Holidays...

So far, I've spent my holiday making X'mas gifts for friends. Baking is a lot of work but I'm glad that most ppl enjoyed the fruits of my labour. =)

Between the baking, visits and cookie deliveries, I feel more tired than being back in school! I will have to take the next 2 weeks to seriously destress before school starts back up in Jan.

On a good note, out team won the Capstone Simulation contest. Our firm out-performed all other firms in the simulation, with the highest financial metrics and best long-term growth and strategy. Finally,...we won something!

I wish all my friends a happy holiday and a great new year!

People and Religion

Religion can mean so many different things to each individual.

To some, it is this hidden beacon that keeps them centred and focused.

To others, it is merely a slogan that hangs at the end of their every sentence. (these are the people that claim "god" or whoever they believe in is with them b/c certain things happened the way they did)

URGH! Can't STAND those ppl! Basically, god has "shown" them or "saved" them or "insert action here" them through everything. Has god told you that you are still a selfish/arrogant person? You think talking about god or following certain religious acts will save you from all the intentional "mistakes" you've made?

PUH-LEASE.

1 Down, 1 to Go

Handed in the "easy" paper to the admin today. It's due Friday so she was shocked that I'm handing it today. It's done, I don't want to look at it anymore, so just hand it in!

I drove home after the morning exam and procrastinated for a few hours. I'm allowed a little procrastination time! I started to do more reading and research tonight, then will have to read everything I pulled tomorrow morning. My eyes are going to bleed by the time I'm done. Wish me luck in completing the paper before Friday....then I can have some extra time off. :D

Module 6 - classes complete

Yay! Done with the looong module! I have 2 papers to hand-in for Friday and then I will have a "free" weekend!

There was a ic pellet/freezing rain storm this week...and now it's actually nice fulffy snow that's coming down. Wow, snow in November...haven't had that for a few years!

Now,...if I can just need to get my arse in gear to get them papers done....*sigh*

Countdown has started...

3 1/2 more weeks! With 1 week with no school...so technically only 2 1/2 more weeks of classes!

Can't wait!

Try'n real hard....

Too much truth has come out in the past couple of months and it's been very hard to stay focused and centered. I must say, what's happened in September has affected me more than I'm willing to admit. I'm now 15lbs lighter than when I first started the program and I hope it doesn't continue! (b/c pants are falling off me!)

I am trying to clear my head for the next month before I go home for the holidays. Four and a half weeks left and it'll be a new beginning come January with the electives courses.

X'mas is coming soon and our band is prepping for a holiday set for the class. I hope it will go as well or better this run!

It will be a quiet holiday this year. No "family" turkey dinner with the seniors. I will miss them.

Thank you everyone.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that's supported me through the past month. It's been difficult and turbulent but it was made much easier with everyone's wise words and show of support.

It's shown me how lucky I am to have such a support system. I already have all the love I need. =)

Loneliness Has Set In

Having been in love for 4 years and then suddenly not has created this sense of loss and loneliness. There is so much going on around me yet I can't shake this feeling. It's time to regroup and refocus my energy.

You can't handle the truth!

People who can't handle the truth often think that others can't either. So they lie and hide the truth which most of the time will cost more harm than good. When such behaviours backfire, one should look at why they behaved the way they did and learn to give and receive critique. After all, no one is perfect and we should be looking at ways to improving ourselves.

HOWEVER, when one perceives that they can continue to resent and blame other parties for their own behaviours and actions, then you are just an irresponsible brat. You can change the way others treat you by changing the way you treat people or do as you did; make a bunch of excuses to justify your bad behaviour and actions to make yourself feel better.

Please action responsibly.

Twidling my Thumbs...

I'm on a small break now, classes starts again Tues after Thanksgiving weekend.

It feels VERY weird to have NOTHING to do! I have all this free time now to do...nothing!

Well, not exactly nothing...have to put together another cover letter and I'm finally doing some pleasure reading. End of Food. You won't want to eat after reading that book.

Loving the break...

It's CSR week and there isn't any REAL work! We have 3 days off this week and with the Thanksgiving weekend, it's going to be hard getting back into the groove of things with the next module!

Another milestone made

Today ends another module for the program. Woohoo!

A few of us celebrated by having a Swim Club meeting at the lake, a few drinks, chicken wings and nachos! Yeah!

Now, a week of "Current Business Issues". *sigh*

What do we all really want in life?

Do we really know what we want?
And in the process of finding out, can we do it without hurting those around us?

In this road call Life, do we all know where we're heading?

