4 Years Since I Blogged

 

It is indeed catch-up time. It has been a while since I blogged. I am going to expand the catch-up time from 2019 to today- Sunday, February 23, 2025.

I have a lot to blog about. So much has happened. Here is a brief snapshot.

• 2019 - Things were fine, but COVID was approaching Stateside. I was teaching, so I was tracking what was happening.
• 2020- Full blown COVID in the US. It was horrible and included civil disobedience from all perspectives. I am totally stressed out and gaining pandemic pounds.
• 2021- Vaccines finally arrived. Trust was good with the Biden Administration. I started a good weight loss journey.
• 2022- Careful exit from shelter-in-place with many boosters. Weight loss is good.
• 2023- Back to Las Vegas trip, with public health safety precautions. Crazy year.
• 2024- Trump re-elected. There are horrible problems in both political parties. Very stressful year. 
• 2025- Adjustments made. I finally arrived at my first weight loss goal.  Life is stabilizing.

During the pandemic, the shelter in place, I was able to step back in life. I made some major observations. I had to cope with the reality of this discover. I am good.

Stay tuned! I have a lot to blog!  I'm back.

Effects of the Pandemic- Lack of Socialization

 17 months during a pandemic is a LONG time for restrictions. But, restrictions are definitely needed. I am glad that we have effective vaccines, but the pushback is causing infection rates to increase with a dangerous mutant variant.  So, isolations and restrictions will have to continue for a much longer time than necessary as folks will not vaccinate and mask.

Lots of folks are rather lonely.  There was a Zoom conference call with my church yesterday with elders / deacons. Our pastor manages excellent meetings. But, yesterday members on the call dominated with non-church discussions. I think folks are just so lonely from being isolated that they forgot they were in a "business" call.  The "idle" discussions ran for 30 minutes.  Unfortunately, I had a commitment that morning and had to do an "Irish Exit". 

Next time I chat with my pastor, I'll mention and revisit the July meeting.  I think I have a great idea. Perhaps birthday clubs and groups can do socializing calls as needed.  Hence, that may limit interference with important church business.  There are many venues for free conference and video calls.

We'll see.  Stay tuned.

This is a photo I snapped of my church many years ago. No idea we would experience a horrible respiratory viral pandemic. My church stopped in-person services in 2020 and immediately started remote / Zoom services.  In June 2021, the metrics indicated in-person services could resume with caution and limited folks.  We are now fully reopened, but with the continued increase in infections, I decided to resume remote attendance.

Chicago Auto Show 2021

 I had a fantastic time yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show! I attend this venue every year, but it was canceled in 2020 due to the nearly arrived pandemic. This year it was a bit smaller, but just as exciting as ever.  They seemed to have implemented good public health safety practices.  I was masked the entire time. I even remained masked as I enjoyed a Connie's pizza and IPA.  I did not go into the driving course lines.  They were just too long and rather risky as safe distancing was not possible.  Folks just have to be smart.

Looking forward to #CAS2022  and @thechicagoautoshow  

Article - Couple Contracted COVID While In Las Vegas

 

Interesting article.  Fully vaccinated folks went to Las Vegas from California.  They did not mask at all while in Las Vegas.  They contracted the full disease.  Here's the article.

Breakthrough COVID

FYI- I was doubled-masked the entire time I was in Las Vegas back in June 2021.  A member in my group taunted me for double-masking.  I banned and kicked her out of my Las Vegas group.

                                                            Everyone Needs to Mask!

Its Now COVID-21

 Awful.  It is now COVID-21. We should have reached herd immunity by now, yet the delta variant continues to evolve and mutate. 

COVID-21

There is no honor system in the US.  Too many vicious evil haters. The "policy" is that ONLY vaccinated folks can unmask. Yet, I have seen so many folks unmasked.... I am sure those are also the unvaccinated fiends.

Back in June 2021, I took my first trip to Las Vegas after 18 long pandemic months.  I was double masked the entire time. Someone in my Las Vegas Facebook group criticized me.  Hench, I am back in Facebook Jail... LOL... I did not even use profanity.  Anyway... I am just very leery about not wearing a mask around unknown "others".

