Wow! This election cycle has brought many surprises and well deserved wins!!! I would like to acknowledge all of the WOMEN that had the courage to jump out there and run for office!!! Congratulations to those who won this is your moment. I’m honored to know many of these elected officials. It takes a unique person to run for office and WIN. One that is genuine, one that connects with others, one that is willing to stand up for what they believe is right, one that is selfless and willing to serve. I look forward to supporting each of you as you serve our great state of Maryland and local communities. Thank you for your tireless Service!!! For real time election results visit here: https://elections.maryland.gov/county_status_page_root.html
Success Creators
How to Live a Joyful Life
For a long time I was stuck in a rut. Just existing. Living life but not truly living my best life. One of my mentors pointed out to me that I accomplished so much, but what is my goal? What do I want at this moment in my personal and professional life? She challenged me to figure out my “why” and connect biweekly with senior leaders, influencers, key stakeholders, and those that inspire me to create a powerful network.
The lightbulb clicked after talking with my mentor. I immediately took ownership of my life and my joy. After a long period of darkness (grief, sadness, anger, isolation, and denial), I finally found light. I became unstuck. Not solely through a clinical therapist but through traditional Chinese Medicine and Accupuncture. The accupuncture improved my mood by correcting the imbalance of energy in my body. I also found a Life Coach. My Life Coach helped me to identify my source of happiness: the little uninhibited girl inside of me. That little girl has no fear, she’s joyful, loves to have fun and travel.
Through the encouragement and support of my Life Coach I started to practice self-care and to do what brings me joy: travel and creating memorable experiences.
• I’ve traveled to the Great Wolf Lodge with my Dad, Baby Brother and Cousins and had the time of my life at the indoor heated water park! Watching the kids play and enjoy themselves brought me joy.
• I saw Anita Baker LIVE at her farewell concert with my elementary school best friend and spent time with a dear Air Force Friend. This filled me with an indescribable joy.
• I traveled to Hawaii to see my Air Force Sister retire. It was joyful witnessing her ceremony and feeling all the love from friends and family. The beach and spending time with my Military family brought me immense joy that I haven’t experienced in a long time.
• Next week I’ll be traveling to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival to enjoy great food, Sister Fellowship, Great Drinks, and of course listen to musical icons like Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, The Roots, Escape, Mary J. Blige and Fantasia. This brings me exponential joy.
You see I was spending time “accomplishing goals” but I wasn’t living in the moment. That was my “aha moment.” My mentor helped me to realize that my toolbox of accomplishments was not my source of joy. I needed to rediscover what brought me joy. Not every treatment or method of therapy is going to help everyone the same. I’m a big advocate of traditional therapy as needed, but also incorporating naturopathic treatments and seeking mentors and life coaches. For me healing is a collaborative effort. We are all unique. I will eventually seek a grief counselor as I’ve suffered tremendous loss in a short period of time. For now my methods of treatment have worked tremendously to improve my mood and quality of life. I’m living in the moment with joy.
Love,
Simply Ebony
Dubai Travel Tips
I visited Dubai with the fabulous Kenna Williams for the #DubaiBlackOut in 2017. Our travel dates were October 26-31, 2017. All of the events started and ended on time (this is important specifically when organizing large groups.) There were 500 in our group, the #Chosen500.
I’ve chronicled for you the itinerary, optional excursions, and tips to make your trip to Dubai a memorable experience.
Itinerary:
10/26/17 (Thursday) Hotel Check In/Dinner/Happy Hour
10/27/17 (Friday) Saffron Brunch at Atlantis Hotel Dubai (12:30PM-4:00PM)
10/28/17 (Saturday) Yacht Cruise (4:00PM-8:00PM)
10/29/17 (Sunday) Abu Dhabi Day Trip (9:00AM-9:30PM)
10/30/17 (Monday) Meet and Greet on the hotel rooftop (11:00AM-1:00PM)
10/30/17 Sundowner Desert Safari (Experience the magic of the desert at sundown on a 5-hour safari, and enjoy a dune drive at sunset. Afterwards, go to a traditional Bedouin-style camp for a delicious buffet dinner and live entertainment.)
