I love statistics. I get giddy about analysis and interpretation of data! Did I take stats in college? NOPE! I was a graphic design major and my advisor HIGHLY recommended I not take it. He told me design students don't have minds that work "like that." I was fine with that. For some crazy reason though, my mind does work "like that" and my current boss loves it when I put together reports with actual numbers to back up what I'm saying. I love it too because I like to know I'm right and the numbers prove that.

Unfortunately, in about 15 days I will be become a not so fun statistic. I will be unemployed. My boss broke the news to me recently that they could no longer afford to keep me employed. They gave me a 30-day notice. They thanked me for everything I've brought to the table and the efforts I've put into my job. It was a very nice way to be let go because it makes me feel good about my accomplishments and allows me to tie up loose ends and finish some projects. The harsh reality of this economy is that businesses and other organizations are forced to make some very difficult decisions about how to keep their doors open and sometimes that means decreasing the number of staff. I work for a great non-profit that brings smiles to people's faces in many different ways. I certainly do not want to be the reason that stops so if it means my employment has to end... so be it!

What am I going to do next? I don't know! The fact of the matter is I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and we are exactly where we need to be, when we need to be there. Therefore, I am meant to move on to the next step in my career! It's a little exciting because I feel like my mind is open to almost anything! (Almost anything - after watching the first episode of "Undercover Boss" I discovered that I don't have a desire to clean port-a-potties.)

Anyway, now that I am a statistic of unemployment, you can guarantee that I've checked out all of the numbers: locally, regionally and nationally. I've checked out the jobs available here, Des Moines, Kansas City, Sioux Falls, Minneapolis and Omaha. Is the outlook good? Nope! Am I worried? Most days, no. I know everything will work out and if it doesn't, I'll just become part of the statistic of kids that move back home with mom and dad! HA! That's just to get their hearts moving a bit! I'm on a new adventure in life and am excited to discover the next place I will make my mark!