STARS: How To Have a Successful Adult Event, COVID style

Yes COVID is not getting better and people still want to have social indoor events such as all black parties.  I get that you still have to make bank and do so with limited capacity. Here's what I've seen work in the past with the CDC guidelines added. 

I would definitely use a medium such as Eventbrite for tickets. Secure and it's contactless. 

Far as ticket prices go, I would do a limited supply of low prices for early bird. I would offer 3 options: general admission, $20 more for VIP and a drink card, $120 per table for VIP and bottle service. These prices would increase a week after the events is announced to $10 more for everything except the tables ($20 more). I would also ensure everything and everyone is spaced out

Masks would be required, as well as a current negative COVID exam. You would receive a partial refund if you have a positive COVID exam a week prior  (due to quarantine) and a full refund 2 days or less before the event. Notice how all of this already reduces the crowd while allowing you to still bank.

I wouldn't charge for parking but would have valet. Open bar would of course be available with general admission and if I chose a hotel, I would offer a discounted rate for a room. It is an adult event and I want everyone to really stay safe. 

I would also offer paid professional pictures, a package for multiple VIP tickets and for future events. I would also have a raffle for tables to encourage more money into the pot. 

I would primarily advertise on social media and word of mouth. I would limit any paid advertisements to one or two.

I would plan on an event that gets people out, allows them to feel safe and is still profitable. It can happen and one must be creative..

STARS: Lowering your BP without medicine

I have had a couple of faint spells with my blood pressure. I have literally had maybe 5 in my lifetime. I keep myself healthy and my BP normal at worst. I donate blood and somehow my BP mysteriously was so elevated I couldn't do one of my favorite activities: donate blood. This left me hurt and embarrassed. 

I am ensuring that I drink my organic apple cider vinegar with the mother regularly.  I recommend Bragg's. 

I am also regulating my caffeine and sugar intake, as well as increasing my capcasin consumption. I'm consuming more hot foods and even peppers. I spoke to a friend last year that suffers from HBP. He says that when he feels his pressure getting too high, he eats wings or really hot sauce.  And it works! 

I am also drinking a gallon of water/daily, even on my off days. I am sticking to my strict regimen of fruits and vegetables. I was going to so intermittent fasting until Thanksgiving but I will pause this until I get my BP where it needs to be. 

Many public machines have closed due to COVID. Therefore, I purchased my own monitor so I can see for myself. I do plan on visiting the doctor more and I refuse to take any sort of medication with adverse side effects that I can prevent. 

I will beat this as I always have. I am also getting even more rest.  It is causing my to-do list to grow but I will be more healthy first. 

STARS: How I Shop For and During Christmas

I thought this would be a nice topic to explore since we are in that season, we're still in a pandemic and it's nice to get it out of the way if possible. 

I have always did as much shopping as possible online. I utilize Amazon, Target and even Home Depot. I do a lot of gift cards and cash unless it's my mother or someone close to me. 

I don't do a lot of in-person shopping after Thanksgiving. People are typically extra tense and stressed (and crowding will already be an issue) and I like to mitigate that whenever possible.  

I don't have a true deadline. I simply try to have it all complete the week before Christmas at the latest. If I cannot, I don't stress. At the same time, I'm not the type to be out on Christmas Eve. If I haven't gotten it by then, I'm not stressing it. 

I have been able to shop for friends, family, Secret Santas, children and the like for 25 years utilizing this strategy 

STARS: Choosing Political Candidates

I have not really ever picked a candidate based on a political affliction nor party. I cannot remember ever voting straight party nor boosting a candidate for any reason such as race, age, party affliction, etc. 

I look at the issues the candidate is talking about and their platform. I love to listen to them talk live, outside of the usual ads and mudslinging.  

I realize that unless they are independent, they are going to lean certain ways. Republicans are going the traditional Christian route, gun rights, pro life. Democrats are about gun control, free choice, bailouts. Libertarians defy big government and are about free markets. I like to deep dive further into how will they improve my overall way of life. Meaning as a black working man in my 40s who pays taxes, is hopeful for a fruitful retirement, and wants equal justice and fair treatment. The candidates I choose must be consistent with these values and very little flip flopping. 

I also admire persistence and even those that are passionate about the candidate.  Their why is equally as important as I learn the impact the candidate has and why. 

