Enjoyed NABJ

I have attended the National Association of Black Journalists' convention for at least seven years.

With me really semi-retired, people ask me: "Why go?"

I go because I enjoy the uplifting environment of being around so many intelligent, influential and intuitive black people.

The atmosphere is charged because of the dynamic dialogue, inspired conversations and the connections I make.

So, they are right.  I don't attend many sessions.  I don't participate in many of the workshops. I don't go to the galas.

But, I bask in the connections I create, the friendships I renew and the new contacts I make.

It is an exhilarating experience and I savor the entire experience. And, I go home with a whole set of new connections for friendships and for reaching out for those moments when I retire.

It is so much fun and I look forward to next year in Detroit!

Everyday!

My sister and I joke that there is a scandal/drama/hot messes within the Trump administration -- EVERYDAY!

This tumult is so draining and, yes, horrifying!


This nation is teetering on the edge and the players within the Trump administration are so showboat and cutthroat among each other. This is taking America down and demoralizing those of us watching this train wreck.

It is time for us to rise up and keep Trump at bay. If not, his solid 39% -- in collusion with others -- could get him back in office.

And, if that happens, that could mean Trump would be the last person in my life.

I can't let that happen!

I go because I have fun

In a few weeks, I'm going to the National Association of Black Journalists convention in New Orleans.

People think I'm going to go because of all the workshops.

No.

Folks think I'm going because of all of the fabulous speakers. (However, the cast from Queen Sugar will be there and that is a plus.)

No.

And they think I'm going to go because of the contacts.

Well, maybe.

I go because I love the vibes.  I love being around intelligent people.  I love seeing my besties who I only see once a year like Kathy Times, Melanie Burney, Sarah Glover and Charles Gidney

I go because they offer the opportunities to see free movies.

I go to hang with my soror and media friend Maudlyne of the Sun Times.

I go because I can get starstruck seeing all of these media folks I only see on television and I see them upclose.

I go because I love being helpful so I'm going to assist Dorothy Tucker with her campaign.

I go because I get a high, a charge and a good feeling when I'm around all of these dynamic people.

And I go because for a very basic reason:

 I have fun.

So Proud

OK.  I was really in love with this guy about a year ago.  We were almost inseparable for two months.  It was heavenly.

Yes.  He had financial issues but I made sure our dates were low cost like walking, playing tennis, going to free lectures.

It was great!

Then, on July 4th, after a wonderful afternoon, he left and I never heard from him.

Poof.

Gone.

I was so hurt.  The last I heard, he was sick so I thought something had happened to him.

Finally, I stopped trying.

Then, about a month ago, he called -- out of the blue.

He announced that he was getting married but that he really enjoyed our time together.

I couldn't understand why he called but, he missed me and wanted to pick up some of the pieces.

But, I told him he had hurt me and I just can't resume anything.  I told him how empty I'd felt and how I had to struggle to get through the days.  While he was romancing a new woman, I was in pain.

It would have been so easy for me to consent.

But I told him "NO."  He had hurt me and I wouldn't let him back in my life -- particularly since he was now engaged.

So, when we hug up, I cried.  But I knew I'd done the right thing.  Seeing him again, with this new entanglement was an invitation for more pain.

So, I hung up and after crying, I congratulated myself for seeing the obvious.

I am so proud to have been strong...not weak.

So much luck - Karma must be shining

Yesterday, my car stopped while parked at Kroc Center. Fortunately, a man parked next to me saw my distress.  He was with his little daughter and enroute to church.  Well, he had cables and immediately got my car started.  I went straight home.

But, I told his little daughter what a great person her dad was to rescue me.  Had he not been there, the day would have been a nightmare.

That made her smile.

Then, the weekend before that, I was in Lynwood, Illinois trying to find a business fair I wanted to attend.  I pulled into a gas station but it was closed.  However, a lady came by to get air in her tires.  I told her about my predicament.  She was trying to describe how to get there but said: "Let me take you there and you can follow me."

Well, thanks for her because getting there was filled with twists, turns and zig zags.  I would have never gotten there without her assist.

I got nicks and hits in life but they vastly outweighs all of the kindnesses.  This is a small example and an example of karma visiting me in positive ways.

I'm blessed.

Pen is Mighty

Recently, I had an "encounter" with an inspector from the City where I live.  He ranted and raved and was so disrespectful as he talked about the violations at a rental property I own.

He threatened me with the prospect of a fine and said I'd have to go to court.  He gave me 48 hours to fix the issue.  I did it in 24 hours.

I remained calm throughout this tirade. But I wasn't going to let him get away with talking to me like that.

I got his name, title and wrote a letter to the Mayor. And I mentioned that I'm Vice President of the Library Board where I volunteer.

Next thing I know I get a call from the Mayor's office.  He wants to meet me. And, when I went down to the Housing Department to look into the fine, I was told it was withdrawn because the violation had been handled.

The mean inspector broke the news and he was all contrite.

Hmmm...The power of the pen in action.

Hallelujah!

Meetings - YUCH!

I swear!  Some folks just like holding meetings to hear themselves talk.

I'm working on a project where the leaders are constantly convening meetings.  During a two-hour meeting yesterday, I realized that the part concerning my role took all of five minutes of time during the meeting.

As soon as it was over, I called the client and said:  Just have them tell me the relevant part that concerns me.  In other words, let me skip the meeting and tell me what to do.

I'll do it.

But. No. Meetings!