Laughs, Tears, and Goodbyes

Today, was a a good day, but a sad day.

The final round of presentations were completed by the MBA class of 2006. We all are officially done with the MBA program.

We had a great time at the wine and cheese reception reminicsing about the past year. There were definitely a number of memorable parties, like Erin's Vanier Cup party or Carla's BBQ in May or the after-Grad at our house. There was our first and only pub crawl that included 2 bars (Lydia's and the Hose), the bowling tournament, the curling event, and of course, the many lunches and beers at Louis and Alexander's.

It was a great year! However, it is now over. No more lunches, no more complaining about the program, no more group assignments, and no more seeing those friendly faces each and everyday.

There was some strong friendships made this year. I hope as we move away or move on with promising careers, we continue to stay in touch and reflect back on this amazing year.

Cheers! To my new group of amazing friends, and to staying in touch.

I'm Done, I'm Done, I'm Done

I did my final presentation for the MBA program. Awesome! I feel great. Perhaps it is the beer.

I also arrived home to emails from two of my UK contacts. I should be speaking within both of them within the next week regarding job prospects. I am pretty excited.

Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Only 3 more days until my vacation starts. Calgary and then San Francisco/San Jose!

Best Graduation Ever!

Last night was graduation. The ceremonies were held at Delta Bessborough Hotel. There was a fantastic meal, speeches, toasts, and awards. The night couldn't have been better.

We all decided to make it quite a formal affair, so everyone was in their finest. Some parents came (mine did), but it was mostly us students alumni and faculty in attendance.

I think that there was a fairly good consensus that we were going to make our Grad night as memorable as possible. To most of us, that means, 'let's get pissed.' Although I am not exactly sure how *memorable* it actual will be as we were all pretty wasted. However, we do have some pretty great photos.

I hosted the after-grad, so everyone trickled over here after the grad ceremonies. Pauly was gracious enough to purchase $200 worth of alcohol for the party. It kinda was the deal that the person who won that *most amazing student ever* award would use their winnings to supply the party. As Chad would say, there was a lot of *boozy goodness* at the party. All I can say is that there was a tremendous amount of drinking going on between the beer, the rye, martinis, and the shooters.

It was especially nice to see Uncle Sanja show up. You definitely know you are done the program when you start mouthy off to your prof. That wasn't me, but I am sure I said a few *off the cuff* remarks.





There were also a number of formal pictures taken at the Graduation ceremonies, but alas, I was not one of them. Once I get pictures from someone, I will try and post a few.

After a lot of boozy goodness, and five hours of sleep I feel fine. Awesome!

That's All Folks

Well, my year of school is over. Tomorrow is graduation, and next week the new set of students arrive. All that is left is to present my theisis project at the MBA orientation conference next Tuesday.

Today I wrote my last final exam in our last class. It was fairly anti-climatic, but I am done my degree none the less.

It has been a good year. But it is time to move on to bigger and better things. I am looking forward to the next stage of my career.

I am in no real hurry to get a job. I figured I would be lazy for awhile. If something comes up - great, if not, no worries. First, I am going to enjoy the fact that I am finished and go on a much needed vacation to Calgary and then off to San Jose.

So long Unversity of Saskatchewan!

Tired & Sluggish

I have felt completely exhausted all day beside getting a fairly good sleep last night. Although I did a fair amount of running errands this afternoon, I was bagged pretty much from the moment I woke up this morning. I am not sure what to make of it. Although I have been in my last class for the past three weeks, it hasn't been stressful or a lot of work. I have been sleeping ok, and getting back into more of an exercise routine this week.

Whatever it is, it isn't helping me studying for my exam tomorrow or tidy up the house for the after-grad party on Friday.

But I think I have taken enough time checking emails, blogs and posting that I should really get back to studying and try to get a little vacuuming done.

On a unrelated note, I watched the fourth movie that MFJ lent me: A History of Violence. It was ok.

