Hotels

My job requires a fair amount of travel.  Travel requires many hotel stays.  To be honest, there's no place I'd rather be than in my home with my wife and family.  But, while on the road, you have to make the best of it.

Here's what I do, when I'm not working:
-Exercise:  I use the hotel gym, local Y, and have running routes at the places I tend to stay at often.
-Travel:  I typically get lost in the city that I'm in at least once a day.  I'll also spend a little time checking out the sites.
-Eat:  You gotta eat.  You might as well "eat fresh".  My favorite place to eat at while traveling is Subway.
-Sleep: I get some quality naps while on the road.
-Grad School: I usually knock out a good deal of school work in the hotel room.

Invisible Children

 Esther 4:14

¹⁴ For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise...from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Is this your time to take a stand?

Late 20s...

Today, my wife is 28 years old.  Two weeks ago I officially moved into my late 20s by turning 27.  A buddy, Brant Vest, and I used to joke about whether we were in are early or mid-20s at ages 23 & 24.  It's crazy to see where the time goes!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Greatest Golfer...

Kim Jung-il was "allegedly" the world's greatest golfer, this cracks me up.

Jung-il swears he shot a 38 under par with 11 hole-in-ones on the first and last time he ever played golf.
His 17 body guards also admit to him doing this.

(Note: Don't believe everything you read!)

Health on the Inter=webs

 See the below resources for getting healthy.


*The Wellness Warrior-Jessica is a great resource for all things health.  I check out her blog at least once a day. 

http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/blog/

*The Engine 2 Diet-Rip has some great plant-based recipes.  I applaud him for being a pretty cool guy and titan in this industry.

http://engine2diet.com/about_e2

*Documentaries:
-Forks Over Knives
-FoodMatters
-The Engine 2 Diet
-Earthlings
-Food, Inc
-Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead

Things that make life easier...

-Faith
-Hope
-Love
-Family
-Health
-Energy

Education: Relief is on its way....

Mark it down; today I registered for my last term of my MBA.  I have about 4 weeks remaining in this term, followed by a 10-week term, and then completion.  I've never been more ready to have my weekends and life back.

What will I do with the free-time?
-Work in the yard
-Read
-Workout more
-Chase my entrepreneurial spirit
-Take a nap.
-Buy another Road Bike and get back at it!

See you in June.

Church

I attend a church that is not typical.  It's North Hills Community Church in Taylors, SC.  The Gospel is preached on a consistent basis, the Great Commission is fulfilled, and we praise Jesus.

Come check us out at 8:30/10:45/5:30 on Sundays.

Doing what the title says.

It is my goal to break the spell of the typical.
-In actions.
-In health.
-In athletics
-In Jesus Christ.
-In family.
-In finances.

Survey on Dress Code for Grad School!

A Survey for

Interviewees

Walter T. Brashier Graduate School Research Methods Course

Constructed by:

Justin James Pitts

Thank you for agreeing to take a few moments and participate in my survey. The purpose of this survey is to answer the question: “What is the appropriate dress for a job interview?”

1. What is your age?

a. 11-19

b. 20-29

c. 30-39

d. 40-49

e. 50-59

f. 60-69

g. 70-79

h. 80+

2. Are you Male or Female?

a. Male

b. Female

3. What is your race?

a. African-American

b. Caucasian

c. Other__________________

4. How many years have you been in your current occupation?

a. Less than 1

b. 1-3

c. 4-7

d. 8-10

e. 11+

5. Please state your occupation: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________________________________

6. Please describe in detail the wardrobe you would wear for a job interview with your company. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. The current generation has relaxed the expected dress code for interviews without the permission of the older generation.

1. Agree
2. Disagree
7. Young job candidates are more likely to dress inappropriately for interviews at my company.
1. Extremely agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Neither agree or disagree
4. Somewhat disagree
5. Extremely disagree
8. Older job candidates are more likely to dress inappropriately for interviews at my company?
1. Extremely agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Neither agree or disagree
4. Somewhat disagree
5. Extremely disagree
9. Do visible tattoos affect an interviewer’s hiring decision of a job candidate during a job interview?
1. Yes.
2. No.
10. Does smell affect an interviewer’s hiring decision of a job candidate during a job interview?
1. Yes
2. No
11. Is it more appropriate to express yourself when you select your wardrobe or conform to the acceptable dress of the interviewee?
1. Express Yourself
2. Conform
12. Please explain your response to question #9.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. On a scale of 1-7 (with 1 being the most impact and 7 being the least impact) how much of an impact does wardrobe have on the hiring decision of a job candidate?

