17. That payment was critical because without it, I would be unable to get CPR training or complete the 16 hours of clinical experience in a nursing home. The last three weeks would have been a waste. And, my friend told me that if I was unable to make the $490 payment, he wouldn't be able to help me and offered to buy me a bus ticket back to Los Angeles. Nearly every day leading up to the 17th, the enrollment counselor nagged me about the payment. The main plan I had in place to earn the money failed. I hatched a plan to service computers for just $20 a pop, no matter what the problem, so I could pay for school. Other than Thaddeus, no one took me up on the offer. I asked each of my Facebook friends to consider sending me just $20. Only one person responded and he told me how lame it was for me to send a message through Facebook asking for help. All of my friends and family were unwilling or unable to help me. Seems I asked one time too many for help.
On the day the payment was due, the administrator of the school gave me one more day to come up with the funds to pay the tuition. Otherwise, I would be dropped from the program. A good friend who was visiting family in North Carolina called and told me he would pay the $490 on my behalf.
Now that all of my lifelines have been used and Plan Z seems to be working, I need one last miracle - a job with that one nursing home or organization within reasonable distance by bus that is willing to hire a new CNA who doesn't have a GA driver license or a car. Georgia will not issue me an ID card or driver license until I pay a fine associated with my expired California driver license. I have a valid Missouri ID card, a Social Security Card and birth certificate. I worked for 15 years with LAPD, so my identity is very easy to verify. Other than having the worst possible credit, I will pass any background check and drug test. I know that facility is out there. I just need to find them.
Happy New Year, indeed!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Pete The Tech Guy
Well, my little computer support project is live.
Gmail - CHECK
Twitter - CHECK
PayPal - CHECK
Webs - CHECK (http://petethetechguy.webs.com)
Google Voice - On The Way
Domain Name - On The Way
A4A Pro Page - On The Way
BGC Banner Ad - On The Way
Everything is great. Just one problem - Windows. I really despise Microsoft and its operating system. Now, THAT is disgusting.
To all of you using Windows, use me at the cheap rates now, because when I reach my financial goal with this remote computer service business, I am bumping up the rates for those who insist on using any version of Windows. The operating system is JUNK and I want it out of my life. Unfortunately, I need to hang in on there for a little while longer so I can make some money and restore myself.
PLEASE - GET A MAC!
Gmail - CHECK
Twitter - CHECK
PayPal - CHECK
Webs - CHECK (http://petethetechguy.webs.com)
Google Voice - On The Way
Domain Name - On The Way
A4A Pro Page - On The Way
BGC Banner Ad - On The Way
Everything is great. Just one problem - Windows. I really despise Microsoft and its operating system. Now, THAT is disgusting.
To all of you using Windows, use me at the cheap rates now, because when I reach my financial goal with this remote computer service business, I am bumping up the rates for those who insist on using any version of Windows. The operating system is JUNK and I want it out of my life. Unfortunately, I need to hang in on there for a little while longer so I can make some money and restore myself.
PLEASE - GET A MAC!
An Update
My good friend Thaddeus sent a simple message, asking where I had run off to. I felt it was time to come out and play for a little bit and let everyone know what is going on with me.
Since my last post, I officially stopped marketing CLEAR. I was not able to successfully market the service due to my lack of resources; namely a vehicle or bus fare, telephone and a predictable income to support a shoestring-budget business. Waiting waiting two months for a commission check didn't help things, either. I could have done it for one month, but two months really pushed me. As soon as I started, minutes on my prepaid phone ran out, and with no way to get around town, I was dead in the water. By the time I regained communication with the potential clients I had lined up, they had either subscribed to CLEAR with someone else and disconnected the service, or they decided they no longer wanted the service after all. The dealer I worked with is now very unhappy with CLEAR corporate, concerned that he invested all of his retirement money into a venture that will ultimately fail him.
I now have AT&T's unlimited prepaid talk and text package. For $60, I receive 30 days of unlimited talk time and unlimited text messages. I was able to pull my Palm Treo out of retirement and use it again, enjoying full signal strength in the basement and using a keyboard to send text messages. I have enough money on my prepaid account to keep the account active till January 12, 2010, and the number won't expire till 2011. And, since I can transfer the number to a standard postpaid account, I won't have to change the number when I finally upgrade to an iPhone.
