Tag: life untangled

10 Best Romantic Korean Dramas on Netflix

The first time (in 2021) I spent 16+ hours of my life watching a single KDrama series with friends, I was addicted. I have put in many more “kdrama hours” since, so I had to write this blog post and share a bit of my favorite romantic ones! Which have you seen?


10. Romance is a Bonus Book

Kang Dan-i is a person you want to root for. She is a character kind of like Will Smith was in The Pursuit of Happyness. Dan-i has had a seemingly tough time since the beginning. Divorce, starting over, lacking stability, struggling financially, bullied at work, the list goes on. Good thing for her…she is able to meet her challenges with the support and help of her best guy friend Cha Eun-ho. Eun-ho loves Dan-i and is ready to convince her of his love — even if she keeps sticking him in the friend zone.


9. She Would Never Know


Frustrating “love” story throughout so much of it. I kept saying, Yoon Song-a girl…get it together 😒

Song-a is dating her boss who turns out to have been engaged the whole time. When a co-worker (Chae Hyeon-seung) with a crush on Song-a reveals Song-a was actually the mistress in the affair, surprisingly Song-a doesn’t want to get over her fling as quickly as Hyeon-seung (her coworker) wants her to.

We watch an annoying step & repeat storyline where Song-a does not like Hyeon-seung then she does, and then she leaves him, but then she wants him again.

I added this to the list because Chae Hyeon-seung was a hopeless romantic and you cannot help but cheer for him and his efforts even when his time could be better spent elsewhere.


8. Her Private Life


Art Curator Sung Duk-mi is incredibly talented at her day job. She is also a k-pop artist stalker of sorts; as a hobby.

Meanwhile, her new boss Ryan Gold has a ton of secrets himself. Gold and Duk-mi navigate the awkward parts of working together and maintaining their secrets. They eventually really lean on each other for emotional support as their secrets get revealed.

Living double lives is the name of the game for this drama but it also makes for a cute and quirky romantic comedy. Watching their relationship unfold is bound to keep you really engaged like it did for me!



7. Clean with Passion for Now


It took me a while to get into this one but I am glad I stuck with it. I was glad to see an inclusive story line that includes members of the neurotypical community.

Gil O-sol’s character is simply a mess of a human for the most part. She is usually drunk, clumsy and often very messy; literally. Even though keeping things clean is not a personal strength, O-sol manages to land a professional cleaning job. CEO Jang Seon-gyeol has mysophobia, is extreme in his fear and hate for germs, dirt and anything out of place.

The ‘opposites attract’ angle lays on strong for this one but it works. You start to see both characters round out some of their inflexible areas to meet in the middle and kindle a friendly romance. This drama has a bit of a love triangle too with a mysterious neighbor who has loved O-sol for many years and wants her to return his feelings. Throw in Seon-gyeol’s overbearing, scary father and you have got yourself an all-out drama to keep!

Keep tissues on standby. There is an episode or two in there that may make you cry.


6. Crash Course in Romance


All the math content went right over my head but I really enjoyed the dynamic development of Choi Chi-yeol and Nam Haeng-seon’s stories. Beware there is a creepy supporting character in this drama to keep viewers on their toes. But better news — there is more than one love story at play in this series. I vote that Crash Course in Romance is a keeper!


5. You Are My Spring


I did not expect to like this one as much as I did. I usually do not choose fictional psychological thriller shows with dark elements like murder and suicide. I leave true crime content to my documentary playlist.

This series definitely has some twists that keep it interesting. Darkness aside, the importance of good mental health has a nice platform here. One of the main characters is a therapist.

I will say I thought the love story was a cute one and I could not stop watching! Ju Young-do is protective from the very start and you see that theme throughout. Also worth mentioning — part of what kept me from turning it off after the first drop of blood —- the drama was skillfully portrayed in such a uniquely creative and artistic way. Two thumbs up if you can handle it!



4. Extraordinary Attorney Woo


Woo Young-woo is a young lawyer with Asperger’s Syndrome. While Woo’s bold honesty gets her in trouble sometimes, her approach is so wholesome and she is incredibly intelligent. It is impossible not to like Attorney Woo Young Woo.

