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?

Fall is here and snugly evenings have returned. Thick home knitted yarn socks from Grandma, blankets, and a warm beverage hits the spot. I love Fall for it’s beauty but also because it brings permission to take on some extra snuggle time. Tonight was just that. Spent lots of quiet time with my best girl snuggling watching one of her favorites-Survivor. Love evenings like this and am grateful I am able to enjoy them.

What Fall entity are you thankful for?

Yay for motivation! I am finally feeling inspired to write and continue work on my chapter two of the dissertation. It was a rough and tough load over the summer and taking time away from writing has been a godsend. I am back and feeling ready to attack my literature review. I am grateful to feel energetic and ready to return. May this feeling continue…..

What feelings are you grateful for?

Good morning and Happy Monday beautiful people. I am excited to start a new week and continue enjoying a break from the course work. I am especially thankful that the new book I am looking to read is available at the library near my home. I just love the library and don’t spend nearly enough time there. I love how quiet it is and how many materials there are to get lost into.

What simplicity are you grateful for today?

After working 60 hours this week I needed a day of relaxation and today was just that! I spent some time with family, reading the Sunday paper with coffee (one of my fav’s), a little nap, and lots of time doing nothing! I am SO thankful to have a day of no plans so that I can spend time renewing. Am starting week 2 at the new job and expect to be another week of intense learning sessions. I am grateful though….growth doesn’t occur unless we’re challenged, correct?

How did you spend this lovely Sunday?

Oye, I did it…….I worked 16 hours yesterday and am so thankful I had the energy to do so. I was able to pick up a quick two day job working an Oktoberfest celebration (thank you to my sister!). It was a long day including a full shift at the day job and then another eight hour shift working the celebration. I am SO thankful for these kinds of opportunities as it allows me to save additional funds (which will be especially helpful for my upcoming travels to Houston and Chile’.)

What kinds of opportunities are you especially grateful for?