Let me tell you a little bit about May 27, 1997. It was a Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day.
18 years ago today …
- Hanson’s song “MMMBop” was the current hit on the radio. Titanic was the big movie that year. That takes you back, huh?
- I can also tell you what I wore 18 years ago today… a periwinkle colored, double-breasted suit that has since been turned out to the landfill.
- I experienced the first migraine of my life that day.
- I can tell you I was in the bathroom puking for a good portion of the day (because of the migraine).
- It was the worst day and the best day of my life, up to that point.
It was also the first day of my employment at Brandes.
I got myself up early that morning and drove to Del Mar (although the Del Mar-tians will tell you this part of town is called “Carmel Valley”). And I met a whole group of people who would quickly become my daytime family. I was hired shortly before this picture was taken… I think I was employee #159 (or something close to that).
I didn’t know I was getting ready to blossom.
In fact, I feel like this place has allowed me to flourish! I’m a better person, employee, team-mate, leader, student, friend, etc … for what I’ve learned here in 18 years. I’ve learned from my managers who became friends. I’ve learned from friends who became managers. I’ve learned from leadership and about leadership. I’ve learned about conflict and how to avoid and/or resolve. I’ve learned more about myself. I’ve learned more about how to read others. I’ve learned… period. These past 18 years have been one long lesson in life… and it’s still going. Daily, I’m learning something new.
There are almost two decades of memories floating around these halls (well, these halls and in the halls of our previous buildings as well). There are a ton of fun stories to tell, and I even have some pictures as evidence as well… but not many of those will be shared here.
The firm has been around about twice as long as I have been … but it’s been my second home for the past 18 years. Like a family we’ve been through our ups and downs. We’ve lost “family members” to sickness and what not… but we’re never too far in spirit.
18 years is a long time to grow and blossom and flourish… I’m grateful for every day.
And so, on a lighter note, I’ll leave you with this video…
Lori J. Tisdale 