My first day out
So I’ve been recovering at home from Tuesday’s broken wrist surgery, and slowly but surely I have been gathering my strength and regaining some use of my left hand again! I knew I needed to focus on resting and recovery because this weekend I had my Company’s 70th Anniversary Party to attend out at Pechanga Casino and Resort near Temecula.
I have been with Dawson Company since I graduated college, so 11-1/2 years now and they have honestly become a second family to me. They have supported me through all of life’s twists and turns, I know they've got my back when I need it, they continue to always motivate, educate, and train me and they truly care about me as a person. I get to spend each work day with some of the most well-respected, kind and intelligent people in the industry. (#blessed!) LOL. Seriously though, an amazing group through and through.
Dawson Company 1948-2018
There is a lot to celebrate this year in 2018 and some incredible people to celebrate with, so I gave it my all and finally left the house for the first time Saturday the 13th (also our wedding anniversary)!
The two+ hour journey was difficult what with traffic and bumps in the road (ouch) but well worth it in the end. A BIG thank you to Mike for driving of course. Finally, we made it to Pechanga!
The company got everyone a room for the night, so we checked in just in time to one handedly get ready and make our way over to the Eagles Nest Ballroom. (Luckily I found a dress just two days before the operation so long gown - check!)
Me dressed up with my cast hiding behind me.
This venue was absolutely gorgeous with tons of familiar faces as we walked in. Even though I had been off for just 4 days, I honestly missed each and everyone of those knuckleheads like crazy! (Some perhaps more than others.) Happy hour was on, but for me that meant doubling up on my pain medication (woo-hoo) and wandering around for hugs and a warm reception. Getting to see my boss almost brought me to tears. I guess you don’t realize how much you miss someone until you don’t get to see them for awhile and I realized that night that I take lots for granted on a regular basis.
My walking partner told me how much she missed me on our lunch breaks and that she’s had to use the treadmill in the back without me there. My coworkers in customer service told me how much they miss me because of how busy it’s been this week. My receptionist told me how many of my customers have been calling asking about me each day. And the CEO told me he wants me to rest and heal up so that I can come back better than ever (and also, no more scooter riding)!
It’s so nice feeling genuinely missed. And it’s awesome belonging to a company where I feel like a vital part of it and that I do indeed - belong.
Mike looking spiffy!
Salad and dinner was incredible, even though Mike had to cut the steak and vegetables for me. We took formal pictures together (which hopefully I’ll have by next week.) Dessert, a tirimisu was exceptional and then it was on to speeches and the awards ceremony!
Several coworkers collected some milestone awards including their 5, 10, 20, 25 and even 30th year achievement awards and I couldn’t be prouder of the recipients! Employee of the Year went to an outstanding man who has been a dynamite salesman and helpful coworker to everyone he comes in contact with, and as expected he got a standing ovation! And some well deserved positive attitude awards and top sales awards were also distributed as an adoring crowd cheered on. Yup - We’ve got a pretty great group!
After, we got to take an Inside Sales picture together, which totally made my day! I gave everyone a high five for so willingly taking a formal picture like that. (Lots of these guys are camera shy and don’t even pose for a couples picture each year, so this was a rare treat as a group!)
Once we talked to a few more groups of people, especially the newbies, I was done. Emotionally drained from the incredible heart felt speeches of the night, my arm was extremely swollen and throbbing and my pain medicication was totally wearing off, so we called it a successful night and took the elevator up to our room to ice, elevate and sleep it off.
It was a wonderful night of solid friendships, outstanding positivity and professional recognition and I was so happy that this could be my first night out of the house since the surgery! I love Dawson Company and can’t wait to get the “all clear” to come back!
Thanks for reading,
-Crystal Olguin
October 14, 2018
