Melanie Strachan's Supreme Diary
Grand Marshal of Queensland
Foreward
Hi there everyone. This is the diary of my travels to Supreme Session. Hope you like it. My first stop is LA to stay with Robyn, a Past Grand Bethel Girl from California and to visit Stephanie and Debbie (no surnames for safety sake), but you may remember them from Supreme Session 1996!
Here goes…
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Tuesday 26th July 2005 – Brisbane International Airport
Well, my holiday has started. I’m sitting waiting to board the plane. Got through customs and did some duty free shopping, converted money, etc. The best part is that I have been upgraded to business class – Not too shabby for a free flight!!! :)
I can’t remember being this excited last time I went overseas. Maybe it is the doing it alone factor.
Have just been advised that the flight will be delayed about 40 mins. Now boarding at 11:30 for midday takeoff. I hope this wont inconvenience Robyn at the other end too much. Can’t wait to see her and Stephanie and Debbie!
Have to phone Scott from Aukland (wonder if my mobile will work in NZ). I’ll also try to email Robyn from there, too, if I can find a web kiosk. Don’t know if the delay will delay my arrival in LA or shorten my stopover in NZ.
Getting hungry! Hope the food is good in business class. J
Should be boarding soon, so TTFN…
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I knew it was bad news when I saw the staff coming off the plane – We have just been advised that the takeoff will be at around 1pm “due to engineering requirements” whatever that means – hope it isn’t serious!
I’ll be starving by then !!!!!
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Tuesday 26th July 2005 – Aukland International Airport
6:20 pm local time (4:20 pm Brisbane time) and I’ve just arrived in NZ. I received a text message and was able to phone Scott ok but only got to his voice mail. Will try again later, if I can.
Because of the delay in Brisbane we have all been herded (yeah, just like sheep Bah Bah) straight to the boarding gate for the flight to LA. Hopefully this means we won’t be delayed here and will arrive in LA on time. It has meant, however, that I haven’t been able to get to a web kiosk to email Robyn. Though, if we aren’t delayed, it’s not necessary anyway.
Pilot advised us when we boarded at Brisbane that the delay was because the plane was stuck in reverse thrust! Oh Good, travel backwards all the way?????
Met a lovely couple from Palmerston North on the flight. Chatted to them for a while – their first time in business class, too, so spent the first hour playing with all the gadgets!!! Lunch was lovely – smoked salmon – glass of champagne on arrival and airbed, so got about ½ hour sleep. Hope to sleep some more on this flight to avoid jet lag. Robyn will have me busy when I arrive, I’m sure.
Qantas staff have just boarded and there goes the Pilot, so should be boarding soon…..
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Tuesday 26th July 2005 – ½ hour from LA
Flight’s nearly over – should touch down in about ½ hour. 1 hour late due to delay in Brisbane.
LOVED business class!!! Slept really well in the airbed seat. We got dinner about 2 hours out from Aukland and had breakfast about an hour ago. Both were A La Carte – I couldn’t finish it all.
Watched 3 movies – Sahara, Wedding Date & Million Dollar Baby.
Have to stow hand luggage now for landing…..
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Tuesday 26th July 2005 – Robyn’s home
OK, time for bed. A 36 hour day is long enough. But a quick update before I go.
Landed in LA and disembarked quickly. Passed through immigration – had my fingerprints taken and a digital camera photo. It took some time to find my bags as they should have come through on business class, but didn’t, so I had been waiting at the wrong carousel.
Robyn was waiting for me when I arrived, so we headed straight for her car. Grocery shopping on the way home for food. Then Robyn and I chatted until time to pick up her husband Greg from work and head out to dinner at a lovely Mexican Karaoke restaurant not far from home.
Have now met two of Robyn’s sons - # 2, Jamie and # 1, Kevin.
Kevin also has a beagle named Tommy – he is my new best friend.
Have only taken 1 photo in all this time – it was of Tommy, of course!
Looking forward to tomorrow when I will see Stephanie and Debbie and meet many more California Jobies. But for now, sleepy zzzzzzz ……
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Wednesday 27th July 2005 – Robyn’s home
Today was a lovely day – Robyn and I went driving around the local Hollywood and surrounding areas. We started with a drive through Old Pasedena and into the Hollywood Hills where there are some beautiful multi-million dollar homes – ahh to dream! We drove up to the observatory to see the Hollywood Sign, but it was closed for renovations. Got to see the sign, but not up close!
