I passed with PRIDE-

I passed the exam- I am now a CLU and I get another free trip to San Francisco in November- hurray! I can take three more tests for an additional certification- but at this point I am not sure that I really want more letters behind my name on my business card- now I have MBA, CLU. What an alphabet.

I also celebrated the Pride weekend- perhaps a little too much.. I am hungover and sunburned.. it was not a pretty Monday at all- of course the fact that I had to be up at 4:30am to leave for Davenport, Iowa didn't really help the matter one bit. With God as my witness (an my blog readers too)- I never want to drink that much vodka ever again- yikes. Megan made these fabulous screwdrivers that went down very very easy and the parade just kept getting more and more fun. If you want more "stories" of the weekend- you will have to call me personally- I can devulge all my secrets on the world wide web (GASP).

I am starting to feel more in a groove with work- things are flowing very nice. The work at home routine is getting much more comfortable- I still need to spend some time organizing the house and the office- but that will come in good time- for now my philosophy has been to see as many people as I can and try to network in business as much as I can- in this business it is all about networking and making contacts. In the wholesaling world keeping a full calendar is the hardest task at times and right now that is not an issue for me- so I am considering myself lucky and figure a dry spell for appointments will come sooner or later and then I can organize the office.

I just talked to Helene and she is coming up to chicago Thursday- we are going to have such a fun time together. I only wish that she could have brought here dog Austin so that Trevor would have had a playmate on the beach.

Off to relax for the evening- catch you later.

A quickie-

Hello all- I have not forgotten about you- I have just been BUSY BUSY BUSY.

If you believe in prayer (which I do) or good Karma or postive energy flow- then please send me some tomorrow- it is my final exam of my CLU professional designation- it is on Fundamentals of Income Taxation- needles to say I have been spending too much time the last couple of weeks concentrating on that evil subject and not truly having fun. I will be so happy to not have to drive around and listen to those audio review CDs-

This weekend is Pride in Chicago- Megan and I are doing the Run with Pride on Saturday AM and then I am invited to a party on Sunday to watch the parade- how fun is that?

Next week is the excited trip to exotic and beautiful Iowa (Dubuque, Davenport, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids- wohoo!!!!) Can't wait baby- bring it on.

Off to work-

I have confessed-

Last night I took a break from the boxes and from studying for my exam next Friday to see MADONNA!!!!! The United Center was a rocking- the show was incredible-- I went alone but made quick friends with the gay couple next to us- we danced the entire show- my feet were so sore and I had no voice left - but the concert was well worth all the hype and the hefty ticket price!!!

If you can get the chance to see the show- DO IT!! Paul did you guys go out in San Jose?

Yesterday was quite the day- I have a 3 hour planning session with the boss- then 3 appointments, followed by a happy hour, followed by Madonna- yikes!

On top of all that I am now in contract for my condo in OH- YAHOOO--- and I got an incredible offer- which is amazing considering how flat the market is in Ohio right now and there are 14 other units for sale in my complex-- I guess my excellent decorating taste paid off!

I have a very busy Thursday and Friday - I have to do 3 group meeting and present to about 100 brokers- so I will be a busy busy boy!

I wanted to say hello to you all and let you know I am OK and having a GREAT time in Chicago-

TGIF

I have been here for a week, and what a week it has been. The move was rough and bumpy at times-- kind of like and expressway with potholes... but I have made it OK. I am adjusting nicely to working from home and enjoying the commute to my dining with a pot of coffee in hand each morning- it is also nice to spend more time with the dog-- although I was one the phone with a client yesterday and the UPS man came with package, when the doorbell rang it was like Trevor decided to bark up a storm (as always) and the broker was like "what's going on??"

The week has been full of lots of office work, phone calls, a couple of really good meetings and yes UNPACKING- I really feel incredible momentum in the job... from my intial impression of the territory I think this is going to be a great job- I have already getting lots of support and good feedback.

