In honor of finals...

...I thought I'd bust this one out again. So describes my life right now.



I haven't written very much this semester but let it be said... best. semester. ever. Loved all my classes. Truly enjoyed the work that went into them. Hopefully will have the grades to show for it...

And the fact that I have one more semester until I graduate is really terribly sad.

The peaceful revolution.

Once upon a time in high school history class, we were discussing regime change, revolutions and the violence that is associated with them. Examples: Bolsheviks in Russia, our own Revolutionary War, etc. etc. I remember the teacher comparing our own election every 4 years to a revolution. A peaceful revolution.

This idea has stuck with me and I've thought about this a lot over the last few days. I and roughly 100 million of my fellow Americans took time out of our busy lives to head to our local polling place and participate in an organized, legitimate revolution of government.

I can't even put into words how I felt as I waited in line to vote yesterday. I drove up from Provo to Salt Lake in the morning (because I never changed my voting registration). There was a terrible rain storm outside so it was wet and cold and just plain miserable. But as I looked around, I noticed the variety of people who braved the storm to be there in line to vote with me. The middle aged office worker who was clearly on his way to work late. The fragile grandma with her walker and the nice volunteer who picked her up to come vote. The very pregnant young mother with an impatient 2-year-old in tow. And me, twentysomething grad student. A cross-section of Americanity all there in a condo complex clubhouse to do their civic duty and individually contribute to a peaceful change in government.

While the candidate I voted for didn't ultimately win, I am not disappointed in the result. The system worked and the country has elected a new president. Majority rules and I respect that. I've seen many of my friends on Facebook and elsewhere making comments about how upset (sad, pissed,etc) they are with the result. Each person is entitled to their own opinion and it is fine to be disappointed that the election didn't go your way. However, the election is over and it's time now to support our new leader. While I don't agree with all of President-elect Obama's politics, I think he'll do a good job and he will get all of my respect reserved for the leader of our country.

Congratulations and good luck President Obama. You're going to need it.

Slacker.

That is what I am. I'm so sorry I've neglected all two of you that read this blog (thanks for reading mom).

Lots has happened in the last 4ish months (duh) but I promise to fill you in very soon.

Until then.

SkyMall.....

I just had to share this. This video captures pretty much my exact thoughts on Skymall. IMHO, Skymall is everything that is right and wrong with consumerism.

On the one hand...it really is just a bunch of just-way-too-expensive stuff for people with just-way-too-much money.

On the other hand...I ALWAYS check out Skymall when I hop on a plane just to see what kind of weird/amazing/random products these companies come up with. A life-size Bigfoot sculpture for your backyard? Now, that's innovation!

Mingling with greatness...

Okay, so I realize my posts about this summer have primarily covered all the fun stuff. However, I am doing actual work too. I'm happy to say that my project is moving along nicely. It's had a couple of hiccups along the way (but really, what project doesn't?) but I'm right on track and moving forward.

One of my favorite elements of the Wal-Mart MBA Leadership internship program is that we get to meet with the very individuals who are running the largest company in the world.

So far, we've heard from:

• Eduardo Castro-Wright, Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wal-Mart Stores Division
• Doug McMillon, Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sam’s Club
• Lee Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer

And we have many more on the schedule for the summer. When I find my notes, I'll post some of the gems I've learned from these discussions.

The great outdoors.

This weekend, I decide to get some fresh air and experience the natural state of the Natural State (haha). Just east of Bentonville is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the country. Pea Ridge National Military Park has some picturesque vistas, fascinating history lessons, and great hiking.



One of the best things about being here in Northwest Arkansas is all the outdoor things to do. There is never a shortage of rivers to float, trails to hike, and courses to golf.

Many people have asked me how I like Arkansas so far....and I've been pleasantly surprised how much I really like it.

Beatlemania!

Last weekend, Geneva invited me up to the bustling metropolis of Harrison, AR where she is interning with FedEx Freight. We had a great time catching up, watching Juno (I know! It's disappointing that I haven't seen it yet...but hey, I've been in graduate school), and playing a little golf.

We also decided to take a little trip up to the famous Branson, Missouri (mecca for midwest country music fans and traveling inclined retirees.

Dick Smith, the director of the MBA career placement office, recommended Liverpool Legends, a Beatles revival show so we braved the snail-paced drivers of the Branson strip to see and hear John, Paul, George and Ringo in the flesh.

And wow, look here we are with The Fab Four. If you ever make it to Branson, and want something without country music and no sequins, then check these guys out. The show was really good. They play all their own instruments (the Paul even plays left handed). They actually sing (no lip syching) and sounds just like the guys.

After such an exciting afternoon, Geneva and I took advantage of the shopping. We found some great deals and although she didn't buy this shirt...we HAD to take a picture. Geneva is famous for calling out any and all trashiness.

