Beth and I met while working at Little Six Casino in Prior Lake, MN. This was in 2000. Surprised to notice our badge numbers were so close together (13 hires between us), we realized that were actually in the same training class in May of 1996.

She moved in with “the guys” in MPLS in August, then we found that the four of us (Pete, Jason, Dan, and myself) were just starting to part ways and begin new lives, we decided to move to Burnsville in an apartment. Beth found a new job a while later in Norwood/Young America as an office manager / accountant. Since that drive was getting long, we decided to centrally locate in Waconia. The price seemed right, housing market was on an upswing, time to buy. After 3 years, she was “laid off” (long story) but found a job in downtown MPLS for Fraser-Morris Electric.

I found a new job in Henderson, MN in 2004 – eLearning Development. I was found on Monster.com! Just got my shiny AAS in eCommerce and learned many things in a short period of time. It was a most excellent experience I will not soon forget it. The best part was the fact that I could bring my buddy Norman with me to work! What a hoot! 3-4 dogs constantly underfoot at a business. A house in a small town!

Her drive, however, was becoming annoying with two lanes heading from Waconia on MN 5 to MPLS. We decided to buy a house… preferably in Burnsville (“centrally located – for her ;) ). We closed in late January, 2006 on a great little rambler. A yellow house, double garage (it goes further back), 3 bedroom, 2 bath, finished basement, fish tank(!), nice yard, raspberry bushed on the east and west side, 2 gardens. I’ll probably make another page just about house-going-ons.

While still in Waconia, I proposed to my lovely wife, and we were married on Oct. 7th, 2006. It was a fabulous wedding. The ceremony was great, the meal was the best I think I’ve ever had! The dance was good (the DJ was less than good, too bad), Geno Grausam reunited with an old flame (and is married as of May 18th, 2007). A great time had by everyone!

I was approached by a company called Pearson VUE in December (?) 2006 (from Monster.com!!!!) to fill a position called “Test Publisher” I guess my skills from 3 years in eLearning (whinh I knew NOTHING about when I started) had paid off. A couple of things made me decide on the career move – This company is HUGE, the bennies are awesome (401(k), company stock, etc.), corporate America would do me some good, and the drive is only 10 minutes vs. 50 minutes. Only one tank of gas per week (as long as there were no weekday shows). Much easier on the pocketbook. I hope I’m making an impact – I started late February, 2007. Nice small department, everyone seems to assist everyone. Pretty laid back. I can deal with this!