So....
Monday I headed out of class with 12 of my school buddies and headed off to Regina for the STEP Conference. We arrived intact mid-afternoon at the Days Inn (the cheap hotel). Some of us relaxed, others had a great time on the waterslide (so mad that I didn't take my suit) while we killed time before the networking 'Asian themed' social at the Delta.
The social was a great opportunity to meet many corporations (mostly government) that deal internationally for much of their business. There were sponsored students from both UofS and the UofR, and our task was to meet at least 10 people and collect their business cards. Attached to this task was the task of following up with the individual within the next 10 days. I didn't waste much time and headed right for the President & CEO of STEP. It was a short social (with excellent sushi), and the class was headed back to the hotel by 7pm.
Tuesday involved more smooshing and information sessions. The class was pretty exhausted by midday, and we all agreed to skip out of the gala banquet. We did have the group case study looming over our head that our profs assigned in Monday's class. It is always nice to receive a case presentation that needs to be analyzed and presented in 4 days and then send us out of town. Blak!
Today was a lot of group work, discussion, analysis, and of course, group frustration. I was able to take a break and sit in on an AWESOME presentation from the Vice President (who happens to be my best friends cousin) of Dell Canada. Sounds like an excellent company to work for. I am starting to think I need to get into the computer industry. I have started thinking of my major research project I need to do as part of my master's program and I am definitely considering the computer industry. I guess I just need to find a company that is willing to take me on, and has an international research question they would liked answered.
Tomorrow, more group work. I am definitely looking for the week to be over.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
it isn't fun
...to spend one of most beautiful fall September days inside
...to spend 6 1/2 hours preparing financial statements for class take-home exam
However, it is fun
...to know that you are learning something
...to know you are being productive and not just wasting time
...to know that you did a good job
...to relax at the end of a tiring day
...to spend 6 1/2 hours preparing financial statements for class take-home exam
However, it is fun
...to know that you are learning something
...to know you are being productive and not just wasting time
...to know that you did a good job
...to relax at the end of a tiring day
classic
For those of you who read Centre of the Universe, there has been some recent dialoque regarding bad billboards.
As was commented on her post, this is my favourite as well.
Hee Hee!!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
not much
I have noticed lately that I don't have a lot to post about. I guess I am pretty involved with school, and I am sure you don't need to hear about what I learn everyday.
I have my first exam tomorrow, and we all are a little unsure of what to expect. There are 4 essay type questions (mini-cases we think) and we get the full 4 1/2 hours to write them. The profs say we will need almost the entire time. I guess that is why a lot of us are unsure as to what could possibly take that long to write. It has only been 2 weeks of class.
We also have a take home portion to the exam, which we got on Wednesday. We have 2 big questions regarding the preparation of financial statements and ratios. Fun hey!? They don't look too bad, so I am leaving that for the weekend.
Besides school I managed to fit in Madagascar with the hubby, coffee with a friend, and a few great hours of Earthdawn.
A very busy week!
I have my first exam tomorrow, and we all are a little unsure of what to expect. There are 4 essay type questions (mini-cases we think) and we get the full 4 1/2 hours to write them. The profs say we will need almost the entire time. I guess that is why a lot of us are unsure as to what could possibly take that long to write. It has only been 2 weeks of class.
We also have a take home portion to the exam, which we got on Wednesday. We have 2 big questions regarding the preparation of financial statements and ratios. Fun hey!? They don't look too bad, so I am leaving that for the weekend.
Besides school I managed to fit in Madagascar with the hubby, coffee with a friend, and a few great hours of Earthdawn.
A very busy week!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Birthdays
I love birthdays. Not only my own, but everyone else's as well.
Last night we celebrated Rob's birthday. It was a small, relatively quiet gathering. Not much in the way of heavy partying (except for the birthday boy), but more so with the games and visiting.
As I have been told, Rob's birthday was used as a excuse for Tomas to drink and have friends over, but hey, whatever works.
Aside from Rob's birthday, we had Al's birthday on the 11th, and Sky's on the 1st that were being celebrated as well.