Last Tuesday, I enrolled in school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Yep, I will be a Male Nurse and I am looking forward to finally making some money again. Besides, I think I'll look pretty good in scrubs. I am told that nursing is one of the fastest growing fields, especially for men. Guys have strength women lack when it comes to lifting heavy patients or just relating with other guys in a hospital setting. For four weeks of training, I get access to entry level work that pays decently. My main draw was the low tuition cost ($600 total, plus $107 for the state certification) and the fresh start this training gives me, a "hard reset" of sorts. I just wish I found the school when I first moved here because I would have never needed to have gone through any of the drama I went through during the last eight months of unemployment. But, I learned what I am made of. Now, I just need to dredge up $550 to pay for school. I need $60 for tomorrow in order to resume school, but I don't have it. Since no one will loan me money, I will run my debit card and hope the charge goes through. If it does, I will have to deal with the $34 overdraft fee the bank will surely charge me.
And finally, I may have a solution to these short-term financial problems. I found this fantastic service, LogMeInRescue. It allows me to securely connect with a computer located anywhere on the Internet and take control of it (with the owner's consent), performing service on the computer as if I were there in person. The service is web-based and works with Macs or PC's. With a Paypal account, I can service anyone in the world. The customer just needs a phone and Firefox or Internet Explorer installed on their system. I will offer $20 remote and $40 in-person unlimited remote computer service for as many people as I can get. I will also offer unlimited 3/6/12 month support packages for $275/$450 and $850, and special incentives for small businesses. If this works, I will solve my most immediate problems: driver license, new iMac, CNA school. If it really works, I will solve many more problems. I plan to run my ad on Craigslist. I already have a Twitter account, dedicated cell phone and dedicated email account.
Since my last post, I officially stopped marketing CLEAR. I was not able to successfully market the service due to my lack of resources; namely a vehicle or bus fare, telephone and a predictable income to support a shoestring-budget business. Waiting waiting two months for a commission check didn't help things, either. I could have done it for one month, but two months really pushed me. As soon as I started, minutes on my prepaid phone ran out, and with no way to get around town, I was dead in the water. By the time I regained communication with the potential clients I had lined up, they had either subscribed to CLEAR with someone else and disconnected the service, or they decided they no longer wanted the service after all. The dealer I worked with is now very unhappy with CLEAR corporate, concerned that he invested all of his retirement money into a venture that will ultimately fail him.
I now have AT&T's unlimited prepaid talk and text package. For $60, I receive 30 days of unlimited talk time and unlimited text messages. I was able to pull my Palm Treo out of retirement and use it again, enjoying full signal strength in the basement and using a keyboard to send text messages. I have enough money on my prepaid account to keep the account active till January 12, 2010, and the number won't expire till 2011. And, since I can transfer the number to a standard postpaid account, I won't have to change the number when I finally upgrade to an iPhone.
Last Tuesday, I enrolled in school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Yep, I will be a Male Nurse and I am looking forward to finally making some money again. Besides, I think I'll look pretty good in scrubs. I am told that nursing is one of the fastest growing fields, especially for men. Guys have strength women lack when it comes to lifting heavy patients or just relating with other guys in a hospital setting. For four weeks of training, I get access to entry level work that pays decently. My main draw was the low tuition cost ($600 total, plus $107 for the state certification) and the fresh start this training gives me, a "hard reset" of sorts. I just wish I found the school when I first moved here because I would have never needed to have gone through any of the drama I went through during the last eight months of unemployment. But, I learned what I am made of. Now, I just need to dredge up $550 to pay for school. I need $60 for tomorrow in order to resume school, but I don't have it. Since no one will loan me money, I will run my debit card and hope the charge goes through. If it does, I will have to deal with the $34 overdraft fee the bank will surely charge me.
And finally, I may have a solution to these short-term financial problems. I found this fantastic service, LogMeInRescue. It allows me to securely connect with a computer located anywhere on the Internet and take control of it (with the owner's consent), performing service on the computer as if I were there in person. The service is web-based and works with Macs or PC's. With a Paypal account, I can service anyone in the world. The customer just needs a phone and Firefox or Internet Explorer installed on their system. I will offer $20 remote and $40 in-person unlimited remote computer service for as many people as I can get. I will also offer unlimited 3/6/12 month support packages for $275/$450 and $850, and special incentives for small businesses. If this works, I will solve my most immediate problems: driver license, new iMac, CNA school. If it really works, I will solve many more problems. I plan to run my ad on Craigslist. I already have a Twitter account, dedicated cell phone and dedicated email account.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Disaster Strikes
A setback has happened - I spilled a lot of tea on my laptop.
