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After college, I was on a mission to see the world, I saw other parts of the USA, moving around for a few years. I was a camp counselor in CA, then bartended my way around Alaska and Seattle. I actually moved to Seattle with my sister, Jennifer, and we lived together for awhile in Pioneer Square. Loved it! My brother Cameron was there then ... but he has since moved to Fallon, Nevada. Jennifer still lives in Seattle.
I decided I should see the Midwest, and came to MN in 1996 for ... well ... a guy I liked at the time and a job w/ Northwest Airlines. Once again, I was on a mission to see the world. I did get to Narita, Japan (which was very cool), but that was it. Who knew that I had to settle down and get a desk job to really start seeing the world? Not me! But finally, it all came together in 1997. I got a job as a technology recruiter and never looked back.
I met Stefan Breet (who is from South Africa) that same year ... and then the fun really began! Never thought I'd get married, and then bam! What can I say? I'm a believer!
We moved to South Africa in 2001 (his family is all still there) - and then moved back to MN (I know, I know. Career was taking off here. Shortly after 9/11. Had to go where the money was). If any of you have a desire to go visit South Africa, you have got to do it. It is simply amazing!
15 years, two fabulous little boys, two zebras, one great white shark dive (we SCUBA dive whenever we can) and lots of laughs later ... we're still having fun and tolerating the cold here because life is great in MN (I know, I know, you east coasters will have a hard time believing that!) Hey - I lived in Seattle (which I loved), but the cold is more tolerable than the grey rain, I promise!
Professionally, I own my own career strategy firm (launched in 2006), named Arbez (yes, it is "zebra" backwards) ... and we continue to build tools (online video education) and deliver solutions for companies, workforce development firms and colleges & universities.
And I cannot believe I live in this frigid state of MN! Wow! Winters are ridiculous. Summers are spectacular here, though. Come visit and we'll water-ski like mad.
