Thoughtful Thursday

When you believe in something, love, desire, and want it, you can create it more quickly.  One thing you have to do is not allow the emotions of others to drain you.  As you calm your emotions, you will be able to handle other people’s strong emotions.

When you think about it emotions are how you know whether you like or dislike something.  Your emotions are the key to understanding your environment and how you choose to react to it.  When you think about something on a continuum basis you allow it to come into your life faster than it would if you weren’t thinking of it.  It isn’t something that can be controlled, unless you choose to do so. It is true.  I can remember thinking about not wanting to have a bad day and in fact drawing situations to me that actually caused me to have a bad day.  In the moment you are thinking about it, you don’t realize what you’re doing – unless you choose to understand what you’re doing.

You are affected by others and their emotions – whether it is a positive or a negative way.  You choose what to transcend from others emotions.  You are in total control of your emotions and what you absorb.  The key is to calm yourself and not allow others emotions to become your emotions through default.

Jenice

Wisdom Wednesday

When you “feel” something, the first thing you should do is take a second to analysis why you are “feeling” the way you are. If you are feeling sad, happy, excited or reserved, remember that your environment is a contributing factor to your feelings. You have control of how you respond to your feelings.

A girl finally got her dream job and on her first day of work she felt excited. She was smiling and happy to see and meet her new co-workers. While getting ready to leave for the day, one of her new co-workers decided to voice her opinion about the new girl’s perceived happiness of working there. The co-worked made a rude remark in front of  other co-works. The new girl started to feel anxiety and negativity, which made her question if she even belonged there. Instead of acting on the feelings, the new girl decided to say aloud to herself “I can do anything I put my mind to, I earned this position and I know that I have self-control.” Then the new girl turned to the co-worker whom said the rude remark and said “It was a pleasure to meet you, I look forward to working with you in the future.” The new girl walked to her car grinning with the understanding that she didn’t let her “feelings” control her, instead she decided to exercise her self-control over her own “feelings.”

We have the ability to be reactive in a negative way or a positive way. Be careful to not let “feelings” rule your life. You have the power of self-control.

Two-Cent Tuesday

Education comes in all arrays of quality. We all know that education is vital in today’s job market and education is important for many different reasons. The fact is you don’t have to have a degree to be considered educated, but you do have to have proof that you completed the educational program that which you are claiming you acquired the knowledge from.

During interviews selecting officials will want to know: What courses you liked most while attending school? and What courses did you least like? This question is steered toward the selecting official finding out more about you and what types of interests you have. This could be a mode of examining your personality traits or it could mean more. It all depends on what type of job you are interviewing for.

The next question of: Why did you choose your course of study? This question is pretty self explanatory, in the fact that the selecting official wants to know why you choose the course of study that you did. This question is asked with the intentions of understanding the applicant’s passion. Be honest and be short. Don’t give a long answer, the selecting official doesn’t want to know your whole life story. Keep it short and sweet unless they ask additional questions, if more questions are asked in this regard – make is short and sweet.

The selecting official wants to know if you prepared for the interview and what you did to prepare. So they will ask you to discuss your background in terms of how it has prepared you for the job you are applying. This is a question of character and needs to be explained in general detail. For example, if you were applying for a information technician position you would discuss your certifications and repeat your answer of your educational background this would be of great help. Talk about what you desired to be as a young adult and elaborate job history details – even if you have already discussed your job history – repeat yourself. Selecting officials love it when you repeat facts, because it reassures them you are telling the truth.

REMEMBER: BE HONEST. You will be selected over another candidate who wasn’t as truthful. The truth will allow you to shine and become employed faster than not being honest at all.

Monday Morning Mindset

You have and work with Infinite Power, Guided Being, Higher Power or whatever or whom ever you want to call Your Higher Self. When you realized that, you are Infinite Power and Infinite Power works within you to become Infinite power. We are beings of energy and we are able to create anything, starting with a mere thought. Thought becomes true when focus is placed on it. Have you ever thought really long and hard about something that you did not want to happen? Then found that the very thing you did not want to happen in fact happened. One of the reasons why it happened was the constant focus you placed on that “thing” not happening. When you realize your true Infinite power, you are able to create your life the way you want it.

