Well, the news is still good from all corners of Panama, Central and South America as Latin America continues to surge ahead despite mister magoos wild ride on Wall Street and the Greeks trying their best to destroy themselves along with Spain, Portugal and most of the EU rim.
I took a break from all the hysteria last week as my son Thomas and my daughter Ashleigh are in town and it is time to celebrate my daughter’s graduation from Florida International University (Dean’s list School of Journalism and Mass Communication 6 straight semesters, yeah!!). One down, one to go folks. OK, I have to brag and also take this opportunity to help her on the next step in her life so here goes a little side step.
Ashleigh is taking a short break after 6 years of college while at the same time working at Miami-Dade Days, which besides helping her learn to organize major events, was the best crisis management training a person could ever ask for. Think Tiger Woods Honey! There are plenty of PR and Government lobbyest opportunities out there so she will do well. (Just in case and you have an opportunity you wish to offer, here is her resume Ashleigh Brymer’s Resume )
Here is a little about Miami-Dade Days.
Miami-Dade County Days in Tallahassee is a two-day celebration of our community during the Florida Legislative Session. Dade Days is considered the premier event during the Session, including more than 1,000 people, who represent over 200 organizations, from both the private and public sectors.
The annual “Paella Fest” is a tradition of ours, which illustrates the diverse culture of our county through its extravagant culinary art. The event feeds over 3,000 people, including the Governor and Florida Legislators. Since it is free and open to the public, everyone is invited and able to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet with our Miami-Dade Delegation as well as Florida’s Legislators. Now that is a lot of Paella.
I was just a wide-eyed 19-year-old when I was asked to take over for the previous administrator who left with very short notice. I seriously had no idea what I was getting into here, which is probably the only reason I have been here for so long. If I had known I was about to enter the world of not for profit political event planning at the age of 19, I don’t think I would have been so eager to jump right in a stay awhile. But I’m so glad that I did. I work 300+ days a year to stand back and watch two days in Tallahassee come together almost seamlessly. I can honestly say that it is the greatest feeling of accomplishment to watch it all play out. That look I have on my face in the photo above is genuine happiness. I get goosebumps just reminiscing. And the people I work with are really amazing people. They give their all for every project they take on, and that work ethic has rubbed off on me. I have become immersed in the entire process of running the office and helping to plan the events.
After six years at the same job, I have earned awards, recognition and respect from my superiors and peers. I have made it into the “five or more years of experience” bracket that so many employers are so fond of requiring. I have taken a ride on the roller coaster of “I hate my job but I love my job” countless times, exiting at the point I like to think of as “I’m very satisfied with my work.” More importantly, I am very satisfied with who I have become because of this job. I am stronger, wiser, more patient and more rational because of the chaos I have had to control.
OK, now it is time for fun in the sun in Panama!! Let the games begin.
First a little rafting trip on the Rio Chiriqui Viejo. It was a short trip this year as the river was high and running as fast as a horse! Lots of smiles and sore muscles. Yep, that’s Ashleigh and Thomas in front.
We are blessed with beautiful weather even though it is “green season” and the rains have started. Boquete is truly a paradise and we feel so fortunate to live here.
The games continue next week and we are living large through our children for now. I hope that you had a wonderful Mother’s Day, do enjoy life where ever you are and come visit us in Panama sometime!
Very truly yours,
Tom Brymer, aka “Happy Dad”