Journal Entry #87 - First time for Everything...Workplace Hostile Environment Teleworking for United States Federal Government and Got Check Shorted Not By Classification, but based on Optional Notes

 JOURNAL ENTRY #87

Name: Manley M Collins

Social Security Number: 5 7 9 – * * – 6 5 4 1

Date of Birth: 06/21

Place of Birth: Washington, District of Columbia

Country of Birth: United States of America

Date: July 1, 2026

TOPIC: First time for Everything...Workplace Hostile Environment Teleworking for United States Federal Government and Got Check Shorted Not By Classification, but based on Optional Notes

I thought working for the government in an entry position, and as separated employee via the intermittent or temporary classification by the Census department, would have been easy. The policies in place are crazier than the all the so-called rules for life.  The Census thought I abide by those rules of life as an extreme extrovert.

First, the work environment was okay that the regional office or headquarters team members were call at 7 am or 7:30 am to handle tasks or have a conversation.  Mind you, Census Human Resources Department states Census is open from 7 am to 7 pm.  The position as field representative states only to call respondents or respondents can call me from 9 am to 9 pm.  I cannot bill all that time to be available for their schedules.

The call(s) and texts that broke the camel's back was when my field supervisor decides to call on my day off from all my employers.  I also sent in an optional work schedule weekly, but the field supervisor argued for a good hour and half over timesheet language in an optional notes field and all the performance emails after every cycle.  Guess what happened...payroll rejected those line items pertaining to the argumentative day and Friday's argument.  I went to DC DOES Office of Wage Hour to report the wage theft and short.  DC DOES OWH stated the United States Government is not in their jurisdiction.  I sent out mass emails removing my personal cellphone from the situation, and the Census paid for the CAPI laptop device to communicate.  I also sent complaints to Human Resources Department for the hostile work environment because my field supervisor was doing double talk stating the opposite of everything I was trained on, and thinking I was an USPS Postal mail carrier.  Human Resources Accommodations team paused my mental health request because the letter by my psychiatrist was insufficient, and HR Accommodations wanted a full dissertation on how my mental health and medications affect my work.

I considered myself a star performer because I am/was very efficient in getting folks to respond to a 45-minute to an hour survey.  I remove being intelligent, assertive-aggressive, and efficient from giving my all to the position.  The geographical areas I am covering is Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.  I also removed my broadband data support for the Census CAPI laptop.  The telephone policy was dated 2019 and only covers plans that have billable minutes, such as 200 minutes for Census business over your plan of 100 minutes, can be submitted.  No support for unlimited plans with data, texts, and calls.

In my Human Resources requests and claims, I had to incorporate what I learned legally from the legal field.

This is my first position in my entire career where I am billing for real work and real time, and zero fluff, and return to Business versus Personal.  All the corrections back and forth is so much of a stress reliever for me, but frustration for Census Bureau because they cannot talk to me on my personal cellphone without getting a police report.  Learning from these strangers, the income people make versus rent/mortgage on what people pay made my reflection on my career, relationships, and housing look stumped, stupid, and how could people single-handledly bust way above all ceilings, or stay in the same spot for 25+ years and keep the same rent back in the early 2000s.

My credit score finally went up into the 600s when I reported all the type of paid bills including rent.  I support Zillow, CreditClimb, and Esusu.  Experian Boost is really good too, and I am unsure why Equifax and TransUnion do not do the same.

My civil case versus Jet Security went from Federal Court back to State Court.  This is the first time Federal Court did it without a hearing, but I received an Artificial Intelligence (AI) marketing email summarization of the decision, why, and more information I pretty much already knew about the United States and judge decision.

I did not have the budget to hold a milestone birthday party so my mind was telling me to visit Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  It was fun, but 50% of the time was at the hotel because of the torrential thunderstorms.  The Marriott hotel I selected in Midtown Montreal had two conjoined hotel brands - Courtyard and Residence Inn.  I was near Burger King and Walmart Supercenter.  The Canadian dollar was way less than the United States dollar.  After taking a walking tour of Old Montreal and Montreal downtown explained all the transitions Quebec and Montreal went through.  I did see Cresent Street. I rode the STM public transportation network.  I used the Teo cab application.  I forgot my Izzy Miyake cologne by rushing out of the room.  Delta did a wonderful job going to Montreal, and storms and turbulence made the Delta trip back to Atlanta and Washington, DC a little rough and no snacks.  Thanks to Delta for getting me to all my destinations safely and keeping me updated. My emotions and feelings does feel quite different than last year.  It is a feeling of how to care for others without damaging my own protected world.  Just like the YouTube video, "When you have endured too much."