John got a fire going later on in the evening. I thought it was a little chilly outside, so I kept myself indoors. Rob got us to play Hoopla, a game he received from his brother (not sure if it was a birthday gift or not). A few of us had played it at a previous party and had quite enjoyed ourselves. Rob, Jeff, Brennan, Laura, Allan, Carla and myself managed to finish 32 cards in the 15 minutes we were alloted. There were definitely some concerns about finishing when everyone had trouble getting Brennan's bowling shoes, and my Harrison Ford. Well, I thought my clue --It's bigger than Mel Gibson, but smaller than a Tempo--was quite cleaver. But alsa, NOBODY agreed with me. It didn't surprised me at all when I was ridiculed for the rest of the night!
It was a fun evening!
Last night we celebrated Rob's birthday. It was a small, relatively quiet gathering. Not much in the way of heavy partying (except for the birthday boy), but more so with the games and visiting.
As I have been told, Rob's birthday was used as a excuse for Tomas to drink and have friends over, but hey, whatever works.
Aside from Rob's birthday, we had Al's birthday on the 11th, and Sky's on the 1st that were being celebrated as well.
John got a fire going later on in the evening. I thought it was a little chilly outside, so I kept myself indoors. Rob got us to play Hoopla, a game he received from his brother (not sure if it was a birthday gift or not). A few of us had played it at a previous party and had quite enjoyed ourselves. Rob, Jeff, Brennan, Laura, Allan, Carla and myself managed to finish 32 cards in the 15 minutes we were alloted. There were definitely some concerns about finishing when everyone had trouble getting Brennan's bowling shoes, and my Harrison Ford. Well, I thought my clue --It's bigger than Mel Gibson, but smaller than a Tempo--was quite cleaver. But alsa, NOBODY agreed with me. It didn't surprised me at all when I was ridiculed for the rest of the night!
It was a fun evening!
Friday, September 16, 2005
My First Full Week
So...
My first week is over..what a week. I think I am in information overload. However, I am enjoying every minute that I am here.
Some of the topics discussed this week:
I had planned on getting a lot of reading done on the newest book club selection, however I have much to read and catch up in terms of class. Once again, the book gets put off.
Tonight, the MBASS (MBA Student Society) has there first event - Broadway pubcrawl. It will be a brief stop, as the pink house on princess is having a birthday gathering for Rob, and I think, Sky.
Besides reading this weekend, I am looking to get out in the garden. I need to pick my carrots, and clean up the rest of the garden/flowerbed. I hope the weather improves a little this weekend.
My first week is over..what a week. I think I am in information overload. However, I am enjoying every minute that I am here.
Some of the topics discussed this week:
- Political, Legal & Regulatory Environment
- International Environment
- Fraud
- Stakeholder Analysis
I had planned on getting a lot of reading done on the newest book club selection, however I have much to read and catch up in terms of class. Once again, the book gets put off.
Tonight, the MBASS (MBA Student Society) has there first event - Broadway pubcrawl. It will be a brief stop, as the pink house on princess is having a birthday gathering for Rob, and I think, Sky.
Besides reading this weekend, I am looking to get out in the garden. I need to pick my carrots, and clean up the rest of the garden/flowerbed. I hope the weather improves a little this weekend.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Castles
I am not sure exactly what transpired between Jeff & his parents, but there was a decision made to move all of Jeff's lego from his parents house to our house. It may have been Jeff finally wanting to have it around, or his mother telling him to 'take it, or i'll get rid of it.'
Anywho, the lego has been spread out all over the basement for the last couple of days and Jeff has been diligently working on recreating a number of machines.
In the midst of this rainy weekend, and us looking to entertain ourselves with something other than computer games and t.v. we decided to make castles.
I myself have not played with lego in years, but it was just as exciting as I remember it being.
A nice way to spend the afternoon.
Home Alone
Last night I had the house all to myself....that doesn't happen too often. Jeff was over at the Pink House on Princess playing Warhammer. The game has resumed now that Rob is back from B.C.
I decided it was going to be a night of CoH, and had mentioned it to Bne earlier that day. I hopped on about 7 o'clock, just before Jeff left, and played straight until 12:30. It was awesome.