Besides Woo Young-Woo, I also fell in love with Lee Jun-ho who is one of the few kind, patient and loving people in Attorney Woo’s corner from the start. Jun-ho wants to woo her so badly (pun intended!) that he will give his time for anything Woo likes, even her whale obsession.

Between the constant crime cases at court, two major competing law firms and a past that circles back for Attorney Woo, you’ll be pressing that ‘Next Episode’ button so fast at the first sight of end credits!



3. Doctor Cha


In a Word…Powerhouse. Cha Jeong-suk (Dr. Cha) starts as a stay at home mom who has been trampled and overlooked by both herself and her family. They all see her mostly as a servant. Cha’s husband is not faithful, her kids order her around, her in-laws think she should be grateful for the lacking life around her because at least the house is nice and her husband pays for things. Cha is a devoted mother and wife but something is missing.

Dr. Cha has a health scare that starts to wake her up to wanting more from the life she has. Despite the naysayers (mostly her family sadly) she decides to make a bold career move at her age and later stage of life. When life gives you lemons girl…

This series explores family relationships, adulting as children grow up, choosing self over unhealthy marriages and finding strength to move forward in life, love and career even after constant setbacks. Circumstances certainly do not always go how Cha thinks they will but sometimes that works out for the best.

As far as romance, Dr. Cha is completely oblivious but a hot new doctor at her hospital definitely tries his best to make her feel seen and heard. It is the kind of care she deserves.



2. King the Land

This is my show! I almost cried because this was a 2 episode weekly release at the beginning. I was literally stalking my Netflix feed for updates.

As for the series — classic guy and girl despising each other at the beginning. Slowly but surely they start to realize they have more in common than they thought. Then they become more endearing of the other and you want them to live happily ever after. Their main character romance helps you forget a lot of the mean, greedy characters in the show which is nice.

Sidekick perk: There is also an adorably goofy and funny assistant to the leading character. To be honest, I would watch a second season with the sidekick as the main man.



1. Crash Landing on You


Crash Landing on You will always be number one for me. Always. I went through every emotion watching this show. I think I fell in love, laughed, cried each time I turned it on. There was so much action and layers to the storyline. It was just that good.

Yoon Se-ri is a famous and successful entrepreneur from a tough and cutthroat family in South Korea. Thanks to terrible tornado weather on an otherwise perfect day… Se-ri ends up across enemy lines in North Korea. There Se-ri has to convince everyone who comes in contact that she is not a spy, including the military men (led by Captain Ri) who are doing everything to protect their own lives by keeping her hidden in plain sight until she can return home to South Korea.

Along comes this corrupt jerk (who shall not be named) that desperately wants to destroy anything in his way to absolute power. That jerk goes after Se-ri and Captain Ri through intimidation, invasions of privacy, assault, etc. Se-ri has nothing to worry about though because the gorgeous Captain Ri has promised to do everything in his power to keep Se-ri safe as long as she stays in his sights. His limits are definitely tested on his promise but he will never give up.

There are a lot more characters and interesting storylines with plenty of mystery, drama and even a few laughs. All in all — ‘Crash Landing on You’ is the love story of a lifetime. I have not met a person yet who does not love this series!




Honorable Mention: *Business Proposal*


Kang Tae-moo has to meet his grandfather’s demands to settle down. He goes on a blind date with a girl. As fate would have it, that girl Shin Ha-ri is pretending to be her best friend because her best friend wanted to ditch the blind date. At dinner, Ha-ri suddenly realizes her blind date is actually her boss. At first, Ha-ri somehow manages to keep her identity a secret but now needs to keep ruse that up.

Later Tae-moo and Ha-ri end up striking a deal to fake a relationship that starts to turn deeper for Tae-moo when he realizes who Ha-ri is by accident and that he actually is developing feelings for her. Ha-ri is also a badass food scientist in the show which is just a cool tidbit. The whole show is quite cute.


