Cubicle Death - The MBA Guide To Career & Life

2006-09-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Cubicle Death 2.0
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One chapter closes, another one begins...

Just click on the new logo above, and you will be transported to a whole new universe. Oh yeah - don't forget to subscribe if you are into that whole RSS thing (see link below)...

2006-06-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Memoirs Of An MBA
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It's been nearly two months since my last post, but now that I've had time to absorb and reflect upon my two years in Michigan, I'd like to pontificate a little bit...

When I first arrived at the University of Michigan in the summer of 2004, I sat in Hale Auditorium surrounded by more than 400 young and eager business people that would be my future classmates and cohort. Looking around me, I felt a sense of inadequacy, and I wondered if I had made the right decision to move to Ann Arbor to pursue my MBA degree.

That ever-faithful voice inside, reassured me that I had. After all, I had done all of the requisite research before making my decision. I pored through all of the major published grad program rankings (note: US News does not fall into this category) just to be sure I was enrolling in a program that would net a high investment return per tuition dollar spent. I consulted all of my colleagues and mentors that had either gone through the same process or that could offer their wisdom and shed insight into my decision. Still – why was there doubt?

Maybe it was because I had oft heard the varied opinions about the value of an MBA degree. I'm no stranger to the debate, and like any good debate, there is no objective or correct answer to the question: is an MBA degree worth it? Sure, you can calculate the NPV of the investment – but what about the intangibles? It seems that as business people we are quick to overlook personal development, experiential development, and something I like to call “life expansion”. So be it. Let those that view the MBA as a personal profit vehicle go to schools where their peers feel the same way. I am a Michigan graduate now, and I assure you, the majority of my peers share my holistic view of the MBA education.

So now that I have a freshly minted MBA from the best business program in the world (U of M alumni are also humble and without bias), I have my own perspective to share about the true value of an MBA, and about what I learned during my time at Michigan.

Top 5 Lessons of an MBA

5. Be Content (Have Fun)
True, the real world is difficult and not always fun. Still, it is important to seek contentment in what we do, and try to have fun where we can. My two years at Michigan went by way too fast, and the rest of life will go by even more quickly. Have fun and be content – it makes all the difference.

4. Maintain Balance
Yes, that’s why I put “(Have Fun)” in parentheses. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between work, fun, and everything else in life. Sure, I was able to balance my commitments during school, but let’s face it – I had it pretty easy. I really admire my colleagues and non-student acquaintances that have managed to pull this off with more pressing life commitments - those that are married, those that are working, and especially those with families. I continue to learn from these exceptional individuals.

3. Learn By Doing
One of the hallmarks of the Michigan MBA is something called “Action Based Learning.” This ethos is intertwined throughout the curriculum and embedded within the spirit of the program. MAP (M.ultidiscplinary A.ction P.roject is a 7-week course where students work with real companies on real business projects) was a unique foray into experiential learning. Beyond the curriculum, there were multiple opportunities for students to become involved in extra curricular activities and events, providing a platform for further growth and learning. The Michigan M-trek, business plan and case competitions, and student led clubs (see Weekend Warriors) and events were just a few of these unique opportunities. In my opinion, learning is best accomplished by doing.

2. Seek & Build Character
Even though I’ve listed this as #2, it could very well be #1, and should realistically be even higher. My MBA experience was an intensive affirmation of this truth. Even though none of us would like to admit that we lack character, the truth is that everyone has areas of weakness. The real difference between those with character and those without is self awareness. People with character are constantly looking inwardly, striving to grow in areas that are lacking, and inspiring growth in those around them as a result. People without character are harder to identify. If you are anything like me, you choose to give most people the benefit of the doubt, choosing instead to see their good qualities first. Still, I can’t iterate this enough: steer clear of those with deep character flaws, and draw near to those with strong character.

