Let me tell you a story…
You come home with two hours to spare before a big job interview. Just enough time to get your thoughts in order, pick an outfit, and arrive like the composed professional you pretend to be. Naturally, you’re a bit nervous—because if you don’t get a little anxious about job interviews, you might be a robot. 
In November, we were lucky enough to tag along on a trip to Texas with our friend Dave—a weekend getaway that turned out to be equal parts restful, delicious, and delightfully unexpected. Most of the crew on this trip hailed from the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) world, and while tech talk was definitely on the menu, it was far from the main course.
September delivered an unforgettable adventure as we joined the Hagner family for a weeklong getaway to Bar Harbor, Maine—a place I’d never visited before, but now can’t wait to return to. From jaw-dropping coastal views to unforgettable culinary indulgences, this trip was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and—of course—lobster.
September 2nd has always been a meaningful date for Jeff and me—it’s our wedding anniversary and, coincidentally, also the birthday of my father-in-law, Phil Hagner. This year, we had the incredible honor of celebrating Phil’s 80th birthday in Kentucky, exactly one year after tying the knot.
Earlier this month, Jeff and I made the 12-hour trek (closer to 13 with pit stops) from Arizona to Sacramento, California to celebrate a truly special milestone—my Uncle Johnny’s 90th birthday. The drive may have been long, but the memories we made along the way, and once we arrived, made every mile worth it.
We’re officially homeowners—again! And while we’re thrilled to have the keys in hand, let’s just say the road to closing was anything but smooth. In fact, if we wrote a screenplay about it, you’d swear it was fiction.
Our wedding day was truly one of the most magical days of my life—the kind that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling and your heart feel like it might burst from joy. I married my best friend, surrounded by the people who matter most to us, in a place that felt like it was made just for that moment.
Choosing a venue has been, in part, why we have waited so long to tie the knot! We toured numerous locations in the Phoenix valley… some of which were on the short list. We just didn’t have that “ah ha” moment. When we visited Jeff’s parents’ home over Christmas break 2017, everything changed.
On the morning of September 12, 2015, Jeff and Jill met for what was supposed to be a simple breakfast at a cozy little diner in Mesa, Arizona. Nothing fancy—just coffee, conversation, and maybe a short bite to eat. But as soon as they sat down, something clicked.
It was a culmination of timing, luck and a sprinkle of fate. Both Jeff and Jill had been through the cycles of dating and wanted something more. How do two working professionals meet these days? Online! Jeff found Jill’s profile and connected with everything she wrote. He reached out and the rest is history. Read More