There's one aspect about Darden that very few schools replicate 24/7, it's the case method. The reason I enjoy the case method is because it encourages critical thinking and forces you as an individual to defend your assumptions in front of 60+ of your peers. This is what you will do in the business world every day. Sometimes you may be working with peers, other times it will be superiors, regardless, you need to learn to state and defend assumptions.
"Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and\or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action."
Check out this YouTube of Darden's case method in action:
Showing posts with label Quotes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quotes. Show all posts
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Overdue Report
One of my faithful readers brought to my attention that I never reported back after my marketing exam. I promise, it didn't slip my mind. Here's the recap, we were given 5 hours to complete the exam. Most of us were told that it shouldn't take us the entire time, so with a level of time mismanagement due to our skewed perception, there are a number of people who either, didn't finish the exam or were cranking until the last possible minute. I was the latter, however, I do feel I completed the entire exam, which is more than I can say for a few classmates who accidentally missed questions.
Most students reconvened near the Darden Library, which was the drop off, around 3p. A number of us attended a leadership speaker series at which the founder and CEO of Under Armor, Kevin Plank, spoke. He was phenomenal. Although marketing is the last function I want to do, his enthusiasm made a couple of us think twice. I especially liked his quote, "I was smart enough to be naive enough to not know what I couldn't accomplish." The "Cold Call" (beer, food and socializing) was held immediately after the presentation and was sponsored by Under Armor. Friday night, many of us over celebrated our completion of the first exam. Saturday, I missed the football game, but was told it was a great game given that Virginia pulled off its 2nd win of the season, 31-0.
Saturday night, more of us continued celebrating, this time, no alcohol in hand for me. Three on the Corner plays 80s every Saturday night, so we entertained ourselves with dancing. Given that I blew off cases for most the weekend, Sunday was quite busy with 3 cases, soccer and a double header for softball. This week kicked off with briefings, cases, classes and networking events. I love that I'm already working banker's hours, but I'm paying to be here.
The next exam is Friday in Leading Organizations. We've been prepped to write 8-10 pages using the various management concepts we've learned over the last quarter. But of course, using only the RELEVANT concepts. After the weekend, we have 3 exams at the beginning of next week. I can't wait for a break! 'Til then, BRING IT ON!
Most students reconvened near the Darden Library, which was the drop off, around 3p. A number of us attended a leadership speaker series at which the founder and CEO of Under Armor, Kevin Plank, spoke. He was phenomenal. Although marketing is the last function I want to do, his enthusiasm made a couple of us think twice. I especially liked his quote, "I was smart enough to be naive enough to not know what I couldn't accomplish." The "Cold Call" (beer, food and socializing) was held immediately after the presentation and was sponsored by Under Armor. Friday night, many of us over celebrated our completion of the first exam. Saturday, I missed the football game, but was told it was a great game given that Virginia pulled off its 2nd win of the season, 31-0.
Saturday night, more of us continued celebrating, this time, no alcohol in hand for me. Three on the Corner plays 80s every Saturday night, so we entertained ourselves with dancing. Given that I blew off cases for most the weekend, Sunday was quite busy with 3 cases, soccer and a double header for softball. This week kicked off with briefings, cases, classes and networking events. I love that I'm already working banker's hours, but I'm paying to be here.
The next exam is Friday in Leading Organizations. We've been prepped to write 8-10 pages using the various management concepts we've learned over the last quarter. But of course, using only the RELEVANT concepts. After the weekend, we have 3 exams at the beginning of next week. I can't wait for a break! 'Til then, BRING IT ON!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Quote Update
Though I should be working out right now, I am embracing whatever fire was lit under me and cleaning house. I suppose it's something I shouldn't shy away from as it's not every day that I actually enjoy cleaning. And thus, cleaning has led to pieces of paper with random quotes about friendship. It's been a while since I've added a list, so here it goes. (Not to mention, for the 2011 applicants, friends are sometimes hard to juggle when the application season gets crazy.)