We visited Griffith Park and the famous Carousel. On the way back from the observatory we called into the Greek Theatre which I had never heard of but is apparently a very famous open-air concert venue. Black Eyed Peas and Avril Levign are to play there this week.
Finally we went into Hollywood itself. We drove up Hollywood Blvd and saw the sidewalk stars. Apparently the locals know Hollywood as “Hollywierd”. There certainly were some strange folks!
We came home around 2pm and chatted for a couple of hours. Then I made pavlova and we headed for the BBQ at Stephanie and Debbie’s home. This was around about evening peak hour, so I got to experience LA traffic first hand -–WOW – lucky we weren’t in a hurry J
The BBQ was absolutely FANTASTIC! There were 4 Bethels from Southern California represented and the Grand Bethel Marshal came all the way from Orange County just to meet me – that’s about 3 hours away. I feel very honoured.
We had a real American dinner – fried chicken and hot dogs!!! I taught them the saying “tucker time” among other Aussie-isms. My pavlova and aussie lollies were a hit – absolutely none left at the end of the night. I gave each girl a small koala toy. And also gave a pencil and aussie pins to the winners of a game I played with them.
At the end of the night, when the girls had all gone home, Robyn, Debbie, Stephanie and I all sat around and chatted and caught up. It was great to chat with them. It is amazing to hear about how California Bethels and Grand Bethel are run. It’s amazing how they are different in small ways and yet how they have the same experiences as we have in Queensland.
Wednesday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Thursday 28th July 2005 – Robyn’s Home
It was about 2am when I got to bed last night, so I had a sleep in until nearly 10am. By the time we chatted, got ready, chatted, had breakfast, chatted, etc it was 1pm before we left home. I was worried that it was too late and wouldn’t be worth going to Universal Studios but ½ day is actually long enough to see the best part of it.
Universal Studios is a lot like Movie World only the trolley tour is much better. I really enjoyed the tour, but we were right up the back of the trolley – the worst place to get any good photos.
This evening Robyn and I spent some time going through each others’ old photos. Then she cooked a yummy Lasagne for dinner and we watched the news on television.
It is now after 11pm, so it’s time for bed.
Thursday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
An interesting aside…
While watching the news there was an article about public safety – you all probably know I used to work for Emergency Services. This is an idea that has come out of the London bombings and there is now a world-wide campaign for it to catch on, so all you mobile phone users out there, follow these instructions. In your address book, add an entry called “ICE” (that’s the three letters – I C & E) which stands for “In Case of Emergency” save under this name, the phone number for your next of kin who is your emergency contact. Make sure you save it in the international format. (Which for Australians is the plus sign +, followed by 61 for Australia, then your state’s area code without the leading zero, then the phone number). This way, if anything ever happens to you no matter where you are, Emergency Services personnel can use this entry in your address book to quickly find and contact your next of kin. Great idea, huh?Please do it now and pass this suggestion on to others!!!
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Friday 29th July 2005 – Robyn’s Home
Woke up around 9am this morning and just had some fruit for breakfast. We had a big day ahead of us, so got ready and left by 10am. Avoided the highways this morning and used coastal roads to take in some of the sights. Very much like the Gold Coast. Came out at Santa Monica not far from the famous Pier as seen in several movies, including “Cellular”. The Pier was beautiful and fully restored. Took plenty of photos here. Robyn and I had seafood lunch on the Pier and I tried an American beer called “Samual Adams” – very light and malty – yum.
After lunch we headed for Venice Beach. I was dying to see this place – it is also called “Muscle Beach” as there is an open-air gym where the serious body builders go to work out. The culture and atmosphere at Venice Beach is very eclectic – sort of like Byron Bay. The beaches are beautiful – clear white sand which stretches for miles and reminds me a lot of Perigean Beach near Noosa.
I bought quite a few t-shirts and souvenirs at Santa Monica and Venice Beach, so plenty of pressies for the family when I get home!
After Venice Beach, we headed inland via the freeway to Beverly Hills to check out Rodeo Drive and the rich and famous, but it must have been their day off. Oh well, back home for a nap before dinner.
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Friday 29th July 2005 – Robyn’s home
Took a nap and did some laundry this afternoon so that I would have clean clothes for Fresno. Very excited to be leaving for Supreme tomorrow, but have had a fabulous time with Robyn and will be sad to leave. At least she will be meeting me at Supreme on Wednesday
I met Robyn’s # 3 son, David, this afternoon. He is a US Marine. Her sons are all very charming and handsome. Sorry girls, they’re all taken! They really are a lovely family and have made me feel very welcome in their home.
