My Week- November 16, 2014: A Significant Week to Remember

I knew the week of November 16, 2014 was going to be busy.  It was perhaps one of the busiest weekends and SIGNIFICANT week for me.  Here is the run-down:

Sunday, November 16th:  
The birthday remembrance of my loving and beloved mother. May God bless her soul....forever. Thanks be to God for my safe travel back from my pharmacology conference in Las Vegas.

Monday, November 17th:  
My new boss started this day.  I know it was overwhelming for her. Since she accepted the position, an organizational change took place, resulting in many new responsibilities for her.  That was unfortunate.  But, she will survive...maybe.

Tuesday, November 18th:  
My first meeting with my new boss.  She is very pleasant.  I actually met her back in June.  Had just returned from Las Vegas, went to a seminar dinner in Schaumburg  and we sat at the same table.  I must have liked her a lot because I gave her one of my business cards.  Amazing!

Wednesday, November 19th:
Had breakfast with my son at iHop up in Waukegan.

Thursday, November 20th:  
Spent the entire day preparing for a HUGE accreditation conference.  I reviewed every point extensively!  I reviewed the self-study report extensively.  I reviewed the accreditation manual extensively!  Whew!  That was a lot of work.

Friday, November 21st:
I celebrated 32 years of motherhood on this day!! Will see my son tomorrow but I did get a chance to chat with him this evening.

Arrived at work at 6am.  Prepared and printed off everything I would need.  Laptop set up so that I could dispatch anything that would be needed.
Conference convened for almost 3 hours.  Every point I prepared for was covered.  I am so happy that I hustled for 18 months.  Everything document, every tool was in place.
I have not had time off for 18 months, so this was a wonderful conclusion for me.  Yes, a conclusion.
During the past 18 months, I successfully engineered and rebuilt 2 units for accreditation.  I did not exhale until yesterday.  I will be taking my time off for holidays, conference time and vacation.  So, I am arranging my conclusion at the workplace now.  The new person starts soon, so I agreed to provide her orientation then depart in or before February.
The workplace has bigger issues in place, but, my mission for 2 accreditation achievements have been achieved and successfully accomplished.

My church had a fantastic 160th Anniversary Dinner event.  What a wonderful way to conclude a busy Friday!

Saturday, November 22nd: 
6:30am- Out super early to FairPlay for grocery shopping.  The Thanksgiving hustle is going o n!

To Waukegan to have lunch with my son and wish him a belated birthday in person.

To the Bouie's home to plan for the Williams 2015 Family Reunion Event.  Robert and Helen prepared such a wonderful fish fry!  We actually accomplished a lot of wonderful planning.  Barb had a nice list of things to do.  So, we are headed in the right direction.

6:30pm- Back home and FEET UP!  Long day!

Yes, everyday was a busy and significant week.  Everything worked out well.

ALL THANKS AND PRAISES BE TO GOD!!!

Stressful Challenges for New Hires!

There is a pretty high turn-over rate in my workplace.  I think it is about 40%.   If that number is accurate, that is too high!

I have a new supervisor starting in a couple of weeks.  The workplace has so many many challenges that after this person accepted the position, a reorganization took place and 2 HUGE departments have been added to that person's responsibilities.  I do not even know if that person is aware of the two new additions.

This happened to me at another workplace.  It was overwhelming.  I resigned twice!  I was out of there after 4 months!!!

I cannot let this happen to the new person at my current workplace.  The new hire needs the job and the organization needs this person.  Some folks feel that the person's problem, not mine!  But, I am not like that as I experienced the EXACT same situation a few years ago.  This new hire will lose sleep, be overwhelmed and frustrated.

So, I have to work on a plan that will also benefit me.  I can help a lot. I can effectively help this person more than any other person at the workplace.   I have to work on a logical strategy.

I am happy that I will be transitioning out in 2015, but I am committed to assisting until I leave.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

 

IOM- Credentialing in Nursing

I just attended a major 2-day IOM workshop in Washington, DC.  The topic was developing research methodologies to measure the effects of credentialing in nursing on patient care outcomes.  The planning committee has been in place for a couple of years.  This was a public forum for final discussions and operationalization of plans to make this a reality.

