Chapter 48: Into the Sunset and Happily Ever After

Great Big, Beautiful Tomorrows

I walked into the Field Operations office at the Print Center on the Dow Jones South Brunswick campus on March 4.

“Sour Girl” by Stone Temple Pilots

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Little did I know that this temporary job would turn permanent in July and I would spend many challenging and rewarding years there.

Everyone in that office was overjoyed that here was a “temp” with something on the ball; I was dependable, intelligent and worked hard. I picked up my duties quickly and had my own PC (Windows ’95). And so began my professional computer experience.

I still intended to follow through with my education goals, submitting applications and keeping watch for public school opportunities. However, the potential benefits and pay were starting to beckon a future at this company.

John and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary at one of those quintessential “couples only” Pocono retreats. It sort of reminded me of how Mount Airy Lodge must have been like for honeymooners. The facility needed some updating, but the swimming pool in the room was great, the activities were fun and the ceiling mirror didn’t fall on us.

By then I’d been hoping to go permanent at Dow Jones. As a result of a couple of staff changes, my position became open and Ken, my boss, offered me the job. I happily accepted, relieved for the jump in salary, platinum benefits and quickie commute; not to mention he was a great boss and lots of fun.

Ken walked me down to HR on July 1 and I was on my way. Those first few months tinkering with Microsoft Windows have evolved into Web and graphics design skills and they continue to develop. I eventually moved on to the Reprints & Licensing Department,  with a title of Interactive Production Artist, and achieved certification of Dreamweaver Developer. In 2021, I celebrated my 25th year with the company.

And so it goes

We would go on to buy two single-family homes after selling the townhouse, and we are now living in our Dream House, pictured at the top of the page.

John’s Information Technology career really took off, with much hard work and an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) Certification. His job placements would ebb and flow with the economy. He also earned credentials in IT Security, and pursued his CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) in 2012. John continues to build upon his career in Internetwork Engineering.

He became a Freemason in 1995 and achieved Master of Mt. Zion Lodge #135 in 1999. He also joined the 14th New Jersey Volunteers Civil War Reenactment unit, and returned to Volunteer Firefighting. John received many awards and recognition as a member of South Brunswick’s Bravest, including Top Responder, and also served as Vice President. For all he is and has achieved over the years, I am extremely proud of him.

After accepting the Dow Jones job offer, I began teaching Sunday school to continue with the ambition to help kids. I’ve participated in a symphonic band based at Rutgers, and designed freelance Web sites, including one for the Rutgers group (home page screen grab). I also started and directed a local children’s a cappella choir. For a brief time, I took flight lessons at Princeton Airport, and went skydiving down the shore for my birthday.

Bowling in a league with Dad, my favorite bowler for a few years was also a lot of fun.

I played percussion in church, including drum set at Contemporary services, and on holidays and at special events. I also have a great time supporting John in his interests, and he’s attended my concert band performances. In 2004, we joined a local Drum & Bugle Corps so we could continue to march and make music, as we had in college.

In 2017, we gathered on the streets of Manhattan with fellow Mountaineer graduates to witness our beloved Pride lead the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We return to WVU as a part of the 300+ member Alumni Band in the Fall to participate in the Homecoming Parade as well as the game. We also stop at our old haunt, “Wings” where we had our first date.

John and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary at a lovely Aruba boutique resort and spa, and then spent our 30th Anniversary in the Great Smoky Mountains.

My beautiful Dad passed over on September 16, 2015. Though I am joyful that he is again with my Mom, I miss him deeply.  Life here will never be the same, but I know we’ll meet again some day.

I was employed at Dow Jones until 2022, when they suddenly outsourced my department to an independent licensing PR agency. Fortunately, I was able to transfer my HTML skills to the new company, Wright’s Media. Having been working from home since March of 2020, I’ve continued that arrangement. I anticipate many happy years there as a Graphic Designer, expanding my role in many ways. I also taught myself InDesign and myriad programs in the field.

In 2023, I earned my Web / UI Design certification from Sessions College for Professional Design. It was a challenging project-based multidisciplinary online series of courses, and I aced every one. In November 2023, I was invited to the Wright’s Media Marketing Department as a part of the Graphics Team, a major accomplishment.

I also joined the Mercer County Symphonic Band after leaving the Rutgers group. It was good to be on stage again after 4 years.

There have been family challenges as well as healing along the way. Life has not been easy, but there are myriad blessings that cannot be overlooked. I will always be thankful for everything and everyone who has been a part of this Drummergirl’s Life. 😎

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