Wednesday June 30

Well, I'm home in Lansing.  Love the weather - much cooler than Austin!  It's back to work tomorrow July 1.  Working on catching up on email and laundry - quite the combo.  Starting to work on firming up travel plans for my visits to the districts.  August will be here before I know it.  Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, June 29

It started out as a dry day here in Austin and that changed quickly after noon.  It has been raining and storming for about 4 hours.  I ran from the convention center to the hotel - no need for a shower now.  And the umbrella?  In the suitcase!

Attended workshops all day and had lunch at The Driskill.  Tonight's banquet ends the week's activities.  Tomorrow I fly home!  It's time to get my feet back on the ground in Michigan.  Good thing there are only 2 work days this week and then a long weekend.  Lots of email to catch up on.  That's ok :)

Monday, June 28

After an early morning arrival in Austin and a short night's sleep, I was able to get registered for ACUHO-I and attend a couple of sessions.  It was a great day.  Dinner with the rest of the MSU gang before calling it a night.

I have lots of email to read so I can get reconnected with life.  Another full day of activities on Wednesday before an evening banquet. 

Sunday, June 27

A wonderful week in Las Vegas is now done!  While I am tired, I am so excited about what the years ahead will bring.  A couple quick meetings this morning, a taxi ride to the airport and a few hours waiting for my 4:40pm flight to Austin, TX.  It was great to see Al and Chuck at the airport and I also met some other Kiwanis family members. 

I'm heading to an ACUHO-I Conference in Austin returning to Lansing on Wednesday.  It will be great to see some fellow MSUers...

I have some additional pictures to post - when I have a few minutes I'll do that.  The cable is in my checked luggage.

So, I'm signing off now...soon to fly away :)

Saturday, June 26

Good morning from Las Vegas!  Missed last night, but as you can imagine, it was pretty crazy!  So, let me start from the beginning yesterday.  The day started with our district caucus at 7:30am - well done and lots of excitement for the day's elections. The meet the candidates session followed.  Each candidate had 1 minute to introduce themselves, 1 minute each to answer (3) questions and then a 2 minute closing.  We were all sequestered while the other candidates were speaking so we couldn't hear the questions.  I was pretty happy at the end - the questions were very simple for me to answer:  tell us what you've done with one of our service leadership programs over the last year...hmmmm...

Then is was off to a quick lunch before the house of delegate session and the elections.  The session started with the amendments so we had to wait until near the end for the elections!  Nerves were fine until they put the microphone on and then it hit - but only for a second.  Once I walked out on stage, it felt wonderful!  My speech went very well - I was so happy.  Ever think you'd speak in front of 6,000+ people with cameras and lights all around?

Once all the votes were tallied - now done electronically - KI's Executive Director Stan pulled all the candidates together to give us the results before they were announced.  Chuck K - one of my campaign co-chairs was with me.  Al D was out in the audience with the MI delegation.  And when the results were announced, I was so excited!! I was elected! Congrats to Oscar and Johnny who will also join the board.  Thanks to Steve for running a great campaign. 

Then it was time to leave the convention center.  It was so humbling to have fellow Kiwanians expressing their congratulations and best wishes!  Lots of hugs, handshakes and picture taking!  I have a big responsibilitlly ahead and I'm here to give it my all.

It was great to talk with my mom and dad for a few minutes afterwards.  Thanks to Al, my phone was on speaker phone and they were able to hear the announcement!  Mom, Dad, I did buy the dvds from the week so you'll be able to see it - live :)  Thank you for all your love!

After a quick break, Al, Margie, Chuck, Ken, Joan, Bill and I headed to the casino buffet for dinner.  Great food, fun and fellowshp!  Good thing we did all that laughing - it was the exercise we needed for all the food!  Al, Margie, Chuck, Ken and I then went to the old Vegas - Fremont St.  Wow - what a sight.  Much different than the strip.  Cool - I'll go back there.

So the end to one and the beginning to another beautiful, exciting day.  Today starts with a few meetings, closing session and then a chance to come home and relax before another celebration dinner at Lawrys.

I can't express enough thanks to all my supporters and my campaign co-chairs Al and Chuck.  I couldn't have done it without you! 

Signing off now - talk to you all later!