10/31/17 Departures!!! Go home or travel to popular destinations: (i.e. Egypt and the Maldives.)
Important tips:
Dress is casual. You do not have to cover up or dress in traditional Muslim garb. Just be respectful. ***The only time you have to wear full Muslim garb is while visiting the mosques.***
Transportation: Use UBER, Request hotel shuttle service, use cabs sparingly (MAKE SURE you have internet reception or download google maps and have the directions to desired locations BEFORE you get in the cab.)
FOOD Delivery Service: The Talabat APP allows you to order food 24/7 delivered to your room!!!
Bu Qtair: BEST Fish Restaurant https://www.zomato.com/dubai/bu-qtair-umm-suqeim
Ting IRIE (Jamaican Restaurant): http://www.tingirie.com/
De La Mer Spa-(Ladies book appointments with the spa): http://delamerspa.com/
Make your reservations via the website or email for more info and group packages at: info@delamerspa.com
Optional Excursions: (Special Tip – Allow lots of flexibility into your schedule for shopping/and other interests.)
Souks: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/shop-dine-relax/shopping/souks
Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building): http://m.burjkhalifa.ae/en/index.aspx
High Tea at the Burj Khalifa: http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/high-tea.aspx
Burj Al Arab (Most luxurious hotel): https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/
Dubai Miracle Garden: http://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/
Cost for Excursions:
Safrron Brunch $155
https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/saffron
Abu Dhabi Day Tour plus brunch and yacht cruise transportation $40
Abu Dhabi Day Tour (Request shuttle/transportation from your hotel concierge or book tours here): https://www.arabian-adventures.com/experiences/)
Must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi:
• Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. The key word about this place is ‘Grand’! (YOU MUST WEAR FULL TRADITIONAL MUSLIM GARB)
• Emirates Palace. The Emirates Palace is a must see stop on your Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai.
• UAE Heritage Village.
• Desert Safari Experiences in Abu Dhabi. (BEST EXPERIENCE would recommend you wear TRADITIONAL MUSLIM GARB for a photo shoot).
• The Corniche.
• Yas Waterworld.
• Ferrari World.
• Musandam Tour.
Yacht Cruise
Cost: $170
http://www.arabiahorizons.com/yacht-cruise
Desert Safari $108 (This is a great EXPERIENCE!!! Wear TRADITIONAL MUSLIM GARB for a Desert Photo Shoot).
Sundowner Dune Desert Safari with Dinner and Show: https://www.arabian-adventures.com/holiday/sundowner-dune-dinner-safari-shared-vehicle-4df3ae2b0a03eb8e7b5f4b42d82a2599/overview
Recommended Hotel:
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbjw-jw-marriott-marquis-hotel-dubai/
Rate for entire stay $1250
Special Note: This hotel offered daily breakfast, and easy access to the nearby Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera.
This information will hopefully get you on your way to a life changing experience in Dubai. Please comment and tell me what you think or provide additional suggestions. I’d love to hear from you.
Love,
Simply Ebony
Mastering Civility in the Workplace
Moment of truth. My Civility in the workplace and in my personal relationships needs improvement. Based on feedback from my peers and management, I decided to take action to correct this gap. Today at WORK (yes I have a 9-5 lol), I’m taking a course on “Mastering Civility in the Workplace,” by Dr. Christine Porath. The Treasury Executive Institute offers great training AND Coaching for mid to senior government leaders in grades GS-14, GS-15, and the Senior Executive Service (SES). Just because we make the grade doesn’t mean we stop learning. My challenge to myself is to improve my Civility score over the next few months and work more on respecting others, being attentive, respecting people’s time, being inclusive, and giving more. There’s a lot of work to do!
