The Big Easy

What a fun week we had in New Orleans! Early Tuesday Justin drove Emmett and me to the airport. The plan was for us to fly there and have Justin come the next day. Flying alone with an infant - the true test of motherhood! Emmett did great. Later when I met up with my director, one of her friends said, "I don't think she [me] was on that flight - I didn't hear any babies." Ha! Good job Emmett! I ate with Suzanne and her husband Dave at Mulate's - they had a live jazz band, and I had my first crawfish dish!

Justin took the red eye (bless him) and met us the next morning for breakfast. I will miss my morning grits every day! I passed baby off to him and Suzanne and I picked up our packets and hit the Mary Kay expo. We got to see all the things MK will be launching this year, and I got to try on the new sales director suit. I later learned DIQ's weren't allowed to try on the suit, but nobody checked my badge and I didn't know any better! We had a meeting that afternoon and then I met up with Justin for dinner at a place called Cachon.

Suzanne is on-target to receive this diamond ring at seminar - isn't that crazy!?

I love this because I basically match the display

Suzanne sent me this picture while I was at the hotel - she is with Cindy Williams and Stacy James - multi-million dollar national sales directors - AKA - MK celebrities. I was soooo jealous!

I added an old student's name to this board - she is an advocate against domestic violence so I sent her this picture.

I decided to try Mexican Cola

Thursday was the official first day of the leadership training. I went to a special training with the other DIQ's and had general session in the afternoon. Justin went to a WWII museum in the afternoon. That night my director took us out to dinner at Emeril's restaurant. That was a very fun experience! I had gumbo, escargot, giant shrimp, and purple sweet potato cheesecake for dessert!

Justin's Tour:

Dinner at Emeril's

Friday we had more classes and Suzanne babysat Emmett so Justin and I could go out just the two of us. We walked to the French Quarter, saw Jackson Square and Cafe du Monde - we each got our own orders of beignets and enjoyed them while watching barges move up and down the Mississippi. We had dinner together - I had a whole rack of ribs (they are my weakness) - it was a great night on the town!

DIQ class with THE Amy Gamboian

chicken and waffles for Justin

Saturday morning we had our last session, and then it was time for the airport. Justin's flight left at 3:00 while mine and Emmett's wasn't until 7:00, so it was a long time hanging out at the airport for us. Emmett slept the whole flight, which was great for him but hard on mama. I held him the whole 4.5 hours making me pretty sore. I just reminded myself it was way better than having him awake and fussy. Luckily Justin downloaded a bunch of episodes of one of my favorite shows which totally saved me. That late night made for an interesting morning getting ready for 9:00 church!

sleeping gansta baby

It was a whirlwind of a week and worth every effort to be there. I was taught by the top sales directors and national sales directors in the company. Such a cool experience, all while experiencing the culture of New Orleans. How blessed am I that Justin came with me so that Emmett could nurse in between sessions and be with me in the down time. He is simply the best. Now I get to put into place all the things I've learned. Wish me luck!