Yesterday I had lunch with Rob. He represents the St. Petersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and used to travel around the country together doing product seminars and participating in Trade Shows spotlighting our area and the fantastic TradeWind Island Resorts. It was fun to catch up. He taught me alot about the role of Resort Sales Manager as did other members of the CVB Team, Nancy, Cham, Linda, Gail and Cindy. I also had the priviledge and pleasure to learn from other Resort Sales Managers, Darren, Tim, Marianne and Michelle to name a few. In addition, I learned from Paul and Erick from Southwest Vacations as well as other wholesale, dotcom and destination reps.

I am very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to learn from so many diverse viewpoints.

Last night I met some of the TradeWinds Team at the local Bennigans for what I thought was the opportunity to join in on their weekly get together. Instead I was surprised by a birthday celebration for me. It knocked my socks off. I was, and still am touched by their kindness. These people have made a wonderful difference in my life during the past years. They were there as teachers, sounding boards, and a loving support system. They definitely make up my FRAMILY (combination of friends and family). Even those members of reservations that were unable to attend took time to write special notes of good wishes for me on a birthday card.

Today I am battling a sore throat and achey all over feeling but I am so joyous from the inside out because of my wonderful day yesterday that I feel terrific and definitely blessed. When you have a new beginning in your life it means there is an ending. It is wonderful when the people you met during your life adventure join you as you move on to the next chapter. Lucky me!

I wish each of you a terrific, Thursday filled with unexpected happiness like my wonderful Wednesday was for me. Enjoy!