Hip Hop Saved My Life

His t-shirt really said that, and I paused and said to myself, "Self, don't say what you are thinking." However, I thought about the fact that nobody really knows me here and I will never see these people again, and, finally, I just couldn't help myself. And I really needed new blog material. "Jesus saved my life," I said. "Huh?" he said. "Your t-shirt says Hip Hop saved your life. Jesus saved mine," I said. "OK," he says with a roll of his eyes. As I walked off, I said, "and He is very fond of you." Smile :)) Made my point, and it gave me new blog material.

I don't say a lot on this blog about my classmates or the material at HBS out of respect for privacy of them both. But I surely wanted you to know that my days are a lot more about learning than all the peripheral things I share with you. Today, was a great day in class -- the case studies were Apple, Simmons and USA Today and covered the subjects of innovation, strategy and leadership decision making. While the workload is quite challenging, I am really loving this learning opportunity. There is not a day that I lay down at night that I don't think about how much I grew that day, and not just mentally, but spiritually, emotionally and socially as well. God has been so very gracious and faithful to me.

Today, I facilitated our living group through an assessment of our progress thus far. It was the most difficult group I have ever been in that role with, but the success was that much more satisfying. We worked it hard, resolved some issues and put a plan in place to move forward. That was a lot of progress. "Management is getting work done through people. Leadership is getting people done through work."

Thank you, especially today, to Ashley who has taken great care of the boys (even has cooked and taken them to culture enriching events) and to my boys for being so patient while their Mom is away.

It's been a very busy day and as Robert Frost said, "I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep." Thanks for the chat.

Blessings and love to all,

Dee Ann

The $64,000 Question , . .

Should I have worn the mask on the airplane?  If you have been holed a way in a very tiny room, with your head in the books, you might just miss a potential global health crisis.  It sort of plays in the background, but really doesn't get your attention until you are on the plane and people are wearing surgical masks.  At first, you think maybe it's a surgeon's convention, but then I realized there was no way some of those people were surgeons.  So, of course, I worried all the way to Boston, if I, too, should have worn a mask and protected myself from Swine flu.   I had visions of getting sick and having to spend days on end in my tiny cell without anyone to care for me!!  Then I remembered Who is in control and got a grip.

It was 95 degrees in Boston today.  I am serious.  And I feel it is all my fault.  I complained and complained about the weather being so rainy and cold and I prayed for a change, and now the whole city of Boston is convinced there is also a global warning crisis in Boston and I fear it may be my fault.  No fears -- the high tomorrow is 58.  Isn't that the craziest thing you have ever heard?

I had a great weekend at home and was able to see or talk to some of you.  I loved being with Ashley, Trevor and Trey and even Copper and Smokey.  We had a busy, full weekend, but I really enjoyed going to Trevor's Concert Band Performance (see picture).  They did so well and received Superior ratings in every category.  It was so good to be in Atlanta, where I went to places to eat and visit and people know my name.  And they call me hon, baby, sweetheart and darling.  They don't do that in Boston.  In fact, it's probably better if they just don't call you anything at all :)

When I came in this afternoon, my room was about 85 degrees since the air had been off.  While it was cooling off (didn't take long!), I went for a very warm walk (without my rings, Mom).  I saw two young men sitting on a bench along the river and they both had Bibles and seemed to be studying together.  I was so surprised to see it here that I almost said, "Are you reading the Bible?" and then I decided that I had invaded enough people's privacy with the band-aids and I should leave well enough alone.  It did warm my heart and lift my spirits, though.

My week starts tomorrow after the break we have had.  We have class through Saturday, and then I am going to try to dream up something fun to do for Sunday.  I am way behind on my Boston sightseeing.  I am at the half-way mark and headed into finishing well.

Thank you for all the cards -- I received a bunch today -- I really love them, thank you for all your prayers -- I surely feel them and thank you for your encouragement -- it surely lifts me.

Love and Blessings to all~

Dee Ann

What I Love About HBS

This morning as I was walking, I realized there are things I really love about being at HBS:

I love my early morning walks along the river, while the traffic is quite and I can hear God along with the rower's paddles licking of the water.

I love Cambridge -- a place to pick up spare change off the ground, watch interesting people (I mean really interesting), and find a pretty good cup of clam chowder.

I love studying in my room and looking up to see my "encouragement shrine" from all the cards and notes you have sent me (see picture).

I love that there are no cars on campus, but many bicycles.

I love that a really nice lady cleans my room (although it is very neat) everyday and gives me fresh towels and linens. I love that the dry cleaner picks up from and delivers every day right to my bedroom.

I love that somebody else makes the coffee every morning.

I love my classes and getting hear some of the smartest people in the world give lectures.  I love watching the MBA students creating a future for themselves.

I love Baker library inside and out - but the view of it in the sunshine is stunning.

