I am back in Columbus and I have enjoyed a good night's sleep in my own bed. I have always slept with feather down pillows and hotles just don't have them- so sleeeping in my own bed felt incredible. It was also great to be reunited with my lovable pooch, Trevor. He was so excited to see me.
OK- so here is the deal-- I have one firm job offer and another job that is a potential (keep in mind that all of this is due to my hard work in San Francisco paying off). The firm is is my dream job in my favorite city- that is right CHICAGO!!!!! The second job is a position in San Francisco. The Vice President of the bank divison of Nationwide Insurance was so impressed at what I was able to do in just 2 weeks that he wants to create a job for me in CA. There is a problem with the CA job- that is there is no funding right now for the position and getting the corporate requisition approved might take 2-3 months. Yesterday while at Midway airport in Chicago I spoke to the manager that hired me into Nationwide and a good friend & mentor. He reccomends taking the Chicago job based on what he has seen happening at the upper levels of management. I am also really excited about moving into my incredible friend Megan's neighborhood.
With all that being said - I am going to take this weekend to meditate and think about all my options. I am still in SHOCK that after 5 years of trying to get on management's radar- I MADE IT!!! Wohoo.
So- what can all of my loyal friends do?? Pray for me and my family as I make this life changing decision and then come and visit me when I get settled!!!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Opening Doors-
What an adventure the last week or so has been. This experience has been truly AMAZING.
First for the weekend "tourist" update- On Friday night I explored the Fisherman's Wharf region and went on a Sunset cruise on SF Bay- and watched the sunset as we cruised under the Golden Gate Bridge- truly spectacular! Saturday I first explored the many shopping opportunities that are right on my doorstep in Union Sq. I next took a 3 hour bus tour of San Francisco. It was beautiful- we saw it all and the weather was wonderful. That night I night I had a great dinner at Fisherman's wharf - and then hit the town to check out the night life and boogie boogie boogie. Sunday- I slept in- Hurray-- then I drove to Muir Woods just nort of the Golden Gate bridge and saw the Redwood Forest- that was truly amazing. I also circled over to see Muir Beach and enjoyed some serene time along the Pacific coast. When I got back- I was tired- but managed to muster up enough energy to meet friend Paul and his partner James for some drinks and dancing before getting back to work on Monday. All in all a fun fun weekend.
The work component has been amazing- I have opened some great doors for Nationwide and written lots of business. In just a short time I have forged new relationship and built a foundation for the future.
The best part is that word has gotten back to home office and my name is buzzing around with the corporate execs-- I am hearing a buzz about a job offer!!! Wohoo- PROMOTION!!
I will keep everyone up to date on the possible changes coming in my life when I get more information.
I hope you all enjoy the pictures I posted earlier this evening---
First for the weekend "tourist" update- On Friday night I explored the Fisherman's Wharf region and went on a Sunset cruise on SF Bay- and watched the sunset as we cruised under the Golden Gate Bridge- truly spectacular! Saturday I first explored the many shopping opportunities that are right on my doorstep in Union Sq. I next took a 3 hour bus tour of San Francisco. It was beautiful- we saw it all and the weather was wonderful. That night I night I had a great dinner at Fisherman's wharf - and then hit the town to check out the night life and boogie boogie boogie. Sunday- I slept in- Hurray-- then I drove to Muir Woods just nort of the Golden Gate bridge and saw the Redwood Forest- that was truly amazing. I also circled over to see Muir Beach and enjoyed some serene time along the Pacific coast. When I got back- I was tired- but managed to muster up enough energy to meet friend Paul and his partner James for some drinks and dancing before getting back to work on Monday. All in all a fun fun weekend.
The work component has been amazing- I have opened some great doors for Nationwide and written lots of business. In just a short time I have forged new relationship and built a foundation for the future.
The best part is that word has gotten back to home office and my name is buzzing around with the corporate execs-- I am hearing a buzz about a job offer!!! Wohoo- PROMOTION!!
I will keep everyone up to date on the possible changes coming in my life when I get more information.
