me and only me

  I became a member of the Beta Omicron Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc in Spring 2022! I am so grateful to be apart of such a great organization and the journey was so worth it! It took 16 years to accomplish this goal, and now, I have the opportunity to stay connected and meet other Sorors nationwide. I knew this was a great fit for me, so I am glad that God showed me the way.  I continue to learn more about myself as a member of this Chapter and Sorority, so it is an huge change for the better in my life right now. I am with a lot of women who want to help me to grow and be better. It makes me feel good to know that there are people who willingly want to support when they can, where they can. My Showcase was May 1st, 2022 and it was so fun! I will share more pics in another post.  Click below to learn more about my Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. https://www.queencitync-sgrho.org/

It has been a year since my last post and many things have happened: I have been at my new job for a year now; I moved into my new apartment in Charlotte Paid down some debts that I’ve owed for a long time I joined two new organizations that are a company-wide focus I’ve met many new people within Charlotte With all of that said, I have continued growing and working on being my best self. As odd as this sounds, I like attending networking mixers and functions to meet others in my same line of work. That keeps me motivated to be better and do better. Plus, it gives me a chance to see others for who they are and it shows how I can relate to them. Many times, I’ve assumed that people aren’t going through the same issues as I have. It’s when I meet new people where I find that assumption to be untrue.  Despite what things look like right now, always remember to keep a smile on your face.  Until next time... ~msvwade~

     Not sure if the title grabs you, but I am sure I'm not the only one who has dealt with confidence issues.      Lately, I have dealt with lack of confidence due to many changes in my life. From almost finishing a degree to job loss to a new job offer to relocating to career woes in general. I've gone through all those emotions within a short timeframe and these events contributed to my growing confidence issues.      In recent years, I have had many moments where my confidence has shown through, especially when it came to either mentoring others or helping someone with a personal problem.  Even as I write this, I think back to the times where I was complimented on how well I did something and how I presented myself.  My mindset has changed my thinking into believing that I can no longer be confident in what I do or in how I accomplish tasks at hand.       Man, when I was younger, I use to be s...

     As I look at today's date, I just realized that it was on this day, 10 years ago, that I graduated from my Alma Mater, Prairie View A&M University! To say that I have learned so much about myself would be an UNDERSTATEMENT!  I will list the biggest or poignant lessons I have learned within the past ten years post Undergrad. The biggest lesson of all: you can't compare your life to others in your circle, class, work life, etc.       Although I am still learning this daily, I have come to realize that my journey in life is not going to mirror someone else's life or journey.  Too many nights, I have racked my brain trying to figure out: "How did this person get this job over me?" or "I'm more qualified than they are; how are they getting so many interviews?" or the big one: "Now, I KNOW I am smarter than they are, so how are they understanding these concepts or aspects of the job/assignment better than I am?"  I would stress an...

So, lately, I have been very productive with writing down and sending myself my TDLs.  Not only do I put anything and everything on my Google calendar, but I have created alarms and lists of things I need to do each day or week. I have also used Evernote and other productivity apps like QuickMemo (on my Android) that helps me to write quick notes or reminders for myself throughout the day, just in case I forget something important. I knew I had to change my time management skills and do something different in order to have a more fulfilling life. It takes doing something different to get something different; who could argue with that? Lol. So, I'm curious...What apps or productivity tools do you use? Comment below and share how they've help you be more productive in your life! Enjoy your week! Check out our Spring Collection: www.marykay.com/vwade2003 Need a new fragrance for your home? www.pinkzebrahome.com/vzebra

...there isn't anything you can't do ! I went home for the first time since the Fall in late July.  I was very EXCITED to just WHOOSAH and get away from my current situations of life: school, stress, and work! Needless to say, this was a much-needed trip back home! My days consisted of me helping out at home by running errands and even doing a walk on the treadmill! I actually enjoyed that, although it took some time to get the gusto to do it, lol! I also visited my Dad (whose birthday was the day before I left town) and my younger brother, hung our with friends and saw some other High school friends at a birthday party.  Despite some small issues, I thoroughly enjoyed my time back at home.   While I was away, I had to take care of some things while I was at home in Houston, TX. Some things were taken care of (i.e. Housing for the Fall semester, grades from Summer school, etc) while some things seemed like it took forever to handle (i.e. Financial Aid). ...

Where should I start? I have been through many different turns and twists, but when you can talk about it and be a light to others, it is worth the journey. There were many distractions during my Spring semester in my current MBA program (I don't think I mentioned me being in an MBA program, but I am! It's definitely a blessing not without hurdles, lol!)  From the course load being a bit more strenuous to having to move-out and figure out where else I would live, I had a lot to deal with on my plate. I felt like I was in a maze or a snowball that kept unraveling! It became so much of a mental strain that I took a some time away from everything and had a weekend to two to do absolutely NOTHING! Lol.  Yes, it was possibly hurtful to my classwork and more, but who knows what would have happened had I not done that? As the semester winded down, I had the chance to start the process of chartering an organization on campus.  Between myself and another colleague, we starte...

