Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Pamela


Pamela - Pledge Class 1991

Hello Alpha Gams! My family and I live in Fort
Collins, Colorado & absolutely love it! Jim and I will
be married 9 years this year (yikes) and have two
wonderful kiddos: Grant (5) and Lauren (21 months).
They keep our life quite interesting. I work at
Colorado State University with student leadership &
involvement. Jim is an insurance broker for a locally
owned insurance firm called Flood & Peterson.

I often think about how fun it would be to see
everyone again. I just live around the corner from
Missy Morris Evans (graduated 1992) and recently
attended another AGD wedding in Seattle last month. I
hope you are all doing well. Take care!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Jenna

In front of the waterfall at the King's Pagoda
in Doi Inthonon National Park, Thailand (Feb. '07)


Jenna – Pledge Class 1995

Since leaving Hays, I feel as if I've lived at least three lives. My family moved from Overland Park, KS, to Springfield, MO, the summer between my junior and senior year. As I only needed two classes to finish up my degree, I moved with them and took the courses at Southwest Missouri State, transferring them back to FHSU to graduate with my BA in Psychology in December of 1997. I spent two years in Springfield, working at Helzberg Diamonds and applying to graduate programs. I didn't get into any of the schools I wanted the first year, but the second year I received a full fellowship into the Sociology PhD program at the University of California - Irvine (UCI).

I stuck with the program for a year, but it was a bad match for me all around, so ... I quit. But I wanted to stay in southern California, so I went to a career counselor to assess my skill set and started looking for a job as a writer or editor. Part by sheer determination, part by luck, I was hired as the writer for a new line of journals and gift books for teen girls and young women. I had a blast working on those books and learned more than I knew possible. When the line folded a year and a half later, I was pulled into the main line of books at the publishing company as a writer and editor for the art books and children's creative products. I've been working there as a book editor ever since, occasionally writing (I have a series of children's stories for ages 4+ called "Watch Me Draw" that are out in all the stores now, which is kind of fun). I'm now a senior editor, coming up on my 7th year with the same company.

My family is still scattered throughout Missouri and Kansas, but I don't get back that way very often. (Although Super convinced me to come back for Oktoberfest this past year, and I have traveled "home" for a wedding or two.) I try to save up my vacation time for the big stuff instead. I just got back from a trip to Thailand, stopping off in Tokyo first (my second time going there), and I've also been to Lebanon recently, as well as having traveled throughout the United States, hitting Chicago and South Beach last year, and covering everything from Cape Cod and Dallas to Las Vegas and San Francisco, as well as a lot of cities in between. I live in Orange County now, which means I have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach are all just down the road), but I'm also perfectly located to jet off to Palm Springs, Temecula, or Big Bear for a weekend, and I often visit San Diego and Los Angeles, which are each only an hour's drive away.

I am not married and I don't have kids. That's the case with everyone I know out here who's my age (and older, actually). I'm actively seeking a boyfriend and am not opposed to being set up if you know any cuties out here! ;)

For the time being, I occupy myself with work, my hobbies (writing, making jewelry, rock climbing, volunteering for the Ayn Rand Institute, taking care of my beloved Maine Coon cat Stripes, etc.), and keeping company with my amazing group of friends, who open up doors and windows of opportunity for me every day. I live in a crazy world where everything is possible -- meaning if you mention off-handedly to a friend that you'd like to fly a plane, you might just get the chance. (I have -- twice! Once to Catalina Island and the second time to Santa Barbara.) It also means that it's not abnormal to ride around in limos or yachts or to attend parties at fancy mansions or resorts where you're elbow to elbow with celebrities and up to your elbows in furs and fine wine, champagne, oysters, and caviar. It all leaves me sort of breathless at times. Definitely a different world ... and I'm loving every minute of it!