Personal Awareness

A thought is energy that you can control. Instead of being affected by negative energy, create positive life energy in place of it.

Each of us has the ability to visualize, for I believe that everyone can think of a rose, either to picture it or feel it. This is the process one would use in order to become more aware of the energy in and around them. You can learn to feel the emotional energy in a room of people by picking out which person is emitting energy that is feeling anxiety, upset, or joy. You can learn to change the effect of that energy by closing your eyes, focusing with precision on the energy that is bothering you, and changing its impact with your mind. Just as you can close your eyes and visualize a rose, so can you use the process of visualization to heal people and work on energy that you do not like, or would like to evolve.

Most people tense up when encountering negative energy. That attracts even more negative energy. To avoid being affected by negative energy, relax. Any process of relaxation will work. Then visualize or image a peaceful feeling. By visualizing what feelings you do want, you will not pick up negative energies you don’t want.

Reference: Sanaya Roman, Personal Power through Awareness, Book II of the Earth Life Series.

Get connected to yourself,
Pen Name: Jayla Heart

Olivia Cruise: At Sea: Feb 2 2014 – Feedback and Review

Olivia Cruise:  Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise

The excitement and fun continued through the night and on until day 2 of our equality and leadership cruise.  The theme for day 2 was: Show Your Roots.  We all wore shirts or outfits that displayed where we were from.  I wore a “California” shirt and my wife wore a “Louisville University” shirt.  The theme was an “opportunity to represent your hometown, to get to know other Olivia ladies in your community.”  This themed day allowed for many interesting conversations to be had.  The highlights of the day included:

Activism in Action:  The Importance of Creating Your own Future Through Political Participation.  This was an extraordinary summit that allowed for an open dialogue with a panel of “heavy hitters” such as Representative Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, the Democratic National Committee Chair; Aditi Hardikar, Director of the LGBT Leadership Council at the Democratic National Committee; and Claire Lucas, Senior Advisor for Public-Private Partnerships, USAID.  The discussion was enlightening and invigorating.

The entertainment of the evening was the hilarious Vicki Shaw.  Vicki Shaw is not only super funny, but also super down to earth.  I had the opportunity to meet her while in the elevator going to dinner that night.  Then while at dinner, we sat right next to Meredith Baxter, the mom from Family Ties and her wife.  Both of these beautiful women of the LGBT community graced me with a photo, can you say amazing!.  The music group, Antigone Rising preformed in the on ship’s night club, Crow’s Nest.  Antigone Rising was outstanding and amazing to listen to.  There were events for “solos” and a “Sisters at Sea” mixer.  Not to mention, all of the other hour-by-hour events.  There was always something to do, people to meet and excellent food to eat.

Feedback:

Olivia Travel is all about exclusivity, which being said you are paying for customized entertainment, a charted ship or entire resort full of women and the ability to “Feel Free.”  But, there are some items that you may want to bring with you.  During our travels with Olivia, we knew that we would want to bring many items that we normally used on a daily basis.  Olivia Travel provides a list of other items you may want to bring with you and I highly recommend you bring the following items with you:  Air Born (Supplement Drink) packages, anti-bacterial gel, cold medicine, headache Meds, a case of water or water filter bottles, Lysol wipes/spray and/or allergy medication.

The Olivia Staff Feedback: The staff was great and informative.  Many times if I “Looked” lost they would help or assist my wife and I with finding and figuring out where things were or where we were going.  We met many of the staff members and ALL of the staff were beautiful and sweeties to my wife and I.  Love the “Artist” staff and had a blast when staff members invited me to “dance” in the front of the stage before many shows.  One staff member, a beautiful black woman with short hair put my wife and I in FRONT row seats for one of the shows.