We went out for dinner to visit a friend of Robyn’s (Another Robyn – very confusing). The two Robyn’s have children who are dating/engaged – not sure which - # 1 son, Kevin, and Nicole. Nicole and Robyn (the other Robyn) are Australian, from Sydney. We had a great time reminiscing about Aussie stuff, like cricket, meat pies and vegemite.
You know, it strikes me… where else in the world but Job’s Daughters can you walk into the home of a complete stranger, be fed, welcomed and feel so totally at home???
It was a lovely night and again around midnight to bed – better get used to no sleep – I’ll be at Supreme by tomorrow night!
Friday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Saturday 30th July 2005 – On the Train to Fresno
Up early this morning around 7:30am to catch the train to Fresno. Robyn and Greg wanted to show me around downtown LA and China Town before I left, so we had breakfast at McDonalds and took a little tour. I was so looking forward to seeing the famous Union St Station and it did not disappoint.
Then the moment came for me to say goodbye to Robyn and Greg. No tears, but sad all the same. Will see Robyn at Supreme, though.
Checked in at the station. Had to do some repacking, though, as they have a 50lb (25kg) limit per bag.
I didn’t realise but I had to catch a bus from LA to Bakersfield and then a train from Bakersfield to Fresno. I thought it was a train all the way through. No mind, as long as I get there! I’m so glad I decided to travel this way, though, as I have been able to see some of the countryside. Travelling through the LA foothills and mountains is glorious. Took lots of photos – you can really see how the volcanic activity has formed the mountains.
I can see where Bakersfield gets its name – farms with every kind of produce you can imagine for miles: Hay, strawberries, mangoes, oranges, potatoes, grapes, you name it!
I’m currently on the train about ½ way between Bakersfield and Fresno. The countryside is very flat and brown. The area around Bakersfield looks a lot like the Laidley area where all the fruit farms are, except that there is water in the lakes and rivers. No drought here! Despite the fact that the land is very brown, they have had plenty of rain, though not a drop since I arrived.
The weather has been ideal – very like summer in Queensland. In fact, I hope to come home with a sun tan – not that it will last very long.
Anyway TTFN. Next episode from Fresno!
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Saturday 30th July 2005 – La Quinta Inn, Fresno
The train arrived in Fresno just a few minutes late and by the time I had disembarked, my bags were ready for me. I had met a gentleman from Fresno on the train, so he was able to give me directions from the train station to my motel (La Quinta) and to the conference centre at the Radisson Hotel. La Quinta is just a short walk (3 blocks) from the train station. Not a long walk, but in this heat and with suitcases, I worked up a sweat just the same.
Checked in quickly and met some Jobies from Colorado. Then I went to check out the Radisson to get registered. Registration desk wasn’t open, but I met up with Vanessa and Mrs H and also chatted to some adult Jobies from British Columbia, including the Vice Supreme Guardian. It was good to catch up with everyone, but I couldn’t stay long as I needed to get back to the motel, unpack, have dinner, and get to bed. It is now nearly 8pm. Church service tomorrow and it only gets busier from there, so I’ll get some zzzz while I can…..
Saturday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Sunday 31st July 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Hi again. Well this morning was the first official day of Supreme Session. Being the opening Sunday, the day began by getting ready and heading to the Radisson for the Church Service under the direction of the Supreme Chaplain, Mom Michelle-Ann F. It was a lovely service, only about 40 mins long. We sang some lovely Hymns, including: “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Nearer My God to Thee”, and in keeping with the Supreme Guardian's Them, Light the World, the song "This Little Light of Mine”. Dad Rod H gave a lovely sermon, reminding us that we are all someone special.
This was a great opportunity to catch up with Vanessa, again. I also caught up with Sonya, Mrs G, Sifoni and Mr T, who had arrived late last night, as well as Melissa B and her family.
After the Church Service, we took the time to catch up with other Jobie friends, including Dad Ashley and Mom Toni U.
Then Sonya, Sifoni, Mrs G and I headed back to my motel room so they could borrow my internet connection to let everyone know that they arrived. It is now around 6pm. Pauline P arrives on the train at about 7:30, so I will go there to meet her. It is only 2 blocks from the motel. Tomorrow, Mrs H and I will be going to Yosemite National Park. Mrs G, Mr T, Sonya and Sifoni will be going to Sequoia National Park. Melissa and Kayleigh are taking part in performing arts competitons. So I hope to publish photos from everyone’s day tomorrow.
Sunday photos can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
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Monday 1st August 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Hi again, everyone. Back in the motel room after a long day. It is around 8pm local time, but back to finish off yesterday…..