This week after my powerwalk, my very good and kind neighbor said... "Hey, you are vaccinated! You don't need to mask anymore!". The 2 Chicago Police with him told me that I was living in fear.  They were all nice, concerned and compassionate.  But, I'll just keep wearing my mask.  

Also, situations are getting worse.  The vaccination rates have leveled off.  In Chicago and Illinois, the infection rates are increasing among the unvaccinated population.  Things are not good.  I'll keep wearing my mask.

Plus, Pfizer has developed the booster vaccine.  They know exactly what they are doing and Pfizer knows we will need the booster shot in 2022.  CDC and FDA stated, no need for the booster...;. now. But, we all might as well get ready. This pandemic is far from being over.  Sigh...

10K Daily Steps - New Issue

I just love powerwalking! I have been powerwalking for many years. I do outdoor walking, treadmill and Walk Away The Pounds (WATP). 

My daily goal is to achieve 10K steps every day. So, in recent months, I have been going to the lovely recently remodeled track and field to to my walks.  There is now an organized fitness group that is present early before sunrise. Also, powerwalkers are on the track at 4am!  Hence, nowadays, I am able to achieve 10K steps well before 7am!  That is great!  Right??

Here's the new issue... once I return home, if I have no errands... I find myself idle and very bored. UGH!!  That is not good.  

I have to figure out something.  Right now, I am in Facebook Jail.  That may be the reason for my boredom. I have 15 more days left in my Facebook Jail sentence.  I have a lot of catching up to do, so that will surely resolve my issue of being bored. 

In the meantime, I may do a casual walk in the afternoon.  I also will have phone chats with my son and cousin.  Because we are still in a pandemic with the delta variant continuing to evolve, I have to remain in my home. Its just not safe to go out even though I am fully vaccinated.  

I'll figure out sometime for the next days.

Stay tuned!

Complicated Birthday

 I have been extremely careful and cautious about the corona virus even going back to January 2020. I carefully watched the deadly virus evolve. I have been strictly following public health safety guidelines and got fully vaccinated early back in February 2021. I have been in a pandemic bubble for 18 long months.

Everyone who knows me, even on social media, knows I am a staunch supporter of CDC and WHO! I believe the science of public health. 

I have a friend who I strongly challenged about being hesitant about taking the vaccine. But, she finally got the full vaccines... thank goodness. She invited me over to her daughter's home on Juneteenth for a get-together. I baked some nice chocolate cupcakes and brought a bottle of Pinot Noir wine. It was a LONG drive but, I did not plan to stay long as there is a casino in her area.

When I arrived, NO ONE but me was masked.  I was the ONLY person to mention my vaccine status.  Everyone else was mum on the topic.  I was concerned.  So, no way was I going to stay long. Then more folks arrived.  NO ONE was masked!!!  They did not appear to be the type of folks who would vaccinate. I was extremely uncomfortable.  So, I told the daughter I was going to do a quiet "Irish Exit" and I left to go to the casino.   I felt good to get in my car and leave.

The friend called me wanting me to return.  I did not answer the call.  It was getting dark and I had a long drive.  

The next day, she said it was a birthday party for me.  I was surprised.  No one there chatted with me.  So, I had no issue with leaving. Why would I assume it was a party for me????  Furthermore, I am on a diet and I am NOT into parties and I will NOT risk being in the company of others who are not vaccinated within a close indoor venue.

Here's the cake... which did not go to waste.

She called me "rude" for leaving.  I'm thinking... I did not know she planned a party for me.  We now are no longer friends.  Its best to stay safe.  That's life.  Whatever.  She will stay in her bubble.  I will stay in my bubble.    We are from DIFFERENT bubbles.

My Birthday Month in Review - June 2021

 

June 2021 - My Birthday Month in Review

I had a very nice Birthday month!  The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois were doing really great so, pandemic restrictions were lifted and both the City and State reopened! Yippee!!!  Here is a summary of my happenings in June:

Participated and continue to participate in thee (3) fantastic walkathons:

Run Across America - 10K

ABC7- Jim Gibbons Virtual Marathon - 5K

Summer Splash- still in progress until Labor Day with goal of 300K!

Achieved 10K steps every day in June!  

Spent good quality time in Downtown Chicago. Went to the City Farmers' Market in Daley Plaza.

Enjoyed frequent powerwalks to Chicago's Lakefront and walking path.