For more information go to Olivia Travel

 Jenice

Jenice Armstead with Vicki Shaw, Comic

Jenice Armstead with Vicki Shaw, Comic

Meredith Baxter

Jenice Armstead with Meredith Baxter, Actress

Writing Your Government Resume

Many applicants don’t know how to write a government resume for www.usajobs.gov. There are a few methods for writing and creating a government resume, the first key is to review the major duties of the job announcement. You MUST “mirror” your resume on the major duties and the announcement job description to ensure you have all the information required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are applying for.

It is recommended that applicants create a word document and type your “basic” resume up in the desired format. Once you have your basic resume, make a folder for other more specific resumes you may need to create for positions you may apply for. Once you have your basic resume completed you will be able to edited the basic resume and tailor it toward other positions you wish to apply for.

Second, in order to tailor your resume, it is suggested that applicants use the “major duties” section of the job announcement as a outline for what information to include when completing the application. Basic resume information pre-written will allow for easy transfer of information and it is important to explain in detail how you meet the “major duties” of that particular job announcement. You can do this in bullet format, or in a standard resume format. Either way, you need to custom tailor your resume in order to receive full qualification consideration from the agency advertising the job announcement.

If your basic resume doesn’t state those exact “major duties” you may not be found qualified for the job announcement. Don’t be afraid to contact the point of contact on the job announcement. If there is a number or an email address, you may contact that point of contact to ask about the major duties, job description or to ensure your application was received or not.

The bottom line is to custom your resume toward the job announcement in order to ensure your application receives the attention it deserves. Keep in mind, if you over state your qualifications your application can be discarded or your applicant score could be lowered. Ensure to be honest in answering the applicant questions. The details are key, but exact verbiage is important as well.

Happy Government Job Hunting,
Jenice

Personal Awareness Note

The ability to visualize your self in different situations will assist you in transforming energy from negative to positive instantly.  You can enjoy every single bit of your life, even the difficult times.  You have the authority to keep your joy and have peace in any situation.  The more truth you know, the more you can keep your faith in difficult times.

Jenice

Personal Awareness Note

It is important to know how much you are capable of receiving, for many of you are not very open to accepting anything, although you love to give to others.  If you feel that others do not appreciate what you give them, it is time to take a look at how open you are to receiving from others.  Start the new year off right and appreciate yourself – first.

Jenice

 

10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs – Book Excerpt

The job market has changed; it has changed for the better in many ways. This economy has bounced back from one of the worst economic down falls of this century. The job market is flooded with new job seekers and excellent opportunities for the taking. The need for fresh talent is apparent; the need for new ideas is infectious. New graduates, new job seekers and new ways of understanding this new job market are more concentrated than ever before … these are all apart of the new equations of obtaining employment opportunities for the job seeker.

The federal sector are hiring, let it be clear that the federal sector has created jobs and internships. There are a few things that job seekers must understand about obtaining employment in this federal sector job market. The federal sector is more organized than ever before. The federal sector has gone through a reform of implementing new job hiring practices. The federal sectors new job hiring practices include: the use of extensive interviews, panels of board members, personality tests, demonstration of work knowledge, skills, abilities and job experience.

There are some great ways for job seekers to “stand out” from the competition, but first the job seekers needs to understand what some of the loop holes are when it comes to finding and applying for federal employment in this new job market. Do not be discouraged in this new job market. You are the human capital fabric of the economy.

This new job market requires the creation and use of multiple resumes, live website links to electronic resumes, resume social media sites, job seekers to keep the information up to date at all times, and most of all for the job seekers to have a full understanding of what their “digital finger print” looks like. When I say “digital finger print” I mean, understanding what public information is available for potential employers to search and find on job seekers via the internet. It is good practice to “Google” or look up oneself on the internet to see what information is publicly available for all to view. Just as one would conduct a “Credit Score” clean up, a “digital finger print” is just as important to conduct on a quarterly basis.

