I honestly did not think my first post would be so difficult….I mean, I have done this before. But this time it feels different: Scary and Exciting. This time I’m doing it for me. 

This year has mainly been me avoiding myself. I’ll quickly explain (as quickly as I can) – I stepped away from a job where I loved what I was doing but was not receiving pay for the last few months I was there. It was difficult to make a decision that made me breach my comfort zone. I had been there 9 years, I loved what I did and I was comfortable. However, their funds had been cut and I couldn’t keep working without pay. Some of you are probably even thinking why I stayed as long as I did – I needed to do it on my own terms and I wanted to at least make sure the students (I worked in higher education) had transcripts and diplomas before I left.

January 26, 2018 – I resigned (I suppose officially yet I still helped them). I have spent the last few months focused on helping my husband get back on track with his business (he is a loan officer, he helps people buy their dream home, investment property or refinance). I run his marketing, social media, schedule and boost him when he needs it. I pushed my mom to get her license active again and give her a much-needed push. We now work together as a team, a family business of sorts. I’ve babysat, dogsat, and run errands for family and friends. I’ve taken loved ones to doctor appointments, surgeries and radiation. I’ve coached friends for interviews and reviewed many a resume and cover letter. I have helped at events and presentations. I have counseled those in need. Pretty much anything but focus on me. 

The months have flown…February, March and April are a blur. May was nonstop and June was pure chaos. Meanwhile. I got sick and then I got sicker. I ended up with a severe ear infection. Severe enough that ENT said it was the worst he’s seen (I have Hashimoto so I’m used to my ailments being overachievers). However, this ear infection kicked my ass. It made me slow down enough to evaluate all I had done (or not done) in the last few months. I am proud of myself for always helping others – It is truly something I value about myself. I think helping others is my passion and calling. In fact when I was first job hunting after my exodus, all I knew was that I wanted to help people and travel. This brings me to my second passion: travel. 

Despite my life not being exactly as I pictured it when I was growing up (in many ways it is better), I have been and continue to be blessed to travel. Shoutout to Patty Perez (Now Fusco) for giving it a name. My maternal Grandfather’s last name was Oliver, I have his last name. My full name and it’s a mouthful is Lauren Ashley Oliver Green. So naming the blog OliverEverywhere is an homage to him and my family.

Everyone always tells me I’m all over and everywhere (OliverEverywhere) so this is exactly what I plan to show just me going places and doing things all over – sharing it with whoever wants to join along. 

Thank you.