End of an Era

Yahoo!  As of end of day Wednesday, I am officially retired. (Please note that this is early retirement.  I have quite a few years before I hit the official retirement age.)  After 17 years at UnitedHealthcare (UHC) it was time to leave my "safe" job and pursue my passion in the quilting business.

So what did I do in my full-time job?  I was the Program Management Director for the Operational Excellence program.  For those in the corporate world -- this translates to Six Sigma.  For those non-corporate types, this means we were responsible for fixing process problems in the company.  

Although there is no formal "retirement" at UHC, I was able to end my career on a high.  A few weeks ago, there was a team dinner with participants from all over the country.  (They even surprised me by flying in my staff person in Nebraska to join the celebration.)

On Tuesday, there was cake in the office with attendees from the groups I worked with over the years.  Here are a few photos.

My primary team members at UHC.

A few attendees for cake.

So What's Next

I left myself no time to relax.  After I turned in my laptop and other equipment on Wednesday, I drove to the convention center and started setting up my booth for International Quilt Market.

For those that don't know, International Quilt Market is the trade show for quilt shop owners and those who are in the business.  It is held twice a year.  Spring market rotates across the country and fall market is always in Houston.

Here are a few photos of my first ever booth.

I hope you recognize a few of these quilts.  :)

In addition to pattern design, I am hoping to do more teaching (both online and at shops and shows).  So I suspect I will keep very busy.

I've even hired Morna McEver as a business coach to help me stay focused as I start on this new venture.  Morna McEver is the CEO and founder of the International Association of Professional Quilters and International Association of Creative Arts Professionals.

Gifting the Elsa and Anna Frozen Quilt

I saw my niece Josie last weekend and was able to give her the Frozen quilt.  She carried it around all weekend -- so I'm guessing I can conclude it was a hit.

She was also a great helper -- opening all my pattern bags and even binding a portion of a table topper so I could get ready for market.  Is six a good age for girls to start quilting?  (She learned to tie her shoes last weekend and seemed pretty good at fine motor skills.)

Happy quilting.

Kari

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