Dear God,
I decided to cancel my studio session tomorrow because I feel like I still need more time to write down my lyrics and go over the songs. I also want to rehearse the songs I plan to sing in church this Saturday. So many people prayed for me while I was in aviation school, and I feel led to share my testimony about persevering through so many trials and tribulations.
I plan to sing at least three songs in church. Out of all of them, there is really only one song that I still need to fully learn. I also want to learn “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin for future performances.
For Sunday’s studio session, I need to memorize the song I plan to record. I’m going to start by re-recording one of my old songs since Dino’s old equipment didn’t capture the highest quality sound. After that, I’ll record a new song. I have four full hours in the studio with Dino, so I need to pack enough snacks: bananas, an iced pineapple drink, something light like walnuts with cheese and dried cranberries, and watermelon. That should hold me over for four hours. I’ll probably eat dinner before going to the studio so I have enough energy. I also plan to pack metabolism pills tomorrow to help boost my energy.
Today I actually ate pretty well. I had the new strawberry Lucky Charms (just one bowl) for breakfast, a banana for lunch, and catfish with mashed potatoes and peas for dinner. I’m grateful for the food that nourished my body today. I wanted to have a second plate, but I stopped myself and only had half a mug of a nonfat Starbucks latte instead.
I’m trying to maintain my weight, but it feels like I’m quickly gaining some of it back. Maybe it’s because I’ve eaten a lot of bread the last couple of days—four slices yesterday and about three the day before. Then there was the wheat bread from my Subway sandwich, and of course the delicious bread from The Cheesecake Factory with their butter spread. Starting now, I’m holding off on bread. I don’t really have much of a sweet tooth except for my Lucky Charms, so I’ll stick to one bowl. If I’m still hungry, I’ll scramble one egg. That will be my breakfast tomorrow. For lunch I’ll have a banana, and for dinner I’ll probably have the catfish meal again, with a nonfat Starbucks latte somewhere in between.
Tomorrow I’m meeting a hairstylist for the first time. I’m stepping into my Carrie Bradshaw era and trying wild curls. It may cost quite a bit since I normally wear my hair straight, but I have a feeling my hair will grow beautifully if I keep this style for the next four months. I won’t have to pull it into tight ponytails at night or use heating irons and dryers constantly. I was also thinking about getting a manicure and pedicure, but I may just do my nails myself and save $45. All I really need to do is file them, remove the old polish, and apply a new coat.
I also need to pick up a few things. From Walmart: watermelon, a clear plastic bin, Sun-In, neutral nail polish, and cocoa butter. From the dollar store: five more waters, two pineapple drinks, bleach, some cashews or other nuts (not peanuts), travel-size deodorant, razors, and bubble bath.
My plan for tomorrow is to wake up around 10:30 a.m., put on a facial mask, and eat cereal by 11. Then by noon I want to send emails to work about switching where my paychecks are deposited, respond to Colleen (one of my vocal coaches) about rescheduling my lesson for Monday, and reach out to Joseph in accounting and a purser named Tony to go over my final questions before my next flight as an attendant. By 12:30 p.m. I want to call the electric company to ask why I was charged thirty dollars when nearly all of my appliances were unplugged except the refrigerator.
After that I’ll take a quick shower, brush my teeth, and put on sunblock by 12:50p.m. Then I’ll head to my hair appointment for 1:15pm. By 4 p.m. I want to go to Workforce Solutions to type up my lyrics and schedule time with a consultant to discuss unemployment resources and find a nearby place to file my taxes. Around 5:30 p.m. I’ll go to Chase to change where my money is deposited and see if they can remove some charges. After that, Walmart at 6:30 p.m. and the dollar store at 7:30 p.m.
At some point I also need to review the screenshots from my social media manager and decide what needs to be done with my YouTube accounts.
That already feels like a lot. When I get home, I want to study my songs while unpacking my suitcases and putting clothes away between 8 and 10 p.m.—if I still have the energy. If not, I’ll do it the next day. I also have so many clothes to give away. Just thinking about everything I need to do is exhausting.
The heat makes it even harder. I’ll need to wear my lightweight long sleeve shirt, cargo pants, and bring my umbrella to protect myself from the sun. I noticed that when I was in Hawaii for an hour, I didn’t tan nearly as much as I do just driving around in my hometown. The sun here literally cooks me.
On Saturday, I need to return several items from Amazon and one item from eBay. Later that day I also need to call T-Mobile because my phone has been running very slowly. I’ll continue studying my songs for Sunday’s recording, and I need to send all my notes to my social media manager before 6 p.m. I also plan to leave my parents’ house and drive home by 8 p.m.
On Sunday I’m starting a new routine: rowing, stretching, arm exercises, and finishing with the stair stepper by 1 p.m. After that I’ll study my songs again before recording between 2–3 p.m. Then I’ll leave at 5 p.m. to arrive at the studio by 6 p.m. Actually, I need to double-check whether the studio session starts at 5 or 6.
Starting Monday morning I want to join a dance class—one during the day and another at night. I also plan to dedicate at least two hours each day to vocal training by learning new songs and practicing my originals. I’ve been going back and forth about auditioning for The Voice, even though I always preferred American Idol. Even so, memorizing cover songs will still be useful.
The songs I want to learn are:
- “Daydreaming” and “One Step Ahead” by Aretha Franklin
- “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran
- “It’s OK” by Nightbirde
- “Everything I’m Not” by Lenka
- “Primadonna Girl” by Marina and the Diamonds
- “Mine Again” by Mariah Carey
- “We Should Be Together” by Pia Mia
- ”Take Me to Church” by Hozier
- “Hallelujah” by Tori Kelly
That’s ten songs, in addition to reviewing about thirty of my own original songs.
On Monday I’ll also file a small-claims petition against two businesses: one against a hairstylist who damaged my hair with chemicals, and another against someone who burned my face. I also need to reschedule a court date.
On Tuesday I’ll review all my finances and create a plan for living off my savings until my paychecks begin. I also need to pack my bags to leave town for my first flight assignment. Before that, I have an appointment at the office before 12:30 p.m. to review my expense report and go over any last-minute information before starting my first flight as a flight attendant.
It’s a lot. I keep wondering where rest and relaxation will fit in. Maybe during my off days before my first flight. I officially leave for my first assignment on Wednesday—or possibly Tuesday night. It feels intense but exciting. Not knowing where I might fly is thrilling. I’m not afraid at all. I just want to be fully prepared.
Even if it’s just 15 minutes each night before bed, I want to keep studying. My goal is to eventually become a lead flight attendant and make a great impression. I feel like it’s time for me to step into the leader I’ve always known I could be.
It’s almost 3:30 a.m., so I really should get some sleep. Something tells me tomorrow’s schedule might get pushed back an hour or two.
Father, I pray for rest and renewal. Please help me accomplish everything with positivity and joy. Protect my mind. Help me eat well, take care of my skin, take my vitamins, and drink enough water. Let me always be a light that uplifts others. Let me be the hands and feet of Jesus, making wise decisions. Most of all, I pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding. I truly need restorative sleep.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I love you with all my heart and soul.
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