1. Take Risks
As much as I hate the cliché, the underlying idea is essential in life and in business. Do things that cause you to “step outside of your comfort zone.” While this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to jump out of a plane, or SCUBA with sharks, it does mean to seek opportunities to expand your own horizons. You can learn a lot about yourself through new activities, and in doing so, your sphere of empathy and understanding will increase. It’s also a great way to build confidence. For those who know me, it may be hard to believe that I was actually petrified before perfoming in front of 800 peers in the Michigan Follies production. The fact that I was so nervous could only mean that the experience would be a good one - and it was. So important is this learning, in fact, that I made it the central theme to my Ross Profiles submission.

Looking back, I can safely say that my MBA experience was well worth it. If you are considering an MBA degree, appreciate the fact that you will learn so much more than business acumen. In order to fully capitalize on your MBA learning experience, don’t overlook life beyond the classroom. Be sure the MBA program you choose offers a well-integrated platform for professional and personal learning.

2006-04-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ode to Ace
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I don't really watch American Idol. I have a persistent distrust of network television, and I can't seem to find anything edifying on TV anymore. Still, I tried to watch some of this season's Idol because my good friend's brother, Ace Young was one of the contestants (and no, I won't give you his contact information, or his brother's ;). Ace has been pursuing a career in music for as long as I can remember, and I commend him for how far he made it on the show. What really makes Ace a true star is that his is a genuinely nice guy. During the height of the Ace craze on Idol, he took the time (upon my request) to autograph and send a 8.5" x 11" glossy to me for my sister's birthday. Ace recognized how much it would mean to my sister (who is a big Idol fan), and took time out of his busy schedule to make it happen.

As of yesterday, Ace will no longer be vying for the Idol limelight. Still, I have no doubt that he will continue to be successful whether he decides to continue his career in music, acting, or anything else for that matter. WTG Ace.

The Real Ace

This is the signed glossy that Ace sent to my sister during the height of Idol madness.

2006-04-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Third Place in VCIC Finals
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The finals results from the 2006 VCIC International Competition are in:

1. Washington
2. NYU
3. Michigan

I know, I know... I shouldn't be upset. We went up against 55 of the best MBA programs in the world, and we came in 3rd. Don't get me wrong, I am ecstatic. We beat Harvard, MIT, Duke, and all of those other second rate business schools from across the world ;) ... but there's always that disappointment that comes with not being the best.

Still, I am proud of our team. We were the unwavering mavericks of the competition - consistently making bold moves that had the potential to sink us or lead us to victory. We were determined to win big or go down in flames trying. In the end, its hard to say whether this mentality hurt us or helped us (Dan Primack who writes Thomson's PE-Week Wire has his own thoughts about our performance), but I wouldn't change a thing.

Our first strong move was at the regionals in Boulder where the terms of our investment called for the current CEO to resign. The VC judges disagreed with the move, but rewarded us for supporting our strong stance. This weekend brought more of the same. This time we called for a minor "tweak" to the business plan. We essentially told the CEO that he needed to focus on one market rather than multiple markets. Again, the VC judges disagreed with us, but applauded our resolve and support of our decision.

Personally, I think the competition should be pay to play from here on out. Contestant teams will play with real money, and place real investments, with real terms. After 5 years the results will be posted based on the actual exit valuation of the company, and teams will be rewarded with the actual return on their investment. Okay, so maybe that's a little silly, but it's fun to think about. Maybe when the real world comes back around (only 2 weeks left!!!), I'll find a way to play on the real stage.

The Grind

Poor Shenika was sick all weekend, but stuck it out through late nights and was able to confidently deliver during our final presentation. (Notice the requisite junkfood on the table. Awesome.)

2 grand is better than no grand

Exhausted, the Michigan VCIC team poses for a group picture in the parking lot before the ride home.

Mastering Losing

Why is it that nobody remembers second or third? Maybe it's because we are all really playing for the Green Jacket. This leaderboard at least helps me rationalize our third place victory. (man did I want Freddie to win!)

2006-04-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Katy's First Job!
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Congratulations are in order for my sister, Katy. She has landed her long time dream job at Mount Vernon Lee in Vienna, VA as a greeter. This is a great achievement for her because she has been eager to work as a greeter for several years.

