First Class

Summer school started today, and I always find the first day of class so refreshing. I'm excited to see familiar faces (as much as meeting new people), meet my professor, and learn something new.

As I walked into session 1 of Leadership and Organizational Behavior, the professor had music playing. That, right there, set the tone for the class. The professor was upbeat, yet not overbearing. As students trickled in and began writing their names on the name tents, the professor started talking about the markers he had laid out. Before class even started, I learned something new. He said that he liked getting the scented markers for his office because (1.) they're great conversation starters and (2.) they write the best on paper. He transitioned into dry erase markers. He recommended getting scented dry erase markers too. That way, people don't pass out during your meeting from the fumes of regular markers AND always bring your own markers. Details are so important and make all the difference.

Of course, the class had introductions. He wrote everyone's name, occupation, and fun fact (what makes you different from everyone else fun fact) on the whiteboard. Yes, typical, but he added a twist. He asked everyone to write on a piece of scratch paper 3 names of people you would follow. He then tallied the votes and came up with 4 people. He asked these chosen 4 to be leaders for today only. They were responsible for dividing the class into teams. Genius! What a great way to empower the class with responsibility from the very beginning.

Looks like another great course.

Your Life is Better Than Reality TV

Remember, your life is better than reality TV. It's real! I don't care what the producers say, but the characters of reality tv shows are being fake, even if they claim they're being real. Apparently, over dramatic and stupid is entertaining.

I stumbled upon one of the worst shows I've seen in awhile on E! called Sunset Tan. It's a reality show about a ritzy tanning salon in L.A. Two scenes in particular made me want to vomit. The first was a mother who was bringing in her grade school daughter to get a tan for school pictures. The dialogue went something like this:

Employee: What kind of tan does your daughter want?

Mother: Oh, something to make her stand out from the other children. She wants to look like Lindsey Lohan. (looks at her daughter) Don't you want to look like Lindsey Lohan, sweetie?

Daughter: (enthusiastically and smiling) Yes! I want to look like Lindsey Lohan.

Employee: I know exactly what you need. (And lays out a $1200 session of products and services)

*Vomit*

The second scene were these two bleach blonde girls who couldn't do anything right at the salon because they were too...well, over dramatic and stupid. When the two got fustrated, they asked (in a pouty face) can we just go shopping? The fustrated co-worker said sure, go shopping, and the camera shot shows the two girls skipping away to buy clothes and shoes before breaking to commercial.

*Vomit*

I didn't watch tv for the rest of the weekend. I know these shows have phenomenal editors because they can make an ordinary situation into a tv show, and it can suck you in if you let them. Be strong and stay away. Remember, your life is better than reality TV. Participate in something you can control.

Is Golf Your Game?

In WSJ's article on "Business Golf Changes Course," the emphasis is that golf is still important in some realms of business and obsolete in others. Although my workplace does not have the golf club mentality and is not a part of the business, I wonder if it will be in a future career. One woman in the article cited that it took her two years before becoming comfortable playing golf in business dealings. It doesn't seem too bad of an idea to start now.

The photo above shows women taking a golf lesson from the Harvard Business School. I do like the idea of having a course like that in a M.B.A curriculum. During my undergraduate career, I did have a chance to take golf. That would have been a fun course to take.

Slow Down for Slow Turtles

Beware for turtles crossing the streets and highways. I've seen 3 turtles crossing highways in one week! One didn't make it, and it wasn't me. The other two I took photos of, and my friends moved them out of harms way. I can only hope the turtles didn't go back into the roads.

This is a Lake of the Ozarks turtle. It had lots of pretty colors.

This turtle was crossing the highway. It was a big one too.

One day, the turtles will get their revenge.

Build-A-Bookcase

Today was the delivery day for my new bookcase. A friend graciously helped me design and build this oak bookcase. It took us exactly one and a half weeks to complete with three additional days for it to completely dry.

The first two photos show the shelves drying from the wood glue after we had cut the wood and installed the shelves.

This is after the back board and top and bottom of the bookcase were installed.

