The A-Team (use your imagination, Sherlock) at the 80's Party (L to R, Hannibal, Face, HM Murdoch & B.A.)

By Matt Miner

So I made it to Duke.  And I'm having an incredible time.  I think the MBA is, hands down, a sublime fit for me.  I'm working harder than I ever have (most days seem to be 6:30a-12a), but I've got stuff I really want to work on.  But only six weeks in and I cannot imagine not having had these experiences.  If I went back to my former employer, I would be a much better employee just for this little bit of time I've spent here.  So I can only imagine how I'll feel after two years.

The photo above does not depict us working (the Smurf in the background may be working).  But this is the kind of stuff you can do with people with whom hammer out cases, solve stats problems and make team presentations with for 14 hours each day.



I've got the whole family with me.  This is both the best and the hardest part.  I miss them a lot when I'm working so much.  But I can't imagine not coming home to these three.  Charity is doing incredible work to keep this family program working and I have nothing but praise and thanks for my wife of more than six years.  The kids are growing all the time, of course, and the time goes so quickly.  Which reminds me of a story...

About three weeks ago now, our flights to a wedding were canceled due to bad weather in our connecting city.  We were disappointed not to be able to go.  Lucy had been scheduled to serve as a flower girl in the wedding, and we had been coaching her on her role and the importance of doing well.  Of course, she did not get to discharge her office because of the canceled flights.

As I was tucking her in to bed a few nights ago, I was contemplating her development just since we'd moved.  Pondering how she was sure to continue to grow up (and I was to continue to grow old) much faster than I would prefer, I said to her, "You know, you won't be a little girl forever."  Blanket and bunny clutched to chest, she peered up at me and said, "Going to be flower girl?"  'Nuff said.

OK, last note, just so you can picture me in context: This is where I am right now, and where I spend a fair bit of time.

Take care, blogo.

Matt