Way to go, sis!

The Charm

Katy doing what she does best - putting on the charm.

Service With A Smile

I have no doubt that this girl is going to be a success in her new role.

2006-04-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Real Bachelor Party
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What are the ingredients for a "real" bachelor party?

Having been involved with quite a few myself, I find that some conventions must be bucked while others should be the norm. Jason's bachelor party last weekend was no exception.

Rule #1: Dudes like to compete.

Start the day with a competitive activity. In this case, paintball was the perfect outlet.

A Manly Affair

Over 30 people attended the Weekend Warriors paintball event. Quite a lot of male angst was left out on the field.

Splat!

Typically, this should never happen to you if you are actually trying not to get hit. This is my roommate, Tom... nice work, big guy.

Rule #2: Dudes like beer.

The next step is to add beer to competition. The crew re-assembled after paintball for some beer, BBQ, basketball, and brackets (in the spirit of the NCAA final four tourney we decided to create a bracket for our cornhole teams).

Holers

Godley and I were the #1 seed, and we went undefeated. After this year's NCAA tourney, it's hard to believe any #1 seed could actually win.

Elegance

Even Lettmann's very pretty form (note the pinky finger) couldn't win the day. The Godley-Braly duo was too much for him to handle.

Rule #3: Dudes like meat.
Another crucially important ingredient for a successful bachelor party is red meat. We all ventured to a local steakhouse and every single one of us ordered the filet. A spectacular display of carnivorous delight.

Chop Licking Good

The guys at Knight's Steakhouse for more beer, steak, and merrymaking.

Raw

Jeff actually sent his first one back because it was too cooked. This is what came back. That was definitely a first for me. I'll take mine medium, please.

2006-03-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

On the Horizon
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One month from today, I will be a graduated man. It's hard to believe the time has gone by so quickly. I plan to pontificate more on this later. For now, I will look forward to the following things that will happen next month:

1. Golf (I have a new set of Taylor Made RACs, a new Yes! putter, and a new Taylor Made R5 driver - all of which are begging to be broken in)
2. Paintball (this weekend is the last Weekend Warriors event of the year!)
3. Godley's bachelor party (because I couldn't join in the fun at the real bachelor party last weekend, it's time to make up for the loss this weekend)
4. VCIC (the International finals are on 4/7 - 4/8 at UNC)
5. ZLI board meeting (Jason and I are presenting to the Zell Lurie Institute's annual board meeting in Chicago on 4/18 - 4/19)
6. No more finals! (they will be over shortly after 4/25)
7. Graduate (the family will be here to celebrate the momentous occasssion)
8. Moot Corp (the big showdown May 3-6 in Austin, TX)
9. Find a place to live
10. Join the real world

Yikes. I think I'll change my mind. Maybe I'll stick around and pursue a PhD degree...

2006-03-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Outfoxed Wins at McGinnis Competition
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Good news from last weekend. Outfoxed took home the first prize (and then some) in Carnegie Mellon's McGinnis Business Plan Competition. With it comes the following:

$30,000 committed investment from Carnegie Mellon:
$100,000 additional committed investment from Innovation Works.
$20,000 legal services from Ropes & Gray (we can get our full patent filed!).

Other cool things that happened at the competition...

*We met some guys from NTT Docomo that are interested in wireless apps for Outfoxed
**Pitched to VC investors from Madrona and Draper Triangle
***Attended the final award ceremony in the planetarium at the Carnegie Science Center, followed by a great party hosted by Ropes & Gray after the event

For the observant reader - yes, I realize my blog has become embarrassingly boring. As I look through my previous postings I realize that my entries are littered with business plan competitions and moustaches. Well, graduation is a little over a month away. I promise there will be more exciting things to come before this chapter closes...