My friend did an amazing job of finding stain colors that matched my existing furniture. He even made a sample palette for me. We decided to go with the sample in the bottom right corner of the photo, which was one layer of ebony and one layer of bombay mohogany satin.

This is the bookcase going for a drive in the back of the pickup truck. I remember those days. Riding in the back of the truck is always fun. It even has a blanket and pillows! I'm so jealous.

Here it is... resting in its new home. The shelf looks black, but it's not (as you saw in the sample palette photo).... and yes, I do own books to put in the shelves.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Contemporary art is more than just finger painting. I went to the Kemper Museum for the first time this weekend expecting to see circles and triangles on canvas, but I was surprised to see art work that was tangible for the amateur art critic like myself. I had the misconception that contemporary art was abstract art. In fact, it simply refers to art that has been currently produced.

Below is the Crying Giant. I like this one. My friend thought the giant was crying because his feet are swollen. I can understand that.

Below is a rendition of various views of the Grand Canyon. I wasn't as crazy about this one as the Crying Giant, but it was interesting.

The art exhibit that changed my view about contemporary art was Jennifer Steinkamp's video/audio exhibit. At first, I was not impressed. I walked into a near empty room with about 4 or 5 projectors on the floor. Each wall had psychedelic visualizations on them. I felt like I was walking inside a Windows Media Player visualization. As I walked out of that room, a lady working at the museum explained to me that the artist's intent is to have the audience play with their shadows. So, I went back and gave it a try. It made sense now! The next room was even better now that I know to manipulate my shadows. This room had walls of flowered vines. By watching my shadows, it looked like I was walking into and disappearing into a garden only to reappear on the other side of the foliage.

I only wished the museum was larger with more art work. However, the Kemper Museum complements the Nelson-Atkins Museum across the street very well. It also seems the Kemper Museum changes out art work more often than the Nelson-Atkins. I will definitely check on upcoming exhibits at the Kemper Musuem.

www.kemperart.org

Babies "R" Us, Not Me

I learned something today. Babies "R" Us is not as fun as Toys "R" Us. Not even close. My ten minute experience in the store was quite surreal. It's like in Texas Chainsaw Massacre when the car breaks down and the characters go into a town that just doesn't feel right. I didn't feel right in Babies "R" Us. It was a bit eerie to be surrounded by so many pregnant women and couples. I did take a moment to laugh. I thought about how single men go to Hobby Lobby Friday nights, single women go to Lowe's Friday nights, and it hit me that couples probably go to Babies "R" Us Friday nights.

I'm not anti-baby. I am very happy for those couples, and there's obviously a need for this store. I just realized how foreign all this is for me. How little I know about it, so I find it intimidating. I also realize that while a good portion of my twenty-something peers are getting married and popping out babies, I don't at all feel left out. I feel that I am far from being ready and happy where I'm at. I am on a different path as Robert Frost might tell me to take the Road Not Taken. So here I am, taking the road out of Babies "R" Us and heading straight to Lowe's.

To my dear friends who read this, please register to other stores (I recommend Target) when your time comes for a baby shower.

Marketing

Three articles, a group presentation, and a final paper later, I have finally completed my spring semester of Marketing. I have had a tough time maintaining focus throughout the eight weeks of this course. Now that it is over, I have lots of great things to say. Life can be great in retrospect.

Do you remember the excitement of the first and last day of classes? I am wrapped up in the last day excitement. I am proud of the work I put into the course and satisfied with the material I learned. However, my excitement is wrapped around a bigger thought, idea, and feeling. It is how impressed I am with a handful of my classmates. Everyday I hear people have meaningless conversations (i.e. radio shows) and see people who are rude (i.e. drivers). Unfortunately, this is what the general population hear and see on a daily basis. I am so fortunate to be exposed to people with innovative ideas and who are passionate about what they do. It is truly motivating. Only if people can show that side of themselves more often...

I was not impressed with my professor. She is my least favorite out of all the professors I have had in the M.B.A. program. I will, though, give her credit for selecting excellent resources. I already talked about The World is Flat in a previous entry. I find Faith Popcorn's Popcorn Trends as very accurate marketing concepts. My professor also did an excellent job of selecting cases to review in class.