I hope you all enjoy the pictures I posted earlier this evening---
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
San Francisco
I have now been in they Bay area for almost a week. It has been busy busy busy- but very good. I am here to cover for a wholesaler on maternity leave. I have had at least 3 sales calls each day- now that doesn't sound like much- but add in driving in SF and you will be whipped. With my current situation at Nationwide and being up for a promotion- I am really considering this a 2 week job interview process. So it has be nothing but work- except Wednesday night I met college friend and Northern Ireland roomie Paul and his partner James. They gave me the royal treatment in San Jose and treated me to the most delicious Pan Asian dinner- and then a quick tour of the city. I hope that we can hang out again before I leave town.
Sad to say but the sightseeing has been minimal. I plan to make up for that this weekend for sure.
I have snapped a few photos with my camera phone- but none with the real camera yet- that will be this weekend.
I did have fortune to be in SF for to 100th anniversary of the big 1906 quake- it was scary to think of how devasting the quake was- and even more humbling to think of what the next big one will do. I just pray I am back in the midwest when that happens.
I was at Wells Fargo Bank today for an appt- they have a nice CA history museum in their lobby for free- and I was reading that the earth shifted 21 Feet in the 1906 quake!!!!! Yikes!!!!
Have a great weekend all
Sad to say but the sightseeing has been minimal. I plan to make up for that this weekend for sure.
I have snapped a few photos with my camera phone- but none with the real camera yet- that will be this weekend.
I did have fortune to be in SF for to 100th anniversary of the big 1906 quake- it was scary to think of how devasting the quake was- and even more humbling to think of what the next big one will do. I just pray I am back in the midwest when that happens.
I was at Wells Fargo Bank today for an appt- they have a nice CA history museum in their lobby for free- and I was reading that the earth shifted 21 Feet in the 1906 quake!!!!! Yikes!!!!
Have a great weekend all
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Happy Spring-
Wow- spring has really arrived in Ohio. The flowering trees are in full force, daffodils are putting on quite the show, grass is being cut, thank God winter (mild as it was ) is over! The weather has been excellent here- Sunday afternoon with bright sunshine and moderate temperatures Trevor (the dog) and I hit the park for a little recreation. Trevor had other plans- he invaded a group picnic and ate a poor woman's sandwich- it has so funny. I went over and apologized and offered to pay for the sandwich she has lost to my ALWAYS hungry dog. She laughed and showed me their buffet and offered me another sandwich for myself. I still left the park feeling pretty dumb- and Trevor was happy with his full tummy!
The weekend was nice - I visited with the family, saw Ice Age 2 with good friend Laura, had lunch with college friend Wendy Stinebaugh, and spent some quality time in the hot tub (life is good).
I am trying to get into a "Easter Mode" - this is such a glorious season of the religious calendar, but I can not quite get into the spirit. I hope that things will fall into line soon.
For those of you keeping track- I leave for San Francisco on Monday the 17th and return Friday the 28th- I am looking forward to riding on trolley cars and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge- look for the full report here!!!
Have a GREAT day-
The weekend was nice - I visited with the family, saw Ice Age 2 with good friend Laura, had lunch with college friend Wendy Stinebaugh, and spent some quality time in the hot tub (life is good).
I am trying to get into a "Easter Mode" - this is such a glorious season of the religious calendar, but I can not quite get into the spirit. I hope that things will fall into line soon.
For those of you keeping track- I leave for San Francisco on Monday the 17th and return Friday the 28th- I am looking forward to riding on trolley cars and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge- look for the full report here!!!
Have a GREAT day-
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Back to Reality
The rock star lifestyle is over- back to work -- ugh. I guess I was just lucky to get the escape that I did. Even with the luxury of connecting to work via the laptop while I was gone, I still came back to the office and have had 2 days of nonstop chaos.
After the conference I do appear to be a sought after commodity by 2 different managers for a promotion- now if one of them will just come to fruition- I would be very happy.
OK- I am pooped- time for bed.
Goodnight.
After the conference I do appear to be a sought after commodity by 2 different managers for a promotion- now if one of them will just come to fruition- I would be very happy.
OK- I am pooped- time for bed.
Goodnight.