Borrower's Defense by the United States Department of Education did not work because my application was denied for Keller Graduate School of Management because the loan was too old.  It is now dependent on my TPD application.  This made me really reflect back on all the financial decisions I made when the loan could have been paid off.

I feel pretty good about choosing to teach group fitness classes at local DMV gyms.  My e-bike had a massive rear tire blowout.  I did not budget on getting it fixed early, but plan to in August or September.  My Markel full coverage insurance on the e-bike lapse and canceled because I overinsured the bike.  I was not riding the e-bike daily so I know insurance is not needed especially when I have three different locks to secure it.

I ran in a PVTC all comers meet and won my 200m heat while still running 30.5 seconds at 182 lbs.  I long or broad jumped to 14 feet 4 inches.  I ran the 100m dash in 14.4 seconds.  It was held at Alexandria City High School in Alexandria, Virginia.  I also ran in the Easter 5K held at Bluemont Park.  I have attended and am attending PVTC team meetings.  I attended the LA28 Olympics Volunteer webinar.

Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc elected a new slate of officers.  Some positions were a surprise on who was serving in them, but it does keep the chapter interesting.  It was passed down some of the Mu Lambda blazer and other blazers.  It cost quite a bit to get alterations.  I took the American Red Cross online course for my Adult and Pediatric First Aid/AED/CPR plus the in-person class version at the Mu Lambda house.  My article was published in the Torch.

I got my Greater Orangeburg Polo Shirt from the Polo fundraiser the SCSUNAA Greater Orangeburg Chapter was having.  I attended SCSUNAA DC Chapter Hangout at Yard House in Gallery Place-Chinatown.  It was fun and I made some new friends, and met a former USDA colleague.  I did my usual and did not go with flow of where those new friends were going.  I attended SCSUNAA DC Chapter Cookout and it was so good to see line brothers and members I have not seen in a long time.  Also, it was in an undiscovered part of Anacostia Park.  The walk from the metro station was amazing.  I passed so many graduation parties, family reunion parties, etc.  I had to register and prepare for my first SCSUNAA National Convention.  It seems not many people was interested in Busch Gardens since I got a refund back, but I did register for the Gala dinner.

I went to my dental cleaning at Tend Dental.  It went smooth.  Delta Dental was changing their payment policies on dental plans so I sought a new dental plan.  I came out better with Cigna Dental PPO because it includes orthodontist, higher deductible, and lower premium payment.

The change in the Medicare payments did not impact too much on my monthly income.  I guess life definitely lets discipline come in later after life shows the crazy.  My financial discipline has always been strict, but now it stricter than when I first started working.

I attended a Meetup for Gen X (30s 40s 50s) and it was at the Lucky Bar in Dupont Circle.  It was more of a sign up for social gatherings at local establishments.  I met some interesting people and international folks.  I was greeted by a guy named Mer, which he led me straight to the bar.  I do not knock what bars and nightclubs have to do to stay alive. Yes, I am glad establishments serve Ginger Beer when requested.  My body or mental health immediately rejects or slows intake of any alcohol.

I did attend Group Fitness meeting at New York Sports Club.

I saw the Devil Wears Prada 2 movie in the theatres.  Thanks to T-Mobile Tuesdays, I saw Masters of the Universe. Both movies were really good in my opinion.

I had my second physical at Unity Healthcare.  The Together Take Me Home non-profit sends me HIV home screening self-tests.  The self-tests are oral swab and fingerstick.  CVS Pharmacy calls me on regarding taking a statin because I am on Metformin diabetic medication.  I have to remind CVS that the medication is being taken for alopecia (hair loss) or something else.  I saw the dermatologist for the second time and it was major progress between the first and second visit regarding hair growth.

I met with my new DC DOES workforce specialist since my last workforce specialist retired.  I met with my DC RSA DDS counselor to update work plan.  It seems all systems are now cutting resumes down to two pages.  As my workforce specialist suggested cutting my resume from ten (10) to two (2) pages.  It was a task, but I was able to do it.

I got a Las Vegas postcard from one of my aunts.  I mailed her a Montreal postcard back.

I joined University of Phoenix and Mu Lambda Chapter Group Me groups.

It is so funny reading and watching the comparison between Obama vs Trump events.  Congratulations to the candidates winning a position in the next DC Election in November.

