I took a pretty quick trip to Arizona (Phoenix-area) Sunday through Wednesday. I needed help with a back-end software switch. Because I was hitting some walls trying to do it myself, we decided that I would go there to get help from the experts. I spent two full days with their team to implement the switch — a consolidation, really.
I’m consolidating most of the different pieces of software that run our membership area into one program in order to be more efficient and better serve our members and customers. (Members and customers, you’ll be hearing from me within days with more details. Please watch for the emails.) It was totally worth taking the trip to get the help — I’m pretty sure I couldn’t have figured it all out by myself!
I’ve never been to Arizona before, and I was excited to visit. The picture above is on I-5 on my way to the Eugene airport. Below is the stunning Mt. Hood at a layover in Portland.
When I arrived in the Phoenix area, I found a sweet package in my motel room. Sonya from Hemmings Half Dozen had dropped off a package of GAPS-friendly snacks — water kefir, soaked crispy pecans and walnuts, and almond flour muffins. Very sweet, very yummy, and so pretty, too! Thank you, Sonya. 🙂
I kept so busy during the two days working that I neglected to get any pictures of the “office” time, though it was awesome. I’m sad about that, because I really enjoyed the people. (However, you will get to see one of them in the photos below: Debbie, who came from Louisiana to help work on my project, plus we were roommates at the motel.)
But, I do have pictures of a true highlight of my trip! Tuesday evening after I was all done with the work, GNOWFGLINS friends and members from around the area (including Kelly who drove two hours!) met up for dinner at Joe’s Farm Grill.
I almost deleted the picture above because of the blurriness, but I ended up liking it better than the pictures that were clear! Everyone looks good, though blurry. You know how in a group photo, inevitably someone is not looking their best? That’s what was going on in the other similar shots of our table — that one, not at all. So it’s a keeper.
After we ate, we moved outside to visit. Just before dark, we had someone take a group photo (below). I’m so, so touched that all these special friends came to meet me! Thank you for making my trip special and extending such a warm welcome. I’m so grateful and hope I get to see you again sometime. God bless you!
Pictured from left to right: Debbie, Julie, Chris and Don, Stephanie, Tammy, Wardee, Kelly, DeDe, Kristi, Kendahl and Miles, Sonya, Wendy and Ramo.
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Looks like a really fun time!!! Glad you got to go!!
Thanks, Marci! 🙂
How blessed you are!
Yes! 🙂
Oh Wardee! I wish I had known. It would have been fun meeting you. I’m glad you enjoyed your time here.
Starlene — You live there, too? I wish I had known, I would have poked you! I shared about this on FB, on my forums and in a blog post. You’re not the only person who missed the message. Even with the internet, it is hard to reach everyone. 🙂
Yes, me too. 🙂 And I would have been in town that evening, too. Hopefully next time!
It was so nice to connect with some new friends!
I am so glad I got to meet you, Stephanie!
Loved having you in Arizona. Come back soon! I think my son was responsible for the blurry photo (sorry!), but I kind of like it, too! 🙂
Yes, he did. It was a blessing in disguise. Turned out to be my favorite.
I would love to come back again. Thank you for everything!
How fun! I grew up in Phoenix, but have been in Colorado for the past 8 years. Too bad it wasn’t a time when I was out there too. It would be fun to meet you!
What a great trip, Wardee! So glad you were able to meet up with so many people here in AZ. Hurry and make another trip back soon! Hopefully I won’t miss the announcements about it and get a chance to finally meet you. LOL.
Oh and btw…. Starlene is a friend of mine that I have known for the past 2 years or so through our organic co-op group that my hubby and I organize! She’s a sweet person! Small world, right?? 😀
Wardee,
It really was a lovely time in Phoenix. You are a great roommate!
What we accomplished Monday and Tuesday inspired me to come home and get busy. Also, seeing your commitment to the work you do here motivated me to higher levels of commitment in my own business. You truly love what you do.
And, your group of friends and members who gathered at Joe’s Farm Grill were a great bunch. The food and companionship were exceptional.
It was one of those experiences that will stick with me for a long time. Thank you for including me.
Debbie
Debbie — Yes, it was a wonderful time! Thank you for coming and for your help with my project. I would love to do it again someday. Maybe someday I’ll be able to help you! 🙂