Wow!!!!! Yesterday far exceeded my wildest dreams!!!! We woke EARLY so we could get good seats for the first General Session. Shelli welcomed us and immediately introduced some changes - two new parades! Marching across stage is an incredible experience to have your friends cheer you on. You really feel like a star with all of the flashbulbs going off! So, I was a proud "mama" when I watched every single one of my downline members who are attending with me march across the stage. It's such an inspirational and motivating experience! After the parades, we got our first look at the Holiday Mini products. They are amazing! You are going to NEED them ALL! Great stamps, punches, dies, fabric, but best of all a new scoring tool called the Simply Scored! It's SO much better than that "other" scoring tool that is on the market. I can't wait to get mine in August (one of the perks of being a demonstrator). Customers can order theirs in September.
A fun addition to our lunch today was a delicious shortbread cookie that had been "stamped" with our new cookie stamps!!! You can get them in the fall and they include YUMMY recipes.
We attended a couple of classes in the afternoon. I sat front and center as I watched one of my good friends, Mary Ellen Byler, wow and amaze the crowd with her quick wit and style as she conducted a sample workshop. Great job!!!!
We then returned to the Main Stage for a second General Session. We enjoyed watching commercials filmed by demonstrators. Another one of my friends, Jackie Martinez, won second prize. I screamed SO loud! Go Jackie!!! I actually got to know Jackie through this blog and then we met a couple of years ago. She also gave me a adorable gift this year. Thanks Jackie! I can only post 4 photos per post. I will be posting more pictures when I return. We saw our first main stage demonstration from Sara, Shelli's daughter. It was so entertaining. And her projects were cute - be watching for some of them in my classes.
Mike flew in yesterday so that he could attend Awards Night with me. Awards night is nerve-wracking! This year was better than last year because I've gotten to know so many of the other award winners. This year my upline, Claire Lawrence, also found out she was one of the Top 100. I was more excited to hear where SHE placed than me! But before we got to the big countdown, Stampin' Up! announced that the next trip we are working to earn is to FIJI in the South Pacific. I've been joking about it since May! I actually joked that we'd be going there but never really believed it. I cried and screamed and I know Mike is REALLY excited!
Then it was time to announce the top 100. I knew that I'd have a better year than last year but that really doesn't mean anything. Every year is different. The countdown began. They announce the town and then the demonstrator's name. I was listening closely for "Philadelphia" because that would be Claire. I was pretty sure she's be called first. They called demonstrators 100-91. No Claire. No me. They then called 90-81. Again, no Claire. No me. 80-71....still nothing. 70-61....still nothing!!!!! Then at 58 I heard it "From Philadephia, PA....". I screamed and shouted, made the gals in front of me go deaf, and cheered on Claire - even though she was sitting anxiously by her phone and computer at home in Philadelphia. Then it was my turn. I will now share with you my goal for this year - Top 20. Was it possible this year??? There had been some big surprises this year where some of the demonstrators fell. So, we continued through 50-41 and 40-31. I was feeling good but nervous. You may remember that I was #30 last year. I was thrilled that I'd be less than or equal to last year. But they kept going....30-21. Oh my gosh!!! That could only mean one thing - I was in the Top 20!!!!! I'd made my goal. They called number 20 - "From Elmer, NJ.....". Oh my goodness!!!! I was in tears! I am the #20 Demonstrator of the Year in 2011!!!! THANK YOU for helping me meet this goal!!!!
We then partied for a few hours at the After Party and later at a local brewery. I turned in after midnight - exhausted - fantasizing about Fiji in 2013. YOU can also earn a trip to Fiji! I'd love to have you join me. Any demonstrator can earn the trip. Want to be a demonstrator? You can sign up now for only $99!!!!
wow, you're positively beaming in all the pics:0) great photos!!
Posted by: Claire Lawrence | July 15, 2011 at 11:11 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I was listening live on the phone (thanks to Mom!) and was so thrilled to hear Claire's name!! And then yours at #20! You rock!! Congratulations on this well-deserved award!
Posted by: Julie Davison | July 15, 2011 at 11:11 PM
That is freaking amazing! Congrats to you for this HUGE accomplishment. Considering how small Elmer and the surrounding area is, it's a reflection on how good a demonstrator you are. I tell everyone I know about you when it comes to stamping and here's the proof that I'm not the only one who feels you kick butt in the stampin' business. Congrast again!!! :-D
Posted by: Denise | July 16, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Congrats Kristin!! You go girl. I am so happy to be a part of your downline. I hope to become 1/4 as good as you. We are all so proud. Your smile says it all.
Posted by: Jill | July 16, 2011 at 04:29 AM
oh my gosh Kristin you have made GREAT strides and I bet you'll be number one in the future. CONGRATULATIONS now for serious business I WANT THAT DRESS!!! WOZA you look great in it. Tell me please where did you get it. Hugs and best wishes for a fantastic new year in SU ~Donna
Posted by: Donna | July 16, 2011 at 07:59 AM