MBA Program Kick Off in Arizona and Ski/Yoga trip to Wengen, Switzerland

Wow, it has been too long since I posted my last blog... time flies by and it has been a busy couple of months.

I had 2 big trips in March. First to Tempe, Arizona then a vacation with Scott to Switzerland!

Tempe, Arizona

Earlier this year I was accepted to the Arizona State University MBA Program. The program is sponsored by BP, work is done virtually with the exception of 3 visits to the campus to work with our cohort.

So the first week of March I travelled to Tempe, Arizona to start the program. It was very strange to be back on a University campus, but by the end of the week I was really enjoying it. In addition to the gorgeous weather, I was able to catch up with some of my colleauges I have met over the past 8 years with BP.

I built in a few days off to enjoy the nice sunshine, I did some hiking, running, shopping and also had a great opportunity to catch up with Elaine, a friend from Detroit who moved to AZ a few years ago.

Here are some photos of a Sunday morning hike up Camelback Mtn:

So that was all the fun stuff about the MBA program, now it is to work. I feel as though I was hit by a truck with all the work that I have to do for the program. An additional 20 hrs a week to the already hectic day job schedule. As of today we are in week 3 and I am gradually getting used to it.

Wengen, Switzerland

Scott and I took a week off to go to the Swiss Alps for a ski and yoga vacation. December 07 we did a yoga vacation through Yogatraveller to Thailand, we enjoyed it so much we didn't hesitate to sign up for a ski/yoga trip designed by them.

The weather in Wengen was excellent (ok, well maybe a little warm for skiing) it was sunny, clear blue skies all week so we were out and about each day. Scott was a maniac and skied all 6 days, I only made it out for 4. Telemark skiing is a lot of exercise!

The ski train into Wengen, how cute is that train?

Alpenglow ... view from our balcony

Launterbrunnen Valley

Yoga fun in the Snow

The Yoga Crew... (l to r)Evonne, Becky, Arron, Gino, Me, Scott

Skiing in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps

The Eiger

Eiger Glacier

Wengen

Fun in the sun

Yoga Dinner

Dubai 10k Race

Over the weekend of January 15 - 19 2009 a group of us took off to Dubai to take part in the 10k race which was run as part of the Dubai Marathon.

The girls (Patsy, Chris, me, Clotho) getting pumped up for the race!!!
Patsy, Clotho and I just after the race. We were expecting warm, still weather in Dubai but were greeted with the rainiest, windiest weather the desert had seen in a long time ...

What is considered cold and windy in the desert was nothing for us, we are used to gale force wind and freezing temps in our daily runs! We thought it was great weather!

Showing off our medals and gulping down some hot coffee after the run.

Chris, Rory and Clotho

Post race beer, anyone?
Dubai sunset at the Marina, gorgeous!

Chris, Clotho and I...

Chris and Clotho looking beautiful as always!

Shopping at the Gold Souk, woo hoo!

Christmas / New Years in Michigan

This year I spent my Christmas / New Year holiday in Michigan. It was a treat! Mostly because I hadn't been home during the actual holiday for the past few years, so it was very fun to see everyone but also because there was so much gorgeous snow on the ground!!! (Well, then it rained...) Here are some photos from my 2 weeks at home.

Winter Wonderland!Santa's Sleigh:)

Ryan and I tickling and laughing

Emily and Mom get Christmas started off the right way!

The tree at Tim and Dana's house. Christmas has a new meaning when there are little ones around to enjoy it!

Ryan, Dana and Jacob

The boys and I playing before dinner / presents
Tim, Mom and me...

Jacob and Grandma

Emily and Aunt Cindy

Ryan and Jake coloring

This year the little ones really enjoyed opening presents. They needed to take each piece of paper off very carefully:)

The little guys got a tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, backpacks and waterbottles from grandma for Christmas. Now they can sleep under the stars this coming summer!
Gus the big dog and the little kitten, Lola wish each other Merry Christmas!To work off all the holiday goodies and to keep in running shape I did a 4 miler on New Years Eve. I was really pleased with my results, 9 minute miles! Usually I am at 10 minute miles. This might be a sign that this will be a good running year! Or, that all the hard work with the ladies running group in Baku is paying off!!!