July News: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

I realize my infrequent posts probably aren't ideal when it comes to getting a loyal following, but rest assured ADW friends--there's been plenty of activity in my world. To my surprise--people actually read some of what I write, but its been tough to find time to hop on for life updates, reflection, social commentary, and all of the other nonsense you've come to expect on the internet's most random, ADD-fueled, website.

But I figured I'd try a new format today, which should flow similar to your local newscast. Let's see how this goes:

TOP HEADLINES

Delta Whiskey Accepts New Job!

As of August 2, I'll begin a new role at an organization that provides a broad range of diagnostic services (blood tests, tissue samples, DNA testing, prenatal testing, etc.) to patients/caregivers in Illinois and Wisconsin. The job will be a big challenge--the organization provides a large volume/variety of services and I'll have more responsibility than I've had in previous roles. But I'm very encouraged after conversations during my interviews that the company and its leaders are enthusaistic about improving how they care for patients which is the critical component to my work.

Just as I coach teams to do, I did some thoughtful planning around how to make sure its a job that works for me both now and long-term, and I feel confident that the job will give me a chance to push myself, learn, and help others in an organization that supports me in those aims. I'm not crazy enough to think the job is going to be easy, and there will be lots of learning for me to do...high school chemistry was NOT a strength of mine, but lucky for me a knowledge of the Periodic Table was not part of their screening process.

In terms of work/life balance, the job also allows me to take the train to and from work, which gives me back 2 hours of my life a day that I had been spending in the car with white knuckles, listening to Sports Talk radio. That's time I can spend reading, working, writing (good news for ADW fans?), or relaxing without the traffic and stress that came with a 30+mile commute to and from the South Side. No guarantees I'll stop listening to sports talk radio, but definitely fewer days of white knuckles and stressful commutes.

Romeo Sierra, Delta Whiskey Enjoying All Summer Has to Offer!

Outside of work, Romeo Sierra and I have had a great few months. With any relationship, there's a period of learning about each other as individuals, which evenutally leads to learning about how we are as a couple. Our ability to communicate, trust each other, and support each other are hallmarks of a healthy relationship, and she and I have been great about learning what we need from each other for us to have what we need. Neither of us are relationship 'pros', but we share a common interest in improving as boyfriends/girlfriends.

Besides all of that serious dating stuff, she's a ton of fun. I may have met my match in terms of interest/energy/curiousity and extroversion...which has made for a ton of great times together that are certain to continue. We're headed to a party tonight at the place we originally met which will be fun and a chance to think back on that night a bit...Without her chutzpah and a helping hand from mutual friends Alpha Sierra and Juliet Kilo we may have never met, and I'm a lucky guy that we did!

Birthdays, Retirements, Holidays

In the family, there's been plenty of things to celebrate. As many know, my dad hung up the stethoscope and now spends his days exercising (wooo hooo!), helping my ma around the house, volunteering at the Botanic Gardens, and spending time with his grand kids. The rumors of him joining the professional Solitaire tour are completely false, but if he ever decides to pursue that goal I have no doubt he'd dominate! I'll see what I can do about getting an interview with him for the ADW readers.

My niece turned 6 last week, which was a blast for all of the family to celebrate. For her gift, we got her an i-pod with playlists from the family of our favorite music. Sure, she may be young for an ipod, but she loves music and its much cooler to be rocking out to Pearl Jam than adding another doll to the orphanage of retired action figures in my sisters basement! And in terms of my playlist, it included most of my favorite bands: Metallica, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, White Stripes, Weezer, etc., and I'm keeping my fingers crossed she likes at least ONE of those songs. But with Taylor Swift, High School Musical, and Beyonce competing for her airtime I dont see that happening!

Local Sports

Golf Game Struggling on the Scorecard

Last year I had nothing but time to devote to improving my golf game. I played 46 rounds in 2009 and my golf swing was consistent, reliable, and easy which led to great scores. This year I've played 6 times, with plenty of good shots but a lot more bad shots and not-so-great scores.

But more important than the number on the scorecard has been hanging with friends (many who I didn't see much while out in Seattle), getting away for a few hours of relaxation, and goofing around. But I still try to get a club in my hand every week, even if its just pounding balls at the driving range.