Friday, March 31, 2006
A Great 10 days-
It has been a fast, furious, & fun time here in Southern California. While it is truly beautiful here, I don't think I could ever live here... it just seems so far from the reality that I know as everyday life. The conference was truly excellent- I had such a great time and the networking opportunities that I had while there will help me out in my career.
This week I have worked all week meeting clients in most of Southern CA- from LA to San Diego. It has been rewarding to meet some of the clients in person that I have dealt with over the phone for a year or two. My business partner John Gorman from Phoenix traveled with me Monday & Tuesday- and then I was on my own for the rest of the week. It gave me a taste of what I may experience if I am given to go out in the field.
I think one of my favorite memories of the week was Wednesday night watching the sun set over the Pacific Coast while having dinner and a drink on the patio of the hotel De Coronado- it was breathtaking.
I really enjoyed my time at Palm Springs- it is now on my list for a week long getaway sometme soon.
I am just ready to be home for a few days- before heading to San Franciso on 4-17-05.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Rock Star Weekend-
Greetings from LA- I apologize for not posting sooner- but I was too busy living like a rock star- literally. There was so much going on this weekend- I don't know where to begin- I'll give some highlights.
*Helicopter Ride to Catalina Island
*Private concert by Gladys Knight
*Free top shelf liquor all weeekend
*Hummer limo rides
*Spa day (massage & facials)
*Private show by stand up comedian Kathy Griffin
*Rental of private night club
* Private show by Cirque de Solei
* Gifts of a 42" Plasma TV & a Movado Watch
*Relaxing by the pool
* Walking by the beach
* Making connections with new friends and old at Nationwide.
It really is true that this weekend was so "off the hook" that it is truly hard to put it all into words- I am still kind of in a shock pattern. I am very thankful that I was able to do so well last year and qualify for this conference. Here are some pictures to try show the weekend.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Surf City Here I come!
OK- thanks to the wonders of modern technology (and the computer repair dude I found at my local chinese take out joint)- I am sitting here at the airport terminal in Columbus and I am online and surfing the web- HOW COOL.
It just goes to figure- I could have slept in until like 7:30 AM - and with the dog gone I had not dog to walk- but my body was so excited to go that I just popped up at was wide awake at 5:30AM. Oh well- I enjoyed my time with The Today Show and perky Katie Couric!
I am so looking forward to feeling the warm waters of the Pacific ocean and hearing the quiet hush of the ocean winds-- to me there is nothing more relaxing than the ocean.
Look for picture updates from California this week.
It just goes to figure- I could have slept in until like 7:30 AM - and with the dog gone I had not dog to walk- but my body was so excited to go that I just popped up at was wide awake at 5:30AM. Oh well- I enjoyed my time with The Today Show and perky Katie Couric!
I am so looking forward to feeling the warm waters of the Pacific ocean and hearing the quiet hush of the ocean winds-- to me there is nothing more relaxing than the ocean.
Look for picture updates from California this week.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
One small step for mankind- one GIANT step for Andrew
Ok- Here I sit in Cup of Joe coffee short on N. High Street, logged into the internet via a wireless connection-- I know most of the world has been doing this for the past 2 years- but for me this a huge step. Needless to say this is how I will be able to keep you all up to date while I am on the road in coming months- nice huh????
Right now I am utterly exhausted and I have the entire afternoon and evening still ahead of me- God bless a good nights sleep for this evening.
OK- I need to keep running or else I will fall behind!
Pack Pack Pack!!!
Right now I am utterly exhausted and I have the entire afternoon and evening still ahead of me- God bless a good nights sleep for this evening.
OK- I need to keep running or else I will fall behind!
Pack Pack Pack!!!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Getting Ready-
I have felt like I am a state of getting prepared in so many ways of my life.
Obviously I am getting ready to leave on Wednesday AM for 10 days in Southern California. I am excited for the opportunity to travel and experience the great diversity that our nation offers. I can not wait to feel the waters of the Pacific Ocean at my feet once again.
I found out this week that I did not get the home office promotion at Nationwide. Truly I feel that it is a sign that this was not the right direction for my life. There is another GREAT opportunity that is going to be opening up in June. In preperation of that possible job, I have been asked to substitute for our wholesaler in the San Francisco Bay area - so what this mean is that I will be traveling to the Bay area for about 2-3 weeks in April/ May-- yes that is right after I get home from Los Angeles!
