My Mission & Vision Reflections for the New Year

Happy New Year!  I am glad you have taken the time to check out my personal views for 2017.  I do not do New Year's resolutions, instead, I reflect on the realities of the previous year as I plan to enhance my life in this 2017 new year. So... here are my reflections of 10 points of vision that I am so very pleased with in 2016 and my mission in 2017...

1. Give all praises and thanks be to God. This is always first and foremost.  It is my hope that I truly live the life as a good Christian.

2. Be the good mother.  Motherhood is a blessing that I do not take for granted. I was so very blessed to have had a good mother and I hope that I am a good mother.

3. Walking for fitness and wellness.  I did my daily walking with my Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker. In most of the 52 weeks in 2016, I met the standard fitness goal of at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Thanks be to God! I look forward to continuing this vigorous fitness goal.

4. Healthy meal plans. Freshly cooked veggies is the way to go. I enjoy the cooking / chefs shows and have learned how to cook veggies.  Fennel, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans have been the stars in my kitchen!

5. Rest, relaxation in Las Vegas. I continue my strong enjoyment passion for fabulous Las Vegas.

6. Commitment to quality nursing education. I am a good teacher. I always wanted to be an RN and a teacher. Through the good and loving grace of God, I have been blessed to be a nurse educator for many years.  I dedicate a lot of time to developing fine quality lesson plans.Hence, I proudly strut as the "Sage on the Stage", where my goal is for students to learn and be successful registered professional nurses.

7. Actively contribute to the ministry and outreach of FILC. I have a wonderful pastor. I am still so excited about being a deacon today was I was when first appointed and installed.

8. Commit to my personal local recreational activities. I have attended many solo events. I carefully review and select the right venue. 2016 was great and I plan to do more.  If I waited for others, I would NEVER have any type of social life. I plan to do everything solo in 2017.  I am not really up to the fiasco of planning for others.  I just do me. And I am happy.
2017 Solo Plans:  Chicago Auto Show, Loyola alumni events, Chicago Wine fest, other appropriate wine and craft beer events, theater and much much more!!!!

9. Continue my social media soapbox. I just love espousing my personal views on Facebook.  But, I do this on my OWN Timeline and within my closed groups.  Planet Janet is outrageous.  Lots of good, tolerant members are there.  I thank them for their membership. I will also continue to perform my reviews of retailers.  Social media is an excellent venue to do this.  But, I am very careful. I have my rules. My goal is to avoid giving poor reviews.  A retailer has to be very lousy in order to get a poor review from me.  I back up all of my truthful findings.  I do not allow myself to be bribed. But. I believe in atonement. Actually, all of my reviews for 2016 were pretty good. I also read reviews and I avoid patronage to venues with poor reviews.

10. Remain supportive of my preferred charities. My accountant advised me to be supportive of my church 40 years go.  I have been an obedient client for 40 years.


Happy New Year!!!!

Shut Up!!

Most folks lack social skills. Folks have never learned the art of holding an engaging conversation. Instead, people run their mouth excessively. They spew out nonsense through that hole in their face.

Yesterday while at a casino, a male janitor started chatting with me. I do not know him.  Did not want to chat with him. But, anyway, he started to talk about Trump.  This man has no business talking politics to strangers.  Just do your work. SHUT UP!!!

On my way out, I rode the elevator with a woman. She started talking about her bottled water.  Yeah... as if I was interested. SHUT UP!!

I was at a work meeting and someone attempted to chat with me, but I ignored that person as much as possible.  I am at the meeting to get important information, not to engage in side chats. SHUT UP!!!

Listen up... Just say, "Hello" or "Good morning" or just do not say anything!!!! You have nothing to say, so SHUT UP!!!!

The Real Deal of Trump's Presidency

Trump will probably be a 1-term president.  Not that he will not get re-elected, but he does not want to spend more than 4 years away from his business interests... which he has dedicated his entire life.  This presidency thing is stmply an annoying 3-year interruption.  I anticipate he has to do the following:

#1- Use the next 4 years as POTUS to strengthen the business entity of Trump, Inc.

#2- Trump's bottom line will prosper for at least 3 future generations of Trumpsters. Its all about him and his family.  He will change laws to meet this end.

#3- Pence will run for POTUS in 4 years, so he will have to be super careful. Trump will violate all kinds of laws while POTUS, BUT, a President Pence will pardon Trump.  Hence, Trump will break laws, but never serve jail time.

#4- Trump will completely seal the full deal with "The Art of the Deal, part 2:  How I conquered the USA... and You Can Too"  This will be a NY Times bestseller.  He will make MILLION$ on this book deal!

