Tag Archives: up north

Since Brian and I decided to change the focus of our business so we are not solely/primarily wedding photographers, we have found ourselves with a new sense of enjoyment- a free weekend. We planned a trip up to the cabin with Nikki to surprise her beautiful momma (Marilyn) on her birthday! I’ve been going there with her and her family since we were a single digit age.

We had a fabulous weekend- Marilyn was surprised, we went on a pontoon ride around the lake, and we took a little time to recharge our batteries before a busy week ahead.

Brian knew I had a big week ahead, so he surprised me with a beautiful bouquet. I love flowers!!

Monday was a big day. We have city council meetings on the third Monday of the month, and since my alderman (fourth district) was recently elected mayor, we had a vacancy. I don’t have much of a background in local politics, but I polished up my resume, wrote a very honest and personality-filled cover letter, and threw my hat in the ring. In a case like this, the city doesn’t hold a special election- the city council votes to fill the vacancy.

I was very nervous at the meeting- appointing the fourth district alder was about halfway through the agenda, and I sat anxiously with Brian in the gallery. My original opponent saw my resume and cover letter and dropped out of the race- I don’t know if he was intimidated, or if he was just relieved that someone who cares about the city was going to try and fill the spot. I did have another opponent step up at the meeting, so when the interview portion of the evening arrived, I sat down next to Bryan Worzella. The council asked us a variety of questions about our ideas for the city and our vision, as well as our community involvement. Several members of the council were excused from the meeting, but when it came time to vote, I was elected 7-1. The clerk of courts came down and swore me in right away, and the mayor escorted me to my seat.

I’m proud to be Stevens Point’s District Four Alderwoman. I love my city and especially my neighborhood- that’s why we chose to root our home and business here.

I’m sure that my life will never be the same- I’m now spending all my free time (and then some!) trying to learn the inner workings of Stevens Point. Unfortunately, my editor at Hoopla fired me over the new job- since she also edits the City-Times, she said that being the staff photographer for Hoopla would be a conflict of interest. What a bummer… but I didn’t have too much time to think about it, as I rushed to La Crosse right after the council meeting.

I checked into my hotel, got a quick little sleep, woke up for an even quicker run…

then I headed over to Festival Food’s Onalaska office for my third and final day of headshots for that company.

Luckily for me, the Greenfields leave nearby, so after my photo shoot, I was able to meet them for dinner and snuggle with the newest member of our Delta Omicron family, baby Gloria! ❤

She’s absolutely perfect, and I’m so happy for Jaime and Karl. 😀

Once I got home, I immediately met with the major, the city attorney, and our comptroller/treasurer. There’s so much to learn! When I was overwhelmed with learning, I got a release through a workout with the reel mower.

Gosh, I love that thing, even when I let the lawn get too long and it’s difficult to operate.

That’s all for now, friends- thanks for reading! Up next? A trip to Chicago followed by a little more time up north.

Miles this year: 286.1