I have followed this voting method for 24 years and now hope for a better voting method in the presidential elections so I don't feel forced to pick the lesser of two evils. We are seeing two much of that and I need more options. I'm about the candidate rather than the party. 

STARS: Picking Out Your Halloween Outfit

Yes many long time followers of my blog know that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, especially seeing women and their creative costumes. Despite the pandemic, the creativity can continue and Zoom doesn't have to be involved. 

I choose a costume that is neutral far as the weather.  Women usually have this easier. I have donned capes, robes, and such. 

I will definitely choose a mask but not one that is not unbearably hot. I can be a ninja of some sort, a bank robber, cowboy, even a light monster mask. This is the one holiday that can be COVID friendly as long as you do not choose a crowded venue and practice CDC guidelines regarding candy. No worries children, my stuff will be prepackaged into bags and no hand sanitizer unless you want it. 

I will then have my fun and participate in the community and be around my friends and such.  I am not allowing the holiday being on a Saturday and a blue moon to deter what I love about it. I don't think others should either. 

STARS: Being the New Guy

I have been the new person in school, work, and other places a few times in my life. It can be scary and nervewracking. It can also be exciting. 

I try to learn the lay of the land and the culture first. I firmly believe that you cannot effectively participate in a game without fully knowing and understanding the rules. 

I then find someone that I know from a past experience. I then find a mentor (often it's the same person.). I shadow them, confide in them, and see what good examples they are setting. 

I proceed to be myself, keep a positive attitude, try my best and show why I am there. I have found that properly communicating with others and having that understanding goes a long way towards building good relationships. 

I have used this simple template many times to help me adjust to new situations. I'm confident it can help someone else also.

STARS: How to Say Goodbye

I have had many transitions in my life: personal, professional and otherwise. Tomorrow is my last day at my current work site and I begin my new role at my new site next week. I sit back and think of the good, bad and in between. It's all surreal. 

I start with as few words as possible. I simply say thanks for the memories, keep in touch, I hope I can use you for a reference and likewise. Showing simple gratitude is very important. 

I then do my best not to place my former colleagues in a bind. I have had to clean up enough messes from people before me and I like to have a smooth handoff.

I believe in staying available but being distant at first. I learned this at the WU. This helps transition better for me. I am not codependent on the folks I have worked side by side with for a while and I can focus in my new role. 

I then begin my new role, taking my lessons learned and playbooks from 25 years of past experience. I go into my role as open and positive as possible, and give it my all. I am then faithful that I am in this situation for good reason and make the best out of it. 

STARS: How To Prepare For True Action

I've learned in life that it doesn't have a remote, you must change it yourself. I see so many people that are unproductive simply because of their plan of action, or lack thereof. 

I have a flexible plan that I do adjust when necessary.  I have my main goal written down, plus the steps and mini goals necessary for the larger outcome.

I then attempt each step, stick with what is working and properly adjust what is not. 

I've found myself ten times more likely to achieve a goal, even simple goals such as cleaning my man cave or fixing my kitchen floor if I break it down into steps. 

Remember failing to plan is planning to fail. 

STARS: How I Plan to Try to get Breonna Taylor's Killers Arrested

I've seen it for months and now I'm seeing it even from athletes and others with larger platforms. Say her name. Let's arrest Breonna Taylor's killers.  

Nearly 5 months later, no arrests, an ongoing investigation and the police/killers are free and even harrrasing other women. 

I plan to continue making the calls to the proper authorities. I have an email that automatically calls all of them. 

I will hold others accountable that continue to post daily about it. It's at the point where posting and calling is not working.  It's time for more fierce, forceful action. I want to see who lives in the Louisville area.  These people can go to the offices personally, go to the city council meetings.  We have to be in their faces. 

I see people are still traveling despite the pandemic. Why not be productive and travel to Louisville for a side quest or supplemental trip? Many are you are quarantined, working from home, your kids are going to virtual school. This is the time! 

I then want to see and give adequate funding to her family and to her legal team to help fight in this case. There needs to be the means to sue and get the justice that Breonna Taylor deserves. 

This will then set a precedent and change the narrative far as holding police responsible for taking a life in this way. Looking ahead, we have another battle: the trial for the killers of George Floyd. Therefore, we can rest but we can't let up. Not even a little.

