Goodbye Auburn

I am so happy to say that I am officially finished with my MBA!  It has been a long, stressful, rewarding, challenging, exciting road and it's a bittersweet end. I enjoyed my time as an Auburn student and will always support this wonderful school!  

I was required to return to Auburn to finish my Capstone course in preparation for graduation.  I once read somewhere that you never realize how much you as a person have changed until you return to a place that hasn't.  I never fully understood that thought until I arrived on Auburn's campus.  Spending time on campus was wonderful (although most was spent cramming in the library); however, being on campus led me to reflect on how much has changed since I started this path.  I am such a different person with a different perspective now than I was as a fresh faced graduate student when I arrived.   

All the late nights, stress, tears, lack of sleep, moments of doubt and frustration are now completely worth it.  I could not be more thankful for the support I have received while finishing my masters.  Whether it was a night off just to have fun with friends, a pep talk from best friends, family or co-workers, a good cry and talk with God, or just a smile and words of encouragement, I have been unbelievably blessed with the amount of love and support I have had in this process.  

Now I am looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying the Christmas season!  I honestly do not think the fact that I am officially done with tests and homework has even hit me fully yet.  I know myself and I highly doubt that I am forever finished with school but I am definitely going to take a break!  Here's to a wonderful Christmas that is not filled with stress, multinational finance problems, or late night final practice exams :) War Eagle! 

Right after our Capstone presentation

Surprise from my sweet co-workers :)

THE AUBURN CREED

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. 

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully. 

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men. 

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities. 

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all. 

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. 

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God." 

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. 
-George Petrie (1945)

JT: The 20/20 Experience

Last weekend my friend Cassey and I went to see Justin Timberlake in concert.  I have always been a fan but after seeing his performance at the MTV Video Music Awards (see video below), I was 100% on board with going to his new concert tour. 

We decided to go all out and get floor seats and oh boy am I glad we did!  We started the evening with dinner at Sole Mio which I highly recommend.  It was a great atmosphere and the food & wine were amazing!

Our seats were amazing with a great view of the stage and then during the concert his stage raised into the air and traveled across the crowd.  THEN, landed in the VIP section which we were three rows away from.  He was so close to us!  He played for 3 hours!!!!! It was so amazing!  Definitely worth every penny :)

So ready for the concert to start!!

25 Days to 25: Day 25

25 Things to Accomplish During My Year of Being 25

1. Finish my MBA 

2.  Pray more, worry less.

3. Take time to enjoy the little things.
4. Practice the power of no.
5. Give back.
6. Eat clean.
7. Travel to another foreign country.
8. Sleep.
9. Read for pure enjoyment.
10. Spend more time outdoors.
11. Exercise more.
12.  Be creative.
13. Give up soft drinks.
14.  Simplify.
15. Watch a sunrise and sunset.
16. Be more timely.
17. Read the Bible.
18.  Do more random acts of kindness.
19.  Learn something new.
20. Keep blogging.
21. Develop a vision.
22.  Decide on my next educational pursuit.
23. Be happy.
24. Make the best decisions for me.

25.Enjoy the year.

This is the only time I will ever be 25 so I just want to enjoy this year.  I don't want to wish days away or hurry myself up to 26.  25 has started off pretty great and I think there are some great things in store for this year!

25 Days to 25: Day 24

25 Things to Accomplish During My Year of Being 25

1. Finish my MBA 

2.  Pray more, worry less.

3. Take time to enjoy the little things.
4. Practice the power of no.
5. Give back.
6. Eat clean.
7. Travel to another foreign country.
8. Sleep.
9. Read for pure enjoyment.
10. Spend more time outdoors.
11. Exercise more.
12.  Be creative.
13. Give up soft drinks.
14.  Simplify.
15. Watch a sunrise and sunset.
16. Be more timely.
17. Read the Bible.
18.  Do more random acts of kindness.
19.  Learn something new.
20. Keep blogging.
21. Develop a vision.
22.  Decide on my next educational pursuit.
23. Be happy.

24. Make the best decisions for me.

When making any decision I'm always worried about how it's going to affect everyone else.  I have a bad habit of worrying too much about other's opinions instead of focusing on what I really want.  This year I'm going to make a commitment to make the decisions that I know are right for me and will bring me the most happiness.

25 Days to 25: Day 23

25 Things to Accomplish During My Year of Being 25

1. Finish my MBA 

2.  Pray more, worry less.

3. Take time to enjoy the little things.
4. Practice the power of no.
5. Give back.
6. Eat clean.
7. Travel to another foreign country.
8. Sleep.
9. Read for pure enjoyment.
10. Spend more time outdoors.
11. Exercise more.
12.  Be creative.
13. Give up soft drinks.
14.  Simplify.
15. Watch a sunrise and sunset.
16. Be more timely.
17. Read the Bible.
18.  Do more random acts of kindness.
19.  Learn something new.
20. Keep blogging.
21. Develop a vision.
22.  Decide on my next educational pursuit.

23. Be happy.

Pursue happiness everyday.

25 Days to 25: Day 22

25 Things to Accomplish During My Year of Being 25

1. Finish my MBA 

2.  Pray more, worry less.

3. Take time to enjoy the little things.
4. Practice the power of no.
5. Give back.
6. Eat clean.
7. Travel to another foreign country.
8. Sleep.
9. Read for pure enjoyment.
10. Spend more time outdoors.
11. Exercise more.
12.  Be creative.
13. Give up soft drinks.
14.  Simplify.
15. Watch a sunrise and sunset.
16. Be more timely.
17. Read the Bible.
18.  Do more random acts of kindness.
19.  Learn something new.
20. Keep blogging.
21. Develop a vision.

22.  Decide on my next educational pursuit.

I will be finished with my MBA in just a few weeks and even though I've told myself I'm taking a long break before pursuing any other degrees, I'm not so sure that's the case.  Whether it's a professional designation or another post-graduate degree, I want to go ahead and start planning what I am going to pursue next and when.  

25 Days to 25: Day 21

25 Things to Accomplish During My Year of Being 25

1. Finish my MBA 

2.  Pray more, worry less.

3. Take time to enjoy the little things.
4. Practice the power of no.
5. Give back.
6. Eat clean.
7. Travel to another foreign country.
8. Sleep.
9. Read for pure enjoyment.
10. Spend more time outdoors.
11. Exercise more.
12.  Be creative.
13. Give up soft drinks.
14.  Simplify.
15. Watch a sunrise and sunset.
16. Be more timely.
17. Read the Bible.
18.  Do more random acts of kindness.
19.  Learn something new.
20. Keep blogging.

21. Develop a vision.

I think it's important to have a vision of what you want to accomplish in life and I want to work on developing my vision for my professional and community goals that will enable me to stay focused.