The most beneficial assignments were the portfolio articles. The difficult portion of those papers is the marketing consultation. This required me to give suggestions on alternative marketing methods. This allowed me to think like a marketer.

My biggest take-away of this course are the concepts I have learned through reading The World is Flat and listening to lectures on Popcorn Trends.

Spring Fever

Spring has won me over. Do you like the photo? I do. Too bad I didn't take it. I had to steal the image from someone else, since I am still living without my camera.

I have spring fever, and I cannot wait for my school semester to end. I have two more weeks of school assignments before I can really have fun. My schedule is becoming jam-packed, but it is full of activities I enjoy.

The World is Flat

Reading a good book leaves me with an amazing feeling. I am much more impacted by reading a book than watching a movie. Forcing my imagination to work its gears is more rewarding than passively having a story fed to me. I don't want to bash on movies, and I know I'm getting all Reading Rainbow on everyone, but The World is Flat is the second book I've read within a year that concisely summarizes a mess of thoughts and questions that run through my head.

After reading only 115 pages, I am discovering that The World is Flat reveals a perspective that is helping me understand what is happening to the U.S. economy and the world. The World is Flat refers to the leveling of the United States with the rest of the world. The changes involved in outsourcing and other globalization activities are contributing to this flattening, or evening out the playing field.

At this point in the book, there are a few ideas that struck me the most:

1. Competition is becoming fierce. Not only am I competing against my U.S. peers, I am now competing against my peers around the globe. These overseas peers are highly and technically educated and have an extremely strong motivation to excel, considering their often proverty stricken background.

2. Accept the changes and lead the way. Outsourcing is a non-stop evolution in U.S. businesses. To stay competitive, companies are submitting to outsourcing technologies to other countries. We're not the only ones. Japan outsources to China, for example. The U.S. is paving the way on how this outsourcing business is handled. General feelings of the U.S. losing control of our technical expertise and job opportunities are still a large concern for me, but the U.S. has the opportunity to lead this outsourcing evolution in a positive direction that could benefit all countries involved.

2.5 Accept online networking. This is a spin-off thought from #2's point of accepting change and leading the way. I am coming to terms on online networking. I have been a strong and stubborn advocate for people meeting the traditional way, face to face, not pc screen to pc screen. I still believe meeting people face to face is the best way to go, even if it's at the bar, but the world is changing and people must adapt. I use online sites to keep in contact with existing friends, but recently, I have realized online networking tools, such as facebook, myspace, and blogger itself, play a HUGE role in social interaction. This means a HUGE change in the way we communicate. I laugh like this, "lol," instead of like this, "hahaha," or simply saying, "I'm laughing" now. In some cases, my friendships would not be as strong or in existence without one of the networking tools. Realizing this strong impact, I have lightened up on my skepticism on online dating. If I resist this change, I would only be holding back progress. I suppose it's better to meet someone online than not meet someone at all.

3. You and I are a part of this change. I remember cassette players, typewriters, gas for $0.79/gallon, record players, and Atari. The pc changed everything. Fiber optics and wireless changed everything. We are riding this big wave, and this book is helping me understand it.

I'm not finished reading The World is Flat yet, but I already have some thoughts brewing. That is a sign of a good author and a good book.

Quote of the Day

"Dating is one of the best examples of marketing."
-My Marketing Professor

AIM

I'm click-clacking away on my laptop, checking my e-mail, facebook, myspace, blah, blah, blah, but then I realize something I wasn't logging onto. AOL Instant Messanger. When did I give that up? I didn't decide to give it up. It just faded out of my routine. Is this a sign of growing up? Not to deem instant messaging as a "college thing," but it's a college thing, naturally. College requires so much computer time and collaboration with other students. Work is the same way, but using AIM at work probably isn't allowed in most companies.

So, I've cut it out of my routine. I've spent more time on developing other skills and doing other activities I've always wanted to do without realizing it until now.