STARS: How To Voice Your Concerns if Something is Bothering you

I wish someone could tell me why we have scores of effective means of communication and we still cannot articulate when something is bothering us. If someone or something is hurting your spirit that badly, they need to know. Period.  

I like to give myself and the other person a few days to cool down. I then attempt to ask what's going on with them and their life. Remember it's not always about you. They could be undergoing a major setback and just cannot verbalize that to you. 

I like to meet and talk with folks face to face. That is another one of the many challenges of the pandemic. However there is a neutral place: the grocery store! I like to have a third party with me to mediate in case things go South. If a face to face meeting is possible, determine if you can use FaceTime, Zoom, etc or simply a traditional call.

I then like to take inventory on what I need to do on my end and what I would like for them to do in order for us to be able to coexist.  

I have found great results with these methods. At day's end, everyone has their voice heard and there are no secrets at all. 

STARS: Creative alternatives for fun during this pandemic

There are many things the pandemic has taken from us in 2020. This includes stuff like brunch with friends, sports, movies,  church, local festivals, amusement parks concerts, public pools, concerts, the gym (depending upon your state), cruises, international and domestic travel and the beach.

The worse thing I hate hearing is folks saying they're going to throw caution to the wind, not wear a mask to protect others and live their lives. 

Now since when did delaying vacations and traditional fun activities qualify as not living your life? Please someone give me an intelligent, thought out answer.

Here's what I'm recommending to those that feel they are missing out on to compensate in the interim. 

I would still be able to have brunch with friends. I would simply have a picnic at a park or church (some are open), only invite a few people and practice CDC guidelines. I would plan to meet small groups of friends at remote and essential locations such as the supermarket. Think about this, you want to maintain contact with your friends and family. I am doing this in small waves. 

I have found drive in theaters to go to in order to fill that void, and I watch everything on Netflix, Disney +, Hulu and HBO Max. ESPN + has lots of activities to fill my love for sports.  

I go to a gym in South Carolina and I attend in the middle of the night.  My work schedule allows perfectly for this and I can rebuild my form and relieve stress. Yard work and gardening helps also if you cannot get to a gym. Running and walking trails are also good alternates.

This is a good time for me and others to enjoy virtual concerts and quarantunes. I also am enjoying the Verzuz battles on IG Live and have been enjoying music from YouTube and Spotify. 

I have found it extremely possible to have fun,live my life and be safe. It's amazing what creativity and thinking outside of the box can do.

STARS: How I handled my 40th Birthday celebration

Two years ago, I reached a milestone age: 40. I wanted to celebrate it differently than anyone else had. Plus I wanted not only the people I wanted included, but those that chose to be included. I didn't want anyone to feel excluded because that hurts and it's subtle bullying. Change my mind.  

That said, I had decided to take off the week of my birthday but essentially celebrate all month long. I would allow folks time with 4th of July and vacation festivities to join in. 

I had cake and gave everyone an opportunity to have some. Just like my overall celebration, the cake would be available and in waves.  

I went to Atlanta for three days and got to watch my first Braves game at SunTrust Park. I also saw Frank Caliendo live at the Comedy Zone in Greenville, SC. 

I even decided to celebrate with two friends, both of us turning 40. Both were cool with it but one of them was a newlywed and her husband wanted to do something special. I had no problem with that and joined in. 

I am blessed to have a really good mutual friend who ensured we both received our own celebrations. She had us a party and cake at Dave and Busters. I also had someone give me a quart of my favorite concoction and I received my pet cat Trouser.  Also I went out on the town on two other occasions. 

I ended up stretching the celebration for a few weeks but I got all that I wanted and then some. I gave all ample time to celebrate with me and gift me.  I didn't hear one complaint about anyone being left out or excluded either. 

I have researched that even Sir Elton John wasn't invited to the 2018 Royal Wedding. I'm not saying I'm better; however, I did not restrict access to my celebration to anyone.  Those that feel they struggle to "invite everyone" should try this. It is also pandemic friendly. 

STARS: Explaining White Privilege to those that will listen

Notice the title before you start explaining to anyone about white privilege.  

Some don't want to know, care to know, period. And that's OK. This is part of the education process.  

I first determine if they want to know about white privilege and what it means. If they are dismissive, disrespectful and try to flip it to a reverse racism situation, do not waste your time. I vet and filter out the ones that are willing and ready for this conversation. 