Think She is Bi-Polar

I have crazy neighbours. This couple fights just about every other day. You would hear them being cheery and going fine, then minutes later you would hear her cursing on top of her lungs.

And the door slamming! I've been fantasizing about cutting their hands off so they can't slam the bloody door no more.....

Very distracting when you're studying for a quiz that's happening 8:30am tomorrow.

muthatruckas!

All Hail Procrastination!

It's happeneing again. But the funny thing is, maybe because I've gotten a hang of things (as in I have a handle of the work load now) that I just think I have more time that there actually is....

We'll see if I'm blowing the same horn on the weekend...

The Stress is ON

Haven't slept well and waking up w/ jaw pains. Why? Because I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep. I may not feel the stress when I'm awake, but my body is certainly telling me that I am!

Only a few more weeks and this module will be over. I can't wait!

A few of us are looking at doing some last of the season wreck diving in Kingston after this module...definitely looking forward to do that.

Women With Balls Get Bad Rep

Story of my life.

Men with balls, that are direct, don't allow for BS and tell things like it is are "go-getters", "strong", "take-charge", "gutsy" and "bold".

Women on the other hand, are automatically labelled as "bitches".

Double standard? Hell yeah.

I'm proud to be a bitch.

Too much relaxation, not enough work done.

I was invited to go up to a classmate's cottage this weekend. It was in a great lake front location, quiet and private. Unfortunately, it was a little too cold this weekend for long soaks in the lake but I still managed to take a quick dip. The cottage however didn't help my current state of procrastination.

...actually kinda glad the weather is changing,...take my mind off on how I've totally missed the summer activities....

Then it was gone....

SUMMER.

Came and left Kingston in a matter of weeks. Coming week's forecast are for low 20s only. =(

Skydiving weekend

There were 22 of us from the class that went skydiving this weekend (tandem jumps only) What an adrenalin rush! Some of the men in the class asked if I was "scared". Why would I be doing this if I was scared? Perhaps they were? Kekekekeee....

Prior to the videographer opening the plane door, I was literally grinning and clapping my hands like a little kid! I was REALLY excited about jumping out of a plane. What an awesome experience! I can't explain it to you, you just have to do for yourself to know what it feels like.

The Results are In!

Last module's marks are out! I'm happy with the marks I got so far. :D

Real classes start tomorrow....Business Decision Modelling. *ick*

Back to K-Town

The weekend didn't pan out exactly as I planned but I did manage to do most of the things on the list.

I'm checking the upcoming schedule and I don't know,...it kinda looks "empty". There are lots of days with no classes...not sure what's going on there. Let's hope those days don't get filled in later!

Another module, another new start. Wish me luck.

Holiday moving too fast!

It's already Thurs and I feel that I need more time to "recover". Will be heading back to Kingston Monday night with a classmate who will most likely be trashed from the Blue Jay vs Yankee game. (I offered to drive so she can get pissed during the game.)

I'm meeting a few ex-coworkers tomorrow for lunch,then a massage and a nice dinner at home. Sat will be drinks with a friend and hopefully watching The Simpsons in the evening. Then Sunday will be some free time during the day and then Ribfest in the evening! Ummm...Ribs....

*sigh* Wish this was last Thurs...Doh!

It Stinks!

I was just happily studying along when I saw my landlord with a shuffle standing outside my kitchen window. I looked out and saw a skunk to the left of my window, it looked dead.

I opened the window to see what she was up to. She was standing there trying to figure out how to dispose of the animal. I was pretty sure it was dead but she wasn't sure if was or not so she's hesitating to scoop it up.

I told her I would help her out, so I went outside, picked up a few big pieces of rocks and threw it at the body. Oh, it was dead alright. Flies were flying all over the corpse! She then picked it up with the shovel... as she did that, I can clearly see the skunk's face. EEEeeeeee.....Pepe was looking like a stuffed piece of hunted animal...it was stiff. (yeah, dead stiff) I was really grossed out! I normally wouldn't think that I would be so disgusted by something like this, but it turns out I am really freaked with small dead animals!

ICK! I need to go shower now.

On a good note, 2nd exam went well this morning. :)

1 Down, 2 To Go

Finished 1 exam this morning, 1 more tomorrow, another on Thurs,...then it's holiday for a week! Can't wait for the next 3 days to fly by.

On my week off, I will be visiting family, sleeping and basically be stuffing my FACE. I should find out how much weight I've lost since the program started....I estimate 1 dress size.

Coming to a Close

This module is coming to a close REAL fast. Only 2 more classes this week and classes will be officially finished for Module 3. Exams on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of next week. Plus, we have some assignments to finish up before then. *sigh*

No classes tomorrow, so it will be hardcore study time...Management Accounting, I'm going to make you weep!

