Work Meeting - in style

I called a meeting for work in order to meet with my San Diego team and do some "team building."  In all honesty, I knew that everyone needs a break at this point, and I found a great "excuse" to give one to everyone. A major improvement in my working relationship last year was when I started to meet everyone face to face.  Suddenly, I wasn't the huge bitch that was rumored. Well, I can be a bitch, but it's usually with good reason. Since this semester has been absolutely insane for everyone, I figured it would be a really good idea and just spend some time going over what it is that I do, how I do it and the why.

The San Diego team decided that the central point was Temecula. Oh sweet baby Jesus!! Temecula?? That will just really suck - NOT! I planned the meeting to take place at the Creekside Grille at the Wilson Creek Winery, and then I also planned to have myself stay over the night before. If I'm going to get a "treat," then I'm going to make sure that I get a full treatment. I booked myself at the Inn at Churon Winery which is an older Bed & Breakfast, and I looked forward to this trip for a couple of weeks.

Driving down took me a good three hours due to traffic. I really hate the So Cal life for that reason, but once I was there, it was nothing but relaxation. Sadly, I missed the Wine Reception by 30 minutes, but I was able to get Subway for supper and some beer for the room. I loved the jacuzzi tub, but I completely disappointed myself by falling asleep before I could enjoy it.

The next morning, I enjoyed the wonderful breakfast and then spent some time stitching in my room until it was time to check out and get to the location for lunch. On the way to breakfast, I enjoyed a walk around the grounds and the view was breathtaking.

Once I was checked out, I got going as I wanted to be sure that I was there early so I could get everyone directed to one location and check us in to the restaurant. On the way, I stopped at Wiens Winery and picked up a couple bottles that Ken and I love.

I was very early, but I found a great little table and enjoyed the beautiful So Cal weather and sun with some jazz playing over their PA system and waited for everyone. It's hard to believe that it's the end of November and it's still in the mid to high 70s. 

Amber Verdi, our Interim Director of SPED was the first to arrive. I was really happy that she could make it as I was sure there would be things I would forget to discuss - which happened, and I enjoy her company. It's been so nice to enjoy her as my supervisor and that says a lot about what kind of a person she is.

Once everyone arrived, we were seated and enjoyed splitting a cheese platter and then we each ordered our lunch. I took my cue from another co-worker, Johanna Trask, and I ordered myself the Chocolate Shot which is Wilson Creek's Decadent Chocolate port in a chocolate shot glass with some Almond Champagne as a chaser - so to speak.

Oh.My.God - it was so very yummy!!! The entire lunch was great. Everything on the menu was more expensive that our silly budgets would allow, but it was only the one meal, so it shouldn't be a problem to have it expensed and reimbursed. 

My favorite thing about this meeting was how laid back it was. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and it was well worth the time to me since I got some great feedback and ideas from this group.

Once we were done, everyone started heading home. Stacey Houdyshell stuck around and enjoyed a wine tasting with me. She had never wine tasted before, and she seemed to like it. 

All in all, it was a great experience. Some great ideas and information came out of the meeting, and there's nothing like some camaraderie.