I then begin the conversation. I base this on their level of comprehension and understanding. I have a few articles and videos I found online, one is a Tik Tok video exercise. Two others are similar in nature, one written piece being how to explain white privilege to a poor white person. 

I also use snippets and fragments of these videos and articles. For example I may ask "raise your hand or like my post if the money you have in the pocket represents your race and how society sees you?". This is so important because it's deeper than how you see yourself. When one sees how they are perceived by the majority in the world, they can sympathize and act accordingly.  

 I am already successfully educating many, including my best and longest friend and my own mother.  They have watched me struggle from racial attacks and discrimination for a decade. Now they are starting to see that #BlackLivesMatter is way more than just a movement. It is trying to bring awareness and value to the Black experience. This way, white privilege is understood, sympathy and action can be taken, and then all lives will truly matter. 

STARS: Finding Effective Ways to Mitigate Police Murdering

This is a small part in my suggestion to properly recruit, train and educate police forces around the nation so that there are less unjust murders and that everyone feels safe again, especially black people. 

The situation, Friday night in Atlanta, GA, further shows that we need to really start there with the proper training. Another black man dead, another cop fired, and the chief of police resigning. None of this is a good look. 

I would start with defunding.  Defunding is explained in my latest post on www.imjustdrew.com. I want funds to be allocated to the community and for resources that will actually make certain situations better and not worse.  For instance, I would call a crisis advocate rather than 911, on someone suffering a mental breakdown. I would do the same for someone suffering with alcoholism. There needs to be a classification and not a one size fits all approach for an officer with less than two months of formal training. 

I will refer to the most recently publizied situation here. First of all, it's two cops versus an intoxicated man. How does he get the taser first of all? I would make the tasers more difficult to obtain. Second, I know of ways to stun someone running without shooting center mass and ending their life. There are tranquilizer darts (although their potency needs improvement), pepper spray (why is this no longer an open), BBs or rubber bullets to center mass and even simply a crossbow. I want to see more effective methods implemented in what some view as a "grey area". 

I am confident in what our country can do in 2020. If we are the greatest country and the land of opportunity, why is this oppression still occurs. I believe it is time to take back integrity and power from the oppressors that never earned it in the first place. 

STARS: Keep the Beat Going

Yes we've seen it for the past decade. Evil white police/racist kills black person.  Black people get pissed, post various memes, articles, scream #BlackLivesMatter. And depending on how fierce everything is, march, riot, etc.  The media drops everything they're doing for a couple of weeks and spotlights this. 

This dissipates for weeks and months until the trial comes and the punishment doesn't fit the crime, if it even went to trial. Blacks and others get pissed again, do more protests. 

Then the worse happens. Everyone is quiet until the next violent hate crime occurs. 

Now that's the biggest crime: knowing injustice doesn't stop and yet little is done to stop it. 

Well I'm fed up with it, especially since I'm biracial. If #BlackLivesMatter is going to truly stand up to its name after the band marches on here's what needs to happen. 

I plan on going deep in prayer and meditation with those I have trusted and vetted, black and white. 

I then put my thoughts together with these same people, even those involved with #BlackLivesMatter to vote, run for the proper office and create an action plan to mitigate and minimize these crimes. This includes calling, texting and writing every elected official that is responsible for allowing the police and even the police for not arresting these cruel bastards.

I don't plan on letting up when others are no longer talking about it. We have to get others involved, do more action than talking and marching. I have said this before and will say it again. I feel it is time we have folks with that true conviction in their hearts. The rest need to be called on their BS and also vetted. 

I feel once we have the officials we need in place and the powers to be hear the outcry and realize this is an unjust system, we will have a stronger police force that is properly paid and funded. There will be harsher punishments for these hate crimes and police will think twice before abusing that badge.

 

I know that then and only then will all other lives matter. The reason is because black lives will FINALLY matter and not just for show or when it's convenient.

 

Let's get to work. This is not practice nor a rehearsal. 

#BlackLivesMatter 

STARS: Nailing that Amazon leadership job

My mind and heart are definitely consumed on finding effective solutions to dealing with police brutality. This will be a deep focus of mine. 