I am so appreciated of computers when it allows you to connect with those who are far away, especially the Teamspeak program we have. Bne wasn't on initially, but I got to play with Prairie Boy for a couple hours. It was great reconnecting, even though it has been some 3 weeks since I saw him. Missing friends sucks!
After Prairie Boy called it a night, I called Bne. He jumped on with Calgarian Agent, and him and Neuba kicked some butt. I almost have Neuba up to 38, however I have got myself into playing a character Rob made up for me, a science defender, Canadian Maid. I never thought I would be interested in playing a defender, however she is kinda fun. Very different though. It is hard to get used to the different tactics that are required, especially when I have been playing Neuba pretty exclusively for the last few months.
I probably should try and be a little more productive today. Yesterday I sat around playing games, and reading all day. I didn't leave the house once, it was kinda nice. In fact, I do have a little reading to do for school tomorrow....Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, oohhh sounds exciting! (blah)
I decided it was going to be a night of CoH, and had mentioned it to Bne earlier that day. I hopped on about 7 o'clock, just before Jeff left, and played straight until 12:30. It was awesome.
I am so appreciated of computers when it allows you to connect with those who are far away, especially the Teamspeak program we have. Bne wasn't on initially, but I got to play with Prairie Boy for a couple hours. It was great reconnecting, even though it has been some 3 weeks since I saw him. Missing friends sucks!
After Prairie Boy called it a night, I called Bne. He jumped on with Calgarian Agent, and him and Neuba kicked some butt. I almost have Neuba up to 38, however I have got myself into playing a character Rob made up for me, a science defender, Canadian Maid. I never thought I would be interested in playing a defender, however she is kinda fun. Very different though. It is hard to get used to the different tactics that are required, especially when I have been playing Neuba pretty exclusively for the last few months.
I probably should try and be a little more productive today. Yesterday I sat around playing games, and reading all day. I didn't leave the house once, it was kinda nice. In fact, I do have a little reading to do for school tomorrow....Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, oohhh sounds exciting! (blah)
Thursday, September 08, 2005
A good cry
Tonight was one of those nights where a good cry was exactly what I needed. Sometimes I realize that I have been just 'surviving', which generally leds to a build up of feelings. Tonight was a good release. My hot tub and I had a good heart to heart...it reminded me a lot of last winter.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Classes have begun
Today was my first day of MBA 801, and it was awesome - 4 1/2 hours of straight discussion. The profs actually discouraged note taking - wow. This is going to be awesome. This is exactly the type of learning environment I thrive in.
We discussed ethics in business. We examined some Calvin Klein ads today and discussed the possible ethical issues surrounding them. There is one here of two little boys in their underwear that caused a lot of discussion, I wonder why?!?
Of course when studying or discussing ethics you can't forget about morality.
Realizing we were talking about ethics and morality in a business sense, there, of course, may be different ideas and/or definitions on morality. However the case, there was some interesting dialogue around the difference between ethics and morality and whether or not they are all that different. Unfortunately we were not able to expand on that comment that was made. I would have liked to explore that avenue.
I am looking forward to tomorrow's class (as well as all the others) where we continue our discussion on ethics. However, I think my brain is full for the day. Unfortunately, I didn't get all my reading done today, so I am hoping to finish that up tomorrow morning.
We discussed ethics in business. We examined some Calvin Klein ads today and discussed the possible ethical issues surrounding them. There is one here of two little boys in their underwear that caused a lot of discussion, I wonder why?!?
Of course when studying or discussing ethics you can't forget about morality.
Morality is, at the very least, the effort to guide one's conduct by reason -- that is, to do what there are the best reasons for doing -- while giving equal weight to the interests of each individual who will be affected by one's conduct. James Rachels
Realizing we were talking about ethics and morality in a business sense, there, of course, may be different ideas and/or definitions on morality. However the case, there was some interesting dialogue around the difference between ethics and morality and whether or not they are all that different. Unfortunately we were not able to expand on that comment that was made. I would have liked to explore that avenue.