Pauline sent me an SMS to let me know that her train would be late in to the station. It was due to arrive at 7:40 so I phoned the USA Rail toll-free number around 8pm and was advised that the train would be in at 8:48. At about 8:30 (in the middle of my favourite show Law & Order) I looked at my watch and thought it must be about time to leave to go pick her up. Then I heard the long, distant sound of a train whistle, so I quickly grabbed my bag and hoofed it to the train station quick smart. As I arrived at the train station, a train was arriving – a freight train. Phew, I hadn’t missed Pauline. About 20 minutes later another far off train whistle – another freight train – so no Pauline. About 20 minutes later another far off train whistle – another freight train – so no Pauline. About 20 minutes later another far off train whistle – another freight train – so no Pauline. (No I haven’t accidentally typed the same sentence 3 times!!!). Pauline’s train finally arrived at around 9:20 pm.
Back in the motel and I was too tired to be much company so I hit the sack and left Pauline to shower and settle in.
I didn’t get to see her this morning, either, as I was up at 5:30am to leave for the Yosemite National Park tour. This was something I have been looking forward to since I first planned on coming to Fresno. Again, I was not disappointed – as you can probably tell from the number of photos I took. The drive to Yosemite took around 3 hours, but this included a stop for breakfast and a stop at a very picturesque lookout. Our Mrs Barbara H was the only other Aussie on this tour. On the bus I met Jobies from Idaho, including GBHQ & Miss Idaho and Jobies from Nevada, including Mrs Barbara H, Mom of PSBHQ, Suzie H. Upon first arrival, had a look around the Yosemite lodge and grabbed a cuppa – very tired after getting up so early! Pretty much everyone else decided to take the bus tour around Yosemite. Me – I decided to do something different – I rented a bike and peddled all around Yosemite. I must say I am so glad I decided to do it this way – I got to see so much more of the park, including some of the camping grounds, the river and most of the walking paths. The main circuit is 6 miles – which I think is about 10Klms. I did the first circuit very fast – around 45 minutes. So the second time, I decided to take it slow and enjoy the view. I stopped often to take photos and walk through all the lodges, museums, art galleries, etc! Many things that you wouldn’t get the opportunity to see if taking the bus tour. I can highly recommend this to anyone who visits Yosemite in future. Another hint – do the circuit in clockwise direction – mostly downhill!!!!
I wish I could bottle the atmosphere at Yosemite and send it back to you! There just aren’t words to describe the majesty and beauty of the mountain surroundings and the forests. It made me think of the hymn my Dad really likes:
The place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hands of the Lord
Where the trees of the forest are like pipes of an organ
And the breeze plays an AH-men Chord
Anyway, enough of my rantings – you will get the see the photos for yourself, they just don’t do justice!
Back at the Radisson after the tour and I caught up with the rest of the Aussie contingent before the HIKE Fajita Fiesta. This was a little more formal than past HIKE events at Supreme which have generally been daytime BBQ’s or something similar. This was actually a sit-down meal. A smorgasboard of yummy mexican food – one of my favourites!!! They held an auction of some items to raise some funds, then presented the HIKE awards and finished with a few solos in sign language. I sat at a table with Jobies from Utah and chatted with them for a bit. The evening finished early at around 7pm, so I headed back to my motel room.
All the other Aussies have gone to the mall to go shopping! I’ve come back to the motel room because I’ve been waiting for a phone call from an old Jobie friend – Shannon S a PSBHQ from Arizona who couldn’t make it to Supreme this year. It has been great to at least catchup with her by phone instead of e-mail. I think we’ve been on the phone for nearly an hour!!!
But for now it’s back to bed once I have sent this away as I have another 5:30am start tomorrow! Might as well enjoy as much as I can while I’m here, huh???
Monday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Tuesday 2nd August 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Another busy day today. I originally ordered a wake-up call for 5:30 am, thinking that the Sequoia tour must leave the same time as the Yosemite tour did. But happily was informed that it didn’t leave until 8:30. So changed the wake-up call to 7:00 am. However, Pauline and I both awoke at around 6:30. By the time we caught up on each others’ yesterdays, though, it was 7:30 before we started getting ready. So after a mad rush, we were ready just after 8am, grabbed something from the motel buffet breakfast (and by that, I mean an apple each) and headed back to the Radisson.
At this point I really must mention and thank Dad Steve W from California who has been our driver, taking us from motel to motel and just about anywhere else we have wanted to go. We have adopted him as an honourary Aussie! Nothing has been too much trouble for him.
