Trip to California

My company has an annual event that brings the entire company together from all over the world. We haven't had a formal meeting like this in a couple years actually to keep costs low while we managed the rough economy. It is great to have it back and to connect with colleagues.

I flew out on Saturday to San Diego so I could spend just a little extra time with my parents. Rob & B weren't too keen on the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to drive me to the airport. But my boys did it anyway. I am a freak when it comes to flying. I really don't enjoy it much - it's really stressful for me. I typically get to the airport about 2 hrs early. Yes, I am a freak. My parents make fun of me all the time.

Monday and Tuesday I worked from the office. We had a team dinner for a client project team which brought together our teammates from the US, Singapore, and the UK office. It was a lot of fun. They had HUGE margaritas!

Betsy & I

Wednesday we had our "team day." This was the first time we had all been together as "Client Services" since we merged with two other departments. We went from about 30-something Project Managers world-wide to about 50 people total. We had an "Amazing Race" type event. We were split in to 8 separate teams. I had the best team - we were team Honey Badgers! (If you really don't know where this comes from - go to Youtube and search for Honey Badgers...But be warned there is some spicy language in the video). It was a race to get certain tasks complete, answer questions, take photos - all in 2 hours. We finished first and had the most points and won! It was a lot of fun!

Team Honey Badgers - Champions

While I was in Carlsbad, so was my brother! He was on spring break and came down for some job interviews for a summer job. It was fantastic to see him. He always makes me laugh.

Ben & I at Sammy's in Carlsbad

Thursday I picked up Betsy and we drove out to Palm Desert for the night. We drove through the mountains (which was quite crazy & and such a windy road). There was snow on the ground - just a light dusting though!

We were in meetings all day Thursday. They gave us a break at about 4:30pm to finish checking in, rest, and get ready for the party later on.

My buddy Steph (aka sprouts) and I

Kelly & I at the People's Choice Awards

I had to throw the above photo in! This is Jackie, my leader, and her son Lucas. The company I work for has a unique program where mothers are allowed to bring their baby to work with them the first 6 months of their life. It's pretty cool. I was able to do that with Bradley and absolutely loved it. Lucas is a cutie - such a good and happy boy. I had to share a photo of how adorable he was :)

We had a good time at the party. It was fun watching people let loose on the dance floor. One thing about the company I work for is the people really know how to have fun.

Michelle & I at the party

Jackie (my leader) and I at the party

Cheryl, Jen, and I always seem to find each other at these parties.

At the hotel bar after the party (sounds like an R.Kelly song!)

Kim, Amanda, and I

It was quite a good time. I'm exhausted still and SO happy to be home! It was a busy but great time seeing family, colleagues, and beautiful Carlsbad.