I am looking forward to tomorrow's class (as well as all the others) where we continue our discussion on ethics. However, I think my brain is full for the day. Unfortunately, I didn't get all my reading done today, so I am hoping to finish that up tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
A Day of Baking
With the weather gloomy and rainy yesterday, it seemed fitting to break out the baking pans, bowls, measuring cups, etc.
I would consider myself a baker, and definitely enjoying getting at when I can, especially on those rainy days.
Our friends left relatively early Monday morning, so I got right to it as soon as we said our goodbyes.
I started off by making a loaf of bread. I (more so than Jeff) have decided that it is probably a good idea to do as much baking and cooking from scratch as possible over the next year with the lack of funds that will be coming in. So, the last grocery shopping trip we loaded up on the flour - 10kg of wholewheat, and 10kg of white. That should last I think.
The banana muffins were next, however I needed to let the bananas from the freezer thaw, so I headed to the gym downtown for the last time. The PAC Centre isn't open on stat holidays, so I took advantage of my ProFit pass downtown since I have already paid for September (damn 30 days notice cancellation policy). The banana muffins turn out perfect. I tried a different recipe and I think I like it a lot more than the old one I was using. I have started to use wholewheat flour in the muffins and I like it much better. The receipe doesn't call for it, but I thought 'what the heck.'
We cooked a roast for supper - yummy. The house smelled so good with the onions and garlic that was cooking with it. And the gravy was awesome. I will have to make sure I do that again.
I didn't really plan on doing anything else for the day, however I got really bored in the evening, so I turned to baking. I guess you could say it is one of my quirky traits, when I get really,really bored I usually end up baking. So around 9:30 I whipped up a batch of Hermits - my favourite cookie. And when I say whip up, I mean it. I have made them so many times I have it down to a science. I can mix, bake and clean up in about half an hour.
It was good to get a lot of the baking out of the way, however I would have rather been active or entertained. I really don't like being bored.
I would consider myself a baker, and definitely enjoying getting at when I can, especially on those rainy days.
Our friends left relatively early Monday morning, so I got right to it as soon as we said our goodbyes.
I started off by making a loaf of bread. I (more so than Jeff) have decided that it is probably a good idea to do as much baking and cooking from scratch as possible over the next year with the lack of funds that will be coming in. So, the last grocery shopping trip we loaded up on the flour - 10kg of wholewheat, and 10kg of white. That should last I think.
The banana muffins were next, however I needed to let the bananas from the freezer thaw, so I headed to the gym downtown for the last time. The PAC Centre isn't open on stat holidays, so I took advantage of my ProFit pass downtown since I have already paid for September (damn 30 days notice cancellation policy). The banana muffins turn out perfect. I tried a different recipe and I think I like it a lot more than the old one I was using. I have started to use wholewheat flour in the muffins and I like it much better. The receipe doesn't call for it, but I thought 'what the heck.'
We cooked a roast for supper - yummy. The house smelled so good with the onions and garlic that was cooking with it. And the gravy was awesome. I will have to make sure I do that again.
I didn't really plan on doing anything else for the day, however I got really bored in the evening, so I turned to baking. I guess you could say it is one of my quirky traits, when I get really,really bored I usually end up baking. So around 9:30 I whipped up a batch of Hermits - my favourite cookie. And when I say whip up, I mean it. I have made them so many times I have it down to a science. I can mix, bake and clean up in about half an hour.
It was good to get a lot of the baking out of the way, however I would have rather been active or entertained. I really don't like being bored.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Great Friends, Good Times
Our friends from Edmonton have been down visiting since Friday, and it has been awesome having them here.
They moved away 3 years ago, and haven't been back since. So they finally got their butts in gear and came to visit. Much too long between visits I must say.
We had a great time Friday night full of food, beer, visiting and hot tub. Saturday we hopped around the city, picking up various items Andrea & Kory needed to take back to family & friends in Edmonton. We stopped for lunch at O'Shea's Irish Pub and had some excellent burgers. I highly recommend everyone check out the patio before the summer is over.
It is nice that they were able to come on the long weekend, as they have been able to see and visit a number of other friends since they have been here.
We plan on relaxing this evening with some movies and hot tubbing. Good times to be had.
