The Naylors

Well, in case you’re wondering what we’ve been up to recently, we’ve been celebrating!  Three things we have celebrated since our last post are in no particular order:

-Mike’s first year boards

-My giving notice to Starbucks

-Cheryl Crowe’s Birthday

Let’s take a look at each celebration to give you an idea of just how wonderful each item is!!

• Celebratory item #1: Mike’s First year board was held on May 22nd.  This is basically an opportunity for him to present to the professor’s here what he’s been working on thus far.  He gave them each a copy of his proposal and a writing sample, they had time to review it and think it over and then Mike sat before them to answer their questions and defend his work.  All in all, this was a good experience for him.  He feels like he was able to gain clarity on their expectations and desires for his work.  While it was somewhat stressful to prepare for, he is glad to have had the opportunity to hear from them and get helpful feedback and encouragement for his future work…..he’s so glad that it’s over and done with though! From here on out it’s open work and research for him.  There will be no other boards, just time with his advisor, Professor Hurtado, if he’d like more feedback.  One year down, two more to go!  We celebrated this accomplishment by having dinner at Bella Italia and going to see the Mike-chosen movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  We had a great time honoring Mike’s accomplishments!  Way to go, honey!
• Celebratory Item #2: I’m very ready to leave Starbucks.  I’ve given it a good go.  While it began well, it’s been a stressful and frustrating experience that continues to bring me down.  Therefore, my last day will be June 18th.  It got to the point where I was getting anxious to go to work and having dreams about work…..just not good!  I have signed on a fixed contractual basis with Office Angels, which is a temp agency here.  I will be working 3-6 months at a time and covering for people’s maternity leave and extended holidays.  While this is not ideal, it is a job and will continue to help bring money in.
• Celebratory Item #3: Cheryl Crowe had a birthday!  Yay Cheryl!  (In the brown top to my left, your right) And we celebrated her by going to Las Tesca for some tapas!  We had a fantastic night of just being together and wearing party hats.  Does it get any better?!  While there, we were all flattered to have a gentleman approach our table and tell us how much fun it looked like we were having.  (And he was right, we were having fun!)  Apparently his brother fancied us but was too shy to come over himself….he wanted to take a picture of us….he was shocked to find out that each and every one of us was married!!  (I think he was hoping for better odds than that).  He was a bit embarrassed, but it was a hilarious part of the evening!  So, we did let him take our picture, but only if we could proudly display our wedding bands….a tribute to our guys.  We love you Mike, Brandon, Jonathan, Matt and Derek!!

So, let us know what your celebrations have been over the past month…we want to know!  We love you all!