One resolution down...

So my most heart-wrenching epic journey has come to an end. I don't know any other way to say this except I FINALLY GOT A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you well-acquainted with Craig and I, you know that I have been looking for a new job (currently I'm a receptionist) ever since I got my Master's degree 3 years ago. I have looked in many, many, MANY places, and I've started to accept that maybe I'll answer phones the rest of my life.

But for the past year I have been doing some assistant work for my company's manufacturing practice (this is how I've been able to occasionally travel). So the current assistant to the practice has decided to take on a new role, making the job I've been helping with officially open. So I applied and got it!

I'm not sure when I'll officially start my new role...we have to find, hire, and train a new receptionist. So I'll probably juggle both (like I have been) until that's done. And I'm not sure what my new title will be exactly...something like "Operations Practice Assistant."

The cool thing(s) about this job are plentiful: 1) I don't have to answer phones anymore, 2) it's something I've been doing for a while so I'm familiar with the people and inner-workings, 3) there's a VERY nice pay increase (so my resolution about getting my finances on track will come to fruition sooner that I had thought), and 4) and most importantly, there is still so much more opportunity for me to advance and grow professionally in this role. Right now I will be coordinating calls, conferences, serving as an assistant to our practice manager, with some knowledge work thrown in. And I am a HUGE geek so the knowledge stuff really excites me. You really can determine your own career path.

Anyhoo, I'll be off shortly to celebrate at a happy hour with some of my friends (or whoever shows up; it was sorta last minute) at the Blue Moose in Parma. Thanks to everyone who kept encouraging me during my job quest (especially Angie and Craig)...I am so lucky to have friends and family like you guys. sniff, sniff. : )

Adios amigos!

P.S. Milo has already told me that he expects steak for dinner at least 2x a week now that I'm making more money. Silly dog.

Happy 30th Birthday Debbie!









On Sunday, June 10th, we had a surprise 30th birthday party for Craig's sister Debbie. She was SO shocked and surprised that she burst out into tears (which in turn made me almost cry). I'm attaching some of the pics I took from that day, but unfortunately I don't have a lot. Brian's wife Kim took the bulk of the pics. Actually, Kim and Brian (ahem, Kim) did the bulk of the work. :) But we did a great job in putting together an awesome party for Deb, and she had a really good time. And to those of you who were there: thanks for helping make that day so happy for her.


Debbie finding out that everyone is there just for her...

Debbie greeting her guests:

Craig helping Baby Max enjoy the festivities:

The Perry/Davis/Salviejo Family:

Milo roots for the Cavs...









Maybe our free-throw skills are out here somewhere...

Win one for me...please.

Almost done!

Yay, 6 weeks after beginning work on our front yard we're almost done!! This past Saturday I had new topsoil, grass seed, and straw delivered so I could begin planting the new grass. I began at 10:30 a.m. and 8 hours later, everything was in. And as a bonus I got a MAJOR sunburn on my shoulders (and since I very rarely burn you know it had to have been bad).

It was the most perfect day though: clear blue skies, 75 degrees, light wind. Even though this has been mainly my project I did have some help. Craig and my neighbors (Jason, Angel, and their 2-year old) helped lay down the straw. It was so funny (and cute) to see this little kid just go to town with throwing straw everywhere. And then I put Craig on clean-up duty. :)

I'll post some before and after pics once the grass starts coming through. To recap on what I did: I killed the grass by Jason and Angel's driveway and filled it with stone, built a flower bed/retaining wall in the front, got rid of all the old grass and added new topsoil and planted new grass seed, and planted shrubs, plants, and flowers in the appropriate places. I want to put a tree on the tree lawn but the one I want (Japanese maple) goes for around $250, so that'll wait.

Adios muchachos!

I see you...
















Have a good weekend!