An Attitude of Gratitude

20: I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach, both in my profession and also in a church setting. I probably learn more than those I am instructing. I hope I am living up to the responsibility placed on my shoulders.

19: I'm grateful for uplifting and inspirational music. Music is able to convey feelings that might otherwise go unshared.

18: I am grateful for people who are willing to selflessly give of themselves and their time for the benefit of others. Hopefully I am able to serve others in some small way.

17: I am grateful for trials and challenges. It is at times when we are being tried that we tend to grow the most. Remember that we will be strengthened enough to meet our challenges and overcome trials and setbacks.

16: I am grateful for prayer. The opportunity I have to pray to my Heavenly Father and the strength and help I receive through the prayers of others.

15: I am grateful for supportive and inspiring friends. I truly have the most amazing, incredible, fantabulous friends. Love you guys!

14: Today I am grateful for modern emergency medicine. My grandfather had a heart attack yesterday and has to have open heart surgery tomorrow or Wednesday. Without modern medicine he probably wouldn't be with us any longer.

13: I'm grateful for over-the-counter cold/flu medications. Without them I think my head would explode.

12: I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to work with the Young Women in my Church. They are such incredible individuals. I learn so much from their examples.

11: "How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" ~Thomas Jefferson

I am grateful for this great country I live in and the men and women who have sacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, to keep it the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

10: I'm grateful for my energetic, happy, fun "nephews" that enjoy playing cars and treating me like a human jungle-gym. I love those boys.

9: Grateful for a good job. Grateful for job security. Grateful for the entertainment my students regularly provide :)

8: I am grateful for a country in which I am allowed to have a voice in my government.

7: I am grateful for a warm, comfortable bed.

6: Today I am grateful for wholesome, quality entertainment. I'm watching one of my all-time favorite movies, "Anne of Green Gables."

5: I'm grateful for snow. Without snow we don't have water needed to shower, water our lawns, etc.

4: I am grateful for the peace and calm that comes during snowfall. There is just something tranquil in watching snow fall.

3: I am grateful for a gas fireplace and hot spiced cider. Add a good book to that and it makes for a pleasant fall/winter evening.

2: Today I am grateful for my health. I am having to watch too many people I know and love struggle with various ailments. I wish there was something I could do for them.

1: I am grateful for Chocolate!

Graduation Day 2011

April 22, 2011 was a wonderful day for me. I was able to realize the culmination of 2 1/2 years of hard work, tests, homework, late nights, and stress as my name was read and I walked across the stage at graduation.

Master's Hooding Ceremony

  A hood is a symbolic garment, which is worn draped around the neck and over the shoulders, displayed down the back with the lining exposed. The hood’s length signifies the degree; with the institution's colors in the lining and a velvet trim in a color that signifies the scholar’s field. The hood is a part of traditional academic dress whose origins date back many centuries. Today, the hood is considered by some to be the most expressive component of the academic costume. Today’s hoods have evolved from a practical garment to a symbolic one.

My Hood 

 I started graduate school in January 2009, and I had no earthly idea what I was getting myself into. I am far from being a business undergrad, so this whole MBA thing seemed a little far-fetched at times. A lot of my co-workers thought I was crazy and told me I should just go for a Master's of Education because that would be a lot easier.

.... If you know me you know that I considered it a challenge and pursuing an MBA was the final decision.

I had the full support of my parents, friends, extended family, employer, and even my students. Since I was a non-business undergraduate I had to take a few courses that would get me up to speed on the whole business school thing.

As I went through graduate school I tried to make some time for myself and those I love while I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Trying to find a balance when you find yourself in the middle of a semester of full-time school, coaching high school basketball, and teaching full-time, can be difficult. I am happy to say that all persons involved survived that semester and nobody was hurt in the process.

Mom, Dad, Me, Mamacita, Pops

 In the process of surviving graduate school I was blessed to meet some incredible individuals and form some strong friendships with both classmates and professors. These individuals have left an indelible mark on my life that has helped shaped me into the woman I am today.

This is my favorite professor (I know, we shouldn't have favorites...) He encouraged me and helped me feel like I belonged in the MBA program as much as anyone else.

We started out in the program together. Over the 2 1/2 years I got to know his wife and four kids, too. He helped me through some of the most difficult classes. Thanks!

My younger brother also graduated the same day. He received his Bachelor's degree! It was fun to share the day with him and make it a big family event.

Me, Baby Brother :)

Sister-in-Law, Brother, Me, Mom, Dad

2 1/2 years later I have graduated and nobody can take it away from me. What will I do with my  MBA? That's a very good question that I have no answer to. We'll see where the future takes me!

In the words of Elle Woods, "We Did It!"

Where have I been???

Wow, it has been a while since I posted... Il'' be back soon :)