Attendees were very impressive consisting of the best researchers and scientists in the profession of nursing. Two of my Loyola University graduate professors were there.  Distinguished sponsors included ANCC, National Councils of SBN, special nursing certification organizations, and prominent chief nursing officers.  I am not a researcher or a scientist.  I was there to obtain first hand information of the potential impact on continuing nursing education.  I was invited by ANCC as I am an accreditation appraiser.

Here are my take home points:

• Registered nurses will have to achieve national certification to practice. This has been a successful concept with advanced practice nurses.

• Research is being evaluated and designed to assess the outcomes of patient care rendered by certified RNs.

• Credentialing requirements will go beyond employer mandates... state licensing boards will be brought in a major players in this equation.  

• Licensure = Certification + Continuing Nursing Education to support life long learning. No certification - No RN license.

•  Student nurses must be educated on the importance of certification.  Ha!  As faculty, I ALWAYS discussed this when I taught nursing to RNs and LPNs!  I felt that students must learn early that nursing is a lifelong commitment to ongoing learning and advanced credentials beyond basic licensure!  Oh yeah!!!

Interesting.... a new cohort seems to be evolving... engineers to render care.  This is taking patient care to an all new level!!  WOW!!!

I have two national certifications to support my licenses, professional practice and ongoing edification.  So, I personally welcome this study.  It makes a difference.  I am proud of the quality of care that I rendered to my patients.

The emphasis with IOM and this prominent group of distinguished nurses was not if this should take place but WHEN this will take place.  IOM has spoken!!!  This is going to happen soon!

• First- the movement was the BSN.

• Now- the next step is credentialing.  (In some instances a few speakers used credentialing and certification interchangeably, but there is a difference).

As our country moves toward affordable healthcare, that care will be ensured of a high quality and be delivered by registered nurses who are credentialed in knowledge, skills and attitude. 

This is an exciting and wonderful direction for patients and the nursing profession.

Welcome to the  21st century!

When Worlds Collide

Now that we have arrived into the 21st century, many of us realize we have two worlds.  The real world and and virtual world of the Internet.  I think this is good, but I keep both worlds totally separated and "Never the Twain Shall Meet!".

The Internet world is hidden, anonymous, stealth, and covert. The Internet world is filled with trolls and vicious folks.  But its okay... leave 'em right where they are... right at the computer device.  These folks have long time emotional problems and cannot make logical connections in life.  Hence, when challenged, they reveal a person who is hostile, angry and ignorant.

This happens on many groups where interactions are common and we often have differences in opinions... as we should.  But the vile Internet troll will lash out with anger and hostility.  BUT... this is actually GOOD.  Yes, this is GOOD.  Because now folks can appreciate the importance of never allowing the two worlds to meet.

Often, Internet groups organize "Meet & Greets".  I say... DO NOT DO IT!  DO NOT GO THERE!  Keep those Internet trolls away and always separate from your real world!

Over 20 years ago, healthcare started noticing that newborn babies were very irritated at birth.  School teachers noticed that these children arrived at school with major emotional problems.
 Today, we are noticing an increase in horrible crimes.  Well, these situations show the connection from the "crack babies" of the 1990's to the criminals today.  The same "crack babies" are the criminals online.   Now you want to organize a "Meet & Greet" with folks you never met?

Forget About It!

Let us make sure these worlds do not collide.  I advise folks to be careful about "Meet & Greet" events with Internet folks you never met or worked with in the real world.