I have so many on my watch list but I am always open to more. Any recommendations?

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Adult Tonsillectomy (And Other Things I Learned Along the Way)


This blog post is my personal experience. It may be funny, extreme and/or helpful to some. I am not making any attempt to over exaggerate. I actually wish I could say this whole thing was an over exaggeration.

It’s true others may have had very different experiences. Maybe they could talk within 24 hours or had the best sleep of their life after watching comedies and eating ice cream all day. Well, I am not them and that is not my story friends.

I had to write this while it’s fresh so it’s probably not going to sound happy. Sorry but not sorry. I’m writing for the people who want the real version in case they find themselves in such a seat. And also for the people who could use a chuckle because they would NEVER find themselves in such a seat LOL.

This blog post may even come off as complainy which is fine because I am complaining, so that tracks LOL.

Let’s get to it…



1. Age Matters
If only one of the several ENTs and doctors I met annually since 2013 had taken my concerns seriously. Perhaps I would have been enough years younger to have an easier recovery but it took 10 years of advocating for myself.

While I am truly grateful for the medical staff who took care of me and handled my surgery, I am not grateful for the recovery that has been hell in my apparently old age. (My age is indeed why they told me recovery has been such a bear 😒)



2. Fast Procedure, Slow Recovery
I wish the doctor had saved a tonsil or took a picture for me to see. Before I went under I asked if she could save the biggest tonsil stone so I could really see what brought me here. She laughed it off both times so I guess that’s a no.

The last I remember them saying at the hospital was you won’t remember a thing…


After I gave my final wishes to the anesthesiologist team, I was wheeled into a room where I could see nothing but blurs because they had removed my glasses. Some people said some things and next I know, I was waking up in a different room. Almost unsettling how that happens lol!

I threw up night 1 after surgery. To be fair the anesthesiologist said it could happen but there is no way to prepare for that feeling. There was no stopping it and with nothing in my tummy (you have to fast before surgery), there was nothing to give. I just had to let my body go through the motions until I forced myself to calm down. I thought I might have to go to the ER. I could suddenly feel the burnt throat bits. It was the worst. It sucks when you want to cry but can’t because that hurts too. Throat got tight. I didn’t want to sniffle up cry snot. I never had such a major silent protest against everything. Unfortunately, I threw up about 3-4 more times over the first couple weeks.



3. Ice Cream? Yeah Right
It should be said humor and sarcasm are some of my favorite coping mechanisms. I repeat: I did not enjoy this experience at all LOL.

The hospital said I could eat soft foods by day 2. IKYFL!

Everyone who’s like…”You just get a couple days off to enjoy some ice cream.”

…Who are these people!?


Most tried to pacify me with this beforehand. “Oh it won’t be so bad. It’ll be worth it. Ice cream and popsicles all day sounds like a dream.”

What they forgot was, I don’t even like ice cream or popsicles that much.

You fail to realize how much you involuntarily swallow your spit in a day or adjust your throat to breathe. Next time you notice it, think about if it hurt every single time you did that. So honestly, when I thought about minimizing mucus…the last thing I wanted was vanilla ice cream draping my throat and causing me to gag. Ewww

I’d rather have a burger and fries or yummy pizza but those were totally not possible. My diet for the first two weeks was primarily small sips of water. I will be posting another blog after this to share what I actually ate and drank post surgery. While this absolutely should not be used as a diet plan, I actually lost 12 lbs by Day 13 post surgery. I hadn’t been that small since pre-pandemic.



4. Say What You Need To Say…Beforehand
I’m grateful for my niece who from the beginning was like you’re going to hate it and it’s going to be terrible. It didn’t make me feel better by any stretch but at least it was honest. Then she gave practical tips like using ice packs on my throat and that changed my life.

I was giving The Little Mermaid vibes when Ariel can’t speak!


And I’m an introvert. I don’t even like general talking like that. But when you take away a simple freedom like speaking, boy it feels like it’s never coming back. I could not open my mouth enough to get words out and it hurt too much to try. The first week was a lot of unofficial sign language, grunts and written notes. I learned pretty quickly to keep things concise!


