I should have gotten to know her..but now it's too late

 Dr. Jane Smith was a supernova.  From a child, she was groomed to be an achiever, an influencer and one those spirit would shape the world.  And, she was absolutely gorgeous with a beautiful eyes that radiated her look. 

Did I say smart?  She was whip smart.

We were in the same class at Spelman and her aura was spellbinding.

With her confidence, and the way she carried herself, I must admit:  

I was jealous!

I never got to know her at Spelman but I admired her from afar.

We graduated and I didn't see her until she was executive director of an organization that brought her to Chicago.  That was over 15 years later.  I'd seen her mentioned in the Spelman magazine for years so I knew she was doing well.  We connected and for the first time, I saw why she was so valued.  She was phenomenal.

We chatted and I felt no edge about her, no snark, no nothing. She fondly called me "Chicago."  I realized that she was kust a nice person -- about something.

I saw her at our 50th reunion and, as she always did, she called me, "Chicago."  She was with a friend but I told her I would like to talk to her.

She didn't stay long but waved and gave one of those shrugs as if to say, "I know you want to talk but I'm tied up with this guy so...please understand."

On December 10, she died after a brief bout with cancer.  I was stunned.  I mean, some folks are never supposed to die and you can't imagine that happening to someone so awesome.

But when her sons shared the news, I knew it was true.

I never got to know Jane -- not really.  But, I understand why she was beloved and why she was so admired and inspiring.

I just wish I'd gotten to know her better.

Yielding to sensibility

 It's nearly time for me to make my annual vacay to -- CANCUN!

In spite of the pandemic, I did my due diligence and felt I could still go --and observe protocols.

I'd mostly hang out at the villa and on the beach since being outside minimizes risk.  

To ward off any threat of violating social distancing guidelines, that would put me in jeopardy by riding the crowded busses, I would rent a car.

But, the question was:

Would I have fun?

Would I relax?

I love shopping and didn't want to curtail one of the reasons I enjoy my sojourn there.

So, the risks widened.

But, then family stepped in.

My brother and sister begged me not to go citing fear that I would contract Covid and never get out alive.

Then, my sister's grandkids made their appeal:

"Auntie.  Don't go.  We don't want you to die!"

With all of that pressure, it was a no brainer:  I'm not going.

It goes against my adventurous spirit but, I suppose sensibility kicked in -- THIS TIME!

Dude's gotta go!

These words from Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris regarding Donald Trump refusing to concede -- and horrifyingly refusing to leave the office -- captures my outrage exactly.

Let's end this nightmare.  Or will we have to drag him out kicking and screaming -- ghetto style?

Just asking!

Bye Trump

 I cannot express enough my

Exuberance

Ecstasy

Glee

Happiness

Delight

...at seeing Trump get defeated.

After four years of crazy, it's time to return to what Trump would call "Boring."

I call it return to sanity...return to normal...return to kindness...return to everything good.

With that prospect, I have two words:

Bye Trump.

If you're a victim of a crime, you're on your own

I was recently a victim of a crime.  I went out to my car at the wee hours to retrieve something. When I noticed the light was flashing because a door was opened, I discovered a man sleeping in my car.

I screamed, ran into the house and called the police. By the time they got there, he was gone.  But, in his haste to get away, he left his cell phone. That was the clue that got him arrested.

He is a 29-year-old long-time criminal with a long rap sheet and a reputation in the area that makes him well known to the police.  I shuddered thinking that I could have been killed since it was only the two of us. 

But, this new trend to give the thugs a break extended to this case. When I went to court, he was a no-show. When I asked the State's Attorney what would happen, she was lackadaisical. It was a minor crime and he'd probably get court supervision,  I pointed out that he has a long rap sheet and needs to be put away.

The answer was a yawn.

Somewhere in the middle of that conversation, I realized that when it comes to criminals getting time for their crimes, those entrusted -- and elected -- to keep me safe are not going to watch out for citizens. You're on your own.

All you can do is....

 Say "I'm sorry!"

Last week, I posted a snarky tweet responding to another tweet.  In less than a minute, I realized I'd made a mistake.  I tried to delete it but, I was too late.

So, I was called out in a BIG way.

The only thing I could do was say "I'm sorry!" 

That reminds me to be more thoughtful when posting. Read what you wrote. Reflect on its consequences.  Either post it if you're convinced it's GOOD TO GO!

If there's any doubt, don't send it...don't post it..don't press the send/tweet button.

It will save you a lot of regret and will keep you from eating a little crow. 

He's GOT TO GO!

 Since January 20, 2017 when Trump was inaugurated, it's been high drama EVERYDAY!

He's divided the country...ruptured it!

Now, he's got COVID and that hasn't slowed him down.

With all the scandals, the divisiveness, the deceit, the chicanery, the hysteria, the mean tweets and foolishness, it's time for him to go!

We can't take four more years.  

Can't.

Take.

It!