At 3 AM, I was sitting at my desk drinking my daily hot tea when I decided to move the cup in front of my computer. I stood up for some reason and next thing I knew, the arm rest of my chair turned and my leg was wet. I looked at my computer and noticed the large amount of liquid on the keyboard and trackpad just before the computer went dead. All I could do was mumble "no" because I realized there was nothing I could do but accept that my two-month computer was toast.
I cleaned up everything and turned the computer upside-down, hoping for the best.
It's 4:35 AM now and by some miracle, the computer is working. I transferred some important documents to a flash drive so I can finish the projects on a Mac at the Apple Store till I save enough money to buy a replacement computer. It is acting very funny with various components trying to install and strange sounds coming from the computer, but it got me on Blogger so I could post this entry.
I have clearly shortened the lifespan of this computer. This one will hurt, because I sold my MacBook Pro to get this computer. As it dies from the spilled tea, I just count my blessings that the hard drive is OK and I will be able to easily transfer all of the files before the computer is completely dead.
One thing is for sure - no more eating or drinking in my room (or near any computer) ever again.
At 3 AM, I was sitting at my desk drinking my daily hot tea when I decided to move the cup in front of my computer. I stood up for some reason and next thing I knew, the arm rest of my chair turned and my leg was wet. I looked at my computer and noticed the large amount of liquid on the keyboard and trackpad just before the computer went dead. All I could do was mumble "no" because I realized there was nothing I could do but accept that my two-month computer was toast.
I cleaned up everything and turned the computer upside-down, hoping for the best.
It's 4:35 AM now and by some miracle, the computer is working. I transferred some important documents to a flash drive so I can finish the projects on a Mac at the Apple Store till I save enough money to buy a replacement computer. It is acting very funny with various components trying to install and strange sounds coming from the computer, but it got me on Blogger so I could post this entry.
I have clearly shortened the lifespan of this computer. This one will hurt, because I sold my MacBook Pro to get this computer. As it dies from the spilled tea, I just count my blessings that the hard drive is OK and I will be able to easily transfer all of the files before the computer is completely dead.
One thing is for sure - no more eating or drinking in my room (or near any computer) ever again.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Options
As I continue my search for employment, I am also keeping my options open for self-employment opportunities. Recently, I was presented with a couple of fascinating opportunities which may lead to a successful career as a self employed Information Technology professional.
I love computers and I especially love Mac OS X. I also have several references for how well I have difficult solved computer problems for end users of Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X computers.
Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that home users don't like to pay for quality service. But, businesses do. Apple changed the licensing terms for OS X Server when they released 10.6 Snow Leopard. Instead of the $499/10 client and $999 unlimited client price points of 10.5 Leopard Server, 10.6 Snow Leopard Server is offered at $499 for an unlimited number of clients. This is a tremendous value for businesses looking to save money on administration costs when compared to the prohibitive expense of supporting Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2. The cost structure of Mac OS X is ideal for small businesses.
My plan is to offer unlimited computer support to a few small businesses for one year at one prepaid price. Not only will the company save money with cost of their network, they will save significant money supporting it. I will rebuild my life, generate clients for life and earn solid references doing something I love with an operating system that is incredible to work with.
I will NOT work with Windows Server. I will offer my services for stand-alone or workgroup Windows XP, Vista and 7 business users, and Mac OS X 10.6 Server and Mac OS X stand alone business users. I doubt I will have many home clients, but I will offer them a per visit rate at $40 for unlimited service per computer.
The money I earn will pay for all of the Mac OS X certification classes I want to take. As the economy improves, I can rase my rates to market rates, but for those businesses that hired me first, I will lock in my prices with them.
I will find a way to make this work.
I love computers and I especially love Mac OS X. I also have several references for how well I have difficult solved computer problems for end users of Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X computers.
Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that home users don't like to pay for quality service. But, businesses do. Apple changed the licensing terms for OS X Server when they released 10.6 Snow Leopard. Instead of the $499/10 client and $999 unlimited client price points of 10.5 Leopard Server, 10.6 Snow Leopard Server is offered at $499 for an unlimited number of clients. This is a tremendous value for businesses looking to save money on administration costs when compared to the prohibitive expense of supporting Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2. The cost structure of Mac OS X is ideal for small businesses.
My plan is to offer unlimited computer support to a few small businesses for one year at one prepaid price. Not only will the company save money with cost of their network, they will save significant money supporting it. I will rebuild my life, generate clients for life and earn solid references doing something I love with an operating system that is incredible to work with.
I will NOT work with Windows Server. I will offer my services for stand-alone or workgroup Windows XP, Vista and 7 business users, and Mac OS X 10.6 Server and Mac OS X stand alone business users. I doubt I will have many home clients, but I will offer them a per visit rate at $40 for unlimited service per computer.
The money I earn will pay for all of the Mac OS X certification classes I want to take. As the economy improves, I can rase my rates to market rates, but for those businesses that hired me first, I will lock in my prices with them.
I will find a way to make this work.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Give A Man Something To Do
The other day, I responded to an ad placed by a woman who needed help reinstalling Mac OS X 10.4 on her eMac. I travelled from College Park to Norcross to assist her and receive $30 for my effort.
During this time of protracted unemployment, I remembered something I heard in a movie, Flight of the Phoenix:
I am very motivated by my hopes and dreams. It is the reason why I quit my very secure City of LA job in 2005. I wanted a better life for myself. I want a better retirement for myself. I see the writing on the wall now and I wanted to make all the mistakes while I am still young enough to afford them.
I feel that I am going through all of this because I need to learn something I never would have understood had I remained in my comfort zone. I have learned more in four years of financial and employment adversity than in fifteen years of reading books about financial success.
I am at the Apple Store at Lenox Mall, waiting for something to do. I tried going to a restaurant today, but it took me so long to get there, I missed the 2:30 PM to 4 PM cut-off window to apply for the job. So, I will go again tomorrow. However, I am on my way to a photographer's house in Decatur to assist him with a simple computer problem. Why? Because I want something to do - even if it doesn't pay - to justify spending $15 a week on bus fare.
During this time of protracted unemployment, I remembered something I heard in a movie, Flight of the Phoenix:
All a man needs in this life is someone to love.
If you can't give him that, give him something to hope for.
If you can't give him that, give him something to do.
I am very motivated by my hopes and dreams. It is the reason why I quit my very secure City of LA job in 2005. I wanted a better life for myself. I want a better retirement for myself. I see the writing on the wall now and I wanted to make all the mistakes while I am still young enough to afford them.
I feel that I am going through all of this because I need to learn something I never would have understood had I remained in my comfort zone. I have learned more in four years of financial and employment adversity than in fifteen years of reading books about financial success.
I am at the Apple Store at Lenox Mall, waiting for something to do. I tried going to a restaurant today, but it took me so long to get there, I missed the 2:30 PM to 4 PM cut-off window to apply for the job. So, I will go again tomorrow. However, I am on my way to a photographer's house in Decatur to assist him with a simple computer problem. Why? Because I want something to do - even if it doesn't pay - to justify spending $15 a week on bus fare.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
I Look Like Flex Wheeler. Me??
A brotha sent me a message on BGC last night saying I look like Flex Wheeler. At first I blew it off, but then I checked out some Google pics of him and maybe he has a point.
I told him I would post a comparison shot and ask my blog readers their opinion. What do you guys think? Gives me motivation to keep on with my goal of getting in shape, even if I'll never have the body Flex has.
Weight Loss
It was bound to happen. With my reduced food intake due to my lack of money and the increased walking due to my lack of a car, I lost weight. I visited home September 19-23 and everyone was surprised to see a trimmer Pete. Everyone had that extra special smile when they saw me, because it had been a year we last saw each other and I dropped 40 pounds. I weighed 230 when I left Los Angeles on June 12, 2008. The one article of clothing I have from the Good Days - a custom tailored suit - fits me like a bag today. When I visited a good friend on September 20, I weighed myself for the first time in months and discovered I weighed 190 clothed. I was surprised and very happy. I knew I was losing weight by the loose-fitting pants and the tightening of my belt, but I never knew I lost that much weight.