I am really scared about 1 thing- my multi purpose device-- the company bought me a printer, fax, scanner, copier-- You mean it doesn't make toast??? What good is this thing--- and then my Blackberry device just scares me- it is very complicated-- I need to dedicate some time to watch the interactive CD-Rom that came with it--- and now I am planning to go to Best Buy and purchase a GPS system??? Am I insane??? It is so much technology so fast-- I am on overload of new buttons to push-- Yikes!

I am excited because my new neighborhood is having a street festival this weekend- lots of music, artists, dancers, and the like-- I plan to scope it out. I also want to take a Yoga class at my new gym- which is right around the corner (gotta love that)--

I just realized I went car-free for over 24 hours - WOW -- what a great feeling-

Have a great weekend- and please email me at brackenridge43228@hotmail.com with the links to you blogs!!!! I need to keep track of my friends!

Also I do not want to post my new address of phone numbers on here- so if you need them, please email me.

Wow- is this for real??

Reality is settling in- and I can't really believe that this is all happening. It is kind of unreal and yet at the same time very very fun!

I wished Mom & Dad goodbye this morning. It was great to have their love, support, and physical assistance in the move. I think my Mom should have a how-to cleaning show on HGTV-- she scrubbed this pas until she had nothing left to scrub! I still have some boxes (ok many many boxes) to unpack... but I will get those unpacked in good time.

I am really enjoying the new neighborhood-- it is so dog friendly- Trevor has already made many new friends. I am enjoying taking him on walks and exploring the neighborhood.

Also- if you have a blog or friendster site or myspace site- please email the hyperlink to your site- as I lost all my bookmarked favorites in the transition- and I miss reading about all of my friends life and times..

OK - I am tired and ready for a hot shower.

All settled in??

I made it- all the stuff made it too. Who knew that I had that much crap???? I sure didn't! I kept thinking that the movers had to be done -- but no- More and more and more and more boxes kept coming in the door- I couldn't believe it... I have the main floor of the house in decent order- I have clothes to wear to work tomorrow- I can fix a meal in the kitchen, take a shower, and even watch my fabulous new 42" plasma TV--

So far I have really enjoyed the new neighborhood- I haven't "hit the town" yet as the parents are still here and helping me settle- I hope that this beautiful weather sticks around a little longer so that as I become more and more settled and can find some free time to get out and enjoy the neighborhood and all that the city has to offer!

OK- I am tired and will post more later.

Reflections on Moving On.

This is it- my last morning waking up in Columbus, my furniture is on a large truck somewhere between here and Chicago. I slept in a hotel last night and will spend the next few days at my parents home before reconstructing my life.

Yesterday it hit me like a semi-truck that IT'S OVER- there is no turning back. The place that I called home and retreated to for 6 years is vacant. There have been good and bad times in Columbus. I officially was born and raised in Kenton, Ohio-- I went to college and most would say I "came of age" while at Bluffton College- but personally I feel I really became comfortable in my skin here. I made some mistakes- had some fun- made good friends- but most of all I evoloved into the person I am today. Thank you Columbus for that.

I now am ready to move forward and face the future- yes I am a little scared and nervous for what the future holds- as I should be- but I am excited.. ready for the new adventures that life holds.

Now I need to vent- I am really surprised at how self centered some of my friends and family have been during this whole move.... I enjoy being a supportive and giving perons- but the past two weeks have been times that I needed my friends and family for me to lean on- and quite frankly some of the them failed me.... many came through and for their support both physical and emotional I am grateful. I think that we can all at times be self absorbed- but we need to be conscious of the needs of those around us- just some food for thought.

Oh- one last randon thought-- I thought the girl should have won American Idol.

Reflections on Moving On.

This is it- my last morning waking up in Columbus, my furniture is on a large truck somewhere between here and Chicago. I slept in a hotel last night and will spend the next few days at my parents home before reconstructing my life.

Yesterday it hit me like a semi-truck that IT'S OVER- there is no turning back. The place that I called home and retreated to for 6 years is vacant. There have been good and bad times in Columbus. I officially was born and raised in Kenton, Ohio-- I went to college and most would say I "came of age" while at Bluffton College- but personally I feel I really became comfortable in my skin here. I made some mistakes- had some fun- made good friends- but most of all I evoloved into the person I am today. Thank you Columbus for that.

