There really is a lot going on in my life, I swear! A week ago I officially turned the big 2-8! At first thought, this birthday was going to be a let down as I'm miles away from most of my close family and friends. The family that I have in Louisville was ironically in San Francisco. So that left me to wonder what a weekend of festivities after a week in Wisconsin would look like. Needless to say, Mack came to the rescue.
Mack and I had been discussing a weekend in Louisville since I moved given that she is in Columbus, OH and what better weekend to pick than the one of my birthday. She picked me up from the airport on Friday, July 16th and the festivities began. We had dinner and cocktails at a sushi restaurant called Sapporo. After which, we blasted music and got ready like girls should. Finally, we left the house at midnight for Bardstown Road and Molly Malone's. I'm not sure what time we left the bar, but I'm guessing 3:30a as the bars in Louisville don't close until 4a. In theory, this is a great idea. In practicality, Saturday after a late night like that is completely shot, especially when your room has no windows to give any sense of what time it is. We danced Saturday night away at Hotel on 4th Street Live with a handful of my coworkers. An absolutely perfect celebratory weekend!
Sunday, my roommate baked me a brownie cake, complete with Happy Birthday letters and soccer balls. Monday, my coworkers bought a cookie cake for me. The birthday diet while delicious, is never good for the waistline. I finally convinced my roommate to take the brownies to the neighbors.
I received cards and letters from people to whom I don't remember giving my address. Mom sent a care package, which is always exciting and included a pretty necklace. I even received flowers from my special someone who was traveling in Syria at the time. I must admit, I was quite impressed. That special someone also found an internet cafe so that we could Skype for a while - our first time using video since he left 1.5 months ago! (PS Technology is incredibly cool!!)
Thanks to all who made this year special! And I promise to get better about blogging...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Business Trip: Green Bay
Before Monday, what did I know about Green Bay? Winters are cold, they're known for their cheese, there's beer and of course the Green Bay Packers. Since then, I've discovered small business operations, the Green Bay Bullfrogs and a cook your own steakhouse.
In two days, I've learned a ton more about the way my company functions. I've also had job titles put in full perspective. What does an underwriter do anyhow? I now know! (They're not really the bad guy!!)
After work on Monday, the team ventured to a local brewery, which was located on the Fox River. What's so cool about the Fox River? It is one of a few that actually flows North! Who knew? No Monday could be complete without a Bullfrogs baseball game. The Bullfrogs team encompasses a number of college players who play during the off season and at times are recruited through scouts to the minors. The best part about the game was the seventh inning dizzy bat race between four of my coworkers. Classic!
Tonight our hotel suggested Prime Quarter Steakhouse for dinner. Twenty dollars gets you any one of a number of steaks including all you can eat salad, potato, and Texas toast. You have to cook the steak yourself or can pay two dollars for someone to do it for you. It was a fun experience, especially for one who often leaves grilling to the boys. Overall, I did well.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
In two days, I've learned a ton more about the way my company functions. I've also had job titles put in full perspective. What does an underwriter do anyhow? I now know! (They're not really the bad guy!!)
After work on Monday, the team ventured to a local brewery, which was located on the Fox River. What's so cool about the Fox River? It is one of a few that actually flows North! Who knew? No Monday could be complete without a Bullfrogs baseball game. The Bullfrogs team encompasses a number of college players who play during the off season and at times are recruited through scouts to the minors. The best part about the game was the seventh inning dizzy bat race between four of my coworkers. Classic!
Tonight our hotel suggested Prime Quarter Steakhouse for dinner. Twenty dollars gets you any one of a number of steaks including all you can eat salad, potato, and Texas toast. You have to cook the steak yourself or can pay two dollars for someone to do it for you. It was a fun experience, especially for one who often leaves grilling to the boys. Overall, I did well.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Poison Oak Woes
Imagine this, I now have more free time than I ever had in business school, but I write less now than I have in years. It isn't because I don't have anything going on. We all have events to discuss, yet I rarely write the thoughts on paper these days.
Work is going alright. I've enjoyed more business trips in the last four weeks than I ever thought I'd take in this role. Next week, my team is headed to Wisconsin, which means I can knock another state of the 50 off my list.
Last week as part of my training program we spent a day at a local charity, hanging out with underprivileged youth. It was a lot of fun however I managed to fish one too many soccer balls out of the poison oak ridden bushes. Needless to say, my leg looks absolutely discussing and additional patches have slowly developed since Saturday. I went to the doctor yesterday and received medication so I'm looking forward to feeling better. I can't take the 3a wake ups because I itch, am too hot or uncomfortable.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Work is going alright. I've enjoyed more business trips in the last four weeks than I ever thought I'd take in this role. Next week, my team is headed to Wisconsin, which means I can knock another state of the 50 off my list.
Last week as part of my training program we spent a day at a local charity, hanging out with underprivileged youth. It was a lot of fun however I managed to fish one too many soccer balls out of the poison oak ridden bushes. Needless to say, my leg looks absolutely discussing and additional patches have slowly developed since Saturday. I went to the doctor yesterday and received medication so I'm looking forward to feeling better. I can't take the 3a wake ups because I itch, am too hot or uncomfortable.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
New City Blues
One aspect of business school, much like undergrad, that I took for granted is having a number of great friends within a 5 mile radius. There's always someone around if you need company for shopping. You can always convince someone to visit your favorite restaurant. There's someone else to push you to workout. And plenty more people for the hundreds of other activities you may imagine.
