Mike this is the greatest idea ever! The first to get married....the first to have grand kids....the first to become a doctor.....and full of brilliant ideas:) Seriously, I have often wished that we would have all stayed in better touch than we have. This Christmas I noticed that there were not as many people at my Christmas Eve dinner as I remember being there just a few years ago. I know that we all grow up and start our own families but I miss those days when things seemed to simple. I remember the last time that we were all together at Grandpa's funeral. It was so great to spend time with my cousins and remember all of the great memories we have as a family.
Most of you know that I got married in November of 2005. I married this really amazing guy, really. I am not just saying that either. He is literally "everything I never knew I always wanted". I never thought that I would find this kind of love in my life. His family is amazing and I now have two new sisters, a new brother, a nephew and about a million more cousins. Glenn and I are doing really great. We are living in south St. Louis city and have two dogs, Lola & Pablo. He just transferred to a new high school where he continues to teach history in the inner city. He loves his work and for the first time in a while I have seen his passion come back. He loves those kids more than anything and it is so great to see him excited about his work again.
I have spent the last seven years in retail management working my up through Starbucks and then taking a position at a national salon/retail chain, Beauty First. I don't know how I lasted as long as I did. Since getting married my career has become much less important to me. I realized how much of my life was devoted to my job and I didn't like it. When Glenn started threatening to throw my cell phone into the street I knew it was time to make a change. I left my job, without having another one, and went on the hunt for the "perfect job". Like that exists right. I wanted something with a regular m-f schedule, good salary, good benefits, and I wanted to do something where I really felt like I was making a difference in people lives. This is honestly what I set out to find. After two months of searching and praying I found it. I have been working at Allied College as an admissions counselor. My close friends find this really funny because I don't like school and I flunked out of college. Minor details I say. I basically get to talk to people all day on the phone and in person and help them figure out a way to change their life for the better, and find a career that will give them self worth and independence. I have met some of the most incredible people. For the first time in a long time I can actually say that I love what I do.
My Mom and Dad are doing great. Dad is completely retired for the last 6 years or so. He plays tennis 3 or 4 times a week and almost always kicks butt. This last year he competed in the senior Olympics and took home a bronze medal. All of that at the wee age of 76! Mom is still very involved with her bible study at church. She is still struggling with her arthritis. I am blown away by her strength. She recently started on a new drug called Orencia. It is similar to IV chemotherapy medications. It is pretty intense. She takes a lot of pain medication to control her symptoms. As usual she rarely complains about her condition. They are both ready to travel more and enjoy what time she has left to be able bodied. As of right now she is not having to use a cane or wheelchair to get around.
I could write and write about everything going on in my life. I will simply say that I am truly blessed. I have an amazing family on all sides and I am married to a man who has brought the greatest joy and peace to my life. The next step is to have kids of our own and hopefully that blessing will come soon.
I am so excited to hear everything that is going on with all of you. My love and prayers have been with you and will contine to be.
Julie
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