Wacky birthday... really weird!!!  Will discuss in a different blog.

Took my very first trip back to Fabulous Las Vegas after 18 months in a pandemic cave!  I had a fantastic time!  Good to visit Las Vegas again!

Weight management was okay.  Lots of celebration during June. I gained 0.2 pounds.  Will do better in July.

Things are great with my son.  Very happy for our little small family unit.

I have plenty of photos and will place in a separate blog.

Run Across America Summer Splash

 

I have been in 3 walkathons this year.  Right now I am doing the Run Across America Summer Splash!

This is so exciting. Here is how it works...

My mission: set a goal (50k to 500k, or more) and achieve it by Labor Day. I don't have to complete my distance all at once—I take it at my own pace. 

As of June 28, 2021, I have accomplished 131.3 miles!  Yay me!!!

Chatting with Folks During Vaccination Period

 

I am so thankful that I was able to get my first and second COVID vaccines in February 2021.  Since President Biden took office, I have advocated for the vaccines.  I promote on my Facebook Timeline.

But, vaccine supplies are now limited, posing a challenge for many. So, I realized that I can no longer call folks because I have been fully vaccinated, but more than likely they have not. It is so important to be careful with communications and phone chats as folks may be a bit resentful. 

I will never ask anyone if they have been fully vaccinated.  I do not want to cause others to feel bad.  I will continue to advocate for vaccinations on my Facebook Timeline.  So, if anyone contact me and bring up the topic, engagement will take place.

I hope things will get better.  Today, many states have opened eligibility to 16 to 64 years with co-morbidities. Also, Johnson & Johnson's one dose vaccine goes under FDA scrutiny tomorrow.   So, with more vaccines becoming available with good quality control, things should start improving soon.

We Can Do This!

Here's an update!  2/25/2021  My aunt called me last night.  I had been wanting to chat with her to follow up.  I listened carefully.  Before we finished chatting, the topic of COVID vaccines came up. She has not yet been vaccinated, but does indeed want to get vaccinated. So, I instant messaged her son, who lives with her, the links where he can register her to get vaccinated.  He acknowledged the link. I hope he follows through. 

I also received a instant message from a cousin. She disclosed she recovered from COVID. She is a bit hesitant about taking the vaccine.  BUT, she will have no choice.  Her employer is currently preparing policy mandating vaccinations.  

COVID Vaccines

 

WOW!  I have been busy! No blog in about 2 months.  2021 has been a challenge from so many perspectives! Now, the big focus in the US is for folks to get vaccinated!!!!  

My timing was perfect! I saw my MD in January 2021 who signed me up for the vaccine.  Within a couple of weeks, the medical center contacted me and I scheduled for the first vaccine in February 2021.  Everything went great from registration to my status following the first dose.  I received the Pfizer vaccine.  I was immediately given an appointment for my 2nd vaccine.

I received my 2nd vaccine yesterday! Once again, everything went great!  I am just so thankful that everything went well for me for both vaccinations!

Here are my vaccination photos...

We can do this!!!!!

Thinking January 2 2021

 

Just quietly thinking things through on this Saturday morning. A lot of things happening.  Sometimes its best to blog instead of talking things through with others. So much stuff happening with the pandemic. Its sensory overload. Good to know about rates, we have to hear about incidents so that folks can make the right decisions in life.

Niece 

I am concerned about my niece. Her mom / my sister passed in 2020.  My niece and I were fairly close as we made arrangements. She would come over for fish fries, have cocktails and chat. But things changed as Fall approached.  I suspected risky behaviors during a pandemic. I told her, if she and her dad were at risk, I could just drop off food.  She said, "Drop off food."  I appreciated the honesty.

We stayed in touch for Thanksgiving.  She came to my car to pick up food trays.  The same approach for Christmas.  BUT, I stopped hearing from her when New Year approached.  Yesterday, she told me she was in Florida and got into a fight with her rotten cousin.  I saw the photos.  I suspected she was there as I saw the photos on Instagram.  No one with mask in a very infected Florida.  I am so disappointed in her for putting her father at risk who she lives with.   They both make poor decisions.