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. - Walter Winchell
A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be somewhere else. - Anonymous
Your friend is the man who knows all about you and still likes you. - Elbert Hubbard
A good friend remembers what you were and sees what you can be. - Anonymous
True friends are those who are there for you unconditionally. Never do they question, but always offer support no matter what the circumstances. They are the people worth living for. - Anonymous
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. - Walter Winchell
A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be somewhere else. - Anonymous
Your friend is the man who knows all about you and still likes you. - Elbert Hubbard
A good friend remembers what you were and sees what you can be. - Anonymous
True friends are those who are there for you unconditionally. Never do they question, but always offer support no matter what the circumstances. They are the people worth living for. - Anonymous
Saturday, June 07, 2008
I should be excited about packing!
In 3 hours, I'm supposed to be at my best friend's house for her husband's surprise 30th birthday. Three hours after that, I will head to the airport to catch my redeye to St Thomas, USVI with a layover in Newark. A week on the beach sounds fabulous right now, though I'll be honest, I may need Betty Ford when I return. My girl friend plans to skip check-in and go straight to the beach bar. I have a feeling it's going to be a whirlwind.
Decisions have been difficult for me lately and thus, so have commitments. I always seem to be waiting on someone else for dates and times. I'm trying to fit in my friends because I know I'm leaving, but I also know that I need to start doing my thing if they can't commit. As I avoid packing, I finally decided to book my ticket to Germany. I had originally wanted to visit my boyfriend in Boston, but with his new job, it's been difficult to tie down dates. So, I leave here on the 26th of June for New York to attend the Forte Conference and see some friends. I take a redeye out on the 28th to Berlin and after a week in Germany, a stop in Prague and a bonafide German wedding, I return to SFO on the 7th of July, but that's not without a layover in Vienna and another in Toronto. Not exactly sure why I put myself through the travel, but hopefully my youth will keep me sane.
Between St Thomas and New York, I'm trying to fit another trip. It might be Boston for 5 days, but if that doesn't work, I'm thinking San Diego. I've lived in California for over 20 years, been to various exotic locations, but I have never stepped foot in San Diego. I know the weather may not be perfect this time of year, but I have time and as mom keeps reminding me, don't let grass grow under your feet. This time will never be here again and once August starts, I'm going to be working my butt off.
This week I met with my roomie to discuss logistics for our place. She is moving out over 4th of July weekend and then leaves for home (London) on the 10th of July. I envision our place as quite bare as neither of us plan on bringing much from the West coast. Definitely clothes, but the rest may simply stay in California. I suppose we'll decorat at the beginning of school and hopefully find a couple bargains for tables/chairs and maybe a couch.
Sometimes it seems too far away then I think, I've booked trips through July 7th and 3 weeks later it's August. July 18th is my birthday and July 19th is supposed to be my large going away party, which I may just cancel. I guess I'm not prepared to bid farewell to everybody. I know I'll be back if for nothing else, Christmas with the fam. Plus, I simply dropped the ball on planning - venue, time, etc... July 25 through the 27th, I return to Vegas for a bachelorette party and ideally, I'll start living in C'ville on August 4th, permanently.
Suppose it's time to quit procrastinating.
“Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity…” – Gilda Radner
Decisions have been difficult for me lately and thus, so have commitments. I always seem to be waiting on someone else for dates and times. I'm trying to fit in my friends because I know I'm leaving, but I also know that I need to start doing my thing if they can't commit. As I avoid packing, I finally decided to book my ticket to Germany. I had originally wanted to visit my boyfriend in Boston, but with his new job, it's been difficult to tie down dates. So, I leave here on the 26th of June for New York to attend the Forte Conference and see some friends. I take a redeye out on the 28th to Berlin and after a week in Germany, a stop in Prague and a bonafide German wedding, I return to SFO on the 7th of July, but that's not without a layover in Vienna and another in Toronto. Not exactly sure why I put myself through the travel, but hopefully my youth will keep me sane.
Between St Thomas and New York, I'm trying to fit another trip. It might be Boston for 5 days, but if that doesn't work, I'm thinking San Diego. I've lived in California for over 20 years, been to various exotic locations, but I have never stepped foot in San Diego. I know the weather may not be perfect this time of year, but I have time and as mom keeps reminding me, don't let grass grow under your feet. This time will never be here again and once August starts, I'm going to be working my butt off.