First, I'm going to provide some help to my fellow Amazonians who desire to move to the next level of leadership whether it be Process Assistant, TOM team, HR or even in Learning as a Trainer or Coordinator.  

Disclaimer" I have only been through the process and am still going to the process as I try to move up another level. I am not an interview facilitator nor have I been through the "Making Effective Hiring Decisions" seminar. I will discuss who to go to directly far as that route. 

Identify the job you want at the specific facility. Import your resume via flash drive and while you're on site within the Amazon network on the AtoZ (Hub). Go to Resources, JobFinder and type in the site code for the site you want to apply at. Look at all of the various jobs and apply for the ones you want. You can have up to four active jobs at once. 

You will need to learn the STAR method Situation, Task, Action, Results). There are resources in your local HR office, Career Choice center, and even YouTube. One video that really helped me was "Amazon STAR Interview" method. This video outlines exactly how to put together stories from your Amazon career and even outside work experience. It also details how to tie these experiences in with the STAR method and the Amazon leadership principles.

You want the STAR method to flow like you're telling a story, with really specific details and even numbers. You can request a mock interview from your AM or one of the Ops or Senior Ops managers at your site or other sites. They have to interview folks regularly, and they can give you honest, unbiased feedback to help out with your interview.

I will also say practice in front of a mirror, in front of a spouse or significant other and even record yourself. Have your questions and answers written out. I have about two scenarios for each leadership principle and I update those regularly.  To my folks already in a T3 role and going for another role or higher, it's uncanny how many different stories you can develop just from a single shift or week. 

Therefore, go for it, put in the work, put yourself out there and nail the interview. I want to see everyone succeed. Amazon may not have the best reputation overall but there are people that want to see you excel also. I'm living proof. 

STARS: Mailing Money Orders and ensuring their destination

Some of you know I handle my incarcerated uncle's money and am his power of attorney. I am also my mother's although it isn't official. If you're tracking, that's 4 accounts I watch (counting my major two). 

I almost messed up big time this month with my uncle but I made it right and everything ended up well. 

I correctly address and stamp a bunch of envelopes, as far as six months out. I even write the check out the day before so I can cash it the day following. 

I take the cash and then go to the USPS office and get my money order. I keep the receipt in a safe place until I confirm that my uncle has his money. 

I subscribed to the USPS digest about two months ago. This lets me know what is supposed to be coming to my mailbox. It is usually that day but I learned that if it's a return to sender case, it may be up to two weeks before you receive the letter.  That's why I found it better to have the address correct the first time down to the number and even send the money order early to have a larger window. 

I then receive verbal confirmation that the money order is received and I can discard the receipt if desired. I then prepare for the next month. 

STARS: Slowly Reentering the World

The pandemic still goes on but there is light now at the end of the tunnel. Locally and nationally, places and businesses are starting to open up. Some are doing it all at once. Others are doing it in waves and with restrictions.  One will have to assess how the viruses is still spreading and as weather continues to get hotter, how they should proceed. 

I will continue to go to work and to the grocery store as long as my health allows me to. I will continue to practice social distancing and wearing a mask and even gloves in some instances. An ounce of prevention is still a pound of cure. 

I will wait a week or two for crowds to die down each time a business reopens, such as indoor dining or a cafe. Some places will have restrictions but I am in no hurry to simply get more sick. I have tracked certain areas and have seen the positives and negatives. There are business owners that honestly don't care about CDC guidelines; they simply want to make money and recoup lost income. 

Finally, I plan to avoid any large crowds for a while. I will utilize my judgment as to how many people I should be around and increase that number over time. I saw many crowds gathering this past weekend. That is not the wise decision just yet. Everyone has to realize how we got into this and what is going to keep us out of this. A relapse could be way worse.

I know every restriction will not last and stick. However, I plan on doing my part and will stay away from those that aren't..

STARS: Gaining Patience

There are many qualities and values necessary to survive the current pandemic. One of those is definitely patience. 

I am actually not as patient as I appear or think. I get anxious and antsy over certain things. I too want the world to reopen, more people to come to work, and to at least go to a movie and sit in my favorite coffee shop. 

I am continuing to follow the guidelines laid out and protecting myself. I am practicing more breathing and meditation techniques. Liv Walton on the famed TV show "The Waltons" would often quote 10 Bible scriptures when she would get upset. 

