Training Week

Started my first week back with Kashi in good-old St Louis, the city where my paternal Grandfather founded a Theatre years ago.

I was bundled up, because snow and 30 degree weather was expected the day after I arrived and met up with my Kashi Tour '08 Yoga buddy, Brigette, for dinner.

I admit I was a bit nervous about stepping into the role of Tour Manager with a completely new crew; the last 2 years I was Kashi foods expert and chef. But as it turns out, the crew is awesome! Truly different personalities, excited about the opportunity Kashi has given us and we have given them.

After a week of training with Relay, Kashi's marketing company, for the event set up, truck driving and Kashi immersion we had already formed a tight bond. Everyone has multiple interests and full personalities, but we are all open to change and experiencing new things. Jason and Lexi are interested in spending every moment in nature outside of events, and we're all thrilled with their travel ideas. Kerri and I want to take Yoga as often as we can. And Giovanna and I want to cook and check out local co-ops and organic grocery stores in new locations. The best part is, everyone wants to know everyone and work together. I think we will have a strong team who has gobs of things to share. And we are all green! So exciting to work with people that have such similar interests as myself.

Once we were submerged into the Kashi Day of Change Tour, we had a final farewell dinner and Kerri, Lexi and Jason hopped in the truck early morning to hit the road for Utah to do some skiing and camping. Giovanna and I took it a little slower in the morning. She headed out in the Kashi mobile, hybrid Highlander. I headed to a final Anusara Yoga class with Brigette and a local foods brunch with Brige, her Mum and friend, then hit the road in the Kashi truck. It was a little strange for both myself and Brigette to leave Brigette in her car in St Louis while I jumped into the truck. I felt like she should be getting in that truck with me! A little scary and extremely exciting to think about the 4 people I just met, and that we will be spending every day together for the next 5 1/2 months and how much I will know them after this is all over. My connection with last years crew is still strong and deep.

I headed down the road, taking the southern route to San Diego. Spent the first night just past Oklahoma city driving through an enormous and stunningly beautiful thunderstorm- just breath taking. Second night in Albuquerque, New Mexico with Giovanna. Went to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon with G and spent the night in Phoenix, Arizona. My final day of driving I took I-8, which literally brought me right next to the border of Mexico and the US. I could see the black wall bordering the countries and the desert dunes reminded me of Morocco. It was very thrilling to be so far south. And HOT, my goodness. There was absolutely nothing around besides border checks. No gas stations, no stores, no anything. Just water on the side of the road for over heated radiators. I was a little freaked out, admittedly. Driving a 24-foot box truck by myself right next to Mexico with few cars passing me by and no cell phone service, boy, was that fun! But I made it to San Diego. 4 nights and a better understanding and appreciation for the country I live in under my belt headed straight in to our first event with the client,Kashi, there to scope out the Day of Change.