The Truthful Facebook Meme

Let me analyze this very truthful Facebook meme.  It is so very straight-forward and truthful.
1. The ability to add as a "friend" is a computer task.  There is no depth to the word "friend" on Facebook. In most instances of 500 to 1000 "friends", you do not even know most of these fiends!  Yes, FIENDS!
2. I am aware that then a Facebook "friend" is seen in person, folks do not even speak to each other.  Remember, it is just a click of a mouse... NOTHING ELSE!
3. Relationships posted only seem perfect. 
4. Text messaging often leads to starting an affair without ever meeting.
5. There are so many liars and hypocrites  on Facebook, it is unbelievable. 
6. This is an ideal venue for enemies to gain insight into your life.  They will not go directly to your timeline... they will view through a "friends" post. 
7. Family and friends HAVE to block, unfriend and ban you!  You give us no choice!
8. We have the right to update what is on our minds, its your call how to interpret... usually you are correct.
9. In most instances, I am indeed talking about you, but in Facebook I never have to admit it.
10. Keep this stuff simple. Most of all, do not post on other folks timeline!

Facebook is really wonderful.  Over the years, I no longer accept all requests for "friends".  I have blocked and fought with too many folks.  So, I limit access nowadays.

I have more to say... but nevermind...

The Importance of Facebook

I have always enjoyed Facebook.  But, yesterday, I really took notice of Facebook's value when connecting with others.  Here's what happened...

My defining characteristic is to connect with friends and colleagues by dinning at a nice restaurant with good food, fine wine, uplifting conversations and photo ops for Facebook.  This is how I roll.

Sitting at home, listening to folks on the telephone whine, wail, and complain is no longer acceptable.  I will no longer engage in that type of situation.  There are psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and church workers who tend to those issues... not me.  Those professionals are not going to listen over the phone.  You have to go in... face to face.  Hence, I will not be used as a short-cut.  I will not engage.

Anyhoo..... I do this dinner thing in so many wonderful ways.  Nursing dinning meetings, conferences and even on my own.  It is important to stay connected with folks in positive ways.

Yesterday, I met my long time friend Sallie at the Glenwood Oaks Rib and Chophouse. We dine out about 3 to 4 times per year.  We are blessed to be able to go to nice restaurants with those beautiful backdrops that permit for uplifting, engaging conversations over good food and fine wine.  The ambiance is so nice, we do this more and more frequently.

Whenever I go out, I take photos to share on Facebook.  It is important for folks to see quality friendships and positive spins on life.

Last night, I uploaded photos from the evening dinning, and a colleague recognized my friend!!!  They both are in the same union!!!!  Now, I envision this little group growing to a party of three.  Both are hard workers, long time friends of mine and are both positive folks!  This is great!!!

Had it not been for the photo-sharing on Facebook, this connection would have never been known!

SWA flight instructions MDW to DCA

August 2014 SWA MDW to DCA

The Art of Active Listening

Yesterday, a co-worker provided me with a 1:1 training on a survey system called Qualtrics.  I am so very smart!  I kept my mouth shut and actively LISTENED to my co-worker.  Most folks cannot do that.  They just have to run their mouth non-stop!

It is not often that I am trained on a concept.  BUT, when those rare opportunities present, I keep my mouth shut and I listen!  Then, after the training session, I went directly to the software to test and apply my new knowledge.

It worked!  It worked BIG TIME!!!!

In a 24-hour period, I successfully achieved proficiency with a complex system.

For most of my career in nursing.  I have been responsible for training and teaching others.  Most folks are idiots.  They cannot shut up!  They just have to run their big fat mouth instead of listening!  Hence, the knuckleheads struggle. 

Rule #1 and perhaps the ONLY rule....
When you are being trained... SHUT UP YOUR BIG FAT MOUTH and listen to your trainer!

Enough said.

Jul 17, 2014

Southwest depart McCarran - May 2014

Southwest landing at MDW - May 2014

SWA takeoff from MDW June 2014

MCO to MDW 7-17-2014

SWA MDW to Orlando

Managing Events on a Shoestring Budget

I am very frugal! I am a cautious and very careful spender. This year, I hosted two party events... but on a very careful shoestring budget. I had a lot of fun and success with both events. Here is how I handled them.

My Birthday Event

#1- Shopping done at Hobo in Waukegan, Illinois. Low cost store with Waukegan taxes being lower than Chicago. I purchased enough party items to last for two events.

