An "epic" month

May has flown by so fast! And, it's been a busy, busy month.

Last night was the LOST finale, and it was a fitting ending. SO GOOD!! I particularly liked it when Kate saved a bullet for black smoke monster in John Locke's body.  I am a LOST addict and feel that there are nuggets of wisdom that we can all apply to our daily lives. Over the past six seasons, here are my key takeaways:

1) When bad things happen, everyone deserves a chance to start over.
2) We're all connected some how. Not exactly in the "it's a small world" kind of way, but something deeper. We may never know how or why.
3) Our past really does impact us. Little things early on in life shape who we are and the way we behave.
4) You can't judge people based on first impressions. You may not "like" people truly if you knew the whole story.


I really liked how everyone came back to the church at the end before they "moved on." Jack's dad said something interesting when Jack asked why. He said that these people on the island were the most important people for him, and it made sense for them to come together again. He needed them as much as they needed him. I think about that alot lately. I've been to quite a few happy hours, parties, weddings, etc. this month. Each time I go, the thought in the back of my mind is that that gathering could be the last time I see so-and-so for a very long time. And that hurts, so I block that out, give quick goodbye hugs, and walk away. I was in Austin this weekend for an annual gathering of alot of people that mean alot to me. I hope that I've impacted them 1/10 as much as they've made an impact on me over the years.

I rarely go to Austin but have been twice this month.  The first time was for Russell and Becca's wedding.  It was such a charming, fun wedding at the Allan House (great wedding locale).  I was running SO late and had to park in handicapped parking so that I could make it right before Canon in D started playing.  Haha!  Becca was a beautiful.  And Big Russ was grinning from ear-to-ear the entire evening.  I can't wait till I see them again for a fierce game of Yahtzee :)
 
Because I've been busy most of this past year traveling and preparing for my next adventure, I hadn't seen or talked to many of the people at the wedding.  A couple of these childhood friends even live in Houston, but I've been MIA.  However, in June I plan on going to the driving range and brushing up on photography at the Houston Zoo with Jack Attack.  I will be assembling alot of furniture in the fall, so I should probably check out Don's new place and his newfound interest in carpentry.  Oh, and Vanessa and I are way overdue for finishing a bottle of wine one evening.
 

 

 

After Russ and Becca's wedding, I went to a dance party that my friend Steven threw. They seem to be regular events with a bunch of his friends, but this one was special because it was an "Epic" Columbus House Party. Words cannot describe how many people there were. Professional DJ, boom boom room, lots of beer and wine, red carpet, photographer, etc. It was SO much fun and a great venue to people watch. Several people had on entertaining costumes. When Steven throws a party, he throws party. So, his "epic" dance party is the inspiration for this "epic" May that I've had.

 
 

 

London links

So, I'm inundated with emails from my classmates these days.   Brynne sent out this, and I laughed out loud.   This conversation has played out once or twice with me.

http://www.decisionsciencenews.com/2010/01/25/dont-cry-for-london-business-school-rest-of-world/

Also, get first dibs on London 2012 Olympics tickets by registering your interest here.  I'll graduate right before the Olympics and plan on attending the games.  Let me know if you're interested.  I'll keep an ear to the ground on deals and coordinate places to stay the best that I can.

http://www.tickets.london2012.com/?camefrom=CFC_UK_LONDON2012_L2012_SIGNUPSPLASH

A lesson in generosity

I'm new to blogging and am not sure when I should write.  But, a friend told me to write whenever I'm inspired.  It's 2 am on a weeknight right now, and I'm inspired. 

I went to the end of term Titans dinner at Texas A&M tonite and drove back to Houston (hence the late night post).  This is the class where Britt Harris recaps the semester for current Titans and 60 or so prospective Titans who come to see what this special program is all about.  Former Titans (like me) are invited to help select the next group of Titans, and after class all 100 or so go to dinner at Abuelo's.

Tonite's class was special.  Travis, a gifted entrepreneur and comic, was able to get Governor Rick Perry to say a few words to us via video.  Kind of amazing that such a young guy is able to pull that off.  Since I'm a Titans I member, I was the oldest female in the room.  Britt gave me a few shoutouts during his lecture and referred to me as the "matriarch" of the group.

I still remember how I Forrest Gumped my way into Titans.  In my senior year, Jason Kaspar came to my Tanner Fund class and made an announcement.  He said that a successful alum (Britt) was starting a special project and needed students' help.  He told me to show up in an obscure office on the 3rd floor of Wehner.  Oh, and he mentioned to dress in business casual.  Praise the Lord that I ended up going because that's how I met Britt and the other members of my Titans Junto.  It was with this special group that we launched an innovative class at Texas A&M.  It is also the seed in which oh so many wonderful lifelong relationships have sprouted.

Don't get me wrong.  That last semester at Texas A&M was brutal.  My Titans group went to hell and back to get what we needed to do done.  But, it's something I'd do all over again in a heartbeat.  As I sat in the classroom tonite, I was inspired not only with the message Britt preaches but the incredible group of people who believe it and live their lives in accordance to it.  As always, we went around the room and did intros for the current Titans and the former Titans.  Many of the students had just accepted positions with Simmons, Barclays, MorganStanley, the Peace Corps, KBW, etc.  Quite impressive given that this was a bad recruiting year.  But, it wasn't the jobs or accolades that impressed me - it was the people.  Good people who all are going to make an impact in this world.  Two of them, Paige and Harrison, have accepted jobs with my company Alvarez & Marsal.  I won't be around to see them develop, but I know they are going to dominate.

I consider myself to be the luckiest girl in the world to have Britt as my mentor.  At our last Titans supper of my senior year, Britt gave the graduating seniors gifts.  The girls received large silver horses.  The guys received large silver elephants.  I don't care how much it costs to ship that horse to London...it's coming with me!  After he explained the significance of the gifts, Britt told us that he considers us to be a part of his legacy.  And that has been the greatest compliment I have ever received.

If nothing else, my Titans experience and Britt have inspired me to live generously - with my time, $, and talents.  To those whom much is given, much is required.  So, I will keep pressing on.