Friday, January 11, 2008

News about Countrywide

As some of you have heard (unless you live under a rock or only watch reality TV) Countrywide was acquired by Bank of America today. In a press release today Bank of America purchased Countrywide Financial Corporation for 4 billion dollars in stock. Yes, I am going to lose money in this merger. No, I do not believe that I am going to lose my job.

One thing that you may or may not know about me is that I am loyal. I am very loyal to the company I work with especially when I believe in what they do, and their business model. As a result I invested in the company and will take a hit with this merger. I do not believe that I will lose my job.

If you know me, as most of you do, I have a very strong belief that God will provide. If he deems it's necessary for me to leave this company it will happen and another door will open. I wanted to address this here in case people were wondering.

We are moving forward and I believe that we will accomplish great things this year. It's in Gods hands, so let's see what happens...

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008...

Well, another year has come and gone... This has been one amazing year. I think that every year I learn something about myself is a good year. I was inspired to write this by my friend Robb (thanks for the inspiration).

I started out 2007 with a severe case of Poison Oak. Little did I know that I was highly allergic to it, and had to discard the clothes I was wearing that faithful day. I guess that is the price you pay for geocaching. Again, thanks Robb and David. :)

I accomplished a great deal professionally this year, and am grateful for the opportunities that were presented to me. Although I work in the mortgage industry and watched many people that I have worked with over the past five years get laid off, I was one of the lucky ones. I had the unfortunate task of letting a couple people go, but also was able to bring someone back who quit in the wake of the "right sizing" that was happening within my division. For those that don't know "right sizing" is the new politically correct term for layoffs. I guess it sounds better then down sizing. I had four managers last year, but am happy to report that in spite of all the changes I am working hard and continue to learn and grow. My team is where I want it to be, and I know that we will accomplish great things in 2008.

Personally things were also good. The first part of the year took me on my first business trip to Arizona, which allowed me to spend some time with friends that have relocated and bond with some new friends. 2007 also provided me with some tremendous insight into Rick. I wont go into it here, but let's just say that I have grown spiritually, and learned some very difficult lessons.

This past year brought some sadness and a great deal of joy. In the middle of the year I lost my grandfather. He was 93 years old and living with Alzheimer's. I wasn't able to be there to say goodbye, but am happy that I had the time with him I did over my life. Around the same time as his departure from this plain we had a blessed event in the birth of Elliot Michael McDonald. Our very dear friends allowed us to be a part of this amazing event. He was born on June 19, and is the most amazing little guy. We get to see him grow and change, and love every minute we get to be with him. He is one lucky guy, as he probably has two of the most talented and loving parents. He's also lucky to have Uncle Rick and Jeffrey too! :)

When I was younger I had this vision of what I wanted a relationship to be. After everything my parents went through they have the most amazing bond. After more then 30 years together you can see the love and passion that still exists within their relationship. This is what I wanted for myself. Fifteen plus years ago I found what I was looking for. Jeffrey came into my life and I knew in my heart (although not in my head...) that this was the person who would give me that feeling. We still look at each other, and I can't believe that I found that one person who would make my heart beat a little faster, my head a little lighter and still sweep me off my feet everyday. I never truly new what love was until that day in November when we stayed up all night and talked. I don't think that there has ever been another person who I could sit with and talk to for twelve hours. He is the light of my life and I can't wait to see what the next sixty years holds.

The last part of this year was all about family. Jeffrey and I went to Northern California after Christmas to spend some quality time with my family. I have two of the most amazing nephews ever who I love so much. I only wish that they lived closer. They are so smart and beautiful. I can't wait to see what's next for them in their lives. I always love seeing my parents. They are two of the most amazing people and I love them both so much.

Finally, as 2008 is here I get to see the birth of another baby, when my dear friend Sheila brings her little daughter into the world. We are planning a trip to see our wonderfully amazing friends in DC, and who knows what else this year has in store for us. I continue to grow in my job, and look forward to more learning, and more growth. I also look forward to those cozy nights on the couch with Jeffrey, whether we are talking or watching the Simpson's it's one of the best things in my life.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy 2008. I hope it brings you everything you desire.