Federal government positions are not as difficult to apply for as most believe they are.
Many times there are document requirements, time requirements, and pre-qualifications to read carefully before job seekers can complete the federal government job application. Most federal government job announcements are conducted completely online at www.usajobs.gov. A computer and Internet connection are two initial requirements of the federal hiring process. This may sound like a lot, but in fact once you read this book you will realize that it sounds a lot scarier than it is to complete. The federal sector job hunting experience is all about organization and attention to detail.

You have come to the right place to get your 10 Tips for Applying for Government Job announcements. The federal hiring process is all about due process, time requirements, deadlines and required documents. One of the main keys is to read the entire job announcement applying for. It is a good practice to print the entire job announcement out and use a highlighter to ensure all of the “T’s” are crossed and “I’s” are dotted.

In the government hiring process, entire applications can be completely removed or trashed if the application package is not completed by the candidate, by the deadline. There are not “if, ands or buts,” hiring managers are not legally required to extend deadlines unless there is a viable reason to do so. In most cases, only disabled personnel have this benefit. In this case, the disabled candidate must provide documentation for the disability in receiving an application extension.

These are only a few of the topics that are covered in 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs. This book was created for the job seeker to keep this book on hand to organize, keep track of and provide a greater understanding of the government hiring practice.
This book will start you off in the right direction with giving the job seeker 10 tips for applying for federal government job announcements and positions.

Book Excerpt: 10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs

10TipsForApplyingForGovJobs

Key Training & Education Interview Questions

Training and education are core elements of the job force in this age. Without training and education work experience will only get you so far. With training, education and experience you will practically be handed more opportunities than you will know what to do with. But, inflating education and training accomplishments on your resume will hurt you in the long run. Be honest and factual with what you have been trained on and what you need training in.

Some questions you will be asked: What training have you had other than course in grade school or college? Many applicants are finding that they need additional education and training, but experience goes hand and hand together with education and training. With this question you need to elaborate on any certifications you many have as well as any courses online you have taken as well. Online courses are not frowned on as they once were in the past; in fact more companies realize that employees are more loyal the more education they have.

Interviewers will also ask you: What workshops have you attended? This is a open-ended question that is targeted toward what your specialty is. If you are human resources professional, they will want to know if you have been to any staffing or employee relations workshops, if you are information technology professional they will want to know if you have been to any fiber optic, customer service or trouble shooting workshops. If you haven’t been to any workshops, state that and also state your interest in developing your skills for the benefit of the company.

One of the last questions you WILL be asked is: Do you have any skills that are not listed on your resume or in your application? This is a great way for you to “talk yourself up” this means that you have an opportunity to talk as much about you and your skills and how unique you are. This is your time to shine, so do put every single detail on your resume because it won’t give you as much justice as you would do talking about your own self.

Happy Job Hunting

Jenice

Wisdom Wednesday

You have the ability to “think yourself into a good mood, or a bad mood.”  In my many professional experiences I have met people that have and express negative thoughts.  Recently, I was contracted to work for a company where I was able to communication with many people.  During this job many people “thought” they were not “good enough” and had terrible self-images.

My realization was that many people think the worst about themselves and have low hopes for their future.  At times, being in sales is like being a people therapist … You get their entire story and they want a miracle from you with promises that a product will cure their hurt … But only GOD can do that.

While working this contracted job, I often found myself giving this advice:

True freedom is being able to self-evaluate without self judgment.  Finding self-value in your individualism is priceless.  We all have individual gifts from GOD, don’t compare your gifts to anyone else’s abilities.   It is only by grace that GOD, who gives gifts can you grow and develop in yourself.  Walk in your special grace.  Allowing for others to determine your worth is like an adult getting mad at a child for being hungry, it is preventable.  Know who you are and yourself value will increase.