­­­­­­­­­­______________

15. ­You are asked by the president of your company to sit in on an interview for a vice presidency candidate. What do you perceive the candidate’s age to be?

a. Less than 20

b. 21-30

c. 31-40

d. 41-50

e. 51-60

f. 60+

16. You and a coworker are interviewing a job candidate for an entry-level position. What do you perceive the candidate’s age to be?

a. Less than 20

b. 21-30

c. 31-40

d. 41-50

e. 51-60

f. 60+

17. A relaxed dress code is acceptable for an interview on a day that the outside temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
1. Agree
2. Disagree
18. Rank 1-8 (with 1 being the most important and 8 being the least important) the following industries in order of importance of dress code during a job interview:
1. Finance___
2. Technology___
3. Human Resources___
4. Government___
5. Sales___
6. Automotive___
7. Hospitality___
8. Trade ___
19. Rank 1-4 (with 1 being the most appropriate and 4 being the least appropriate) the appropriateness of the following facial hair styles for men during a job interview:

1. Well-kept full beard___
2. Clean Shaven___
3. Unshaven___
4. Well-kept goatee or other facial hair design___

20. You are considering a job, please rank the following in order of importance (1 being most important and 5 being least important):

a. Location_____

b. Dress Code_____

c. Pay_____

d. Benefits_____

e. Love of Job_____

21. What accessory has the biggest impact on a job interview if you are a male?

1. Tie
2. Cufflinks
3. Belt
4. Watch
5. Necklace
6. Other ______________________
21. What accessory has the biggest impact on a job interview if you are a female?
1. Scarf
2. Earrings
3. Belt
4. Wrist Jewelry
5. Neck Jewelry
6. Other_______________________
22. What is the most important article of clothing during a job interview?
1. Shoes
2. Socks
3. Shirt/Blouse
4. Pants/Dress
5. Suit/Jacket
6. Other________________________
23. Scenario: You work in HR at a local corporation. You will be interviewing an older, experienced worker later in the week. A coworker knows the older person and informs you that their family has fallen on “tough times”. When they come in for the interview, you take inventory of their attire: tattered shoes; holey socks; neatly pressed pants (although there is a small tear in them); neatly pressed dress shirt; tie. The interview goes well. Would you hire this person?
1. Yes
2. No
24. Please explain your answer in question #20:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

26. Scenario: You work in HR at a local corporation. You will be interviewing a young college graduate later in the week. A coworker knows the college graduate and informs you that their family has fallen on “tough times”. When the graduate comes in for the interview, you take inventory of their attire: tattered shoes; holey socks; neatly pressed pants (although there is a small tear in them); neatly pressed dress shirt; tie. The interview goes well. Would you hire this graduate?
1. Yes
2. No
27. Please explain your answer in question #24:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

28. After answering the proceeding questions please answer this question again: Describe in detail the wardrobe you would expect a job candidate to wear on an interview with your company. If your response has not changed, please indicate so below.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank You!

Snippet about the Royal Wedding.

This royal wedding has been blowing up my daily media intake for the last few weeks; and Kenzie and I don't even have TV! I lot of people of said, "why should we care" concerning this ceremony of pomp and circumstance.

Today, I listened to my favorite sports talk guy, Jim Rome, and rolled out of my desk as he was cracking jokes about tomorrow's nuptials.

But for real, it's a huge deal. This guy and girl will one day be the King and Queen of a nation. That's a lot of power.

If you are a Christian, lift them up in prayer. The Proverbs talk a ton about leadership and how much those in power need to be accountable and lifted in prayer.

So, let's do it!

Grad School, continued.

I'm pumped that the Lord saw fit for me to be in graduate school right now. I cannot wait for June of 2012 when I will be the owner of a Master's of Business Administration. But, in the meantime, it has been a pretty big adjustment being back in school.

The hours I used to train for triathlons are now devoted to discussion boards, homework assignments, and projects. It has been imperative that I put limits on the amount of time I spend on Blackboard; it's easy to get caught up in it. Most importantly, I'm happy to have my wife's support; I couldn't do it without her.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite books in the Bible, Ecclesiastes.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."

"I never thought I'd be on a boat..."

"Poseidon look at me..."

Complement

Complement: something that completes or makes perfect.

I like this word. One of me and Kenzie's favorite restaurants (Harry and Jean's) uses it when they talk about their side items to entrees. When mash potatoes "complement" your chicken, it makes the dinner sound much more official!

We are doing a Bible study together by John Piper on complementarianism. It's called: What's the Difference? Manhood and Womanhood According to the Bible. It talks about the differences in men and in woman. What it means to be a man rather than a woman. It talks on the Biblical reasons and innate responsibility that God created us with as a Man and a Woman. I feel this study and these facts are so needed in today's society where there has become no distinction between manhood and womanhood.

Kenzie is my complement. There are distinct differences in what roles we are supposed to have in our marriage, but that makes it perfect.

I think of the Anchorman quote when Ron Burgundy says, "You be a woman, and I'll be a man..." when trying to seduce Veronica Corningstone. So many times in our society men act like women and women act like men.