And Romeo Sierra has picked up a golf club as well...for those on Facebook you can see a video of her hitting a pure 7 iron at the Diversey Driving Range. Her response after the shot is pure joy--there is nothing more fun for ME than to see that glow in someone's eye after hitting a shot exactly how they wanted to hit it. I'd just like to have some of that joy myself!

Da Bulls

I've spent reader time blabbing about sports-related topics, and there's no reason this shouldn't be part of the July news bulletin. The Bulls didn't get Lebron, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh, but they have worked hard to bring in a team that will be much improved next year. From a stud post-presence (Carlos Boozer) to a sharpshooting stud (Kyle Korver) and a tough as nails defender (Ronnie Brewer), the Bulls will be a tough team to beat. Will they be better than the Miami schmucks? Probably not, but I like the team-focused approach the Bulls have embraced, and with a coach that will work harder/smarter than his predesecsor I'm confident the 2010 - 2011 season will be very entertaining at 1901 W Madison. And Derrick Rose has spent his summer working his ass off, something that will pay off come next winter when he ascends to the NBA's elite.

Personal Commentary

Plenty has been blogged, read, discussed, and spewed about the Free Agent nonsense from national media outlets, and I don't think I have much to add to the conversation. But since its my blog and I can, I will.

I'm guessing there will be a date/time down the road when the Lebron James spectacle is looked back as a blowhard move by a blowhard athlete, and my hunch is he will feel the same way once some time passes. If he doesn't intellectually 'get it' he'll eventually see the impact of his decisions in his wallet. For every 2 fans he picked up by "taking his talents to south beach," he probably lost 1,000 elsewhere in the country. And those fans are the customers who buy his shoes, his uniform, and tickets to his games.

He's a young guy who has made some poor choices, and despite what America wants to tell him, he's going to have to learn from the consequences of his actions that there is a way to be honest, respectful, and considerate to his fans, employer, and teammates. He shit on a lot of people this past few months/years, and there will be a day he will look back on all of this and see how poorly he handled it. But until then, I wish him nothing but failure and a miserable experience in Dade County--which as I observed first hand is clearly the basketball hotbed of America. And I'm privately hoping for a lockout next summer that forces these guys to live on their non-NBA salary...then they'll learn what it means to think strategically about big decisions.

And for you Miami Heat PR Team and its loyal "fans": I want to make sure you're clear on the process for winning an NBA championship since you and the Heat organization/PR folks seem to have forgotten to complete some key parts of that work plan. I was embarassed to call myself a basketball fan when I saw that sham celebration (complete with keys to the city!) on TV. You're a disgrace to the game and those who worked their asses off to make the league what it is today.

But since I like to help others, please stick with the plan outlined below before conducting future 'celebrations':

Step 1: Assemble team
Step 2: Practice
Step 3: Scout opponents
Step 4: Create game plans
Step 5: Execute, revise game plans--hopefully winning enough to make the playoffs
Step 6: Win 16 games in the playoffs
Step 7: Celebrate



Off to a day of cleaning, fun, and great times tonight--hope all of you enjoy your weekends!

A lot can happen in a year....

It's been about a year since I left Seattle for Chicago, and life has been a blend of laughter, suprises, and suspense in nearly all areas of life. And although I didn't feel the need to commemorate the entire year, I've had a few interesting days in Orlando that have me in a reflective mode. So here's your Delta Whiskey entry for June 9, 2010.



I'm at a conference in Orlando, done by the Lean Enterprise Institute on Healthcare Transformation. You may have heard by now, there's a few problems with our healthcare system, and this is a gathering of folks who share my passion for problem solving through a management system that can be used to improve just about anything. Loyal blog followers (all 15 of you) may remember earlier posts about my use of the Lean concepts (Hoshin Kanri) to identify the value added activities that I believed would lead to "Peace of Mind" in 2009. I certainly learned a lot from the exercise, and my "day job" is to help a hospital solve problems slightly more complex than "How do I make sure I attend enough concerts this year?"



In attendance at this conference are a number of friends and coworkers from my prior job at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle. Those close to me know that I've struggled at times with my current position, and I'd be lying if I don't miss the feeling of coming to a great place to work every day. But as I've mentioned before, I cannot prioritize my career over other areas of my life, and those other areas are excellent these days.



So for those looking for the highlights of late....here ya go:

• Delta Whiskey now has a girlfriend. We'll call her Romeo Sierra for now to protect her identity. She's bright, creative, caring, spontaneous and attractive....and she finds me moderately amusing. Who knows, maybe we'll get a "guest post" from her one of these days???


