Mask While in Indoor Venues

 

Never remove your mask while within the confines of an indoor venue!!!

Why is this pandemic not yet under control and getting worse????!!! Let's do some truth telling.  I was a Nurse Epidemiologist who spent 1 week in training in CDC way back in the 1980's, so I know what I speak.

The Virus: The coronavirus is a respiratory infection. The virus is released from infected lungs into the air and probably is aerolyzed on air current. Hence, it is highly contagious and virulent.

Masks: Masks do NOT prevent folks from contracting the coronavirus. Masks control the spread of the airborne virus from an infected person to others.  This is why everyone must wear a mask.  Oh yes, masks must be worn over folks' nose!  We breath through our nose not mouth. COVER YOUR NOSE!!! WEAR YOUR MASK THE RIGHT WAY!

Social Distancing: When folks are in close proximity with others, it is easy to inhale the virus from infected folks. So, best to keep a good distance from others even while masked.

Hand Hygiene: Stringent handwashing with soap and water is important. Use of alcohol hand sanitizer is also helpful.

Why is this pandemic getting worse?

Breaches in the Bubble:  During the pandemic, folks must secure their "bubble". Folks have disregarded this principle and connected with others not knowing who others have been in contact.  

Indoor Social Gatherings: During the year, folks carried on as if the virus was gone. Folks were without masks, in close proximity, eating and drinking without masking, laughing and exhaling the virus.  Folks shamelessly posted such parties on Facebook.

Indoor Dining: Folks go to restaurants and carelessly remove their masks to eat and drink. So, now, the virus is released into the enclosed area and is easily inhaled by others in the enclosed space. THERE IS NO REASON TO RELEASE THE VIRUS INDOORS!!! If folks do not know how to eat and drink while masked, they have NO BUSINESS  going to indoor dining!  The virus has no respect for indoor venues!!

Bars: Bars are for drinking and socializing. Hence, masks must be worn the entire time.  Folks must mask while sipping drinks, running their mouth and laughing!  Folks must KEEP THAT HOLE IN THEIR FACE COVERED FOR THE ENTIRE TIME while at an indoor bar. 

Casinos:  Forget about it!  Ain't workable.  Folks will not don masks while drinking. Folks believe they are justified to remove masks while smoking.  Hence, no smoking in casinos.  Masks must be worn at all times.  Not possible to smoke while masked. NO SMOKING INSIDE CASINOS.  MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE INSIDE THE ENCLOSED CASINO VENUE.

THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION TO UNMASK WHEN IN INSIDE VENUES!!!! That means stores, workplaces, buses, trains, planes, airports, casinos, bars, restaurants.... and so on.

Restaurants and bars in Chicago and Illinois are facing a crisis due to lockdowns. Chicago's winters are treacherous, so those stupid igloos will not work during our harsh winter months.  

This is the change that bars and restaurants need to commit to stay open:

1.  Patrons and diners must mask during the entire time while inside. YES, that means while eating and drinking.  This is doable. I did it all year!!!!

2. Masks must be worn the right way while eating and drinking.

3. Children should NOT be allowed in restaurants as they cannot master wearing masks while eating and drinking.

4. Promote curbside service.  Folks should not have to worry about getting a parking ticket.  Something has to be done.

5. Holiday gatherings are OUT for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Forget about it. 

6. Cooks need to figure out how family members can pick up food trays without contact.  Pick up and go.... curbside service.

WE CAN DO THIS!!!

Time to Celebrate a Job Well Done!

 I am just so elated this morning! I have been with my new little remote job for 6 months. When I started, my task was to work with the person I was replacing to prepare documents to get a convention accredited. It was a rush job to say the least.  The application was totally funky.  When the application was submitted, one major part was REJECTED 100%!  Running out of time, we had to hastily make major corrections.  It was a nightmare!

Fortunately, the convention was postponed as the pandemic created real time problems for conference. So, it was pushed back from March to July and then to August.  Hence, this gave me the opportunity to rewrite the application MY WAY!!!!!

I put in a lot of time to make sure it was a good, appropriate and well-written application.  It took time. I had to fight my boss as well.  It was so much drama, I just stopped speaking to the team for almost one week!

When I came back, things were better.  People had done their job.  I submitted the application on Wednesday.  I was on "pins & needles" awaiting to hear back from the accrediting body.  Then yesterday, we heard back... The accrediting body gave me accolades on a job well done and complete!!  YEA ME!

It really was a great application.  I've been on Cloud Nine... The Top of the World ever since yesterday. I needed that acclaim!!!!  I got the job done!  YES!!!!

