7 years ago.....

7 years ago in May a lot was going on in my life. I graduated from OSU, got married, and started to work for a company called Public Strategies. As the weeks to graduation got closer and closer the anxiety grew for me since neither Bryson or I had a job and we would be getting married just a couple of weeks after graduation. I wonder if my parents were panicked as well? They never mentioned it.....funny! Well after three trips to Oklahoma City to interview I was so excited that I was offered a job as an Area Coordinator for the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (Public Strategies manages the OMI). They told me what my salary would be (you would probably laugh if you knew what it was) and I immediately said yes. They asked me if I needed to think about it and I said nope. What was there to think about? I was thrilled to have a job and more importantly I was going to be working for the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative that I had rememberd seeing on the news a few years back and thinking, "That sounds like just what I want to do." Well turns out accepting that job was one of the best decisions I ever made and Public Strategies ended up being the absolute best company I could've ever worked for (they actually are ranked one of the best places to work in Oklahoma). I had a feeling it was a good company when I had only been working there a week and they threw me an incredible little wedding shower with some oh so amazing presents.

Well....after seven years of fun I decided to retire (that is the word I use not the word that they use). I just don't like the word quit and since I am not going to work anywhere else I feel like retire is appropriate! After evaluating the money we were spending on child care and gas and just the hassle of driving Brody to Norman, then Meg up to Northwest Expressway and Portland, and then me to 63rd and Broadway and then back again it was becoming pretty stressful! The job itself was great....but all that went into it wore me out! I am loving being at home withe kids but I do miss my co-workers oh so much! They are some of the best people (and friends) I have ever met!

They threw me a wonderful little surprise going away party that I enjoyed so much! It was tropical theme. As one co-worker stated it is like I am going on a permanent vacation so a tropical theme is appropriate. I wish I was on the beach all the time!

They had my favorite cake lady make the most delicious and pretty cake. Lemon on top and red velvet on bottom. Yum! They also had my favorite drink....cherry limeade!
My wonderful boss Kendy! She made a sweet journal that had pictures and work related items and everyone wrote messages. I loved it!

Group picture with just some of our team members!

My two favorite comments of the day were when someone said, "I wish I could be a slacker like you." and "When you have your third kid let me know and I will be ready to throw you a shower." Don't think I have ever been called a slacker before and I don't think there will be any need for any baby shower! But thanks!

Thank you guys for a wonderful 7 years and a wonderful party! I miss you all!