I guess I thought I had extra time this year knowing that Thanksgiving came early, but I still find myself playing catch-up. So even though this isn't as early as I had hoped, here's all the Maloney news that's fit to be published for 2017.
With Alexa (Jason's wife) having just graduated with her MBA in December of 2016, we knew there would be some employment changes in our family, we just didn't know how many. First, Alexa. She is by far the most patient member of our family, perhaps because she comes from a different gene pool, so she was willing to take her time looking for her perfect job. No entry level, minimum wage job for her, she had plans. It paid off with a job at Williams Companies (thank heavens they are still in Tulsa!) working in their Human Resources department as a Compensation Analyst. She loves the job and her co-workers and can commute every day with Jason (more on him in a minute). We're thrilled that she seems settled and happy in the corporate world. She also has a great little Etsy business you should check out.
If you recall, Jason was busy working away as a CPA last year for Hogan Taylor. While probably not the job he dreamed of his whole life (which if we're being truthful was probably a video game designer), he actually was enjoying his work as an auditor (it takes all kinds). Out of the blue, one of his adjunct professors contacted him early in the spring promising him more money and, best of all, no busy season. Well of course this job was alluring enough for him to agree to an interview. He is now working at Bank of Oklahoma, doing something fancy with his Masters of Finance degree. He likes the work and he particularly likes the extra time to spend at home. However, he promptly decided he needs some more letters after his name, so he's now pursuing the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). I only wish he had liked taking tests this much when he was in High School.
Not to be left out, Brandon decided he wanted a big city experience (I guess little 'ol Atlanta wasn't cutting it) so he decided to move to Chicago. I have to admit I had my doubts that he would do everything necessary to make it happen: sell the house, find a job, pack, and move. As usual he proved me wrong, selling the house in 3 days, finding a job over a weekend of interviews, and packing a house full of stuff to fit into an apartment about the size of his bedroom. Still working as a consultant (now for a Swedish company, Syncron), Chicago is his new home base. I guess it was a smart move because he's dating a lovely girl, Alex, that he is enjoying exploring the Windy City with.
With all the good that has happened in 2017, we did have to say goodbye to Alexa's dad, Dan Harrison. Much too young to leave us, he will leave a hole in everyone's heart that knew him. Dan, we wish we had more years to share our combined families together.
David and I continue to travel with our photography group, this year to Cambodia, Laos, Italy, France, Morocco, and Barcelona. If you have any interest in any of these places I think you can find my blogs here on each of the trips. We have made some really great friends all over the world and look forward to more travel in 2018.
Oh, I almost forgot. With Brandon's move we are now the proud parents of a third kitty who we affectionately refer to as Hurricane Harvey. As with most late in life children, he's really stirring up our household. He has his own Instagram page, Harveythemainecoon, if you would like to see some of his antics.
I hope you and all of yours have found 2017 to not be too bad and are looking forward to the New Year.
Tammie & David
With Alexa (Jason's wife) having just graduated with her MBA in December of 2016, we knew there would be some employment changes in our family, we just didn't know how many. First, Alexa. She is by far the most patient member of our family, perhaps because she comes from a different gene pool, so she was willing to take her time looking for her perfect job. No entry level, minimum wage job for her, she had plans. It paid off with a job at Williams Companies (thank heavens they are still in Tulsa!) working in their Human Resources department as a Compensation Analyst. She loves the job and her co-workers and can commute every day with Jason (more on him in a minute). We're thrilled that she seems settled and happy in the corporate world. She also has a great little Etsy business you should check out.
If you recall, Jason was busy working away as a CPA last year for Hogan Taylor. While probably not the job he dreamed of his whole life (which if we're being truthful was probably a video game designer), he actually was enjoying his work as an auditor (it takes all kinds). Out of the blue, one of his adjunct professors contacted him early in the spring promising him more money and, best of all, no busy season. Well of course this job was alluring enough for him to agree to an interview. He is now working at Bank of Oklahoma, doing something fancy with his Masters of Finance degree. He likes the work and he particularly likes the extra time to spend at home. However, he promptly decided he needs some more letters after his name, so he's now pursuing the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). I only wish he had liked taking tests this much when he was in High School.
Not to be left out, Brandon decided he wanted a big city experience (I guess little 'ol Atlanta wasn't cutting it) so he decided to move to Chicago. I have to admit I had my doubts that he would do everything necessary to make it happen: sell the house, find a job, pack, and move. As usual he proved me wrong, selling the house in 3 days, finding a job over a weekend of interviews, and packing a house full of stuff to fit into an apartment about the size of his bedroom. Still working as a consultant (now for a Swedish company, Syncron), Chicago is his new home base. I guess it was a smart move because he's dating a lovely girl, Alex, that he is enjoying exploring the Windy City with.
With all the good that has happened in 2017, we did have to say goodbye to Alexa's dad, Dan Harrison. Much too young to leave us, he will leave a hole in everyone's heart that knew him. Dan, we wish we had more years to share our combined families together.
David and I continue to travel with our photography group, this year to Cambodia, Laos, Italy, France, Morocco, and Barcelona. If you have any interest in any of these places I think you can find my blogs here on each of the trips. We have made some really great friends all over the world and look forward to more travel in 2018.
Oh, I almost forgot. With Brandon's move we are now the proud parents of a third kitty who we affectionately refer to as Hurricane Harvey. As with most late in life children, he's really stirring up our household. He has his own Instagram page, Harveythemainecoon, if you would like to see some of his antics.
I hope you and all of yours have found 2017 to not be too bad and are looking forward to the New Year.
Tammie & David