#5- Trump will make amends with the news media and press. Trump is a NY business man and values the importance of good press and news coverage.

So, in his presidential campaign, he had to tell the deplorables what they wanted to hear so that they would vote for him.  This was his art.  His art of the deal.  He sealed the deal.  Now, he is forever done with his loyal, but poorly educated, low life, rural ignorant stupid supporters.

About That Kim Kardashian Robbery in Paris

I like Kim Kardashian.  I have been watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians since it first aired on E! I enjoyed ti "insight" into the lives of the rich and famous.  Kim Kardashian is a reality show queen. She successfully and effectively maintains a strong connection to her fan base through social media.
Kim and her public relations team must re-strategize.  She is walking a fine tight-rope.  She has to continue to satisfy her fan base while being sensible about her safety and security.  This is a mean, vicious and hateful world. What happened to Kim, never should have taken place. But, Kim and her folks may have gotten a bit too lax. If her folks are smart... they should be able to continue Kim's big time social media presence, while maintaining good protection and security.  This is doable.  

Folks are jealous of Kim's beauty, success, fame, riches and A-List celebrity status. So, Kim has to re-stratigize for a smart social media presence appropriate for her A-List celebrity status.

Here are my suggestions:
1. Kim can never be without her armed personal bodyguard.
She has a lot of money and will need to pay for that protection.  She is an A-List celebrity.

2. Continue with the social media exposure- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat and her personal webpage.  She must continue to give her fan base the exposure that they seek.  DO NOT HOLD BACK.

3. Create a care time-lag with posts.  She may not want to do the instant and real time social media stuff. Instead, focus on what she did... like with a 3 hour lag, especially when she is alone.

Most of what I stated is common sense for must of us.  But, with A-list celebrities, many of them must promote their brand big time. 

That Annoying Motor Mouth Passenger

During my usual solo travel to Vegas this week, I noticed a preventable motor-mouth encounter.  Here's what happened...

On the flight back home, I spotted my perfect open window seat.  A lonely woman was in the aisle seat and started telling me about her pelvic fracture, that I was not interested in hearing about.  So, she continued to run her mouth.  BUT, I never engaged.  I promptly implemented OPERATION KIKI!  A successful strategy taught to me by my brother.  I promptly took out my earphones, connected it to my iPad and successfully blocked motor mouth from talking to me.  YES!!!

The flight was 100% full, so a woman sat in the middle seat.  The motor mouth passenger talked to and at this woman for the entire 3 hour flight. SHE YACKED AND RAN HER MOTOR-MOUTH NONSTOP FOR 3 FULL HOURS!!!!

With a 3 hour flight, that is an ideal time to get a good nap, rest and plan out a day...quietly.

The middle-seated woman made a mistake. She started chatting with the motor-mouth early in the flight. Subsequently, she rendered herself captive for 3 full hours.

Motor mouth folks are self-centered, intrusive, disrespectful and egocentric.  No conversations took place.  Communication is one-sided.  Motor mouth was in control and met her personal lonely needs.  They are seeking that audience where they can control that releasing therapy to the poor captive.

When we deplaned, the middle passenger complained about the motor mouth.  I asked, "Where were your earphones?"  She said she did not want to offend the motor mouth.  Well, in my opinion, then do not complain.

With travel, either you will be controlled or you will be in control of your travel experience.  Here are my rules for a decent travel experience.
1. Be aware of potential motor-mouth passengers.
2. Always carry your headset.
3. Do not engage in conversation... just be decent, speak, then attach your headset.
4. Then sit back, play your games, listen to music and enjoy your flight.

My Summer of 2016

Summers are special.  I believe that even when working, it is important to view the summer months as time for recreation and fun time! So, as yesterday was the end of  summer, I invite folks to check out my end of summer report.  Its like the school time.... so, what did you do this summer... report.

I enjoyed summer of 2016.  Nothing super fancy; instead, I enjoyed some traveling and time with family and long time friends. Here is a quick list.  For more photos and details, visit my Facebook timeline.

• Great time at a wine pairing event at Whole Foods!

• Birthday celebration in Las Vegas in the grand MGM Grand West Wing.

• 4th of July holiday cookout.

• Attended my Lindblom Technical High School's 45th year reunion.

• Hosted the Williams and Williams pre-wedding dinner

• Attended the South Loop Ale Fest.

• Enjoyed Mrs. Irene Hughes 100th birthday celebration.

• Fun fabulous Las Vegas Getaway at the Cosmopolitan

• Enjoyed the wedding of my brother to Karen Williams

• Had a ball at Demetra's birthday celebration for Chris

• Continued my daily outdoor powerwalks... weather so beautiful enabling me to meet my step goals  practically every day!

