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!