Interview

I just had my first interview not more than an hour and a half ago. I think that it went pretty well..as well as telephone interviews can go. There is the advantage of having prepared notes scattered about and not having to dress up, however, it is really difficult to gauge peoples reactions to questions and their body language. Ah well, there is not much to do about it.

As you may have guessed, the telephone interview was conducted as I wasn't able to be at their present location. Yes, the job is located outside of Saskatoon. However, that is all I am willing to share. I don't want anyone to get down in the dumps about us moving until a job offer has been made.

I should find out fairly quickly regarding this job. Depending on the results of each interview they may conduct some second interviews next week. However, they want someone in this position as soon as possible. I am definitely not cancelling my vacation to San Jose, that is for sure. It is more of a priority right now.

Other than this interview, I haven't really got any other leads on jobs, however I did put a resume into the company I worked with in Oxford. I thought that I might have a good chance of getting a job there, and I think it would be amazing to live in the UK for awhile.

Final Assignment Ever

I just finished working on my last two assignments for school. Tomorrow I hand in one and present the other. What a relief! I procrastinated until the last possible minute. I am not one to procrastinate, but I figured, 'what the hell, when will I ever have this opportunity again?' Plus, today I found out that it is fairly easy to procrastinate about things you really don't care about. I think caring about my work has really kept me going all year. If I procrastinate I know that I will do a crappy job, so I work hard and get it done in order to do well and be proud of myself. Pretty simple.

Now, I just have my final FINAL EXAM on Thursday, Graduation on Friday, and Thesis Project presentation next Tuesday. I can't wait.

More Movies

Recently, MFJ lent me some movies. These aren't movies I have selected myself, but rather movies that MFJ thinks I ought to see.

Yesterday and today's viewings included 28 Days Later and Saw II.

Let's start with 28 Days Later.
It was pretty slow to start. Based on the brief explaination Jeff & I read on the back of the cover, we were expecting some type of zombie movie. Well, it wasn't really a zombie movie, so much as it was a bunch of enraged infected people. Not really sure if that classifies, I think not. And one Brennan agrees. I think the most I got out of the film was the setting. Due to my recently school vacation, it was kinda cool to watch a movie that was set in the UK. I was actually able to point out places I had been. Totally awesome.

Recommendation: I wouldn't recommend it.

I just finished watching SAW II, and I was fairly satisfied with the movie. If you like gore, mystery, and puzzles, this is the movie for you. The opening scene was pretty difficult to watch, but it set up the movie nicely. I was expecting a lot worse from the movie in terms of gory scenes based on that initial scene. The bad guy wins in the end, which I generally don't go for, but in this movie it was justified. I was entertained, which is generally how I classify movies into good and bad.

Recommendation: If you like gory horror movies, give it a shot.

UPDATE: 10:08pm

This evening Jeff & I watched another of MFJ's recommendations: Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
I really should have stuck with my instinct on this one. I have been avoiding seeing this movie since I first heard about it. Pretty much because I am sick and tired of Brangelina (jeez, that is retarded), and I think they are annoying. Given that, I didn't think much of seeing them in a movie together, especially one that has them as a couple. It isn't like it was a big deal to resist the movie. No one has ever pressured me to watch it, and it is fairly easy to avoid movies you don't want to see. You just don't rent them. However, MFJ and Rilla both insisted it was an okay movie and that I should give it a shot. I did, and it did nothing for me. I was annoyed at them throughout most of the movie, found it only slightly entertaining, and didn't find one bit of it humourous (although I am not sure if it was suppose to be). And, it went on, and on, and on, and on. It was definitely too long.

Recommendation: Don't waste your time.

I am not sure I am all that interested in MFJ's future selection of movies. This round is pretty sucky so far. I have got three more to go, I guess we will see.

A little slow on the picture uploads

Yes, I realize that I orginally said I would post the pictures the next day, but I got lazy and busy with other things.

And I am sure she is tired of checking my blog four times I day, so I will give her what she wants.

Here is a sampling. Check out My Flickr Page for more.