5. Time is a Social Construct
At some point I completely lost track of time. I started tracking my days in how long ago I took my last pain med dosage. Is it giving narcos yet?




6. Your Intestines May Struggle
⚠️This part is gross. A complete TMI and possible overshare so if you’re squeamish about bodily functions, skip this paragraph. Final warning ⚠️

I am not saying I could win an award for the state of my digestive tract but I was regular enough previously. It’s one of the few things I can admire about my internal system.

Let’s just say…I had surgery on a Monday. In 21 days I pooped 2 times. Now that’s some scary sh*t.

Mind you I hadn’t eaten my regular diet of trans fats and sugar but still. I thought the couple spoonfuls of yogurt, the tiny half mashed sweet potato and other small, sad snacks I pushed past my swollen throat would lead to something! It did not. They say this is what those really strong hospital meds can do to you. And taking laxatives while on a medication that makes you sleepy several times a day. God… please forbid the two experiences ever meeting 🙏🏽

⚠️ Trigger warning complete. Welcome Back! ⚠️



7. Stay Hydrated!
I found out I can manage without eating since I physically couldn’t. Even when it hurt like hell, I still did my best to drink water – still, sparkling or coconut, whatever worked. I tried gatorade because it was on the after care list but it honestly dehydrated me and made the pain more prominent. I also noticed a new unbelievable nerve pain — tracing from my jaw to my throat to my ear — that would stop me in my tracks and make me press ice immediately to my face until it relaxed.

The reason why I personally forced myself to sip water even when I felt extreme pain was because the medical folks said staying hydrated was a way to keep the pain from getting worse and it speeds up recovery. If they would not have told me that, I prob wouldn’t have bothered with those tiny sips every few mins. Instead I like to think it saved me from worse so sip your water!



8. No Rest For the Weary
Sleeping and waking from sleep were the saddest moments of the day. Mostly because there was no sleep for at least 3 weeks. Waking from closed eyes and realizing my attempt to sleep upright were thwarted by my large head which does not like upright sleep. Usually my head was too far back or too far down on my chest and any attempt to move it was met by severe and extreme pain either in my ears or throat or both.

If by day 2 they would have given me the option to safely go in a coma where I could stay hydrated and fed then come out healed up, I would have taken it. I don’t mean that lightly.


I was on Google daily researching. I thought maybe I missed a tip because no one was talking about these conditions enough. They said sleep propped on pillows for the first 3-4 days but then what? Because the propping didn’t work for me. Was I missing an instructions page because they sent me home to recover for at least 3-4 weeks, not days. I need more information!!

Also, most articles out there are written for toddlers. Apparently tonsillectomies are a rare footnote in the adulting handbook. I think that’s part of why I decided to write this blog. Maybe it will help someone else who’s desperate for more information!

For example, have you ever eaten a sour candy and your throat just tightens to a crease? Maybe I’m describing it wrong but you know that sensation I mean. That started around Day 5-6 and would often lead to silent tears. I couldn’t find any info to help me so I just powered through as best I could. Everytime we spoke to my doctor they said everything was normal. Maybe somebody else can comment on something they know about it.



Lessons in patience. I’m telling you.


9. Fill the Gaps with People Who Care

Most people don’t really want to hear about your pain. They want to hear about your progress.

Thank those who hold space for you to not be 100%…to still not be okay even after days of check-ins. Those are the people you need, especially at the beginning. People who haven’t experienced this surgery and recovery probably won’t fully understand what you’re going through. Empathy and patience is important long before people wonder when you’ll get back to normal life.

I was really struggling at times. I didn’t want to pretend I was ok when I truly wasn’t. And things were moving slower than expected which sucked. Having people be with you in that in between…when you have to rely on others and may be at your most vulnerable…is some deep love.


Here are some of my Thank Yous:

Thank you sister who picked us up from the hospital after surgery and made sure we got home safely. Also thank you for my glittery crocs that made surgery day and every day since so much more comfortable to walk and lounge as needed. They became my favorite comfort shoes on the journey to getting better.