I am very excited to get the opportunity to travel and see San Francisco! Hopefully I can drop in to visit college Friend Paul in San Jose!
Things on the dating scene are taking a good course of events- of course- right when I said I don't want to date- go figure. Things are kind of on hold at this point until I get back from LA- we have talked about flying him out to San Francisco for a weekend while I am out there- how fun would that be!
OK- I am beat and have another big day tomorrow!
I will be posting - complete with pictures from LA this week!
Have a great day.
Obviously I am getting ready to leave on Wednesday AM for 10 days in Southern California. I am excited for the opportunity to travel and experience the great diversity that our nation offers. I can not wait to feel the waters of the Pacific Ocean at my feet once again.
I found out this week that I did not get the home office promotion at Nationwide. Truly I feel that it is a sign that this was not the right direction for my life. There is another GREAT opportunity that is going to be opening up in June. In preperation of that possible job, I have been asked to substitute for our wholesaler in the San Francisco Bay area - so what this mean is that I will be traveling to the Bay area for about 2-3 weeks in April/ May-- yes that is right after I get home from Los Angeles!
I am very excited to get the opportunity to travel and see San Francisco! Hopefully I can drop in to visit college Friend Paul in San Jose!
Things on the dating scene are taking a good course of events- of course- right when I said I don't want to date- go figure. Things are kind of on hold at this point until I get back from LA- we have talked about flying him out to San Francisco for a weekend while I am out there- how fun would that be!
OK- I am beat and have another big day tomorrow!
I will be posting - complete with pictures from LA this week!
Have a great day.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
A step in the right direction-
Whew- what a week it has been- I don't even know where to being-
First off all I am so pumped to be heading off to Los Angeles and Southern California- I leave Wednesday morning the 22nd- I will be taking my newly refurbished laptop that now features wireless internet connectivity! So look for Blog updates- and pictures of the beaches of Southern California.
I am slowly coming to realize that the old phrase, "Where God closes a door, He opens a window" is true. I was not selected for the home office position that I had applied for. However, the same day I found that out- I was asked to cover for a wholesaler that is going on maternity leave next week. She covers San Francisco, CA-- so watch out CA Andrew is coming for several weeks in April and May. This also may lead into being considered another promotion that is opening up this summer- so keep your fingers crossed.
Dad & I will be hitting the Columbus Auto Show this weekend- so I will likely fall in love with several new models of wheels.
I hope everyone has a great St. Patricks Day!
First off all I am so pumped to be heading off to Los Angeles and Southern California- I leave Wednesday morning the 22nd- I will be taking my newly refurbished laptop that now features wireless internet connectivity! So look for Blog updates- and pictures of the beaches of Southern California.
I am slowly coming to realize that the old phrase, "Where God closes a door, He opens a window" is true. I was not selected for the home office position that I had applied for. However, the same day I found that out- I was asked to cover for a wholesaler that is going on maternity leave next week. She covers San Francisco, CA-- so watch out CA Andrew is coming for several weeks in April and May. This also may lead into being considered another promotion that is opening up this summer- so keep your fingers crossed.
Dad & I will be hitting the Columbus Auto Show this weekend- so I will likely fall in love with several new models of wheels.
I hope everyone has a great St. Patricks Day!
A step in the right direction-
Whew- what a week it has been- I don't even know where to being-
First off all I am so pumped to be heading off to Los Angeles and Southern California- I leave Wednesday morning the 22nd- I will be taking my newly refurbished laptop that now features wireless internet connectivity! So look for Blog updates- and pictures of the beaches of Southern California.
I am slowly coming to realize that the old phrase, "Where God closes a door, He opens a window" is true. I was not selected for the home office position that I had applied for. However, the same day I found that out- I was asked to cover for a wholesaler that is going on maternity leave next week. She covers San Francisco, CA-- so watch out CA Andrew is coming for several weeks in April and May. This also may lead into being considered another promotion that is opening up this summer- so keep your fingers crossed.
Dad & I will be hitting the Columbus Auto Show this weekend- so I will likely fall in love with several new models of wheels.
I hope everyone has a great St. Patricks Day!
