2 Year Anniversary & MBA Clarity (somewhat)

Yesterday, Mary Beth and I had our 2-year anniversary. I can honestly say that I love her more today than I ever have and she continues to amaze me each day with her patience, love and understanding. It looks to be another monumental year ahead with the birth of first child and with the beginning of the MBA application process next fall. Mary Beth and I are so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family who have supported us through out our two years of marriage. Thanks everyone. It really means a lot to us.

It is hard to believe that the time has gone by so quickly. I guess that is what happens when you spend your days in a cubicle.....you get in that "work zone" and before you know it the day is over. I am realizing that the 9-5 cubicle scene is just not who I am. As most of you know, I have been researching MBA programs over the past 6 months and I originally thought that the East Coast Ivy League schools were the way to go. I had my heart set on becoming a big-time investment banker or consultant. What was I thinking? I would still be in a cubicle, but instead of 9-5 it would be more like 7-7 (not to mention that the Investment Banking industry, basically, no longer exists). looking back, my thought process was all wrong. I thought that making the big money and having and elite education would allow me freedom down the road (when I decided to stop working the crazy hours), but I am beginning to realize that I am more of a free spirit. I will thrive in a small entrepreneurial-type of business much more than in a big bank. I want to have an impact on the direction of the company I work for and eventually I want to be able to work for myself. I have begun to realize that the University of Colorado MBA program is more suited for me and my career goals. They encourage entrepreneurism and they seem to encourage their students to stray from the typical suit & tie wearing MBA student. That is a place where I can see myself. It sure doesn't hurt that I would be in the mountains where MB, the baby and I could enjoy the trails, skiing, biking and the awesome parks-just to name a few things. Plus it is a safe distance from Wall St. I still plan on applying to several schools next year, but CU Boulder seems more and more like a perfect fit each day.
http://www.leeds.colorado.edu/MBA/index.aspx?id=1414

I've still got it

Well, I guess baseball is just like riding a bike. Once I got back in there it all came back to me. I even surprised myself when I "dropped a bomb" (hit a homerun) on the first pitch of the game in my first at bat. It felt great. Although I did strike out in my second at bat-we don't really need to talk about that. It was hilarious to hear some of the stories that I had forgotten about and to spend time with the guys who made my college days so memorable. I sure miss those days.

The weather was excellent and while I was out there I couldn't help but think how nice it would be to work outside and have a little more freedom, as opposed to the standard 9 to 5. That is my ultimate goal-to find a job where I can spend time in the outdoors and have the freedom to set my own schedule.

Mary Beth and I had our 2nd Childbirth Prep Class last night. We learned a lot of different birthing positions and practiced some new relaxation techniques. We also watched some informative videos that provided some more detail regarding the different stages of the birthing process. (sometimes a little too much detail, but we tried to be mature) :) We are two weeks away from moving into Mary Beth's Mom's house. She is getting remarried and will be moving out, so we are going to rent from them. It is going to be very nice to have some extra space and a yard for the baby to play in next spring. We received a very nice gift from Dave & Marilyn (MB's mom and her fiance)-3 framed Beatrice Potter characters for the nursery. Peter Rabbit is probably my favorite, but they will all look very nice. We also bought some furniture for the nursery. Check it out...(the color is different-we went with a darker wood, but I couldn't find a picture of it).

Athletic ability declining..a little

I have recently determined that I am not the athlete I used to be. It became apparent that I am not as muscular as I once was today when I was able to wear a dress shirt with a 16 1/2 in. neck. (I used to be a 17 or 17 1/2 in my prime) :) I am sure that the evidence of my declining athletic ability will only be greater this weekend when I suit up in my baseball uniform for the first time in two years for the William Jewell Alumni Game. It is so hard to believe that 2 1/2 years ago I was playing baseball for a living, and now I will be happy to make contact. I will let you know how it goes. I am just excited to see all the guys and hang out with them. Any good plays on the field will just be "icing on the cake."

I am, however, probably in the best cardiovascular shape of my life right now. I just ran a 10k in less than 42 min., so I guess I am just changing priorities from the weight room to the roads & trails. My goal is to run a decent marathon time next year and to finish a few triathlons as well. Hopefully I can stay healthy and find a little time to train. As evidence by my previous post, I plan on doing a lot of running with the baby in the new stroller.

Speaking of the baby....Mary Beth and I had our first Child Birth Prep Class tonight. We spent two hours at the hospital with about 10 other first time pregnant couples passing around a replica amniotic sack and practicing our breathing and massage techniques. It was very informative and I think we should have a much better idea of what to expect after we go through all the classes. I may be a bit uncomfortable during the breastfeeding class, but other than that, I am happy to be there. Mary Beth is officially in her 3rd trimester, so we have less than 3 months until our due date. It will be here before we know it. Good times.....