First Work Week 2013

This first work week with my new employer was very interesting.  My new workplace is very professional and business focused.  Employees are professional, hard workers and proud of their work.
Here is what happened my first work week...
Monday- Drove in, what a mess!  Traffic was horribly backed up.What a nightmare.  Once at work, things were better.  Excellent orientation, nice office, excellent technology, nice aesthetics in building and very pleasant co-workers. Team took me out to a Tai restaurant for lunch.
Tuesday- I took CTA and Metra to work... walked 1/2 mile from train to office.  Nice quick brisk 10 minute walk.
Wednesday- Orientation meetings continued, enjoying the train ride to work.
Thursday- Lot of work done!!!  Pleasant train ride... but quite cold outside!

This is the first time in my career that I needed to take a train to work.  But, it is worth it to travel to a very professional work place!  Plus, I am saving a lot of wear and tear on my car!!!

I am the ANCC Lead Nurse Planner and Nurse Peer Review Leader for continuing nursing education.

Mother's Day 2013 - My Weekend in Review

Mother's Day 2013 was a bit different for me as compared to previous years.  It was quiet, serene and without all of the hustle and bustle. It was relaxing and enjoyable.

I was up early, drinking coffee and working on a major report, final product looked pretty good.  No church for me.  I have not been to church on Mother's Day since my beloved mother passed away.  I am not quite ready for that.  Let those with mothers celebrate as I had done for over 50 years.

No sulking here.  Received nice text messages from family members and friends.  Prepared grocery list for a fancy breakfast casserole I will be making for a Saturday event. Rented a Google video, which I promptly fell asleep on (Why do I keep wasting my money?  LOL)


To FairPlay for groceries on this cold Sunday afternoon, then visited my sister Janine, had a nice time with niece Jillian as well.  Returned home to prepared dinner... a simple garden salad and baked chicken wings. My brother Jon came over for dinner and cocktails.

But this was really a nice Mother's Day weekend.  I visit my son Jarrell on Saturday and later took my youngest nephew Drew out for a belated birthday dinner at The Boundary in Wicker Park.

So, in reflection, I made nice family rounds on this Mother's Day weekend.  I did not get a chance to see Jerald and Jamelle, but I did get a nice early morning text from their dad / my brother Jerome.

So it was a nice weekend... peaceful, quiet, connected and reflective.

Facebook Family Timeline Report Card

For about a couple of years now, we have finally formed our own Facebook personality.  Hence, it is time for me to grade the Facebook Timeline of my family members.






This evaluation is based on the following rubric:
          Presence:  Are updates present?
          Variety:  Are there multiple postings?  Blogs, photos, newsclips, etc.
          Junk: Games, applications... other stuff that does not interest others.
          Current:  Are updates timely?

Facebook Timeline Report Card

     Janet Williams Crawford (me):  A+ (Excellent variety and informative)
     Jamelle Robert Williams: A- (Nice updates, too much emphasis on sports)
     Andrew Williams: B (Nice but not enough photos)
     Jonathan Williams:  C (Nice photos, but updates decreasing)
     Jerald Williams: D+ (Lacks regularly consistent updates)
     Jillian Sneed:  D- (No updates)

Why I Am Enjoying My iPhone 5 - Let Me Count The Ways

 I am so happy that I made the switch from BlackBerry to the iPhone 5.  I was a long time BlackBerry enthusiast for many years... I am old school, I do not like switching stuff.   But starting last year, it seemed that RIM no longer ensured the fine quality support.  I was unable to add contacts, no Facebook, calendar did not maintain history and I could not update new email accounts.  So, I made the switch this month.

Let me know list why I am just luv'n this newfangled gadget:
1. My iPhone actually taught me how to get better use out of my iPad.  I just realized I can configure many email accounts into my iPad!

2. It is a valuable "office assistant" to me.  Really ideal for business solutions!  I am alerted to incoming emails and upcoming appointments/events.

3. Time Management.  When I arrive early to anything, I can just sit back, play my games and before I know it's time for whatever.

4. GPS.  My iPhone is powerful.  No lengthy waiting for navigation and tracking location.  My iPhone is ON IT FAST!

5. Utilities.  All of my contacts are easy to access.

6.  Notepad.  I always use this extensively for taking quick notes.


7. Games Games and More Games.  Need I say more????

8.  Apps!  The many options with iPhone applications is fantastic!

9. Camera.  I love taking and sharing photos.  I just discovered my iPhone camera has a flash!  YES!!!  It is easy to upload photos to Instagram (I just registered) and Facebook.

10. Expeditious Communications:  So many options!  Email, instant messaging, telephone and Facetime.

11.  Design Cases:  Kim Kardashian's floral gown is the same pattern as my nice iPhone case!  See below photo.

12. Right Sized Cover Case.  I know me.  I got a perfect case to contain and protect my iPhone.  No leaky ink on my iPhone!  LOL!

13. Screen.  Nice size screen, no problems visualizing anything.

14. On screen keyboard.  This is the way to go, no little buttons to deal with for typing.

15. Light-weight.  The iPhone 5 is light weight, fits perfectly in my purse and pockets.

I know I have and will identify more.  But, this is a nice start after just one week of use!!!

I'm luv'n it!!!