I set short term daily and weekly goals and stay optimistic and positive.  I am not allowing any room for negativity, now more than ever. 

I also set blocks of extra quiet and productive planning and mental resetting. Everything hasn't been taken away from me so I am utilizing what I have. 

I have been able to breath easier, live, laugh, love and still enjoying life. Life is not over yet and I am going to embrace this phase and grow from it.

STARS: Finding Solutions

No one should feel bored right now. Tired? Frustrated? Groggy? Sad? Yeah all of those fit. But definitely not bored. 

This is the time where you need solutions to the small things to achieve the outcome we desire. 

I am going to continue to go to work as long as I am able since I am an essential worker. I will follow the CDC guidelines and even others such as home remedies, washing my shoes with alcohol, and drinking warm liquids. 

I am going to amp up my home workouts, mostly in the early afternoon and morning. 

Most of all, I am not going to lose faith that things will be ok. I am not certain what type of normal will come from this. I just know I will be equipped for it and not nervous nor anxious. I feel blessed. All of my friends and family are healthy, I can still go to work and earn gainful income, and I'm not going hungry.  

I'm entering my 10th year of blogging and I know this is a great time to be a writer. I plan on gearing my STAR series towards the pandemic. 

I will also refuse to be bored as I seek solutions to weather this storm. 

STARS: Surviving being shut in

This is slightly different from cabin fever in that you can still travel but not far. I am going to help you survive a potential quarantine as more and more places and institutions close and events are postponed and canceled. 

I tap into local businesses and those 24/7 places like QT and Waffle House. I am an avid supporter of both, the latter since I became a night shifter. 

Reconnect with friends and family during this time. Plan to visit each other if you are closely. I don't see my friends and family often and now is the perfect time to do so. 

I use my quiet time to catch up on movies and television shows and then stream anything else random. Netflix, Hulu, Disney and ESPN Plus. 

I also maintain my routine naps but this is also a good time to Spring clean. I will finally complete my man cave purge and project. If the weather cooperates, I will start the yearly maintenance of my yard. It's only March and I am ashamed of it right now. 

I will be fully rested and all of my incidental work will be complete once normal activities resume.

STARS: Writing a book

Many of you talk of doing this or that you should do this. I still receive questions about it as an author.  

Therefore I thought this would be a great topic of discussion. 

I wrote my table of contents first to outline what and how I was going to write "From Darkness to Sunshine." 

I then wrote a chapter a week, sometimes two, with a deadline of finishing in seven months.  

I would focus solely on that chapter for the week and would research and often isolate myself to get into the mindset of that chapter. I didn't worry so much about the editing, only the content. Editing would come upon successful completion of the chapter. 

I met my deadline, even finishing a week early. I already had my publishing company, Lulu, chosen, and knew what length I wanted to choose. I then submitted the content portion and allowed them to do the rest. I already had my cover guy in tact and even professional photos planned. 

The book released a few months later due to editorial and design concerns but I was still able to market the book well and plan book signings, pre orders and launches. 

I was glad at how From Darkness to Sunshine went and look forward to how Scared Eyes is going to fare. Life has gotten in the way of production of this book but I am returning to what made my production of the first book successful. 

STARS: Couponing Chronicles; Missing Something

I have began a silent hashtag #NoStonesUnTurned. I think this applies to many areas of life, including couponing. 

I'm gearing up for my next two couponing hauls as we speak.  First, I'm using Sunday nights to do the bulk of this. This is my planning night and when I map out strategy better, stores, and even watch couponing videos. 

I make a list of stuff I need and then look through the sales papers and PGs I have to see what the best deals for that week are. 

I also know which stores to shop at. DG will always be a staple for me but I am liking Walgreens more and more. They are overall very coupon friendly and do not change up a lot of the rules to punish those trying to save a few bucks.  

I then have everything ready for game day (shopping): paper coupons in labeled envelopes: itemized lists on both paper and ListEase, pairing them with Fetch, Ibotta and other rewards and then I am ready for action. 

I will post updates on how I perform! 

STARS: Couponing Chronicles: Planning

I had a less than favorable experience this weekend. I will not name the store but I will say that the customer service, as well as the rule modification threw me.

I have been able to stack manufacturer and paper coupons ever since I started. I did it last month in Rock Hill. However in the Upstate, this franchise has cracked down. 

