2008-OCTOBER-NEW MEXICO-FJSA CONFERENCE

We pulled into the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque in the early afternoon on Thursday. We were there for our annual Federal Judicial Assistants and Secretaries Association Conference. As the 5th Judicial Circuit Representative, I needed to attend a Board Meeting at 3:00, then we had an opening banquet to attend at 6:00. However, our first order of business was to get together with the rest of our "Good Time Girls". There was a dance contest that night at our banquet and for the last month or so, our 6 "Good Time Girls" had been practicing separately, Judy and me in separate towns in Mississippi and the others in separate cities in Texas. This would be our first time to meet, much less practice together. The hotel concierge had offered to let us use one of the small bar areas for as long as we needed, or until they opened for business that night. We set up our music, which was Alan Jackson's "Good Times" and we danced and danced. We had a blast and we were ready. Dancing with Judy and me were Linda Mizell - Austin, TX, Odie Gonzalez - Amarillo, TX, Susan Penney - Alpine, TX, Penny Stautberg - Houston, TX . It was the sweetest group of women.

Back Row from Left: Susan Penney, Judy Jones, Linda Mizell, Me (Lisa Martin),
Front Row: Odie Gonzales, Penney Stautberg



And, of course, we won a trophy (Don't know what for, but we didn't care) .

We had some stiff competition from the Red Hot Chili Peppers from New Orleans. I'm not sure who won over all, but it didn't really matter . We had a great time, and except for the DJ and a couple of husbands, there was not a man in the place.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers from the Big Easy

The next two days were spent listening, learning and connecting with other Judicial Assistants from all over the country. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such an extraordinary group of women. Next to our Judges, we have the best jobs on the planet.

On Friday night, we were scheduled to go to the Balloon Glowdeo, but Judy and I decided that we didn't really want to go. The weather was yucky and we wanted to chill. A couple from New Jersey offered to buy our tickets, so we stayed at the hotel, had a great meal and relaxed. Unfortunately for the others, the weather got really yucky and none of the balloons could take off . They cancelled the Glowdeo.

Saturday night we had our closing dinner. Our circuit (5th) had the most attendees of any and I felt very proud.

The Ladies of the 5th Circuit

Lisa and Judy

On Sunday, we headed back to Mississippi. We stopped outside of Little Rock and met Mama and Daddy to pick up a bookbag Nicky had left there last time we visited. We made it as far as Forrest City and we stopped to spend the night.

There are very few people that I could spend 7 , 24 hour days with (part of those non-stop in the car) and say that every minute was delightful, but I can truly say it about the days I spent on that trip with Judy. I wouldn't take anything for the experience, or for the memories.