First Event of the Year

The first event of 2010 was the CEME (which stands for "Canada, Europe, Middle East") Leadership Conference. We were scheduled for two days of meetings in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, followed by a short cruise to Key West and Nassau (Bahamas). We expected approximately 160 people from the various countries. However, thanks to the volcanic eruption in Iceland, we very nearly didn't even have an event! Flights all around Europe were disrupted, delayed and cancelled, and it didn't look good for the participants from the countries "across the pond." We thought we might just have the Canadians. But slowly, we started getting messages that flights were going ahead as scheduled, or that participants had found a different way to get there. When all was said and done, there were about 40 people - mostly from the Ukraine, but also Russia and the U.K. - who were not able to join us.

We stayed at the Hyatt Bonaventure in Weston, Florida - a very nice property overlooking a golf course. Here's some of the views, including a very interesting palm tree that I had never seen before (you may not be able to tell from this picture, but it's flat when viewed from the side).


The meetings went very well, in spite of having to move the agenda all around, to accommodate the speakers who either were late getting in, or didn't make it at all. The Savchenkos did an admirable pinch hit job, considering they had only a few hours notice.

These are some of my friends from our Russia/CIS (a term used to include the former Soviet republics, such as Ukraine, Belarus, etc.). We may not speak the same language, but we still find a way to communicate! I have to give a big shout out to my Utah colleague, Irina, who provided much needed translation and other help for these markets. What a lifesaver!

This lovely couple are the Yakolev's. I have known them for several years, and they are always so warm and friendly to me.

At breakfast one morning. The weather in Florida was delightful.

The hotel arranged for buses to take us to the pier to board our cruise on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, something went amiss in that plan, and the buses never showed. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but the hotel somehow managed to drum up a dozen shuttle vans, and we managed to get everyone - AND all their bags, thank goodness! - to the ship on time.

The next day we docked in Key West, which I had not been to before. Once we got the Russia group on to their various tours, Gayle and her sister Julie and I went in to "Old Town" in Key West. The town has a great personality - the kind of place you think you would be happy living in. We went for a delicious lunch in a seafood place on the water, did some shopping, took the "train" tour of the town, and visited Hemingway's house. Did you know he had a thing about cats? They still live there (well, I'm sure these are ancestors of his cats by now, but they still rule the roost. They even have their own cat condos.).

The following day was our day in Nassau. Unfortunately, it rained most of the day. As I had been there before, I just walked into the portside shopping area for a bit.

Monday night we had a short reception on the ship to bid adieu to our NSP friends, until we meet again next year in Barcelona!

Here's our two Jenn's ... Jennifer Cole (NSP Canada staff member and my partner in crime), and Jennifer Penner, an up-and-coming distributor in Canada, who was also one of our speakers. Thanks for letting me hang with you, guys!

A beautiful sunset at sea ...

A Little Bit of Misc. in the Spring

I've had some interesting times this month and last, but I haven't taken any good photos! I either don't have my camera with me (and I just CANNOT get a good photo with my phone!), or I just forget about taking any.

So here's a couple of bad shots of the Mr. Clearfield High 2010 pageant, which was a fundraiser for Kris' debate team. It was a hoot! The boys were goony, and occassionally amazingly talented. It was a lot of fun. Kris, of course, was busy with the details and Sterling had volunteered as an AV tech.

You can't tell, but this is Kris on stage ... she did a great job!

Kaiya and Teague and I have had a sleepover, and more recently, I played hooky from work this past week and we went and played all day. First we went to the Main library, which is an awesome place with lots of fun nooks and decorations in the kids' area (and elevators that Kaiya and Teague LOVE because they tickle their tummies - they're glass and move pretty fast). Then we went to lunch at a great pub in Trolley Square - good, fresh food and amazing kids' meals. Then home for a nap for Teague while Kaiya and I went to see "How to Train Your Dragon." Fun, fun, fun!

Yesterday the kids came over while Mom and Dad had a soccer game, so we made "bird nests" for Easter out of chocolate-covered Chinese noodles with candy eggs in them.

This morning we went to Market Street for our traditional Easter brunch. We went a bit earlier than we did last year, so it wasn't quite as hectic. I'm disappointed that they have apparently stopped having the Easter bunny, but otherwise it's a great breakfast at a good price. Since it snowed last night, it was a bit chilly for Easter! This photo was taken before we were seated by this guy who thought he knew me, but had me confused with someone else, but then it turned out that we really did know each other. However, the kids were hungry and not in the mood for picture taking ... especially Kaiya. She would not turn around.

