Monday, March 17, 2008

Time Out For Wo*ME*n

In case you were wondering my weekend was wonderful. I felt good the entire time, with the exception of being a little tired at times. I did not puke once and nor did I feel like I was going to until about the last few minutes of the ride home. Then I walked in the door and was in the bathroom not so long after... BUT my prayer of being well enough to enjoy my weekend was all I asked for- and that's what I got.

We drove up to Spokane Thursday (Me, Jessica, Carol-Lynn, Marilee- Jess' MIL) night and after checking into our hotel walked across the street to Azteca to enjoy some chicken taquitos and guacamole, cuz that's what hits the spot at 8 at night. Then we literally walked back and went to bed. I was tired. So imagine 4 people and two double beds... it was snug!

Friday morning we got up and headed down to the workshop. All the classes were wonderful and it was amazing to be there. Kaden was totally impressed that I had lunch with Pres. Hinckley's daughter. I left out the part about the working lunch and that 500 people also shared that experience. We heard from Sheri Dew, Wendy Watson-Nelson, Virgina Hinckely-Pearce, and Wayne Boss (he teaches at UC Boulder at the Leeds Business School). I felt so smart, and drained, after leaving all those classes.

The workshop ended at 3:30 and we went to our hotel so I could catch a nap and hang out before the night's session. We ordered in dinner from Chili's and I got crazy with a soup and salad combo. Then we headed over to the Opera House about 6:00. The night started with Mercy River singing and then Chieko Okazaki spoke. She is seriously what I envision Paula A. being lik when she is 82! Right? Then Michael McClean sang/spoke and another guy (whose name I can't remember) spoke. He was really good too. I saw so many people I knew there and it was fun to wonder who you might see at the next bathroom break.

Saturday morning we got up early to head the Opera House for the last time. We heard Mercy River again Hillary Weeks, and tons of other speakers. They were all so good. The coolest part was when they recognized about 20 people for being examples of living a joyful life. They got to stand up and everyone clapped for them. Then they started reading a letter and the tears started flowing because I recognized it as the letter Jeremy and I had written not so long ago. Jeremy had wanted to nominate his mom for the recognition and so we worked hard submitting a letter just hours before the deadline. They emailed us Thursday morning to let us know they would be reading the letter, and it was so hard to keep it a secret all weekend from Carol-Lynn. She was so shocked and cried on the phone to Jeremy as we broke for lunch. It was really awesome. They even made a joke about a "man infiltrating the system" to nominate his mother. They only read 3 letters so we felt pretty awesome that they had chosen ours as one of the few. We rock! Or maybe I should say Carol-Lynn rocks since the letter was all about her! Anyway it was a cool experience to make her day and let 2,000+ other people know how amazing she really is.

We had a few other speakers in the afternoon and then it was time to head home. It seems like it was such a short weekend but so refreshing. I truly felt like my cup was full and I was ready to head back to "my life". I mean, not that it's bad, but it is nice to have a little Time Out.

I came home to happy kids, a clean house and one worn out husband. He even drove to Seattle and back with the kids by himself on Saturday morning. He said the kids loved it.... he just told them they were going to McDonalds. Oh to be little again!! Hope your weekends were just as rejuvinating and if Time Out is coming near you {hint, hint, Abq. in April} you should go!!

16 comments:

tharker said...

The weekend sounds so perfect! I'm so glad that you felt great too. That makes a huge difference.

Carol-Lynn is so deserving of the praise that she received. She is a wonderful woman.

Melissa said...

That sounds like such an awesome weekend!! There is one in San Diego in May... wanna come ;)

polka dots said...

Glad you had a good time. Nice to come back having been puke free for a few days and spiritually uplifted!

Jan said...

Every womens dream time. Glad you had that experience. Glad you could eat too. I was worried about you actually. I remember those days. So glad your prayers were answered Heather.

PRP said...

Sounds like a wonderful weekend. I love those little breaks that take you away from the day to day, only to come back more refreshed than ever.

Randi said...

WOW! I'm so excited that you had a good time, and that they read your letter!
I'm also thrilled that you really felt good enough to participate. Yea for special blessings!

::lindsay said...

I'm glad you had a wonderful time and felt good all weekend.

I just think that is the neatest thing that they read your letter. Carol-Lynn must be an amazing woman. I also love that Jeremy really wanted to do that for his mom. It shows not only what a great mom she is, but that she raised some great kids who show appreciation for her hard work.

Sarah said...

That sounds like an awesome weekend away. I got all teared up when I started reading about them reading the letter you guys submitted for Carol-Lynn. Being a mom is hard work, and to be recognized (and appreciated)for her spirit and example because of the two of you was probably one of the best gifts of her life. Awesome!

Washington Rimmasch Family said...

Oh I'm so happy that you were able to enjoy such an amazing experience and feel well at the same time. What a great thing to do for you MIL! I love that your husband told your kids they were going to McDonalds and they just took the bait and did great!

Kris said...

What a fun time you had. Sounds like it was just what the Dr. ordered! Thanks for sharing with us!

Warren said...

do you still have a copy of the letter you wrote about mom? can you send it to me? it sounded like you all had a lot of fun!

Sara said...

Sounds like a very fulfilling weekend. Glad you got to go and have a great time.

Vanessa said...

It was such a fun weekend! I thought your letter about Jeremy's mom was so sweet! Thanks for commenting on my blog so I could find yours!

Busy Bee Lauren said...

I'm so happy you got to go! That sounds like so much fun!

Lee said...

Glad you got to go! How fun. I was supposed to go.. but I was off galibating around the country. Glad you had a wonderful time.

I have a good life said...

How awesome! I am so excited for our Time Out here next month! I can't wait. We are also doing the hotel thing and I am so excited. Good luck at Enrichment. Wish I could be there to learn and laugh together.