#2- Food items were purchased at Walmart, in Waukegan and Hammond, Indiana.  Fresh produce purchased at FairPlay Foods. Prices cannot be beat!!

#3- Main entree was pizza from my favorite Damenzo's!  Good amount of sausage and nice sized pizza.

Janine's Birthday Event

#1- Less than $5 spent on party supplies as I still had items left over from my Hobo purchases.

#2-Food items from Walmart and/or FairPlay Foods.

Both events were fantastic with a wonderful quality on  carried out on a shoestring budget.    Here's a peek....

June 2014- My Birthday Month

June 2014 has been such a wonderful birthday month!  I am truly blessed. I am thankful. I just celebrated my birthday yesterday, Thursday, June 19th. 

Yesterday was special for so many reasons:

•      My day of birth

•      Juneteenth

•      National Martini Day

•      The last full day of Spring

This is how I celebrated my very busy June 19th  birthday:

• I was up early doing some work.  Getting ready for a big accreditation.

• Big time 30-minute powerwalk.

• I went into the office briefly to clear some items... no biggie.

• Headed to RCN to replace all of my old beaten down remotes! Now, that was a nice gift from me to me! LOL! I am just loving my new remotes!!!

• Then I headed out to Bronzeville to visit my sister.

• Then out to my favorite Walmart in Hammond, Ind and more fun while out there.

• Chatted with my son.

• Took care of all of my wonderful "Thank you's" on Facebook. It was so nice to receive all of the birthday messages. Had to take the time connect with everyone individually!

The weather was nice, warm, balmy, sunny and some rain. What a fabulous June weather day!

However, I now celebrate my birthday the entire month of June. This is how:

• Nice dinner program at the Hilton Chicago

• Nice dinner at the InterContinental Hotel on the Magnificent Mile

• Hosted fellowship at church.

• Jetted off to fabulous Las Vegas for 3 nights at Planet Hollywood.

• Attended a nice dinner at Morton's The Steakhouse in Naperville

• Had a small wonderful birthday luncheon with family and close friends where I served fine wines and pizza.

I have busy weekend coming up.  The upcoming week seems to wind down with one or two events and this wonderful birthday month of June comes to an end.

In conclusion, as I reflect on my life and birthday milestone, I am so very blessed and thankful.

• I continue a fitness program, that most folks my half my age could not even envision or consider.

• I am able to critically think, strategically plan and contribute to the success of my employer.

• I have a wonderful family, immediate and extended. So nice to see folks at my intimate gathering.

• I am thankful to be an active deacon in my church to help my pastor and others share the Good News of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• I enjoy the balance of hard work and entertainment in my life. All work and no play makes Jan a BORE!!

• I appreciate the opportunities to travel extensively. Even  though it is solo travel, I am so skilled at that no-hassle approach.

• I am so thankful to be a registered nurse.  I always wanted to be an RN ever since I was a young little girl.

• I am happy to be a mother and have that important focus in my life.

• I am thankful for my roots in public housing. Our residence in Loomis Courts was wonderful.  I did not even know we were poor! I had wonderful friends from the area and Medill School.  We were driven!!!!  We knew education was the key to success! That area connected me to my life long churchand being a Lutheran for my entire life.  I am happy to be an original resident in the new Hilliard Homes.  We all were a unique and wonderful group of Chicagoans.

• I am happy for my current place in life. Nothing extravagant, just middle class, good security in my condo, nice neighborhood, ideal location and very pleasant.  But again, this is Chicago and I am always on the alert and vigilant.

• I am happy for the Internet connections.  Yes, Facebook has connected me to many folks I would have never reconnected.  I see a lot on Facebook.  Facebook reveals a lot of personalities while allowing for safe distancing.  I am learning a lot through others on Facebook.

Now it is time for me to open all of my birthday gifts and cards.

The Virtual Reality of Social Media

Interactions on social media are booming. Facebook is THE main social media network.  Facebook is an online community with a blend of reality and virtual reality.

The virtual component is an evolving big time problem.  Virtual is very close to being something without being it; existing or occurring on computes or on the Internet. Hence, the virtual component is not an actual reality. The Internet facilitates an unnatural movement or intrusion into an inaccessible or uninvited reality.

