Friday was another day for the conference. It started a little earlier this morning since we had a general session for everyone to attend (although I think some people skip it.) Just a quick 1/2 hour to welcome everyone (it used to be a 2 day conference, so the Friday would have been the 1st day) and share some info. Then I went to a session that I thought was supposed to talk about how unions are changing and all of the veteran members are retiring or getting close to retiring and how to get the newer members involved and ready to take over the reigns. Instead it focused more on looking at generational differences. This was interesting to see how the different generations view things and the important events in the world that influenced them, etc. With about 20 mins left in the session, I brought up my viewpoints on how I think the different generations view unions and that started some good discussions, but didn’t have enough time to get into it too much. It was a good session, just didn’t take quite the approach that I was expecting.

After the session, I was heading up to my room to drop off my items before heading down for lunch. While I was checking my phone, that is when I found out the excellent news that the US Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case from the 6th circuit to make a ruling on the constitutionality of banning gay marriage. We are one step closer to having this issue settled once and for all. (Hopefully!)

For lunch today, we just ordered food to go from the hotel bar and ate outside by the pool. That was a nice relaxing lunch and got some nice fresh air and a little sunshine. My afternoon session was Advanced Quickbooks. This was mostly review for me, but always good to hear the information to make sure I’m not missing anything. The session again went by quickly and had a good time.

After that session I had a little downtime, so I came back to my room to relax a bit and check Facebook, Twitter, and email. We then had a reception with hors-d’oeuvres and drinks. It is supposed to be for people to mingle and get to know people from other states, but it seems like most people just hang out with people they know. They raffled off a few prizes as well. Nothing exciting but had some nice conversations. Then it was time to head out for the night.

Tonight’s plan was to see a play performed by a theatre group that I saw 2 years ago when I was out here. Theatre 68‘s current play is a musical called Serial Killer Barbie. While the play wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, I think I enjoyed it more based on what it really was. It was about a mom telling her daughter a bed-time story and based it on her time in school grades 1 to 12. It covered the topics of trying to fit in, making and keeping friends, clicks, the popular vs. unpopular kids, etc. Then at the end it twisted into that she and her friend wanted all the popular girls killed, and so they did. It had many funny moments, some sad moments, and of course happy ones – a nice range of emotions. I’m glad I went to see it. Then it was back to the hotel room and another day is a wrap!

Today’s adventures (Thursday) were a lot lower key that yesterday’s. The conference I came to California for started. So the first part of my day was the conference. I attended a session called “Stress Busters” talking about what can cause stress in your life, what that stress can do to your body, and ways to prevent, avoid, or change the stress. It was interesting and had lots of good information, but it is easier said than done to not let things get you stressed.

A group of us walked next door to Joe’s Crab Shack for lunch. When we got there, there was hardly anyone in the entire restaurant and we were seated immediately. They took our drink orders right away and had those out quickly. A few of us needed a bit more time to order, so the waitress left.  It then took her a while to come back, and then took forever to get our food after ordering. Other tables that were seated after us got their food before us, etc. Of course you always get slow service when you are on a time schedule. We were a bit late getting to our afternoon sessions, but it was OK.

In the afternoon I went to the Advanced Treasurer’s workshop. I remember when I first came to this conference 2 years ago, I was a brand new union treasurer and just figuring things out. In this session I was almost the most experienced treasurer there – lots of new people! As the treasurer workshops usually are, it was fun, packed full of good information, and went by quickly.

When that was done, I quick stopped by my room to drop off a few things and then hopped in my (rental) car to head up to Burbank to meet Matt and Claudia, and their friends Brian and David. Although, maybe they are my friends now as well, since I’ve met both of them twice now. Two years ago and then on this trip! We headed to beautiful downtown Burbank for dinner. Had a good meal at a Chinese restaurant, but one weird thing is you had to order the rice separately if you wanted it with your meal. Then we walked a few doors down to a self-serve yogurt place for dessert. On the car ride back we had very funny conversations with innocent comments that were loaded with double (and I think sometimes triple) entendre!

Once we got back to the house, we visited and watched some game show related DVDs and had an overall good time. Then it was back to the hotel for some sleep!