Home From Leadership!

Wow, what an exciting time everyone had in Nashville at the 2011 Stampin' UP! Leadership Conference.  We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, and I can't even describe this place.  It was incredibly huge (2800 rooms), just the walk from the car to the room took at least 10 minutes, then another 10 minutes to the other end of the facility which housed the convention center.  During those long walks your eyes were treated with the most fabulous sites.  Gardens and water falls, with restaurants and bars tucked into every nook and cranny.  In the middle of the complex was an island full of small shops and on the run eating establishments (hate to call them fast food places, this place was just to extravagant to include 'fast food').  Of coarse with an island you must have water, and there was a boat ride that you could enjoy that circled all around the island.  I was much too busy for the leisurely trip, but it looked relaxing.  Oh, did I mention that Kathy rode along with me. She needed a break from work and I needed some company during the 510 mile trip to Nashville.  So, when I say 'we' it usually means the two of us. 

Before dinner Kathy and I took a walk through the convention center. I was hoping that it would help me navigate the complex the next morning.  We happened upon a large group of demonstrators (like 500 or so) all wearing cowboy hats and waiting in the lobby.  I knew instantly what this gathering was all about.  When you reach the level of Manager at Stampin' UP! you have arrived.  And Stampin' Up! treats you like royalty.  The evening before the Leadership Convention they have what they call Managers Reception.  As we peeked out the doors we could see about 7 premium coaches ready to whisk them all away for the evening.  As I looked down upon this group I was so envious, I was pouting and mad at myself for being a slacker, and made it a priority in 2011 not to be left behind next year.  This elite group is treated to a huge surprise at Leadership, and this group, on this particular night was headed to a Nashville icon, the Wildhorse Saloon.  Obviously they took the place over.  I hear that it was incredibly fun, and whether you like country or not, you were line dancing before the night was over. When they arrived back at the hotel they were given their convention bags plus a stamp set that will be in the Summer Mini. (More pouting here) 

With my mind spinning about what I needed to do to get promoted in 2011, we headed to Ravello for dinner.  Excellent food!  Didn't sleep much that night, between the coffee we had around 3:30 (it was called a Chunky Monkey, or something like that, best described as a Mocha with a splash of banana syrup, yum) and the fact that I was just plain excited about convention I just couldn't get to sleep. Up at 6:15 Thursday morning and off to pick up my convention bag.

Now this bag is stinkin' cute,  and will be a welcome addition to my collection.  Stampin' UP! did really good on this one.  Lots of pockets and they even added our wide striped Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon to it.  On the inside it has a rubber tag with the Stampin' UP! logo. 

So, what do you think????

After bag pick up, I was off to swap cards with all the other demonstrators.  I made 170 swap cards, and was very excited to see everyone's hard work.  My first two cards I just gave away to a couple clerks at one of the shops, they were both surprised, but I wanted to give back some of the Southern hospitality that we were enjoying.   So, that morning, I probably swapped about 80 cards.  Then we were off to a day filled with an awesome welcome by our leader, Shelli Gardner, the prize patrol, classes and more swapping. 

I think I'm going to step back now and get some work done for this coming Saturday's Stamp Camp.  I'll be back though, as there's so much more to tell about Leadership.

Thanks for stopping by!