I was upset and frustrated at first. However I confided in my couponing mentors, as well as YouTube , and formed an action plan in two weeks when I return. 

I plan to create my second account, which will help my couponing cause. I already have plenty of PG inserts and will get RMN also if necessary.  

The way "Couponing With Toni" broke it down is what I'm going with.  She maps her transactions not only by store but by digitals and paper coupons and her OOPs are still low. 

She simply goes for the powerful coupons and pairs them with store specials.  For example, Febreze and other items are BOGO currently.  She works with that to maximize her savings and build points.  

I realize I have a long ways to go still but a shorter way to arrive. I will use every resource I can to take advantage of the digitals I didn't use this weekend and the paper ones that await.

STARS: Reacting to a tragic situation

It is true that everyone grieves differently and handles tragedies in various ways. This is all well and good but you don't want it to resort to bad habits such as drinking or gluttony.  Here's how I handle these types of times, such as Challenger, 9/11 or a tragic loss, like that of my brother or a worldly loss such as losing Kobe Bryant earlier. 

I mediate and pray for a moment, and then I spend a short time talking with people that are experiencing and processing this loss.  This can be just a few hours. 

I then proceed to remove myself from the situation and occupy my mind. This can be from going to an outlet such as the coffee shop, the gym or the lab to write. I also use this time to clean and purge cluttered areas of my house and car. I also engage in weather appropriate activities such as swimming and yard care. I have found through at least 10 such events that my mind is clearer and ready to go. 

I have also tried burying myself in my work and achieving a goal.  This has had adverse effects on me so I have concluded that simple planning and goal setting is best for about a week or two. Many remember how during 9/11, everything seemed to pause for about a week or two. The timetable is not reverent but there must be adequate healing and recovery time. 

I have been able to come out of these situations stronger and more competent to handle life and its challenges. I have even been able to counsel and help others in this regard.  Often all people need is a listening ear. I have been this listening ear for all of last decade and I plan to be each decade that I live. 

STARS: Couponing Haul Update

I couponed for the first time in two months and for the first time this year. 

I went to Dollar General only just because I was limited in paper coupons. I plan on adding another account, watching more videos, using Walgreens more, and having no less than 3 PGs.  I hope that should cover it. 

I did fare better on my combo of paper and digital coupons than I had. OOP was only high because I needed stuff and didn't have coupons for everything. I am planning for February now. 

I have already targeted my items: Angel Soft toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, Dawn dish detergent, Gain laundry detergent, body wash (Dove or Irish Spring). I am really trying to take full advantage of the $5 off of $25 at DG and then utilize Walgreens to build points. I need vitamins and dental floss so items like this are easier to buy when my coupons aren't as plentiful and I can build points for the future. 

My OOP for February will be to save 70% off of my total purchase. I nearly saved 50% this weekend with barely any organization. Having a new DG near my home and several Walgreens will help me reach this goal. 

I am back to saving where I can so look out in 2020 and beyond for me!

STARS: Surviving the Graveyard Shift

I am writing my first blog post of 2020 as I celebrate 10 years of blogging. I will continue with the STAR method in regards to surviving working nights.  

Many people important to us work 3rd shift: law enforcement, medical professionals, security, hotel management, and retail. It's much quieter and laid back but please don't make the assumption that every job is a day job (although based on traffic, it feels like it.)

I wanted to make sure my sleep schedule was steady first, especially on my days off. I have a set time for going to bed and waking up. I do my best not to deviate from that.  

I also keep my caffeine supply steady and plentiful.  Quality coffee, organic energy and vitamins. I also have moved my exercise activities to the middle of the night. Less people in the gym but I am active and more productive.  

I also have minimal noise and interruptions before and when I am awake. I try to notify as many as possible that I work 3rd. This isn't to brag or show off as I did get a promotion at work.  I need my rest and I want to ensure I get it. 

Lastly, it's ok to nap but please don't make the mistake of sleeping all day or at crazy times. Get your consistent rest during the day and you can be fine.  I have found that falling asleep within 2-3 hours of me getting off from work is preferable for me. 

Ok that's the rundown and it has helped me survived the past 4 months. It will take a month or two for your carcadian rhythm to kick in but you can be fine also. Just make sure you stay encouraged and rest when you get off from work.