On another note, what's this yellow AIM guy doing? Is he running towards something or running away from something? What's this thing's background?

I Am Without...

I am without... my camera. I wish I could take a photo of me not having a camera for this post. I loaned my camera to my brother for his overseas trip. Now that my camera will be gone for three weeks, I miss it already.

"My camera." How did I not ever name my camera? Perhaps, I can call it Digi or Digimon! I like "Digimon!" and that includes the exclamation point.

Yes, I can't wait to get Digimon! back. I might get one of those ancient disposable cameras that use film in the meantime.

Risks and Returns

The higher the risks, the greater the returns. This statement holds true beyond the basic principles of finance. This concept is true in our daily life.

Year of the Boar

Alas, my year is over. Year of the dog was a good one for me. I moved to KC, started a job, and began grad school. Last year could have gone two ways: good or bad. Luckily, it went well for me, and now it is time to move on to a new calendar year.

Similar to most Asian-American families, my family only had a small timeframe to celebrate Tet. I was fortunate enough to make it home to enjoy a home-cooked meal and spend time with my family.

On the menu:
Crab and shrimp soup
Stir-fried noodles
Egg rolls
Mushroom, shrimp, bamboo stir-fry
Several candies and dessert

CPK

California Pizza Kitchen in the Plaza has a comfortable, yet, classy twist to its atmosphere. I like the wide open spaces, where I can see the cooks create my food. The bright lights reflecting off the white tables also offer an upbeat mood. During this visit, I ordered a Chipotle pizza. It tasted just like a Chipotle burrito. It makes me wonder why I didn't just go get the actual burrito, instead of eating it in pizza form. It was a wonderful re-invention of something that already exists.

http://www.cpk.com/

Happy Valentine's Day

I'm the heart that got away.

Game Over?

Dress to impress. This is the rule for going out, among other rules if you believe in them. Dress to impress and meet new people that I won't talk to past the next day. I don't even believe what people say anymore. After a weekend and a half of going out with the idea of dressing to impress, I'm starting to believe it's doing more damage than good. I think my GAME might be over.

Or perhaps, I'm trying too much too fast. The bottom line is that I'm not the bar-type girl and I don't want a bar-type guy, so what am I doing in a bar? It's fast fun. Unfortunately, that is what the average American demands. I wouldn't classify myself as average. I wouldn't classify my friends as average. We are better than average, so why would I demand anything less from someone I date?

The next step: Find a new destination.

The Places I Go

People glaze over the most obvious details. I just realized I've never questioned the name of a popular bar in Kansas City. It's called the Granfalloon. I thought it was strange the first time I heard it, but by the third time of hearing it I no longer wondered what it meant. I just knew it was a bar. Who knew a granfalloon is a community in which people PRETEND to have associations with each other, but really don't? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granfalloon

I do like the bar, though I feel a bit foolish for going there now because of its name. Is the bar meant for people to put on a false impression of themselves? This is true for every bar in existence. It's just that this one is being blunt about it. Of course, 98% of the people in the bar probably doesn't know what a granfalloon is anyway.

Despite what I say, the Granfallon is a fun bar/restaurant. Check it out:http://www.thegranfalloon.com/default_plaza.htm

Bill Nye the Science Guy

He is one of my heroes.

The good news: He'll be speaking in Tulsa!
The bad news: I'll be in Kansas City.

THE Event
Where: Tulsa Community College
When: Thursday, Feb 8
Time: 7:00 pm
The event is free and open to the public.
http://www.tulsacc.edu/page.asp?durki=120

I am so bummed out I don't get to go. Will someone book him in Kansas City? Here's the link: http://www.billnye.com/. Just go to Bill info, then to booking Bill. Do this and you could be my hero too.

Go Chicken Go

As I walked out of class, I always smell this aroma of fried chicken. There is a Go Chicken Go next to the Rockhurst parking lot. Tonight the aroma was stronger than usual. So strong it got me thinking that I should eat there, despite the questionable health codes. I figured I recently got my HepA and Typhoid shot, so what do I have to lose? Well, it was late and not safe to walk in, but wouldn't that be great if Go Chicken Go had a drive thru? It turns out that they do, but it was too late. I already drove past it.

