2008 Travels

I started my job with Lions Clubs International in January of 2008 as a Regional Program Coordinator.  Pretty much meaning managing a program in various parts of the world on how to open new Lions Clubs.  I was in charge of managing a team of consultants, approving workshops,booking travel, and updating the curriculum and materials. I love my job!  It is such a great feeling working for a non-profit organization that helps people.  I love working with the local Lions and helping them, because ultimately they are helping those in need.  Finally a job with a great purpose!

During 2008, I had an opportunity to attend one of my workshops in Phoenix, Arizona.  I have never been to Phoenix, and never really traveled by myself (other than to Minnesota when I was like 12 and Vegas when I turned 21).  The workshop was great!  I got to experience first hand the program I manage, meet two of my consultants (husband and wife team from Arkansas), and I got to see, Dawn Dvorak-Kelly, one of my old friends from high school.  She moved out there right after she got married to her husband RJ and I haven't really seen or talked with her a whole lot since they got married in 2004 or 2005.  It was a great trip.  Dawn and I went to a few casinos, played Bingo and got pretty silly over Bingo, and I won $600 or so playing Keno!  Little did I know that this would be the start of my work travels.

 
I was also very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Ireland with Jay, his parents, brother, sister, and almost entire extended family.  It was Jay's uncle's 80th birthday and everyone was going to celebrate.  Jay's dad retired and extended an invitation to me to join them on a trip, where-ever Jay and I would like to go in Europe that they were going.  Sooo many places, how do you choose?  Well, you go where all the family is going.  

Ireland was such a great time!  I didn't quite know what to expect because my only other times outside of the country was to Cancun, Mexico and Nassau Bahamas and well, both were touristy locations so we didn't really get to experience the true culture of the country.  

We flew into Shannon airport and that is where I got to have my new country experience right away.  I got to be on the rental car, since Jay wasn't 25 yet, and had to drive...on the wrong side of the road, well the right side, but the opposite of what we are use to here in the States.  It was quite the experience.  We had so much fun, shopping, going pub to pub, playing pool, talking to locals, visiting family... it was probably one of my most memorable trips.  Jay and I can't wait to go back, but we know it just won't be the same without the entire family there.