Now, with Facebook, there are "Bookers" and "Lookers".  This is great and oftentimes a lot of fun.  "Facebookers" are those who post regular updates, "memes", photos, likes and comments. 

Facebookers are indeed engaging and put the fun in Facebook. Then are are "Facebook-Lookers".  Essentially with Facebook-Lookers, there is no problem. For many reasons, these folks prefer a voyeurism role in just reading others updates, comments and such. As long as the "Lookers" are only looking in a passive role, then there is no problem at all.  The worlds of Facebookers and Facebook-lookers can or should peacefully co-exist.

But, there is a one more element.  This is what I call the Facebook-Intruders.  The group of problematic folks go through Facebook timelines watching, looking and snooping. Then, they bring into  the virtual world issues from their sad reality.

Now, I enjoy "looking" on the virtual world of Facebook because in reality, I am a people watcher. I enjoy the photos and such, will do a "like" and move on.  I NEVER take my reality into another person's virtual or real world / life through the conduit of Facebook.  That would be intrusive and I am not a Facebook-Intruder.

However, this type of intrusion has been taking place with an increased frequency. I am disappointed... but I am in control of this situation.  For the past year, I have been effectively using the wonderful tools provided by Facebook and my own common sense approaches. Check them out.

Prevention

• Never accept "neighbors" as Facebook Friends.  They are just too close for comfort.  They sit back and watch your every move online, then verify in the real world.  Like going on vacations and such. 

• If someone makes an uncomfortable comment regarding your Facebook update, do not argue, just use the privacy control setting to manage this nuisance.

• Do not go on Facebook, ranting about an offense.  Just, block or use the privacy control setting.

• Beware of all "private or Inbox messages".  It is usually a covert approach to ask for a favor.

• It is okay to accept total strangers as a Facebook friend, but, if they send a private message shortly thereafter, just Unfriend then follow through with the important BLOCK.

Additional recommendations:

#1- Limit privacy setting to Friends only.
#2- Never reply to questions.  I know what I post, you do not need to know anything else.. so go back into your world.
#3- Unfriend folks who are intrusive, then follow through with the BLOCK!
#4- Create a "custom" privacy setting; thereby effectively limiting certain "friends" from viewing any updates, but not necessarily a block.
#5- Beware of "Inbox or Private Messages" being transmitted through Facebook.  Usually the person is ashamed about the message and uses this private route. 

Finally, in reading this blog, if you are offended, I advise you to Unfriend me, then follow through with a BLOCK.  Its okay.

Avoid Chatting with Strangers During Air Travel

JUST DON'T DO IT!  Shut Up! 

Some years ago during a 3 hour flight to fabulous Las Vegas, a woman and her husband sat next to me. This rude woman ran her motor mouth to me as soon as she boarded. I had never met this woman before in my life!  Years later, I still wonder why she talked incessantly to me, instead of her husband!  That is her husband's job to listen to her motor mouth!

Well, halfway through the flight, she got up to use the bathroom.  Her husband then sat next to me.  Ahhh... very pleasant.  When the woman returned, she fidgeted in her aisle seat so much, her husband then changed seats and the bitch started running her mother mouth to me again about some nonsense bullshit!

I have experienced other situations, but not so extreme.  I have encountered folks who start up their motor mouth during decent and run their mouth nonstop until landing 20 minutes later.

These have been such awful experiences that I decided I would never let that happen to me again!  Some fellow travelers are too inconsiderate, disrespectful, self-centered, rude and TOO STUPID to shut up!  They are so pathetically lonely that they feel that during the restricted plane ride, they have other folks' unconditional attention for a few hours.  Well when it comes to me, that is a LIE!

Since that flight many years ago, I made it policy to NEVER SPEAK to fellow passengers. The most that I say is... "Is that seat taken?" My brother, Jon Williams, advised me to always take my iPod, so when the adjacent passenger starts yacking, just wave them off and put the earplugs in.