Okay... I just did some googling, and now I feel like I really missed out. The first sites I hit were reviews of Go Chicken Go, and the ratings are very high. Then I find their website: http://www.gochickengo.com/. They have a website!!! That is fantastic. I can't wait to go.

Facebook

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook:

"According to Chris Hughes, spokesman for Facebook, 'People spend an average of 18 minutes a day on Facebook.' "

Wow. That is so me.

I stumbled upon this link... while I was on facebook looking at a friend's profile. I'm glad I don't have to wiki facebook to know what people are talking about. That got me thinking that one day I will lose touch on what's up and coming. Since many products and services hit college campuses first, students have the edge on technology. Everyone else reads about it or hears about it on the news. Now, I just laugh when I hear about what college students are doing on the news. I think, "That is so 2 years ago." I remember ipod advertisements hitting hard on campus during my early sophomore year. That was 4 years ago. Until then, I'll enjoy the perks of being young.

No Excuses

"The only thing holding you back is you." This is my realization after returning from Viet Nam. I'm not suggesting America is perfect, but this country offers something special and easily overlooked. It is our freedom of choice. People here can be poor and grow up to be a millionaire if they choose. America strives to help the poor. There are very few excuses of not becoming who you want to be in a country like this.

The Swing of Things

It's late, so I don't have the time or the energy to say what I want to say about my trip to Viet Nam. That will be a later entry, but today was a big day. I'm finally getting over jetlag. It's been a tough battle going straight into work, school, and socializing non-stop since I've been back into the states. I did choose to handle my 13 hr jetlag by going about my business here, and I think it finally paid off.

I started classes tonight. Although I enjoy my classes, it is a drag to come home at night to realize it's time for bed. This is when I need tv the most. Just 10 minutes of tv right now will kick my sanity back into place. God bless Conan O Brien.

Take Time to Celebrate

I used to think a lot of celebrations were over-rated. Now, I think my nonchalant attitude is over-rated. It started with weddings. My father convinced me otherwise. Then I moved to office parties, but my communications professor convinced me otherwise.

Celebrations are important. Several close friends will be graduating this upcoming weekend, and that is a big deal. Don't take it lightly. It is an accomplishment that calls for a ceremony. It is taking a moment to reflect all the hard work it took to get your diploma. It is allowing your family and friends to see that you reached one of your goals because of their support. Make them happy by letting them see you happy.

Like I said earlier, my communications professor helped me realize the importance of celebrating. It was a brief discussion. With a straight face, she said one of the class's discussion topics for the day will be office parties. I thought that was funny, but she was serious. I found it strange to talk about parties in a communications class, but it makes perfect sense to do that! Celebrations are a way of communicating your accomplishments, your joy, and your thankfulness.

With that said, I'm excited to be a part of so many celebrations this upcoming weekend.

It's Time for a Good Laugh

As my friends scramble to finish their school papers and document their completed goals at work, I realize how stressful and tiring the end of the year can be. I am right there with ya, but my time in this frenzy is almost over. I figure this is a great time for a few good jokes brought to you by Conan 'O Brien.

"Scientists have discovered a Chinese herb that cures alcoholism in hamsters. They're hoping that it will cut down on the number of accidents they have on that little wheel."

"Oprah Winfrey issued a statement saying that even though she appeared on the Ellen coming-out episode, she’s not gay. Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres issued a statement saying even though she appeared on Oprah, she’s not black."

"A new study on Christmas has found that children find out the truth about Santa Claus between the ages of three and six. It also found that it happens much older for some U.S. presidents."

What Makes You Strong?

What makes you strong?

Is it your thirty minute workouts?

Is it winning a game?

Is it getting a raise?

Or is it your dad who can always fix your car, your mom who cooks the best food, your sister who always listens, and your brother who treats you like royalty?

Or is it your friends that always make time for you, always returns your calls and e-mails, and always laughs and cries with you?

Or is it your good health, your ability to think freely, and your capacity to empathize for others?