It will be sad to see them go. I won't get to see them as much as I have the last few years, as well as a number of other friends that live in other provinces/countries. No more travelling to Edmonton, Calgary, BC or wherever. Boo hoo!
They moved away 3 years ago, and haven't been back since. So they finally got their butts in gear and came to visit. Much too long between visits I must say.
We had a great time Friday night full of food, beer, visiting and hot tub. Saturday we hopped around the city, picking up various items Andrea & Kory needed to take back to family & friends in Edmonton. We stopped for lunch at O'Shea's Irish Pub and had some excellent burgers. I highly recommend everyone check out the patio before the summer is over.
It is nice that they were able to come on the long weekend, as they have been able to see and visit a number of other friends since they have been here.
We plan on relaxing this evening with some movies and hot tubbing. Good times to be had.
It will be sad to see them go. I won't get to see them as much as I have the last few years, as well as a number of other friends that live in other provinces/countries. No more travelling to Edmonton, Calgary, BC or wherever. Boo hoo!
Friday, September 02, 2005
A few words
The last couple of days of orientation were all about our personal development and how to integrate it into leadership.
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator was analzed on Thrusday. It was a long day, but interesting none the less. The indicator was pretty much on with my own understanding, so I wasn't too surprised by the results.
As a ENTJ, I am "Life's Natural Leaders", and seen as Visionary, Gregarious Argumentative, Systems Planners, Take Charge, and Low Tolerance for Incompetency. It is the 'Most Commanding.'
Here is a snipet from my assessment:
I got about a 10 page printout explaining my type, and its relation to the workplace and stress. Again, nothing was really a surprise.
As for Friday, we did the Emotional Intelligence Quotient. I have to admit that I was bored - all day. It really didn't give me new information, and was basically a snapshot of my life when I did the assessment, which was a few weeks ago. Lots has change since then - I left my job and started a new, exciting adventure. Many of the questions and results that were negative on the EQ were related to my work - which isn't a problem anymore. All in all, the day wasn't all that enjoyable for me.
For myself, as well as many of the other students, we were done!! The week was long, and we had definitely absorbed a lot of information - too much perhaps. I am pretty much ready to get rolling with the program, and have been since about day 2 of orientation. We only have one more day left - Tuesday. We have a communications workshop, and a banquet to end off the tiring week.
I am looking forward to the exciting opportunities this program will bring forth, as well as the time and effort I will need to put into it too succeed. It is gonna be a great year!
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator was analzed on Thrusday. It was a long day, but interesting none the less. The indicator was pretty much on with my own understanding, so I wasn't too surprised by the results.
As a ENTJ, I am "Life's Natural Leaders", and seen as Visionary, Gregarious Argumentative, Systems Planners, Take Charge, and Low Tolerance for Incompetency. It is the 'Most Commanding.'
Here is a snipet from my assessment:
Hearty, argumentative, and robust are three words that accurately describe ENTJ's. their unique preferences combine to give them a very high need for control and unusual leadership abilities.
Their focus and energy are directed outwardly (extraversion) toward a world of endless possibilities and meanings (intuition), which are translated objectively into systems and products (thinking) in a very timely and orderly fashion (judging).
I got about a 10 page printout explaining my type, and its relation to the workplace and stress. Again, nothing was really a surprise.
As for Friday, we did the Emotional Intelligence Quotient. I have to admit that I was bored - all day. It really didn't give me new information, and was basically a snapshot of my life when I did the assessment, which was a few weeks ago. Lots has change since then - I left my job and started a new, exciting adventure. Many of the questions and results that were negative on the EQ were related to my work - which isn't a problem anymore. All in all, the day wasn't all that enjoyable for me.
For myself, as well as many of the other students, we were done!! The week was long, and we had definitely absorbed a lot of information - too much perhaps. I am pretty much ready to get rolling with the program, and have been since about day 2 of orientation. We only have one more day left - Tuesday. We have a communications workshop, and a banquet to end off the tiring week.
I am looking forward to the exciting opportunities this program will bring forth, as well as the time and effort I will need to put into it too succeed. It is gonna be a great year!
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