New cities are exciting and yet at times I miss the familiar feeling of the tried and true. I have yet to locate my favorite restaurant. My friends include my coworkers and roommate, and they are all moving by the end of August. My days consist of work and time in my apartment.
While I do enjoy relaxing, I miss having friends next door, knowing the names of nearby bars and having a preferred grocery store. I suppose right now I'm just having the new city blues. Hopefully that'll change this weekend as it is essentially my first full weekend in town since moving. Here's to new friendly faces - I want to meet lots of them.
The workout routine has begun, so I plan to be in soccer shape soon.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
New cities are exciting and yet at times I miss the familiar feeling of the tried and true. I have yet to locate my favorite restaurant. My friends include my coworkers and roommate, and they are all moving by the end of August. My days consist of work and time in my apartment.
While I do enjoy relaxing, I miss having friends next door, knowing the names of nearby bars and having a preferred grocery store. I suppose right now I'm just having the new city blues. Hopefully that'll change this weekend as it is essentially my first full weekend in town since moving. Here's to new friendly faces - I want to meet lots of them.
The workout routine has begun, so I plan to be in soccer shape soon.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, June 11, 2010
Corporate Housing
Let's face it, I live in a hotel. While a nice hotel, it is still weird carrying around an electronic card key instead of a physical key. More often than not, I ride the elevator with strangers who are getting off at any of the fourteen floors below me. Mornings in the elevator are quick, afternoons are often slow.
The best part: no rent or utilities. The worst: knowing I'll move from a two bedroom to a one bedroom in early September. (Nobody likes moving.)
My mail occasionally goes to the mailbox. Often times my red message light blinks to say I have a written message. I press 3 and speak to the front desk who nicely says I have mail to pick up. At first I thought this was because initially I was told not to put my apartment (I'm in a fully furnished apartment) number on my mail. Such is not the case as I picked up mail today, with the apartment number on it, at the front desk. I feel like the front desk associates should be good friends by the time I move out.
Trash is another interesting experience. My trash was overflowing last week and desperately needed to go out. But where do you take a trash bag? Turns out, you call housekeeping. Unfortunately, I had to call a couple times. It was eventually removed. Still odd in my book.
On another note, I got paid today! Woo hoo.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
The best part: no rent or utilities. The worst: knowing I'll move from a two bedroom to a one bedroom in early September. (Nobody likes moving.)
My mail occasionally goes to the mailbox. Often times my red message light blinks to say I have a written message. I press 3 and speak to the front desk who nicely says I have mail to pick up. At first I thought this was because initially I was told not to put my apartment (I'm in a fully furnished apartment) number on my mail. Such is not the case as I picked up mail today, with the apartment number on it, at the front desk. I feel like the front desk associates should be good friends by the time I move out.
Trash is another interesting experience. My trash was overflowing last week and desperately needed to go out. But where do you take a trash bag? Turns out, you call housekeeping. Unfortunately, I had to call a couple times. It was eventually removed. Still odd in my book.
On another note, I got paid today! Woo hoo.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Confidence
One part of the MBA experience that I never anticipated is the amount of confidence I gained over the last two years. Prior to my MBA, I never would have doubted my confidence. However, it is amazing what furthering your education and testing your limits can do.
Darden is all about the case method. It's about learning, participating, asking questions and providing answers. It is active learning at its finest - engaging and challenging.
Although I had a short turnaround from graduation to full-time employment, I still managed to miss what was the first day of work for the rest of my team. I had to make up that day yesterday. I attended an event that recently changed its name from "Spirit of Success". It was all about learning who the company is, what they do and where they're going. The facilitators took us through the training in a method very similar to case-based learning. Needless to say, I felt right at home, consistently making comments to the diverse group of 80 new hires. During the second to last activity, a woman from a different table came up and asked me in which department I would be working. She proceeded to say that she was very impressed by my comments and level of participation. I couldn't help but smile and thank Darden.
Darden is all about the case method. It's about learning, participating, asking questions and providing answers. It is active learning at its finest - engaging and challenging.
Although I had a short turnaround from graduation to full-time employment, I still managed to miss what was the first day of work for the rest of my team. I had to make up that day yesterday. I attended an event that recently changed its name from "Spirit of Success". It was all about learning who the company is, what they do and where they're going. The facilitators took us through the training in a method very similar to case-based learning. Needless to say, I felt right at home, consistently making comments to the diverse group of 80 new hires. During the second to last activity, a woman from a different table came up and asked me in which department I would be working. She proceeded to say that she was very impressed by my comments and level of participation. I couldn't help but smile and thank Darden.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
House-Boyfriend
I'm starting to understand why some women work while their significant other stays at home. I've lived the good life this week. My boyfriend isn't working yet and has chosen to spend his last days stateside with me in Louisville.
We've attended a number of dinners with various parts of my family. He's run errands with me and attempted to fix my table stand (before I accidentally broke it again). However, one of the best parts of having him around is breakfast on the table shortly after I've readied myself for work. I not only eat well before work but also get to enjoy those extra few moments with him before the workday begins. That said, this is short lived and I need to remind myself that it is only temporary.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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