Home at Last

I arrived home from Cincinnati today, tired but happy; the regional was wonderful, as they always are.

We had a full house both days, which was great. Sometimes the Friday sessions don’t fill up, so it was nice to have a big group for both sessions.

Because we were filming this regional for a regional DVD we are going to make available for our demonstrators, there was definitely a little more pressure. When you’re on stage in front of a thousand-plus people, it’s normal to feel a little pressure (you know, hoping you don’t trip or flub up or forget what you’re supposed to be doing). But because we were filming, we had to worry about additional things (strictly staying within our time limits, not referring to anything that was copyrighted or legally off limits for a recorded presentation, etc.).

And because we were filming, we’d actually come in a day early and done a full rehearsal, which is not normally part of our routine either. So by Saturday night, we’d been on our feet (and, of course, I was wearing high heels!) in “performing mode” for three long days, so we were more tired than usual—and my feet hurt!

But it was worth every minute.

Although we didn’t get outside much, the weather was perfect! On Friday, we did go out for dinner (I changed into jeans and flats first) and then, for dessert, visited a well-known ice cream shop that was to die for! Every taster spoon I tried I loved! I can’t even remember which flavor I ended up choosing because they were all so delicious. That was a perfect way to end the evening!

And as always, spending time with our demonstrators was fabulous! I met many new demonstrators, who were attending their first-ever Stampin’ Up! event. I also visited with demonstrators who I have before, and I loved seeing them again.

There were several babies in attendance too. Those who know me know that I love to “borrow” babies for a few minutes, just to get my baby fix. There were more babies yesterday than I could snuggle with, and that’s always fun for me.

I usually post at least one of the projects that I show at regional, but because we filmed this regional, I can’t show my projects (although I will be showing how I use the projects next month when Shanna comes home—hint, hint).

 

 

Instead I thought I’d post photos of some wonderful people. I mentioned in a recent blog that the highlight of my traveling is the people I spend time with—both those who I meet at the event as well as those who I work. If you have to travel, it’s so nice to travel with people that make it fun, rewarding, and professional! Thanks, guys and gals, for all you do!

So it was a great trip to Cincinnati, and although I’m glad to be home at last, I’d do it again in a heartbeat—just give me a little while to recover. . .

Comments

[Kim McAlister]

It sounds wonderful (except the sore feet part!). Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to attend my first event! I hope that you have a chance to get a little rest! We will enjoy the DVD when it is released.I understand about the filming-I am begining to make youtube videos for my class-it is intimidating!
We are looking forward to hearing about your reunion with your daughter! I don't know how you lasted-my daughter was gone for the summer (drum and bugle corps) and I was a wreck!

Kim

[stephanie]

yea! Graeter's! :-) Love the chip flavors!

wish I could have been in Cincinnati for the regional!

[Barb Hopper]

I returned home from Cincinati yesterday, and although it was only a few hours drive, I was really tired, so I can only immagine how tired you were! I attened on Sat. What a wonderful day! It was so full of info, that the day flew by! The make and takes were great and I plan on using a few of them for a Christmas stamp aa stack. This was by far the BEST regional I have attended! The workshop wow's were the BEST! You amazed me with your willingness to stand out with "the demos" for as long as you did, and never stop smiling... if you feet hurt you didn't show it! (altho I did notice your pedicure at the very end on Sat eve... and still you smiled and hugged, and had your picture taken.. and held babies) Thank you for a WONDERFUL informative regional! You have out done yourself this time!
Thanks again, Barb Hopper

[Peg Foltz]

I second everything Barb said - it was my second regional but the first to meet you - and I too was impressed with your kindness, and your endless smile for all those pictures! I loved having the chance to indulge in something I love to do for a whole day!
Thanks, Peg Foltz

[Debra]

Friday Regionals was incredible. Thank you soooo very much! Because of someone else either not attending or not in the room I ended up with Autmn Splendor! I am ecstatic about that!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!
I also wanted to say thank you for taking a moment for us all to recognize that it was 9/11. My DS is a Marine in Iraq. That touched me so much I cried through that whole part. And thank you for having us recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you again for a truly wonderful day. Emma calls you our best friend. I just love that.

[Cindy Major]

It is always fun to see the pictures of the home office crew - makes me wish I could part of the team!

You guys are coming to Quebec City in three weeks and I can't wait! I am assuming you might not be attending since this is only a half-day, although it would be a nice surprise if you did. Quebec City is a lovely place, I am sure you would enjoy taking a tour of the Old Quebec! I will be attending the event with 12 of my downlines, so I am very excited!

Cindy :)

[Susan LaCroix]

This was the best regional yet! Everyone did a great job and the demonstrators who presented the workshop wows were fantastic!! Thank you for the wonderful day! I can't wait for the next wonderful SU! event!
Susan LaCroix

[Kendra Jordan]

I had such a great time at regionals in Cincinnati! The presenters and presentations were awesome! I also got to meet you and get my picture taken with you. At the time I had no idea what to say to you so I just gave you a hug and said thank you. You are truely a beautiful person inside and out. I am so glad I finally got to meet you!

[Monica]

I'm so glad you were able to get to Graeter's! I'm in NW Ohio and there isn't an ice cream shop I can go for my fix, but have found a few grocery stores that sell pints. It's not the same, but I still indulge! The chip flavors are the best.

[Sharon Bridwell]

So glad the regional was good and you got home safely. Hope you get a day or two to catch up! Looking forward to the regional video!

