Graduation has come and gone. What a blast!! On top of that and my birthday, I had more than enough going on to keep me busy. But the cherry on top was being extended a full-time offer to work at WM as an Area Representative of Public Sector solutions! (Which I accepted of course.) 

And WOW- what a position!! Being here full time has given me so much more time to hone in on my skills. Who would've thought that being around every day lets you understand more of the greater picture? My personal motto is to put my people first- a sentiment that I think can be lost on some. When I take care of my account holders, they take care of me. That's all business really is, right? It's one big partnership! To those of you who fall under my book- I'll always do my best to look after you kind folk.

It's finally happening. In under a month from now, I will be walking across the stage to graduate from James Madison University. Surprisingly, I am incredibly unphased by this prospect. I'm ready for the other side, and I love my work! Being able to focus on it full-time is a dream come true. But, what's upsetting is the loss of so many close friends that I have come to know. Alas, this is life. People move all around the globe as they go into this next stage of their lives, and I understand that- but it is definitely going to take some getting used to. What's important though is maintaining the memories that I've made and staying close with these fine folk for the rest of my life.

It finally happened. For the first time ever, Ryan Skees has left the country. From America to Puerto Rico if we are being specific. SO many firsts. My first airplane, my first rental car, first cliff dive, first airport, and my first time being completely surrounded by the unknown. Of course, my trusted travel guide Meadowe came along for the ride.

This is step one of my master plan to see the world. And man, I am on FIRE! It's only up from here. Truly and incredible experience. 

Whoever said that the older you get the faster things move was really onto something. I mean, it feels like just yesterday that I was babyfaced and getting hit with the realization that I was on my own the moment my parents drove home from dropping me off at college. Now? Geez!! My friends are getting married.

We went down to Mineral, VA to stay at a lake house on the Virginia cider trail. Great time, by the way- lots of fun memories were made. But, something like this really does hit you over the head with a surge of "THIS IS HAPPENING!!!" Life is life, and restlessly marching forward is the burden of time itself. I need to remember to stop and smell the roses every once in awhile. I mean, seriously- the last 6 months of my camera roll look like a desert with tumbleweeds blowing around. That is to say that I've captured very little of my life.

I've always lived for the excitement, you know? The thrill of walking into a room of strangers and capturing their attention. It's the same drive that makes me so good at my sales job. Relationship building, getting into things, seeing them through, and drumming up stories. Joey- good luck in the next chapter of your life. You're awesome and I know that you will be the happiest man alive. (Except for me with my girlfriend, who I am incidentally moving in with this May.) And thank you for indirectly reminding me to focus on Ryan Skees.

Hands down- something that I've never been very good at is keeping up with or caring for any of the sports that people love to talk about.

This, of course, is my dad's fault. He was an early proponent of home computers and video games. He LOVES them, and did even more when I was younger. As such, while others crew up watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, I grew up playing Warcraft 3. #noregrets

Another academic semester is now blossoming out of the fiery ashes that were once the end of our past session of classes. In the beginning, it is always calm and exciting. I'd dare even say that I enjoy it quite a bit. However, it does require a large readjustment of habits. For instance, time management! Now made easier by the addition of a new watch bought for me by my wonderful lady for Christmas. 

I sense good things ahead- well structured courses, energetic professors, an abundance of knowledge, and the end of my college days. Very much a turning point in my life, and one that I am excited to flip the page on!

New Years. It is a wonderful holiday that you spend surrounded by your close friends with food, drink, and the occasional fireworks- but it is also a time to take a look at yourself and reflect on what you would like to see changed. 

Whether it be professional, physical, or emotional, each and every resolution that you place upon yourself should be taken seriously. It's the best opportunity that you have to push yourself to do some really incredible things! Myself, for example, have started off strong by demolishing my Highschool PR for a 5-mile run, an undertaking that I often had to see myself crushed by through my many years spent on the varsity tennis team. Back in the day, I had an average pace of 12 minutes/mile. Just day, I landed an average pace of about 9 minutes/mile.

So there's a strong start to the year!! Some other goals of mine include being more involved with those around me, continuing to have an open mind, and hopefully to graduate from my internship into a full time job! Also, maybe to wash my retainer a little more often. (haha)

Let's go boys and girls. Get up and attem'! Hu-rah.

Given my last name, and as is made clear by this website, I love to ski. With the JMU winter break underway, I started it out by going out to West Virginia's most notable mountain: Snowshoe.

Conditions were good, but I've seen better. Not as much as the mountain was open as I expected, but they didd have $3 stouts- so I can forgive them.

While there, we stayed in Cass, WV. Which, if you don't know, is a tiny town with only 12 permanent residents. Interestingly, it used to be a company town for a logging company. Now, it's rented out as a vacation spot. There's an abandoned factory in town too that everybody in my ski club always walks around in. Somehow, in three years as a member, I've never been. Not actually really even sure that I'd want to. 

The holiday season is just beginning and there's a crispness in the air! This crispness of course is the dread hanging over every student currently working towards a degree.

Sometimes, it feels as though I can study every slide, learning, and mumbling that a professor can offer only to end up missing out on the 30 second YouTube video that contained 30% of the exam's content. What's up with that?? At the end of the day, these grades do not define us- and these tests are never ​as hard as your brain makes them out to be. I have yet to have actually failed any exam in college, and that's my proudest achievement.

And most importantly- immediately following these finals is the beginning of winter break! So, as my gift to you, here is the picture that I submitted to my company's ugly sweater contest. You're welcome.