Last year's Optavia Convention was held 100% online because of COVID. This year, they held an in person convention again. I don't know what I expected, but the convention was way bigger than I had imagined. I was grateful that Chari was there to show me the ropes. I have been so blessed by our friendship over the past 35 years.
When David and I got to Atlanta, we headed over to Chari and Steve's hotel. They were staying next to the convention center at the Omni while we were a little farther away at the Hilton. We left our car parked at their hotel.
We started at the company store. It was a huge warehouse area and we browsed around for awhile. I picked out two t-shirts and David chose a water bottle. Later David returned and purchased a long sleeve shirt because he was cold in the meeting room.
Without planning it, Chari and I ended up picking out the same two t-shirts! What are the chances?!
The hall outside the store was filled with different kinds of activities and interactive displays. I found my name on the leadership search board.
David and I took "scenic" rides.
I took a walk through the meditation garden.
We picked up our 1st Convention badges.
There were about 13,000 Optavia coaches there. The room was enormous.
These white chairs are reserved for the top leadership - IPDs, Integrated Presidential Directors. I hope to sit there one day.
Dr. A is the founder of Optavia. Listening to him is very motivational. He has a desire to truly help people find health and improve their quality of life.
Chari and I ran into him in the hallway and took advantage of the opportunity to take a picture.
That night there was a big event with lots of food trucks and entertainment. The food was healthy and fantastic.
Our room was up on the 22nd floor. The view was awesome.
The convention center had lots of nice touches.
Friday night, we went to a nice restaurant. I got to meet one of my optavia idols - Kevin Rogerson.
His wife Kelly was also great.
Chari is definitely better at the socializing than I am.
After dinner, we headed to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. They were very lovely. It was a beautiful place to spend an evening.
Charlyn Greene is the head of my team. She has been motivational in helping me grow my business. She is a good-hearted person.
My leadership.
I think this sculpture might be a Chihuly.
I was grateful that David came with me because I get really uncomfortable in large social situations.
There wasn't a lot in bloom this late in the summer, but there were still some pretty flowers.
Some were real and some were contemporary glass art by Jason Gamrath .
From the Japanese garden.
"Dream Flora" - Aerial Art in Motion by Patrick Shearn.
The most amazing part of the garden was the Te Fiti exhibit. It was incredible.
Chari's Team
Charlynn's Team
Saturday, David and I decided to go to the Aquarium. The Olympic park was open. It had been closed when we came to Atlanta with the kids.
There was a wedding in the park.
The aquarium was as good as we remembered.
Hammerheads
Sharks
Giant Manta Rays
Massive Fish
Whale Shark
I was sorry to hear that the biggest whale shark had died in June. Apparently they've lost two. They've also lost beluga whales, which makes the aquarium controversial. It's hard to know if they have rescued fish or if they would be better in the wild.
Belugas
Moray Eel
Some other kind of eel.
In front of the coral reef.
Saturday night, a terrific thunder storm rolled through Atlanta. Being so high up in the hotel, it was like being in the middle of the storm. The videos don't show how impressive the lightening was. I sat up and watched it for hours. It was awe inspiring.
The next morning I was going to fly home from Atlanta, but the flights were full. I ended up driving home with David and then flying out of Columbia.
I was exhausted. Chari had missed the aquarium and the formal evening event because she didn't feel well. American cancelled their flight and they had a hard time making it home.
The Columbia Airport is so cool.
I was able to make my flights through Chicago. I was really worried that I would have to spend the night there.
I was blessed to get the last seat and got in at about 11. I was tired and my back was killing me. I organized the kids' suitcases, had about three hours of sleep, and then we headed back to the airport.
We were so grateful to get First Class. The only time I got First Class was when I flew with them!
I knew I wasn't feeling well, but I thought it was just exhaustion.
We had to fly into Charleston because Columbia was full. We got in at 9 p.m. only to find that David had fallen asleep and was still at home. We had to wait two hours for him to come get us. We were so tired and hungry. We stopped at Wendy's on the way home and finally got home and in bed after 2 a.m.
Tuesday I didn't feel well and slept most of the day. Wednesday and Thursday I felt a lot better.
Unfortunately, on Friday, I found out that Chari was in the hospital with COVID. I realized that maybe I wasn't just tired. I went and bought an at-home test at Walgreens and discovered that I had COVID too.
The rest of the family tested negative, thank goodness. However, since Jalen isn't immunized, he has to quarantine and now he won't be able to start school until after the first week. He's not sad about it, but I think it is awful since he was already nervous about going to a new school and now he won't get to start with everyone else.
I'm not terribly sick. I'm exhausted most of the time and I have a headache that is sharp and feels like it's affecting the nerves in my brain. My body aches and I'm congested. But all things considered, it's not too bad. Chari, on the other hand, is still in the hospital and isn't doing well. I'm worried about her.
I have to be isolated in my bedroom until Friday. I can't associate with the rest of the family. Otherwise, Jalen can't start his quarantine until mine is over and he'd miss another week of school.
I always swore I'd never have a t.v. in the bedroom, but as soon as I realized I was facing a week in isolation, I sent David out to buy one! I'm very happy with the purchase.