For the 2021 convention, I have already created the timeline. I am looking forward to preparing that conference.  

 

Networking: What you never learned in school

A person who worked in a former organization with me sent me a message requesting a reference. I never worked with this person. We attended a couple of meetings together. I retired from the organization 8 years ago!!!!  This person has a HUGE problem and I am not dealing with her!

Most folks do not have a clue on how to create professional relationships to build their networks. If someone has to request a reference from a retiree that they barely know.... that is a problem. Hence, I am providing 6 key points for networking.... What you never leaned in school!

1. Networking starts in high school!  Students need to perform well, be respectful of teachers and get involved in extra-curricular activities.  You got to stand out in a positive way.

2. Go to church!  Be active in volunteer organizations. Adults non-profit organizations  have the potential to write future reference letters. Remember to go to church!!! Clergy are respected!!!!  Pastors are great for writing references.

3. Your paternity / sorority is YOUR network.  You decided to close yourself off from others by joining this clique.  So, make sure you know folks!  THESE people are the ones to write your references!!

4. In college, senior year professors are ideal for references.  College professors in the last year should be writing reference letters!  But, make sure you have been worthy.  Every course has an end of session evaluation for students to give feedback.  If students have opted to NOT write good comments on me or opt to not write any comments.... I will NOT write a reference letter.

5.  Co-workers in the workplace.  This is tricky. Most co-workers cannot be trusted. Just remember, if you write a reference for a co-worker, make sure that it will be mutual. Get their contact information. If your co-workers are functionally illiterate, don't expect them to return the favor.  I'm just saying.

6. Serve as a volunteer for professional associations.  This is ideal for building a network as an adult.  Serving in office, active membership and having a positive presence is what networking is all about.

If at some point in life you have to request a letter of reference from a retiree that you barely knew, you screwed up royaly!

2018 - A Reflection of my BEST in 2018

2018 was grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!  This year started quiet, then got nasty, and ended up FANTASTIC! So, 2018 was really a great year. I decided to skip the Year-In-Review with all the photos. That seems too much like bragging and boasting.  I am not into that nonsense... anymore.  LOL!

This is my BEST of for 2018. My "BEST" reflects being strategic and commitments.  Here are my bests in 2018:

• Sam's Club- for sensible and frugal shopping.
• Sam's Club gas station- Best competitive gas prices.  Long lines move fast.
• Raj - my Amazon Locker
• My fantastic new Facebook Friends from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Summerlin and other states who share a passion for Las Vegas.
• My decision to take an unplanned 6 month respite, as a commitment, to relax and chill.
• Thoughtfulness in doing online comparison before grocery shopping:  FairPlay Foods, Food4Less and now Pete's Fresh Market.
• Creativity in operationalizing Central Chicago Events Page on Facebook. Lots of fun stuff in the central area of Chicago.
• My favorite show- Ancient Aliens.
• My favorite celebrity chef cooking shows.
• My commitment to fitness and health... daily powerwalks.

Wishing every reader a Happy New Year in 2019!!!!  Cheers!!

FOLO on Christmas

A new FBF just posted a comment about the differences between being alone and being lonely.

I assume the comment was related to Christmas Day as this is the ONLY day when most merchants and businesses are closed.  So, such feelings can happen easily, leading to sadness.  Here's my take:
There is a difference between being alone and feeling lonely.  I think everyone understands that point, if not Google the definitions.

Lonely:
Since nothing is open on Christmas, the best thing to do is PLAN for this day.  Even if venues are open, who would want to being out all alone on such a festive holiday?  Not me! This is what I recommend:
#1. Go to church in the morning. Churches are usually open, so it will not be a whole solitary day.
#2. Plan to cook your favorite meal at home, nothing major, just something enjoyable.
#3. Select your favorite movies... DVD's, Netflix, Amazon Prime movie, or Google Play.
#4. Grab your preferred bottle of wine.
#5. Have some popcorn to snack while enjoying your favorite movies.
#6. STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!  Folks are inconsiderate and will be posting photos of get togethers. No need to get caught up in FOLO... "Feelings Of Losing Out".

That's a plan that will work for being lonely on Christmas Day.

Alone:
Now, for those who enjoy being alone, Be Careful!!!  Being alone, can easily transition into feeling lonely on Christmas Day.    My advice is to avoid doing anything that will result in awkward feelings of being alone on this holiday.  Hence, I recommend doing the following:
#1. Plan the day for staying at home.  No need to go out and end up feeling awkward being alone on Christmas.
#2- Have your meal planned out with your preferred bottle of wine.
#3- Plan for your favorite TV, cable, streaming movies.
#4- STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!!  No need in risking a transition into loneliness.

