Wowee! What a week!

Monday -- Ursula and I left for the governor's conference on Monday afternoon. We arrived in Long Beach at the Courtyard Marriott and were excited to put the final touches on our book. Because the hotel didn't have wireless access, we packed our stuff and headed over to the Classic Cup coffee shop. I'm always on the lookout for good customer service. Not just because it makes me happy but also becasue I'm always in need of stories for my presentations. (That's right -- I'm eye spying out there.) The owner and cashier were courteous, helpful, funny and just plain fabulous and we accomplished a ton of work. We actually stayed all afternoon and closed the place down. Athough we had yummy gelato at Classic Cup, it was 5:30 p.m. and I needed some good eats. We met up with our friends and dined at Utopia, another great customer service story. Our waiter, Matt, was very laid back and patient. He came back three times and shared what his favorites were with honesty. Kudos to Matt and Utopia! While Ursula and I went back to our room and worked some more, the evening was filled with laughter and I had a great time. Lesson #1: Being a business owner means you work more than 40 hours a week. A lot more. Lesson #2: Work should be fun. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

TuesdayI -- The California Governor and First Lady's conference for Women. Yes, I had a great time there as well. Imaging 14,000 powerful and dynamic women all gathered together! It was amazing! The energy, the conversation, the bonding. Ursula and I shopped the 1st part of the day as I waited anxiously to hear the His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak. Let me tell you, Maria Shriver is the bomb! She talked about the importance and need to stand still amongst all of the striving, going, doing and performing. She said that sometimes we need to disconnect in order to get connected. Amen, sister! We heard Suze Orman, Viviene Cox, The Terminator, Tim Russert, Anna Quindlen (who wrote one of my favorites, A Short Guide to a Happy Life), Anne Sweeney, Sarah Ferguson and yes, the Dalai Lama whose image and message are forever imprinted on my brain. Lesson # 3: Slow down and breathe.

Wednesday -- The Inland Empire Women's Conference -- Yes. I left the governor's conference on cloud 9 only to rush home (wasn't the message to slow down?!?) and finish preparing for the today. I had the time of my life and was honored to present at this event. 400 super-fabulous women all in one place. The energy felt like I had been transported to the stadium after the Yankees had won the World Series a decade ago. Incredible! My presentation on leadership went extremely well and I've got pictures to share. Three lovely ladies shared their committment to excellence with the group and we'll be following up with them. Hats off to Cherie for putting the finishing touches on my presentation packets! You'll never believe what she went through. Lesson #4: In the end, "it" always works out.

Thursday -- I had client meetings, our monthly For You meeting, a NAWBO-IE mixer and dinner with a dear friend on the calendar. From sun up to sun down, my work at Upside Thinking is rewarding. However, the best part of the whole day was being surrounded by people who care about me. My friend Christie let me pick my favorite restaurant so we could celebrate my birthday month. The food at Anthony's was delicious, as alwasy. I feel as if I've been transported to Little Italy in New York. The waiter, Brad, brought out a cake and sang "happy birthday". Typically, this scares me but he went above and beyond all night long and was another example of great customer service in the world. I'm blessed to have so many wonderfully supportive friends. Lesson #5: Riding the upside is easier with good friends.