Pauline was competing as a Majority Member in the Ritual competition and had registered to be a ritual judge. I haven’t seen her, yet, to find out if/what she judged.
I met some Jobies from other Jurisdictions while waiting for our tour bus – mostly from Minnesota, Missouri and Saskatchewan. Our tour bus was late, but it was nice just to stay and chat. On the bus, I caught up with Amanda LeB, PMIJD. Fabulous catching up with her and meeting so many new Jobies for the first time.
Today was the Sequoia National Park which is full of ancient redwood and sequoia trees. Absolutely massive and majestic. Again, the photos don’t do justice. On the way home, we stopped at a local fruit vendor – remember how I said that the countryside on the way up reminded me of Laidley? Well, the place even comes with its own typical roadside farm stalls.
Once back at the Radisson, I caught up with Dad Ashley U and Tammy from California whom I had met in LA.
Amanda LeB was excited to hear that Elaine is our GG and Sonya is our GBHQ! She stayed with them while she was out in Queensland as MIJD, so we arranged to have dinner together at the local German Restaurant. Like most German places I know, the beer was better than the food, but great value all round and it was nice to get away and be people (as opposed to Jobie people) for a few short hours.
So today is finally almost over. I know from the commentary that it doesn’t seem like I did much today, but I’m pooped and at nearly 10pm, I’m ready for bed!
Tuesday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Wednesday 3rd August 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Well, where to begin… Wednesday was such a big day and we were so busy that I just didn’t get a chance to update the diary – Sorry to anyone who has been waiting for the update.
Wednesday is one of the main days for Supreme Council Business Session and is the day of the Formal Opening of Supreme Session.
Up early in the morning – Yeah there ARE a lot of late nights and early mornings when you come to a Supreme Session – to be ready for Supreme Council Business Session. Started with a hearty breakfast of American Waffles and syrup – YUMMIE!!! I just had to do it once while I was here. Now that I have, I think I’ll do it again!!! Then it was a 9:00 am start for Supreme Council Business Session. At the morning session, the Supreme Deputies, 2004-5 and 2005-6 Grand Guardians and Associate Grand Guardians were to be introduced. As I don’t hold voting delegation, I only stayed long enough to see Mrs G and Mr T introduced.
Then it was off to the Supreme Sales tables which I had not yet had time to visit. At Supreme Sales, the jurisdictions coming up the line sell items to assist in raising money for when they will be hosting a Supreme Session. (Supreme Session is held in the jurisdiction of the retiring Supreme Guardian – hence we are in California because the Supreme Guardian is a PGG of California) I bought some items from the British Columbia, California and HIKE tables. Doc Morgan the jeweler for SGC and Walters the jewelers for California also have tables where you can buy jewelry, stationery and other Jobie items. It was interesting to see Walters jewelry for the first time as it is not sold out side of California.
During the morning Pauline was involved in activities for Supreme Bethel girls.
The Queensland crowd then gathered for the Royalty Luncheon. This luncheon is for HQ’s, PHQ’s and Princesses Past and Present. We had a lovely meal of Caesar Salad and a yummy dessert. Sifoni and I sat at a table together and Melissa and Sonya sat together at another table. We all got to meet Jobie people we had not met before. This is a great opportunity to learn about some of the differences between Jurisdictions. For instance, did you know that in some Jurisdictions, PHQ’s wear a tiara on formal occasions?
After Royalty Luncheon, we adults returned to Supreme Council Business Session. At the commencement of each business session sitting, a Daughter who has performed in the Performing Arts is asked to perform to open the Session. Kayleigh B was asked to perform to open the afternoon session and she did a lovely Demi-Character ballet. Kayleigh obviously impressed the PA judged in order to be invited to open a business session. Well done, Kayleigh!
The afternoon session included the introduction of Grand Officers of all Jurisdictions. It was exciting to be introduced for the first time during a Business Session instead of a meeting. There are 2 other Grand Marshals here whom I have met and maybe more that I have not yet met. Business Session was followed by a promotional workshop.
Later in the afternoon, I went “uptown” to rent a car – Yep that’s right, folks – I decided to drive on the wrong side of the road (which, of course is the right side of the road, because the right side of the road is the left side of the road J). The purpose of renting a car is so that some of us can go to some outlet malls tomorrow to do some shopping. And I was the only one who has an International Drivers’ License.
