**** PROMOTION !!!!!! ****

CONGRATULATIONS Greg!

He finally earned his promotion! It has been a long haul (especially for the last few months) but he not only successfully trained and promoted his trainee, but he kicked ass and was taking names on his sign off on Tuesday 09/11/07. The regional manager flew in from Sacramento and observed during the sign off and both her and the local area manager were very impressed with Greg's skills and accomplishments. Next step is GM (maybe next year?)

This promotion, while a financial gain for us, is also a huge emotional win for us. Just over 3 years ago we moved from Visalia, away from friends and family, to come here and start a new journey. We were so poor we could barely afford to pay the rent. We struggled big time. We questioned (frequently) whether or not the move was worth it, should we go back and go where we knew it was comfortable? We decided we weren't going to go home crying with our tails between our legs. We were determined to win. Greg slugged it out at school, worked part time when he was able. I worked at that god forsaken clinic downtown where I wasn't paid enough for the work I was doing. We did our best and tried to be optimistic. Slowly things started to fall into place; I got a better job (then I certified and became a permanent full time employee), Greg graduated, got a good job, and now this promotion. It has been tough but worth it. The best thing we did (since getting hitched and having Belly) was to take a leap of faith and try and make a go of our dreams.

We have a lot of work left to do; more promotions (hopefully sooner than later) to work towards, more financial goals to attain, more kids to be had, more travels to be done, but for now, I think Greg deserves a big round of applause. Job well done!!

Greg celebrating on 09.11.07 at Henry's Tavern in downtown PDX

You are looking at the new Apprentice!

Greg and Annie, celebrating our little victory