Our 2008 Update

2008 Started with a Bang!

HR Consulting Partners, LLC was made official in January 2008!

I completed my certification in Process Management from the University of Florida and went on to earn a certification as a Change Facilitator from the American Society of Training and Development. Quite timely since this year has been filled with changes.

Thanks to everyone's help, I launched my website http://www.hrc-partners.com/ , created a blog at http://hrconsultingcoach.blogspot.com/ and a linkedin presence at http://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdermottathrcpartners You can also find me on the business directory of the Casselberry Chamber of Commerce at http://www.casselberrychamber.org/

The most fun and personal growth came from teaching the classes at Florida Atlantic University and University of Central Florida. I continue to participate in various professional groups and was voted onto Board of the Fort Lauderdale ASTD Chapter and am responsible for the chapter's newsletter and job board.

Keeping our New Year's Resolutions

I often set New Year's resolutions, only to forget them by February.
Well not this year!
Mom is down to one pack of cigarettes a week!
It took a real neighborhood effort, but I'm exercising daily. It started with a motivational talk from Bev and Bob, a couple in their 80's. They walk, ride their bike and go to yoga classes - guess I could give it a shot. Then Karen (Ben, Jesse and Joel's mother) also stepped in as my Wednesday walking buddy - making the walks fun.
Acupuncture treatments with Belinda and John, are a lifesaver!
On my search for self-improvement, I joined and completed 8 Toastmaster speeches. Along the way I made some wonderful new friends; Roxie is my movie buddy.
I also continued my trips to see Richard for voice lessons. Their Islamorada home is heavenly and Marilyn's cooking is fabulous but it is also so energizing to be around them.
I joined SCORE - no not retired yet! On my quest to give back, I figured what better group to volunteer my time to than the group which helped me get the business started. I run the Speaker's Bureau and am capturing the biographies of the sixty members. Thus far, I have gotten to know pioneering female executives, globe trotting investors and Six Sigma experts to name a few.
I got more involved at Annunciation Church this year and it is a great way to keep in touch with Patti and Clancey.
Buddy and Gracy are full of vim and vigor again, thanks to mom's special diet.

Lets see if we can do the same with our 2009 Goals!

Spending Time with Family & Friends

It was wonderful seeing so many of you this year and we hope it continues in '09.

Monthly visits to see Scott & Arica are always fun and they run such a wonderful hospitality center. The recent upgrades are fantastic!
I spent a week bonding with Aunt Marie while Dad was in Virginia. I enjoyed our talks!
Visits with Grandmother Elvera and her four footed friends are always a hoot.
Scott turned 25! What ever happened to that cute little kid?
Great times camping with Scott & Arica and the Carey Crew at Sebring for the annual 12 hour race - thank god for ear plugs!
Went to Pittsburgh to visit my "Italian Family" - had a great time and learned Shelley and Dan are expecting!
We had a visit from Gingerbread Fred as he made his way from Uncle Bill's, to our place in Florida, to Dana's and then visited with Brian in Baltimore before traveling back to New York. Thank you for taking such great care of Fred and showing him such a great time.
Pepe, Martha's poodle came for a visit- he took over and had mom on a leash by the end of the second week. Buddy and Gracy were not fond of French invasion.
Spent a memorable Easter with Dana, Keith, precious Abbey and of course Holly, right before Aidan's arrival in April. Playing with Abbey was a treat, she steals your heart.
Visited with Aunt Chris and Uncle Neal and was spoiled rotten - she even managed to have the cherry trees in full blossom for my arrival. It was also great to visit with Brian and catch up on his home improvement adventures and "war stories" from work.
KP and Maggie came for a visit on Memorial Day - Maggie enjoyed the pond everyday, at least once and KP and I made the most of our beach time.
We were lucky to have Lloyd and Liam visit again this year. We had fun in Fort Lauderdale this year. There was go-carting, butterfly garden adventures, airboat rides and alligator wrestling, not to mention hours of swimming both in the pool and the ocean. Once back to Orlando, a Disney trip was a must. We spent hours at Blizzard Beach and then on to the rides the day topped it off with fireworks!
At the end of June, Mom and I took a drive up to Maryland for Neal's spectacular retirement extravaganza. They truly outdid themselves - the bar was raised!
Eleanor and Bill visited in August - Eleanor and Mom were the Canasta Queens - but look for a rematch.
Throughout the year I enjoy my visits with Jodi and our brainstorming sessions for solving the world's problems!

Turning 35!

Turning 35 wasn't so bad.

I really milked it!

I celebrated with KP; then with Scott, Arica, Lloyd, Liam and Mom; then again with Dad and Aunt Marie; and finally fun with the crew from Consulate. Not bad for someone who hates getting older.

Saying Goodbye to Aunt Marie

I am so glad I was able to spend more time with Aunt Marie the last two years, she was quite a remarkable woman. Marie held several careers, she worked for Sperry Gyroscope in the 50's, then as a paralegal in the 60's. Through the 70's, 80's and 90's she was by my father's side keeping things straight. She learned the printing business, bookkeeping and computer typesetting.

I admire her strength of character and will always remember she had no regrets in life. To me, Aunt Marie was the glue that kept the family together, she was a source of strength and compassion. While she followed the rules and wanted you to as well; she also had a mischievous sparkle in her eye and loved a good time.

In July Aunt Marie left us. Of course, she did it her way, with dignity and grace but on her time table. She ensured her hair and nails were done first. On September 13th, thanks to Dad and his girlfriend Debra, we celebrated Aunt Marie's birthday memorial and said our goodbyes with bag-piper and all.

And 2008 Left with a Bang!

Two great guys in my life; Scott and Dan had great momentous experiences this year.

After years of working towards his goal, Scott graduated from FAU with a Bachelor's degree in IT and will continue to work in the IT Department at FAU. Way to Go!

Shelley and Dan welcomed Angelo Edward, all 8.14 lbs 21 inches of him, into the world at 5:20 a.m. on December 12th. I am honored to be the Godmother and look forward to visiting.