• Taught clinical- pretty good group of students for the most part. Glad to be teaching clinicals to help develop RNs of tomorrow.

• Enjoyed watching the fantastic Summer Olympics!

The very sad situation for this summer is that my family physician for over 30 years is ending his family medical practice. He has accepted a major administrative director's position at a HUGE Chicago-based health care system. So, that system is really fortunate to have such a wonderful MD at the helm.  But bad news for us patients. But, that is for a later blog and I am actually so very happy for his continued success!

So, for THIS blog, enjoy just a couple of  my summer of 2016 photos.

Oh yes... So, how was YOUR summer?

My Birthday Celebration - 2016

I had a full and wonderful birthday which started at 4am!  When its going to be a hot June day, there is no sense in waiting for the heat... I like to do things early.

Here's the birthday menu:

• Barbecue Baby Back ribs

• Barbecue chicken

• Grilled hot dogs

• Grilled special combination hamburgers

• Grilled smoked sausages

• Spaghetti

• Potato salad

• Baked beans

• Roasted Brussel sprouts

• Roasted honey carrots

• Assorted beverages and cocktails

• Ferrera Classic Cake

Cooking went on from 4am to 2pm.  I made a quick run to Ferrera's Bakery to pick up my nice Ferrera's Classic Cake.  I did so much walking that I exceeded my step goal without doing a 30 minute powerwalk!

My little gathering included family and friends.  I wish I could take over my adjacent condo apartments... I need a bigger condo... LOL!

I am a selfie person and I enjoy photo-sharing. So, of course I  have a nice Birthday photo album in my Facebook of family, friends, food and fun on a warm lovely June 19th birthday celebration.

I like to thank both of my sis-in-laws for the gifts... they know I love coffee mugs and Korean food... YES!!!

Also... the daily birthday countdown is OVER!!! LOL!!

I am thankful for a wonderful birthday... Thanks be to God!

Las Vegas - Making it Fabulous!

I guess that I am kind of a Las Vegas expert.  So, here is my advice to those who have an interest in traveling to Fabulous Las Vegas.

I believe that folks have to have some winnings coming out from Las Vegas.  Las Vegas has a vested interest in folks winning at the slots.  The pay-outs from slot machines are valuable statistics for the casino, so modest winnings are crucial.  However,  you have to hustle to find those winning slots. You have to move from slot to slot; casino to casino. In April  2016, I average about 5 miles per day in search of those lucky slots. Its a lot of walking and a lot of fun.  If you cannot move around or have problems with mobility, then you have a problem.

My trips to Las Vegas are strategically planned. Here's how I do Fabulous Las Vegas:

Pre-Las Vegas:
1. Early bird your flight for the best seat selection with window seat.

2. Create a written itinerary so I know what I am going to do each day from boarding pass check-in to hotel checkout.  No sense in sitting around thinking what to do.  Plan early.

3. Head out early at wee early pre-dawn hours. Beat traffic and maybe avoid flight delays.

4. It's good to share details of travel on Facebook, but never post travel details.  Just a check-in at airports.  Maybe one check-in at hotel right before checkout.  There are many scheming Facebook lurkers, so be strategic with check-ins.

5. Never use airport people mover!  Get in good workouts and walk the distance.  Plus, I can rest up at the gate and during the flight.

6. Take items to stay occupied for the 3 hour flight.. iPad fully charged and back up portable charger.

7. Take headsets as I will not permit adjacent passenger yak to me from MDW to LAS.

On Arrival:
8. On arrival to McCarran, remember, no people mover!!!  Tram from gate to baggage claim is okay.

9. Stick with my preferred airport shuttle. So far, they have been excellent and I have no complaints with this same shuttle service.

On Arrival to The Strip:
10. Be prepared to pay for the early check-in hotel fee. Don't want to wait until 4pm to get into room.

11. Get a $20 bill and break into singles.  Beverages at slots are free, but servers must be tipped.  That is my strict rule.

12. Have fun fun fun!!!!  Always request early housekeeping as I go to bed early and get up early! Enjoy the full Las Vegas Blvd.  I walk and never use the bus.  No time for that.  Occasionally, I may use the Monorail, but mostly, I walk.

13. Take plenty of photos!  Vegas is fun and photos should be shared.... when you return home!!!!  One or two photos shared the during stay is okay, but be strategic.

14. I concentrate my fun depending on the location... north Strip (Wynn/Palazzo area); mid-Strip (Linx, Paris LV/Bally's) or south Strip- the grand MGM Grand.