Sometimes, things hit you like a ton of bricks. Other times, you have to take those bricks and build what God has provided to you.

Hey Y'all!  I am not surprised that it's been almost a whole 12 months since my last post! Lol.  When life hands you lemons, you gotta make that lemonade :) Nevertheless, I am back in the saddle and STILL excited about writing and sharing my life with people (or as much as I'm willing to share).  Quick update: Enrolled in Clark Atlanta's MBA program this past Fall Became more active within my Church (eaglesnestchurch.org) Received a "Nesty" Award from Eagle's Nest Church for Outstanding Service in 2014 Worked with 2 separate Entrepreneurs in separate industries Recruited a Consultant within my Mary Kay Business  Continued to push my Pink Zebra Brand to more customers, and MOST IMPORTANTLY Went home to Houston, TX during Spring Break! In-between all of those things happening, LIFE still happened and I am grateful to still be present to talk about anything and everything.  Honestly, I an in a really good place, despite some not-so-good th...

Hey, y'all! How are you doing today?  Depending on when you read this, I hope your day/evening is going great! Per my last post, here is a brief update since my move: My main reason to move to GA was to work in the field of Mass Media or Media Entertainment. Between different jobs to make ends meet, I was in Graduate school online for two more years.  Needless to say, I am no longer in that program (for reasons I won't discuss here), and for two years after that, I worked in the Retail Banking industry.  One Bank afforded me the opportunity to work as a Business Banker, where I would solicit businesses to open Business accounts and to utilize our products and services.  It was a definite growing experience and I am glad that I had a chance to work with a different Bank as recent as last year. My second Retail Banking experience was with a Bank that is more well-known and one that offers more options for Bankers.  My position there was in a Supervisory ro...

Good afternoon, Fam!  It's been a long time since I've written a post, however, my motivation has changed, so here goes! The post below is from 8/28/2009, 5 days before I officially moved to Atlanta from Clarion, PA.   It is short and sweet, so please comment below and I look forward to your subscription! I will write another post soon, as a "Flash Forward" to discuss where I am today. Hello again to all! Hope everyone's day (or evening, whenever you plan to read this), is doing well. My day was good, could have been better, but no time or need to complain. Something was on my mind, so I would like to share. Here goes! Moving On It hasn't been as difficult in an emotional sense to just pack up and leave my home of almost 25 years. I have found an opportunity and I'm taking it because if I don't: 1) I'll regret myself for not doing it and 2) my life would not be the same. This is a career changing experience, one that will benefit my f...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I was so blessed to see another birthday year and live through 2013.  Honestly, it was a year of many ups and downs, but I survived!! I pray that anyone reading this had a great 2013 and will have an even better 2014!  So many things are happening in my life this year, and it's only day 11! My one and only resolution is to follow-through on all my commitments...whether big or small.  If I have to downgrade or take something away in regards to what I said I would do, that will be a decision made when it's time.  If at some point I choose to let go of the resolution and just DO IT w/o having to say what I want to do, that may happen sooner than later. A resolution helps to say what we WANT to do, but overall, you have to JUST DO IT! God has favored me and HE will continue to do so.  I have some projects in the works, so be on the lookout for me! Lastly, I created an ABOUT.ME page; please check it out and Let me know what you think: ...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DADS OUT THERE! Hey to all my subscribers! I KNOW it has been a VERY long time, but I NEEDED to write something today, if not, period. First, I have been through some very trying, yet life-changing experiences that have helped me to become more humble and compassionate towards others. One of them being, resigning from my job in May.  For me, that was one of the most peaceful decisions made in my lifetime.  For some, it may be a "stupid" decision to make, but we ALL live different lives that aren't always supposed to be what people want us to do.  To me, there's only one person who I have to answer to and despite the continued words of leary-ness, I am completely fine, SERIOUSLY, lol.  Yes, I know my challenges ahead of me, but they aren't impossible with God's help/direction. Secondly, I am more in the mentality of working my two (soon to be three) businesses, along with, of course, looking for better opportunities to...

OMG! I JUST found out that KEM released a Christmas Album LAST WEEK via Itunes.  After hearing the samples, I knew I had to buy it.  I most certainly will support him very soon!  He has been consistent with his  music and he isn't an artist that feels he NEEDS to change with the climate of the music industry.  Some of the Christmas songs have a Jazz-influence with it, too.  His voice is such a great addition to ANY song and if he can start his career in his late 30's, so can anyone else! Click here for KEM's Christmas album: "What Christmas Means."    He NEVER disappoints! As we all know, Brandy released her 6th studio album last week, too called "Two Eleven."  MY FAVORITE ARTIST IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Well, her and AALIYAH! I have heard that she went back to her roots with this album, so I know I'm buying it! Her previous albums, "Human" and "Aphrodisiac" were GREAT, imho.  Just because the "industry" is fickle when the...

