Good to be home

After 3 brutal days of rah-rah at our annual Sales Meeting, it is very good to be home. I was lamenting the fact that I even have to go (as I do every year) to R on the way and she made a good point... Even though I despise the kool-aid sessions non-stop and the forced fun, many people actually like it and think companies should do this kind of stuff. They actually find it motivational. Me? NOT. AT. ALL. I would rather they spend the millions allocated to the Sales Meeting and give me a big fat raise. That would motivate me. The only highlights were: [1] Being called up to accept the sales award (among many others) for "excellence" this year. [2] Bitch sessions during which we "strategized" about what improvements could be made to our team in 2008 to make us "more effective, efficient and collaborative." It was good for the higher-ups to hear what actually goes on at ground zero and luckily we have a VP for our Divison who actually gives a shit, is a hard-working woman and has already taken steps to improve the teams. For once, I've seen a VP who actually works harder than her sales force, so I can respect her position and her pundit-like talk.

I feel really bad, but I wasn't too excited about winning the trip this year. This year's trip (for adults) is Maui. The trip for families is Disneyland (in Orlando in JULY no less--I would rather DIE than go to Orlando anytime or in July). I literally had to be the least excited person up on that stage (most were crying in jubilation and clapping MADLY), and admittedly non-chalant, about winning the award this year. Yes, it's cool and yes, I like the fact that the company recognizes hard work. But Maui? Dude, I have seriously been there at least 10 times. Granted, I haven't stayed at the Fairmont for a week. (nor would M or I ever spend that kind of cash to do so). But still.

Next year's trip is to Ireland, last year's trip was to Monaco--both of which I would have preferred to Maui. But I should be grateful that they're doing anything at all! I know, I'm a terrible bitch for being so lame. Everyone kept coming up and congratulating me. Asking me, "what did your husband say when you told him you won the trip?!?!" And me saying "hm, don't know. I emailed him but didn't hear back from him yet." M and I both knew I would get the trip because the rules say you have to be over 125% of goal for the year. I ended up at 134% of goal. But many were on the edge and didn't know for sure if they would get it. For my colleagues, I was REALLY excited. A great team member has been with the company for 10 years and just got the trip for the first time. She's one of the hardest working, most diligent sales people I know, so I nearly cried when I saw her coming up to the stage. In fact, our team did so well almost everyone from top (VP of Sales for our Division) to bottom (people like me) won with the exception of 2 people. Pretty amazing.

Anywhoo. It's good to be home. I'm so glad to get back to eating normal, non-buffet food. Not being around 1400 of my colleagues 24-7 and being home with M and our kitties. 3 days of non-stop meetings from 8am-5pm followed by a Regional cocktail hour or cocktails with your team followed by a huge group (read: buffet) dinner till 10pm followed by more meetings from 8-5 the next day is rough. Plus the fact that we have to share rooms! means you have absolutely NO down time. You are constantly surrounded by someone or many people every single minute of every single day for 3.5 days. It's absolutely exhausting.

So, it's VERY good to be home. Even if that means doing loads of backed up laundry, bills, going through mail, figuring out meals and general chores around the house, I still say "Yeah home!"