15. Get a feel for the Player's card... If you are winning with it, use it.  If you are not winning, do not use it.

16. No buffets!  That's too much food.  I do not negate my walking. I just do the cheap thing, McDonalds, White Castle or some other fast food.  Just one meal per day. Unfortunately, the fast food places are the only places where I can get a decent serving size.  Everywhere else is supersized Las Vegas style.

Leaving Las Vegas:17. Get to the airport early.  I do not believe in the running to catch my flight.

18. Now the photos can be uploaded and shared on Facebook.

19. Now I can chat about the fun.

20. NEVER share photos of slot winnings / jackpots.  That's none of anyone's business.


Finally, I am a solo traveler.  Over the past many many years, if I waited for folks to join me on a trip, I never would have gone to Vegas for the first time.  So now, I am stuck in my way and it is not possible for anyone to join me.  I am  not a tour guide and I am not babysitting adults.  Only my niece can join me.  We have traveled to Vegas twice and she is perfect.  We arrive together and we go our separate ways (This is known as the Figure of Eight).  We will meet up for a nice meal and cocktails.  We both are independent ladies.  She is social and connects well with others... I am the exact opposite.  So, we do good.

My Winter of 2015-2016

I am so happy to be coming out of the Winter of 2015-2016. It was a very mild winter in the Midwest... Thanks be to God.  Chicago missed so many major storm systems.  If I am correct, the Chicago Public Schools never closed due to weather related issues.  Now, that is great!!!

I do not like having to hibernate during winter, so I try and carefully plan out my events to ensure an active fun winter season.  This is what I did this winter...

Travel:
Fun getaway to fabulous Las Vegas when I stayed at the Mirage.  This was right after Christmas. Later in the season, I went back with a stay at Planet Hollywood.

Fine dining:
Many dining out opportunities as I continue updates on nursing/pharmacology: Wildfire, David Burke Steakhouse, MK Restaurant, Flemings Morton's and Ditka's.

Colleagues:
Glad to connect with colleagues at Rosebud, MK and Flemings!  It is always wonderful to connect with former co-workers in relaxed venues. I have a long-time friend who travels to Chicago once a year for an educator's conference.  We now connect at the ChiBar in the Chicago Sheraton.  What a wonderful way to connect with good friends!!!

Work:
Speaking on work, I am approaching the one year anniversary at my workplace where I really enjoy teaching Community Nursing clinicals.  I am part of a wonderful team. I really appreciate the opportunity to interact, influence and develop future registered professional nurses. 

The clinical that I teach is the last faculty-led course for students. Hence, my impact is crucial, I have to make a difference and I therefore take this responsibility / calling very seriously.  My class is an expedited clinical that delivers the required hours.  So, I am extremely busy at the onset and at midterm.  By the short time that I am concluding, I am already preparing for the upcoming session. The good aspect is that my students achieve their required clinical hours before others, so I do get a couple of weeks to exhale between sessions.  I love this schedule.  My 1 year anniversary will be in April.  I continue to enjoy!!! I attended a fun Frozen-themed holiday party at work!  Mainly for families, but I enjoyed anyway.

Family:
I love this stability!  I am with my son every weekend, I see my sister and niece every weekend as well.  I see my brother and nephew in church. Not too many holidays in the winter, but we have a nice Group MMS for texting! I do a whole lot of cooking in the other seasons, so the good thing about the winter, it gives me a change to take a respite from holiday cooking.  I was happy to connect for lunch with one of my first cousin's at Pappadeaux just for chat and catch up.  It is just so important to remain connected to extended family members.

Church:
I am a very busy deacon at my church.  I go as often as I can, but, I manage and operate the full electronic outreach, social media and communications from home... almost 24/7. This is a lot of work as I observe how a little church website has evolved into a huge system over a fast seven (7) year period.  So many wonderful wonderful wonderful events take place and the delivery of the Word is outstanding!!!

Professional:
I completed two major recertifications which takes a lot of work.  It is the culmination of portfolio building over a 5-6 year period of time.  This is known as continuing nursing professional development. I also renewed my nursing licenses.  No more reminders by the State of Illinois, so I had to keep checking everyday for one month.  All is well.  Got to stay current and competent!!

Fitness:
I was rather active at LA Fitness.  But, once the weather got mild, I prefer to do outdoor powerwalks.  I continue to enjoy my VivoFit band. Yes... I upload my goals to Facebook practically everyday.  Important to engage in fitness activities as often as possible. 

Okay... that is it for my Winter 2015-2016 blog.  Today being the last day of winter... glad Spring starts later today!!!  Enjoy the photos!!