Women's Conference

I know, I know, I haven't been on here for quite a while. We moved two weeks ago and still don't have internet. We just got our phone line connected yesterday, thank goodness. Those cell phone calls were killing me. Now that we have a phone line, we can get the internet going. Hallelujah! In the meantime, I am using Jared's handy dandy wireless modem.

Today was the Gold Coast Stake Annual Women's Conference. It was absolutely amazing. Mum and Katherine (the counselors of the Relief Sociey Presidency), along with Jacqui (Jared's aunt) who is the Secretary, and Kaye (the president) just did a FANTASTIC job. I just can't believe all of the work they did in preparation, the delicious food, etc.




I rode with Chelsea up to the Nerang chapel, where it was held, about 7:30 am. We had agreed to help out with the registration tables/check in for all of the women attending (about 150). This photo shows Monica and Jacqui (Jared's aunts) at the tables. There were to be 4 workshop sessions, as well as morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Don't you love the English? More excuses to eat!

Since I have had a first hand look at all of the work Mum and Kate have been doing, I knew it was going to be a spectacular day. I was so annoyed when I talked to people in my ward who said they weren't going. I was like "WHY?! What are you doing?" I just didn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to go, but I guess that’s just me. Plus, Jared has been gone for a week so a whole day to myself sounded GREAT.

So first of all, we checked in and headed to our classes at 9am. I had signed up for "Bootcamp" which you guessed it, was a boot camp style workout, very popular around here. It was led by a guy in Kate's ward, her neighbor Troy. We did a circuit style training session (didn't get photos since I was doing it). We spent 3 minutes at each station doing lunges, sit ups, push ups, bicep curls, tricep dips (on a bench), running stairs, etc. I was really sweating. It was pretty hot today and sunny but I enjoyed the workout and doing some exercises that worked different muscles than the usual treadmill, weight machines and stuff at the gym.

After that class, we had morning tea. They had two tables covered with muffins and fresh fruit. The theme colors were lime green and orange, so all of the napkins, decorations, etc. followed the theme. The sign had a quote with matching paper on it and even the Birds of Paradise flowers coordinated.

Next was Pilates. It wasn't my first choice- I wouldn't have signed up for two exercise courses- but I didn't mind going since I was already sweaty and in workout clothing. Unfortunately, the personal trainer they had hired from the gym to teach didn't show up (we later found out her sister had a miscarriage). Well guess who ended up teaching it? ME! I have done a few Pilates classes but am no way qualified to teach. I totally winged it. After confirming that none of the people in the class knew a thing about Pilates, I was pretty confident. Ha ha. We did a little yoga at the end b/c I had to fill 90 minutes. Yikes. It was fun and everyone was easygoing about it since they knew I wasn't the real teacher.



We then got to have lunch. They had each lunch individually packed in a white bag with handles, small menu card backed in orange or green, of course, and laminated and tied with ribbon. There was ham, chicken or veggie wraps, crackers and cheese, nut/almond bar, Lindor chocolate, mentos, spring water, and cardamom spiced apricot trifle made by Sue (who I taught with later- she is amazing). It was delicious- but so much food!




After lunch it was time for me to teach the "Low GI cooking and healthy snacks for kids" along with Sue. I think they originally asked her to do the cooking but she didn't want to do it alone so I kind of got placed in for support. Sue is a wonderful cook, she makes the most gorgeous, gourmet, but healthy food you have ever seen. I love it. I am jealous of her kids. They get to eat it every night. So while she did the cooking I sort of talked about the nutrition side of things. Oh, by the way, GI stands for "glycemic index". It’s a system that ranks how foods affect your blood sugar. The theory is that low GI foods are healthier for you. Here in AUS they are really into it, especially with kids. Schools actually ask you not to put any high GI foods in your kids lunch, like white bread, sugary granola bars, fruit roll ups, etc. Anyway, people seemed to really enjoy it and the food was SOOOOOOO good. She made a Moroccan spiced chickpea and lentil soup, tortilla chips and pumpkin hummus (YUM), Asian style bean sprout salad, Avocado, grilled pumpkin and spinach salad, date, pecan and sesame seed bars, etc. Can't remember it all- it was gone in like 3 min flat. People swarmed. We had like twice as many people as planned b/c a teacher didn't show up or something.




After that we had afternoon tea, which was very traditional English tea with scones (biscuits), jam and cream along with herbal teas. They had the tables set up with shabby chic fabric rose flowered tablecloths, real tea cups and tea pots, cake stands, etc. They are so good at this! Kind of funny it was right after the low GI talk b/c a lot of people didn't eat the biscuits. Oh well.

I skipped the next class and ended up washing dishes in the kitchen. It was a huge mess. I couldn't believe how fast it all got cleaned up with everyone helping. Anyway, I am now back at home and Jared is still at Kate's with the kids watching rugby with Daniel. Ah, a quiet house. I love it. I have been up since 5 am (thanks Ashley) so I wish I could go to sleep but I guess 6 pm is a little early. Any minute now the noise and chaos is going to come through the door. No, not yet. Just a little longer... please.