This week I met with my roomie to discuss logistics for our place. She is moving out over 4th of July weekend and then leaves for home (London) on the 10th of July. I envision our place as quite bare as neither of us plan on bringing much from the West coast. Definitely clothes, but the rest may simply stay in California. I suppose we'll decorat at the beginning of school and hopefully find a couple bargains for tables/chairs and maybe a couch.
Sometimes it seems too far away then I think, I've booked trips through July 7th and 3 weeks later it's August. July 18th is my birthday and July 19th is supposed to be my large going away party, which I may just cancel. I guess I'm not prepared to bid farewell to everybody. I know I'll be back if for nothing else, Christmas with the fam. Plus, I simply dropped the ball on planning - venue, time, etc... July 25 through the 27th, I return to Vegas for a bachelorette party and ideally, I'll start living in C'ville on August 4th, permanently.
Suppose it's time to quit procrastinating.
“Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity…” – Gilda Radner
Monday, February 04, 2008
Logistics and such
It's 10 o'clock and I have yet to eat anything. I've been at work 3 hours and feel more human than I did yesterday, however, my cold, even after 2 weeks, has worsened. Can you tell I had a good celebratory weekend?
Logistics: Where to begin?
Day@Darden is in 2 weeks and I'm still trying to figure out if it is feasible to go based on costs and time off work. Granted, I was just in C'ville, but I think it would be nice to meet some of my fellow classmates and get to know more about the 1st years I will be joining. Additionally, information on housing would help the stress of moving. I'm likely to live on campus, but I'm not sure how much room is available. And I do plan on bringing my car with me, which seems to be another hassle with the VA DMV. Cheers.
Next, the job. I likely decided many moons ago that I wasn't going to be here through July. Though the thought of the bonus is tempting, I always wanted to travel the summer before business school and this is my chance. I spoke with a friend yesterday who wants to go to Prague and travel Europe for two weeks. He's a buddy from college, thinking about business school, who is simply great company, so I may take him up on the offer. Another friend wants to travel Europe for 2 weeks as well, and she would be a blast. Lastly, there is someone else interested in South America for a few weeks. Maybe I really could go around the world. ;) Another thought was to connect with future classmates or b-school students and try to set up travel. Obviously still some planning on that front.
I have logged in and connected with a few people on the DardenPortal who I met while in C'ville for my interview. I've decided Darden is brilliant for requiring on campus interviews. DardenPortal is similar to a facebook/myspace, but just for Darden students. You're automatically connected to all admitted students through a group as well as admits in your region. There are additional groups based of post-grad interests and you can create your own groups - I started one for Soccer. Go fig, huh? It's fun to see where people went to school, where they live, what their career interests are, and some of us have already added photos. Friend requests are possible, although the UI could be better. I've also decided the Portal doesn't like long email messages as I ran into some hiccups trying to respond to someone - I get a little longwinded sometimes. ;) Either way, it's a great idea and I'm guessing most schools have some sort of community like this. I thought about making a facebook group for the Darden class of 2010, but perhaps I should slowdown a bit.
It's time to find some food and perhaps focus on some work... Hope everyone has a GREAT day!!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" - John Quincy Adams
Logistics: Where to begin?
Day@Darden is in 2 weeks and I'm still trying to figure out if it is feasible to go based on costs and time off work. Granted, I was just in C'ville, but I think it would be nice to meet some of my fellow classmates and get to know more about the 1st years I will be joining. Additionally, information on housing would help the stress of moving. I'm likely to live on campus, but I'm not sure how much room is available. And I do plan on bringing my car with me, which seems to be another hassle with the VA DMV. Cheers.
Next, the job. I likely decided many moons ago that I wasn't going to be here through July. Though the thought of the bonus is tempting, I always wanted to travel the summer before business school and this is my chance. I spoke with a friend yesterday who wants to go to Prague and travel Europe for two weeks. He's a buddy from college, thinking about business school, who is simply great company, so I may take him up on the offer. Another friend wants to travel Europe for 2 weeks as well, and she would be a blast. Lastly, there is someone else interested in South America for a few weeks. Maybe I really could go around the world. ;) Another thought was to connect with future classmates or b-school students and try to set up travel. Obviously still some planning on that front.