I love the old buildings that display history and the new ones that show progress.  I love that the backside of every building is as pretty as the front.

I love that I can get ready to go anywhere in 30 minutes.  I can reach most anything I need without having to move my whole body :)  And if I do have to move, it's no more than five steps from door to the other side.  I love that my wardrobe is simple.

I love that I have met God here, in times of great loneliness and that He keeps telling me He is all I need.

I love my view, especially on a sunny day.

I love that there are so many viewpoints here about so many things, that I am free to say what I want.  I love that I am surrounded by great intelligence on some many subjects.  I love that I have learned so much.

I love that the cherry blossoms have bloomed -- you said they would Lynn!

And I love that at the end, I can go home -- to the place and people I love.

So that's where I am headed for a few days~

Thanks to all the people who love me  -- I love being so loved by you and I love you!

As the Genie said to Aladdin, "I'm outta here!"

Dee Ann

Going Underground~

Guess what I found out today?  HBS has a large underground network of tunnels going from building to building.  It only took me 4 weeks to find that out and out of that 28 days, it rained 23!  Had I known this, I could have stayed a lot drier!  This weekend is our 4 day break and the weather in Boston is supposed to be 83 degrees - go figure~

Lynn, I am really thankful for those peanut bars and Amy O. and friends, I am grateful for the thin mints!  And would you believe it, but all those international people love sweet tea! And they all want to know when they can get CFA in Switzerland, India, Nigeria, China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Russia, United Arab Emrites, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Jordan, France, Israel, Kuwait, Italy, Vancouver, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Ireland, etc., etc. etc.  If we can't get chicken to them, maybe we can sell sweet tea to them!

Learning bunches about the world and me.  Today, we had a simulation exercise on climbing Mt. Everest.  I was the team leader and made it to the top and only one of my team didn't make it.  When climbing Mt. Everest, you should not drink beer and talk on the telephone.  

You should have seen the faces of my Living Group tonight when I told them why it is important that the U.S. protect Israel (God's chosen people, etc.).  The funny thing was that they were speechless.  I finally found a way to make them stop talking!

Looking forward to my weekend home.  I will catch you up when I get back.  According to the calendar, it looks like it will be an interesting 4 more weeks~  Then I will have to find another excuse to write on a blog so that I can say all the trivial stuff I want to say to people who really have better things to do.

Much love and many blessings,

Dee Ann

It's All Our Fault!

In coming to HBS, I have learned many things -- some wonderful and some not so great.  One of the things I have come to realize is that most anything that happens is somehow blamed on the U.S. by those who don't live here. Last week it was the global financial crisis -- today it was global warming.  One of the most difficult challenges here has been to defend our country to those who disparage it.

But you know what?  I love the United States of America.  I love the stars and stripes and the purple mountain majesty of the Rockies, the rocky coast of the Pacific and the peaceful sandy shores of the gulf.  I love that is snows in Denver and Vermont and that it doesn't in Miami.  I love that every American over the age of eighteen has the privilege to vote in a democratic society and choose our country's leaders.  I love that we have protected the home of the brave and the free and have used that same power to help others be both brave and free.  I love the men and women I see on my flights that are in camo fatigues headed to unknown deserts so that I can go freely to my job -- one of my own choosing.  I love that In God We Trust is printed on our money.  I love the pledge of allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.  I love that I am free to worship anywhere I choose without fear.  I love our history and I believe that we have hope and a future for generations to come.  

So regardless of what I hear, and wherever this life leads me, I know that I am very fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world and the longest surviving democracy.  God Bless America~

Blessings to all -- and I sure do miss you,

Love,

Dee Ann

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You . . .

I am just finishing my second glass of Chick-fil-A sweet tea following a wonderful Chick-fil-A Day at Harvard. Two Operators, one interim manager and 11 staff members came up to provide the great taste of Chick-fil-A and wow with second mile service for the 165 members of my class, 75% of whom are international.  Thanks to Amy R., Amy O., Lynn C., Todd G., Lance L., Lisa H., Cathy P., Brandon B., Michael L., Will M., Melissa T, Katrina, Juan and Dusty for making me a hero today.  Everyone certainly knows who Chick-fil-A is now.

Most of all, I was so encouraged by their visit.  We enjoyed great seafood and fellowship last night at dinner and it was my favorite day at HBS, yet!  I felt so loved and lifted.

I goofed off a little while my friends were here, so I must get to my studies, but I wanted to share some pictures of the day with you.  It really was a great day.

Missing you all so much,

Love and blessings,

Dee Ann

The Eyeballs Were Staring Back at Me!

Here is a picture from the Lobster feast last night.  Once I saw those beady looking eyes looking back at me, there was no way I could crack that crustacean open and eat it.  I will have mine, tails only, thank you very much!

Have a fabulous weekend~

Love to all,

Dee Ann