I just returned from a flight last week... 3 hours from Las Vegas.  I actually started having a little sympathy for fellow passengers.  Maybe I was being too cold, insensitive, unnecessarily stoic and too standoffish to fellow passengers.  I was thinking, maybe I should lighten up.  But yesterday, I read a former co-worker's Facebook update regarding the obnoxious passenger she experienced!  It was awful!   

So, I will maintain my long-standing policy.  Do Not Allow Fellow Passengers to Say Anything to Me During Travel!  My policy is the right thing to do!  Conversations are 2-way exchanges.  I do not give strangers the right to yack to me non-stop.  If I do not engage, then shut up!!!!

Here is a 5-point breakdown of my air travel  policy.  I advise others to adapt/adopt it as well.

#1- Be prepared.  Always have your earplugs / headset.

#2- Avoid eye contact or smiling with the adjacent passenger.  If you have a long flight and give that signal to chat... you will NOT be able to stop the motor mouth once it stops.

#3- Do not hesitate to use the "hand-wave".  The "hand-wave" is a nice and nasty, but polite gesture that means, SHUT UP!

#4- If you stay firm by not engaging and the chatter continues, you may have to ask... "Are you talking to me?"  After that, do not answer!  Just shrug your shoulder!

#5- DO NOT START SOMETHING THAT CANNOT  BE STOPPED! Do not engage!!!!!

So what if you hurt their feelings!  Big deal!  They are strangers anyway!  You probably will never meet them again.

Here are two possible outcomes, #1 you will have an annoying flight or #2 you will offend and hurt an intrusive stranger's feelings.

 Remember, it is your choice, your decision.  There are no in between options.

My advice:  Enjoy Your Flight; Don't Be Polite!

Southwest from MDW April 2014

Southwest depart McCarran - May 2014

Southwest landing at MDW - May 2014

Busy Good Friday 2014

Super busy Good Friday 2014 from dawn to dark!!
I was up pre-dawn promoting Good Friday Tenebrae service at my church.

Then, it was off to work.  First time in 2014 that I took public transportation to work.  The Polar Vortex was horrible in Chicago, plus we got hit with a lot of snow, so rail transit was not reliable.  So, I drove to work when I had to go into the office.

My Ventra card did not register.  Luckily I had exact change for the bus rides.  Was able to resolve this issue once I got to work.  Ventra has excellent customer service.

The commute was really great!  Buses on time and wonderful connections to Ogilvie Transportation Center.  Stopped at the Corner Bakery for my coffee.  Cafe opens at 6am. but workers were slow and late.  So, just as I started taking photos of their delayed opening, they invited me in and did not charge me for my coffee.  Wonderful customer service!!!

Nice ride to Des Plaines with a brisk walk to work.  Busy day at work and I accomplished a lot.  I even had time to do Spring cleaning.  Cleared out a lot of papers accumulated in my almost one year.

Nice commute back to Chicago.  Metra was on time!

Salad for dinner.  Potato chips and Pinot Noir for snack... LOL!

Was super tired... slept for 5 hours.

Tomorrow dinner will be shushi!  YEAH!!!

Southwest 737 Jan 1, 2014

Southwest Take off from Houston Texas

Southwest take off Phoenix Mar 9, 2014

Southwest Take off from Midway NewYear 2014

American Eagle take off Huntsville

Take Off from ORD American Eagle

First Day of Spring 2014 - A Reflection of a Brutal Winter!

Ahhh... Spring has finally arrived after a very brutal Chicago winter!  The winter of 2013-2014 was one of the worse ever!

I traveled to warmer climates during this winter as I attended and worked two conferences in Las Vegas and Phoenix.

I guess I am a true Chicagoan.  While in Vegas, my plane had to return to the gate because Midway Airport was FROZEN SHUT!!  The Polar Vortex hit Chicago big time.  Even though I was in the much warmer weather in Las Vegas, I felt guilty that I was not back home with family and friends enduring that bitter cold weather.  I never flaunted that I was in a warmer climate. I felt so bad for everyone back home.  It was good to return home.  I was even elated when my car started after 8 days in Midway's parking lot.

