I'm thankful for....
...my family. With all the unreliable people that cross our paths, family is what matters. They will always come first.
...my health. I take this for granted too often. I haven't had any major surgeries or illnesses that have prevented me from living life to the fullest.
...a roof over my head and food on the table. While we celebrate with too much food today, so many don't have the luxury of a bed or a meal. How fortunate we are!
...my friends. I have good friends across the world that have made an impact on my life. From my friends in CA, OR, KS, DC, TX, VA, KY, IN, OH, FL, UT, MS, and CO, to my friends in Canada and Iraq. I have a fantastic collection of friends!
...my job. I work for a company that is patient with me while I find myself. They've let me move from an internship, to Human Resources, to store management, and now to Store Ops. What other company would be so flexible?
...my life thus far. I'm 27 years young and hope to live for many more. I'm still finding my place in this world and my purpose.
I am truly blessed!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Today is the 1 year anniversary of the Fossil store in the Fayette Mall.
I can't believe that we've been open for a year! When I first moved here, the new wing of the mall wasn't even finished yet, now it's crowded with shoppers.
This is my first experience opening a store and growing it from scratch. I'm still amazed that they trusted me with this job. After 4 months as an assistant, they threw me into a new state where no one had heard of Fossil watches much less the clothes, and I was the only manager who had to hire an entire staff. *gulp*
I interviewed the original crew right outside our doors. Nick Evans was my first hire, and Ashley was my first manager hire. We opened the store with a staff that new only a little bit about the company, but had the passion to make up for the rest. Somehow Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," turned into the unofficial theme song.
It's been fun to see us grow up with the store. Jesse has moved on to the banking industry, Adam is in Chicago for a year, Cato is a manager at another store, and Dana is practically running a bank, Heather and Sarah are anxious to be managers, Ashley has grown from a part time key holder to store manager, and I'm moving back to the corporate office.
I've learned a lot from this store and our people this year. So many memories, so many stories. As Ashley takes the reigns officially today, I can only hope she has a similar experience.
Happy Anniversary Fay Fay! We don't play….okaay?
I can't believe that we've been open for a year! When I first moved here, the new wing of the mall wasn't even finished yet, now it's crowded with shoppers.
This is my first experience opening a store and growing it from scratch. I'm still amazed that they trusted me with this job. After 4 months as an assistant, they threw me into a new state where no one had heard of Fossil watches much less the clothes, and I was the only manager who had to hire an entire staff. *gulp*
I interviewed the original crew right outside our doors. Nick Evans was my first hire, and Ashley was my first manager hire. We opened the store with a staff that new only a little bit about the company, but had the passion to make up for the rest. Somehow Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," turned into the unofficial theme song.
It's been fun to see us grow up with the store. Jesse has moved on to the banking industry, Adam is in Chicago for a year, Cato is a manager at another store, and Dana is practically running a bank, Heather and Sarah are anxious to be managers, Ashley has grown from a part time key holder to store manager, and I'm moving back to the corporate office.
I've learned a lot from this store and our people this year. So many memories, so many stories. As Ashley takes the reigns officially today, I can only hope she has a similar experience.
Happy Anniversary Fay Fay! We don't play….okaay?
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Reflections
Reflections
I left Dallas almost 2 years ago seeking a change. A change of scenery (or any scenery at all really), change of career, and a new mix of people. Not to say my life in Dallas wasn't wonderful, but I had let it turn into an ordinary existence.
While in California, I had the opportunity to live far away from what felt comfortable. I met 3 people who made a huge impact on that experience. Jessica, Nathan, and Russell. In their own ways, they helped me grow while letting me into their lives.
My time in Kentucky has been even more touching. Not just because I've been here longer, but also because of the people who have come into my life during that year. I've helped people along with their careers, and have had people help me along with mine. I've met the gay men who complete me. (oh us!) I've met Ashley who can find humor in a single tear, "other people's misery," and rushing out to Graeter's before our show starts. I've met Chester who despite his flaws, has an enormous heart. Friendlsylvania, Fay Fay, Marikka's, and all the inside jokes.
And yet with all that went on here, I had people re-enter my life from back home. God bless myspace! I've reconnected with old high school friends. Near and dear to my heart, I've reconnected with my guy friends from college. After nearly a 4 year hiatus, we're back to our old shenanigans and some new ones too.
Now that I'm packing up my life here, I'm thinking about what it will be like to move back. I'm moving in with my parents until after the holidays to save and find a home that suits me. I thought moving back to Allen would bring back so many memories, but I don't even recognize it. My parents' church is turning into the next 6 Flags over Jesus, new stores on every corner,...even traffic getting out of our neighborhood is a sign of the growth.
What I'm most looking forward to, is being close to my parents, Pepper, Daryl, Jay, Robyn and the girls, Gared, Crazy Stephanie, and the Fossil kids.
I really can't predict what life is going to be like moving back. I think it will be different than 2 years ago. I'm going to work hard for a more meaningful life, not let anyone/anything define me, and continue to understand who MB is supposed to be.
So here's to new beginnings!
I left Dallas almost 2 years ago seeking a change. A change of scenery (or any scenery at all really), change of career, and a new mix of people. Not to say my life in Dallas wasn't wonderful, but I had let it turn into an ordinary existence.
While in California, I had the opportunity to live far away from what felt comfortable. I met 3 people who made a huge impact on that experience. Jessica, Nathan, and Russell. In their own ways, they helped me grow while letting me into their lives.
My time in Kentucky has been even more touching. Not just because I've been here longer, but also because of the people who have come into my life during that year. I've helped people along with their careers, and have had people help me along with mine. I've met the gay men who complete me. (oh us!) I've met Ashley who can find humor in a single tear, "other people's misery," and rushing out to Graeter's before our show starts. I've met Chester who despite his flaws, has an enormous heart. Friendlsylvania, Fay Fay, Marikka's, and all the inside jokes.
And yet with all that went on here, I had people re-enter my life from back home. God bless myspace! I've reconnected with old high school friends. Near and dear to my heart, I've reconnected with my guy friends from college. After nearly a 4 year hiatus, we're back to our old shenanigans and some new ones too.
Now that I'm packing up my life here, I'm thinking about what it will be like to move back. I'm moving in with my parents until after the holidays to save and find a home that suits me. I thought moving back to Allen would bring back so many memories, but I don't even recognize it. My parents' church is turning into the next 6 Flags over Jesus, new stores on every corner,...even traffic getting out of our neighborhood is a sign of the growth.
What I'm most looking forward to, is being close to my parents, Pepper, Daryl, Jay, Robyn and the girls, Gared, Crazy Stephanie, and the Fossil kids.
I really can't predict what life is going to be like moving back. I think it will be different than 2 years ago. I'm going to work hard for a more meaningful life, not let anyone/anything define me, and continue to understand who MB is supposed to be.
So here's to new beginnings!
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