Sleep, oh how much I love you! Not only did I sleep in this morning, but was I was lucky enough to engage in an afternoon nap. It was a fairly slow day and I was able to move through a great deal of reading, finish my discussion for the week and begin my assignment that isn’t due for another week.

Working ahead is a success strategy I have used and I find useful. I am able to meet my deadlines and operate at my best. I am grateful to have the time and wisdom to use this strategy.

What strategy are you thankful for?

And yet another week coming to an end. Today, is especially exciting because me next course in my DBA journey has begun. I am taking a statistics course this quarter and am again feeling confident with the content. In addition, this is course number 7 of 10 which brings me one step closer to the finish line. Here’s to another successful quarter. I’m grateful for this journey and the opportunity I have been given.

What opportunity are you currently grateful?

Today, I attended the NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) conference. I was able to spend the day learning and collecting ideas that I believe will help me develop my professional skills. A world of possibilities exists and I am even more excited than ever before. Now, if only I could more hours to my already extended day.

What kinds of investments have you made in yourself lately?

To live happily is an inward power of the soul. ~ Marcus Aurelius

Santiago, Chile here I come. In exactly 30 days I will be embarking upon my first official international travel experience. I am traveling with a group of instructors and class mates and am beyond excited. Last evening, I bought my airfare and have put on the finishing touches in my travel plans. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures and cannot believe that after 18 months of saving money and planning for this trip it is almost here. I am SO thankful I am in a position to afford to take advantageous of this incredible opportunity.

What has gotten you excited lately?

I have recently reached out to couple of practicing PhD faculty members both willing to provide mentoring. Both responded (thankfully!) and after reviewing my CV have provided recommendations to increase my attractiveness and marketability once I am finished with my program.

Two suggestions I was given was to begin seeking opportunities to present my research at conferences and the second to submit my research as manuscripts for academic journal publications. As a a pursuer of academic achievement I am curious and committed to broadening my skills and experiences with the goal of further expressing my purpose.

Who has mentored you lately?

Spent the greater part of today catching up with some really lovely ladies and enjoying a new brunch restaurant. I love trying new places and this new site was not only attractive but was also quite delicious. The Lake Elmo Inn was the perfect gathering place for girlfriends and what a perfect day it was. I love girlfriend time and am grateful for those in my life?

When was the last last time you spent quality friendship moments?

Another strikingly Fall day today. Spent the day celebrating my best girl’s birthday and spending time with family. I so, appreciate this time we spend together and am especially grateful for the family values incorporated from past generations. My family relationships are invaluable to me and I am thankful for them.

Who are you grateful for in your life?

After trying to balance my to do list I was not as prepared when ordering birthday gifts for my best girl. She turns 11 this month (WOW!) and has asked for a variety of girly, fun, and educational gifts. Proudly, I have ordered a number of her favorite books from Amazon and when completing my order learned I qualify for Amazon Student which provides free two day shipping. I am grateful for this little surprise and and thankful I have found yet another resource to save money. Thank you!

Where have you found money saving treasures?