Lesson 4

If you want to Lead, you need to 1)Prove yourself and then 2) Get Buy-in.

You've done neither.
So please don't "suggest" that I perform tasks that are just a waste of my time.

And when I stick it to you that you are a selfish, spineless worm, don't change your stance. (See I am right, you are spineless.)

You are so easy to bully you little bitch.

Lotsa work but still managable

I am counting down the weeks to our 1-week holiday! 2 more weeks of classes and then 3 final exams, all ending on the 26th.

Man, will I be partying on night of the 26th!!!

Otherwise, things are basically a bore...classes, homework, assignments, group projects....

Bedbugs - treatment No.2

I mopped the floors and baseboard with bleach, sprayed the floors, mattress and box with bug spray (twice!) and tomorrow will be a dose of insect powder.

Let's hope it all works and I can get back to sleeping on the bed. :(

Lesson 3

Don't dish it if you can't take it.

Lesson 2

Being the Lead doesn't mean you have all the control. You only have as much control as the team would allow. Letting it get to your head will cause sever consequences.

Lesson 1

Recognize differences and find ways to work with it. If you are not satisfied with the way things are going because no one is listening to you, maybe you should evaluate WHY no one is listening to you.....maybe YOU are the problem?

Apparantly, you can't freeze carrots/turnip

A few weeks back when Neil came to visit, he bought me 2 soup packs from the grocery store. For those of you who don't what a soup pack is, it's a pre-packaged set of ingredients for making chinese soup. It will include some sort of meat and vegetables/herbs.

I wasn't going to make 2 pots of soup in 1 week so I put one of them in the freezer. I finally ran out of food and decided to make the soup today. Did you know that carrots and turnips turn soft after defrosting? It was soggy, as if it's already been cooked!

The cooked product was overly soft. It was kind of a weird texture, but edible none less.

Weird.

Good Weekend

I actually had lots of activities this weekend. Went out w/ a few classmates on Friday for some beers and much not-needed "dancing" at a local club (discotheque). It was so bad that I don't even want to describe it.

Sat evening, we had dinner at a friend's and watched Ocean's 13. It was fun, but I say you can wait for the DVD release.

Sunday was a speed reading session at school (only 4 hours). After that, a few of us hit the gym (yes, me at the gym!) and had a quick dinner after.

In between all that, I still managed to fit in some schoolwork.

A well-balanced weekend. :D

However, I can't say the same for those that were leading this project that was due this morning. Thank you for all the hardwork guys!

Stay AWAY from the Satellites/Button Pushers

I found them, found them ALL.

Just get the funk away from me, I'm too old for this crap.

MBA, SchMBA

Student Council elections, it brings out the "best" of those who wants to be elected....

this feels like high school

On the other hand, I really bonded with someone tonight. Finally, someone who's on the same page....

Two and a half weeks later....

It's been a while, mostly because the program keeps me busy! Not that it's hardcore busy right now, but I'm still getting used to having to do more work when I come home from school! It is still very managable at the moment, I'm a realist...I'm not going to kill myself over trying to get EVERYTHING done!

First Day of School

First day was a tiring day. Lots of forced mingling and introductions. We find out about our assigned teams tomorrow. :S

From tomorrow on, 8:30am everyday! I miss work....

THE highlight of my trip

Some pictures that attempt to justify the grandeur of Iguazu Falls...

Holidays, move and closing...all happening very fast

It's been a little while since I've posted...I'm back from my holidays and have moved to Kingston already. With the help of Neil and Bob....hahaa..did you just get that one?

Neil stayed last night and left early this morning, returning the truck and returning keys to my place for closing tomorrow.

He's been great help and pushed me to unpack as much as we can yesterday such that I can have 2 relatively relaxing days before school begins. I will miss him lots...I know I will probably not have time to do so, but I will! :)

Rants

I was on the streetcar last night and overheard (not eavesdropping!) 3 ppl talking about their commute to work. All were basically complaining about how much time it takes to go to work. The couple within the group said that they drive to the subway station then subway downtown for work. It takes them about 1 1/2 hr to commute each way! Then they proceeded to calculate why they still choose to take the subway vs. driving downtown. (and trust me, it has nothing to do with driving less => being green)

Move closer to work or find another job up in la-la land. You've made your bed, now lie in it and stop complaining.

Moving 28th-29th

I got a message from the current tenant saying that they be out of the unit by the 22nd. That means I will get to move in the weekend before school starts! Yay!