All the Best,

Jenice

 

Explaining Work Experience

Your work experience will be the first items up for “conversation” after the small talk with a selecting official. They will want to know: Why are you interested in the job? This isn’t a trick question, it’s a question the selecting official really wants to know. Are you looking for a career change? Are you looking for a new position because you were laid off? The key to answering this question is to be honest, don’t give your whole life story – but be honest.

Many government agencies like to know that the applicants have done some research on the organization. So, the next question will likely be: Why are you interested in working for this organization? This is an open ended question that can be short and sweet. You should make some kind of reference to the research you have done on the organization. For example, if you are interviewing for a Fire Fighter position – you could answer with something to the reference of “I am interested in working for this organization because I agree with the mission statement of saving lives and preserving the wild life.” Yes, it is cheesy, but if it’s true you should say it. Again, you need to be as professionally honest as possible. This will also come into handy with the next question: What do you know about the company? You will be able to elaborate on the previous answer you gave about the previous question.

The next question is vitally important: What do you feel you can contribute to this organization? This is a question that you MUST answer with YOU in mind for what YOU can contribute to the company. For many selecting officials this question is a “make or break” factor. If a applicant starts with what they feel they need from a company instead of what they CAN and WILL contribute to a company, the interview will be cut short. The key is to stay focused on what YOU can BRING to the COMPANY, not what you want from the company.

They are a series of questions that are often asked in conjunction with each other: Why did you leave you last job? What would your last employer say about you? Would your last employer re-hire you? And Give me an example of a situation where you had to make a decision? What was the situation? What was the decision? And what was the result. Now, these questions are called “character questions. These are designed to “weed out” the real applicants from those whom have not been so honest during the interview. The best advice I can give is to be honest, have professional examples in mind before the interview and take your time answering the questions. You can ask the selecting official to re-state the questions, you can write the questions down and you have all the time in the world. REMEMBER: YOU are there because they saw something in your resume, phone interview or overall application that they liked.

Happy Job Hunting,

Jenice

Interview Questions that Count

Your work experience will be the first items up for “conversation” after the small talk with a selecting official.  They will want to know:  Why are you interested in the job?  This isn’t a trick question, it’s a question the selecting official really wants to know.  Are you looking for a career change?  Are you looking for a new position because you were laid off?  The key to answering this question is to be honest, don’t give your whole life story – but be honest.

Many government agencies like to know that the applicants have done some research on the organization.  So, the next question will likely be:  Why are you interested in working for this organization?  This is an open ended question that can be short and sweet.  You should make some kind of reference to the research you have done on the organization.  For example, if you are interviewing for a Fire Fighter position – you could answer with something to the reference of “I am interested in working for this organization because I agree with the mission statement of saving lives and preserving the wild life.”  Yes, it is cheesy, but if it’s true you should say it.  Again, you need to be as professionally honest as possible.  This will also come into handy with the next question:  What do you know about the company?  You will be able to elaborate on the previous answer you gave about the previous question.

The next question is vitally important:  What do you feel you can contribute to this organization?  This is a question that you MUST answer with YOU in mind for what YOU can contribute to the company.  For many selecting officials this question is a “make or break” factor.  If an applicant starts with what they feel they need from a company instead of what they CAN and WILL contribute to a company, the interview will be cut short.  The key is to stay focused on what YOU can BRING to the COMPANY, not what you want from the company.

There are a series of questions that are often asked in conjunction with each other:  Why did you leave you last job? What would your last employer say about you?  Would your last employer re-hire you?  And Give me an example of a situation where you had to make a decision?  What was the situation?  What was the decision?  And what was the result.  Now, these questions are called “character questions.”  These are designed to “weed out” the real applicants from those whom have not been so honest during the interview.  The best advice I can give is to be honest, have professional examples in mind before the interview and take your time answering the questions.  You can ask the selecting official to re-state the questions, you can write the questions down and you have all the time in the world.  REMEMBER:  YOU are there because they saw something in your resume, phone interview or overall application that they liked.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to email me

Happy Job Hunting,

Jenice

Two-Cent Tuesday

Interview Like a Pro

Are you looking for more interview guidance that will actually work and get you that job? There are a few key items that must be taken into careful thought. It is important to realize that in today’s job market you must have some type of people skills. You must know how to have a conversation with just about anyone at just about any time. The truth of the matter is that today’s job market is full of unconventional opportunities. You must be ready for any type of interview, at all times. You have to be personable, approachable and presentable at all times.