• My pops hung up the stethoscope for good a few weeks ago. Those of you who know my dad are aware of his commitment to serving patients for 30+ years as a neurologist. I've had the honor to shadow him with patients and staff and know that he worked his butt off to take care of as many as he could (while playing nice) during his time in medicine. And his work provided a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food in my mouth, medications for me when I was sick, and countless other things. But most importantly his work showed me what hard work, discipline, quality, and integrity look like....so thanks Dad! He also turns 67 on June 10, so happy birthday pops!!
• Retirement sounds a long way away for myself, and work has been a bit of a grind. From a development standpoint, I'm learning a ton...although I loved the structure, discipline, and shared vision at Group Health I'm also seeing first hand the challenges I'll face bringing Lean to others. Experience has always been my best teacher, but learning can be painful.


• Annie (the dog) still barks a LOT. This can be somewhat problematic with guests at my apartment, particularly when Romeo Sierra and her canine companion come to visit. Anyone with suggestions that SOLVE (defined as no barking when a stranger enters my apartment) the barking problem will be handsomely rewarded with an item from the Delta Whiskey Gift Catalog.


• THE BLACKHAWKS - not going to comment any further. This playoff run has been a blast, and I may not be the longest tenured fan but I like these guys and they're not going anywhere for a while.


• The Bulls - I like the new coach they've hired from the Celtics. I think he's a hard working, intelligent, hungry guy who knows how to engage players in playing defense. Get the Bulls a Free Agent and my dad and I will have a fantastic winter in 2010-2011. And although I think Lebron James WILL leave the Cavaliers, I would be shocked if he wore a Bulls uniform next year. Believe me, I've thought about emailing the new coach to see if he needs an assistant on the bench with two full seasons of Junior High Head Coaching experience.


• Golf game is back on track - I've played a few rounds with buddies but do NOT anticipate eclipsing last year's 46 rounds. If I play 14 times I'd be a happy guy, and honestly could care less about what I shoot.


• Upcoming Summer Concerts, Sporting Events, and Street Parties....the summer in any city is great, so I'm not going to list the reasons why Chicago summers are my favorite. But I'm psyched the summer is here and hope you are too....get out and have some fun!

I'm back.....

Its been a while since my last update for a few reasons; but mainly because I no longer have a laptop. My trusty Dell, that has been with me since I originally lived in Chicago has seen its last days. That being said, if anyone out there reads this and knows of a PC repairperson I would LOVE to pick their brain on saving the data on that machine.

But in the meantime I'm resorted to using a public computer for private affairs, like blogging. Thankfully my building has a nice computer center, so I'm hunkered down and prepared for a brief update. I will get my own computer once again, but there are other priorities on my plate.

So here goes:

On the work side of things I'm beginning to step on some more solid ground at the hospital I'm assigned to. The project I'll be working on is improving the process for discharging patients out of the hospital. Having been discharged more times than I can count, its painful, slow, and a complete pain in the ass for patients. The good news is, the staff agrees with all of that and hate it as well, so if I can do my job reasonably well we should be in good shape. The commute isn't ideal, but I really like the community, the staff at the hospital, and the project...so all's good on that end.

Its been tough since the Super Bowl to look forward to any big highlights. I'm not one to complain about the weather, so that's not necessarily the reason, but I feel like the holidays are a time when we're looking forward to the next holiday, the next year, the next...... and then the Super Bowl comes and goes and there's this vacant space.

Which brings me to one thing I AM looking forward to, which is an upcoming trip to San Diego (to have my tooth repaired...lets just say I gotta guy), followed by a weekend in Las Vegas with the buddies for my 33rd birthday and a boxing match that never took place between Mayweather and Pacquiao. Sunshine, friends, a moderate amount of adventure...all things that are good for the soul.

Of course there are things that put a smile on my face almsot every day(despite the weather), like my dog struggling through the snowdrifts, the dramatic response to the "storm of the century", and all of the other amusing things that go on from day to day so I'm still a happy guy. Besides, the Bulls and Blackhawks are looking strong as we head towards the stretch run and pitchers and catchers report to spring training in 6 days.

There's plenty of other things going on in my world, some of which I don't want to send out for the world to see...but if you're curious to find out just drop a line and I'd be happy to fill you in......

Stay outta trouble (or go find some) and thanks for continuing to read,
DW