BEAUTIFUL BARBADOS

I can't believe I'm actually in the business center of this lovely hotel about to leave Barbados in about four hours writing on my blog but it's true! This was an incredible experience for me and my husband. We came to Barbados for three reasons, Kathy Rockel's wedding to Henderson Nicholls [June 13th], for a second honeymoon for us [42 years married on June 10th], and to visit with the teachers, current class, and production center of TRSI Barbados.

The wedding was just beautiful. It was held outside and was quite warm for those of us way too used to air conditioning but a great time was had by all. Kathy Rockel is now Kathy Nicholls. The bride wore a lovely white gown trimmed in red and the bridesmaids wore purple gowns. The groom wore white and red as well and looked quite handsome. Following the ceremony dinner was served followed by dancing until the morning hours, I'm told.

The following morning the bride and groom hosted us, Jacque Taylor, Chad Sines, Karen Young, and Kathy's family on a glass bottom boat cruise. We ended up swimming with turtles [amazing] followed by swimming with tons of fish. When I say tons, I'm obviously exaggerating, but more fish than I have ever seen in one place. Everyone on the boat throws bread to feed the fish and they boil up on the surface like pirhanna [seriously]. We had snorkles and masks allowing us to see under the surface where a huge tarpon was swimming leisurly by [likely looking at a meal with all those fish around]. This guy was estimated by the boat owner to be 5 to 6 foot long and about 200 pounds. I, of course, assumed he could consider me lunch as easily as those fish and I wanted out of the water in the worst way at that point. My dear husband, however, was furiously tossing bread at the fish and they were bumping into my legs, arms, head, etc. I know I screamed more than once and likely had a few choice words for my husband too but managed to get safely back on the boat.

All in all we had a marvelous time in beautiful Barbados. No wonder Kathy, Jacque, Ann, Glenda, Deb, and every other administrator, educator, trainer, mentor, and visitor loves it here. I can't wait to visit Barbados again. Luckily, I'll get that opportunity in July for TRSI Barbados' graduation. I am honored to be keynote speaker for that wonderful occasion.

NOTE TO READERS: If you ever get a chance to visit Barbados -- DO IT!