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.

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!!