If you want to find out your Civility score visit here: http://www.christineporath.com
Tips I was provided to improve:
• Use less Email and more Face-to-Face.
• Openly acknowledge the contributions of others.
• Respect others time and don’t keep people waiting unnecessarily.
• Stop talking down to others.
• Accept responsibility when I make mistakes.
• Stop spreading rumors and/or contributing to gossip.
• Avoid belittling others non-verbally.
• Stop shutting people out of my network.
• Pay more attention to others’ interest and opinions.
• Be a good listener.
• Stop insulting others.
• Show up on time to meetings.
• Don’t speak unkindly of others.
• Don’t interrupt others.
• Appreciate others’ efforts.
Employment Readiness Tips by Ebony Johnson
Getting Started: To start inquire with your state sponsored employment services. For example in Maryland we have the Maryland DLLR that provides career training, résumé writing and review, career search help, college/trade programs and grants for unemployed workers to receive training. All of these services are free and state sponsored. Also, look up local non-profits that specialize in job readiness training.
Résumé writing: Every single one of you needs a résumé. Even if you are unemployed include activities such as volunteer work. Do not forget to include your credentials and experience such as college, certifications, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access). Write the résumé to fit the job. If you possess those skills in the advertisement make sure it is highlighted on the résumé. Invest in résumé writing books or do a google search for resumes fitting your job skills.
Employment options: Consider owning your own business. Take free or low cost courses on starting your business via your state sponsored Small Business Association. Apply for positions via Temp Agencies. You earn income and this may land you a permanent job.
Job Fairs: Do a google search and look for job fairs in your area. Dress to impress and bring several resumes. Research the employers before you go and ask questions. The recruiters are there to hire but are also willing to answer any questions. Get names of the recruiters and submit your cover letters addressing them to the recruiters.
Career Resource Advisors: Colleges have career advisors and offer job search assistance for alumni students. Use them!
Social Media: Create a LinkedIn account. Join groups relevant to your career. This is one of the top recruitment tools. Ensure your profile is complete with your résumé and make it stand out with your skills. Chose a professional picture.
Networking: Carry business cards and be ready to hand them out to any and everyone. Include your name, contact info, LinkedIn profile, job title, and three or four billets of your skills. Attend networking events. Gather lots of references and ask everyone you meet if they know about any employment opportunities. Most companies offer recruitment incentives, it pays to ask friends/associates about job opportunities.
Job Search: Great sites include USAJobs, Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, and your State/City employment websites.
Veterans Seeking Jobs
Know a veteran looking for a job? Share this link with resources to help with resume writing, interview prep, networking, finding jobs, and matching military skills to civilian careers: careeronestop.org/Veterans/JobSe… #HireVets #Veterans
https://www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/JobSearch/job-search.aspx
Are You a Stay at Home Parent Looking for a Job?
#FriYAY: Parents are you seeking to enter back into the workforce? Did you know that you have the toughest job on the planet? Daily Skills: Management of the household, Budgeting, Financial Management, Shopping, Meal planning and preparation, Childcare, Scheduling, Advising, and Counseling. Let me help you translate those skills onto a resume so you can transition back into the workforce. The Success Creators provides free career readiness assistance. Like the “Success Creators” FaceBook Page for more career tips: https://m.facebook.com/LandYourDreamCareer/.
How to Prepare for the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
To those looking for a soulful travel experience to Aruba: The Soul Beach Music Festival (SBMF) during Memorial Day week is a great time. The One Big Happy Island is beautiful and very welcoming. I highly recommend exploring beyond the parties and concerts. This is all the information you will need to create a memorable experience. *I am not affiliated with the Soul Beach Music Festival.*
The 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival has a great lineup of Alicia Keys, Maxwell, the Roots, Guy, Marlon Wayans, and many others. DJ Jazzy Jeff will be in Aruba with guests! The Comedy Show and Concerts are scheduled for Friday-Sunday, May 25-27, 2018. There is an official Aruba Welcome Celebration on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The Day Parties are held at Moomba Beach (Palm Beach) from Thursday-Saturday, May 24-26, 2018, and on Baby Beach (San Nicolas) on Sunday, May 27, 2018. The Soul Beach All White Party will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Night Parties are held daily and there’s a Memorial Day “Cool Down” BBQ on Monday, May 28, 2018.