I have logged in and connected with a few people on the DardenPortal who I met while in C'ville for my interview. I've decided Darden is brilliant for requiring on campus interviews. DardenPortal is similar to a facebook/myspace, but just for Darden students. You're automatically connected to all admitted students through a group as well as admits in your region. There are additional groups based of post-grad interests and you can create your own groups - I started one for Soccer. Go fig, huh? It's fun to see where people went to school, where they live, what their career interests are, and some of us have already added photos. Friend requests are possible, although the UI could be better. I've also decided the Portal doesn't like long email messages as I ran into some hiccups trying to respond to someone - I get a little longwinded sometimes. ;) Either way, it's a great idea and I'm guessing most schools have some sort of community like this. I thought about making a facebook group for the Darden class of 2010, but perhaps I should slowdown a bit.
It's time to find some food and perhaps focus on some work... Hope everyone has a GREAT day!!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" - John Quincy Adams
Thursday, January 17, 2008
OUCH!
It's another busy day in the investment world. I've stopped looking at my portfolio as I believe if I continue to look at it, I may cry. It's seriously sad. Should have sold everything on December 31st. ha! If only I had the foresight.
I wouldn't say that I am proactive about following the stock market. It's more a perk of the job, I suppose. Indeed, we don't work in cubicles here. The atmosphere is very open with constant dialog flowing from all corners of the room and if it's not a staff member, it's CNBC speculating on the market woes.
There have been comments from CNBC about a recession. I'm not sure I'm quite convinced, but you can't ignore the comments as we have lost over 6 percent on the S&P since the beginning of 2008, which was only 2 weeks ago, and I know some of our more concentrated portfolios are down over 10 percent. I try not to look at the performance of my portfolio as I'm in the market for the long haul, but it's hard to ignore. Dad always says that you want to preserve capital, which I agree, however, taxes on some of those gains may hurt more than sitting in the market through this rubbish.
On another note: Today my banana sticker says, "Guilt-Free Snacking". Perhaps it thought I was worried. ;) Thanks Chiquita.
New Quote: "The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on trying to be perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself." - Anna Quindlen (writer)
I wouldn't say that I am proactive about following the stock market. It's more a perk of the job, I suppose. Indeed, we don't work in cubicles here. The atmosphere is very open with constant dialog flowing from all corners of the room and if it's not a staff member, it's CNBC speculating on the market woes.
There have been comments from CNBC about a recession. I'm not sure I'm quite convinced, but you can't ignore the comments as we have lost over 6 percent on the S&P since the beginning of 2008, which was only 2 weeks ago, and I know some of our more concentrated portfolios are down over 10 percent. I try not to look at the performance of my portfolio as I'm in the market for the long haul, but it's hard to ignore. Dad always says that you want to preserve capital, which I agree, however, taxes on some of those gains may hurt more than sitting in the market through this rubbish.
On another note: Today my banana sticker says, "Guilt-Free Snacking". Perhaps it thought I was worried. ;) Thanks Chiquita.
New Quote: "The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on trying to be perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself." - Anna Quindlen (writer)
Monday, December 24, 2007
Stolen Quotes
More to add to the long list of quotes I enjoy:
'No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.' (Aesop)
'There are two ways to lead your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.' (Einstein)
Merry Christmas to all! (And happy holidays to everyone who does not celebrate Christmas, may your dreams come true.)
'No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.' (Aesop)
'There are two ways to lead your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.' (Einstein)
Merry Christmas to all! (And happy holidays to everyone who does not celebrate Christmas, may your dreams come true.)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I <3 Quotes
"In this time of your life, live so that in that wonderous time you shall not add to the misery and the sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the inifite delight and mystery of it."
-William Saroyan
-William Saroyan
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
More Drafts...
You would think this would all be completed by now, but with a long "break", I am back to scrambling to complete my Georgetown essays. Had I not taken that weekend off... I may have had this completed weeks ago, but... I guess it isn't worth going into. Fact is, I procrastinated for 2 weeks and I have found that I focus better when I'm at home. I attempted to write my drafts in West VA, but between family, the wedding, eating gorges of food, football, and resting, I just couldn't fully wrap my head around the questions. I'll get off my soapbox now.