The evening started with the Formal Banquet which is the primary meal event during Supreme Session. Hundreds of people attend. Dinner was salad, followed by either steak or chicken and then gateaux for dessert. I sat with some Jobies from Nebraska, including their Grand Marshal. One of their Daughters is coming to Australia for a holiday in February, so I have given her my details so that she can visit a Bethel meeting while she is here. She and her mum were so excited!
After Formal Banquet, it was across the road to the Fresno Convention Centre for Formal Opening. This is similar to Formal Opening of Grand Session only with between 1 and 2 thousand people in attendance. It is quite an awesome sight to see a Flag Ceremony or a Necrology presented by around 100 Daughters.
I was also asked to present the HIKE Fund Australia report during Formal Opening. This was a great honour and I thank the Board of HIKE for allowing me the privilege to present this report on their behalf. I started by teaching everyone in the hall how to say “G’day” in sign language!
By the time Formal Opening was over and we caught up with friends in the foyer, it was after midnight. Once back in the motel, I was just too tired to do anything, and I knew I would need my sleep before the long drive in the morning, so I headed straight for bed. Once again, sorry for not keeping the diary updated!
Wednesday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Thursday 4th August 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Well it’s already 1:30am which really means that it’s Friday, not Thursday, but, although I’m tired, I wanted to do today’s diary update.
Guess what??? You’ll never guess… Go on… Guess………………………………………..
Yes, you guessed it – I was up early this morning (For something different J). Today was the shopping trip to Gilroy. This is a small town about 2 ½ hours drive from Fresno. It’s main industry is discount warehouses for the major retail outlets. We planned to be on the road at 7am, but after some little dramas (including a forgotten room key, lost handbag and low petrol) I think we got underway around 8am. Mrs G and Mr T travelled with my friend Robyn from California and Sonya, Sifoni and Pauline travelled with me in the rental car – VERY brave girls!!!!! We arrived in Gilroy around 10:30 am – took a few wrong turns on the way, but managed to find our way – we were on a shopping mission after all! The first thing we saw in Gilroy was a Taco Bell. For anyone who doesn’t know – this is basically the McDonalds of Mexican Food. So, of course, we had to experience this for ourselves. I ordered a spicy chicken burrito, which (with a dowsing of Hot Chilli sauce) was extremely good eating. Still on our to-do list is Crispy Crème (doughnuts) and In&Out (California’s competition for McDonalds).
By the time we finished lunch, we only had 2 hours to shop. So, on your marks….. get set……… SHOP!!!!!
The two hours flew by and we met back at the car, filled the boot with goodies (or should I say “trunk”) – and, yeah, I do mean filled - and headed off on the 2 ½ hour drive home. On the way home, I decided to take a different route than the one we took to get to Gilroy. We had taken to 99 Freeway up to Gilroy (more by accident than design). The 5 Freeway was marked on the map as the major freeway between Fresno and Gilroy, so we decided to take this route. Well – I must say that this was the one and only mistake I made while driving in California. Although it looked like the shortest distance and seemed to be a big interstate on the map, it was mostly single-lane country roads. However, we girls (well, the girls and their old lady driver J) had a great time travelling through the Central California countryside, anyway! It was all an adventure. Robyn, Mrs G & Mr T took the correct route home and beat us there by about ½ hour! Although we did drive around the city of Fresno for a while catching all the sights which haven’t been included in Session Tours. This included the famous Fresno Tower.
Girls, when we all get home… Ask Pauline saw on our drive that has scarred her for life J No hints, you have to ask her yourselves.
Today, of course, was the main judging day for the Miss International Pageant, so Melissa and her family weren’t able to come with us on our drive. But our thoughts were with Melissa and we bought her a lovely gift on behalf of the Jurisdiction to wish her luck.
After arriving home, we had a lovely meal in the Radisson restaurant and headed back to our motel for a quick change before the Pageant. Over dinner, we caught up with Melissa and the girls presented her with her gift. Melissa seemed very calm and happy – completely composed.
The Pageant began at 7:30 pm. There were 33 entrants from 4 countries (Brazil not being present). Melissa was entrant number 13. She was confident and composed and did a fabulous job answering the MC’s question. We were awfully excited when she was announced as a finalist. The winner of MIJD was the Miss British Columbia who also won MICJD. She is absolutely beautiful, sweet and charming. Hopefully she will be travelling with the Supreme Guardian to visit us in late August.
Queensland can be extremely proud of Melissa. It has been a joy to be with her during Supreme Session. She has had fun the whole time and has represented us with all the virtues you would expect from a Miss Queensland and her placing as a finalist in the MIJD pageant was well deserved.