Not As Planned

Some of the best weekends are the ones that don't go as planned.

Dedicated or Stupid?

That's what I kept asking myself as I drove to class in ice and snow after work this evening. After my hour and a half drive home, I've decided that it was more stupid than dedicated. It was basically my car and a bunch of Mr. Plow's out on the road tonight. I had to stop twice because my windshield wipers iced to the point where I couldn't see.

I do admit, I'm glad I got the study materials for my test next week. Also, because this was the worst weather I've driven in, the driving experience was good for me. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the cold weather.

In the spirit of my Thanksgiving leftover dinner I'm indulging in, I'd like to share what I am thankful for tonight:
1. That I don't drive a badass Nissan 350Z.
2. That I don't drive a stick shift.
3. That I have a carport.

A Drink of Heaven

"It's like drinking a dream" as my friend put it once. Yes, I'm talking about Starbucks drinks. For me, it is a white chocolate mocha for the fall and winter seasons and a caramel frap for the spring and summer seasons. Both with whipped cream, of course. How posh do I sound already? I can't help what I like.

It was an interesting evening of reading and people watching. Despite the steady rain, people flowed in and out of the coffee shop. The angry businessman at the table in front of me made interesting entertainment. With 7 Starbucks cups cluttered on his table, he sported a laptop and bluetooth earbud. Furthermore, he kept getting refills. Perhaps he started a bar tab at Starbucks? It looked like an expensive one. I wonder where he works? I gathered he dealt with real estate and is in some level of management. A twenty something guy sat behind me reading a book quietly. I wonder what he was reading?

Most others came in pairs. Pairs of friends. Pairs of boyfriends and girlfriends. Pairs of parents and children. The most interesting pair was a pair of friends studying in the back. A guy and girl reading and conversing diligently. Reminds me of well... me in my "old" college days. I wonder what they were studying, what they hope to be, and if they'll become what they hoped for? I'm rooting for them, anyway.

Then I thought, "I bet most people here are doing the same thing as I am- people watching, and that includes me!" What do they think I'm reading? How do others guess what my life is like? I know I make up life stories about strangers. My life may be full of adventures I'm unaware of. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to my next trip to Starbucks.

The Chiefs vs the Raiders

Between getting the 24-hr flu and driving home for Thanksgiving, I now have a chance to sit and write about my first NFL game experience. You probably have guessed that going to a Kansas City Chiefs game is awesome! The Chiefs fans are known for their tailgating. With their grills and impressive flag poles set-up in the parking lot, the fans know how to do it right. My group and I tailgated before AND after the game and still had leftovers. I had the best 1" pork chops ever with cheesy poofs.

The game was exciting with a Chiefs win against their rival, the Raiders, with a final score of 17-13. My favorite part, however, was the surprise fly-over of the B2 stealth bomber during the national anthem performance. That was absolutely breath-taking.

The B2 is in the upper-right corner of this picture on its way to Arrowhead Stadium. I didn't take this photo, though. I was too mesmerized and too engaged in the whole experience.

This was my view, and I had a great seat on the second level. My friend insists we'll get front row tickets next season for a game of my choice. I think that's a great idea.

This is my siblings and me enjoying the game.

Stepping Into MySpace

No I haven't, but I'm thinking about it! I've actually been meaning to join MySpace for awhile now. I have a handful of friends on MySpace, instead of facebook, that I would like to keep in touch with better. So what's been holding me back for the following months from joining MySpace?

1. When I pull up a MySpace page, I feel like I've just walked into a casino: overwhelmed. There are flashing banners, music, busy wallpapers, and moving pictures. I am still accustomed to the simple document style of facebook. I'm sure the MySpace format just requires getting used to it.

2. It's one more login. I keep asking myself do I want to have one more thing to check? I already check 3 e-mail accounts, facebook, blogger, and webct regularly. That's before I begin surfing the net. How much more should I tie myself to my pc?

3. How comfortable am I about posting more information about myself online? The more time I spend online, the more comfortable I get with revealing more information about myself without realizing it.