For the concert lineup, schedule of events, and tickets to the official Soul Beach Music Festival events visit here: SBMF18
The #MingleFlag Over Aruba events are a great option for fun! There’s multiple events planned to include: The Old School Welcome Party, Chucks and Tee’s Cruise, Toga All-White Cruise, Polo’s and Stiletto’s Party featuring The Vybe Band and the Wakanda on the Sea All Black Snorkel Jam. For tickets and more information about the #MingleFlag events please visit here:
Aruba Hotel and Beach Map Locations: http://www.aruba-travelguide.com/accommodations/hotels-resorts/map.html
Many SBMF attendees stay at the Holiday Inn or surrounding hotels near Moomba Beach (Palm Beach) where the daily Day Party is held. Attendees also choose to stay in the local Villas. See below. If you do reserve a Villa you have the option of renting a solo room or inviting a group of friends to join and rent the whole house.
Private Home/Villa/Condo/Townhome Rental Companies (book your accommodations early!):
Here is other important information that you will need to plan your trip!
Aruba Airport Info and Schedule of Arrivals and Departures: Aruba Airport Info
Shuttle Transportation from the Airport:
Car Rentals: Aruba Car Rentals
Suggested Airline Flight Searches:
Google Flights: Set Google Flight alerts for your desired travel dates to get the best prices!
Southwest (Check for the Aruba flights using your desktop browser.):
JustFly.com is a great app to help you book cheap flights and compare travel dates: JustFly.com
Hopper is the perfect app to help you compare flights and tells you when is the best time to book your flights: Hopper
Need a Passport? Visit here: www.travel.state.gov
*Allow yourself at least 90 days to obtain your passport. Verify that your passport is current. There is an option to expedite your passport if you are traveling at the last minute but it is costly. It is highly suggested that you copy your passport and travel documents and give to someone you trust.*
To apply for your Global Entry and skip the long airport security screening and customs lines!:
What to Pack for Aruba: Aruba Packing List
Cell Phone Service. Make sure you verify your coverage with your provider prior to traveling. Here’s a great guide about cell phone coverage: Cell Phone Coverage in Aruba
Where to Dine in Aruba: Aruba Restaurants
Where to Shop in Aruba: Shopping in Aruba
Aruba Beaches: 10 Best Beaches in Aruba
Nightlife Spots:
Aruba’s Best Bars:10 Best Bars in Aruba
Aruba Bars and Lounges: Aruba Bars and Lounges
Where to Party in Aruba: Aruba Night Life
Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus: Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus
Excursions and Tour Guides:
Bike Rentals:
Bus Schedules: Aruba Bus Schedule
ATV Tours and Rentals: ATV Tours and Rentals
I hope this information helps you! I am not affiliated with the Soul Beach Music Festival, any Travel Agencies or Event Companies. If you have any additional tips that you think should be included please let me know. Enjoy your vacation to the One Big Happy Island!
Sincerely,
Simply Ebony
Find a Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity
There is a shortage of cybersecurity talent and the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. In 2016, there were 348,640 cybersecurity jobs left unfilled because organizations could not find talent with the right skill sets. To help fill the skills gap, the SANS Institute created the SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy, an intensive, accelerated training program that provides SANS world class training and GIAC certifications to quickly and effectively launch careers in cybersecurity.
SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academies are 100% scholarship-based and no cost to participants. Academies are offered throughout the year in a variety of locations. There are several types of Immersion Academies.
For more information visit here:
https://www.sans.org/cybertalent/cybersecurity-career/seekers
SIMPLY EBONY 