That disappointing disclosure really made me sad. Everyone knows that I am a COVID COP of sorts. I strongly believe and support public safety guidelines.  For her to have flown to Florida to be with a demonic cousin who never masks, just really upset me to no ends. I just have to chalk is up and say... That's Life. What a sad life.  She is an adult and knows better.  I more than likely will never see her again.  I just simply cannot place myself at risk.  

I am so sad.

Work

I am semi-retired, but will fully retire in 2021.  I was not given a contract to teach this month. Its okay.  I am an adjunct so nothing is guaranteed.  The new dean does not like me. Whatever.  The school is lousy and on probation.  

My other job is 6 hours a week... and remote.  I have been extremely successful with every assignment.  But, my boss scolds me beyond my comfort. I don't play that.  She is now trying to micro-manage me.  I won't go into details.  My orientation was lousy.  I meet with boss in a few weeks.  Will give notification that day.  Work out a transition out.  I don't need any stressors from a 6 hour a week gig.

Social Media

I am currently in Facebook Jail.  Need I say more?  LOL!

My Approach to Facebook in 2021

 

I am very glad that in 2020, Facebook has FINALLY started to enforce their Community Standards. They now have ZERO tolerance for vicious behaviors.  I am currently serving my 4th sentence in Facebook Jail.  This time I have a 30 day sentence which will be over January 8 2021.

I will not go back to Facebook Jail.  I will be cognizant of my emotions and be mindful of my posts, comments and replies from this point on.  No more profanity. No more harmful slurs. I'm smart.  I do not have to sit back and accept vicious attacks... I know how to articulate intelligently.

Let me add that as a female group Admin, I have been attacked horribly in other groups.  But, now that Facebook has a ZERO tolerance for vicious behaviors, I will report attacks so that the group can be shut down.  I never allow group Admins to be attacked in any of my groups.  Yes, Facebook has been shutting down groups big time in the later part of 2020.

I also now know how to manage all of my social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Facebook:

For Facebook, I lockdown my profile back in March.  I was taught how to do this effectively by a group of Facebook Group Admins.  It took one full week for me to accomplish the profile lockdown.   Only Facebook friends can access my profile now.  Plus, I no longer accept new Facebook Friends.  Those days of accepting strangers as "friends" are long over.  Believe that!

Twitter:

Twitter is just as nasty.  But, I now know how block Twitter members.  I am considering locking my Twitter profile.  But, I hesitate because I do not want to limit myself to just "followers".   So for now, I'll just block those who have a need to attack my replies in news sites. I have 191 Twitter followers. I guess that's okay.  But, I'm watching them closely. 

Instagram:

Instagram is fine.  I know how to block followers on Instagram as well.   So, I'm good on Instagram. There is not a lot of engagement on Instagram.  I do monitor my followers and comments to my photos. So far, so good.  I have 231 Instagram followers.  I guess that's okay too.  

So, I'll be fine on Facebook in 2021.  Folks have noticed that I have not posted in a while. I am able to chat on Messenger. Folks enjoy my engagement on Facebook so I'll stay out of Facebook Jail.  Plus, I have exactly 20 Facebook Groups that I created and manage.  I am able to manage my groups while in Facebook Jail, but I cannot post.  But, this is my last time in Jail.  

I am looking forward to professional Janet-like social media engagement in 2021 and beyond.  I can do this!

Reflections on Christmas Day 2020

 

Got an opportunity to do some reflections on this Christmas Day 2020.  Things are fine. I am currently in Facebook Jail serving a 30 day sentence. I get released on January 8, 2021.  The time being served has actually been good as I am spending less time in social media.  So, let's get to some reflections.

I have been a HUGE proponent of masks and all of the public safety guidelines since March 2020.  I have been serious about my position.  I posted all types of PSA from CDC to educate others about this horrible respiratory pandemic. I practice what I preach.  I never leave home without a mask. I did outdoor dining with a few relatives and remained masked as I dined.  No one has been invited into my home since the pandemic except my son. We essentially share the same bubble.

I have been "unfriended" on Facebook because of my pro-mask position.  I say good riddance.

I used to jet off to Las Vegas every other month until 2020.  Too dangerous.  Too risky.  I even have a very popular Facebook Group that just reached 23K members.  I no longer plan to do anymore traveling especially air travel.  Folks will snack on peanuts just as a reason to remove their masks.  I will not deal with those fiends.