Shareholders Meeting

The culmination of a fantastic weekend was the actual shareholders meeting on Friday morning. And boy, does Wal-Mart know how to throw a party! Part business meeting, part revival, part love fest. All fun!


It started at the un-holy hour of 7 am and yet the crowd was on its feet and yelling.


We started off with amazing acrobats jumping down from the ceiling.


And who do you think was the emcee for the event? Queen Latifah!


We listened to some short business updates and then Joss Stone performed.


More business, then we heard from Ms. Jennifer Hudson herself. She completely brought the house down with the song from Dreamgirls that won her the Oscar. That girl has some serious pipes! Amazing!


Following a little more business, the 2008 American Idol David Cook stopped by to sing for us. Hott!


There were rumors flying the entire meeting that Tony Bennett was going to anchor the meeting and send us off in the sunset (oh wait, it was only 10 am). However, who should appear as our final performer? TIM MCGRAW!!


Other than the fact that it started at 7 am, it was a fantastic experience!! Buy a share of stock now and start planning your trip for next year!

Carrie Underwood / Keith Urban

Our third and final day of concerts was one of the best! Carrie and Keith were a great combination. Carried played a good set but Keith really brought down the house! He is a more than just a musician; he is a true performer! He was out in the crowd rocking out on his guitar, stealing people's cowboy hats and cracking all of us up. I don't listen to a lot of country but I would most definitely pay to see Keith again.

Here are the highlights:

Amy and Geneva came down from Harrison for the show! Glad you could come!

Carrie

Amy, Geneva and I in between sets at the home of the Razorbacks!

Keith! Yummy!

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One Republic / All-American Rejects / Journey Concert

Wednesday brought another set of concerts and a couple of extra special treats. First, originally there were only supposed to be two bands that night (All-American Rejects and Journey), but at the last minute they added One Republic too (which I was more than just a little enthused about). Next, my manager won backstage passes to meet Journey and couldn't use them...so he gave them to me!! WOOT! Plus, the passes afforded the extra benefit of getting in to the arena before the general public. So we also scored ourselves seats on the front row!! Double WOOT! We found out first hand why the front row is so highly sought after (other than no one in front of you). Umm...because you get to interact with the band! After making eye contact with the lead singer several times, he finally came down the stairs and touched our hands! Awesome!

You can see my whole collection of pictures in the montages below...but here are a couple of the highlights.

Judith and I with Journey!

This is the band One Republic WITH Journey.

These are our new friends Brandon and Shaylee. They saved our front row seats while we were backstage. Thanks guys!

This is Patty, our other new friend working the show. She also helped watch our awesome seats while we were gone.

And I just included this picture because I think it is really awesome!

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Lifehouse / Taylor Swift

It was the biggest week of the year at Wal-Mart this week: Shareholder's Week. Wal-Mart may be known for saving people money, but this is the one time they really go all out. As part of the festivities, they host free concerts for everyone in the community.

Tuesday, the special guests were Lifehouse and Taylor Swift. Here is a montage of the pictures I took during the show. Lifehouse is a really good live band. They mixed their old stuff with their new stuff and their most popular stuff with some lesser known numbers. I would definitely pay to see them again.

Taylor Swift did a good job too. However, she is still very young and a little inexperience putting on a good live show. I'm sure that will come with time.

Here are a few of the highlights:

BYU Wal-Mart interns! Go Cougs!

BYU once again! Dave, Judith, me, Geneva

Lifehouse lead singer.

Taylor herself.

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The Wal-Mart Home Office

As promised...here is my home office away from home. This is the world famous Home Office sign with the new brand tag line just newly added with the amount of money we have saved families this year to date ($123,973,370,370).


The Home Office is actually quite a large complex of buildings with elaborate mazes (and that is NOT an exaggeration) of cubicles. This is the building that I work in. It's called the "Old ISD building" because it used to host all the large super computers and servers. Consequently there are virtually NO windows, which will be fantastic if a tornado ever drops by, but not ideal for keeping tabs on the time of day (we've often joked it's like being inside a casino).


This is my actual nameplate and mini-bulletin board. (Looking at this picture makes me realize I need to add decorate it with more than just the free LEI Jeans/ Taylor Swift lanyard I got at the concert this week (more about this later).

And finally...my home from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm every day this summer. Yep. It's just a standard cubicle.

I also wanted to show off the official "Wal-Mart Brand Book" we received on day 2. It is fantastic! Recently Wal-Mart has been devoting substantial time and resources to creating a distinct brand in the mind of the consumer. All signs show these efforts are paying off!

And this book is where it all begins. Pantone colors, fonts, writing styles, preferred tones, targeted segments, and much more are all inside this little treasure (unfortunately I have to give it back when I leave). All of these very minor details add up to consistency of images, voice, ideas and messages which pay off in the consumer thinking about you the way you hope they do.


