Happy at Work



Graduation Day



In June of 2009, Ryan and I wrestled our kitty Juni into his carrier and, with the help of my mom, began our trip from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. Ryan was a fresh new doctor on the cusp of his intensely amazing journey to become a neurosurgeon. I on the other hand, never wanted to work again at the ripe old age of 25. 

I have loved animals since I was a girl. I would wear my Texas A&M shirt and tell everyone I was going to be a veterinarian. As I got older, I started doubting myself and tried to let go of my dream. Soon, I went to college, majored in communication, and ignored the nagging feeling in my heart.  After college, I worked for almost 4 years at AIU, an online university where I planned employee events.  There was nothing wrong with the work, it just didn't bring me joy.  I worked for the sole reason of getting Ryan through medical school. We were at polar opposite points in our careers: Ryan was diving into the deep end, while I was standing outside of the pool completely dry.


Work Friends,
your love & support were unbelieveable.
Thank you.

When we found out we were headed to Seattle, Ryan said to me, "it’s your time now…I want you to do what you want to do, if its volunteering, then that’s ok, I just want you to be happy." I was happy in every aspect of my life, except my career.   When we arrived in Seattle I had no plans. After 4 years of working 40 hours to the minute and high tailing it out of there the second the clock hit 5pm, I wanted a break. I spent my days at Barnes & Noble, the library, Target, exploring the city, and reading books, books, and more books! It was awesome, but not for long. Two weeks later, the nagging feeling was back and it couldn't be ignored.  It was time to dive in.



Us at Discovery Park

I attended an informational volunteer meeting at the zoo, quickly applied, and became a volunteer.  A few months later, my volunteer position led to a job and what I consider the happiest time in my professional life.  I now know what that nagging feeling was: it was God. Working with animals is absolutely thrilling for me and I thank God every day for it . Now Ryan and I are equally excited when we come home from work. Our dinner conversations typically go something like this:

Both of us: "You won’t believe what I did today!"

Ryan: "I did a craniotomy and put in pedicle screws!"

Amber: "A Brown Bear licked my face and I hand-fed crickets to a Nephila spider!"

Life is good.