The Lady in Red (Chris DeBurgh)

Wednesday, Arpil 25 - Smart Training and the Gala

How do you top the White House?  I don't even know if it is possible, but with our adrenaline pumping overtime on Tuesday, it was time to slow it down a little.  But just a little. 

Wednesday started with SMART training.  Since SMART was kind enough to give all of us TOYs a SMART package, we needed some training to figure out what to do with it.  We rotated through sessions and after lunch they grouped us by subject to design a page.  We were known as other, which included Social Studies and every other odd subject not included in math, language arts or science.  Needless to say we had some fun with it. 

At 3:30 on the dot, we were off to the hotel because we had a gala to get ready for.  The Institute of Peace served as a magnificent backdrop for a spectacular event.  The architecture and whiteness of the place did bring a sense of majesty and dignity.  Everything was perfect, from the music and the food, to the placement of the personalized programs at the tables.  I got to talk to all sorts of fascinating people throughout the course of the evening and our guest speakers were nothing short of inspirational.  People were still raving about Lily Eskelson's speech two days later.  As a fellow STOY, she gets it and that was not lost on on us.    All in all, it was an evening that made us feel both elegant and honored.

With Kim from Arkansas

With Josh (IL), Cara (AK), and Tyronna (NC)

Two NJTOYs in the house, MaryAnn 2010 and 2012.

With Adam (MA)

With Betsy Landers - National PTA President

NJ and NY (Katie)

With Lily Eskelson- NEA Vice President

This makes three NJ TOYs! With Katherine from ETS.

East Coast - Josh (MD) Dave (CT) Julie (RI) and Jersey!

Katie, Jersey and Kay

With Tim (OH)

Deanna (NV), Katie, Jersey, Katy, and Kristie 

Alana, Jersey, Tyronna, Bethany, Katie, Katy, Amber

I am thinking after the last two days that red should be my new signature color.  I didn't wear it much before, but I think it suits my personality! 

It was a lovely evening and I was sad to see it end.