The evening finished off with lots of photos of the proud Queensland delegation before heading home to bed.
Thursday photos can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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Friday 5th August 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Well, it is the second last day of Supreme Session. I can’t believe it is nearly over. Today was Supreme Bethel for the Daughters and election of Supreme Bethel Officers for the adults.
I started the day with a breakfast of waffles, again – Yum, love those waffles!!! Then headed back to the Radisson for election of officers. It must have been the fastest election in history. Sue Cadis from Arizona was elected unopposed to the position of Supreme Marshal. You may remember Sue as she was Supreme Librarian and Editor of the SNE during Vanessa’s year. She is absolutely fabo!!! Bob Clore from Virginia was elected unopposed to the position of Supreme Outer Guard. He looks like Colonel Sanders and is great fun. Vanessa F was also elected be the Chairman of the Board. Congrats to some fabulous people!
As soon as Supreme elections were over, I headed straight across the road to Supreme Bethel Meeting and arrived as they were drawing the Supreme Bethel Marshal. Queensland was drawn, but our girls had not registered for Line Office, so our Jurisdiction went back in the barrel for reselection.
The SBHQ is from Nevada, a very small Jurisdiction. The same Jurisdiction where PSBHQ Suzie Holmes was from. She is going to try to come to Australia during the visit of the Supreme Guardian if she can get a passport in time. Melissa B was drawn as Supreme Bethel 2nd Messenger – which is so cool as it is the position that Pauline has just retired from. The first ever 10 year old Supreme Bethel girl was also drawn. She is the Supreme Bethel Representative to Kansas!!
Nathalie S from Virginia (the same Jurisdiction as the newly elected Supreme Outer Guard) is the Supreme Bethel Representative to Queensland.
After Supreme Bethel, I had a quick lunch and I spent some time catching up with everyone in the Lobby of the Radisson. I also had another look around the Supreme Sales tables. I wanted to order a PHQ ring and since I have some spending-money left, I decided to spoil myself. Yes, Scott – I actually have money left!!!!!
Then I went back to the motel to have a nap. I only had 3 hours sleep last night!!!
Headed back to the Radisson this afternoon to meet up with the other Aussies so that we could go to In N Out for dinner. In N Out is California’s version of McDonalds but everything is fresh. They even cut the potatoes and wash them before cooking them. It was really nice and its another thing that we can all say we tried.
The awards presentation was held tonight and Queensland scooped the pool. Melissa won the Performed Speech section. Kayleigh got three firsts in various dance sections. Melissa won two firsts in Arts and Crafts and Keira J from Bethel # 7 also got a second. Congratulations to these girls. And to everyone else, think about entering items for next year’s Supreme Session.
Supreme Bethel Installation was a lovely night. To get things going, the California Grand Bethel girls lead everyone in a few dances, including California Girls, Macarena, and Bus Stop. Laureen did a lovely job of installing the new Supreme Bethel Officers, Representatives and Honoured Queen. A lovely solo was sung for Laureen and Tiernee after the closing of the bible. For the retiring march, the Officers and Representatives formed all three formations one after the other, first the Square and Compass, then the Triangle and finally the Cross. It was quite spectacular. Following the installation of Officers and Representatives, the new Supreme Bethel Guardian and Associate Guardian were installed.
The evening finished off with a bit more dancing and then some socialising back at the Radisson. Again, it was well after midnight when we returned to the motel room to go to bed and I have to be up for the Farewell breakfast in the morning.
I can’t believe tomorrow is the last day of Supreme Session, finishing off with the Installation of newly elected and appointed Supreme Guardian Council Officers.
Friday photos can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
--ooOOoo—
Saturday 6th August 2005 – Back in Motel Room
Well the time has come – Supreme is over and it’s time to pack the bags before heading for home first thing in the morning. But before I leave, I will give an update on the day – though not so eventful.
I missed the Farewell Breakfast this morning as I slept in until 8am. Oops! Never mind, I really needed the sleep and breakfast is free in the motel where I’m staying. The Aussies who did go, however, said that it was a lovely meal.
After waking – slowly and wearily – I dressed in casual gear and headed to the Radisson for my last chance to catch up with everyone. The last day of Supreme Session is a very social day and everyone talks about how much fun they had and whether or not they will be attending the following year. I really hope I get to, but I might have to clear it with my darling husband.
Pauline had to catch her train at 2:10 pm, so we headed back to our motel around midday so that she could have a shower and pack her bags. I saw her safely board the train just after 2pm and made her promise to SMS me if she had any problems. I am assuming that the silence is good news and by now she would be somewhere over the Pacific Ocean on her way home to you.