"Live life by design not by default"
"Live life by design not by default"
Monday, November 19, 2007
My Body & WW III
Monday morning is always interesting after a weekend full of soccer. It's the day I get to truly assess all my injuries. Saturday, I had a "make or break" game for my women's season.
Here are the logistics: I play in division 1 of the GGWSL. There are a total of 6 teams in division 1. At the end of this season, there are two teams challenging into the GGWSL - one is challenging into premier and one is challenging into first. Automatically, the last place team in each division gets relegated - moves down to the division below the current division they are in. Thus, these challenge matches will be played against the second to last team in each division. Essentially, if both challenge matches are won, two teams from premier and three teams from first will get relegated. Basically, this means, Rip Tide, my team, must place 3rd in order to guarantee we aren't relegated.
The Game: We warmed up on a foggy, misty San Francisco afternoon. We were pumped, knew what we had to accomplished, and everyone was determined not to risk playing division 2 next season. There shouldn't be a stigma with division 2, but in essence, there is. The competition was laid out, the defender that shot the most - on frame - would win. That defender was me, drilling the second of three goals into the back of the net from 30 yards out (with my left foot). The ball arched, and skimmed the back of the net, all the way down. WOW! What a feeling. Pulling off the 3-1 victory was just the beginning of a GREAT Saturday.
After my game, I swung my Mary's to see friends and have chips and dogs. Next, I went to Sam's to wish him a grand ol' HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Finally, I met up with the group at Circa for Kym's birthday. A new friend, came by, as he said we would and a group of us went dancing at HiFi. Jenna and I then grabbed shakes at Johnny Rockets. What an AWESOME night!
Sunday was a little early for my liking. The alarm went off at 7:40 am after a little less than 5 hours of sleep. I contemplated not showing to my 9 am game, but I'm addicted to soccer, so I got out of bed and kept moving. We were down 0-2 at the half, but luckily we have "finishers" and won 4-2. I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to some high school at the opposite end of the city to help my old Sunday team with their final season game and first playoff match. I had solid tackles and a few nice clears, but I also got knocked a few times. In the second game - the playoff match - a guy leveled me. I'm not quite sure which direction he game from, but I was not expecting it at all and today, my shoulder aches. Hopefully it's only temporary.
Returning home after 3 soccer games, I knew I would be in bed early and I was - passed out by 7 pm. It felt very good! :D
I saw this quote on someone else's blog:
Il semble que la perfection soit atteinte non quand il n’y a plus rien à ajouter, mais quand il n’y a plus rien à retrancher.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Terre des hommes, 1939
It seems that perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wind, sand and stars, 1939
Here are the logistics: I play in division 1 of the GGWSL. There are a total of 6 teams in division 1. At the end of this season, there are two teams challenging into the GGWSL - one is challenging into premier and one is challenging into first. Automatically, the last place team in each division gets relegated - moves down to the division below the current division they are in. Thus, these challenge matches will be played against the second to last team in each division. Essentially, if both challenge matches are won, two teams from premier and three teams from first will get relegated. Basically, this means, Rip Tide, my team, must place 3rd in order to guarantee we aren't relegated.
The Game: We warmed up on a foggy, misty San Francisco afternoon. We were pumped, knew what we had to accomplished, and everyone was determined not to risk playing division 2 next season. There shouldn't be a stigma with division 2, but in essence, there is. The competition was laid out, the defender that shot the most - on frame - would win. That defender was me, drilling the second of three goals into the back of the net from 30 yards out (with my left foot). The ball arched, and skimmed the back of the net, all the way down. WOW! What a feeling. Pulling off the 3-1 victory was just the beginning of a GREAT Saturday.
After my game, I swung my Mary's to see friends and have chips and dogs. Next, I went to Sam's to wish him a grand ol' HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Finally, I met up with the group at Circa for Kym's birthday. A new friend, came by, as he said we would and a group of us went dancing at HiFi. Jenna and I then grabbed shakes at Johnny Rockets. What an AWESOME night!