I now am ready to move forward and face the future- yes I am a little scared and nervous for what the future holds- as I should be- but I am excited.. ready for the new adventures that life holds.

Now I need to vent- I am really surprised at how self centered some of my friends and family have been during this whole move.... I enjoy being a supportive and giving perons- but the past two weeks have been times that I needed my friends and family for me to lean on- and quite frankly some of the them failed me.... many came through and for their support both physical and emotional I am grateful. I think that we can all at times be self absorbed- but we need to be conscious of the needs of those around us- just some food for thought.

Oh- one last randon thought-- I thought the girl should have won American Idol.

I said HEY what's going on????

Whew- this whole moving business is exhausting!!! When I bought this place 6 years ago I closed on June 25th and then moved in on July 15th- so I had a few weeks and a holiday weekend to move and clean. Each night after work I went to my apartment and loaded up the car and took a load to the new place. On moving day I basically had the entire place moved except for the large items.

Now I am having movers coming and load me up. I am kind of excited to have a crew of professional movers pack all my stuff. Finally I feel ready and prepared for them to come.

I met with the realtor last night- she was really impressed with my place- I do need to clean that dingy back room of the basement and make it more presentable before I officially put it on the market.

This week has been full of useless training- yesterday I spent 3 hours in a class to teach me how to use Nationwide's email system- which I have been using for 5 and a half years-- doesn't make much sense does it?

OK- I have the AM off and have some errands to run.. I wanted to keep everyone up to date on my life and times!!

Welcome Dillon James!

My second nephew was born Friday May 19th at 1:02 PM at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. I enjoyed lots of baby time over the weekend. Nothing will destress a person more that holding a new bundle of joy.

Delivery Day-

It is finally here- May 19th and today at noon my second nephew will be born. It seems like only yesterday that Devan was born- but I keep reminding myself that was practically 3 years ago. So this will be an interesting weekend full of family fun I am sure. I just can't wait to hold the new baby- what an awesome experience. It will be somewhat new - since Devan was a premie and only weighed 4 pounds- and was in ICU for a month before I could hold him.

I have to admit that I cried last night during Will and Grace-- over the years I have loved the show- especially the humor of Karen & Jack. In the past few years I thought the writing had gotten weak and a bit too far fetched-- like Stan Walker dying and then coming back because he facked his death. In the end the message was simple- it is all about family and friends and the bond that we share... sometimes the road gets bumpy- but we have to hang on for the ride.
The show ansered alot of questions and gave me sense of resolution- it was so much resolution for a one hour show- I wish that they would have made it a 2 hour show- there were so many questions still to answer.

Now- move details.
Next Thursday is packing day- the moving company comes in and turns my home into a wonderland of boxes.
Next Friday - loading day- the big truck comes to take my stuff to Chicago.
All they can tell me at this time is that it will arrive in Chicago the next week- so I plan to go to the parents for Memorial Day weekend to have some quality baby time!

TGIF and have a great weekend.

New Pad- New City-

It has been a very stressful and crazy week.
First I must give a HUGE thank you to my awesome friend Megan and her wonderful husband Matt for being such great friends to me- they not only listened to me unwind after a busy day of apartment hunting- but Megan made time in her very busy schedule to tag along with me and a realtor to view some properties.

After getting an education on what was available for rent and what my dollar could purchase I decided to rent for a year and see how things go. I also totally fell in love with the apartment- it is so perfect- I even have huge deck that I can bbq on this summer- and the place has incredible character. It is in a great area of town called Andersonville- it is close to the EL, the lake, and I can walk 2 short blocks to great cafes, coffee shops, a gym, and even cool bars! Of course Matt & Megan being less that a mile away is a nice selling point as well. It is a huge 3 bedrooms and 2 baths- so please come and visit as I have plenty of room. Don't forget about the 42" plasma that will be in my den!

I have to be honest I was a complete mess until I made the decision to rent- and now I have an overwhelming peace of mind- I feel this was where I was meant to be.

