Amy in New Jersey

This past week has been hard for me with Amy in New Jersey. We are in a different point of our relationship than where we were when I went to Israel and Amy went on her vacation to NJ and San Diego back in June. It is hard to be apart but this past week has realized how much Amy means to me and how much she is to be an important part of my life. Amy comes back on Saturday night and I get to see her again. I am so excited. :) She starts her new job this Monday at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as a Dietician and then back to Orlando next Wednesday night to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with the family. I am also happy that Lander finally gets to meet Amy as well.

One Month Done

I finished my first month as a WAMU Branch Manager with a bang. I knew coming into the position, it will be a challenge. So after the first month complete, I finished up on top of the region. There are 17 branches in my region that I have my numbers compared against. I actually tied for the best region in production with my old branch, Collier Commons. As my Regional Manager says, "The student keeps up with the teacher!" John (Collier Commons Manager) and I keep a friendly competition going so we are both on top of our games. This is the best this branch has done and we will go up from here. Not a bad way to start my first month!!!

Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios

Amy and I made another trip to Orlando to visit Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios on Sunday. It was Amy's first trip to Animal Kingdom and we had such a great time.

Amy in front of the main entrance to Animal Kingdom.

A new tradition was started during our first visit to the Magic Kingdom. Amy tries on different Mickey ears. I personally like the Leopard ears on the right.

To show that we did make it to MGM, here is a picture of me in front of Mickey's hat.

Kitchen Table

One more cool addition to my house was the purchase of a new kitchen table.

Contacts

After wearing glasses for 20 years I finally broke down and got a pair of contacts. I spent a few hours bargaining with the Regional Manager at Lenscrafters trying to find a pair of sports goggles that would fit my extremely strong prescription. After a day of the manager calling many different stores around the state as well as call Rec Specs directly, I had no choice. I had to get contacts. So on Saturday, I went to the eyeglass store and got my first pair of contacts. They definitely will need to get used to but it will help with sports and playing basketball with no goggles.

Vacation Fun

Last weekend Amy and I spent a wonderful weekend in Orlando. I got us hooked up with some really cool passes to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We went to a fabulous dinner that evening at Season's 52. Thanks mom and dad! Sunday, we went to Mason's first birthday party and ended the afternoon at the Bucs Training Camp at Wide World of Sports with Tampa YAD and Orlando Or Hadash. The time I spend with Amy is incredible and I am so glad that all of you have been able to meet her. Lander, you need to make a trip down here :)

In Front of the Universal Globe

Enjoying the Seussacel!!

Who is the real Grinch?

Amy with the Master of Ceremonies, The Cat in the Hat

About to ride the Hulk. One of my favorite rollercoasters.

Another picture in Hats- Thing 1 and Thing 2

What an adorable one year old, Mason!! We had such a fun time at his party and the cake eating was a fun highlight!

1st Day in Clearwater

I finished my first day as a Branch Manager in Clearwater. If it wasn't pouring all day, it would have been a great day. We were slow in the branch but that will change. I have a motivated staff who all really want to succeed and make the branch a success. This first month will help me learn alot about my position. I am heading to a Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Networking lunch today to help get the branch and my name out. Whatever I can do to help drive business and make the branch hit the goals.