When I returned to the Radisson Hotel, Dad Steve W (whom I have mentioned earlier and whom we have nick-named Stevie Wonder, because he has just been absolutely wonderful to us) told me that Mrs G, Sifoni and Sonya were shopping at the Fresno City Mall. He offered to give me a lift over there to meet them. So he dropped me there and, surprisingly, I ran into them in a store almost immediately.
I bought myself a lovely broach, which you will all get to see in 3 years time… he he J. We enjoyed a Starbucks coffee and a visit to a craft store before returning to the Radisson hotel to get ready and grab a bite to eat before the evening’s events.
The last formal event of the Supreme Session was the installation of the Supreme Guardian, Associate Supreme Guardian, Supreme Officers and Supreme Deputies. This was followed by a reception for the British Columbia and Michigan jurisdictions which we were invited to attend. Here I got to meet the Grand Marshal of British Columbia and the Supreme Bethel Guardian who, like me, loves pig things. She showed me the gift which was presented to her after she was installed as Supreme Bethel Guardian - it was a hanging ceramic pig.
I had a little time to catch up with some people before returning to my motel for my last sleep in the USA – at least until next year!!!
It is, AGAIN, after midnight and we want to get up as early as possible in the morning. I will be driving back to LA with my friend Robyn, spending some more time with Stephanie and Debbie E, then catching my flight home at around 11pm tomorrow night! So the next time you hear from me, I will be on Australian soil. My trip has been wonderful and, while I would love Supreme to last forever, I miss Scott, home and the pets too much to stay away any longer. At least I will be able to carry these fabulous memories with me for the rest of my life.
Saturday photos can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
There are so many people at Supreme who have touched or inspired me in some way, so I’d like to send a big G’day to them:
· Robyn and her family who are just beautiful, generous people. They opened their home and hearts to me and there are not enough thankyous to balance the ledger.
· Stephanie & Debbie E who also opened their home to me and organised a fabulous BBQ so that I could meet some California Jobies. This BBQ was one of the highlights of my trip and will be one of the most special moments in my life.
· The California Jobies I met at this BBQ showed me a great time and were perfect examples of why Job’s Daughters is such a wonderful organisation. I also had a great time catching up with them at Supreme Session. Their hugs were among the warmest – and their screams the loudest.
· The California Grand Bethel girls are just amazing. I have never seen so much pride and poise in any group of young ladies. They know how to be perfect ladies but they also know how to have mad fun. The “Cali” girls played perfect hosts to the Job’s Daughters from all over the world who attended Supreme Session. I wish I could bottle their enthusiasm and friendliness – if I could, Job’s Daughters would flourish all over the world. I will especially remember my special “stalker girl”!
· It was just fabulous to catch up with Amanda LeB. She is so dedicated and enthusiastic and it is inspirational just to get the opportunity to talk with her. She is a great role model for our Daughters to emulate.
· Dad Ashley U, well what do you say about Dad Ashley? You all know him – the friendliest, most open and caring gentleman. Every greeting and conversation (whether in person or by e-mail) is a pleasure.
· Stevie Wonder (Dad Steve W). There are no words which can express the thanks of us Aussies for everything he did for us. He made our Supreme Session extremely memorable and enjoyable.
· Cub & Joan J and Rex R who also made sure that we were cared for and organised anything we could possibly need. Wherever you go in the world, it is people like these who remind you that you have family everywhere.
· Fred W (husband of the new SG) who is just a joy to be around and always has a funny story or anecdote that will make you laugh.
· Sue C, whom I have always believed to be one of the most elegant and beautiful ladies in the world and who loves Job’s Daughters without end. She will make a fantastic Supreme Guardian, when the time comes.
· And it is just a joy to watch Bob C ( Sue C’s partner) with the Daughters and the adults alike. He is a real larrikin. Watch out for him – he’ll keep you guessing.
· And finally, the Aussie contingent. It has been a joy to travel with each of them and to get to know them all a little better. There is no better way to become close to someone than to spend some time travelling with them. Every moment, they made me proud to be an Aussie Jobie. Melissa and Kayleigh did us proud in the Pageant and competitions and they were truly delightful representatives of our Jurisdiction.
So thanks for following my travels and I hope you have enjoyed my commentary. Next year’s Supreme Session will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I hope that this diary has made you want to come along.
As the Jobies from British Columbia say…
I’ll B.C.ing ya!!!!