A few weeks ago, I while in Phoenix the temperature was in the 80's.  It was not so bad in Chicago, but once again, I did not flaunt the warmer climate.  It was good to go back my Sweet Home Chicago.

As I reflect on that Polar Vortex of a winter season, I accomplished quite a bit!  This is what happened:
Totally revised and enhanced a full unit at work.  I still do not know how I accomplished that task with all new staff!  But, new minds, open minds are receptive minds.

I revised and improved a full major educational product.  It was awful when I received it.  Now it is great!

I revised a premiere product, but the workplace does not know how to implement projects.  It is amazing how untalented folks are in their work roles from so many different perspectives. This is really sad.

But, I attended and worked (big time) my employer's annual leadership conference and I gave 2 presentations.

My little dysfunctional family unit has been altered forever and is still evolving.  Will hope and pray for the best in this unfortunate matter.

I planned many events during the winter as I look forward to my milestone:
Vegas- me time.
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction (attend) for my first cousin.
CNE seminar by ONA.
Birthday celebration.
Birthday fun in Vegas.
ANCC Conference
Indianapolis conference

That is the thing about bad winter weather... I always plan out of town trips for when the weather improves!

I started a new hobby in January 2014!  I now video take off and and landing now that electronic devices are allowed to remain on.  I was probably the first to every do so!  Yea me!! HA!

I had nice evenings out during the winter:
Jon's Birthday Party at Papadeaux - very nice of Jon's Karen to organize!  So sweet of her to pull all of us together.  It was a very snowing evening and we had so much fun!

Spent time with Shanne... who I had not seen in years.  Thank goodness for Facebook for connecting folks!

Enjoyed a "Girls Day at Reza".  Shanne, Beans and I had fun there a few Saturdays ago.

Time change at church- back to our traditional 10:30am start time.  This gives me more free time on my precious Sunday afternoons.

I self-taught myself how to create online forms.  WHAT A FEAT!!!!! Most "secretaries" do not even know how to do that.

In summary, the winter weather was horrible, but my life was overall productive, balanced and blessed.

Thanks be to God!

Good Bye Good Riddance Wabash YMCA

This bitter cold morning, I was up early working and sipping coffee.  Since there is not much snow, I decided to workout at the YMCA.  Well, when I got there, only 2 treadmills were working.  The "out of service" signs were so well printed, I figured, they were skilled at printing off those signs!  Machines must be broke a whole lot!

Anyway, instead of waiting, I decided to go to the Southside YMCA.  Well, they told me I could not work out there as my membership was with the Wabash YMCA, but after making a call, they let me in.  Up until this year, one could go to any YMCA with membership.  Okay.. fuck 'em!

So, I guess I am stuck at a dilapidated YMCA... BULLSHIT!!!  I just finished writing my letter to stop my membership.  So after over 11 years of loyalty, I am out of that dump!

I know there is a new LA Fitness Center opening up near me, but, that too will be run by a bunch of lazy niggas.  I ain't dealing with another group of lazy shiftless niggas who don't give a shit about keeping workout equipment in order.

However, I may have to go a little further north, as I do have a fitness center in mind with good parking and many treadmills.

Since the weather is getting better, I can hold off of indoor workouts for a while.

At a certain age, having a fitness center membership is not an option.  We have to get and stay cardiovascular toned.

But for now, I say.... FUCK THE YMCA!

Work Life Balance

Yesterday, I arrived to work with a notice of my last day.  During the morning, it was mentioned that staff must create a balance with work life.  Too much time was being spent being "remote" and such.  Well, that is me!  So, later, at my meeting with my supervisor, I provided all of my accomplishments followed by my last day. 

My supervisor so pleasantly asked me to give the organization more time.  Upper leadership is fully aware of all of my time and work and are not concerned.

I promptly scratched out my last day to work.

They like me and I like them.

2013 - Whew!

Swedish Memorial
Norwegian American
Northwestern Memorial
St. Mary of Nazareth
Madden
Chicago Read
Choate

Too much. 