[Jen]

So glad that you got to go to Graeter's...Strawberry Chip is the BEST!

We did not think that you would really go to Macy's to go shopping...Thanks for a wonderful regional!

[Lori Burkitt]

I had such a wonderful time at my first Regional seminar in Cincinnati. How could I not? I won a free stamp set and got to have my picture take with you. I'll never forget trying to shake your hand,(as I wasn't sure what exactly to do), and you hugged me instead. You are every bit as beautiful on the inside as you are the outside. I think we determined, (while chatting with you), that you tried the Buckeye Blitz icecream. It is awesome.

Thanks for a great time!

[Evelyn Osinski]

This was my third Regional since becoming a demonstrator about four years ago--three different cities (Chicago, Orlando, Cincinnati)--and all three events were within 7 miles of my home! I've lived in four states in those 4 years; stamping has been one constant in my life that has helped ease the loneliness of a new city. I'm looking forward to staying put for a while and appreciate the inspiration and motivation of Regional as I finally try to make the transition from hobbyist to more business-focused demonstrator. Great event--awesome projects--thanks Shelli and the rest of the gang.

[Beverly Jacobson]

Thanks for another wonderful SU! event, Shelli! I was honored to be able to present a Workshop Wow, because SU! wows me all the time. :-) I was only an hour's drive away from my loved ones, but I practically flew home because I missed my 5 kiddos, the youngest of whom is still nursing, and couldn't wait to share about my day with my hubby.

[Tisha Christian]

Hi Shelli... and everyone!!

I had a BLAST!! As a mother of 4 boys this was great "Mommy Time" for me. I did have the smallest with me (yes he was one of the lucky ones you snuggled with on Saturday toward the end :) but still a break. It was informative and fun! Never been to any before but has me planning for next years Convention for sure.
It was so great meeting with you. Always wonderful to see people are as nice in person as they seem.

All of the presentations were tremendous. (Note to self.. chin out hand on hip... CLICK) and whew RHONDA blew me away... I want to go to one of her workshops even as a demonstartor.

To sum it all up Very inspired and loved every minute (including the chocolate vendor). Came home and set out to book workshops spoke to 3 people ... 2 maybes and one checking the schedule. Will be calling again tomorrow !!

Thanks again to you Shelli for being so wonderful and all the Stampin crea for the knowledge and my upline (Tiffany) for encouranging me to go.

Smile... Love in Creativity, Tisha

[Lisa]

Thanks for staying through Saturday! It was great to see you again and have my guest meet you. Great projects, great fun!

Sincerely,

Lisa (the demo with the green sparkly sandels!)

[Sharon]

Shelli! Had a great time, learned a few new things and the projects were fun to make.

[Cindy Stokes]

Hello Shelli! I'm sooo glad to see from your photos that you got out a bit while in Cincinnati. I mentioned to Shannon that the One Day Sale was going on at Macy (I work in the jewelry department there and fondly refer to it as Macy World!). I worked it on Saturday and it was a crazy fun day...50% off of 50% on the clearanced jewelry..hope you got to snag some great buys! I also love that you got to Graeters while you were here! It is so fantastic. Everyone has their own favs. Mine is Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip! They have a webpage and ship - FYI : ) Thank you again for an amazing Regional. I enjoyed every single second!
My MDS arrives today and I can't wait to start learning all about it! The webinars are great!
Thank you for everything Shelli - Happy Demo in Cinci - Cindy

[Sharon Field]

Wish I could have been there too... I did go to convention this year.. and hope to be able to go to Leadership in Phoenix. I'm sure everything was great and look forward to hearing more about the event! What a great team.. now, get some rest!

[Sharon]

Wish I could have attended Cincy regional but we moved to Virginia.

Will there be a regional in VA Beach this year! hint hint

I have attended Three regional in three different cities since becoming a demonstrator. My first was in Cincy, second Philadelphia, and last year VA Beach. Keeping my fingers crossed to see you all in VA Beach in spring 2010.

Sharon

[Wendy]

Shelly-

I wasn't able to attend Convention this year BUT I did attend the Cincy regional on Friday. It was the second one I've been to but the best by far (and I didn't even win anything!). I've been a demo since 2001 and have never actually been able to sneak in and get a hug until this regional!

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you and all the staff and presenters who spoke. I learned a ton and although I'm not going to be able to meet the challenge (can you stay stomach flu-ugh!) I have decided to take some time to regroup and restart my business in full force in January. I plan to use Rhonda's workshop as a template (yes, I took COPIOUS notes) and hope to have a fantastic year of creativity. My new downline and I will see you next year in SLC!

Wendy

PS-I told my sister about your pin and we laughed and laughed. All we could picture was all the fabric surfaces in your home and office with big, flower-shaped cutouts!

[Kelly S.]

Yum. Graeter's ice cream... my rare indulgence is black raspberry chip with bittersweet sauce. Pair it with some Cincinnati chili, Montgomery Inn ribs, or LaRosa's pizza, and you have the complete experience. (Did I mention "yum"? :-D)

Kelly in Ohio

[Maria Lugo]

Hola Vivo es España, me gustaría hacerme demostradora se que tenéis productos en Español, y además que hay demostradoras en Francia sin embargo me gustaría informaros que aquí en España hay una explosión por del scrap,y vosotros tenéis productos muy lindos. que a mi por ejemplo me gustaría adquirir soy Licenciada y Artesana de corazón...

Me gustaría me dieras respuesta....

gracias

Maria Lugo