Perhaps one day I'll join the MySpace craze. For now, I'll spend my time going out... or uh... writing in my blog.

Warmer Days

The temperature is 37 degrees F with a windchill of 28 degrees F right now. This combined with the fact that I wake up to a sunless morning just to leave work with the sun already fallen has made me think of wamer days...

This was when I ran track for Corporate Challenge for my first time this past summer in KC. I have never eaten so healthy for 2 weeks in my life as I did while I prepared for my track events. I also learned that running relays is nerve-wracking, especially running against the Cerner team. The Cerner team should really consider quitting their day jobs and trying out for the U.S. Olympic track team. I think they have a good chance for the gold.

This is a picture of me taking a picture. I actually like this picture better than the one I took. This was my summer excursion to Stillwater. My fond memories of the Student Union mostly revolved around food: Chick-Fil-A and pancakes. In the old days, Chick-Fil-A AND Burger King served the many hungry students of OSU on campus, but I guess those are off-campus now.

Here's me picking out some peaches at downtown KC's City Market. Can you find me? It's like finding Waldo, except my shirt's not as cool. I loved going to city markets and even had a chance to check out Overland Park's city market before the summer ended.

I'm glad I got all my warm, summer memories out of my system now. I'm ready for the cold. Bring it on.

Livin' On Tulsa Time

I kicked off my weekend in Tulsa with the 5k Tulsa Run. The morning was very cold, but gradually warmed up toward the end of the race. One suggestion for improvement is the bus system that takes the runners from the parking lots to the starting line. My brother and I waited for 45 minutes without getting on a bus. We decided to run to the starting line instead, which was about a mile away. We got to the start with 3 minutes to spare, just enough to catch our breaths. The picture above is at the beginning of the run. I'm in the middle with the black outfit.

This is my brother and me right after crossing the finish line and right before we raided the tent full of candy bars, yogurt, and fruit.

On the drive back from the race, I stopped to take a picture of the fall trees.

I'll Drink to This!

Here's a recent article on the debated issue of wine and health published in the Wall Street Journal.
Substance in Red Wine Appears to Let Mice Live Longer

Hi. My name is -----, and I don't watch Grey's Anatomy.

How many characters can you name out of the picture above? I admit I can name two: Meredith Grey and Dr. McDreamy (but knowing that answer was school related). Grey's Anatomy has been a huge hit in the U.S., but it hasn't tapped into my tv schedule. I simply prefer other shows. What I find interesting is my exclusion in conversations because I don't watch the show. Here is what happens:

Friend: Hey... did you see this week's Grey's Anatomy?

Me: No.

Friend: But you watch it, right?

Me: No.

Friend: Oh. Nevermind. *Silence*

(End Conversation)

I think it's funny, but this has happened to me at least three times this past month. Crazy.

Random

This is how I spend my study breaks, taking pictures of my stuffed animals. Say hi to Pika and Euka, everyone!

Angels & Airwaves

Optimistic. Influential. Mature. Angels & Airwaves has not disappointed this Blink 182 fan. Tom DeLonge who founded Blink 182 and now Angels & Airwaves has really shown himself through his music. Most songs begin softly with just enough notes for you to anticipate the upcoming musical crescendos and the lyrics' story. As a husband and father, DeLonge's lyrics voice a tone of affection and concern with topics of relationships and war. Profanity is also reserved for his angrier songs showing how he has grown to control his music instrumentally and lyrically. This is definitely worth checking out. Here's a link to Amazon Music for song samples: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Need-Whisper-Angels-Airwaves/dp/B000F8DTDC/sr=1-1/qid=1162139691/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5733424-5114513?ie=UTF8&s=music

5k or (for the British fans) 3.1 miles

THE TULSA RUN. NOVEMBER 11, 2006.

http://www.tulsarun.com/

I signed up today. I better start running again.

Out of Words

Out of words. Not because I found myself in an amazing situation that has left me speechless or because I was uninterested in my activities today, it's because I'm tired. oiasdlkjalk... I start to mumble like that! I pulled one of those on my classmates today. I'll work on my pronunciation and articulation another day, but today, I type.

