Recent Speaking Engagements

It was my pleasure to address members and guests of the International Association of Administrative Assistants - Pittsburgh and Altoona chapters in April and May.

Pittsburgh topic:  Truth or Dare - Business Ethics

Altoona topic :     Have You Flat Lined? - Motivation

Both groups were delightful to work with!  I was very impressed with the individuals associated with planning these events.  I enjoy writing and presenting innovative, educational, thought provoking, inspiring presentations and keynotes; doing so is another aspect of my Professional Development Training business www.trainingwithatwist.com    

Crazy Christeson Utah Trip

We enjoyed a wonderful week in Utah with our kids, my mother and other beloved extended family members and friends!  The crazy Christeson family had a riot enjoying my itinerary which encompassed everything from Ashley's two performances with the UVU Women's Choir (at UVU) and with the Master Work's Choir which performed in Salt Lake.  Also, fun and frolics in Provo area, Salt Lake City and Park City!  

Jon and I hosted a family party and arranged for my friends daughter who is a massage therapist to provide chair massages for all adults as a thank you for all they do in behalf of my dear mother and our kids.  Dining at a fun BBQ restaurant I discovered on a TV program called "Diners, Drive-in's & Dives" lol, along with other fun outings in each of the cities.  And of course Jon and I had to have lunch at "Heaps" Brick Oven in Provo, a favorite hangout of ours during our teenage years :)

Another one of our memorable moments also encompassed attending a live broadcast of "The Spoken Word" in the Tabernacle on Temple Square listening to the inspiring message, hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing (which included one of our families theme songs, "When You Wish Upon A Star" as Cameron wished on a star for his baby sister to be born), enjoying the symphony and having President Thomas L. Monson, president and prophet of our church in attendance!  It was a very special trip indeed. 

Standing for Righteousness

I have asked hundreds of people from all walks of life, work levels, cultural backgrounds, ethnicity and religions this question in one of my workshops but have never heard such an incredible response as this which is posted on my young Latter-day Saint friends wall - think it over ...

"A friend asked me what I want my legacy to be in this life my response, it's simple, I want to be known as the woman who woke up everyday and battled satan and his angels, who fought like hell through the storms of life, who lived in the manner that pleases a father in heaven and was an instrument and a loyal valiant servant to Christ, I want to leave this life knowing my father in heaven is proud of me and my journey I had on earth". That's who I strive to be daily...."   (Andrea Deason)

I couldn't have said this any better! I second her comment and only pray that I, also, have achieved this through my valiant efforts in living life with purpose and resolve. Every choice we make whether it's keeping the Sabbath day holy, offering an outpouring of love toward others, choosing the right, sharing our time and talent with those in need along with a myriad of noble attributes, attitudes, and choices it all comes down to how have we measured up in the end? Will our Heavenly Father be proud of us and of our personal journey during this life? Will we be proud of ourselves? I for one intend to continue striving to measure up to the task and make a lasting impact in the lives of my family, friends, colleagues and even strangers! :)

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Enjoy INTERNALLY SUNNY days this week y'all :)

Enjoy another one of my Pinterest boards everyone :)

pinterest.com/missybelle1/there-ain-t-no-sunshine-when-she-s-gone/

Happy Birthday Cameron!

Cam the man celebrated another birthday on the other end of the country and enjoyed a fun evening out! He is excited to be returning to the burgh to live for a little while as he seeks to help his friend launch his new start business out here on the East coast. We can't wait to have Cam home after being away for years while at school out west, Hong Kong on his mission and then back to Utah to wrap up his degree.

Cam takes after his mom with his entrepreneurial spirit! He is very self motivated and proactive and we can't help but think this business plan won't be a great success! If, however, it fails to achieve the potential the guys anticipate we have told Cam now is the time to take risks like this when one is young and so driven to push the envelop in spite of this challenging economy. If their business becomes a success the concept has the potential of being a blessing to countless lives throughout the world.

We can't wait to see you soon Cameron Jon and spoil you once again for a time; here's a two clap (standing ovation) for your vision, drive and perseverance :)

PS due to his constant work outs at the gym his leg continues to thrive; it is a magnificent blessing and testament of his faith and obedience of God's commandments which have qualified him to retain such a positive attitude and gratefulness for the quality of his life after having experienced such a devastating accident! Precious miracles, indeed. Many sincere, heartfelt thanks to his remarkable surgeons and medical teams at both hospitals!

Our song bird sings again!

Ashley recently performed with one of the UVU choirs she studies with at the Hale Center in Provo; their concert focused on Mozart and was deeply mesmerizing from all accounts! This is the first time in Ashley's life, since she began performing as a wee little girl, that Jon and I could not be in attendance for one of her performances :( Nevertheless, she had loved ones in the audience and the bouquet of flowers we surprised her with (which is a family tradition each time she performs) pleased her greatly :)

We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming flight out so as to be in the audiences of her upcoming performances in April. UVU Women's Chorus will be performing at the Reagan Theater on April 19th at 7:30 pm, and the Master Works chorus (a capella) on April 22nd at 8:00 pm at the Cathedral of Madeline in Salt Lake City.

When Ashley auditioned for each chorus her professors were impressed with her vocal range so she sings high soprano in one chorus and low alto in the other; which is a distinct challenge on her vocal cords in switching from one to other for her back to back classes. She enjoys being challenged once again vocally - and personally we can't wait to see her rock the concert venues!

Ash continues to enjoy her classes preparing her for a degree in elementary education, also having been able to hang around with her brother for many months enjoying the time of her life and gleaning from his wisdom and friendship while he is in the area (for a few more short weeks), as well as with her friends, boyfriend, extended family and the incredible surroundings of such a visually beautiful, highly populated, thriving, LDS environment. We miss our precious son and daughter greatly but each have been where they needed to be at this point in time in order to experience remarkable opportunities and friendships!

PS Ash has a new little puppy, Minnie Mouse lol :)