Keepin' down the stress during holidays!

 It's HOLIDAY TIME!

It's joyous, wonderful, awesome and convivial!

But, it can also be stressful being around relatives and the accompanying drama.

I have relatives who hold a grudge from eons ago!  So, they're cool and distant...making for discomfort!

And then there are parents who can't control their kids -- making the holiday time disruptive and harrowing -- especially if you discipline them against their wishes.

And can't forget the takeover relatives who bombard you with the same stories and same inclination to hog everything!

In a few cases, I've opted to stay home rather than endure the strain of being around folks who cause stress. That happened when my nephew and his wife invited me to dinner one year and her relatives spent time drinking and ending up in a drunken stupor. Then, when they were at the height of their "high," they began focusing their venom toward me...the sane one. They called me "Miss Proper" and began tearing me down. 

In fairness, I enjoy some of the family luv that emanates from a select group of family. I love them. Cherish them. And generous toward them.

I enjoy seeing them flowers into mature, responsible and intelligent human beings.

They make up for the crazies and balance out the downers.

So, I've begun more particular about how I spend my holidays.

And, if necessary, I'll stay home and watch TV -- avoiding all the mess and drama.

Raising Up Women

Women can be so catty at times. Cutting each other down. Not always being supportive.

But I'm glad that, within my circle, we praise every little triumph, uplift when women are being challenged and support and love one another -- ALWAYS!

My friend Kathy Times led a Zoom meeting where we met with a semi-celebrity.  She opened the meeting applauding me, showcasing my little victories and  raising me up!

That sparked my soliloquy about her.  Going on and on about her courage, her leadership skills and her conviction when taking on battles that she, inevitably, wins.

I've admired Kathy since I met her years ago at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. She's brave. She's engaging. And, she's funny.

But what I love about her is how she compliments, praises and absolutely gushes about me -- and all women she touches.

We need to use Kathy Times as an example of how to raise up women. 

Another Bears heartbreaking loss

 It's hard to be a Chicago Bears fan after yesterday's miracle drubbing by the Denver Broncos.  

Both teams were winless but the Bears came out smoking - getting ahead 28-7.

And yet, they lose 31-28.

How did that happen? A team that has poor coaches, poor management and a quarterback not up to the moment.

I fear the Bears may be on the path to a winless season. Their only hope was the Broncos who were in the same position with a record of 0-3.  Now, through Bears' mistakes,  the Bears are now 0-4 and the Broncos have hope with 1-3.

Bears are losing fans' faith and are being written off so early in the season.  Only consolation is that the Bears will get top pick for next year.

I LOVE SUNDAYS

 SUNDAY. the Bible says it's the sabbath...the DAY OF REST!

And I definitely rest. And make it a day for Melody.  Sorry... no churchgoing but I am a woman of faith and on Sunday, I stay quiet for a moment.

But I read the newspaper, look at the Sunday news shows, go to the gym and workout, treat myself to a yogurt ice cream cone, go to Barnes & Noble and scan the newly-arrived magazines.

And, at the end of my SUN-DAY, I am enlightened, fulfilled and...SMILING!

 

NABJ and Tennis - My August and My Friends

 I love August.  I go to two different events and I love them both.  And the bonus of August is that I get to hang out with my friends I love and cherish.

From August 2-6, I'll be in Birmingham for the National Association of Black Journalists.  I hob nob with journalists -- trying to make contacts, even though I'm pretty much retired.  It's an exhilarating atmosphere.

But a bonus in going is seeing my friend Kathy Times.  I met her when I played a small role in her victory as NABJ President.   Since then, our friendship has grown and blossomed.  I love her and so look forward to my Kathy hug.

Then there's Michelle.  I met her over 13 years ago when she was looking to buy a ticket to an AKA event.  Why?  Because she wanted to be an AKA.  I just happened to answer the call.  That began a 13-year friendship.  

She's from Birmingham but lives near me in the South Suburbs. When she found out I was going to Birmingham to this conference, she volunteered to show me the historic sites and some not-so-famous -- but still intriguing -- sites.  And, she's DRIVING!

I appreciate and love both of them.

But August includes my annual trip to Cincinnati for tennis.  As much as I don't like driving, it's better than flying.  I get to see the top tennis players -- upfront and personal. And I hang out with my friend Tony Burroughs.  It's a great experience and the vibe is so great.

I also see my friend, Soror Sharon White, for an annual lunch.  We have such a great time talking and laughing and being REAL!

So, August is my favorite month:  I take care of businesss and enjoy seeing the top tennis players.  But most of all, I get to hang with my friends

Taylor Townsend

 OK.  I just finished watching the French Open tennis.

It was pretty predictable with Djokovic and Iga winning.  

But the standout for the slam was Taylor Townsend.  She and Leylah Fernandez, her partner, mounted a gritty doubles effort to reach the finals.

And while, they came up short, they gave it their all.

But what was most impressive was the love Taylor showed for Leylah when she got down and burst into tears at the loss.

Taylor consoled her, gave her a pep talk and they accepted their second-place win with class.

But it was Taylor who was strong amid her winning shots.