In either case, make sure to have a plan on Christmas!!!

Living the Frugal Lifestyle in 2018

I have enjoyed a nice 6 months of relaxing as a retiree.  This was my very first time EVER of relaxing while not working.  In order to do this as a retiree, I had to cut spending and live a very FRUGAL lifestyle for the past 6 months.  

A person has to be very mindful, strategic and smart to live a frugal life.  Being frugal does not mean being cheap.  Frugality reflects critical thinking to successfully cut unnecessary material costs.  Here's what I did during the past 6 months:

• Take the bus instead of driving.
• Created social media activities that kept me busy and away from the local casino.
• No dining out.  Low cost healthy meals are planned and prepared every week.
• Grocery shop carefully at Food4Less and FairPlay Foods.
• Always prepare a grocery shopping list and stick to it. Target generics to save money.
• No more Binny's!   I purchase my wine and vodka at Sam's Club.
• Sam's Club is big time for me with purchases of soaps, water, wine and paper products.
• Take the bus Downtown and engage in free events that I promote.
• Purchase gasoline at Sam's Club.  Long lines, but cheap!!!  Worth the wait.
• Stay active by powerwalking and treadmill at fitness center.
• For holidays, go to my preferred meat market for low cost meat, poultry and fish.

Alas, my 6 month respite is over and its back to work in less than 1 month.  However, I learned a lot during this time. I will continue my frugal lifestyle.  But, life is for living and I do plan to continue my Las Vegas visits... but not as often.  Casinos are too tight, but I love that entertainment city.

Reflections from My 2018 Las Vegas Visits

I just love Las Vegas!  I just got back from my last Las Vegas trip for 2018.  So, its time for me to reflect on those travels.

Total Count:I traveled a total of 9 times to fabulous Las Vegas in 2018. My trips were a combination of fun getaways and conferences.  Here's the count:

• January       Caesar's Palace
• February     MGM Grand
• March         Cosmopolitan
• April           Harrah's
• June            Encore
• July            Wynn
• August       MGM Grand West Wing
• October      MGM Grand
• November  Planet Hollywood

Comped Stays
I believe that my 7 fun getaway trips were comped stays.   I do not get good plays, jackpots, handpays and bonus rounds at slots, but I do invest in my stays, I accrue and earn points and get rewarded with comped room stays.  So when I do my hilarious Facebook Live at a slot machine, don't look for a jackpot.  HA!!!  I'm cool. Its fun.

Early Travel
I'll continue my early morning travel.  It worked, no cancellations or delayed flights.  However, there is a cost... of course early arrival to Las Vegas will result in an early check-in fee. 

Frugal Spending
I spent very little money.  I take an empty glass bottle, fill with water and packaged tea.  I prepare turkey and cheese sandwiches for the airport and hotel. I also take snack crackers.  Folks seem to like the "Chicken in a Biskit" crackers... so, I'll continue with that.  LOL! 

• Purchase bottle water from the ABC Store, CVS or Walgreens.
• Breakfast- Egg McMuffin at McDonald's.
• Lunch / Dinner- Asada taco at El Buen Pastor in Fremont.

Slots
Amazing!!!  I think I have fallen in love with video poker.  I had a very LONG play time at O'Sheas' playing video poker at the bar.  Will do more in 2019. I like Deuces Wild... but I can also play regular video poker.

Shuttle
Up until December 2017, all of my transportation service was booked through Airline Shuttle for many years, from their start of business until they closed down. I tried Bell Airport shuttle, but they were LOUSY!!!!! They did not pick me up from CP. So, I started with SuperShuttle and they are great!!!  All contact is electronic.  Hence, it is efficient and excellent.  The actual vehicle can be tracked online. They are great with they text notifications.  SuperShuttle is great.

Casinos
I just started going to Fremont in 2018.  So, I will continue to share my play time on The Strip and now Fremont.  My $20 bill lasts longer in Fremont.  But, I love the jazz-ma-tazz of The Strip.  Plus, MLife and Total Rewards give me good room comps.  My Total Rewards is Platinum and my MLife is Pearl.  So, I'll work on keeping those levels.

So, that's a good map for 2019!!!

Feel free to join my Facebook group, Adults In Las Vegas and keep up with my Las Vegas travels in 2019!!!

Adults in Las Vegas

Adults In Las Vegas Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/543277526065798/