sukiyaki on Xanga

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Vegas Baby!

Vegas was da bomb!!!
I went last weekend for my bff's bachelorette weekend and it was definitely a memorable weekend!! The gals and I had a blast watching Le Reve (Cirque du Soleil at the Wynn), hitting hotspots like Tryst and Tao, eating well, and last but not least, Chippendale!!! It was so FUN!! We even got my bff onstage. Too bad we weren't allowed to take any pics!!
And talking about eating, something about the heat just makes me wanna eat like a pig! I must've had 5 meals a day while I was there. Best thing was we had the whole menu of desserts for FREE at Bucheon cuz the waiters loved us! They were even more into the Girls Nite Out Dare scratch cards than we were!
It's a total countdown now. 32 days until I start school - YIKES!! At least I completed my FAFSA forms. Don't think I'll be getting any $ but at least I tried. Next up is trying to figure out company sponsorship and when I have to apply for Stafford loans. We are so poor right now it's not even funny. Maybe we'll have to see how long we can survive on Cup o Noodles.

Monday, 07 April 2008

Figuring Work

Although I am still excited about school, reality is settling in. At work I have to communicate the time commitment required for the Executive MBA program. Since I am the first in my practice group to go through the Executive program, it's been hard to explain the fact that I need every other Friday off and once in a while Thursday and sometimes, a whole week off. Our financial services office has implemented the EMBA program for more than 5 years now and even though I've obtained the scheduling information from the main source, it's still not getting through to my partners here that I am NOT requesting for flexible work arrangement but merely some flexibility on when and how I complete my work. Perhaps it's my communication style?
It's days like today when I have meetings from 930am to 730pm that I should give in and just take up the offer to be on a flexible work arrangement (for those not familiar with the term, it means working 80% or less at work). I literally had a 4 hour meeting and it totally drained my brain power. I missed my regular train, then forgot to call Koala to let him know I couldn't make the next one which made him go to the train station unnecessarily to pick me up from a different station, and totally missed the dinner with my mother-in-law and her friends. I felt TERRIBLE!!! I am horrible at saying 'No' and knowing when to leave work..I'm notorious at being late to appts but missing dinner with love ones is truly unexcusable. If I am already bad now at balancing work with personal, I can only imagine what it would be like when I add school to the mix. I know I shouldn't worry but I am quite the worrycat...

Sunday, 06 April 2008

Start of New Journey

I've been reminded by the Xanga team that it's been awhile since I've last posted on Xanga. Between work, vacation, and applying to schools, I've had less time than normal.   But I am BACK! And this time, I am hoping to detail my new journey as I embark on my Executive MBA program over the next 2 years.
Over the last couple of months I've kept busy with work but also attending information session, class visits, and of course, the much dreaded application process.   Although I am applying to only two programs, it took quite a bit of time to work on the the required essays and applications.   By the time I was called for the interviews, I was more than relieved.   Now is my time to impress, to persuade the admissions staff in person why I should be part of the incoming class.   Apparently it worked as I got accepted to both programs!!
Over the past 2 weeks I've had to evaluate the pros and cons of the Berkeley-Columbia and Wharton program.  Both are excellent choices and thus there is no wrong choice. However, with the financial investment and time commitment required over the next 2 years, it was important to pick the right program.  Thus, I phoned everyone I knew, took polls of friends, family, coworkers, and spoke to numerous current and past students of both programs.  After much deliberation and consideration, I knew that Wharton is the right program for me. Not only does it have a higher brand recognition but the potential career opportunities and network available are positive strengths and attributes of the program.
The Wharton Executive Class 34 reception solidified my decision and it was at the end of this evening that I decided to hand in my check and officially enroll as part of Class 34.   Everyone I met was so warm! Not only is Class 34 more diverse in work experience and industry but it has 26% women - a definite plus.   I am truly excited about this opportunity.
I am going to WHARTON baby!!!!

