Life Transitions and Professional Success 

From childhood I dreamed of owning my own restaurant…perhaps because we never went out to eat…perhaps when I finally did, I loved the busy and bustling hum.  It’s tantalizing if you’re a people watcher like me.   

In elementary school I became a writer. I wrote a booklet,  I wrote prose and poems and I daydreamed about everything that was lovely to offset my pain.  I had concepts of becoming a journalist because words took me places I’d never seen or imagined existed.   

In high school I changed my theme to psychologist.  Through my brokenness of life so young, and with my sensitive soul and love for others…friends and students always came to me for advice.  It came easy to me.  I just always seemed to have the right answer, to be able to solve the problem, to overcome the hurdle. 

That has carried with me a lifetime. 

Over fifteen years ago I was selected and ordained by my Pastor to assist him.  I taught Wednesday night Bible study and often Sunday school.  I even had opportunities to preach the Word on Sunday.  I was in charge of the Prayer team.  It was a blessing and an honor. 

I had achieved many things but this was what filled my empty holes.  This is what taught me the tools to overcome any situation.  This is what gave me hope and encouragement to keep striving.  

At 19 I was hired by a prestigious airline and was selected Miss PSA March by the leadership in LAX (and Miss PSA Legs as voted by the pilots).  I enjoyed modeling for a while but didn’t accept invitations toward a career that felt devoid of real-life heartfelt experiences.  

By 30 I had won at the World Playoffs in my division after returning to the show ring.  I had quit at 13 after winning many Championships and being featured on television interviews with SunUp San Diego.  Born and raised on an Appaloosa breeding and show ranch, all three Reed girls were expert riders.   

Desiring to become very successful, I entered the automotive industry as a Finance Manager and worked my way to Finance Director of a large Ford dealership.   

Still the dream of a restaurant of my own kept at me in the windmills of my mind. When my boss sold the dealership I knew it was time to conquer my next dream. In the interim I was offered a position as a Loan Officer for USBank and worked retail, wholesale and then became a Loan Modification Specialist.  Ultimately, I pursued my dream once again and bought a failing cafe in the middle of my quaint town and with hard work, unique marketing and a “Cheers” atmosphere and Annie Oakleys became a popular east county restaurant was voted Best Breakfast House by Sign On San Diego.  

I have another dream in my pocket, a ministry for the unreachable in which all of my intuitions and experiences will come together in purpose.  I have yet to accomplish that but meanwhile I’m living my other dream…the dream of helping people as a Life Coach assisting them in adjusting, evaluating and overcoming the issues of life that have hindered them.