It all started out on October 1. My promotion to Senior Manager at Ernst & Young became official. This was a huge step considering that only a few months before I was ready to throw in the towel. Not really, but in the sense that I'm always ready to throw in the towel at the end of March when my life is all about work and no fun. I do love what I do, and even more I love the people I work with. I couldn't do it day in and day out if I didn't. Next step . . . partner! :) Maybe, we will see how I feel in a few years, but as of right now that's definitely my aspiration.
October 2 (I swear this post won't detail EVERY day in October . . . just the really important ones) - I turned 31. I have to stop and really think about being 31. It's not that I'm upset or worried about being 31, it's just that honestly I can't believe that much time has passed. I always remember when I was younger saying "I can't wait to be 13, I can't wait to be 16, I can't wait to go to college, I can't wait to be able to drink (legally) ;), etc. My family always told me don't wish your life away, and now I feel like time is just speeding up. I have so many items on my "bucket list" and my "goals list" and I'm starting to feel a little pressured to get some more of these items crossed off because time is flying!
My wonderful husband helped host a small get together for my birthday at our house to watch the Razorbacks take on Florida in the swamp. Trust me, I was glad that I had so many of our friends around to visit with because the game wasn't much to watch! We do have great friends, honestly! I feel so blessed that we have people in our lives that support us in our journey. Throughout the next few months, I will try to do a post on each of them because they are so special to us, and they all come with their own wonderful and unique stories! Anyway, you get the gist . . . great friends, great food, not so great football - sounds like a Razorback football weekend.
Arkansas Alumni Award (and lots of pictures!)
Back in April, I received some of the best news I've received in my professional career. I was chosen to receive the Young Alumni of the Year Award from the University of Arkansas. I was so humbled to even be considered for this award much less receive it! We celebrated the weekend of Homecoming with the rest of the amazing awardees and of course my family! On Thursday night (October 10), they had a cocktail reception at the Dickson. These are the condos above Underwood Jewelers. The views were spectacular! You can look down Dickson from one side and overlook Old Main from the other side.
The next day (October 11) was the actual award ceremony and parade. I must take my hat off to the staff at the Arkansas Alumni Association. They did an AMAZING job planning that weekend. They thought of every detail, and they made me feel so special. It was an event that I won't soon forget. The link to the ceremony and my speech is below if anyone is interested! My award presentation begins at 28:35. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajx3QFojGzA
Yes, we got to ride in the Homecoming parade. It's the first time I've been in a parade since I was in high school, and it was sooo much fun!
Below are pics of the Fayetteville Town Center. They did a great job decorating! It was a beautiful event.
The next are pictures from that night. The award itself is absolutely beautiful! Pictures don't really do it justice.
This picture is with the wonderful people at our table (from top to bottom, left to right) Erik, me, UA Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick and his wife, Don Eldred and Stephanie Streett (both UA Alumni Association Board members). Don was actually instrumental in me receiving the award. He had reached out to Norm (my partner at EY), and Don was the board member that nominated me! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him better.
Another picture with the other awardees. They are an amazing group, and I was so honored to be recognized with them!
The next day was homecoming. I will say the only fun thing about that day was getting to sit in the Chancellor's suite and going on the field to be recognized at halftime! The stadium looks HUGE from on the field. I can't imagine what the players must feel like every time they get to go on the field. It was so much fun!
After all the excitement of that weekend, Erik and I left for a week long vacation in North Captiva. Norm let us use his house for our six-year anniversary. We both needed a break, and it was such an amazing trip! We did nothing but relax that week! The house was beautiful, weather was great, and honestly we didn't want to come home.
This pic is actually from the airplane. The middle island is North Captiva. It was so cool we were able to pick it out from the airplane!
So I will conclude this post with just a little information from November! Ann McGraw got married yesterday (Nov. 16), and she was such a beautiful bride! The wedding was so much fun, and it was so fun getting to see all of her family and friends and getting to meet so many of Blake's friends. We had an amazing weekend. I'm so lucky to have such a great friend like Ann. Ann and I met in 5th grade and have been best friends ever since. Like I told Ms. Nancy last night, I wouldn't be who I am today without Ann. She always made me want to be a better person, and I love her for that! I wish her and Blake the most amazing life together! Congratulations and love to you both! I don't have a pic of the happy couple unfortunately but I've included a pic at the reception with Ann.
Last but certainly not least, Erik and I have decided to go with Bethany Christian Services to complete our adoption. We are super excited! We are currently pulling all of the paper work together to complete our home study so please keep us in your prayers as we start on the next steps of this process. I've been so humbled and moved by everyone's support and love. There are truly not enough thank yous for your support!!