30th - Celebrating my 30th birthday (Jun. '06)

Boating - Boating with friends
(we call this "the puppy pile") (Aug. '06)


Up to no good with Super and Post at Oktoberfest (Sep. '06)

At the top of Morro Rock with my camping buddies
at Sequoia National Park (Oct. '06)


Halloween dress-up with my two favorite little Indians,
Laura and Jill (Oct. '06)


Versace - With Jill and Dan at his company party
(in a house overwhelmed by Versace furniture) (Dec. '06)


MakarParty - Thomas, Jill, Natalia, and me
at a holiday party at the St. Regis (Dec. '06)


MyCrew - My close-knit crew celebrating a friend's birthday
at a house party in the Hollywood Hills (Jan. '07)


Riding Rolex the elephant (with her Buffalo child nearby)
with high school friend Ryan outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand (Feb. '07)

Monday, February 12, 2007

Kristi


Kristi -Pledge class 1995

Since leaving Hays my junior year at FHSU, I went to Kansas State for 3 years. I had the time of my life and received my degree in elementary education. I then took a job working for Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, KS teaching 2nd Grade. I began my masters's degree at KU (this Wildcat does not like to admit having a degree from KU) and graduated with my MS in Curriculum and Instruction and a Reading Specialist license. Currently I am still teaching at Cottonwood Point Elementary, but have moved to 3rd Grade. A few years ago, I bought a townhouse in Lenexa, KS.

So, on to the fun stuff. I have traveled to Hawaii twice, numerous trips to CA, Vegas, Washington D.C., and other fun places. I still like to spend all my money shopping for clothes, drinks/dinner with friends, and traveling. Some things never change. I spend alot of time at the Plaza in Kansas City, going to Royals games, KSU games, and playing with my adorable Shetland Sheepdog, Chloe.

Robert (Bob) and I met in the summer of 05. We have been dating off and on for a while now. He moved to Chicago last week, so it will be a big change. We'll see what happens... There are plenty of cute guys in KC, so he has some new competition on the horizon.

Right now, I am focusing on some exciting news I got yesterday. I will be a teacher leader for a program called People to People. I will be going on the South Pacific Island Adventure to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia. I am so excited to take this thrilling trip. Life couldn't be any better for me right now! Oh, and I just turned 30 on January 12th!

Kristi - Celebrating the New Year in style!

Kristi & Chloe - Christmas 06

Kristi, Karin & Elizabeth - December 06

Robert & Kristi - Summer 05

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Januea


Januea – Pledge Class 1995

I graduated with my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology Spring of 2001. I then moved back to Ulysses, KS (my hometown) to work for High Plains Educational Cooperative as a school Speech Therapist for 3 years. After 3 years of small town living I decided I was ready for the city life. After a New Year’s Eve trip to Denver, Sarah and I decided we could handle living there and my job search began. I moved to Denver in June 2004 and have been here since. I work as a Pediatric Speech Therapist for an incredible company, Imagine!-Dayspring. I could not ask for a better team of SLP’s, OT’s, PT’s, Early Childhood Educators and bosses to work for. We are a rather small company (our department consists of only 17 people) who provide in home services for children birth to 3 years old.

Although I miss all my family and friends back in Kansas, my move to Denver has been great for me! It is an absolute joy to be able to see the beautiful mountains everyday and has put me close to an airport for my favorite hobby of traveling to see friends and Cross Canadian Ragweed concerts!

I am not yet married, nor do I have children or pets. I have really enjoyed my ‘single’ time but now that I am approaching my 30’s I am starting to realize that maybe it is time to settle down and look for that special someone. For those of you that know me I am sure you a getting a good laugh at this one!

I am looking forward to catching up with other AGD’s so keep them coming ladies! If any of you are ever in Denver drop by and say hi… I love seeing old friends!

Januea & fellow AGD's Sarah & Heather @ Oktoberfest '05

Januea & friend, Robin, with the boys of Cross Canadian Ragweed!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Stacie

Still a sports freak... some things never change!!

Stacie - Pledge Class 1995

For those that know me, or receive my annual updates, keeping this short has proven to be very difficult... but here we go! I graduated from FHSU with a Finance degree in the spring of '99. I headed to Louisville, KY that summer for a mission trip working with inner city kids, then back to Hays in the fall. I didn't last in Hays long, before moving to Portland, OR in February '00 to work for fellow AGD, Stephanie F. (Washington State alum), better known as "the alum with the laptop"! In July '00, I made the move to Dr. Martens to work in their customer service dept. and I've been there ever since! I absolutely LOVE my job!! The job itself is fun and my accounts are cool, but my co-workers and the atmosphere of this place put the icing on the cake!! And of course, the discount isn't bad either!