Thank you to my sisters, parents, niece, nephew who checked on me daily, gave me advice and encouragement, sent outside world pictures and awesome netflix recommendations.

Thank you friends and loved ones for your check-ins and messages and food gift cards ❤️. I am loved beyond measure and that means more than you know but I hope you know!

Thank you medical team. I literally saw so many people there’s no way I could remember everyone but I met a lot of nice and helpful people. Other than the follow up appointments where I hope most of this will continue to be forgotten by, I wish you all well and hope we never have to meet again on this subject LOL.

Thank you to my significant other who has the patient of a saint. From surgery day and every day since he has been my caretaker at home. He had to put up with me and my burnt smelling throat whenever I tried to speak though I mostly had to text since I couldn’t open my mouth. He hunted down a pharmacy that could fill my pain med prescription since my regular pharmacy doesn’t stock hospital narcotics. He switched out my ice cups, waters, ice packs, pillows, rubbed my back every time I threw up (even at 3am), refilled my humidifier umpteen times, made me baby sized meals of whatever I asked for so I could try eating, tracked my progress, handled my phone calls, held my hands, wiped my tears, encouraged me, prayed for me and loved me so well. I know you hate when I’m hurt and you can’t just fix it…🥹 You are a king among men.



10. A Journey of Ups and Downs
After a few weeks, I commandered (is that even the word??) a breakthrough day where we took a walk outside in fresh air and bright sunshine. It felt like the kind of progress I needed. I realize it sounds dramatic but I didn’t know when it would come.

I still have trouble sleeping at night. I wake up several times to re-adjust my head, clear my throat, drink my san pelly. I still can’t say more than a few sentences without needing to take a break. My throat and neck still ache. I drink water all day long and never feel like my thirst is quenched. It’s not a simple bounce back.


The journey to recovery is not over but I am grateful at whatever day I have arrived to.
Thank for you reading my story. Oh and please wait at least 6-12 months before asking me if it was worth it 🫶🏾


PS. I think this would be a fascinating animated experience. I want to write a illustrated book lol! Who knows an illustrator?

PPS. I tried to cover most everything I experienced but may have missed something. If you are going to have a throat surgery or are in recovery now and have questions like I did, please let me know! I’d like to help anyone I can by sharing my experience. If you went through this operation or something similar, what would you add from your experience?

#tonsillectomy #adulttonsillectomy
#surgeryafter30 #surgery #postsurgery #blog #adultsurgery #tonsillectomyafter35 #surgeryafter35 #health #healthcare #lifeuntangled #ENT

Sister Girl Magic: Femme in Bloom

Last week, I met phenomenal women including Rene Daniella, one of my favorite lifestyle bloggers. Rene flew to Chicago and organized this fun event which included a phenomenal women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship panel to close out Women’s History Month. The knowledge in that room was just amazing! Anyhow, I wanted to share just a couple highlights and will revisit other lessons learned from this event during future Life Untangled posts.

To share a bit about the panelists, there was Lifestyle and Travel Blogger Rene Daniella of course plus Fitness guru Katie Wildhagen (Founder of the BAKESHOP), Freelance Travel Journalist Megan Snedden and Deun Ivory and Lauren Ash, co-founders of Lifestyle with Ivory + Ash, and Art Director and Creative Director of Black Girl In Om.

In addition to the fab host and panelists, the other attendees in the room were just amazing. I love a space where women get together and support one another, boosting and lifting each other up like the sisters we all are.

The topics our panel covered included how to… start your brand, secure sponsorship, pitch, grow your audience, build your website, merchandise and so on.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the intimate event.