First off all I am so pumped to be heading off to Los Angeles and Southern California- I leave Wednesday morning the 22nd- I will be taking my newly refurbished laptop that now features wireless internet connectivity! So look for Blog updates- and pictures of the beaches of Southern California.
I am slowly coming to realize that the old phrase, "Where God closes a door, He opens a window" is true. I was not selected for the home office position that I had applied for. However, the same day I found that out- I was asked to cover for a wholesaler that is going on maternity leave next week. She covers San Francisco, CA-- so watch out CA Andrew is coming for several weeks in April and May. This also may lead into being considered another promotion that is opening up this summer- so keep your fingers crossed.
Dad & I will be hitting the Columbus Auto Show this weekend- so I will likely fall in love with several new models of wheels.
I hope everyone has a great St. Patricks Day!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
All types of Craziness-
I have escaped being caught by the police for the "hot" computer that I purchased on Friday- I must say compared to my failing hard drive on the laptop - that this thing is AMAZING. You will likely see more BLOG updates because I will be able to easily do them from home once again!!!
I also bought and IPOD Nano- this weekeend-- I am so addicted to it! I skipped church this morning to set up my Ipod-- I know the wrongness of all of that is too much to handle!!
Ok- so a quick weekend recap-- Friday night 3 hour band rehersal followed with martinis afterward... ask me in person about drinking Vodka in church (LOL).
Saturday I visited the parents, sister, and nephew Devan back in good ole Kenton- who knew taking a 2 year old to a grocery store would be such and adventure- YIKES!! My apologies to the Kroger company for any losses that our visit may have incurred!
Saturday night was date #3- for those of you that are counting---- I am getting closer to disclosing details to the world on the BLOG -- but am not there yet- so just wait you busy bodies!!! I know that is cruel.
Sunday- was IPOD addiction 101-- interrupted by the band concert and post party-- Darn tasty maritinis- YUM!!!
Now I am slightly buzzed and happy from watching Desperate Housewives and ready for bed-- I hope you all had a WONDERFUL weekend.
I hope to hear something about one of the jobs this week - so here's hoping!!
I also bought and IPOD Nano- this weekeend-- I am so addicted to it! I skipped church this morning to set up my Ipod-- I know the wrongness of all of that is too much to handle!!
Ok- so a quick weekend recap-- Friday night 3 hour band rehersal followed with martinis afterward... ask me in person about drinking Vodka in church (LOL).
Saturday I visited the parents, sister, and nephew Devan back in good ole Kenton- who knew taking a 2 year old to a grocery store would be such and adventure- YIKES!! My apologies to the Kroger company for any losses that our visit may have incurred!
Saturday night was date #3- for those of you that are counting---- I am getting closer to disclosing details to the world on the BLOG -- but am not there yet- so just wait you busy bodies!!! I know that is cruel.
Sunday- was IPOD addiction 101-- interrupted by the band concert and post party-- Darn tasty maritinis- YUM!!!
Now I am slightly buzzed and happy from watching Desperate Housewives and ready for bed-- I hope you all had a WONDERFUL weekend.
I hope to hear something about one of the jobs this week - so here's hoping!!
Friday, March 10, 2006
CRAZY
I did something that I would normally deem as crazy- I bought a reconditioned PC for $150 complete package. It is working so far- and I guess if I can get a few months good out of it- then I am none the worse.
I enjoyed a delicious pizza and a cocktail with some great new friends this evening - so all is good.
Goodnight everyone.
I enjoyed a delicious pizza and a cocktail with some great new friends this evening - so all is good.
Goodnight everyone.
Crash-
First the movie then my PC hard drive--- Yup my laptop hard drive has crashe once again. This is not the first time that this has happened- so I had already backed up all my data and pictures.
It has been a very stressful and busy week- work has been very demanding and I am just ready to have this week over with. Without divulging a lot of the details- I have some really big decisions that I will be faced with in the next week or two.
I am just praying that the best doors will be opened for me and that I will be shown the right path for me to take.
It is only 12 days until I leave for the awards conference in Huntington Beach, CA- I am so excited. I really need to go shopping this weekend.
So that it the boring report from my end of the world--I Hope you are doing well.