I have a Facebook Friend who never stopped traveling.  She flies from the east coast to Las Vegas earlier this year.  When home she and her husband go to casinos.  She often goes to many indoor venues for concerts.  I've never seen her don a mask. NEVER.  But, I'm like... whatever.  She had a trip booked for Vegas this week.  They had to cancel because she became sick.  She said she has pneumonia. I wish her well.

I just browsed her timeline. Last month she went to many indoor venues. Very few folks with masks. No social distancing.  I guess that is how they roll down south.

I know a  couple in North Carolina. They travel to Vegas a lot. They bragged about having booked a 1st class flight to Vegas this year.  They had to cancel 2 to 3 times.  They never went to Las Vegas this year.  They post many photos of their home life.  Photos with friends.  None wearing masks.  They guy disclosed to me a couple of months ago they both were COVID +.  

I just want folks to be serious about combating this virus. The US should have had the infection rate under control back in the summer.  But folks ignored the situation.  So many Facebook LIVE parties, get togethers and such.  It was horrible and a disgrace.

I have a former Facebook Friend who is an RN.  She lives in Colorado. She travels extensively to Las Vegas.  She flew to Vegas this summer, connected with friends their for several days.  She then did a road trip to visit family members. She posted photos.  Members in my Facebook Group attacked her horribly.  They challenged her behavior.  I rarely saw her with mask.  After about 2 weeks, she returned to work.... in a nursing home. I feel sorry for the poor residents under her care.  She was so horribly attacked, she left the group.  Good riddance.

I cannot control or influence others. I'll just continue to simply do me.  Yes, its boring. It is cold in Chicago. But, its important to continue to shelter-in-place.  I have to continue to stay physically fit. I now have a treadmill and mini-stepper.  I got to get through this bitter Chicago winter.  I did outdoor powerwalks all week... until yesterday when it became bitter cold.

So... what's my plan for today?  This will be my first Christmas alone.  My son opted to stay home. So, its just me.  I've been cooking for 3 days.  My Christmas menu is roasted chicken, cornbread dressing, collard greens with ham hocks,  potato salad, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls. I will drop off a tray to my niece and her dad.  My brother will to a non-contact pick up at my lobby door.   Skilled selfies will be done in all instances.  Then, I'll sit back and stream some movies... do some exercises and just chill.

I have a Facebook Friend who sometimes assist me with my group.  She is a mess!  Her life has always been full of drama.  She posts a lot of drama on her timeline.  She has a large extended family. She is the foster-mother of her baby brother.  I think their mom abuses drugs. So the baby was taken away and give to the Facebook Friend by the court. For some strange reason, she disclosed that she is gay.  But, I am not interested in knowing of anyone's sexual life.  Her grandmother recently passed.  That brought out a lot of in-family fighting.  Even her own dad is suing her.  Something is WRONG!!!!  To make matters worse, she told me she is now pregnant.  Pregnant during a pandemic is not good.  She creates too much drama.   Some problems do not need to be posted on one's timeline.  Just blog it and do not share the link. Sheesh!!! She is a sweet person, but creates unnecessary drama.  

Okay, chicken is almost done roasting.  

I think I'll post my thoughts here for the rest of the day.

I'm bored.  Nothing on TV, not interested in hearing about Trump.  Twitter is full of Trump.  Yahoo is full of Trump.  Bing is full of Trump.  UGH!

I am so sick of Ridiculousness!  

So, Merry Christmas!!!!

Strictly Remote Teaching

 

I have thought this over extensively.  I will ONLY do remote didactic teaching.  The CON / SON is moving to a new campus. Ultimately, they will want to occupy that new building.  They will soon only do in-person classes.

Let me get ready to NOT go!!!  Ain't happening here!!!!  Believe that!

Basic Options for Teaching in Colleges

 

Okay, I-Get-It!  It took a long while, but I finally get it.  I was in a tizzy for 2 weeks about teaching. I finally know the deal.  Here it is:

Full time faculty:  Involves lecturing and doing clinicals.  I did this before and hated it.  Required too much work. I was teaching, doing clinicals, developing lesson plans and all the other stuff that goes along.  I did a great job, but the demands on a new faculty were just too much.  

Clinical faculty:  Involves taking students for clinical training. I did this for a long time. Not for me. Students do not want to procure skills.  Their focus to pass didactic exams.  So much push back from students in every single CON/SON. Nope! Not doing that again!