Congratulations to all the World Cup teams invited to play.

Thanks to the birthday wishes and giveaways by Delta Airlines, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Marriott.

On streaming television, my show Zatima is really good and all the track and field championships/outdoor series.

Via the news, now the United States residents want the physical CDs, albums, DVDs, and cassette tapes due to overpriced streaming platforms, which I or no one has ownership of their purchases.  I had a pretty good collection before I lost it. People are at the mercy of the Corporate American company.  This is going to be interesting. Companies are building out data centers, but technology's physical devices lifespan are 18 months to 5 years to become obsolete.  So, my question is, "Who is replacing all that equipment with the next version of technology?"  Data Centers upgrading energy infrastructure who, what, when, where, and how?

I did not play the Mega millions or Powerball lottery this quarter, but do have my lottery ballots ready for when I am ready to make the $300 sacrifice.

I did get a call about an affordable condo property, but with all these homeowner association news raising prices from affordable $150 per month to mortgage payments $2250 per month has me concerned what am I getting for amount.  I talked with a real estate homebuilder and sent my questions on the EYA Reservoir District, but I have yet to hear back.  EYA stayed firm no cash desls and yes, the price stays at $899,000 to $1.5 million dollars in 2026, when I know DC will do a tax assessment of $350,000.  The house I lost to foreclosure, I paid $575,000 for more space and same three levels/stories.  What am I getting in a EYA townhouse for all that price?

Happy Independence Day and Happy 250th Birthday United States of America.

Journal Entry #85 - I love all my HBCUs...Love Shared on a WMATA bus. Happy New Year!

 JOURNAL ENTRY #85

Name: Manley M Collins

Social Security Number: 5 7 9 – * * – 6 5 4 1

Date of Birth: 06/21

Place of Birth: Washington, District of Columbia

Country of Birth: United States of America

Date: December 31, 2025

TOPIC:  I love all my HBCUs...Love Shared on a WMATA bus.  Happy New Year!

September 20, 2025

It was a typical day.  It is my older sister's birthday and we chatted it up a bit.  I won tickets from Hot 99.5 FM radio for a B.O.B. concert at Howard Theatre, but it was postponed until October 2025.  I traveled the WMATA bus C53 toward H Street, but the bus detours at Florida Ave NE and Sixth St NE so I had to walk to H Street.  H Street Festival was packed with people from 2nd St to 13th St...Oh my goodness...it was beautiful seeing most African-Americans with a speck of the other races/ethnicities.  I play my music on speakerphone or external USB speaker.  I was riding the C55 until I got to my stop, but ran into traffic at Audi Field.  It was the unexpected Howard University vs Hampton University football game.  The students and alumni from both schools got on the bus.  My Spotify playlist was playing the premade shuffling of my Rhythm and Blues, Neosoul, Soul playlist.  The song Come and See Me by PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake came on followed Exchange by Bryson Tiller.  The entire WMATA C55 bus broke out in concert singing all the lyrics and background of both songs.  Someone tried to ruin the moment saying, "Is this a concert?" but everyone kept singing.

Another moment while delivering food, a girl stopped in her tracks before crossing the street to finish singing Sex You by Bando Jones played through my handlebar speaker.

Another moment while at WMATA bus stop for the C53, a man celebrated having a good time with his memories singing in church, Back II Eden by Donald Lawrence.  His hands were clapping, mincing up the words to the song, and feet was stomping.

Pine Street Inn and Longwood Security let two documents die to prevent them from going to trial...so now here comes the trial next Spring.  I am getting ready.  Jet Security avoided being served by Norfolk County Sheriff Officers, but everyone else was served in the case including federal defendants.  Progressive obtained its deposition so waiting on response to settlement demand letter.  

I successfully donated plasma, platelets, and whole blood without any issues across several states and institutions as a heterosexual and read all the updates.

I have all my supplements and went back on Nugenix, who could psychologically and physically help me regain my energy in the mornings.

With my little bit of income, I actually can afford food without SNAP (or Food Stamps) and other life responsibilities.  Whoever came up with the formula should be awarded a silver medal or trophy.  I played PowerBall and MegaMillions was unsuccessful winning the jackpot.  I still go to Martha's Table and Bread for the City to keep food costs down and keep eating healthy.  When I cook, I do offer meals to neighbors on my floor.  DC Government HHS DHCF PARIS division kept coming after me regarding Medicaid and having three cases open, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and South Carolina, open at the same time. South Carolina went inactive or away. The cases open left was with Massachusetts and District of Columbia.  I explained to the DC Government that Massachusetts issued a letter of termination and Massachusetts is operating without an address.  I also threaten DC Government HHS DHCF PARIS that I will open a can of whoop a** (civil suits in all the courts) from all the DC trauma dating back to the 1990s or as far back records are kept, and DC MPD holding back police reports from me.