Tonite was totally fun- 2 of my favorite girls were my "dates" for the evening of dinner and margaritas! Missy, Dawn, & I had a fabulous time at a local bar and grill. I am looking forward to hanging out with my girls since I will now be a local!

I am tired tonite and hope that I can have a wonderful weekend filled with family and friends- and of course I will not forget Mother's Day.

Relocation Update-

I am here in the Windy City and getting ready to take Chicago by storm.
So far from the business meetings I have had- this is a market prime and ready for picking.. I should do very very well in my sales endeavors. I have looked at some apartments last night and found one that I really like- of course it is also the most explensive place i have seen to date. Today I am exploring the purchase route to see if that is the more fiscally responsible way to go (man that sounded Republican - UGH!!!!)--

I did enjoy having a few drinks with Megan and Matt last night which gave me a good time to unwind and decompress from the day. I am excited to have Megan come along with me today to look at some condos as well- it is alwyas good to have another set of eyes to survey the property.

I need to run for now- I am sad that I missed American Idol last night- to be honest I am not terribly impressed with anyone that is left-- so whoever wins winds- that is how I look at it.

Keep checking in for more updates and pray that the things swirling in my head slow down so I can get a decent nights sleep. Tomorrow I am off to Milwaukee, WI-- anyone need some cheese??

Ferugson Rocks!!!!!!

Ok- I have to brag on one of my bestest friends-- Ferguson (otherwise known as Laura). She came to Columbus Saturday evening and after an evening of crashing on the couch and watching TV we were off to Bob Evans for all types of buttermilk pancake goodness!!! Next we went to Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy of the Chicago Tribune- guess what the front page cover story was??? "Finally a Buyers Market in Chicago"-- Hurray, because I need to buy a place ASAP!!! Laura & I then attacked the BASEMENT!!!! 6 years of unneccessary junk and dust bunnies were waiting for us. I think there were boxes of stuff I had not unpaked or even though about since college!!! YIKES!!! I need to make a resolution that in Chicago I will not be such a bad packrat. PURGE PURGE PURGE!!! We then went to the church to unload friend Helene's very macho truck (thanks Helen-- You ROCK too!!!) for the rummage sale- some United Methodist Mission project is going to profit big time from my relocation. I then rewarded Larua- we had a delightful Al Fresco (or is it Alfredo???-- an inside joke -- ask Laura)- lunch at my favorite organic cafe in The Short North.. we shared the most Insanely delicious double chocolate cookie I have ever eaten- we both agreed that maybe we should try to legally marry that cookie instead of finding life partners!!!!

Ok- so it is Monday Morning at 9am and I am stuck in the Columbus aiport- Thank you American Airlines for screwing up my day- I am supposed to be in Chicago by now- but my plane's engine apparently was ready to explode or something like that -so I am stuck waiting until 10:39 for a United flight- UGH-- Thank God Columbus airport has free wireless internet.

I am doing OK on the entire relocation thing- except I am STRESSED to the max. I am not really sleeping too well. Currently there are just so many unknowns and my Type A personality is going crazy trying to answer all the unknowns-- ARRRGGGGHHHH..

I hope to have a new pad secured this week- don't worry I will take pictures and post as soon as I can!!!

Take care and have a wonderful week!!!

Details, details, details....

Have you ever tried to pack up 6 years of your life in 30 days or less??? If you have then you know the stress and sense of being overwhelmed that I am going through!

Here is what I know as of now: I start June 1, 2006 in Chicago.
I will be in Chicago next week to secure a place to live and such.
My sister is having her baby in 2 weeks.
I have too much CRAP!

Other than that my life is a bowl of questions- and I am struggling to find the answers. I know they will come but for me sooner is better than later.

I did get the offer- and let me say I was enjoying seeing so many zeros!!! Wohooo!!!!! Praise the LORD!!! AMEN!!!

OK- so next week good friends and fellow Bloggers Dawn & Megan will be house hunting with me in The Windy city and my good friend Helene will be dog and house sitting for Trevor!
I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

I will be posting all vital information on my life and times on here.

Dreams do come true...

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!!!

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---

More San Fran Pictures-

Niki- these are for you!

Golden Gate Picture

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