Part time faculty:  I did this on Saturdays and Sundays.  It was nice. This would suit me ONLY for doing didactic. Part time involves continuous and uninterrupted employment, without the full time hours. This may  be okay.

Adjunct faculty:  This is my current position.  It is actually okay. I will only do didactic. But, my contracts have been irregular.  But, after giving more thought, I am fine with teaching the same subject as needed which will not be every session.  

Here is the difference between Part time and Adjunct:

•  Adjunct Faculty are not engaged in a continuous relationship. They are assigned work as they are available as the college has needs.
• Part- Time Faculty engage in a continuous relationship with with the college and the school is committed to providing work assignments on an ongoing quarterly basis. Only part-time faculty members may participate in Mentoring or Committee Work assignments or any other work assignment that may span four or more quarters.

Hence, Adjunct Faculty is fine for me. I do not want to take on any additional assignments.

I'm good.

Managing Facebook Groups in 2020

 

During 2020 many Admins are posting concerns about their groups being shut down.  Be aware that during this horrible pandemic, folks have been displaying very vicious behaviors in social media.  The behaviors have gone beyond trolling and fighting.  The behaviors have been ramped up to assault and harassment.  The attacks have been so full of hate and anger.  It has been unbearable!

Consequently, Facebook has appropriately taken great actions to update and enforce their Community Standards... Thank Goodness.   Facebook has been progressive and NO NONSENSE with enforcement. As Admins of groups in social media, folks are responsible for ensuring decency in their groups. This responsibility is not to be taken for granted. 

I manage many Facebook Groups. My groups have always been decent.  I walk a fine line to stimulate engagement with overbearing censorship.  It is doable.  Groups have to be implemented the right way starting Day One.  My biggest group is with 23K members.  Its a great group!!!  Here is how I manage my awesome groups...

• Manage the vetting process to prevent accepting fake profiles. Members in my groups must have experience in social media.  So, I usually require at least 3 years in Facebook.

• Members must answer questions.  Most "bots" will not engage in this selective process.

• Members need to have some type of image on their profile.  Don't be lazy!!! Insert an image!!

• All posts must be approved!  Members are only interested in themselves.  Will post scams, schemes, and porn to manipulate members.  Hence, my discussion board is great!

• Comments and replies must be monitored!!!  This is where the fights, hates and attacks take place. Deep threads  can be horrible!!!!  This is often the location where violations in Community Standards take place.  Comments and replies can be full of hate and very vile.  

• I act FAST on violations.  I do not engage with offensive members because there are too many of them. I learned the hard way back in March 2020 to NOT FIGHT WITH MEMBERS!!!  So, I will quietly remove the comment / reply.  Usually members get the hint / message.

• When comments / replies are extremely vicious, I will delete to comment, remove the member and block the member from my group. 

• If Facebook catches a violation before me, I ALWAYS take an additional step to BAN the offensive member. 

• So, Group Admins who state that Facebook abruptly deleted their groups are not being honest. Facebook gives warnings and they watch the subsequent action by Admins.  So, folks really need to be truthful.  

• We all need to be decent.  No need for hate, fights, trolling and other nastiness that takes place in Facebook Groups.  If you cannot effectively manage your group... SHUT IT DOWN!

• Finally, as an excellent Admin, I never provoke, challenge, intimidate or threaten members.  

The Challenges of Teaching Nursing

 

I am currently awaiting for a contract to teach for Spring 2021. Not sure if I will be offered a contract as the Spring session is almost here.  So, I am pissed off as I really enjoy teaching.  

I am a good professor and I am skilled at teaching. I have taught in both classroom and clinical settings. I value the quality of education and the outcomes on quality patient care.  Programs today are "fast-tracked". Many colleges take the money and move students along FAST.  At graduation, students cram for the licensing examination and become lousy clinicians.  What a disservice to the profession.  

Here are the problems with clinical training:

It is impossible for students to learn skills in a 12 hour clinical.  Students resent working.  They simply want to get the hours to graduate. Hence, they never develop the skills for measuring vital signs, performing assessments and documenting patient care.  They simply go to clinical to study for exams.  When students are challenged, they complain that they are being harassed.  