My Experian IdentityWorks free two-year subscription expired.  Nothing was detected.  My information is guarded like Fort Knox or IMF or US DOD plus Global TIA Security settings unless I give you access.  Biometrics and passphrases make me forget passwords and account information with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) already configured on those accounts.

ETRADE by Morgan Stanley tried to deliver mail to South Carolina address and it came back undeliverable.  I had to update that address.

The scams are now becoming more creative and real like receiving a robocall to call the exact number that shows up on the caller ID regarding the or an issue or concern.  The robocall leaves no name or company or government who sent the robocall.

Saturday Night Live with Ariana Grande and Cher were funny as heck along with the Bowen Yang farewell.  The new characters have to grow on me.  I will probably skip plenty of episodes until it becomes matures into funny again.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield said it was okay to stick to my current insurance plan and no need to change.  The benefits revealed themselves throughout the entire year.  CareFirst paid for groceries and over-the-counter benefits.  CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield should see a major drop in pharmacy costs after I stopped refilling a certain type of medication that does not belong on my medical and health records domestically and internationally.

Microsoft Ads ending its Advertising app.  I was and am using to promote my business.

Google Ads ending its Advertising app.  I was and am using to promote my other business.

T-Mobile upgraded my internet because they started offering unlimited broadband in Washington, District of Columbia.  Yes, I live for T-Mobile Tuesdays.  Hulu and Paramount+ Essentials are included with the broadband package.  It is so funny how my streaming was mostly done on public library computers and updates to all my technological devices.  I am researching an all-in-one print, scan, copy, and e-fax device.  I am also researching a shredder.  T-Mobile tried to convince to add a mobile line, but I am satisfied with AT&T after all these years and service got much better after I did not successfully complete the class action lawsuit regarding the data breach.  Library of Congress would never let an updated Windows 11 PC laptop join its network in the Jefferson Main Reading Room, but would let Apple devices join.  My previous Windows 10 PC laptop during my doctoral program was able to join its Adams Main Reading Room (Science and Technology floor) with any issue.

I got a brand-new item or TV camera for my television from eBay.  It works great too.  I had to get it because some of the Smart TV apps would not work without a camera.  I am getting used to getting notifications about my sports teams while watching a movie or show.  LG still has to figure out NCAAF to display all conferences. When I went to register my devices with LG, LG still had an old smartphone registered I had a decade ago.

Gold's Gym raised my dues by $26 dollars, which is $1 bi-weekly.

I celebrated my 1-year anniversary as a Google Local Guide.

My ongoing communication with DC Department of Disability Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration was the discussion of Mayor.  My counselor informed me running for office is a job especially if I get the position.  I asked my social networks regarding running some were thrilled, but others gave me a reality check regarding funding and name recognition.  A fraternity brother stated people run anyways without funding and name recognition. I am still on the fence, but I have to get those 2500-3000 voters to sign a petition to get my name on the ballot.  Friends said they would participate if I paid them.  I met folks from Bowser campaign and they were paid to get the names and knock on doors.

I had my Massachusetts criminal record sealed and so far, no Massachusetts State Police public reports.  I still have to order my iCORI to double check.  However, the judge did mention it is a possibility the federal government can still see it.  Thank a million to working for Grubhub to make all my court dates with all my civil and criminal cases with very little flight, public transportation, taxis, and lodging disruptions.

I did not win Mu Lambda's ugly sweater competition, but it was a very fun event mixed with everyone.  I also saw brothers from the chapter registered for our regional conference without being a delegate.  New path to attend Alpha and PBL-FBLA fraternities' conferences is discovered.  I did not know this beforehand or when I joined because we (SCSU Beta Delta) always went together as a chapter and FBLA-PBL conferences were paid by fundraisers.