Sunday was a little early for my liking. The alarm went off at 7:40 am after a little less than 5 hours of sleep. I contemplated not showing to my 9 am game, but I'm addicted to soccer, so I got out of bed and kept moving. We were down 0-2 at the half, but luckily we have "finishers" and won 4-2. I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to some high school at the opposite end of the city to help my old Sunday team with their final season game and first playoff match. I had solid tackles and a few nice clears, but I also got knocked a few times. In the second game - the playoff match - a guy leveled me. I'm not quite sure which direction he game from, but I was not expecting it at all and today, my shoulder aches. Hopefully it's only temporary.
Returning home after 3 soccer games, I knew I would be in bed early and I was - passed out by 7 pm. It felt very good! :D
I saw this quote on someone else's blog:
Il semble que la perfection soit atteinte non quand il n’y a plus rien à ajouter, mais quand il n’y a plus rien à retrancher.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Terre des hommes, 1939
It seems that perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wind, sand and stars, 1939
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Truth
"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get — only what you are expecting to give — which is everything. What you will receive in return varies. But it really has no connection with what you give. You give because you love and cannot help giving. " -- Katharine Hepburn
Friday, October 26, 2007
Every So Often
Every so often you have to be grateful for what you have. I received this message today and it brought a smile to my lips. Today, I am grateful for all the people in my life.
It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry, as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make
the best of everything they have.
"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."
"I have wasted thousands and thousands of kisses on you- kisses that I thought were special because of your lips and your smile and all your color and life. But now I know you don't mean any of it. Shame on me for kissing you with my eyes closed so tight." - That Thing You Do
It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry, as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make
the best of everything they have.
"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."
"I have wasted thousands and thousands of kisses on you- kisses that I thought were special because of your lips and your smile and all your color and life. But now I know you don't mean any of it. Shame on me for kissing you with my eyes closed so tight." - That Thing You Do
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Sleep is GOOOD!
I crawled into bed shortly before 8 pm last night. I was down for the count by 30 after and today I feel good. I don't quite have that I've slept forever and feel good feeling, but getting out of bed this morning was more pleasant than it was been in days. :D
Yesterday, I test drove two cars. It's hard to compare when I basically believe I have the best. Besides my "finicky" CD player, my X5 has been very good to me. When I posted here - 3 years ago, that I was getting a new car, many lashed out about what a spoiled brat I am. It's true on some level. I am spoiled, but by no means do I consider myself a brat. Lucky would be my word choice.
Anyhow, the Tribeca was nice and hugged the road. I think it still has some kinks and if Subaru keeps at it, they'll get it. On the other hand the RDX is definitely for the tech savvy. I'm addicted to gizmos and gadgets, which could be the reason I was enthralled with this car. The bluetooth is definitely a nice feature because lately, I feel that I lose my headpiece, but the car also has voice activation for EVERYTHING! You can tell it to play a CD and track number. You can instruct it to find the nearest Mexican restaurant. It is even programmed with Zagat reviews. Talk about nifty. So the downside, it's missing one of my FAVORITE things, parking sensors. I don't understand what is going on with these cars. You can get back up sensors and they install a rear camera, but they don't allow for front sensors. I guess people don't realize how efficient they are for parallel parking, especially in San Francisco.
Now what? The Acura was a nice drive, although definitely not as smooth as my BMW. The sales guy said that Acura drivers like to feel the road. I think they just don't know what it is like to not feel the road. (Personal opinion of course.) There's nothing wrong with feeling the road. I drove a Discovery for 6 years, which definitely drives like a truck. But after three years in luxury, I'm not sure I want to return to that. I have a week to decide and finish 7 essays. OUCH.
"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence."
Yesterday, I test drove two cars. It's hard to compare when I basically believe I have the best. Besides my "finicky" CD player, my X5 has been very good to me. When I posted here - 3 years ago, that I was getting a new car, many lashed out about what a spoiled brat I am. It's true on some level. I am spoiled, but by no means do I consider myself a brat. Lucky would be my word choice.