When I say all times, I mean at ALL times. For example, while shopping for groceries in a super market you could be approached by a random person that strikes up small talk with you, and before you know it you find yourself in a “mini interview” situation. You could even have a small conversation with someone at a gas station. Gas station!? You ask? I say with great affirmation, YES! You could have a “mini interview” even at a gas station. Managers and recruiters are everywhere.

It is a good practice to keep business cards and resumes with you at all times. I have business cards for just about everything, including when I meet a new friend and want to exchange information with them. I have a business card for my academics, photography business and for my personal websites. You must always be ready for the unexpected interview or networking opportunity anywhere, with anyone and in any situation at all times. This is one of the reasons why I have created these easy to use and follow booklets.

With the Pep Talks Book Series, you can be ready at all times. With helpful inside, interview tips and advice, examples and interactive questions to help with the interview process toward getting the position that you have been dreaming of. You have just opened “unseen” doors for yourself, and your interviewing skill sets will improve with using the Pep Talks Book Series.

Book Excerpt: Pep Talks Business Series 

Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions

Pep Talks: Business Series

Knowing What to Look For: Government Positions

The federal job search is not an easy task; to many it can be down right intimidating and most never complete their first application. Federal applications have unfamiliar language and regulations related to them. There are two main elements to look for when applying for federal employment opportunities, and those are “Public” or “Merit” positions. Simply put, “Public” job announcements are those positions whom any United States Citizen may apply for. Keeping in mind, the eligibility and qualification factors. “Merit” job announcements are those positions whom current federal workers, prior federal workers, past federal workers, displaced federal workers, or United States Veterans may apply for.

In the search, you may conduct an advance search for these key works to cut down on wasted time searching threw every federal position on the site. This is a critical element when searching for job announcements, at any given time a job seeker could spend a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a day searching through jobs without using this step to narrow down the job announcements they are eligible for. For instances, if you are looking for a Administrative Officer position, in Tampa, FL go to the “Advance Search” and type in “Administrative Officer, Tampa, Fl, salary range, and public or merit.” This will eliminate all the Administrative Officers that are not in your criteria and save you a ton of time and efforts that could be put toward a different search for more federal employment job opportunities.

Excerpt from: 10 Tips for Apply to Government Jobs

10TipsForApplyingForGovJobs

Welcome Aboard: Feb 1 2014 – Review and Feedback

Olivia Cruise: Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise

The fun started on Feb 1, 2014 with welcome remarks and conversation aboard the Ms. Westerndam, Holland America Line. The cruise left out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Being excited and overwhelmed at the same time, my wife and got to the port early to ensure we had enough time to get our luggage checked in and on the ship. The check-in line was a similar experience to boarding a plane. You have your security check and carry-on luggage inspected. Once past the security point, we were greeted by an Olivia Travel staff member who knew right away we were “First Timers.” She was “bright eyed and bushy tailed” and gave us the best and biggest smile. “You get a Olivia bracelet and you get a bracelet” the Olivia staff greeter said as she placed a bright pink bracelet on my wife and I. She informed us that it was a visual aid for others to help us around during our cruise. We finally made it to the counter and had our photos taken and information verified. You need a credit card for a hold and use on your room key. (SIDE NOTE: Your room key is used as a credit card, be sure to not use a debit.) We were now all checked in and it was off to the ship.

