Life on the Road

I went on my first official "business trip" this last week! We flew out on Monday the 16th of February for Rochester, Minnesota. Exotic, I know..haha. We spent a couple of days there to check out a school (I evaluate Cosmetology schools all over the country and help them become accredited institutions).

Minnesota was cold, but not quite as freezing as I had anticipated - my long johns weren't quite necessary ;). The people were really friendly and the food was quite tasty. I did go with the recommended sandwhich at a local pub we stopped in for lunch - a BLT with peanut butter; yup I ate it! Haha. It actually wasn't as disgusting as you are probably imagining it to be, not the greatest thing I've ever eaten, but I did still devour the whole thing, so good enough for me!

We flew to the great city of Cleveland for another school visit and pratically froze there! I had no idea it would be colder than Minnesota, and yet it was! Didn't get to see too much of the town as we arrived later and flew out the next day once we were done working. It was still a cute city and one I'd love to hit up again, especially so I can go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We almost went, yet I wasn't in charge and my manager wanted to work out instead... LAME. Next time.

I did fly home for a moment after Cleveland, and a moment was about 10 hours before we jumped back on a plane and headed to Las Vegas! My agency had a big workshop there and so I had to work and participate. It turned out pretty well; I learned a lot and met some great people in my field. I also got the chance to bond with colleagues and am really starting to feel like I've got a grip on this Accreditation thing.

The best part of the whole trip though was that I was able to finagle a trip to Utah out of my Vegas workshop. My Travel Coordinate Suzie (who is amazing!!) got my a flight out of SLC on Wednesday night - the red eye- and so as soon as we were done Tuesday afternoon, I jumped in my rental car and drove to Parowan, Utah! Everyone else was flying home Wednesday morning and so I figured I'd maximize my travel day and I did!




Here would be the main reason why I drove to Utah for this single day. Mr. Graham Gideon Oakeson. The first child of one of my very bestest friends, Michelle (Mooso). He was only 6 days old when I met him! It was so worth it to drive up and see him and be exhausted these next couple of days following the red eye. It was just great to see Michelle and Tiffany and their babies. I've met Tiffany's baby, JJ, before ; but just being all together was such a blessing.
It was also great to spend time with my cousins and Grandma and brother. I do love my family
and was grateful I got to see them, if only for a moment.



















This is J.J. Tiffany's youngest ( the blue eyed 8 month old). He is just so flipping cute! I love these boys :).



We had a little bit of fun putting the two boys in the crib together! I love this shot because JJ is petting Graham... so adorable! They are only 8 months apart but just so different!


Here's a shot of Tiffany, Michelle and I. I simply would be lost without these girls. My bestest friends in the whole wide world :).


All in all, it has been a busy week and a half. Luckily, I'm in the office this next week and still trying to learn all I can before I head out on the road for two weeks straight (well I get to come home for the weekend) to North and South Carolina and then Maryland and Deleware. I'm excited. I am really enjoying my job and the people I work with; we definitely have a good time. I am so blessed!