Monday, September 24, 2018

PHEW! Success!

I had my annual end-of-summer dinner party yesterday.  I didn't know who would come because folks don't RSVP anymore.

But, they came in.  They ate.  They had engaging conversations.

Among those attending were those in the media, entertainment, business and, of course, good friends.

The food was DE BEST -- thanks for Chef Nicole. It was plentiful and DE-LI-CIOUS

AND EVERYONE HAD A GOOD TIME!

The weather was perfect - SUNNY, not a cloud overhead.

And, midway through the dinner, I looked at the sea of invitees and knew it was a job well done.

Well, it can be pricey, and I bite my nails leading up to the event.

But, the success of it all has me feeling pretty happy and satisfied on this post-event day.

Despite my complaining and moaning pre-event, I know I'll do it again.

Next year.

Monday, September 10, 2018

It's about growth!

I'm going to China in October and I'm SOOOOO excited!

In preparation for the trip, I'm learning how to speak Chinese.

The language is complicated but I'm slowly getting the major phrases down.

The agency handling the trip says it's not necessary to learn the language since the guide speaks English and can assist if there are rare situations where I have to speak the language.

But, I'm learning it anyway.

There are several reasons why:

Natives respect you for trying to master  their language.

You get to speak to the Chinese in their language.

And the most important:

I get a sense of accomplishment and uplift when learning something new.

It's about growth!



Monday, September 3, 2018

Blame it on Serena

Labor Day is a big holiday weekend in Chicago.

There are BBQs, Fests, concerts, parties...places to go and people to see.

But, as a lifelong Tennis FAN-A-TIC, I watch the US Open.

I love watching Serena in her comeback.

I love watching Sloane as she defends her title.

I love Nadal, Federer, Del Potro, Isner, Thiem

I love the doubles and mixed doubles.

I love seeing the up-and-coming players make their mark.

I love seeing the veterans maintaining their dominance.

I love Love LOVE tennis.

Yea, yeah.  I know I could tape it.  But, I've got to see it in REAL TIME!  And, my DVR might not work.

I can't take that chance.

So, folks if I don't get to eat ribs at the BBQs, or visit the African Festival of the Arts, or sit on the lawn and listen to the Jazz Fest...

Well,

Blame it on Serena.