“Explore the range of your capabilities.
Don’t be afraid to say yes to God. Be faithful. Honor your individuality and passions.” -Deun Ivory

“Explore your curiosities. Throw out the timing of things and just start doing things. It will grow from there. Leave room for the unknown, even if you’re a planner, so there is room to see you’re on the right path to cultivate your passions.” -Lauren Ash

“What’s the thing you do naturally that you don’t realize is your purpose because you do it so naturally?” -Megan Snedden

“Take my fear and worry from me and replace it with service and creativity.” -Katie Wildhagen

“Take ownership of how you want to define femininity.” -Rene Daniella

I learned a lot of encouraging, challenging and practical things to help me and others on paths of empowerment and entrepreneurship. I will share more in future posts especially as I put into practice the tips I gathered. For now, do yourself a favor and check out the links in this post and share the love. These women are doing incredible things!

L to R: Rene Daniella, Deun Ivory, Lauren Ash, Megan Snedden and Katie Wildhagen

Happy New Year 

In this final hour of the first day in a new year, I just want to send light and love. 

I hope everyone who reads this has plans and purpose for each day this year. 

An awesome quote that I put on canvas and hung in my home is this:

“If you want 2017 to be your year; Don’t sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out. Make a change. Smile more. Be excited. Do new things. Throw away what you’ve been cluttering. Unfollow negative people on social media. Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce. Don’t gossip. Show more gratitude. Do things that challenge you. Be brave.” -Lessons Learned in Life

May you Live Untangled. Happy New Year! 

Global Citizen

It has been a hell of a week in many ways. An emotional roller coaster to say the least but I’ll save the dive into those thoughts for another time.

I am American and we all have some things to figure out yet which is clear if you have seen any of the unrest that extends not just to this week but in many months and years and decades and centuries before this. Hopefully after America has had more time to collect itself more, we can revisit. For today I want to focus on something else. 

November is generally a month for being thankful. With the Thanksgiving holiday just over a week away, now is the time when people begin to look forward to spending times with friends and family while celebrating what they are thankful for. 

This week one thing I definitely was thankful for, encouraged and inspired by was the chance to spend time as a true global citizen. I am an American and I celebrate the power and strength I find in also being a global citizen which to me is loving and celebrating the world and acting as a sister to all who need. 

On Thursday afternoon I participated in a live-video focus group. It was a very cool experience and I had a lot of fun. The technology that exists to do something like that is really amazing. 

Other than me on the video feed from Chicago, there was also a person in South Africa, one in Ireland, one in Nigeria and two in the UK on webcams for the focus group.

We spent two hours answers questions from our moderator and sharing feedback on a project each of us had been involved with in London. 

It was just great that even though we didn’t know each other, we could see each other and share in conversation from around the world. I truly love being connected to people around the world. I am a global citizen so I do my best to treat others with the kindness and respect I like to see come my way.

We got to engage each other in conversation and feed off each other with the topics as we gave feedback. 

Because we were on live video feed in different countries and time zones, we really had to pay attention to each other. We couldn’t interrupt otherwise no one benefits from the discussion. We were thoughtful and patient and encouraging to each other. 

I had small insightful moments like this throughout the week where I could feel the power of humanity and it felt good.

Diversity of people and thought is so powerful in today’s world we live in. i believe we can be our best selves when we connect to others through empathy and compassion. We can empower each other to be respectful and thoughtful in our understanding of the growing world, ourselves and the people around us. 

I read something else this week that encouraged me so I want to share it in this post. Even if you are not religious, the point of the words will hopefully still land in the right place.

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 MSG

Apparently today is World Kindness Day. You can be anything. Try being kind. We’ll all be better off. Don’t you agree? 

Everything is Figureoutable 

Lots of focus and attention lately on figuring life out.

A friend of mine from London shared this brilliant video with me. During the video the lady being interviewed says exactly what I have been reminding myself all week…Everything is Figureoutable.

Chase Jarvis welcomed Marie Forleo as his guest on 30 Days of Genius, a special series of Chase Jarvis LIVE featuring the world’s top creative + entrepreneurial minds of our time.

Marie Forleo has built a digital empire on her massively successful career as a life coach. In the video, you learn about Marie’s own frustrating search for fulfillment and financial independence, and how she can help you become the person you most want to be.
Hopefully you can find time this week to listen to it. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jhi6zW1cUws&feature=youtu.be  

This week I also printed this amazing workbook created by Rosetta Thurman, founder of the Happy Black Woman brand. She is a great blogger and speaker, now hosting retreats and training to teach people how to live their best life, create their own business and be location independent. Rosetta moved from DC to Hawaii a few years ago to run her business. 

