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!!
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