2006-03-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Shave It
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I have a dilemma. I am currently wearing a mustache and I need it to come off. Why? Because this weekend I will be pitching the Outfoxed business plan at the Carnegie Mellon McGinnis Business Plan Competition, and I don't want my judges to write me off as Mr. Comedy hour. The whole purpose of the 'stache is to raise money for a non-profit that benefits homeless children called Project Night Night (started by the wife of one of my classmates). I want my 'stache to serve its humanitarian purpose, but I also want to avoid public humiliation this weekend. Fortunately, there's a way out but I need your help. Please donate $1, $2 or as much as your heart will allow, and vote for my mustache to come off. To do this, I need to win the "Shave It" award, which will allow me to save face (literally) and save the children. Every bid helps. Here is the link:

Make sure to type "Jake Braly" for the contestant's name!

Pictures of the (de?)evolving lip broom:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

2006-03-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

SOTM - OMD - Souvenir
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I was in love with this song from the very first time I heard it. It's so simple, yet so strong. I recommend finding a version of this song to listen to if you can (Moby does an amazing remix version). The deep synth sounds and amazing vocals of Paul Humphreys create a layered, yet seamless melody that is truly soothing.

OMD - Architecture & Morality, 1981

Souvenir

It's my direction
It's my proposal
It's so hard
It's leading me astray

My obsession
It's my creation
You'll understand
It's not important now

********In conversation
********In combination
********I tell the truth
********My feelings still remain

All I need is
Co-ordination
I can't imagine
My destination
My intention
Ask my opinion
But no excuse
My feelings still remain

My feelings still remain

2006-03-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

'Stache Update
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It's getting closer to the big face off. The Ross "Burt Reynolds Club" 'stache-off is well underway and the stubble is slowly turning into full flowing facial hair. Why are we doing this? What purpose does it serve? I'll let you see for yourself. The competition is sure to be fierce, but I am not scared. Soon the goatee you see below will be sculpted into a beautiful, flaxen moustache.

Here Comes The Fuzz

This is the halfway point... no turning back.

2006-03-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Spring Break - Back to the D.R.
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Last term was such a flurry that I almost decided not to go anywhere for Spring Break. I thought it would be better to focus on work. Luckily, Alison talked a little sense into me, so we made last minute reservations at the Occidental Alegro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was one of those "all-inclusive" deals that includes, well, everything. The food was great, the service was phenomenal, but the sun was really the best part of the trip. Quite a different experience than my m-trek in August. Much more laid back, and much better amenities. Still, both trips were fun in their own right. If you ever get the chance, I'd recommend it for a quick getaway at reasonable prices.

Ah... Miami Vice

I was first acquainted with the Miami Vice one year prior during my MBA1 Spring Break. What a glorious concoction.

Happy Ali

It didn't take much to make Alison happy - just a nice beach and plenty of sunscreen ;).

Beach Feet

I took this picture to remind me of what it feels like to lie on the beach in the sun. Note that the girl in the background has her top on. I learned on this trip that Dominican beach resorts consider this type of activity to be modest. Who knew? I guess I need to get out more often...

2006-02-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

The MBA Travel Map Unveiled
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With all of this Web 2.0 technology at my fingertips, I just couldn't resist. I decided to make an interactive travel map (based on Google API) to track my journeys over the last 2 years at business school. When I finished plotting the map, I realized I had been in quite a few places. This map will help me retrace my steps someday when I might need it most. And... there are several more markers to be added soon.

(Click on the map below to visit the interactive version)

2006-02-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

Weekend Warriors 2006-2007 President
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Congratulations to our newly appointed 2006-2007 Weekend Warriors President, Damon Dance (Weekend Warriors 2005 VP of Kart Racing).

The Weekend Warriors leadership board is confident that Damon will carry on the great legacy of this unique and exciting club, bringing opportunity and challenge to University of Michigan MBAs next school year.

Doing the Damon Dance

Damon displaying true warrior grit during the 2005 Weekend Warriors skydiving event.