Hey everyone! How is your Sunday going? I hope you all had a great week :) Always remember that Sunday is the start of a new week and what happened last week is OLD NEWS! For those that don't know, I got baptized last Sunday (9.23.12) and I said I would have the video on the actual Baptism available for you to view today.  There were many family and friends that couldn't attend the service, so I wanted to give you all a chance to experience it as if you were there! Below is the video: tell me in the Comments section what you think: VALENCIA'S BAPTISM VIDEO For the Music Lovers! This Tuesday, Faith Evans is releasing a new album called R&B Divas, inspired by the new reality series she  produced called "R&B Divas" on TVOne.  You can watch it every Monday night at 10pm EST.  Each song is a duet with another cast-member of the show along with a special song with Kelly Price.  Support her and her music along with the other "Divas" featured...

WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY! Today was the day I gave my life to Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior!   I will NEVER forget it! The overall experience was a bittersweet one: my parents weren't there, but it was still worth it because I had my Church family with me.  I cried and boo-hooed! It hit me even more as I walked up the stairs to the pool pit. I made this decision for me, not for anyone else.  That was one of the things I became conflicted with: doing this just for show and not for the right reasons.  After I was dunked in the water, I knew I made the right decision.  Everything made sense at that moment. I plan to have a video of the actual Baptism for those who didn't get a chance to see it.  That will be Part 2 of this blog post. No matter what, stay positive, progressive and prosperous! Peace and blessings, ~VNW~

My trip/place to Atlanta Today marks two whole years since I moved to Atlanta (to stay for good) and I can't be more happy to have made such a great decision.  I knew that if I didn't step out on faith and make that long drive to GA, I would have felt the "shoulda, coulda, wouldas" and long term feelings of regret.  Despite some trials and tribulations here, I enjoy my time and the people that have blessed my life abundantly.   Atlanta is such a progressive and prosperous city that, IRREGARDLESS of what is depicted on TV, it's still a great place to live.   You ultimately have to block out negativity to get to what's AWESOME about the city. Music Tuesday: Tamia's "Beautiful Surprise" and Dwele's "Greater Than One" Two fave artists of mine released their most recent album this past Tuesday, 8.28.12: Tamia and Dwele!  Tamia never releases an album that I don't like and if the album is evident of the first single, the ti...

Hey everyone! As most or some of us may know: Elle Varner (real name Gabrielle Varner) released her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect last week.  I am very impressed with this girl!!! She got her start with Wendy Raquel Robinson's Amazing Grace Conservatory Academy in California and from there, has really taken off.  She has such a raw talent and unique voice, which I'm sure is how she stands out vocally.  Her style is also a great statement within itself.  It's great to know that there are still authentic artists wanting to be themselves and not putting out an image that they claim is really them. I love her song, "Refill" and I can't wait to actually buy this CD.  If you have it, leave some comments as to what you like about the album. Mariah Carey released a new single also last week called "Triumphant" feat. Rick Ross and Meek Mill. It sounds...OK.  I honestly miss the Mariah who sung w/o having rappers/hip-hop artists on her tracks. ...

Long time! Hey, everyone! I am working on a project (that you all can view its first episode NOW here: On Beauty With Doc Waller . that has REALLY changed my perspective on so many things, but mainly how we as humans should treat one another.  As the remaining episodes are being produced (there's going to be two-four left to work on for Season One), check back to the website above to see some more behind-the-scenes goodies! It's time to support quality, intellectual and worthwhile content!  For information on the Host/Producer of the show, check out Doc Waller  and the Production Company which the show is under, Rene 511, Inc . Praise JESUS, I got offered a JOB! I interviewed over a week ago and contingent on passing the requirements for the Pre-employment process for the position, I will be able to start working on the 5th of September, with PAID training to begin in a week or so.  I wish I could tell you that there was some sort of trick or gimm...

Wow! What can I say about the last month, let alone the last 10 days??? Through the bumps, I have had a very interesting few weeks.  "When you're feeling down, you should never fake it." - Mary J. Blige, MY LIFE.  I have had that feeling during this time; I don't want to put up any kind of facade, regardless of how I was dealing with the pain.  If I am down or feeling not up to par, I want to be  able to show it.  When I am in that state of mind, of course, people will ask me, "what's wrong?" To which I reply with a "I don't want to talk about it" or " I'm doing well."  Honestly, things ARE well in MY eyes: I have the capability to STILL speak, touch, think, walk, smell, taste, breathe and see my life EACH DAY, despite the odds against me, so everything is FINE.  God blesses me with life each day and from the beginning of my turmoil to present-day, I am forever grateful for it.  This is a small storm, but the little things t...