Anyhow, the Tribeca was nice and hugged the road. I think it still has some kinks and if Subaru keeps at it, they'll get it. On the other hand the RDX is definitely for the tech savvy. I'm addicted to gizmos and gadgets, which could be the reason I was enthralled with this car. The bluetooth is definitely a nice feature because lately, I feel that I lose my headpiece, but the car also has voice activation for EVERYTHING! You can tell it to play a CD and track number. You can instruct it to find the nearest Mexican restaurant. It is even programmed with Zagat reviews. Talk about nifty. So the downside, it's missing one of my FAVORITE things, parking sensors. I don't understand what is going on with these cars. You can get back up sensors and they install a rear camera, but they don't allow for front sensors. I guess people don't realize how efficient they are for parallel parking, especially in San Francisco.
Now what? The Acura was a nice drive, although definitely not as smooth as my BMW. The sales guy said that Acura drivers like to feel the road. I think they just don't know what it is like to not feel the road. (Personal opinion of course.) There's nothing wrong with feeling the road. I drove a Discovery for 6 years, which definitely drives like a truck. But after three years in luxury, I'm not sure I want to return to that. I have a week to decide and finish 7 essays. OUCH.
"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence."
Monday, October 22, 2007
Michigan First Draft - DONE!
It's Monday morning and I definitely didn't want to get out of bed. It seems that I have been burning the candle at both ends lately and perhaps the ankle injury from 2 weeks ago was a bit lucky. I can't imagine trying to keep up my strenuous physical routine, essays, and sleep. Granted, I do miss the gym a bit, but thankfully, soccer provides some much needed exhaustion.
It was a gorgeous day in GG park yesterday, but unfortunately, I had to run home and get back to work on my essays. I finished three for Michigan - Ross with almost no difficulty, but the last one proved to be rather difficult. "What is your greatest professional accomplishment?" I understand the purpose of this question. It makes a lot of sense to me, but in my position, it's hard to pick my greatest professional accomplishment. I have improved processes and cut costs, but I don't feel that any one thing I have done is my "greatest" accomplishment. I chose one direction and ran with it. By the end, I'm not sure if it all made sense and more so, I'm not sure that I explained it properly in 500 words. We'll see what the reviewers say.
Tonight, I'm working on UVA - Darden essays. Their questions are a little different than your generic business school essays. At least from what I've seen. Hopefully I can knock these out as quick as the last set, although I have a feeling a little more thought will be involved.
Back to work... although I'm not in the mood. Definitely got a case of the Mondays.
"Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: "What does his voice sound like?" "What games does he like best?" "Does he collect butterflies?". They ask: "How old is he?" "How many brothers does he have?" "How much does he weigh?" "How much money does his father make?" Only then do they think they know him. "
It was a gorgeous day in GG park yesterday, but unfortunately, I had to run home and get back to work on my essays. I finished three for Michigan - Ross with almost no difficulty, but the last one proved to be rather difficult. "What is your greatest professional accomplishment?" I understand the purpose of this question. It makes a lot of sense to me, but in my position, it's hard to pick my greatest professional accomplishment. I have improved processes and cut costs, but I don't feel that any one thing I have done is my "greatest" accomplishment. I chose one direction and ran with it. By the end, I'm not sure if it all made sense and more so, I'm not sure that I explained it properly in 500 words. We'll see what the reviewers say.
Tonight, I'm working on UVA - Darden essays. Their questions are a little different than your generic business school essays. At least from what I've seen. Hopefully I can knock these out as quick as the last set, although I have a feeling a little more thought will be involved.
Back to work... although I'm not in the mood. Definitely got a case of the Mondays.
"Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: "What does his voice sound like?" "What games does he like best?" "Does he collect butterflies?". They ask: "How old is he?" "How many brothers does he have?" "How much does he weigh?" "How much money does his father make?" Only then do they think they know him. "
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
It's Early
Working on weakness gets you to competence, working on strengths gets you to excellence.
-- Prof. Kim Cameron on why we need to work on both strengths and weaknesses.
