Yello!

Well, it’s been a few days since I’ve returned from Nashville so it does seem like I probably should write something about it. It was nice! And I had some pleasant surprises along the way. First of all, THE HOTEL. Hotel hardly seems appropriate to describe the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center that was my home for the seven days we were in Nashville. It was a facility beyond compare – larger than any hotel I have seen anywhere and extremely extravagant. For example, there was a river (complete with water from every major river in the world) in the one section of the Gaylord that my room was in. The Peking Acrobats gave an amazing performance followed by dancing waters set to lights and music every night we were there – again very near to my room! In fact, the main meeting room that held over 5,000 people attending general sessions at the FCCLA meeting was less than 50 feet from my door! Another surprise for me was that I heard relatively little twangy country music in Nashville. Granted I did not go to the Grand Ole Opry, but in and around Nashville I heard a lot of rock, bluegrass, modern country/rock and what I would describe as folk music – but very little “annoying” country. So even though I was prepared to use my iPod if need be, the airplane was the only place I really wanted to use it. One of the most enjoyable nights at the meeting was during the gala when we sat listening to songs and stories of three songwriters who make their homes in Nashville. Another first after attending at least 15 national meetings was having a national officer candidate – and it was Kalie! We both learned a lot more about the process and Kalie did a great job. All in all it was a very positive experience for her. As usual the FCCLA kids that I took with me were great as were all the Nebraska kids and others from all over the nation. Seeing new places and getting to know fantastic people are the two best things about going to the national meeting each year.