Leaving Nu Skin

Today is my last day at Nu Skin Enterprises where I have worked for the past (almost) 4 years. It's been quite a ride, but it's time to get off.

I first came to Nu Skin, a very green, squeaky clean Returned Missionary, full of dreams and excitement. I loved to speak Korean so jumped at the chance for a job where I could take customer service phone calls in my mission language, and therefore slow its alarmingly quick deterioration within my rather limited brain. It seemed like an answer straight from heaven to all my needs. It was in Provo, a very short drive from each of my several apartments while I went to BYU, and it offered opportunities for advancement.

I have to say that my experience at Nu Skin has been absolutely better than I expected. The people at this company have been incredibly good to me. I have absolutely no cause for complaint. Well... maybe one. They've spoiled me for other work opportunities. I honestly don't know if I will ever work anywhere that is so very good to their employees. Whether it was when I was a lowly peon on the phones, or when I had advanced to other positions - first as a trainer for new employees, and then to the position I currently hold as Regional Quality Specialist, (kind of an impressive title, no?) Nu Skin has treated me exceptionally well, and I will always laud them for that.

Why then am I leaving such a great company you may ask? Well the answer is really quite simple. Nu Skin is located in Provo. I believe I have mentioned in previous posts that I have come to realize that I am not, nor will I ever be, the type of person that could forever live in a town like Provo. It was great while it lasted, but I don't think I could handle it for much longer. And so I embark on a new adventure in Salt Lake City. (for anyone outside of Utah reading this, that might not seem like a big change, but trust me. HUGE.)

I look forward to that day very soon (tomorrow to be precise) that I will not have to drive the 80 miles round-trip that has plagued me since my move to Salt Lake in January. And so with a light heart, I bid a fond farewell to Nu Skin and all it has given me over the past 4 years. Thanks ever so much, and on to the next!

Jazz and Super Powers

Sometimes I wonder how in the world I'm surrounded by such talented people. Last night I went to Muse Music in Provo to hear my good friend Josephine sing at Jazz night. Needless to say she was incredible. (If you don't know Josephine, you should get to know her. One of the coolest girls I know.)

The point is though, going to that concert really got me thinking. Why is it that I'm always surrounded by all the talented people? Everywhere I look. At church, at work, hanging with friends. It's like being surrounded by super heroes! How are the rest of us mortals suppsoed to feel? Now I'm not saying I don't have talents. I know that I do. But there's nothing that I can do that a lot of other people can't do better. For example: I sing, but this is Utah - everyone can sing, and most people better than I can. I dance pretty well, but I learned to dance at BYU - everyone dances at BYU, and most people better than I can. I'm good at languages - but take a poll of people in your ward's Elders' Quorum and see how many speak a foreign language. For that matter take a poll in Relief Society! (For any non-mormons around... sorry. Church reference)

See what I mean? I'm not athletic, so don't go there. I'm outgoing, but not the super outgoing, makes-friends-with-everyone type. I am the ultimate jack of all trades, but master of none.

So I've been thinking about it today, and I thought to myself, if I had any one talent that was really incredible. One talent that really set me apart from the rest, what would it be? I came up with the only logical response - I'd want to be able to fly. That's right. I want to fly.

Now I know what you're thinking. "Let's keep this in the realms of reality, Derrik," and you're totally right! But if I'm going to be surrounded by super heroes as it is, why shouldn't I get a super-power! Is that so much to ask? After all, there may be no possible way on this earth that I will ever be able to fly. (Maybe) But I can tell you for sure, that there is no possible way I will ever - no matter how much I practice - be able to sing like a rock star, dance professionally, or learn all the languages I want to learn. So since none of those will ever work either, I may as well wish to fly. I feel like I have a better shot at that one.

One year older and wiser too...

So a friend of mine, out of the graciousness of her heart, offered to host a cake and ice cream get together in celebration of my birthday yesterday. Nothing fancy mind you, but a few friends from church and around the apartment complex to come by and eat cake, play Foosball, etc. So I get there and we're having a good time; there is a great turnout, because she emailed the church listserv, and a bunch of people showed.

I'm mingling and enjoying myself, when I suddenly stop and look around the room. I only knew the names of about half the people there. It made me feel kinda stupid for not knowing the names of people that had come to a party for me, so I tried to unobtrusively learn some people's names without letting on to anyone that I was so clueless.

So I learned some names, and was having a great time, when I was approached by a kid named Ryan (who I had just met that evening) and was informed that he needed to pass on several people's birthday wishes to me. When I inquired further it turned out that most of the people I didn't know, didn't know me either. They had in fact asked whose birthday it was and been told, "Derrik - that guy in the red t-shirt." Turns out that Ryan was also wearing a red t-shirt and had been told happy birthday several times.

Gotta love our society don't you? Someone says, "birthday cake" and we all come running. Even if we don't know the person whose birthday it actually is. Ah well. At least I got a party out of it. :o)

Fare Thee Well, Provo

At last, after months of hardship, pain, and travail, I have found a new job that will finally allow me to bid a final farewell to the town of Cougars. I have but one thing to say.

YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I am sorry if this offends those of you that call Provo your home, but in all honesty I cannot apologize for my elation. I have never been a "Provo Person" and never will be. There's too much city boy in me and I like it that way. I do not begrudge others their enjoyment of Provo and its people, and I ask that they not begrudge me my preference for other areas.

As of August 1st, 2008 I will begin new employment as an enrollment counselor at the University of Phoenix. They have a campus right down the road from where I'm currently living in Holladay, and so I say goodbye to my daily commute of 82.3 miles. With gas prices continuing to rise with no end in sight, this change will not only save me a ton of money, but the job gives me a rather significant pay bump. (did I mention WOO HOOOOO!!! ?)

Being the east coaster that I am it has often been the case as I have lived in Utah, for me to feel at odds with others. Not that I (generally) felt ostracised or like an outsider per se, but let's all be honest. I'm an odd duck. This is the conclusion I've come to and I make no bones about it. It really comes down to the fact that the people who understand and accept me with all my oddities are rather few and far between. That's why I like bigger cities. With more people I have a better chance of making really good friends, instead of superficial "I'll-hang-out-with-you-because-I've-been-taught-my-whole-life-to-be-a-good-fellowshipping-mormon" type friends.

So while Provo has been where I have spent my days for the past 4 years, I can now finally claim to have graduated from happy valley. Hallelujah!!