The Assistant

Hockey was awesome tonight! I managed to pull off 3 assists and 1 goal on Ed, Wahoo!

I really enjoy hockey, I am so glad Brennan convinced me to join up last year. It has been a blast. I have yet to see Brennan come out this year. Boo Brennan!

Gaining New Insights

As my last post stated, I have a lot of work ahead of me over the next month. Although most of my writing is for specific class projects, I have been spending most of the last week reading literature on strategic alliances. During the break, I gathered a good stack of articles from various journals such as the Harvard Business Review, and the Strategic Management Journal. I have spent this entire past week reading the stack, and I feel that I am gaining some insight into what is relatively a new topic for me (English people help me out here...is it 'a relatively new topic' or 'relatively a new topic.' I struggled with this one). I have been surprised by my critical analysis of the material (as I am usually turned off by highly academic literature), as well as my interest. I knew that I would have some interest in the topic, why else would I have choosen to study it, but I didn't expect myself to actually enjoy spending hours reading the literature. It is kinda exciting to find out what the next researcher is going say about strategic alliances and the organizational success the companies reap.

I think I have just reached a new level of geekiness - academic geekiness. I have always enjoyed learning, but my interest has always been more at the practical/real-life experience level. I think it is good that I am able to enjoy the more academic side of learning, it really is a completely different world.

Some of the professors at the begining of the school year said that previous MBA students have described the program as 'a transformational experience.' I am only half way done, but I can already feel myself transforming in a number of ways. I am learning a lot more about myself, especially my abilities, capabilities, and just how far I can push myself. I hope that I can still say that at the end of this program.

OR

I could simply say that my brain isn't as mushy since I gave up the computer gaming.

Just Say No!

At least that is my goal regarding computer games for the next little while.

I have got so many things on my plate these days that I have decided to forgo the computer gaming for awhile. I will miss it, but I think it is the best decision for me in order stay motivated and on top of all the work I have ahead of me in the next couple of months, which is:

• ERP Systems Paper & Presentation - 20 pages


• Research Proposal & Presentation - 20 pages


• UK Country Analysis & Presentation - 5 pages


• Ethics Summary - 1 page


• Literature Review - 20 pages


• 3 more biotech assignments - 10 pages a piece

I was feeling a little overwhelmed a few days ago, but I am feeling pretty good now. I am actually excited about all the work I have, because I know it will make me work even harder. It has motivated me to produce the best possible work I can. Plus, I am really intrigued with my strategic alliance research thesis and the articles I have been reading over the past couple of days. They are really interesting, and I am already getting ideas on my methodology and the direction I want to take my research. I can't wait to talk to the companies who have been involved in strategic alliances, and what their experiences have been.

Anyway, this post was suppose to be about nixing my computer gaming. I guess I couldn't contain my excitment about being overloaded with cool school. Ha!

Played Hard

Tonights' hockey game was hardwork...not like it isn't every week, it is just we were a little short on players, so there weren't as many subs. Everyone tends to tire out a lot faster when there aren't as many people to sub-in.

I was playing pretty hard, in fact, I think I got a little too aggressive. I am sure some of the guys will have bruises and marks on their legs by tomorrow. I don't usually swing the stick that hard, but I sure was tonight, and it wasn't always hitting the ball. Ooops.

Got another goal tonight on Ed. That was exciting. Woot!

Couldn't Resist

Spellsword

62% Combativeness, 16% Sneakiness, 55% Intellect, 25% Spirituality


Aggressive, but with the brains to back it up: You are a Spellsword!

Score! You have a prestige class. A prestige class can only be taken after you�ve fulfilled certain requirements. This may mean that you're an exceptionally talented person, but it probably doesn't.

Spellswords combine arcane might with combat know-how. They're much tougher than mages, like to wear armor, and can cast spells through their weapons. They're very, very, good at doing lots of damage to a single target very quickly, and while not quite as tough as most fighters, are still pretty hard to kill.