When we “checked aboard” there were women everywhere! It was like we stepped into a Lesbian Vortex! They were smiling, we were smiling and everyone seemed to be instantly changed. We went to the elevator and met another couple that were from our same city and chatted for a bit. Once we got to our room, we check it out and the there was a knock on the door a few minutes later. It was our “Care Giver” Tobi. He informed us that he would be taking care of us for duration of the cruise. If we needed blankets, fresh fruit, information, what ever we needed he was there to make sure we had it for the entire cruise. He informed us of our “mail box” which had some mail in it. Each day, a daily itinerary of the day events would be provided as well as different pieces of lesbian information and magazines.

The Feb 1, itinerary outlined “Today’s Highlights” which included:

Welcome Aboard Party with Vicki Shaw (Comic)
Sail Away Party with DJ Rockaway
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Maya Angelou with (two different show times)

There was also a list of the music, events, lounges and dining options on the ship. The list of all of the dining options included 5 different restaurants and an hour-by-hour outline of other events happening all though the day and night.

Once unpacked, there was another knock at the door and Tobi had a “Happy Honeymoon” cake surprise for us.  You can have surprises pre-arranged to be delivered to your room.  We changed into some more “vacationie” clothes and decided to explore the ship and lounges. We found a piano bar that was simply beautiful. There was a Baby Grand piano and as soon as we sat down we began to chat with other couples and people. After having a few glasses of wine, we decided to do some more exploring and found the shore excursion-booking desk. The staff was helpful and informative.
Later on that night we joined the “Sail Away Party” with the beautiful DJ Rockaway and had a blast. The ship started to sail away and our vacation was finally underway. The first day was a great experience and a smooth transition into the start of our 8-day honeymoon vacation.

Feedback: Olivia Travel has a functional process for new travelers and give many payment options for those that want to plan a Olivia trip. Make sure to ask the staff if there are any specials or discounts on staterooms.

For more information go to Olivia Travel

Jenice Armstead

Dee and Jaye Honeymoon

Olivia Cruise: Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise

Olivia Travel is one of the most exquisite cruises you may ever go on, if you are an open and proud lesbian that is. For those of you that have never heard of Olivia Travel, this is where lesbians go to vacation for all exclusive reasons. Olivia is where lesbians can just be a lesbians with no strings attached (No punt intended). The Olivia Travel charters a ship or entire resort to cater to ALL lesbian women. When I realized this my head nearly popped right off of my shoulders!

My wife and I recently got married and wanted to do something really special to celebrate our new life together. We had been putting off an Olivia Travel cruise for sometime, and wanted to make sure that we were able to enjoy ourselves entirely, financially speaking. When some of our lesbian friends heard we were going on an Olivia Travel cruise we got some “hairy eyeballs” and the “Look of disgust.” To be frank, Olivia Travel Cruises and Resorts are not cheap. In fact, they are double if not triple the cost of your average cruise. But, that is just the point. Olivia Travel is NOT your average cruise you would normally book. There is good reason for the extensive cost.

With an Olivia Travel cruise or resort you are quite literally paying for exclusivity and the able to “Feel Free” as the Olivia Travel phrase states on all of their “first time” travelers pink bracelets. The entertainment is lesbian derived and all port calls are gay-friendly. No need to “fake the funk” with this crowd. Just to be clear, I do NOT work for Olivia Travel nor any affiliated companies. These are merely my opinions from my experiences of my Olivia Travel Cruise. That being said, I figured why not write a short blog about my experiences. Then I thought, one blog wouldn’t be enough. To really get the full effect of the experiences I would have to blog about each and everyday of the cruise.

So, on behalf of all of the women that have never experienced an Olivia Travel trip, I will do a “Day by Day” feedback and review of my experiences on the last Olivia Travel cruise: Feb 1 – 8, Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise. I hope you enjoy my feedback and reviews. Stay tuned for Day 1: Feb 1 Feedback and Review.

For more information go to: Olivia Cruises and Resorts 

All the Best,
Jenice Armstead

Olivia Travel

Olivia Travel