Sometimes Work is soooo Awesome!!

I had the opportunity to go the University of Utah School on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies June 20-25, the 59th Annual Session. I got to the hotel about 1:30 in the morning Sunday night after leaving from the cattle drive. I woke up early and Jolene helped me get registered. I decided to switch to the Professional Treatment section instead of the Substance Abuse overview so I would be with everyone from our team. I am so glad I did. I learned so much from the doctor's and scientists that spoke on different things from pain medicines to the process of addiction and the processess of the brain. Some of them shared their personal stories of addiction. It was soooo interesting! The brain is a miracle and Recovery is possible but so very difficult and a life long process, and that is recovery from any addiction which I learned we all pretty much have in one way or another. It is important to learn how to manage stress most of all!! The conference gave me insight into myself and I took lots of notes so I can remember and share with my family. I hope to be able to go again some day! Monday night Jolene and I dropped off her Saab and tried to go shopping. We ended up getting locked in the malls because they were closing. Tuesday night we had dinner and got to see the Native American Indians in full costume doing some dance routines. They were amazing and really beautiful. Jolene and I even joined in the friendship dance at the end. Wednesday Jolene and I took a break at lunch to take a bike ride up City Creek. It was beautiful. A guy at the top showed me where a spring was where you can get fresh water. He also said he saw a black bear last summer in this spot. Matt came up and we went out to eat at Red Lobster. It was delicious and we both thought it was better then the last time we went there. Matt had to get up and leave early to get to Park City but I am so glad he was able to come up. Thursday after the conference Jolene, Lance, and I went for a ride up Immigration Canyon to This Is The Place Monument. It was a beautiful ride and we came back to the hotel and soaked in the hot tub. The week went by way to fast and I definitely wasn't ready to come home. I had so much fun with Jolene and Cindy. I decided I need to get one of those GPS'. I think it would really come in handy for me. I am just so terrible with directions. Cindy is such a hoot and we had an interesting little ride back from the Greek restaurant from lunch, but it was worth all of the laughs.
My mom kept the kids all week and they had a great time in Tabby. Jabin helped grandpa with the sprinklers and Dallas and Haddy helped plant seeds with grandma. They even went to Woodland to the water park.