Reflections on WSCA and Disney...

Hi everyone--

What an amazing trip to California!! After an incredibly cold and snowy winter, Emmy and I were so grateful for crystal blue skies and warm temperatures. As I think that I've mentioned before, I traveled to the Western States Communication Association conference that was held in Anaheim, California. When I discovered that the hotel sat right across the street from Disneyland, I knew that one of the girls had to come with me. I remembered that Britti and Chelsea had traveled with me to a conference when they were in the eighth grade (both to NYC), and I realized that Emmy really didn't want anything in particular for Christmas. Thus, we hatched the plan to give her a special trip for Christmas-- a trip to California and a day at the happiest place on Earth.

As it turned out, she got much more. I couldn't resist the urge to make dining reservations, and we enjoyed a spectacular time with Disney friends for two character breakfasts (Plaza Inn and Goofy's Kitchen) as well as one buffet dinner at a fancy Disney restaurant (Storybook Inn inside the Grand Californian) and dinner at ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney. Plus, Emmy paid for an extra half day at Disneyland so she actually got to go twice! WOW!!!

As for me, I loved my time back at Western (as well as Disney, but THAT goes without saying!!). Western was my first regional conference home, and I LOVE the work hard-play hard philosophy. I didn't have to apologize for crossing the street to Disney-- lots of other people did as well :) I enjoyed all of the sessions and business meetings and luncheon and, of course, my first NCA panel as an officer. I am so honored to represent NCA, and Western was a great start to my time as an official officer.

As for our trip to Disneyland, well, it's definitely given us even more of an incentive to take the whole family to Disney World. Ellie-Kate is lobbying on pretty much a daily basis, and Emmy and I realized how much that we yearned to be back at what we consider to be the "original." Of course, we know that it all started with a mouse... and with Disneyland, and we didn't want to leave Toon Town-- very cool! Yet, Disneyland seemed more like a theme park, and Disney World is, well, just the most magical place on Earth. Disneyland has inspired us to crave a taste of the magic, even as we cherish the memories from our time in California.

Thanks for caring about our family!

Christie