I Am A Designer!

No joking!  Today I became a designer.  Not a clothing designer, but a forms designer.  That is quite an accomplishment!

Back in 2011, a young lady worked for me.  She was absolutely excellent with Word.  She designed and created all of my forms.  She never told me how she created forms, she just did it.  Smart young lady who did not give away her trade.

Okay, fast forward 3 years later, new workplace, more forms, and no one knows how to design forms!  During interviews, of course all candidates knew "something" about designing forms.  NOT!!!

I have a Word training class coming up next week.  I figured the instructors will teach me.  But, I thought about it more and decided... I better know how to design forms BEFORE this class!

So, I spent this afternoon / evening learning how to design forms... on my own.

EUREKA!!!  I made some connections this afternoon and finally, I successfully self taught myself the basics.  I will master this skill with creative business form designs before March 2014.

I'm on it!!!

Not too many folks know how to design business forms.  Just like my little outstanding employee back in 2011... I think I will not share this newly acquired self-taught trade.

So, that's the good side of today.  The down side of my day today, is that my son was transferred to a development center in Southern Illinois today.  So very far away.  I am so sad.  But, I am told that he this is an excellent facility.  But, I'm still sad... so far away.

End of January 2014

I had been working on a huge accreditation report for my employer since I was hired. Yesterday was THE BIG accreditation day. A HUGE day!

I arrived at work extra early to set things up. Picked up Dunkin Donuts help ease a tense day for everyone.  But, I got to work too too early.  Had to wait in my car for 30 minutes until security timer off door entrance.

The accreditation conference lasted 3 hours.  I worked so very hard for the past 8 months to ensure a successful accreditation.  It is so important to put the effort, quality and labor into work responsibilities.... Good work ethics and commitment to excellence....WILL GIVE A GOOD PAYOFF (not money, but sense of accomplishment)  and you'll feel good and be proud of the accomplishments!!!

The appraisers were the best, sharp and extremely knowledgeable.  Everyone was pleased, I was relieved.

After the conference, we enjoyed a nice lunch from Panera and I was out of the building before noon!  I took home all the yummy salad so no need for me to cook this snowy weekend!

Drove home in very light traffic and clear weather conditions in about 20 minutes.

Got home in time to watch Maury and took a well deserved nap!

Back up at 4pm - headed downtown to have dinner with my long term childhood friend Sallie Lemon-Oliver at Lawry's Prime Rib.... they make the BEST prime rib!!!  Nice dinner, nice cocktail, nice Pinot Noir and great catch up conversations.

Good bus service back home.

What a full, rewarding, and wonderful last day of January 2014!!!  WHEW!!!
 

January 2014

Happy New Year and what a month!!!!
I jetted off to fabulous Las Vegas on the 1st.  It was a nice quiet drive to the airport at predawn. It started snowing heavy while the plane was being boarded. Long lines of planes waiting to be de-iced.  No planes were landing!  It was nice to soar over the thick clouds over Chicago!!

The weather was nice in Vegas, check in to the grand MGM Grand was nice, no long wait, got my reserved room fast.

Conference next day was fine. Full conference was pleasant.

Okay, time to go home on Monday and I'm hearing nothing except this Polar Vortex freezing out my dear Chicago!

Tuesday - great connections to McCarran.  Plane taxing for take-off.  Good bye fabulous sunny Las Vegas!  Wait!!!!  Why is this plane making turns????  Why are we not taking off??? Hey!!!  What is going on???  Captain announced that Midway is frozen and we are now back at the gate. After 1 hour of waiting, Southwest cancelled the flight. STRANDED!

I was able to get my luggage, rebooked a flight for 2 days later.  Booked a room at the Quad from McCarran.  no wait at check in. Next couple of days quiet at the Quad.

Okay, Thursday, check out, back to McCarran.  Now, I'm worried about my car that has sat at Midway for 8 frozen days!

Nice flight, one stop in Houston, no plane change.

No problems with my wonderful car.

Ironically, my job headquarter was closed due to weather!!

It was wonderful to be back home!!