Students do not know how to write composition style.  Faculty members are mandated to enforce APA format, however students resist and complain vehemently.

So to get another clinical contract, its best to go with the flow. Only lousy instructors get contracts.

Here are the problems with classroom teaching:

Students are lousy. I had to teach lesson plans, make sure that salient test points are included in lectures, THEN give students a review session to make sure they pass the exam.  Then exams are adjusted by the lead professor to make sure students pass the exam!!!!

Assignments are lousy.  Assignments are nothing but copy & paste jobs. 

Students take weekly quizzes and practice exams, then procure answers from Craig's list and get 100%

When students take the proctored BIG exam they fail horribly!

Faculty meetings are a JOKE!!! Nothing has ever been mentioned about the horrible ranking of the school.  Faculty minutes document that they follow the Vegas Rule:  "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."  They do not realized that the status of the school is public information and is published.

So, if I do not get a contract, I'm like whatever... just make sure to not ever offer me another.  I will not resign.  The school will just have to do what they need to do.  

Fuck the CON / SON.  I hope the State shuts them down!  

Update December 11 2020

I have decided to move on and seek a position elsewhere. I am a good instructor and do not need to sit back and wonder if I will receive a contract. Furthermore they are on probation as it is a lousy CON / SON. No need to be affiliated with losers.  Screw them!

Busy day today.  Working on a huge online application for a preferred teaching position. Nice college.  Good standing. I am just very pleased that I simply did not just sit back and allow stuff to happen to me. 

Many SON/CON have horrible administrators who need their ego's built up.  I can tell some stories of incompetence at the administrative level of higher education.  I will one day.... but not now.  

I also decided to NOT resign from the current job.  I simply will not respond to any correspondences and will not accept their contracts.  When asked, why I have not signed a contract, I will simply tell them my assignments have been irregular.  I will give them until 12/18/2020 to send me my contract.  You see, I can give deadlines too!  I am not to be fucked with. Believe that!

Update December 12 2020

Thank goodness that I took a nap to think things through. Timing is everything! I will continue to work on the online application. But, I will not submit until January 2021.  If I submit the application now, and get accepted, they may rush me to start teaching for the January session.  That would be horrible for me. That is EXACTLY what happened at this current SON / CON.  They rushed me through the hiring process. I had to run and get the textbook. I had NO prep time for the course. YET, I performed well.  It was a mess but I did good and students performed well. It was such a rush job that HR overlooked giving me a contract!!!!!  I had to call to ask when would I get paid.  They had to rush and give me a contract to sign.  So, it is risky for me to wait a bit. But, departments and organizations are LOUSY.  I have to wait for a few more weeks. Its worth the risk to prevent me from getting fucked over.  I know how this shit goes.

I just checked the targeted school website. I now know the start date for the Spring session.  So, I am firm of my strategy to when to submit application.  The full application is now complete.  Just a matter of doing a final review, then to submit at the right time.  Perhaps after Christmas.  No need to risk getting rushed without time to prepare.  That has happened to me too many times.  Prep Time is important!

Reminders:

I must remember why I am not to push my pending applications until after Christmas:

#1- Give current employer time. They will not give me notice, so Christmas is good timing to not mess things up for prospective employers.

#2- To push through applications now, would only result in me being rushed to teach in January 2021 without time to prep.

#3- I do not intend to run around in December and January.  So, best to focus on March 2021.

Update December 14 2020

I had a major change in plans.  I decided to take control.   I will not allow lousy SON/CON to control my decision points.  During the process of applications, writing cover letters and letters on teaching, I said "WOW!!!!  I am GOOD!"  So, I pushed through about 4 finalized applications yesterday.  So, this is an exciting time again. 

During my reflections, I remembered that a new full time faculty was placed in my student email list back in September. Early in the session, I STOPPED sending that instructor my group emails.  I suspected I was being used to unknowingly train that person.  

Plus, the Dean sneaked into my Zoom.  Not sure why as I ALWAYS posted my sessions.  The bitch did not know what she was doing.  The Dean is new.  Then the Assistant Dean did the same a week later. Not sure about these sneaky moves.  

Yesterday, I DELETED ALL of my content in the One Drive.  This week I will close out the full One 

Drive.  I am NOT to be fucked with.