Quote of the day

Another feel good day in the life of neuba.

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for handling your 992 project in such a professional and conscientious manner. You really are the epitomy of a professional graduate student. Well done.

- My supervisor

All done!

Yipee....

My thesis project is printed and bound. I feel so good. Much better than I did this morning.

I can't stop smiling.

I am so glad that I was able to get this amazing project and opportunity. I am really proud of what I wrote. I think it is one of my greatest accomplishments in life.

Ta-da!

Not sleeping sucks

So the alarm wakes me up this morning much earlier than I wanted it to. And for some reason, even though I am extremely exhausted, it is the only morning where I can't role over and fall back asleep. Argh! I don't even need to be awake at this hour, Jeff does. I still have another hour I could sleep. But alas, I am awake now. Plus, I have to walk to school today, which I am not really looking forward to. Mainly because I am tired.

I suppose I might feel better if I stopped complaining. I really am not starting the day off very well.

And another thing...the stupid university is holding some of my money ransom. Apparently, I overpaid my tuition. (Yeah, I know. Who overpays there tuition?) And when you have a credit on your tuition account you apparently have to fill out a form in order to receive your own money back. Bureacracy, isn't it a wonderful thing. Blak! So, I filled out this stupid form back at the end of July, and personally handed it to someone behind the counter at admin/student services. I was told it would take about 10 days. Of course, that meaning business days, which means 'too long.' I am still waiting for my money, and I am not even sure if it has been process or if the individual I handed it to is a dolt and perhaps set it down on a desk amongst other 'forms.' So, I am pretty much waiting until I can call and follow up on my 'form.' But alas, I probably won't get a hold of someone until after nine. Which will be impossible, as I will be walking to school for my class. I am sure after class would work, but they will likely be on their lunch breaks, and I will be delayed once more. Argh! All I want is my money. The interest is collecting rapidly on both the visa and line of credit.

Perhaps some coffee will cool me down.

In other news, which is much more positve, I finished my final proof read of my thesis project. I am just waiting on my supervisor for any final comments he may have, and then it is off to the printers. Yipee!

Although I am done with my thesis project, I am still finishing up my program with a final class in Business Strategy. Frankly, it is boring and repetitive. And I am putting in a lot more work then I had originally intended. I realize that it is intended to be a capstone class, tying the whole year together. But honesty, wouldn't a strategy class been more useful before our thesis project? Likely, considering most of the material is directly related to any type of the strategic recommendations students made to their clients. Duh! I guess faculty figured it out and have changed it for next year.

That is all the bitching and complaining I have for today. It is time to get ready for the long walk to school. It's not really long, it just feels long today.

Cheers!

Awesome Party

Brennan's going away party rocked! T-ass came into town, we drank a lot, played games, hot-tubbed, and watch some Futurama.

A lot of great pics where taken, which I will likely post tomorrow. However, I should probably hit the sack. I am exhausted and my head hurts.

On kind of a side note: It has occurred to my friends that I should have a tape recorder handy when ever I speak. I say a lot of silly/funny things that could be used in a variety of contexts.

For example:

"Look at that Brennan, she is showing you her leg...her pig leg."

or

"I have played with a lot of dinks before."

Overstimulated

I would have to say that I am a fairly extroverted individual. I like people and generally thrive when in groups with people, especially friends and family. However, I have been around people constantly for the last week. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have been involved in with friends over the past week, but today I find myself craving 'me' time.

I think we all experience this when we overstimulate or overindulge overselves in various activities. We begin to crave whatever our life, body, or mind has been deprived of.

Today, I feel as though I want to shut myself away from the world and just be by myself. I suppose the cats can hang around, but they better not bother me.

Because the extrovert in me is more pronounced, it likely won't take much before I am raring to go again. Good thing, because I've gotta whoop Jeff's butt in squash again tonight.

Weeked Recap

Friday:
Jenn's stagette went off without a hitch. Her sister and I planned the evening as a quiet, more adult affair. At least that is what she thought.