My former boss gave me a Hugo Boss button-down shirt last year. At the time, I button it past the second button. My boss is like a model and everything he wears is custom fit. I usually don't wear clothes others have worn, but he hardly wore the shirt and I liked the quality of the shirt. I made it my business to get in that shirt. Unlike some of the clothes he gave me, I kept that black shirt. Today, I tried it on for the first time and it feels goooood! I looked great in it, too.
I am close to accomplishing my first fitness goal of dropping weight and toning up on my own before I hire a personal trainer. I'm doing light workouts at the house now. I'll get a trainer for the heavy duty weights and guidance on nutrition. The trainer will help me get as muscular as my body can handle.
I went for a long walk yesterday after feeling bad about being unable to find a job. After I realized that 15 million folk are in the same situation I am in - and some people are worse off than I am - I noticed that my abs wanted to "stay tight" on their own. I never felt that way before. And, my posture seemed to be correcting itself. I can't wait till I can post chest pics online!
My former boss gave me a Hugo Boss button-down shirt last year. At the time, I button it past the second button. My boss is like a model and everything he wears is custom fit. I usually don't wear clothes others have worn, but he hardly wore the shirt and I liked the quality of the shirt. I made it my business to get in that shirt. Unlike some of the clothes he gave me, I kept that black shirt. Today, I tried it on for the first time and it feels goooood! I looked great in it, too.
I am close to accomplishing my first fitness goal of dropping weight and toning up on my own before I hire a personal trainer. I'm doing light workouts at the house now. I'll get a trainer for the heavy duty weights and guidance on nutrition. The trainer will help me get as muscular as my body can handle.
I went for a long walk yesterday after feeling bad about being unable to find a job. After I realized that 15 million folk are in the same situation I am in - and some people are worse off than I am - I noticed that my abs wanted to "stay tight" on their own. I never felt that way before. And, my posture seemed to be correcting itself. I can't wait till I can post chest pics online!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
SafeRide America
I decided to volunteer after someone told me that a good way to find a job was to volunteer and network with those I meet. Clear is great, but I have to wait two months before I get paid, so I need to fix the cash flow issue quickly. I'm tired of having things turned off all the time.
My objective was to do something for the community, network to find a job and perhaps gain SafeRide America as a client for Clear.
The executive director has been trying for weeks to develop an effective poster for his non-profit organization. I came up with this idea in 10 minutes. It took about five hours to complete the poster and have it ready for a printer. This poster will be displayed at 18x24 in bars and clubs throughout Atlanta.
It is safe to say I have done something for the community. These posters will make a difference. When I restore my license, I plan to volunteer long-term for SafeRide America.
Oh yeah, I was even offered a job, but I couldn't take it because I don't have a valid driver license. So close yet so far away.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Most Important Thing I Have Learned In Life
Last week, I was at CLEAR product training speaking with a couple of new dealers. It seems I love to run my mouth, especially when it comes to technology. When I see all the professional brothas every week interested in selling CLEAR, I am always encouraging them to pursue this opportunity. I'm not a dealer, but it is great speaking with those that are. After speaking with them for just a few minutes, these dealers ask if I'm interested in joining their sales team because of my knowledge of CLEAR, the WiMAX technology and my delivery of the information to potential customers. I share with them some of my story, and they tell me I will be successful because of my perseverance.
One dealer asked what was the most important thing I had learned in life. It was a great question, one I assumed I had an immediate answer for. After some thought, my answer was simple - we all need each other. I realize that I will not be successful in anything if I don't have someone else on the other side buying the product or supporting me in a number of ways. I need others in order to get back on my feet.
I've learned that everything we do is either in pursuit of pleasure or avoidance of pain. That dynamic includes love/hate, acceptance/rejection.
And finally, I've learned to disregard "If you need anything at all, just ask." It sounds really nice and probably feels nicer when it is said or heard. In my experience, most people don't meant it when it matters.
One dealer asked what was the most important thing I had learned in life. It was a great question, one I assumed I had an immediate answer for. After some thought, my answer was simple - we all need each other. I realize that I will not be successful in anything if I don't have someone else on the other side buying the product or supporting me in a number of ways. I need others in order to get back on my feet.
I've learned that everything we do is either in pursuit of pleasure or avoidance of pain. That dynamic includes love/hate, acceptance/rejection.