One of the opportunities I'm most enjoying this summer is to watch this brand being constructed from the ground up. It's an exciting time to be part of Wal-Mart marketing. They've crafted a brand strategy, studied their customer segments and decided the right ones to focus on. In addition, the talented people who have to come to Wal-Mart to work here is incredible. Many of the top marketing people in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) and retail have jumped here because of the unique circumstances. It's like working in a marketing start-up with the resources of the largest company in the world. Pretty dang cool. I'm really lucky to be here.

Say it ain't so.

Ok. I drive a 2002 Honda Civic, a very economical, fuel efficient little car. And last week, it cost me $50 to fill it up.

FIFTY FREAKING DOLLARS!!

When I bought the car three years ago, it was just $20 to fill the tank. Now it's more than double. That's just not right.

Luckily I can go about 350-400 miles per tank. Still, it hurts.


Something needs to be done.

Am I really that old...

Last night, after a long Week 2 at my internship, I made a shocking discovery:

I found a very long, very gray hair. Yikes!

This is not the first gray hair discovery. I found gray hair #1 my 2nd week of business school. Now I find gray hair #2 the 2nd week of my internship.

Coincidence? I think not.


In all seriousness, my internship has been great so far. It has taken a little bit to get used to working again (getting up at 6 am! arriving at work at 7:30 am!) but I'm settling in and my project is starting to ramp up.

I won't be able to talk about the specific details of my project because of confidentiality / trade secrets etc. but I do want to write about my life during the internship, the things I'm learning (both about marketing and about life) and what it's like to work for the largest company in the world.

Now that I'm feeling more "settled," I should have time to post more often. Stay tuned.

It was a long trip....

...but totally worth it. Oklahoma City Temple.

Four hours to get there. Three hours there. Four hours back. One entire tank of gas (that is a lot of $$$ these days). This made for one long Saturday but I don't regret it for a second!


It was my first time in one of the new "small" temples and it was amazing how much they can fit into such a small space!

I'm grateful that I had the means to get down there to the OKC to do a little temple work. It also makes me even more grateful for the all the temples we have in Utah and even more determined to take full advantage of the blessing of having many temples so close. I've been very fortunate in my life to never live more than 45 minutes from a temple. Even when I lived in Orlando, the temple was just across town. Saturday really brought home for me what a sacrifice it is for some to attend the temple. I really need to eliminate my excuses and get there more often!

Welcome to Arkansas!

After three days of driving, crossing five states and 1300+ miles, I finally arrived in Bentonville, Arkansas to begin my internship.

(Yep! I'm a dork and I stopped at the border to take a picture. ) Checking in on Friday afternoon was a breeze and then I spent the rest of the day getting settled into my apartment.

Saturday, my mom and I spent the day seeing the sites in Bentonville. A trip to the hometown of Wal-mart wouldn't be complete without a visit to Mr. Sam's (that is what Sam Walton is called around the Home Office) original 5-10 store in downtown B-town. It was actually pretty cool to see the evolution of the world's largest company.

(The matching outfit was unintentional)

Geneva, my partner in crime during P&P and field study this semester is interning at FedEx Freight just 100 miles away in Harrison, AR. She make the trek down on Saturday night for a little visit and to check out the U of Arkansas ward on Sunday. After church, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a look around the campus. One of the coolest things is the "Senior Walk." Every name of every graduate since 1876 is carved on the sidewalk that warps around the whole campus. Pretty dang cool.

Geneva and I also liked this replica of an statue of a statue in Florence, Italy Il Porcellino The pig actually has water coming out of his mouth. We couldn't resist!


And again...a visit to the U of Arkansas would not be complete without seeing Razorback Stadium in all its glory. It truly is ginormous. It seats an astounding 76,000!! Take that, LaVell Edwards Stadium!

Wow! It's huge! Can you tell how amazed we are!!

Not so fast....

Even though finals officially ended on Tuesday...I wasn't quite done. My field study group still just had a little work to do for our final paper and presentation (or so we thought).

We arrived at the Tanner Building at 8 am on Wednesday...and in this picture, here we are still in the lounge at 11:00 p.m. (Geneva looks how we all felt)

Yep. That's right. 11:00 p.m.
Still working...

Finally done....at 12:45 p.m. Yep that is right. 17 hours in the Tanner Building. Ouch! We were officially the LAST people in the building after the semester.



But that is not all... we were back the next morning at 7 am to practice for our 8 am presentation.


All our work paid off. The clients loved it! And we got it done. Whew! We were officially done with our first year of business school.

I would like to say this kind of marathon group work was an isolated incident, but during year 1, I often found myself burning the midnight oil in a cramped study room with a group.

But these experiences are some of the most memorable so far. Even though our 17 hours in the Tanner (that has GOT to be some sort of record) were tough and long and all sorts of other hyperbolic adjectives...we also laughed as hard as I've ever laughed and forged friendships that will last for years to come. And this was the case for almost every group I've been in this year.

Really. Business school is about learning stuff. But more important is the who we are learning the stuff with.