Take Off from ORD American Eagle

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!

Work Life Balance

Yesterday, I arrived to work with a notice of my last day.  During the morning, it was mentioned that staff must create a balance with work life.  Too much time was being spent being "remote" and such.  Well, that is me!  So, later, at my meeting with my supervisor, I provided all of my accomplishments followed by my last day. 

My supervisor so pleasantly asked me to give the organization more time.  Upper leadership is fully aware of all of my time and work and are not concerned.

I promptly scratched out my last day to work.

They like me and I like them.

2013 - Whew!

Swedish Memorial
Norwegian American
Northwestern Memorial
St. Mary of Nazareth
Madden
Chicago Read
Choate

Too much. 

I Am A Designer!

No joking!  Today I became a designer.  Not a clothing designer, but a forms designer.  That is quite an accomplishment!

Back in 2011, a young lady worked for me.  She was absolutely excellent with Word.  She designed and created all of my forms.  She never told me how she created forms, she just did it.  Smart young lady who did not give away her trade.

Okay, fast forward 3 years later, new workplace, more forms, and no one knows how to design forms!  During interviews, of course all candidates knew "something" about designing forms.  NOT!!!

I have a Word training class coming up next week.  I figured the instructors will teach me.  But, I thought about it more and decided... I better know how to design forms BEFORE this class!

So, I spent this afternoon / evening learning how to design forms... on my own.

EUREKA!!!  I made some connections this afternoon and finally, I successfully self taught myself the basics.  I will master this skill with creative business form designs before March 2014.

I'm on it!!!

Not too many folks know how to design business forms.  Just like my little outstanding employee back in 2011... I think I will not share this newly acquired self-taught trade.

So, that's the good side of today.  The down side of my day today, is that my son was transferred to a development center in Southern Illinois today.  So very far away.  I am so sad.  But, I am told that he this is an excellent facility.  But, I'm still sad... so far away.

End of January 2014

I had been working on a huge accreditation report for my employer since I was hired. Yesterday was THE BIG accreditation day. A HUGE day!

I arrived at work extra early to set things up. Picked up Dunkin Donuts help ease a tense day for everyone.  But, I got to work too too early.  Had to wait in my car for 30 minutes until security timer off door entrance.

The accreditation conference lasted 3 hours.  I worked so very hard for the past 8 months to ensure a successful accreditation.  It is so important to put the effort, quality and labor into work responsibilities.... Good work ethics and commitment to excellence....WILL GIVE A GOOD PAYOFF (not money, but sense of accomplishment)  and you'll feel good and be proud of the accomplishments!!!

The appraisers were the best, sharp and extremely knowledgeable.  Everyone was pleased, I was relieved.

After the conference, we enjoyed a nice lunch from Panera and I was out of the building before noon!  I took home all the yummy salad so no need for me to cook this snowy weekend!

Drove home in very light traffic and clear weather conditions in about 20 minutes.

Got home in time to watch Maury and took a well deserved nap!

Back up at 4pm - headed downtown to have dinner with my long term childhood friend Sallie Lemon-Oliver at Lawry's Prime Rib.... they make the BEST prime rib!!!  Nice dinner, nice cocktail, nice Pinot Noir and great catch up conversations.

Good bus service back home.

What a full, rewarding, and wonderful last day of January 2014!!!  WHEW!!!