We started off the evening at the 2nd Ave Grill. We drank martinis, ate appetizers, visited, and provided Jenn with some relationship/marriage advice.

We concluded the evening back at Marla's (sis) for more visiting, wine and relaxation. She was totally surprised when we asked her to come to the middle of the living room so we could blindfold her. She thought she was going to get off easy - no way! Not after what she did to me at my stagette. We stuck frilly stuff in her hair, put a garter around her pant leg, gave her a 'Bachelorette' sash, and threw a penis whistle around her neck. Us girls got names tags and were required to anonymise ourselves with stripper names. I was known only as Barbi Barbarino.

We left her blindfolded and headed over to the Pat. The Pat was dead, but we kinda knew it would be (that is what they told us). So we hung around there for awhile before heading elsewhere. Her brother and another friend showed up for the evening, and the brought a gigantic sparklely foam penis. It managed to entertain the group for the rest of the evening.

We headed over to Jax for the remainder of the night, and tried to get Jenn to play some games. She did ok, but wasn't as diligent as I expected. All in all, it was a great time.

And, I will get another kick at the can for embarassing my best friend on the September long weekend when her aunt and other 2 bridesmaids throw her parties in Calgary.

Saturday:
Games...games...games!

Clark was in town this weekend, so our Earthdawn adventuring group managed to fit in some playing time.

The games (this time board games) resumed at our place in the evening. There were lots of people, so we had games going on inside the house and outside on the deck. The games of the night included The Betrayl on House Hill, Shadows over Camelot, Tsuro, and Theoprastus.

It was a lot of fun. We need more games nights. I love games.

Sunday:
We started off the day with a game of squash, and I managed to win a match. I have only won a few games over the past couple of weeks, but I hadn't been able to win a match. I guess this time it was my turn.

After squash we started a game of Theoprahtus, as I didn't get a chance to play it Saturday night. It was quite entertaining; even with only two players.

I finally got Jeff outside to help clean up our trailer-park looking yard. We still have a lot of work left to do, but at least it is starting to look a bit better. After 2 hours in the sun, it was time to quit.

The rest of the day was fairly relaxing with a nice supper and visit at the in-laws.

Monday:
More Games. Ril, Suz, Drew and Jeff played D&D all afternoon. We fought off a mass(ive) of orcs, and a manticore. We almost all died near the end. It was a close one. I am not sure what would have happened. Jeff really detests killing off characters.

I didn't get as much preparation in for Jenn's shower tomorrow as I would have liked. I managed to tidy up the house a little, vacuum, and blow up balloons. I still have to purchase a shower gift, buy food, and do some last minute organizing.

The long weekend ended with a visit from Bne, who will be staying for a few days. Yeah!

Now that's a long weekend. Not much productive work in there, but well deserved. School starts back up tomorrow. However, only 3 more weeks and it will be all over. That year went by fast.

Lazy? Perhaps not

I really should get dressed. It is 4:31 in the middle of the afternoon and I am still in my pjs. However, the day wasn't a total waste. I did manage to finish up all the changes to my paper and proof read all but one transcript. So essentially, I am done. One final proof read early next week and my thesis project will be off to the printers.

I might have stayed in my pjs all day if I didn't have to go out. Ah poop!

AWESOME!

Check out my UK buddy's latest post.

A great way to lighten up the afternoon.

Once again, that's awesome!

Good report card

Last week I submitted my first draft of my thesis. Today I met with my supervisor. It went very well. Not only did he say that it was a pleasure to read, but he said it was the best 992 project he'd ever seen.

That felt good. I feel pretty proud of myself. It has been a pretty good day.

Not many changes need to be made. Mostly editorial modifications. I should be able to rap it all up within the next couple of days. My supervisor doesn't even want me to submit my second draft. He has enough confidence in my writing ability (weird), and has liked my diligence in incorporating others suggestions. But, I think I will send him the 2nd draft regardless.

Tomorrow: Back to work.