But no matter how much I love my job, my true passion is working with kids. It took me awhile to find a good church home, but once I did, I quickly got involved in the children's ministry where I've been teaching the kindergarten class for 5 yrs. I've also been involved in a mentoring program for inner city kids for the past 6 yrs. Both ministries have been challenging at times, but the blessings far outweigh the challenges!

As for the million dollar question... no, I don't have a man. Although it can be frustrating at times, I have to admit, I'm definitely getting the most out of my time of "singleness"!! I really enjoy having the freedom to travel whenever & wherever I like, and to spend my money on concerts, sporting events, Coach bags, or whatever my little heart desires!!

I'm definitely in love with Portland and the Pacific NW in general. It's so incredibly beautiful up here and I've got everything at my fingertips... mountians, the ocean, rivers, trees... and I love city life! I can't see myself moving back to KS anytime soon, unless the Lord leads me back, of course... but it will probably have to be by dangling a handsome man, with a KS address in front of me!!

Night out with friends in Seattle for my b-day!

Hawaii's beautiful North Shore (Oahu) Fall '04 ...
and I'm headed back soon in April '07!!!

My pride & joy!!
Honorary nieces... Mia & Cannon (in Portland)
Nephews... Seth, Ethan & Jorday (in Kansas)

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Elizabeth

Chad & Elizabeth - Honeymoon in Mexico

Elizabeth – Pledge class of ‘96

I completed my undergraduate in December 1999 and took the spring semester off before beginning graduate school. I received my Masters in School Psychology and my Education Specialist Degree, also from FHSU. Upon completing school, I have been employed by High Plains Educational Cooperative as a school psychologist and live in Scott City.

After dating Chad for seven years, we were finally married September 3, 2005. It was a beautiful day and I’m so thankful many of you were able to attend! Chad works on the family farm where they also have a calf-cow operation. As a result of life on the farm, we took a belated honeymoon to Mexico March 2006. With all the snow we have recently received, we are ready to return!!

Our exciting news involves purchasing our first home in August. We closed August 18 and spent about a month fixing up the main level. We painted all the walls and ceilings and replaced all the flooring upstairs. It was nice to be able to unpack all our wedding gifts and actually have room for our china!! We have a large deck in our backyard and are looking forward to spending many summer evenings out there. We enjoy our home - most of the time! I don’t think there is any warning for the “joys” that come with homeowner-ship!! We do not have any pets, and we’ve not been blessed with children, but we are hoping that will change at some point (children, not the pets)!!!

I am anxious to hear about everyone else’s life!!

Elizabeth & Chad on their wedding day!

Monday, January 29, 2007

Nancy

Cale, Nancy, Payton & Aaron
Pledge class of 1997

Aaron and I moved back to Scott City in 1999 after I graduated with my
Masters in Speech Language Pathology and have been here since! We have 2
children. Cale is 5 years old and goes to preschool 3 afternoons/week. I
work 1 day/week in that preschool so it's been fun seeing what he is like
at school! He is growing into quite a social young man, despite his
quiet Daddy!! Payton is almost 3 and she is full of life. She loves to
be anywhere people are and will talk anyone's ear off! I am working for
High Plains Educational Cooperative which serves the southwest corner of
Kansas. I am an SLP for Scott City and Leoti and work 4 days/ week with
preschool-high school kids. Most days I enjoy it as it can be very
rewarding, but I would love to be able to be home with our kids more.
Aaron bought an agri-business with 3 other men and that has proven to be
a good, although stressful situation. We enjoy traveling, being with our
family and spending time with our friends. So far this stage of life has
been great! I can't say that I do a lot of things other than work and be
a mom and wife at this point. I still enjoy scrapbooking and exercising
for my "me" time. Aaron and I just spent a week in Hawaii celebrating our
upcoming 10 year anniversary! Can you believe it's been 10 years since so
many of my great AGD sisters made the trip to Scott City for our wedding??
I remember being so overwhelmed by how many of you came that day! I
think back on college with great memories and all of them center around
AGD. I'd love to hear from any of you, but I am not the best at keeping
in touch! So, that's my life!
Aaron & Nancy in Hawaii

Cale & Payton