I am not being mean.  In January 2020, the college forgot to give me a contract.  I had to ask when would I get paid.  Then HR got into a panic halfway through the session.

I NEVER received  access to faculty training until 10 months later.  I do not know how I managed to achieve success.  The current employer is PHUCKED!

HENCE THESE ARE THE REASONS WHY I PUSHED THE APPLICATIONS YESTERDAY!!!

I AM TOO GOOD TO BE PHUCKED OVER!

No need for me to resign as I am contracted.  HA!!!!  Screw them losers!!

Additions to December 2020

I must leave current SON / CON! Here are some reasons:

January 2020 was last minute with NO PREP TIME!

September 2020 the course team leader changed the syllabus DURING THE SESSION!!!  I had two classes canceled when I could have been doing classes!  No Advanced Notification!  Consequently, as the poor instructor, I had to revise my subsequent lesson plans.  Maybe this is a reason why the phucking school is on State probation. I need to get out of this current college.

Hardball! An Important Consideration!

Inquire about prep time. This is a MUST for student success!!

Which learning management system? Must get acclimated!

Who develops test? How soon will I get access to build lesson plans?

PowerPoints?  How soon will I get access?

Textbook!  Can be very expensive!

Update 12/18/2020

Okay, it took a while but on my own, I discovered that my position is an 'as needed'  position.  

Key Differences between Adjunct and Part-Time Faculty: Adjunct Faculty are not engaged in a continuous relationship. They are assigned work as they are available and as the college has needs.

I GET IT NOW.  I'm cool now.

Approaching the End of a Difficult 2020

 

I made a lot of adjustments in 2020. Important to carry out public safety guidelines during this respiratory pandemic.  This is a list of what worked successfully for me during a very difficult year of 2020.

• Demon Trump lost the election!
• Finally by December 2020, I fully adjusted to a shelter-in-place lifestyle.
• Converted from many years from an IPhone to Android.  Best decision in 2020.
• Online teaching with even more quality than in-person teaching.
• Harold's and Sharks' Chicken wings pick up for son.
• Neighborhood grocers Jewel Osco and Mariano's 
• Walmart SuperCenters in Zion and Cicero Illinois
• Sam's Club Gas stations in Gurnee and Cicero Illinois
• Great work produced with my little remote job.
• Outdoor dining at Connie's Pizza, La Cantina and Pappadeaux
• Online video streaming
• Online shopping with Walmart and Amazon.
• Facebook Messenger 
• SMS text messaging
• Delivery services - USPS, UPS, FedEx and Amazon Prime delivery.
• Social media - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
• Best Buy for computers and Geek Squad for computer services
• ABC 7 for up to date local news coverage and CNN for national news coverage
• CTA for the few times I used.
• Angie's List and Yelp services

Looking forward to a promising 2021!  Thanks be to God.  Amen.

Contemplate on the Here and Now During this Pandemic

 

It's not a good idea to focus too far into the future during this pandemic.  The future is rather bleak. We have not been successful in controlling the coronavirus.  Folks refuse to mask, social distance and avoid gatherings.  

Folks are selective at each point:  

People go out within indoor settings and remove masks. "Oh, I have to eat" or "Oh, I'm eating during this flight".   Indoor restaurants and bars are hotspots.  Folks do not understand that they cannot remove the mask while eating or drinking!!  So, restaurants and bars are now closing.

Yes, humans are social beings.  But, gatherings are taking place as if there is no respiratory pandemic! Parties, celebrations and such have never stopped.  In most instances, folks are not wearing masks.  Now, we are approaching Thanksgiving.  Infection rates are already soaring. Things look bad.  The outlook is not good.

I suggest, just focus on the here and now.  

• Stay low.  Protect your bubble. 

• For Thanksgiving, I plan to cook as usual.  BUT, no company.  I will drop off and have my family members pick up meal trays.  I'm a good cook.  I enjoy cooking.  

• Be mindful of meals and food intake.  Eat soups and take daily vitamin.

• Go slow on the wine.  

• No travel.

• Do more phone chat with friends,

• Plan on taking the flu vaccine.

• Figure out how to burn calories and lose weight.

This year has been brutal.  But, the vaccine is on the way and we have to get ready to go back in public. YIKES!  LBVS.  We can do this!!!  So, focus on the here and now!