2006-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

The Big Win! - Michigan Business Challenge
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We did it! We won the 2006 University of Michigan Business Challenge - a schoolwide business plan competition. This was the 23rd year of the competition, and this year it was structured differently than years previous. This year started with 40 student teams that enrolled in November. Outfoxed was one of these entrants. On December 9, these 40 teams competed head-to-head in a three-minute elevator pitch before a panel of judges. The teams were then narrowed to 16 and on January 13 we presented and defended the market size, the market need, and the underlying financial assumptions that drive the business. 8 teams were selected to move forward, this time required to produce full business plans accompanied by 15-minute pitch presentations. In the morning all teams presented, and the afternoon 4 of us were asked back. The four finalists pitched one last time in front of a panel of VC judges and winners were announced shortly thereafter.

Another Giant Check

Me and Jason holding the Grand Prize check for the Pryor-Hale Best Business award. This check will help Outfoxed with incidental fees - but the real payoff came in all of the learning we garnered along the way as well as the VC feedback regarding Outfoxed.

The victory also gets us an automatic berth into the MOOT Corp competition at UT - the "Super Bowl of Business Plan Competitions" this May.

''I need to thank Stan James for his vision and hard work bringing the paradigm shifting Outfoxed concept to the masses. I also need to thank the rest of the crew for their invaluable contributions to the project including Ulas and Fabian.''

Okay, okay... this isn't the Oscars, but the Outfoxed team victory is a huge validation of the software and business model. A lot of hard work has gone into this, and we hope this will be the first of many victories.

(Oh yeah, I almost forgot. We also won a Dare To Dream grant during the awards ceremony. More funds for legal fees!)

2006-02-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

The Ross "'Stache Off" Commences
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The first annual Ross 'Stache off is underway. The objective of the competition is to grow the best moustache in a one month period. More info about the challenge can be found in the Ross 'Stache off blog.

2006-02-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

VCIC - Michigan is Going To Nationals!
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All our work paid off. Our VCIC team (aka Dark Rider) placed 2nd in this weekend's regional competition at CU, giving us a berth to the international finals in UNC this April. It will be the first time since 2002 that a Michigan team has made it to the finals.

I'm not entirely sure why USC beat us out for first place... maybe they paid off the judges ;). In all seriousness though, the VCIC has been an unbelievable learning experience. Our team received tremendous feedback from the VC judges, and had a great time working together long into the night and well into the morning. Chapel Hill, here we come!

Check Please

The Michigan VCIC Team 2006 (from left to right): Jason, Shenika, Gary, Me, and Jason.

Burning Midnight Oil

Jason and Gary are hard at work. Serious intensity.

Short Term Shenika

Shenika working on our term sheet.

Boulder Backdrop

The backdrop of the competition. Boulder - beautiful as always.

2006-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

Venture Capital Competition Underway
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I am currently back in Boulder (my old hometown), at the University of Colorado (my alma mater), in the Leeds School of Business (my old building). It's kind of weird actually.

I am here for the VCIC (Venture Capital Investment Competition) on a team with 4 of my MBA classmates. We are competing against some pretty tough competition, but we aren't scared. Our team name is "Dark Rider" and we have already begun to digest the 5 business plans that were thrown at us a few hours ago. Over the next 48 hours we will decide which ones to invest in, what the terms of our investment(s) will be, and develop a presentation to give to the panel of local VC judges communicating our investment decisions. This promises to be fun...

2006-02-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Masters of the Blogosphere
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I just pored over Technorati's "State of the Blogosphere" report for the past quarter. I was actually somewhat astonished by the growth of blogs and blog readership in recent months. It started me thinking about the fundamentals of blogging versus the fundamentals of personal branding and the phenomenon and convergence of both.

Yes, I can now safely say I was ahead of the curve...

There are 2 broad categories of blogs in my opinion - 1) domain expert blogs and 2) personal blogs. Without the personal touch, a blog is nothing more than a news article. The most successful blogs (measured by readership) are a hybrid of both experiential knowledge and personality. Hybrid blogs allow the blogger to connect with the target audience on a more intimate level, to build a personal brand, and to disseminate valuable information to its readership. Bloggers should be cognizant of this simple truth - people are much more willing to listen to you if they trust you and the only way they will trust you is by knowing you.