Taylor Townsend has endured so much crap from the tennis officials and pooh-bats that she would have deserved leaving the sport.

But she prevailed and won my love, admiration and respect.

Tired of press one for....press two for.... I'm pressing out!

 On Saturday, I wanted to make a quick deposit at a branch of Chase near Downtown. I had an appointment near Downtown and, due to lack of time, I decided to make the deposit rather than at my neighborhood branch.

Problem is, I was in my car and I wanted to make sure there was parking.

So, I called the bank.

There is a rolling message that says:  If you're looking for _________, press 1.  If you are asking about _________press 2. 

This went all the way to 5.  Needless to say, it didn't cover parking.  I pressed 0 thinking I would get a human.  That only brought back to the beginning.  And, they suggested you go to their website and, if you run into a problem, call back!  Huh?

After the third try, I gave up.  And I made the decision to leave Chase.

If this is the direction of banking, then Chase -- and all the other banks that follow suit -- are tone deaf.

So, I called another bank.  Same issue.  But when I called Fifth Third, I happened upon a human being.  I was so happy.  Today, I'm taking all of my $ out of Chase. 

No more pressing anything.  The only thing I'm going to press is the door on my way out of Chase -- for good!

Traveling to Vietnam was so GREAT!

While I complained in my last post about the hassle trying to get to Vietnam with all the forms....I had a change of mind once I got on the plane.

That's because I went Business Class.  I was treated like a diva....great food...very attentive and the chair folding into a bed made for a peaceful ride.

I slept like a baby in my own little kiosk where I closed everyone away.  

During the nine-hour layover in Istanbul, I went to the private club where I had free food, free drinks and I was able to sequester myself in the lounge.

Of course, I did some shopping in this massive airport.

All in all the trip was heavenly.

And I made some friends too.  In that long layover, I chatted up with others in Business Class.  It was great!

So I had food, fun and made some new friends! 

The hassle of traveling

Grrr...

That's the sound of me trying to navigate all I need to do to get to Vietnam.

Fill out visas, convert money to Dong (just in case), review all of the documents and make sure you adapt and bring the correct clothing.

Then there's the 20 hours in the air (40 when you include return) and trying to find a way to keep moving and stay busy during that time.

Then, there's the nine-hour layover in Istanbul.  

I'm tired and I haven't even started.

Chicago Police Department

The criminals in Chicago have a field day carjacking, killing, robbing... Why?

Because the solve rate is only 12%. That means 88% of the time, the thugs don't get caught and only continue to terrorize the innocent citizens.

And, where Blacks are concerned, the police don't care and don't expend the effort.

I don't know if there's a city that does it right by investing the time, resources to track down these thugs and hold them to account.

One thing's for sure:  Chicago Police don't give a ___ and the stats prove it.

Sad.  But true.

Bamenda Fresh Grocer

So happy to be working with Bamenda Fresh Grocer, a new Black-owned grocery in the Black community.  

Felix Leshay is the owner whose vision is behind this successful enterprise.  It's a way of countering the trend where major chains are fleeing the inner city.

The store is filled with the usual items but also has a section with African and Caribbean items.

Bamenda Fresh Grocer -- and Felix -- are blessings.

And I'm happy to be part of his success!

Vietnam

Vietnam has always intrigued me.  I had friends who fought there and either didn't survive -- or survived with mental problems.

But now that the war is behind us, tourism is on the rise.

I caught the bug.

So, on March 6, I'm going to Vietnam for a tour and to see whether it's as beautiful as so many have boasted.

In anticipation of writing a book about my solo travels, I'll record impressions and prepare a journal. I'll also take plenty of pictures.

But the biggest surprise is my decision to ride in Business Class.  In past trips, I've taken the tourist route by going on economy, which keeps the price down. It also means you'll be exposed to crying babies, a cramped seat, little air between passengers meaning being susceptible to colds.

This is a pricey option but friends who have taken this route say it's worth the money to be away from the discomfort.

So, that's what I'm doing. I want to enjoy Vietnam...and not tired. I want to be vibrant and ready to discover this city wide awake!

Bra problems

As a woman more heavily endowed, I knew the day would come when these ladies would cause problems.

The day arrived.

I am in pain...hurting...and seven weeks to Vietnam.

So, I am going into action:  Get fitted again. Consider breast reduction surgery.

I will not let these ladies ruin my trip.

So, I'll do what is necessary to get by.

And when I get back, ACTION!

2023 - It's HERE!

 2022 went out with a bang -- a bad bang. Susan Peters died and, despite holding on for a week, Steve Strode succumbed to his injuries.

So, I begin 2023 sad -- but hopeful it will be better.

I left Gerald behind in 2022. He sent a little note and I reflected on his occasional shabby treatment and decided not to resume the "conversation."

THe exciting news is that I'm going to Vietnam.  Gathering all of my coins so I can make this awesome adventure.  Plus, I have to build up my physical reserves so I can make the trip.  Going in style...Business Class.  I get tired of arriving exhausted because of crying babies, coughing seat mates and shabby service.

So, I'm paying BIG but going in style!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!