Follow My Work

I've started a Facebook page and am on Twitter to communicate about the work I do at Nature's Sunshine Products, and I'd love it if you'd "fan" (Facebook) and "follow" (Twitter) me. You can find the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NSPInternationalEvents; and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NSPIntlEvents. I also want to start a blog sometime, if I can find the time! I certainly do have an awesome job, and Nature's Sunshine is an AWESOME company.

It's A Boy!!

This week Kristen and Sterling were chosen by a birth mom to adopt their baby boy, due June 12. I am so happy for them!! They have been waiting for so long for a little soul to share their life, after going through such heartache. Actually, they were quite lucky in being chosen relatively quickly (many couples are on the registry for years). Kris said the overall feeling among everyone involved is a feeling of "meant to be." This child will be lucky to have Kris and Sterling for his mama and papa. Please say a little prayer for them, that everything will go well.

Coach Kris

Last night I went to Clearfield High School to watch Kristen in action with her debate team. Even though they were also in Anaheim while we were there, I didn't get to watch any of that tournament. And last night I didn't actually watch the tournament either, but did get to see the organization and challenges that come with putting on a debate tournament. It reminded me a lot of the event planning I do. You're everyone's "go to" person, with a million questions coming at you constantly. Kris handled all of it with great aplomb. The other thing that was SO impressive was to observe how much these kids - from a somewhat "tough" high school - absolutely love her and want to impress her. And it was easy to see why. She had something positive to say about every kid she introduced - usually lots of positive things. Three times as we went past a group of kids, someone would call out, "I'm her favorite!" It is a unique talent to be able to make multiple people all feel that they're your favorite. Just ask any parent with more than one child ... then again, I suppose it's easy because each one is your favorite version of that person. Lastly ... it is humbling and gratifying to watch your "baby" (because they remain that no matter old they are) not only do okay, but become amazing. Kris, you are an incredible teacher and mentor. And I love you.

The team last night


At the beach in Cali

Aunt Kate

This past weekend I flew to Portland, Oregon, and then drove to Randle, Washington for my Aunt Kate's memorial service. Sadly, she lost her battle with cancer just after Christmas. It was a nice service, with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc. there from Utah, and of course, all of Aunt Kate's family there in Washington. Many of them I haven't seen since we were kids. It was a sad occasion to do so, but it was good to see everyone.

Aunt Kate was a "feisty broad" - probably from the time she was born. As one of the speakers said, "Whether she liked you or whether she didn't ... you knew it." I always thought of her as my fun aunt. She was the baby of their family, so it's been a bit hard for her sisters - my mom and Aunt Evie and Aunt Jerrie.

She was able to come for a visit in 2008, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to spend a little time with her then.

We'll miss you, Aunt Katie!

Randle is in the general vicinity of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier and Mt. Hood. Unfortunately, it was so overcast we couldn't see much of the grand dames. But it is truly beautiful country up there.

Disneyland!

Steph and Mickel decided to surprise their kids with a trip to Disneyland. They truly did not tell them where they were going until they were almost there, and then Kaiya was just beside herself with excitement. I wish I would have been on the plane with them. Then another surprise ... Grammie showed up at the Long Beach airport! Really I just invited myself along, but Steph and Mickel were gracious enough to make me feel welcome. So here are some random pictures of our fun. It really IS the happiest place on earth!

Everyone's favorite mouse ... especially Teagie's.



Teagie's our little man ... he was giving the sword his best effort.


Here we are chillin' in line to meet the Princesses. It's always been Kaiya's favorite, and I think Teague is becoming smitten as well. And the line wasn't too long!

Having a treat at the Tiki room, which we call the "Teagie room."

We went to a character dinner, which was hosted by FIVE princesses, beginning with Arial. Kaiya was in 7th heaven ... too bad she didn't eat the $19 mac and cheese.

Minnie was a favorite, too.

I'll have to get a copy of the picture of Kaiya and Peter Pan and add it. She has a crush on Peter, it's so cute. When we went to the parade, she kept her eyes absolutely glued on him. She threw him a kiss - both nights we went to the parade - and he saw her and caught them.

Kris and Sterling also happened to be there at the same time. Kris' debate team had a tournament, so she was busy with that quite a lot. But I did get to see her - if only because I was bunking with them! Thanks, guys.

I've always been a Disneyland fan, but I have forgotten how much more fun it is with little ones.