And finally, I've learned to disregard "If you need anything at all, just ask." It sounds really nice and probably feels nicer when it is said or heard. In my experience, most people don't meant it when it matters.
My New Web Pic
My old pic was taken in 2004. It has served me well, but it was time for an update. When my old and new pics are compared, it looks like nothing has changed.
My current pic was taken on July 6, 2009. I had just finished a shower and for some reason decided to setup the tripod and take some pictures. Most of the images were deleted, but the face pics were kept. I don't consider myself photogenic, as it is very difficult for me to get that right shot. But, this one shocked me. I must have been feeling great after that shower because this is the best picture I have ever taken. And, it shows what EVERYONE always asks for - a smile!
Today, all I have is the mustache - I have since shaved the goatee. But, I always grow it back when I want an extra edge to my look for a few weeks.
All I need to do now is replicate this image in focus while I'm wearing a shirt, and again showing my full chest and abs when I'm in shape.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
My First Piedmont Park Visitor - PiMusique
I am here in Piedmont Park writing this blog to report that my first CLEAR visitor was PiMusique - or Thaddeus to the rest of us. I was running around the park looking for a place to recharge my laptop when he called my name. I was very surprised and happy to see my friend.
I had just enough juice in my laptop to demonstrate CLEAR to him - I loaded his blog on my computer. He is very impressed with the service and the current promotion in place for customers just like him - those who want true high speed Internet on the go.
As much as I like technology, it is impressive to me that I can update this blog, use Hulu to stream video and download all the programs of Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection in the middle of the park with my own secure Internet connection at up to 12 Mbps.
I expect to be here all day. I will be in the park tomorrow, too. I'll be very busy then. I'm free to answer any questions and activate service.
The dealer I represent - CLEAR Associations LLC - offers a $50 sign-up bonus when you activate CLEAR service through us. In addition, I personally offer a $35 customer incentive and a $20 referral incentive for each referral you send directly to me that activates CLEAR service. Add that up and you can pocket $105 for activating CLEAR Wireless through me and CLEAR Associations LLC.
I can be followed on Twitter as AILORW or CLEARGuyATL.
I had just enough juice in my laptop to demonstrate CLEAR to him - I loaded his blog on my computer. He is very impressed with the service and the current promotion in place for customers just like him - those who want true high speed Internet on the go.
As much as I like technology, it is impressive to me that I can update this blog, use Hulu to stream video and download all the programs of Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection in the middle of the park with my own secure Internet connection at up to 12 Mbps.
I expect to be here all day. I will be in the park tomorrow, too. I'll be very busy then. I'm free to answer any questions and activate service.
The dealer I represent - CLEAR Associations LLC - offers a $50 sign-up bonus when you activate CLEAR service through us. In addition, I personally offer a $35 customer incentive and a $20 referral incentive for each referral you send directly to me that activates CLEAR service. Add that up and you can pocket $105 for activating CLEAR Wireless through me and CLEAR Associations LLC.
I can be followed on Twitter as AILORW or CLEARGuyATL.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Follow Me On Twitter - CLEARGuyATL
I am a light user of Twitter. When I had my Mac, I used Nambu and I loved it. Now that I'm selling CLEAR Wireless, it looks I will put Twitter to more use.
Ever since I sold my Mac, I have been looking for a good Windows Twitter client and it looks like I found one - TweetDeck. I'm getting the hang of it, but one thing I already like is the ease of managing multiple Twitter accounts. I like it better than Nambu, and it is nice there is a Mac version available. I plan to continue using TweetDeck once I move back to Mac.
In addition to AILORW, I also have CLEARGuyATL and CLEARGuyUSA. I think Twitter will help greatly as a move about Atlanta, educating and updating clients about this fantastic service.
Ever since I sold my Mac, I have been looking for a good Windows Twitter client and it looks like I found one - TweetDeck. I'm getting the hang of it, but one thing I already like is the ease of managing multiple Twitter accounts. I like it better than Nambu, and it is nice there is a Mac version available. I plan to continue using TweetDeck once I move back to Mac.
In addition to AILORW, I also have CLEARGuyATL and CLEARGuyUSA. I think Twitter will help greatly as a move about Atlanta, educating and updating clients about this fantastic service.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)