I am researching potential vehicles to mostly remained parked when I need to go somewhere outside of the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.  The research started with Jeep, Toyota, and Ford using websites and apps of Cars (dot) com, AutoTrader, Carvana, Enterprise Car Sales, Hertz Car Sales, and GSA Auctions.  Then, the news outlets and junk news started revealing the issues with the potential car brands.  The research went to Mitsubishi and Lexus.  Then, so far, the news outlets agree that Toyota and Lexus are the most polished, streamlined technologically advanced cars with the best resale value.  The outcome of gas vehicles is becoming isolated to just the United States.  Europe and China are moving forward with new infrastructures and policies surrounding electric vehicles reducing carbon footprint and emissions.  I did sign up for updates with Lucid and polestar, but polestar got eliminated when they eliminated the entire rear window.

I got partially over my trauma regarding people passing away so fast.  The trauma was getting over reconnecting with Bro. Terrance Head of SCSU Beta Delta chapter and he dies less than a month of seeing him, and I attend his Omega service in South Carolina.  I rented a car drove down on the day of and drove right back to Washington, DC.  I attended the memorial service for Bro. James Wright of Alpha Phi Alpha.  A maternal cousin, Tara Coffee, passed away in New Jersey and I did not know she was ill. I did not get the details of Tara's Memorial Service, but I was able to speak with the mother who reached out to me later and after the Christmas holiday.

I am continuing to study French with the Duolingo app.  It is funny, fresh, and cool.  I am trying to see how far I can get without purchasing anything.

I renewed my membership with USA Track and Field and Potomac Valley Track Club.  I updated my Group Fitness certification with NASM AFAA.  I celebrated my two-year Zumbaversary.  I registered for LA 2028 Olympics updates.  I also started another part time position with different type of gym, such as corporate and government gyms.

My inaugural Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving Holiday Potluck was a success.  Thanks to Eventbrite and people who helped make it a success.  Of course, I overbought everything from the food to the drinks.  At least investing in a $200 bottle drink at 750 ml does last a long time. I bought two of everything.

I discussed with my primary care physician because in Washington, DC. I have been choking on everything, such as water, carrots, food, my protein shakes, etc.  I also discussed with my primary care physician regarding being hit as a pedestrian in Boston.  

I met a doctor cosmetologist and he mentioned I possibly could have skin alopecia and referred me to a dermatologist for further analysis.

I am getting phone calls to sell my company or exit the business offers.  Collins Incorporated and Manley Collins brands are going to die with me - with or without funding - unless I make it a biological family business.

I was not able to attend this year's Celebration Bowl featuring South Carolina State University and Prairie View A&M University in Atlanta, Georgia.  South Carolina State University, my alma mater, became the 2025 HBCU National Champions winning the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia in four overtimes.

To get to know my wing of the apartment building, I sent out my Christmas cards with a free drink or Secret Santa exchange.

My apartment complex just welcomed the new Flex company to help people pay their rent.  The leasing agent had to explain to me what the Flex program was all about.  It is an interesting program for a company to help pay rent upfront on the 1st while you decide how to pay Flex back the full amount through the month.  It is a program too late for me because I never include middle men in any of my fiscal responsibilities.  Either I can afford it or not afford it - is my logic.  I deal directly with the source.  Living above means is out the window and I am a minimalist now.  Small increment change to partially comply with community.

I am attending the SCSUNAA Orangeburg Chapter meetings and they are very productive, and attending SCSUNAA Washington DC Chapter social events.  I am still involved in some way or variety of ways.

Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise #7 - Dead Reckoning and #8 Final Reckoning was very, very good from start to finish on Paramount+ streaming channel.

I went to my Vegan meetup and we met at Falafel Sam and heard a presentation on Fish Feels.  I went to another Shuffle Dating event in Ballston's Compass Coffee in Arlington, Virginia.  I went to see Zoolights at the Smithsonian Zoo and went to my meetup group at Red Bear Brewing in the NOMA community.  I am pretty proud of myself for the maintenance of new and existing people connections.

Happy New Year and hope 2026 is your best year yet.

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Top Ten Music Selections Ending 2025

1. Still Learning How to Love Me - Energy Shift Radio (Zamir Reign - The Weight I Carry)

2. City of David - Vashawn Mitchell

3. ShotCallin - YoungBoy Never Broke Again

4. call you mine - ruudy

5. Don't (Fall in Love) - Just Kiddin

6. Lullaby (MegaRemix) - JayDon, Paradise, USHER

7. Move A Little Closer - DVBBS and Abi Flynn

8. Kingdom - Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine

9. Afro Trap Part. 11 (King Kong) - MHD

10. Soul Holidays - Sounds of Blackness