You're both smart and aggressive, which means that you're probably pretty dangerous when pissed off. You also tend to be somewhat straightforward, which is nice, and don�t have much use for spirituality or mysticism.






My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

	You scored higher than 64% on Combativeness
	You scored higher than 8% on Sneakiness
	You scored higher than 22% on Intellect
	You scored higher than 21% on Spirituality

The RPG Class Test written by MFlowers on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Thanks Ril!

Leaving the Big City

I spent the weekend in Calgary with friends. It was a farwell to Chris who just moved here, and a surprise last game (hope not) of Earthdawn.

The weekend was full of visiting, movies, video games, computer games, Earthdawn, junk food, and laziness. It was a great way to spend that last few days of my break. I was able to get a fair amount of work done this week, so it was a nice 'end of the week' reward.

Suz & I will be on the road shortly, and then I have the week to myself at home. Jeff is holidaying it up in Calgary with Bne and Chris.

Back to the City of Bridges.

Treading Water

I am feeling a little bit like I am going to drown under the work that is ahead of me.

I had my first real, serious meeting with my supervisor yesterday, and I left feeling just a tad overwhelmed. It has only been in the last couple of weeks that PharmaVentures has determined the areas they would like us (there is myself and another student going to Oxford) to examine, but I am already feeling like I am 6 months behind.

My supervisor and I discussed the technical details of my 'Strategic Policy Paper'(as he called it), and outlined a format. My literature review is going to be quite extensive, taking up about 20 pages of my 40-50 page research paper. It was recommended by my supervisor that I spend about the next month reading as many journal articles as I can find on 'the success & performance of strategic alliances.'

After I stopped panicking yesterday afternoon, I managed to figure out the university library search, and got a good start on locating a number of articles.

I have already breezed through a few of them today, and are finding that they don't seem all that useful, but I am sure as I continue my reading I will locate some solid information relating to my topic.

I am feeling a tad better today about the whole thing, but I am sure I would feel much better if I didn't have 4 classes on top of my thesis. Classes that have group projects, papers, midterms, finals, and tons of reading.

But, I must roll with the punches. This is what school is all about. If I want good results, I gotta work hard. And I think I am pretty good at workin' hard.

Happy Valentine's Day

It must have been a busy day...

By the time 7:30 rolled around this evening I could barely keep my eyes open. Perhaps due to the huge carb meal at Poverino's - that could have done it. I thought, 'I'll just lie down for a bit, pop in some Futurama, and rest my eyes.' I guess I was a little surprised when the phone woke me up at 11. I haven't napped in a long time, and I don't think I have ever napped so late in the evening. However, I must have needed it. Good thing the phone woke me up...not sure when I would have woke up on my own. I had a nice unexpected chat with Rob, who I am currently envious of, as he is in beautiful Vancouver.

I am not really sure what to do with myself at this hour. I am no longer tired, due to my nap, and if you can believe it, I don't really have an inkling to play any computer games.

Hmmmm....I guess I am bored. Odd for me.

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Weird

I am not sure if I should thank her for this. There definitely seems to be something wrong with it....A little frightened by what I have read. I almost didn't post it. Bizarre.

By the way, does anyone remember that show. I used to try and stay up late to watch it, and hoped that my mom wouldn't catch me watching it. I know now (and knew then), that it really wasn't a show a 10 year old girl should be watching late at night. But it was so good. I also use to watch Soap. Yet another program I really shouldn't have been watching at such a young age. Good shows though, both of them. Really made me laugh.

Ten Top Trivia Tips about neuba!

1. neuba can usually be found in nests built in the webs of large spiders.
2. More than one million stray dogs and half a million stray cats live in neuba.
3. Reindeer like to eat neuba.
4. US gold coins used to say 'In neuba we trust'!
5. In the 1600s, tobacco was frequently prescribed to treat headaches, bad breath and neuba.
6. neuba can sleep for three and a half years!
7. Marie Antoinette never said 'let them eat cake' - this is a mistranslation of 'let them eat neuba'.
8. A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but neuba can not.
9. Some hotels in Las Vegas have neuba floating in their swimming pools!
10. neubaicide is the killing of neuba.

