Countdown to National Conference

[lockhartkitchen]

Wearing sandals to the airport saves time when going through security. Also remember to limit the jewelry you wear when leaving for Chicago. The less metal on you, the quicker you go through security. Also, remember that if you are like me and like to take your makeup with you in your carry-on, that you get trial size containers so you don't go over the limit of liquids you can carry on with you. (I contact my "makeup lady" and she gets me the sample sizes which are perfect for a 3 night trip.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 22. There are only 20 days until the start of National Conference.Don’t arrive at NC all frazzled. Take a good look at your schedule leading up to your departure. Have you made a realistic schedule? Be honest. Can you really get everything done in the time allotted without driving yourself insane? If not, be ruthless. Eliminate. Delegate. Do whatever it takes to make sure you get some rest and a little time with your family before you leave. You’ll get more out of NC if you aren’t exhausted.

 

[pampered1224]

CAN NOT WAIT!!!! Beth and Bobbi - where are the relatives? Just curious, and to be honest, nosy, as I live in Milwaukee WI and Bobbi - you said an hour and half train ride and Beth - you mentioned WI.
Also, make sure that you have your CS buttons and your postcards from your sales with you. Any freebie from HO is a good freebie!

 

[esavvymom]

CAN NOT WAIT!!!! Beth and Bobbi - where are the relatives? Just curious, and to be honest, nosy, as I live in Milwaukee WI and Bobbi - you said an hour and half train ride and Beth - you mentioned WI.

Algonquin/Huntley mostly. Some of them now live up in Genoa City, WI. They are my husband's family.

 

[pampered1224]

My folks are about 10 minutes north of Genoa City on H in Lake Geneva! Small world!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 23. There are only 19 days until the start of National Conference.

Here’s a great idea from Julie Ann Jones that I’ve used before. Take three index cards with you to each workshop. Label one “Wow! Do it now!” for things you can implement immediately. Label the second “Great idea! Do it soon,” for those ideas that will need a little planning and/or research before your start them. Label the third “Think about this.” That third card is for things that you think you’d like to do but will need a lot of planning or re-adjustment to your current way of doing things. When you’re sitting in a workshop and they give you a great idea, write it down on the appropriate card. This will make it easier to implement the ideas once you get back home. Remember, no matter how great the training if you don’t implement the ideas, you’ve wasted time and money.

 

[Jennifer E]

I got my Chef Success button in the mail the other day and I wanted to share a tip. If you write your name on your button and mess up (or don't like your handwriting!) you can erase the Sharpie with fingernail polish remover and start over.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 24. There are only 18 days until the start of National Conference.Kristi shared a great idea a couple of year ago. She made a care package to leave behind for her family—little treats and gifts to be opened each day. Now, The Furry Guy is used to being on his own, so a pan of mac & cheese and a few phone calls to touch base while I’m gone will be just fine for him. However, if you have young children at home or a spouse who’s not used to being on his or her own, a few treats could help them deal with your absence and may make them more willing to let you go next time.

 

[suzipooh]

oh I love that idea...... I have 2 teenage boys,...any thoughts on what to leave for them?

 

[etteluap70PC]

I have done this. My kids love it and can not wait for me to go...

What kind of things do they like or have they been asking for? Maybe an itunes gift card, a favorite snack you don't let them have often.

Maybe extra added to their allowance if they help keep their room and the house clean while you are gone.

What is their "currency" as Dr. Phil would say.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Don't forget your cell phone or camera charger!

If flying do not pack in your checked bags. If you have a flight delay you may need them.

I was so glad last year I had remembered the charger for my camera! I used it more than I thought I would and wore down the battery in a day! That never happens at home

 

[raebates]

Good reminder, Paulette.

Suzipooh, remembering back to Shawn's teenage days--maybe you could stock the kitchen with some of their favorite special-days-only snacks. If chips, ice cream, candy, frozen pizza and/or sugary cereals aren't something you normally let them indulge in, these would be great things to leave for them.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 25. There are only 17 days until the start of National Conference.Don’t forget to bring along a bit of cash for tipping. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of singles. Here are some rules of thumb:

Skycap at the airport—$1 per bag (double if your bags are carted to the counter or elsewhere)Taxi/Limo drivers—10% to 15% of the fareDoorman—It’s not necessary to tip the doorman unless he takes your bags inside for you. If so, tip $1 per
bag.Bellman—$1 to $2 per bagParking valet/attendant—$1 to $2Concierge—It’s not necessary to tip a concierge for directions. However, if he/she has helped you with tickets or reservations, $5 to $10 is customary.Wait staff—15% to 20% of your bill.​

And, remember to tip your hotel housekeeper. Generally speaking, $2 a day (or a dollar a day per person, if that’s more) is considered standard. I used to just leave one tip at the end of my stay. I don’t do that anymore. Someone pointed out to me that hotel staff assignments can change daily. The person who took care of your room on the first night may not be the same as the last night. As a matter of fact, one person could be the one who picks up after you for all but the last night. I now take envelopes for each morning labeled “Housekeeping.” I leave my tip inside (along with those of my roommates) and leave the envelope on the bathroom counter where they’ll be sure to find it.**You know all of those TV shows that show that in so many hotels the cleaning staff doesn't change the glasses and stuff? I'm pretty sure I get clean glasses.

 

[otisbg]

I look forward to the updates every morning! I am at my desk at work by 6am. After the coffee is made, I have my coffee while perusing ChefSuccess. I realized this morning that I always scroll down to Rae's Countdown first!
Thank you Rae. Thanks to you, I am so much more organized for Conference as compared to last year
You make my day!:sing:

 

[raebates]

Well, thank you for the kind words, Linda.

