A "Capitol" Day Four

We took a tour of the Capitol building this morning courtesy of Senator Bennett's office. The first picture shows a clear sky. Luckily, this morning was pretty clear although the afternoon and evening was filled with rain and flooding. Recordbreaking rain!!

The second photo is of me standing in the center of the "Crypt" which is the center of Washington DC. It was the plan to bury George Washington there but he, of course, was buried in Mt. Vernon.

The conference sessions were insightful. I learned how to handle "beasts" in the workplace and how to "lead with leavity." I was also reminded how important it is to recognize employees often and with meaning.

Tonight, we went to the SHRM concert, starring Gladys Knight. She is a beautiful woman! I don't really know her music but it was fun and entertaining.

A Rainy Day Three

What a rainy day! Much of Washington DC was shut down due to the rain. Luckily, I was at the conference all day so didn't have to fight the rain too much.

You may recognize this guy...Bill Rancic, the first winner of "The Apprentice." We chatted about Sundance and Utah. He gave me his card and asked me to call him tomorrow about a job in Chicago. He was sure that it was the perfect fit for me. I respectfully declined and told him that I was very happy with my current situation. He was (of course) saddened by my response, but I am certain he will hire an equally competent individual. But I jest...

The other photo is a shot of the Expo Hall. There are over 800 vendors! I couldn't help but think of Jill and how she hates Costco on Saturdays. It reminds me of that!

The sessions were good today. Louis Gerstner (former IBM CEO) was the keynote this morning. He talked about values and specifically if CEOs are not willing to fire those who violate the company's core values, they are making a mockery of those values.

I attended three other sessions. Some of the highlights:

• Does your organization truly link values to behavioral standards?
• Big Shots think they are exempt from the rules.
• DITO DITA - Dot it to One, Do it to ALL
• Optimism will not guarantee success but pessimism will guarantee failure
• Pessimists pass their poison on and they die sooner than optimists!
• The greatest source of pain is constantly doing things that destroy your self-worth
• If it's not fun, you have already quit!
• Another source of pain is to not know your ability and try for it anyway
• Fear is self-imposed, only restraint to what you get out of life

As you can see, lots of thoughts, some dealing with Human Resources and the law and others dealing with skill development. I think the best thing about conferences is the time spent in formulating new thoughts and ideas.

This evening was kind of a bust. That rain thing is a bummer! DC has been on the national news due to the flooding. We tried to get to the monuments, but the rain and traffic made that near impossible. We ate dinner at Dupont Circle. I first got a burrito at Chipotle, but after two horrendous HOT bites, I ran next door and got a sandwich.

We are now back to the hotel and decided a movie (TV) is the best bet. Until tomorrow...

Day Two

We woke up really early this morning so we could drive to the Arlington Ward for Church. This was my mom's childhood ward. We past 2122 Hollister Street (see photo) which was my mom's house.

We got to church and met up with mom's best friend, Andrea. She also was able to see three other childhood friends. She was in her element!

Gospel Doctrine was taught by Senator Bob Bennett and we visited with Secretary Michael Leavitt and his wife. Also, I ran into a girl named Carol with whom I worked at FranklinCovey. Crazy small world!

After church, Mom and Robyn returned to the hotel and then enjoyed the National Gallery of Art. I headed off to the Conference for the keynote address by General Colin Powell. He is a funny man! He spoke of leadership, values and diversity. I have lots of notes which I am excited to review. I spent some time at the expo hall before returning to the hotel.

We then went to dinner in Georgetown at an Italian restaraunt called Paparazzi. I had lobster ravioli - delicious!! Right as we got in the car, lightning lit up the sky and we drove back to the hotel in a torrential rainstorm. Tomorrow is going to come quickly - until then...

Day One

My mother and youngest sister (Robyn) joined me on this trip to Washington DC for the SHRM Conference. We flew out Saturday morning and had a layover in Denver. My #2 sister (Linda) picked us up at the airport and we went to breakfast. We had a great time laughing it up at IHOP. It made the 3-hour layover so much fun!