Now that I know what the schedule is, there will be no more procrastination. Everything needs to be packed before I leave for my trip!

It's all happening very fast! Very exciting!!!

Officially Unemployed

Don't worry, don't worry, it's only for a month before school starts when I will officially be a student again!

Today, I spent a relaxing day doing some grocery shopping, packing and re-organizing. Now the house looks like a mess. Think I did TV-watching the most... :p

Farewell Lunch and Gift

My co-workers took me out to an "Appreciation" lunch today. I also received a shopping mall gift card from the team. (Thank you , thank you!)

Finally, I get something back for 8+ years of wedding and baby gifts I've contributed to!

One more day and it's Sayonara....

More homework and school hasn't even started!

Received another Fedex package from Queen's this morning. More readings to do prior to the start of school. But what's different is that this set of readings is actually needed for the first week of school. The package also included the first class' outline and assignment schedule. There are assignments due after the first week!

These ppl are serious when they said it's going to be a hectic year!

Packing has started...slowly.

I started packing some clothes away this weekend in preparation for Kingston. This morning, I tried out the bubble wrap on some picture frames...bubble wrap is so awesome!

Packed up some DVDs, some shoes and some more items for Goodwill..there is still so much more to pack!!! This coming week is my last week at work, after that, it will be fulltime packing until I go on my 10-day holiday to Argentina and Brazil.

Last week at work! I can't believe this is finally happening! Very exciting, yet at the same time, kind of sad. I have been with this company 8+ years afterall.

Goodbye, good luck and all the best.

Fun with Religion

http://www.mrdeity.com/

Check it out!
I personally like episode 2 the best....plus Jesse is HOT.

Announced my Departure

I announced my departure to the internal and external teams yesterday. I recieved lots good wishes from my customer contacts. Kinda made me sad...just a little bit...okay, maybe for 2 seconds.

I have started a countdown. 12 more working days left!

My mom and I signed up for a 10-day holiday to Argentina and Brazil for April. This means I have 10 less days to pack up and organize my stuff. I also have those prep courses to do for school before that starts...time is just slipping away!

I better get started...

First week w/ Neil moved out

To get started on his new routine, Neil decided to start sleeping over at his new place this week. The reason for the expedited schedule is because of the new gym that he will be working for. Neil will be a personal trainer at The Granite Club. Congratulations honey!!!

http://www.graniteclub.com/

It's not on the subway line so for him to get to work from our place will be another 30mins of transit...not so good for those 6:30am sessions.

It seems that both Neil and I are off to a running start this year. Things have definitely been going our way and I wish it will continue for the rest of the year!

Hate this say this, but I've been sleeping like a baby with the bed all to myself. :p

Shouldn't this be time to reflect?

Upon reading this article, I realize that no one truely understands our reliance on fossil fuels. http://www.thestar.com/News/article/186979

This shortage should trigger us to see how important it is to find and improve renewable sources of energy. Should trigger us to think about ditching those gas guzzling vehicles.
Should trigger us to walk, cycle or take public transit when we can...or simply work from home!

Best Picture and Direction given to a CopyCat movie?!

I was utterly disappointed and almost angry as I watched the Oscars last night. How can the academy give THAT piece of crap "adapted" movie (I'm calling it a movie, it ain't no film!) the best picture award? And best direction?

If you have yet watched the original (Infernal Affairs). Watch it and you will understand why I feel this way!

All that Drama

I didn't want to jinx anything so I didn't post updates about my sale until the last condition is waived. My agent called me about 2 hours ago to tell me there might be a problem w/ my unit's status, but it turned out it was the purchasing lawyer's mistake. *whew*!

It's SOLD! I had 5 offers on Tuesday night and 3 came in above my asking price. One of the offers had good price so I just signed on the dotted line.

Lots of snow Tues/Wed so things (Status Certificate and deposit delivery) were delayed by a day.

Closing is May 1st.

I also found an apartment in Kingston this weekend for May 1st. One bedroom basement apartment for $680, utilities included. It's a basement unit but has big windows and lots of light, so it doesn't feel like you're in a basement.
Plus my landlady is super sweet!
Thank you Serica for accompanying me on the day trip, was great to have a local guide!

Open House - Success or Bust?

As mentioned before, I was holding Open House this weekend. Prior to Saturdays' Open House, I had viewing appointments from 10am until 2pm. The last appointment prior to the Open House held my keys hostage until 3pm! That agent said he left his phone in the car and so no one could reach him to get him to return the keys. Saturday's session only ended up being 40 mins. But still, there were about 30 ppl that came through the door.

