Rotary International – Calgary 25

06-25-25 final Day!

June 26, 2025

This day was less jammed than others but still so full of learning and connections I want to fill in all the blanks but I risk not getting anything done so here is a big dump and I will try to circle back. I did speak at both my breakout sessions and was thrilled to connect with Joan from the meeting I attended in Vancouver in May.

I kept intuitively trying to leave the loo via the wrong door

That’s me!

Invite to Taipei

It seemed like only moments after declaring to Leanne that all skepticism was gone, that I had not drunk the Kool-Aid…. I was concerned about the ‘kkk’. That may be overstating but it was certainly unnerving and disappointing

Hunter Brothers

Following the closing of the event, we joined The Roberge’s on a tour of the Keyes Airbnb castle. I was scared to sit in the furniture. Dinner at Nash (the old national hotel) was exquisite. I know we have made good friends and I was grateful that Steve gave me his two country pin. He did border on a little bit creepy tonight though.

06-24-25 Rotary International Conference Day 3

June 24, 2025

This may be just a lot of photos and videos as today seemed three days long. I enjoyed my breakout sessions, had so many chats and connections, laughs and apologies (from Americans), and requests to take a picture of the back of my shirt (the one with Rotarian ‘at work’ crossed out and ‘at play’ written in)

The opening session speakers were remarkable! I loved hearing their passionate tales of overcoming polio and cervical cancer, two completely preventable diseases now.

David Keyes, our District Governor Elect, and I had several great chats and I mentioned that I loved seeing us describes as People of Action. I dared to add that We are people of actions rather than Facebook Reactions.

The session started and ended late so I booked it over to the HOF to see Over the Moon perform. I could only stay for one song as I needed to eat. It was great to see and hear them again

My breakout sessions were extremely interesting and I look forward to applying them at home.

We all met up for a bit in what has become our living room before heading to the Peace Park for a hands across the border moment followed by a District 5080 photo with as many as we could muster. Poor Heidi had a bad asthma attack when she ran to try and make the picture

The evening finished off with 5 of us in the VIP (included food) and 3 in the regular seats for the Rotary Western Showcase, complete with barrel racing, bronco riding and more. I was mad to have missed video of the hoop dancer.

My favourite pic that I’ve taken this week. The showcase winners

06-23-25 Geena ‘Frickin’ Davis! -updated

June 23, 2025

This was an exhausting yet amazing day in which I woke up far too early so got up and at it. Packed last nights treats in my bag for the day. Another Uber, this time through traffic. I herded all the kittens to our seats together for the group session. First up after intros by Nacho and Sam was John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International. It was interesting to see how aligned we are with the UN

Next up was Dr Truglio complete with Elmo and his Dad!

RYLA talk, game show and now Dr Hayhoe about the environment

We took a Karaoke stretch break.

(OK, I’m about ready to lose it because I had everything ready to go and upload it and it went back to the previous update and I think there’s just too many people on the Internet here so I’m going to try to upload more tomorrow in the meantime please enjoy the video of Geena Davis)

And then it was time for my personal hero. I have always wanted to be her, lol.

I spent my two breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon learning more about AI and the best use of it for club purposes, especially since I’m taking over archiving, etc. I met some interesting people along the way several from Vancouver Island, and others from North Carolina and Virginia.

I connected with Rick and Leanne and we decided to head back to the hotel for dinner and I’m more relaxed evening. Rick treated which was lovely of him, and after they went up to bed, I settled for an episode of Endor and a martini. Was a lovely way to end a very full day.

06-22-25 Sunday Shenanigans

June 22, 2025

Neither of us slept well so we were up and ready as dawn was breaking. We headed to the hotel to meet Rick, drop off our stuff in his room, and then have breakfast before catching an Uber to the convention site.

We met up with the Roberges, accidentally which was awesome, then found Ed & Jennie, David & Marlisa to grab seats with for the first session Opening Ceremonies. It was fun to spot ‘our Lorne’ go by three times as a flag bearer. The speakers were very good, the dancers a little riské and David LaMotte was fabulous.

I have a video of Danielle Smith’s live speech but it is too long to upload tonight. Must sleep (done!)

Afterward we got in line for the free pancake breakfast. These folks are all volunteers who put it on and do so for Stampede and other big events.

This was followed by a trip to the casino for a break. Rick played blackjack and I won on a slot that I have only ever played online

Leanne and I wandered to the House of Friendship while Rick attended the second session of the opening ceremonies. I found some great branded clothing and pins and paid for a lifetime membership to the Whiskey Fellowship. ($100 US) we returned to the casino for some food and I put my pins on my hat.

I then got a text from Denise and we went to find them in the 2nd floor bar. I plugged in my phone and watch to charge and we all had a fun visit

We next headed over to the venue for the Rock Show. We saved a table for 10 of us and there was much dancing and laughter The drinks were 26.99 for a double rum and coke!!!!!

I was fading fast and was glad when the Uber was called and Rick got us back to the hotel so we could check in. It was a wonderful long day. Time to sleep so we can do it all again tomorrow

This seemed like a strange name/letter spacing

Some fun vids from Leanne the morning after:

06-21-25 Weather Day!

June 21, 2025

It was pounding down rain for the whole set-up and procession of the parade.

I was drenched through three layers, except my feet stayed dry and I am very grateful.

I got home, took a hot shower, packed my car and headed to pick up Leanne. Our trip to Calgary was ‘interesting’ as it rained and then snowed like crazy. I felt bad for all the people with summer tires pulling trailers.

Once we arrived we headed to the BMO Centre to register and just had time to pick up my Cowboy hat before going g to Leanne’s cousin Sarah’s where we are staying for this first night.

Boyfriend Cam drove and daughter Danica joined us at a lovely restaurant called, The Livingroom. Good conversation and food made for a lovely evening

It cracks me up how much Cam reminds me of Jeff Crozier

Sarah’s place has a lovely view

My body and hand are aching a bit and I glanced down to see that when I tripped on my treadmill, it was as bad as it felt, leaving a big bruise

	TriumphGal on 10-21-25 embarkation day
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	Changes hoped for by… on A life well lived

triumphgal

Just another day in the life