We arrived at Reagan National at 5PM. Long waits at baggage claim and picking up our rental car plus driving the wrong way and driving around and around Dupont Circle was our thrilling first 3 hours in DC. We finally arrived at the Washington Hilton at 8PM. We took dinner at the Hotel because it was late and raining. It turned out to be really tasty.

Fun Evening with old friends

Travis and I had the pleasure of meeting up with some old friends this evening. (L - R Deb, Me, Jennifer). We worked together at good ol' FranklinCovey back in the day. Actually, Deb originally hired me in 1999. I still remember the interview! If I remember right, Jennifer worked in another division and shortly after Deb left, she came over to work in my division. Good times.

We enjoyed a delicious meal at PF Changs, but most importantly, we had a great time catching up. It wasn't just us girls though. We were joined by our incredible husbands (Trav, Eric and Ted). I love meeting up with friends, especially with friends whom I haven't seen for quite some time. No lags in conversation - it was just as if no time had past.

It got me thinking about how important friendships are in my life. I have been tremendously blessed with people in my life who inspire, love, support and encourage me. Friends whom, when I see them again, make me want to be a better person.

To all my friends, I say again, "thank you!"

Sweet Ayndee!

This is my niece, Ayndee. Ayndee is almost 8 years old. She is a sweetheart and I love her sense of humor. She makes me smile. I love when she takes my hand and wants me to play with her. I am blessed to have Ayndee in my life. She is smart and pretty cute, too!!

Happy Father's Day!!

I am so grateful for my Dad! He has taught me so many important lessons in life. He taught me to be responsible for my thoughts and feelings - I often heard, "he didn't MAKE you feel that way..."

I also learned from him accountability. When I was a teenager, he'd respond to my question regarding the time I needed to be home with, "you know yourself and what you need to do tomorrow." My immediate response would be, "tell Mom" as I trotted off.

He also taught me how to ask questions. Not asking a question was the stupid part, "there are no stupid questions" he would consistency tell us.

In addition, he has listened, loved and supported me. I have never felt his disappointment - not that I was perfect, but that he believed in me. If I made a mistake, he believed that I could learn from it and set it right. He has been a true mentor.

He has always believed I am beautiful and when I don't feel that way, his belief has carried me on. That makes all the difference.

Dad - I love and respect you. You are a hero in my eyes!

Poor Poor Miles

This is Miles the dog. He was born in 1992 while Trav was on his mission. His brother, Mickey, passed away earlier this year. So let's see, if he was born in 1992, that is 14 human years so that would make Miles 98 in dog years. He is so sad and seems so old since Mick died.

Miles lives with Ma & Gary (Trav's mom and step-father) in Delta. We went to Delta for a visit. We also visited with Uncle Rob and Gram and Gramps. We had a nice day, but I can't get poor Miles out of my mind.

I am usually not a dog lover, but my heart goes out to him. When Trav and I were dating and we visited Delta, I would sleep in the back bedroom on Mick and Miles bed. They didn't stay out of the room, so they ended up sleeping with me. It was a human bed, but these two have always been treated like children. If anyone knows me, they'd know that I am not a huge fan of animals nor do I ever want to have animals sleeping on my bed or even in the same room. When I told my Mom that I had slept with the dogs, she knew I must be in love (with Trav).

So, that is my dog story. He is cute though, isn't he??!!

Random Photo #3

This was our tour guide while we were in Egypt. Her name is "Bigga." She translated in English and Italian.

This photo was taken just outside the mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha in Cairo. Both Trav and I loved visiting the mosque. We had never even been close to a mosque. We both felt a very reverent feeling while inside.

Random Photo #2

Another one of Trav - doesn't he look good in orange?? That is the Parthenon on top of the Acropolis in the background. The Parthenon was an incredible place to visit. It overlooks all of Athens - white houses for miles!

Random Photo #1

I thought I'd try something new. I knew I wanted to post, but nothing really came to mind. So, I went to my picture file and randomly uploaded a picture. I figured that whatever came up...I'd create a post. Yes, I do have a "serendipitous" side to my personality!