I don't claim to be an expert in anything in particular (not yet anyway), so I will continue to focus on the personal elements of my blog and incorporate useful content when and where necessary.

2006-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Outfoxed at Futurtech
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The University of Michigan annual Futurtech conference was held today on campus. I was invited to showcase the Outfoxed software at the Futurtech "Tech Fair". I had Stan on Skype-demand just in case any technical questions came up. Fortunately I didn't have to use my lifeline and was able to hold my own with the techies and the questions that came my way. Mark Smith was a local developer I met at the tech fair and we had a nice conversation about the future of social networks and social search. Check out his write up of the event and his mention of the conversation we had about Outfoxed.

2006-01-20T12:25:00.000-08:00

Jason Godley Blog 1.0 Launched
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Jason Godley (Michigan MBA class of 2006, co-participant 2004 Belize m-trek, co-recipient ZLI Dare-to-Dream Assessment Grant 2004, co-leader 2005 Dominican Republic m-trek leader, co-president Weekend Warriors club, co-recipient 2005 Zell Scholarship, co-roommate, & mutual comrade) has FINALLY launched his VERY OWN BLOG!

Jason - it looks like we've been just about even par, neck-and-neck, on everything up until now. I hope this posting serves as a reminder and a testament to the fact that you still have a long way to go until you match the superior caliber of Cubicle Death in its depth and content. The gauntlet has been dropped.

Okay, okay - so I'm just trying to give you some "encouragement" to make "The Cowboy Way" a smashing success. Let's see what yer made of!

2006-01-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

The Social Search Buzz
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As Outfoxed undergoes an intensive upgrade before a rebranded relaunch sometime next month, I thought I'd take a look at which social search pockets are currently abuzz on the internet. (Credit to Brad Feld for inspiring this research).

The Social Search Buzz:

Here's a tally of Outfoxed blog mentions:

SiteAdvisor.com (a potential Outfoxed competitor)

The race is on...

2006-01-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

Outfoxed Makes MBC Final Round
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Last week, Jason and I presented the Outfoxed business plan to investors in Round 2 of the Michigan Business Challenge. Today we received news that Outfoxed has been selected as one of 8 finalists that will compete in the 3rd and final round of the MBC next month. The winner takes home $15,000, the runner-up gets $5,000, Best Written Plan gets $2,500, and Best Oral Presentation gets $2,500. Any of these prizes would be a very welcome cash infusion to help pay for startup costs. Hopefully we'll take home one of these prizes in February.

2006-01-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

RaisingArizona.com Updated
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I finally got around to updating RaisingArizona.com. I hope to upgrade the site to a paid server so that freeservers.com won't slaughter my site with those pesky banners. Drop me a line if you have any suggestions for improvements or additions (or if you would like to donate free hosting space;).

2006-01-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Park City, UT
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I was finally able to put skis on for the first time since I left Colorado. Last week a group of us, from the MBA program, went to Park City, UT. (host to the 2002 Winter Olympics) for a week of skiing and relaxing. It was good to see the 'real' sun again, 'real' snow again, and breathe 'real' air again. The resort itself was okay. I really wanted to get to Alta, the skiers only resort, but we ran out of town. Maybe next year??

The Crew (Minus 2)

Left to Right: Jae, Cynthia, Ben, Carrie, AJ, Dave, Calista, and me. We're so silly.

'Lil Accident

This is the reason AJ is wearing a neck brace in the group photo. Poor guy did a double somersault on Jupiter Bowl while we were navigating a steep chute. Luckily, he only sustained a minor sprain and was given pain medication and sent home.

Sunny Alison

I took this photo of Al when we were shopping on main street. I loved the way the sun was beaming down on her, so I told her to pose as if she were shopping. I love the way it came out.

A New Year Surprise

My roommates thought it would be funny to put the 10+ foot tree in my room for my return. Real smooth, guys.