-- Prof. Kim Cameron on why we need to work on both strengths and weaknesses.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Simply Off
Do you ever have those days where you want a friendly voice and a big hug? They aren’t bad days, but by no means are they good. It’s a day you’d rather not have in your repertoire, but because it’s over, you move on. Yesterday, was that day for me. Not only did I run late all day, I just couldn’t grasp myself or articulate my thoughts. Both huge problems when you have the first of your business school interviews, Georgetown. I felt under prepared, but perhaps I couldn’t have prepared any better. I honestly can't decipher how it went, but seeing that's the exact feeling I had about the GMAT, I'm thinking positive.
I’m a bag of mixed emotions right now and stressed seems to be at the top. I’m excited for this weekend and seeing a bunch of old friends, but I realize I need more time for everything that is on my plate and specifically, more time for my essays. Some days I feel like I’m a competitive candidate and my story makes sense. Those days are offset by the ones where I wonder what the heck I’m doing. How can you radiate confidence if you’re not sure you’re confident? I need to take a step back and reflect.
I picked up a book yesterday called "Now, Discover Your Strengths". It was recommended by one of the panelists for the Forte Foundation. She said it helped her figure out who she is and how to articulate it. I'm hoping it will do the same for me. I also browsed a book titled, "You Don't Need to Have a Title to be a Leader". I took some notes and opted not to buy it, but hopefully those notes will help me convey my message. I am your classic behind the scenes leader. I am not a manager and I'm not in the management position, but I have developed leadership skills and I'm often at the forefront of an initiative. I easily adapt to where I'm needed, although I prefer to be in a realm that feeds off my current skill set. I'm hoping this book will help me focus the conversation I'm having with adcom reps and put forward my best foot with my essay. I guess only time will tell.
In the meantime, I continue to cultivate ideas and add to what I've already written. I have also started anew quite a few times because I didn't like the direction of the story. I was struggling with not repeating myself in my interview and I'm hoping to dig up more examples from my last 3 years at Ensemble.
"There's only so much you can do, but if someone doesn't give you the chance, there is nothing you can do." - Charlize Theron
I’m a bag of mixed emotions right now and stressed seems to be at the top. I’m excited for this weekend and seeing a bunch of old friends, but I realize I need more time for everything that is on my plate and specifically, more time for my essays. Some days I feel like I’m a competitive candidate and my story makes sense. Those days are offset by the ones where I wonder what the heck I’m doing. How can you radiate confidence if you’re not sure you’re confident? I need to take a step back and reflect.
I picked up a book yesterday called "Now, Discover Your Strengths". It was recommended by one of the panelists for the Forte Foundation. She said it helped her figure out who she is and how to articulate it. I'm hoping it will do the same for me. I also browsed a book titled, "You Don't Need to Have a Title to be a Leader". I took some notes and opted not to buy it, but hopefully those notes will help me convey my message. I am your classic behind the scenes leader. I am not a manager and I'm not in the management position, but I have developed leadership skills and I'm often at the forefront of an initiative. I easily adapt to where I'm needed, although I prefer to be in a realm that feeds off my current skill set. I'm hoping this book will help me focus the conversation I'm having with adcom reps and put forward my best foot with my essay. I guess only time will tell.
In the meantime, I continue to cultivate ideas and add to what I've already written. I have also started anew quite a few times because I didn't like the direction of the story. I was struggling with not repeating myself in my interview and I'm hoping to dig up more examples from my last 3 years at Ensemble.
"There's only so much you can do, but if someone doesn't give you the chance, there is nothing you can do." - Charlize Theron
Monday, September 24, 2007
Must Be Monday
You can only push a girl away for so long. Until she walks out of your life on her own, so be careful and make sure this is what you want because once she turns around, she isn’t coming back.
Every story has an end, but in life, every end is just a new beginning.
Don't be wreckless with other peoples hearts, don't put up with people who are wreckless with yours.
Every story has an end, but in life, every end is just a new beginning.
Don't be wreckless with other peoples hearts, don't put up with people who are wreckless with yours.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
3900 Saturdays
The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it:
I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whom-ever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's "dance recital" he continued. "Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."
"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. "Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays." "I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear."
"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."
"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."
"It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.
Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles.
And so, as one smart bear once said..."If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh.
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it:
I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whom-ever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's "dance recital" he continued. "Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."
"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. "Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays." "I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear."
"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."
"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."
"It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.
Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles.
And so, as one smart bear once said..."If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh.
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