Yesterday's Open House was a little better. My agent's helper was late 30mins as he was getting a speeding ticket. Luckily, I was at home, so I was able to open doors for the 4 parties that came through during that time.

So far 5 more viewings today. Offers are going to be presented tomorrow night at 7pm. Wish me luck! I hope I don't have to do anymore showings after tomorrow night!

8 viewings in 1 day?!

Today's got to be the record breaking day.
8 appointments for viewing!
10:15-10:45
13:00-13:30
13:30-14:15
17:45-18:30
18:30-19:00
19:00-19:30
19:30-20:00
20:00-20:30

Listed today

Pictures were taken and paperwork was signed today. Listing came out late afternoon and immediately, 2 appointments were made for viewings. One actually happened tonight!

There are so far 2 appointments for tomorrow. I'm holding an Open House for both Sat. and Sun. 2-4pm. Offers being accepted on the following Tues. Wish me luck!!!

http://www.be-at-home.com/weekly.asp?id=205

Getting ready for sale is hard work.

Friday and Saturday was spent cleaning, packing and reorganizing the unit so my agent can provide suggestions for improvements. He came by Saturday afternoon to also provide me information on sales information in the surrounding area.

So my job now is to get the place ready Wednesday for pictures and sign the paperwork to get it listed. Next weekend is Open House! I still have a carload of bins to move out of the unit...good thing I can work from home. :)

Neil will be checking a place out tomorrow...I hope it works out because if it does, we can move his bins straight to his new place!

Listed at 329,900, sold at 329,000?!

EXACT same unit as mine, but 1 floor below sold at this price in December.

2007 IS a great year!

And the winner is!......

Queen's School of Business!

I finally did receive a response back from the Ambassadors at Rotman about a visit on Wed. night. I responded immediately Thurs. morning and once again, haven't received a response before week's end. I suppose it will take them another week before they respond to me.

I honestly don't think the Rotman class experience will tip the scale enough for me to choose them over Queen's, so I decided not to wait for them to set me up for a class anymore.

I sent in my confirmation and deposit to Queen's today.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you that has supported me through this entire application process. Especially those that's given me tips and insider information on how to "sell" myself. Thank you, thank you!

Having made my final decision now, I have much to do before school starts. It starts May 2nd!

Queen's - Admit!

I received a phone call from the Admissions Director this evening! Personally calling me to let me know the committee decided that I am a good fit for their program!

The admissions package will arrive in a few days.

On the other hand, I have yet received an invite for the class visit I requested for Rotman. Umm...should I even bother with them anymore?....

First relaxed weekend

Since I started my journey to pursue an MBA, every weekend has been either full of studying for the GMAT or reviewing and writing applications and essays. (Or when I procrastinated, I was feeling guilty about it.)

This is the first weekend for a long time that I didn't have to *THINK* about it anymore. I have an admit from at least 1 school...(hopefully, Queen's will come through for me this week) Going back to school this year is now a fact, no longer wishful thinking!

VIA1 rocks!

Toronto => Kingston

Includes drinks and snacks, full 3 course meal (choice of 3 mains that all sounded pretty good), after dinner liqueur and sweets. All alcoholic drinks inclusive.

Then arrive to a nice and cozy B&B for the night. What a terrific start to an interview/school visit session! If all else fails, at least I got a great visit in Kingston!

If the program is like the way they've taken care of me thus far...their program is pretty tempting!

Congratulations from the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

Wootwoot!

The pressure is off now! Wed's interview will be breeze.

Rotman Interview done

It was this morning, I was a lot more confident w/ this meeting.
I definitely felt more comfortable this time.
I will leave it at that.

Many ppl ask how I did; honestly, it is hard to say when all the interviewers are friendly and smiling at you throughout the entire process! (them and their poker faces!) It will be a few weeks before I hear anything from them. In the meantime, I will prepare for Queen's interrogation next week.

Don't think I've sent out my wishes to everyone yet. So here goes!

I wish everyone a fantastic new year. May all your wishes come true!

Right Lane is the new Passing Lane

First week of work is a little slow as expected. Many folks are still off work as kids don't go back to school until the 8th.

There are of course less traffic on the morning commute. However, it doesn't mean that bad drivers are not on the road.

Today on the highway to work, I once again used the most right lane as the passing lane.

No, I don't live in Britain, or any British commonwealth locations. Driver's seat is on the left and we use the right side of the road!

On another note, the weather has been chaiotic lately. It's Jan. and we are still well above the freezing mark. It is nice and warmer but at the same time, you know this is not a good sign.

Call your politicians about Global Warming!