Once upon a time...when Ricky and I were discussing what college majors - he nixed the idea of a computer science degree. He told me "Mom, the whole point in life is to be happy and if I do that type of work I won't be happy".
He opted for an art degree with a focus on graphic design. He worked his ass off earning that degreee. It paid off - when he graduated in 2005 - he had 4 job offers. One from McGinty in Boulder, CO, one from Southwest Airlines in Dallas, and 2 in NYC. He loves NYC and took the riskest job offer of all the 4 job offers - one of the NYC positions.
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| me and Ricky - circa 2004 - while he was still a college student |
So after he graduated, I flew to Texas and put him on a plane to NYC with just a backpack full of clothes. He thrived in NYC. Looking back over the past 7 years - I am full of pride on what a great life and career he has made for himself.
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| ricky and i - August 2012 - near DUMBO in Brooklyn, NY - he's a young man now, but still my little baby... :) |
Crossroads
~2 months ago - the owners of Rooster Design Group (he's was a Senior Designer there), decided to pursue different business interests and dissolved the company. They gave him 2 month notice and he went on the job hunt.
I really enjoyed his job hunt because we talked almost daily about all his options. He had some really good interviews and great feedback from every firm he interviewed with. I was so excited to hear that his talent was recognized and well received.
And after it was all said and done - he ended up 2 with offers. One with a great NYC design firm - there was a lot of opportunity with this firm and the work would be very similar to what he has been doing. The 2nd offer was with a company in Dallas, TX. The Dallas job would be a big jump and stretch for him. He would move from a designer role to a Creative Director role. This job also has a big high tech factor, visibility and definitely some risk. After much consideration and discussion between Ricky and Catherine - he decided to accept the job in Dallas, Tx. I am surprised he was willing to leave NYC, but he is so excited about this job and we all know it's the best move for his career.
The last hurrah
I LOVE visiting Ricky in NYC. I always have just a great time...my sister Patricia feels the same way as I do. So as a last hurrah - Trisha and I flew to the city in late August to spend one last week with Ricky before he moved in October.
Bascially, we ate and shopped our way through the city. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful family and I'm don't have the words to explain how proud I am that Ricky has turned into such a fine and smart young man. I am extremely blessed.
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| drinks at Van Horn...i love me some Allagash beer! |
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| me, Ricky, Trisha |
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| did someone say dessert?? |
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| curated beer (only in NYC do they call beer "curated") |
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| we could see the Empire State building from our table |
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| yummy food all around |
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| beautiful latte |
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| and of course amazing bars - this one had 30+ beers on tap. :) |
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| I thought of Pensive Pumpkin when I saw this sign - it says "**Free advice for only questions regarding reptilians, ghosts, Sasquatch, tupla, poltergeist, cryptids, aliens, doppelganger, chupacabara, skvnk, ape, UFO, abductions, vampryes, yeti, lake monsters and demons" |
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| a little visit to the US Open Tennis Tournament - subway rolls right to the stadium |
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| beautiful sisters |
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| the crew |
Road Tripping
I had offered to help Ricky drive the U-haul truck from NYC to Dallas. So 6 weeks after the August trip - I was back to help Ricky drive a whopping 1500+ miles. We had one last dinner at Brucie's in Brooklyn. Slept on the floor that last night as all the furniture was in the U-haul....and then booked it to Dallas. It took us 2.5 days. it was exhausting and not without a little drama, but we lived. :) I spent another day in Dallas and saw the family. Dallas is not without it's charms...and I enjoyed a few of them while I was there. Ricky and Catherine are now getting settled into another chapter of their lives. I'm a lucky Mom. :)
The following pictures tell the story...
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| Catherine and Megan |
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| Catherine, Megan, Ricky and I - last supper at Brucie's. |
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| yep - there was dessert to be had! |
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| the PA farms and country side were beautiful - everything so well maintained... |
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| lame photo skills - shooting from a moving Budget truck didn't help. :) |
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| ahh...Tennessee..what can you say - they fly this flag proudly |
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| found a great little cafe off the highway in Little Rock, AR |
Dallas is not without it's charms...
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| I LOVE me some iced tea (they do it right in TX) and chips/salsa |
| White Rock Lake is a gem - ran did a 9 mile run around this puppy - it was a great run for sure |
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| yummy pancrepes from Cafe Brazil...nice post run treat! |
Ricky and Catherine's new place
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| Old warehouse building - originally built model-Ts and the it was the factory for Adam Hats |
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| bridge to loft |
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| lobby |
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| Catherine and Milo in front of the window |
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| Ricky and Milo |
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| Lighted water tower on top is a beacon home |
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THE END
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