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

New Template, Again

That's me, always looking for a change.

I got sick of my old template. It was starting to look drab and unexciting, so I spruced it up again.

Let me know what you think.

Made it to 50!

So I finally got Neuba to level 50 this weekend. Woot! Wahoo! Super Awesome! It was pretty exciting.

Once I was into the New Year, I realized that it was almost one year since I had starting playing CoH, and made my first character, Neuba. I thought it would be cool if I could get her to 50 after the playing the game for exactly one year, and I did. Sweet!

I guess the next step is to make a Warshade or Peacebringer. At least that is what everyone keeps asking me. I don't really have any interest right now. I am a little preoccupied with school, and I am enjoying playing my new characters.

Four Things

Found one of those tagging post on her blog, after finding her under the comments section of cenobytes' journal. I like it so I think I will give it a try.

Four jobs I have had:
1. Training Officer, Federated Co-op
2. Account Manager Assistant, Grand & Toy
3. Cashier, Co-op Grocery Store
4. Clerk, Company's Coming Bakery

Four movies I can watch over and over again:
1. Princess Bride
2. The Mummy Movies
3. Indiana Jones Trilogy
4. Back to the Future
5. Ghostbusters (I couldn't resist a 5th)

Four places I have lived:
1. Biggar, SK.
2. Saskatoon, SK.
I haven't had any other permanent residences, so I am tapped out.
3. Calgary, I suppose. I spent enough time there during my last job. I lived in the small hotel everytime I went there.
4. I got nothing

Four TV shows I love:
I don't really watch t.v., but I will give this one a go.
1. Family Guy
2. CSI
3. Law & Order
4. Corner Gas

Four places I have vacationed:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Victoria, BC
3. San Jose, California
4. The Maritimes

Four of my favourite dishes:
1. Beef Italia (it is SO bad for me, but SO good!)
2. Spicy Fried Potatoes
3. Chicken Stir Fry with Teryaki Sauce
4. Ham & Scallop Potatoes

Four sites I visit daily:
1. College of Commerce
2. Goggle
3. Rilla's Blog
4. Centre of the Universe

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. At home relaxing, perhaps playing some computer games
2. Visiting with friends in Calgary (Ben, Jennifer)
3. At home with my parents - being taken care of, and spoiled
4. In my bed, sleeping

I am not tagging anyone in particular. If you feel like joining in on "Four Things", feel free.

Wahoo, a Goal!

I had a good game of hockey tonight. I scored on Ed, and had a pretty awesome pass to Warren. Those were my moments of the night.

It was a nice way to unwind from a busy day. Though my mind winds down, my body usually is so wound up I can't sleep til late. Perhaps that will be different tonight. I am pretty exhausted.

Another Busy Week

It looks like this week is going to be as busy as last week.

I decided to see exactly how busy I was, so I calculated the amount of time I spend on school activities. This included class time, time spent on homework, group meetings, and information sessions.

45 Hours

Wow!! That is pretty much all I have to say.

About as much time as one would put into a full-time job, however I am pretty sure that 45 hours of school does not equal 45 hours of work at a job.

For this week I need to start preparing for our group teaching day in Research Methods by searching for some articles related to Customer Relationship Management. I have got a midterm in Management Information Systems, and a final in International Markets at the end of the week. I also just started a new class this week that is a preparatory class for my research project. It looks like I am going have to start on the first few chapters of my research paper fairly quickly.

It doesn't look like the upcoming break is going to be much of a break.

Memories

Sometimes memories get the best of me, bringing forth very conflicting feelings. Sheer Happiness to Sadness to Bitterness!

"Far Away"

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

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