This is a photo my cute husband in Cyprus. This is Kourion. Behind him (not seen) is the Temple of Apollo from the 2nd century AD. Beneath the wooden structure are ruins of an ancient bath. Yes, the sky is really that blue. The sea is just as blue and beautiful.

NAME THAT FILM

Mr. Darcy: "You must know, surely you must know it was all for you..."If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you would silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I would have to tell you, you have bewitched me, body and soul and I love love love you and I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

Final Scene:
Elizabeth: You can only call my Mrs. Darcy when you are completely and perfectly and incandescently happy.
Mr. Darcy: Then, how are you this beautiful evening...Mrs. Darcy? (Kisses her forehead) Mrs. Darcy (kisses right cheek). Mrs. Darcy (kisses her left cheek). Mrs. Darcy (kisses her chin). Mrs Darcy (FINALLY kisses her lips).

I so needed a break from my busy, exhausting day of work. How I love this story and this newest screen version had the power to pull at my heartstrings. Oh, Ms. Austen, you've done it again!

Stop me...Stop me now

Have you ever had one of those days where you just can't seem to stop? I had a good day at work, but busy nonetheless. Since Trav is gone, I decided to stay a little bit after 5:00 so I could look through the hundreds of photos from our cruise and organize a slideshow. So many of my co-workers wanted to see pictures, I reserved our meeting room for one-half hour on Wednesday. Anyway, I ended up stopping at 7:30ish when the security guard came around and wanted to verify I was who I said I was. Crazy! I never stay late. I just felt compelled to get this done. Plus, it was so satisfying to see all my cool photos!!!

Well, I came home and after eating re-heated mac & cheese (yum!), I decided that it was time to clean our shower. I must admit this is my least favorite chore and the cleaning supplies have been out since last week. So, after our shower got sparkling, I decided to scrub the bathroom floor. I still smell like bleach. It does look fabulous, though!! But, the interesting thing is that when you get down on the floor, you notice areas that need a wipe down so you go after that one smudge. But hey! There is one more, and another, and another. Get where I am going?

In addition to all that, I washed the kitchen and bathroom rugs and wiped down our garden tub. I flipped through "The Apprentice" finale just to see who won. All that after a very full day at work! Yes, I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan....

Side Note - have you ever heard "Open Up My Window" by Christopher Cross? I don't know why I like it so much, but I do. It just happens to be playing on my iTunes. I am going to attempt to get some shut-eye but I am a bit wired.

P.S. Welcome to the blog world Jana. You rock!!!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was full of fun, relaxation and some work...

Friday night, I attended the Blog Party at Jill's. It was so much fun! I have been a "blog slacker" lately so I went to the party not very familiar with many of the Blogger guests. It didn't take long to feel comfortable and feel like I have made some new friends. Thanks all for such a fun time! The gift exchange was a highlight!

The photo is of our brand new faucet! We have had a leaky faucet for way too long. Our hometeacher happens to work for a plumbing supply store and he informed us that our leaky Moen faucet has a lifetime guarantee. We ended up getting this oh-so-cute and fully functional Moen faucet for about $35.00 (after turning our old one in). I never knew we had such awesome water pressure!! Major score! Actually the biggest score was that our giving and sweet hometeacher offered to install it which he did on Saturday.

I was in charge of the Stake Baptisms on Saturday morning which was a sweet event. Travis left on Saturday mid-afternoon for Dallas where he is attending a conference through Tuesday. After taking him to the airport, I worked on Primary stuff. I had some baptism posters to create and I also had Sharing Time preparation.

The Sharing Time theme was "I am blessed when I obey the commandments." I always learn a lot when I prepare lessons and I am appreciative of how the Primary children seemed to listen and take part in the lesson.

It was a quiet day for me. It is unusual that Trav is gone over the weekend so it was a bit strange to have the whole day to myself. I took my usual Sunday nap and read "Gilead" for Thursday's RBC. I actually had a nice, peaceful day for which I am grateful.

I feel ready for the work week - rested and ready to go!