Anyways, it’s called the Life Mapping Workbook: Design Your Ideal Life in 7 Key Areas. 

The workbook is part of Rosetta’s 31 Days to Reset Your Life personal transformation program. 

It’s a sort of life map that I’ll be working on in the coming weeks as 2016 comes to a close soon. This is the time of year I also start working on my vision board for the new year so makes sense to be doing it all at the same time. 

This particular workbook is about visualizing what you want in the following areas: lifestyle & fun, career & work, money & finances, health & wellness, family & friends, love & romance and personal growth & spirituality. 

Everything is figureoutable. 

Never Too Late

It’s never too late to make life what you want it to be. 

This week I had a great privilege to do some public speaking as a guest for two different events. Both great opportunities for me to continue in professional career development but also a chance to do what I love best…coach others by sharing experiences, stories and advice. 

One of the events was an invitation for me to do a “Lunch and Learn” with a group of male and female staff at the University of Chicago. They asked questions about my career journey, how to network, what to look for in a mentor, how to break the glass ceiling in the workplace, etc. It was fun and insightful for both sides in the conversation. 

When I arrived they shared a short list of questions to have me think about. The meeting ran more like an impromptu interview with questions shot my direction from anyone in the room. 

One question on the list that no ome asked but I wish they had. ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

When I first read that question I got chills because it made me so happy. I am just 5-6 weeks from being 30 years old and totally LOVE that I can still be asked that. To me that means I don’t have to have had it all figured out by now in spite of what societal pressure tells me. 

I mean by some standards technically I’m behind the ball if I’m not in my lifer career, married with kids, owning vs. renting and the list goes on. But screw that because I am happy and free. 

Earlier today I was online and saw this great post that I wanted to share about where others were when they started success. Some of the most successful people started on that path late in life. 

No don’t use that to create excuses for what you are capable of creating and controlling NOW but think instead, it’s not too late if you haven’t figured it all out. It’s not to late to make changes in your life and create the life you truly want if you’re dissatisfied in even some small way with the one you have. It’s never too late. 

Whether you’re 18, 25, 30, 50, 75, 90 or anywhere in between. When was the last time you thought about that question. Have you made it to where you want or is there more to come for you. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

I will leave you with this other food for thought:

At age 23, Oprah was fired from her first reporting job.

At age 24, Stephen King was working as a Janitor and living in a trailer.

At age 28, J.K. Rowling was a suicidal single parent living on welfare.

At age 30, Harrison Ford was a carpenter.

Vera Wang failed to make the Olympic figure skating team, didn’t get the Editor-in Chief position at Vogue, and designed her first dress at 40.

Alan Rickman gave up his graphic design career to pursue acting at age 42.

Samuel L Jackson didn’t get his first movie role until he was 46.

Morgan Freeman landed his first MAJOR movie role at 52.

Louise Hay didn’t launch her publishing company, Hay House until she was 62.

This was also in the post and probs my favorite part.

“If you haven’t found your dream career yet, it’s not too late. You aren’t a failure because you haven’t found fame and fortune by the age of 30. Hell, it’s OK if you don’t even know what your dream career is yet. 

Never tell yourself you’re too old to make it.

Never tell yourself you missed your chance.

Never tell yourself that you aren’t good enough.

Whatever you were born to do, You can still do it.”

I am so grateful to have people in my life who encourage me to dream big in that way. 

Me with one of my Professional Mentors, Laura Hoke

1986. What a Good Year

A fabulous weekend celebrating my friend’s 30th birthday. She had friends and family fly in from across the country to join the good times.

The weekend kicked off with an 80s/90s baby theme. We dressed up in different styles from the two decades. The night was complete with throwback snacks and music. 

Saturday night was a fancy evening where we snapped hundreds of photos, danced, ate delicious treats and drank tasty signature drinks. 

