End of an Era

When I graduated from Western in December of 2004 I was lucky enough to have a job lined up before graduation. It didn't matter to me that it was only a temporary assignment, it was a job, it was experience in what I wanted to do and it PAID!

It's been three and a half years since I first started at Mullen...I still remember my first day. I was so early that I went to the McDonald's down the road (which is totally out of the way, and totally in the hood, and I 'm not quite sure how I found it) for a sausage McMuffin. When I eventually made my way into my new office, dressed in a full big-girl business suit, I noticed that I looked a bit out of place. It seems that my new co-workers neglected to tell me that for the two weeks before Christmas, GM is shut down so everyone wears jeans, sweatshirts and tennis shoes(needless to say, I adjusted my wardrobe for my second day on the job). However, I knew I had found the perfect job when my new team took me out for martini's after work that day.

Anyhow, the point of this post is to share the news of my NEW job! Yes, I've taken a huge, giant leap out of my little comfortable box and got a new job! I've taken a job at GM R*Works, General Motor's event planning agency. My new title - Experiential Marketing Specialist. I'm very excited for this new opportunity and I think it's an area of marketing that I'll really enjoy.

BUT - I can't even tell you how hard it was to quit. I've gone to the same place every day for 3 1/2 years. I know everyone I work with by first and last name. I know where they grew up, I know how many kids they have, I know what they like/dislike about their spouses, I know their shoe sizes. I learned everything I know about the world of advertising from these people. I'm so grateful that I crossed paths with each and every one of them.

It's going to be a bittersweet day when I finally leave 300 River Place for the last time. So be thinking of me around 5:30 on June 11th. I'll probably need some encouragement.

Mom, You'd Be Proud

I've never been much of a gardener but these super cute pots I got at IKEA a while back inspired me to plant some flowers!






I had originally bought the lilies, forgetting how small my IKEA pots actually were. So back the store I went and got some smaller varieties. I think lilies might be one of my favorite flowers though, they're so bright and colorful!

We'll see how long I can keep them alive...then I'll know if I was passed the green thumb gene from my mom or not.

Basketball, Hockey, Baseball, and Karaoke

Saturday night was a great night to watch sports in Detroit. Gary and I went to Doc's Sports Retreat with Brad, Anj, and Larry to watch the Pistons, Redwings and Tigers play. Doc's has got the most TV's I've ever seen in one place so it's a perfect place to watch multiple games.

Two out of the three won, not too bad I guess! After the games we headed to the Starting Gate Saloon where my friend Andrea from work was celebrating her birthday with some karaoke. Gary and I both got up to sing...here's a few pictures of us in actions:

Gary and the birthday girl sing a lovely duet

Me trying to hit that high note in Journey's Don't Stop Believin'

I am SO bad at golf

Friday afternoon, Gary and I decided to take advantage of both of us getting home from work early by playing a round of golf. There is a small par 3 course by our house, perfect for me who tends to have a short attention span when golfing. I think I had one good shot but the rest were really bad. Gary says I try to swing too hard. I think I need to hit the range first before attempting to play a course again.

Nice back swing!

And my attempt...

Maybe a bigger ball will help?

Thank you Uncle Sam, Thank you Kwame

I finally got my Economic Stimulus check today! I feel like I'm the last to get it...dang social security number. I also received my City of Detroit tax refund yesterday in the mail. I'm suprised because usually it doesn't come until August. Maybe Kwame is trying to pay off the people of Detroit so they don't think he's such an idiot anymore?

Anyone up for a shopping spree? :)

Logan's First Birthday

This past weekend Gary and I were home to celebrate Logan's first birthday and Mother's Day. I haven't been home since Easter and I swear both boys have grown up SO much since then! Chase has to be almost a foot taller (OK I might be exaggerating but it sure seems like it!) and Logan is walking all over the place now!

The weather was beautiful Saturday morning so the girls were able to catch a few rays and drink a few Pina Coladas. It started to cloud up and get a little cool but fortunately it didn't rain so we were able to continue the festivities outside as planned!

Here's the birthday boy playing outside

The theme of the party was "Bugs", my mom and sister made an adorable caterpillar cake

Dad had to bring out the remote control speed boat

Chase enjoying the some watermelon! A true sign of summer.

Logan probably would have stayed in the swing all day long if we had let him!

Eat 'em Up Tigers

Last night I went to my first Tiger's game of the 2008 season. They played the Boston Red Sox which is always fun because we have a mini rivalry in our office as some of the people I work with are originally from Boston. Tiger's pulled it off with a win in the 9th inning, it was a very exciting game. The weather wasn't great as you can see from the rain clouds in the picture below. We didn't care though, we were nice and cozy and DRY in the General Motors suite!

Commentary by Kate

So I'm trying my hand at something new.

There is nothing I hate more than spending my hard earned money on something (i.e. makeup, lotion, books, etc.) and then discovering I hate it once I get home. I place a tremendous amount value the opinions of other people who have tried things. Therefore, I'm starting my second blog, Tried and Tru.

I'll be writing about products I try, books I read, and anything else under the sun all in an effort to make YOUR life easier.

Check it out at:

http://triedandtru.blogspot.com/

Grillin'

One of our favorite things to do when the weather gets nice is GRILL! Gary put together our new grill yesterday and we had Ryan and Lisa over for burgers and corn on the cob. I'm so glad summer is on it's way!!



Special thanks to Grandma Pat and Les, the grill works great! Just like new!

Messy and Emmy's Wedding

This past weekend we were in Ohio for Gary's best friend's wedding. Although the weather wasn't the best we still had a great time. The wedding was beautiful, the food was good, and a fun time was had by all! I'm sad it's over, I've been looking forward to it for a while. Here are some pics:

Gary and I at rehearsal dinner

Mr. and Mrs. D'Antonio!

Gary and I at the reception

Lisa and I with the bride

Me and the boys!