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!