It has been a very stressful and busy week- work has been very demanding and I am just ready to have this week over with. Without divulging a lot of the details- I have some really big decisions that I will be faced with in the next week or two.
I am just praying that the best doors will be opened for me and that I will be shown the right path for me to take.
It is only 12 days until I leave for the awards conference in Huntington Beach, CA- I am so excited. I really need to go shopping this weekend.
So that it the boring report from my end of the world--I Hope you are doing well.
Monday, March 06, 2006
It's hard out there for a pimp....
I wrote this post last night while watching the Oscars- I am in shock that the Pimp song beat Dolly Parton--- what is this world coming to??? Yikes.. anyways here is the rest of my entry as written:
A very busy and a very fun weekend-
Where to begin? OK- well how about Friday night - I had a date! Wohoo.
Even though I said I was going to give up dating for lent- I let this one
squeak in at the last minute- so what the hey. I am not going to give out
much detiails- I'll keep my audience in suspense.
I had a great time- and we are to have dinner tonite (Monday night).
Saturday was a crazy busy day-- I have 2 incredible opportunities that I am
applying for within Nationwide. They both have good and bad points and
there are things that I really like about each of them. I am really turning
this one over to God and praying that the right opportunity is the one that
I am choosen for.
Saturday night my friend Alan and I checked out the new Q bar and nightclub
in downtown Columbus-- it was really nice. We stayed out a little too late-
so I kind of slept through church today- oops!
The parents stopped by for dinner on their way home from Florida. It was
nice to hear about their many wild adventures in the South.
Well I've got to get the work week started-- take care.
A very busy and a very fun weekend-
Where to begin? OK- well how about Friday night - I had a date! Wohoo.
Even though I said I was going to give up dating for lent- I let this one
squeak in at the last minute- so what the hey. I am not going to give out
much detiails- I'll keep my audience in suspense.
I had a great time- and we are to have dinner tonite (Monday night).
Saturday was a crazy busy day-- I have 2 incredible opportunities that I am
applying for within Nationwide. They both have good and bad points and
there are things that I really like about each of them. I am really turning
this one over to God and praying that the right opportunity is the one that
I am choosen for.
Saturday night my friend Alan and I checked out the new Q bar and nightclub
in downtown Columbus-- it was really nice. We stayed out a little too late-
so I kind of slept through church today- oops!
The parents stopped by for dinner on their way home from Florida. It was
nice to hear about their many wild adventures in the South.
Well I've got to get the work week started-- take care.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
An overdue update-
Hello BLOG world- I realized today that I had not posted a while.
First big news- I passed test # 7 out of 8 towards my CLU designation-- Hurray!
The bad news is I turned right around and registered for #8- Income Taxation- yeah sounds like a load of fun huh?? Wanna help me study???
I guess there is really nothing else exciting going on in my world right now.
It was a weekend of relaxing- hanging out with some friends. Finally saw Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire at the dollar theater.
For February the weather has been AWESOME - so Trevor and I have been taking advantage of this and getting in some extra long walks and park time. There seem to be a surplus in ducks at the pond in the park- but Trevor loves to chase them and frolik with them.
The parents are in Florida- so they are keeping themselves entertained for a little bit.
It seems that everyone near and around me is pregnant- so any women reading this blog- be careful and take extra precautions if you don't want a baby soon!
Gotta run- take care and keep in touch.
First big news- I passed test # 7 out of 8 towards my CLU designation-- Hurray!
The bad news is I turned right around and registered for #8- Income Taxation- yeah sounds like a load of fun huh?? Wanna help me study???
I guess there is really nothing else exciting going on in my world right now.
It was a weekend of relaxing- hanging out with some friends. Finally saw Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire at the dollar theater.
For February the weather has been AWESOME - so Trevor and I have been taking advantage of this and getting in some extra long walks and park time. There seem to be a surplus in ducks at the pond in the park- but Trevor loves to chase them and frolik with them.
The parents are in Florida- so they are keeping themselves entertained for a little bit.
It seems that everyone near and around me is pregnant- so any women reading this blog- be careful and take extra precautions if you don't want a baby soon!
Gotta run- take care and keep in touch.
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