The final class of my MBA

Standard

Thursday, 17-July-2025



And with that… my classes are complete. The whole MBA program, nearly a year… all that’s left is a final paper, and then nothing. No lectures, no group meetings, none of those.


A year ago, I didn’t know this classroom. I didn’t know my classmates, and I didn’t know my way around campus.

A year ago, I was still on my Grand Adventure, traipsing through Europe, with stars in my eyes and hopes in my heart.


I still have some of those stars, and I still hold on to some of those hopes. My time in this classroom was… interesting, if nothing else. Time alone will tell how valuable it was, but I hold onto the hope that it will be valuable – as a growth opportunity, as learnings, or as a tool in my career…

Time will tell.



But for now – I found my way back into the building, after everyone else was off at celebrating at the pub. I took a moment to appreciate the quiet of the classroom that I’m unlikely to step foot in again (at least as a student), and let the whole quiet of the moment sink in.

Then, I headed home.


After all – I had a bottle of very nice scotch waiting for me – a celebratory gift that I very much intended on opening.

A picture-perfect birthday

Standard

Saturday, 12-July-2025



I turned 38 this year.

It was a perfect July day – sunny, but not painful, and warm, but not oppressively hot. A few classmates of mine had birthdays close by, so we combined them all into one big shindig; a day in the park, followed by a cookout at my apartment’s grill deck.

It was, simply put, lovely.

Fun, pleasant, fairly relaxed, and a lovely escape from classwork or job hunting. A chance to kick back and enjoy the sun, chat with friends, and just… chill. Just chill.



And hey – it started with a ladybug landing on my hand, so… win, right? Right!

Climbing at Dalkey Quarry

Standard

Sunday, 06-July-2026



I swear, I still rock climb.

I mean, okay. It’s been like… a long time. A really long time.

I’ve been lifting weights about once a week, but I’ll be real here – it’s been months since I’ve gotten to the climbing gym, and even longer since I’ve gotten up on actual rock. I mean, I brought all my climbing gear to Ireland with me! I just… haven’t used it.

That finally changed, thanks to an invitation from a classmate and his wife – The chance to touch rock! To climb stone, place gear, and enjoy a bit of time outside of the city!


Now, what did I climb? Well. I’m glad you asked!
– Drinker’s Direct, 5.4, Trad lead! Twice!
– Honeypot Crack, 5.5, Trad lead!

And… I think that was it. I may have done a variant of Drinkers Direct, but… yeah. Just a nice calm day on the rock.

With a lovely burger to finish it off, of course!