 

[otisbg]

Always my pleasure

 

[dannyzmom]

I look forward to the updates every morning! I am at my desk at work by 6am. After the coffee is made, I have my coffee while perusing ChefSuccess. I realized this morning that I always scroll down to Rae's Countdown first!
Thank you Rae. Thanks to you, I am so much more organized for Conference as compared to last year
You make my day!:sing:

Ditto what she said!!
xoxo

 

[cookinfletch]

This is my favorite thread right now, too! Some extremely helpful tips (especially today's- LOL). Thanks, Rae!

 

[otisbg]

Hey Barbe
I threw some envelopes I found in my desk drawer, into my work bag for us to use for tips for the housekeepers!!!
I also have pull out my suitcase this weekend and start organizing as Rae has taught me!!

 

[wadesgirl]

Hey Barbe
I threw some envelopes I found in my desk drawer, into my work bag for us to use for tips for the housekeepers!!!
I also have pull out my suitcase this weekend and start organizing as Rae has taught me!!

Crap that reminds me I need to get to my sister's to borrow hers. Well actually I should probably ask first!

 

[suzipooh]

Thanks for the ideas ya'll This is the first thread I go to every day too!I got a super cute suitcase for Mother's day this year, it's chocolate brown with pink polka dots and a cute pink bow (so me!) but,....it's huge! Believe me, I would have no problem filling it....but the airline charges extra for bags over 50 lbs....

 

[pampchefsarah]

Hey Barbe
I threw some envelopes I found in my desk drawer, into my work bag for us to use for tips for the housekeepers!!!
I also have pull out my suitcase this weekend and start organizing as Rae has taught me!!

Yet another example of why we need a *Like* button in this forum!:thumbup:

Rae, that's an awesome tip (no pun intended) - I always leave the tip at the end of the stay, too, and never thought about the fact there might be different people each morning.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 26. There are only 16 days until the start of National Conference.

I know I keep harping about packing light. Now I'm going to tell you to bring something extra--a small first-aid kit. A blister, a headache, or an upset stomach can really make it difficult to enjoy NC. If possible, make it something small you can carry with you during the day. A few Band-aids, some aspirin, and some tummy tablets will fit in a small zippered bag and are well worth the space they take up.

 

[wadesgirl]

Today is June 26. There are only 16 days until the start of National Conference.

I know I keep harping about packing light. Now I'm going to tell you to bring something extra--a small first-aid kit. A blister, a headache, or an upset stomach can really make it difficult to enjoy NC. If possible, make it something small you can carry with you during the day. A few Band-aids, some aspirin, and some tummy tablets will fit in a small zippered bag and are well worth the space they take up.

My favorite thing is moleskin. It can be found in the foot care section. This is great for blisters but also great to put inside of shoes that rub the wrong way. I have sneakers and sandals that I have stuck the moleskin inside of the shoe in spots that always rub.

 

[etteluap70PC]

My favorite thing is moleskin. It can be found in the foot care section. This is great for blisters but also great to put inside of shoes that rub the wrong way. I have sneakers and sandals that I have stuck the moleskin inside of the shoe in spots that always rub.

I invested in some moleskin last year and it was a LIFESSAVER!!!!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 27. There are only 15 days until the start of National Conference.Take just a moment or two to think about your goal for yourself at NC. What do you hope to get out of it? Fun is fun, and I’m looking forward to lots of fun and foolishness. It’s important to remember, though, that the real purpose of NC is to learn from the workshops and from each other. Be prepared to meet your NC goals. Think about what you want to learn. Here’s an exercise that some coaches use. Look around the room you're in. Now close your eyes and think of everything you saw that was green. Okay, now look around your office and notice everything that’s green. I’d just about guarantee that you noticed more green things when you were looking for them. Knowing what you hope to learn helps you to notice it when it’s presented. I plan to write down a few questions for each workshop. I’ll look these over before the workshop starts so I’ll remember what I hope to learn. It will also help when they ask for questions at the end of the workshop, in case one of mine is still unanswered. Write down some additional questions you have, and go over them a time or two so you’re ready to ask them of the people who’ve achieved the level to which you’re aspiring. Think about what you do well and what changes you’ve made in the last year that have helped you. This will help you to have an answer ready when someone turns to you for advice. Brand new and don’t feel like you have any advice to offer? Think about one or two things you wish someone had told you when you signed up. This is great info for people who are recruiting.

 

[BethCooks4U]

CAN NOT WAIT!!!! Beth and Bobbi - where are the relatives? Just curious, and to be honest, nosy, as I live in Milwaukee WI and Bobbi - you said an hour and half train ride and Beth - you mentioned WI.
Also, make sure that you have your CS buttons and your postcards from your sales with you. Any freebie from HO is a good freebie!

My son lives in Milwaukee near 99th St/Wauwatosa area. We grew up in South Milwaukee (the city not the area of town) and I have 3 sons living there still. We also lived in LaCrosse and then Waukesha for some time before moving to NC (and Cudahy for a short time years ago - I was the "welcome wagon lady" there). We plan to visit with some of our Waukesha friends on this visit - usually don't have time for that but this year we're taking a longer visit. 2 of my sons started/are in the band Conniption (metal but they are good - not just mom talking). They play all over Milwaukee. Check them out!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 28. There are only 14 days until the start of National Conference. Two weeks, people!Arriving early or staying an extra day? Talk to your cluster or traveling buddies about any touristy things you want to do—shop, see a play, visit a museum, etc. Check online for special savings, coupons, and even ideas.

 

[pampered1224]

Beth that is too funny! I live in "Piggsville" which is just south of the Miller Valley and north of I-94! Under the Wisconsin Avenue Viaduct as we say. So if you go over it, turn and look south and down, and that is us.

 

[Cr8vKitchen]

I'm loving this countdown. I get more excited every time I see the ____ days 'til conference! My first time around and just cannot wait!!