I had such a great time and plan to steal many ideas as I plan for my own 30th birthday coming in less than 2 months. 

Age 30 is such a milestone. It’s the leap to another side of adulthood. 

I am reminded that 30 is another beginning, a new decade and life continues on, hopefully getting better with age is the goal. 

I don’t yet have a bucket list of things to complete before I reach the milestone. I have lots of friends who have done such a thing and it always sounded so cool. Maybe I’ll make a list of things to do in my year of 30.

Either way it goes, the most important thing I am focusing on is living life to the fullest no matter the age. I am having the most fun by focusing on that.

Keep Your Coins, We Want Change

If you had the power to change anything in the world, what would you change?

What a powerful question right? It can lead down so many paths and to so many answers. What do women, men and children around the world need – individually and collectively? What is broken, has been perverted, is full of distrust, hate, sexism, bigotry? What/Who is lacking love and respect? 

I have a list that could be almost eradicated if we lived out these major things: 

All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others. -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“Imagine what seven billion humans could accomplish if we all loved and respected each other. Imagine.” -A.D. Williams

It makes me think of real life examples, movies, documentaries and even songs that get me emotional. I want peace in our world so badly in every corner of brokenness. I have heard whatever makes you cry or angry is part of your calling in the world. It might become part of your personal mission. 

There are a few such issues near and dear to my own heart. I mean, “A person’s a person no matter how small.” -Dr. Suess

Music has always been a strong communicator of things I wish for the world and all the people in it.

I think back to a couple years ago when I was part of a cool video to the backdrop song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and this year “Price Tag” by Jessie J which both have powerful messages to me now about things that are important. 

Love, empowerment and respect can help humanity focus on the right priorities which can impact the world we live in. It probably sounds too idealistic but sometimes you have to remain idealistic and hopeful otherwise you lose the point of it all.

We each are powerful enough on our own to change the world. We don’t need to just sit back and wait on the world to change.

We know we need change. One day I hope we see how much we need each other to see change. We Are The World. 

“We Are The World” Lyrics

There comes a time when we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We all are a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know,
Love is all we need

We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart so they’ll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

When you’re down and out, there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there’s no way we can fall
Well…well…well
Let’s realize that a change can only come 

When we stand together as one

Action Day!! Day 3 of M.A.D Leadership Chicago 

​The last three weeks I have been doing a series writing about this amazing conference I volunteered at in September. It was hosted by the Aspire Foundation and was a program focused on developing (mostly women) leaders who want to make a difference. 

If you want more back story, I would recommend you visit my blog to catch up on those posts. Today I am going to wrap up this series with the final day, my favorite…ACTION DAY!!

This is my favorite because without action steps or effort into a  tangible plan, a great conference can quickly go down the drain once it’s all over and regular life distractions get in the way…again. 

Action day when I attended a similar conference in London is part of what changed my life in this last year. I often keep my soapbox ready to chat about the value and importance of vision boards and Action Day falls into the same category for me. 

When I can articulate my vision, share it with others, write it down or have visuals for it, it will become more reasonable to achieve those things. You can begin to look for ways to open doors yourself or the right people who can help you or hold you accountable. After some time has passed you might look back and day, “Wow how did I make it this far?” I’ll tell you how. It’s because you had some version of Action Day. If you don’t know what you want or where you’re going, how can you know if you are even on the right track? 

On Action Day, you learn to say ‘Screw the Fear’ and give your vision some teeth. Action Day is not for the faint of heart as it will make you uncomfortable because a plan don’t mean ish without some action on your part. Yes, you actually have to DO stuff to achieve your dreams and goals. 

For the Aspire attendees, there were 4 sessions for the day:

1. Leading and Influencing Others

2. The Power of Your Network

3. Strategic Thinking & Time Leadership

4. Action Plans, Support & Accountability 

Again, the best way to wrap up this conference was with Action. So many people leave conferences with a whole lot of action and little thought towards implementation. But you don’t need a conference to have your own action day. You already know what you want to or need to work on. Follow through on the commitments you have made to yourself and others. Start today!