Graduate School

One of my life goals has been to obtain a doctorate degree in something. I used to want to be a medical doctor but after 5 weeks of organic chemistry in undergrad, I knew that kind of doctorate wasn't for me. I have still always wanted to go back to school and got that chance in January. I enrolled in the Online MBA program at North Greenville University. So, here we go! Next June I will (hopefully) be the proud recipient of an Master's of Business Administration! One term is down, only five more to go.

Transcript:
Winter '11
Economics for Managers: A
Quantitative Methods: B

Spring '11
Research Methods -
Financial Management -

Myrtle Beach Half-Merry

Kenzie, TJ, Kimmi and I headed down to Myrtle Beach last weekend for the Bi-Lo Marathon and Half-Marathon activities. It was all good times and we had a blast.

Quick write-up on the race:

I ran the half and my goal was 1:50, which would have been a PR for me. The game plan was to run the first 5 miles @ 8:45 pace, the second 5 @ 8:15 pace, and then hammer the last 5k home.

It was a perfect day and a very, very flat course, so I thought that despite my shady training, I could do it.

At Mile 5, I was about 30 seconds faster than my goal. At Mile 10, I was about 45 seconds slower than my goal. At about mile 9 I knew I didn't have it in me to break into the 1:40s, so I ran heard, but coasted to the finish with a time of 1:54:34.

The race was fun and seeing Kenzie at the finish was the best part. We stayed in a condo on the beach and had a great weekend!

This is why our water bill is so low!

I'm bringing blogger back...them other blogs don't know how to act...

Here's the blog; it's back; I hope it lasts and I hope that you are able to see Jesus Christ through my life.


2years in review update.
Since my last entry, February 2008, my life has changed A LOT. The Lord has really blessed me. I've been able to cross a few things off of the "Life to Do List", here are some:


Kenzie Pitts(Kyle) and I ran off and got married!!! (see list: marrying the girl of my dreams):
















I changed jobs and now work in admissions at my alma mater and have also started my MBA at said university(see list: get(eventually) a doctorate):







I got another tattoo(see list: get at least 2 more tats):










I did the Beach 2 Battleship Iron-Distance Triathlon(see list: Kona Ironman):
















I also surfed, bought a house(didn't build one!), won a race (in my age group), and started running instead of jogging.

It's been an eventful 2 years!

A Solid Birthday Week!

If you family is anything like mine you do not have a Birthday...but a Birth-Week! It only comes once a year, and only about 70 times at that-so why not extend it a couple of more days!

My 24th Birth-Week has been nothing short of amazing. Mainly, because of the people who celebrated it with me. I wouldn't trade my friends for anything in the world. I am glad life is not about stuff and things, but about relationships!

My Birth-Week started Friday the 13th with a weekend off of work. Those are few and far between, so when they come I try to make the most out of them. But this weekend off was a little different. Six friends and I were headed down to Myrtle Beach for the Bi-Lo Marathon! My goal was to "not stop" the entire race-and I did it! So pumped; 26.2 mile sticker now shines proudly on the back of The Shark! (my car) The weekend was great. So many laughs, hurt bodies, sleep, and food!

I had a short day of work on Monday. I was in a ton of pain from the race, but totally worth it! I got off and headed straight to the 2nd best eatery in downtown Greenville-Barleys. I met the roomies for a couple of slices of the world's best pizza. From there I headed over to meet the Monday night crew for The City and a little birthday celebration. As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted with one of the best presents I had ever received-2 cases of Jamaica's finest soda-TING! That is right, 48 bottles of TING. Sheila and Cody, you know me so well!(You have to try it, if you have never had it...I'm running out fast, though!) Shortly there after, Meghan came over with another top present of all time-the best brownies you will ever eat along with a Lance Armstrong Calendar. It even has my name on it! It can't get any better than that. To top it off, I fell asleep on Sheila's couch (unbelievable right?) while getting a foot massage. A solid ending to a solid day of birth!

I was off on Tuesday and got the chance to sleep in; I was still trying to recover, but starting to feel pretty good again. About mid-day Mr Matt Geib and I headed out on the open road for a little cycling. Had to get the legs moving again; and it was just what the doctor ordered. Great company, a couple of climbs, great weather, and a few amazing views made for a great Tuesday ride.

Fast forward to Thursday night; the long-awaited Birthday dinner at Island Blend Jerk BBQ downtown Greenville. This place is one of my reasons for living! I got the medium-sized jerk pork plate with a side of Coco bread...amazing! A good crowd of solid friends made the night even more awesome and memorable.

I have to mention a couple of more gifts that I received; these were amazing. Joe and Ashley hooked me up with elastic laces so that during a triathlon I don't have to tie them, but simply pull them tight. A Whole Foods gift card (Thanks Ready's!)-I love that place. And a tube of DZ Nuts chamois cream for those aching long rides! Shawn and Joe know me too well! A couple of great gifts.

So, it's all over but the crying now; can't wait to do it again next year!