Saturday, 24 November 2007

Giving Thanks
I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. Things have definitely calm down a bit for me..to a point where I've become quite lazy. August and September have been so draining emotionally and physically that when I finally had time to chill, I chilled for way too long. Now that I've finally recuperated and energetic, I need to start becoming more ACTIVE! I've started to run again and studying for a certification (starting tomorrow, promise!)...Next month will be a bit crazy - two weddings!! Going back to NYC for Caroline and Greg and then heading to Tokyo/HK for Coma's. Only have about 3 more weeks of work before taking off for the long break..can't wait!!!!! I'm sooo psyched for the FOOD and some serious shopping!!
This year, I have a lot to be thankful for...
1. I'm thankful for all the great family members and friends in my life who have supported and sheltered me all along. Without them I would not be who I am today.
2. I'm thankful for koala, whose patience, understanding, and eternal love, have made me stronger as a woman.
3. I'm thankful for having such awesome in-laws for they have become my true family and mentors.
4. I'm thankful for the ability to purchase a home and not having to worry about moving again (at least not for a while).
5. I'm thankful for the stability and challenges of my job for it has taught me how to deal with people and things in general.
6. I'm thankful for the adventure that's called life and the many memories to come...
What are you thankful for?

Sunday, 16 September 2007

Housewarming
We just survived our first housewarming party..THANKS to everyone who came!! We still have plenty of food and alcohol left so definitely will have to have another party. I've forgotten how I miss hosting!! Just chatting up, pairing peeps with peeps they dunno, and making sure there's enough food and drinks..there's nothing better in the world!! Will post photos soon!

Friday, 31 August 2007

Finally Settled
This month has been a whirlwind of activities! Can't believe it's September already!!! August just flew rite by...I have so much to update but here's what I've been up to this month...
July 28 - July 30: Miami for Angel's 30th
July 30 - August 5: Vienna, Salzburg
August 5 - August 8: Prague
August 8 - August 9: Brussels
August 9 - August 12: Amsterdam
August 12 - August 15: San Mateo - new HOME!
August 15 - August 17: Dallas, TX
August 17 - August 19: NYC for Mary's wedding
FINALLY HOME SWEET HOME!! After unpacking for 2 weeks straight, we are close to finally being settled into our amazing condo. It's been fun decorating our place - esp. all my Hello Kitty stuff...and I did something quite creative with the 120+ keitai straps....Will have to post TONS of photos at a later time so come back later to check them out!

Saturday, 21 July 2007

NEW CONDO!!!!
It's been super busy the past month getting our new place ready..we were supposed to move in this weekend but there's been some delay in installing the new floors. Koala will just have to move on his own next weekend when I'm off to my Miami and Europe trip
I swear I will NEVER paint again..we decided to put some colors in the kitchen and it literally took 4 coats!!! But it really came out nice...here's some b4 and after pics
KITCHEN

LIVING/DINING ROOM

BEDROOM

BATHROOM

I can't wait to DECORATE!!!! I've already brought my very first tansu chest and bringing out my kimono for the living room wall...plus with all my HELLO KITTY stuff, our place will totally rock!!! For those planning to visit, we have a guestroom!!!

Sunday, 08 July 2007

Simpsons Kwik-E-Mart LIVE!
As part of the upcoming movie, seven 7-Eleven were converted to Kwik-E-Marts. We went to check out the one in Mountain View..check out these pics

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

EUROPE TRIP!!!
So I've finalized on where to go in EUROPE!!! Here's my plan -
VIENNA/SALZBURG --> PRAGUE --> BRUSSELS --> AMSTERDAM
Done with booking all my flights..just need to book hotels and Eurorail from Brussels to Amsterdam. So I've decided not to do the hostel route since I'm a bathroom sanitation maniac and can't imagine sharing it with peeps I dunno. I'll be traveling by myself the first half of the trip then meeting up with Alice and Mafan in Brussels. SO PSYCHED!!!!
Is it really true we have to travel light? Even if one is flying?!?!