It's Serena time!

 If it's US Open time, it's SERENA TIME!

Everyone is blowing this up as if it's her final tournament.  But I think she's going to pull a Michael Jordan and retire and then un-retire.

I don't think Serena is going to hang up her racket!

NOT YET!

Love the NABJ conference

Once a year, I attend the National Association of Black Journalists Conference.

Under one roof, you see and have an opportunity to meet the world's leading Black journalists.  Plus, you get to attend some of the best educational, informative sessions.

And the parties are off the chain.

I just got back yesterday and I'm on a high.

Looking forward to next year -- in Birmingham.  

BIG FUN!   

I got it!

 After years of ducking it.

After years of being bypassed.

And, after being lulled into thinking I wouldn't get it.

I got it!

COVID!

It happened while I was at the AKA Boule in Orlando. And, Theta Omega had 33 Sorors to go:  Ten of us got it.

So, I was at a super spreader.

And that is where I got it!

Today, I'm negative but I got it!

Resort Fees or should I say Resort Hustles

The problem with vacationing at popular tourist sites is the Resort Fee.  These adds on can be as much as 25% of the room cost.

They claim the same amenities that you'd ordinarily get.

This year, I'm going to Orlando and to Las Vegas: two hot spots for this kind of hustle. So, I'll have to add Resort Fees to my budget...or stick to visiting less-glitzy lower/profile tour favorites. s

And again

 Just as I was lamenting the mass shooting in Buffalo, comes another horrific one:  In Uvalde, Texas.

Little children mowed down -- obliterated to the point where parents had to submit DNA because their bodies were so unrecognizable.

Outrage. Acts of protest. Pleas to the president to DO SOMETHING!

It seems like there is no solution.

But maybe --MAYBE - the horror of Buffalo and Uvalde will wake up lawmakers and prompt them to 

DO SOMETHING!

I hope that President's resolve and comment of WE WILL triggers action!

WHEN?

The mass slaughter of innocent citizens in Buffalo is becoming more and more common.   I hope we don't become anesthetized to it. The Black on Black crime is beyond normal...it's become part of our daily ritual.  It's a yawner.

Polarization, white supremacy and DEMENTED HATE triggered these continued staccato murders.  

I'm afraid to go to Chicago because of the fear of being an innocent bystander killed by an errant bullet. Or getting carjack, or being robbed for my cellphone.

I've become more cocooned in my house.  This is not good.

But it has to end....but when?

Looking Forward to a Summer of Conventions, Connections and Camaraderie

I am anticipating Summer 2022 because my datebook suggests I'm going to have a Summer of Fun, Frolic and one Full of learning.

It starts July 10-15 when I journey to Orlando for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Boule´.  It'll be a week of hugging, reconnecting, learning and -- of course -- celebrating our sorority.  

From August 3-7 is the National Association of Black Journalists' convention in Las Vegas.  That's a great time to make valuable connections and to network.  I've always enjoyed NABJ and, against the backdrop of Las Vegas, I should have even more fun.

Coming off of a week of NABJ will be the Western and Southern Tennis Tournamentfrom August 13-21. This will be the third year I'm going and it has always been awesome. The top players journey there before the US Open.  I look forward to seeing the top players up front and personal as the bleachers practically touch the courts. 

The summer will cap off with my Summer dinner that's held the last Sunday of September and marks the end of summer. Because of COVID, I haven't had it for a couple of years. But, as COVID lifts, it's time.  

I'm looking forward to my Summer of Fun and will report on every moment -- RIGHT HERE!

Hope yours will be fun too!