Thursday

Another great convention day!  Started off with the final meeting of the 2009-2010 Education committee.  Lunch with 400+ KI Foundation supporters and the Opening Session.  Colin Powell's remarks were very good.  Typicall you hear him speak about world events; today while he touched on a little of that, he spoke about his family and projects he is working on for our children and their future.

The new Global Campaign for Children was announced.  Tea Leoni is the celebrity spokesperson for The Eliminate Project - Kiwanis eliminates maternal/neonatal tetanus.  I was able to meet her and have my picture taken with her.

Had dinner with Al, Chuck, Ken and Margie at the hotel buffet.  The crepes were wonderful!  So were the strawberries dipped in the chocolate fountain!  You missed this one Judy :)

Thanks to my brother John, Mary, Andrew and Lauren for the beautiful flowers and the inspirational words. It was a nice surprise.

I'm calling it a night - tomorrow is the big day.  I'll update the blog tomorrow night.  See ya!

Wednesday, June 24

Started the day having breakfast with Margie Ballheim, our fantastic travel agent for Michigan Kiwanis members.  I took the monorail over to the Hilton where the international board was meeting.  As a candidate I had the opportunity to observe the meeting.  It was good to see the board members - many who I have worked with other the last couple of years - when I served on the Foundation board.  I also had a chance to catch up with the Foundation Board and see some friends I served with last year. 

Today Al and Chuck arrived and met me for my speech rehearsal.  The rehearsal - on stage - went well.  I had time to make the speech 5 times which gave me the opportunity to work on my timing and presence on the stage.  I'm not going to use a podium. My speech is about 2 minutes 36 seconds - according to Chuck - well within the 3 minute time limit.  I was put to the test when during my last presentation the teleprompters went completely blank and I had only said 2 paragraphs.  I made it through the entire speech based on memory alone!  Great news.

Dinner with my fellow classmates - the Governors from the 2001-2002 year with President Brian at McCormicks and Schmicks.  It was great to see everyone.

Time to sign off for the night!  It's been a busy day and I need my sleep :)  Until tomororw,

Vegas - Day 1

It was a 45 minute wait to get my luggage.  And the airport didn't even seem crowded.  5 minutes in the taxi line - quick ride to the Flamingo.  I quickly was reminded of the noise and lights of the casinos once I walked in the door.  I was able to get checked in and in my room to unpack and get set for the afternoon meeting.  Candidates' meeting to review the rules and draw for speaking order at the Meet the Candidates Session and the Business Session where the elections will take place.  I drew #3 for both sessions.  Tomorrow brings the board meeting that we're invited to watch and on-stage rehearsal of my speech.  My class of governors dinner ends the day.  Hope all is well.  Until tomorrow... :)

Flying High in the Sky

Wow!  WiFi in the sky!  This is pretty neat.  Makes a 4 hour and 34 minute flight go by just a little bit quicker.  Now if the battery in my laptop would last just a little bit longer.  Is there an electrical outlet on the plane?  Guess I'll need to find out!  We're about 2 hours from Vegas and then it all begins.  Safe travels!

Monday, June 21

It all begins tomorrow and well, I think I am set to go.  Finished packing this afternoon.  It's hard to believe that this is the week!  I know that everything is all set to go.  The t-shirts, brochures and post-its are in Las Vegas already.  Thanks to Mom & Dad for shipping them last week.  That's one thing off my mind.  Spent much of the day running errands - a few things off of my to-do list.

I leave Lansing at 7am tomorrow to arrive in Las Vegas about 10:20am.  It's supposed to be over 100 degrees this week.  I'll be looking for the air conditioning!

Thanks for everyone's support - the East Lansing Kiwanis club, everyone at work who is covering for me this week, and all my friends!  Here's to a great week :)

Happy Fathers' Day

Happy Father's Day to my dad, brothers John, Frank, Rob and Jim and to my brothers-in-law Jim and De'Angelo!  And Kyle my nephew :)

Time is quickly running away!  I need to finish packing today for Las Vegas as my flight leaves Tuesday!  Monday will be a last day running around town taking care of the last minute errands.  I have my speech ready and memorized.  Finishing up a few last minute things and work and I'll be good to go.

Enjoy the day!