Homecoming

The much anticipated weekend came and gone with every expectation fulfilled. I spent time with everyone I wanted to see and ate at my favorite places in Stillwater.

I didn't take many photos hoping others will eventually share their photos. I did get one copy!...

I've decided that homecoming is more fun as an alumni.

I Thought I Didn't Look Good in Hats

I wore four hats today; my employee hat, my student hat, my friend hat, and my family hat. This cute cliché of saying hats to express the many roles people play everyday is a reality. I am learning that juggling these roles becomes more difficult as I undertake more responsibilities in each of these categories of my life. It’s really all an equation anyway.

Employee + Student + Friend + Family = Me

So, you probably just felt a big cheese ball hit your forehead. Yes, it’s cheesy, but it will prove my point. I am a constant. I have limits on my capability and time to fulfill these roles. The quality of each of these roles can fluctuate, but another role (or variable) will have to inversely change with it. There will be times when I spend more time at work, but will cause me to spend less time on school or socializing.

This leads us into a discussion of prioritization. I would like to claim that I choose family first, but, in practice, maybe I’m speaking from a soapbox. I had a sobering moment tonight when I was talking to my dad about plans for the weekend before Halloween. I know that’s the next weekend I’ll be able to return home, yet, if my parents didn’t NEED me home, I’d rather join my friends at a huge costume party in downtown. From my microscopic view, I think this is a tough decision. From a macroscopic view, the answer is obvious to me. I should go home. I don’t doubt the party will be fun. It might even be legendary among my friends here, but most parties are fleeting moments and only a few will truly be remembered. The question is if I look back 10 years even 5 years from now, will I regret more skipping the party or a visit home? After my casual conversation with my dad on the phone, I realized my Family variable was not reflected the way I intended it to in my equation since I’ve moved away. I’m glad I’m catching it early on, and I hope to continue to weigh my variables according to my priorities.

Disconnected by Being Connected

Why is it so difficult to meet people? I hear this from friends, from reading articles written by twenty and thirty -somethings, and somewhat experiencing it myself. You would think that the internet would connect people more, but then why are all the dating services gaining popularity? Perhaps the internet is beneficial to keeping existing contacts and not creating new ones. Perhaps the time spent in front of computers is costing the time people would spend outside socializing and physically meeting others. I still find it puzzling that the communication channels have widened so extensively, yet people are having a harder time meeting new people. A large factor is the changing social mindset. A great push for a successful career has left other aspects of life on the curb. Personal expectations have also left this generation wanting more of everything. I'm not advocating lowering your standards, but in general, this generation has demanded and received. This idea has propogated to our relationships. The demand for someone who does everything is preferable.

So it seems that the changing social aspects and psychology distances people from one another, and the networking power of technology can't keep up. Then again, there's no substitute to meeting someone face-to-face.

Tator Tot Casserole

Someone brilliant made it happen: Tator Tot Casserole. I am full of tator tots tonight.

Check Please

Guys, would it bother you if your girlfriend let you pay for every date or do you not mind?

Girls, do you like guys to pay most of the time or try to even things out?

I always try to even things out in the end. I think it's nice for the guy to pay at first, but I don't like to think that I owe people anything in the end. I'm curious because I don't know how other girls handle these situations, and I don't know how guys prefer it.

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was the end of the 2006 World Cup. Italy took the gold home! Zidane had an upsetting, yet entertaining, moment of aggression, and I learned a few new things about soccer.

The best thing about watching soccer is how the soccer players go full throttle and still move so agilely. The fans are always great too. It's great how they stay until the end of the game, regardless of how their team is performing. It's different in the U.S. It's typical for people to leave during half-time of a football game (the American kind of football). I've been guilty of doing that. I thought it was just poor sportsmanship for awhile, but then I realized the Americans typically go to sports game not for the sport but for the social aspect. Usually, a sports game gives a group of friends something to do, and when this group gets bored they go do something else.

Now, I just have to wait for another 4 years to enjoy another World Cup game.

I Miss the Stars

It wasn't until my trip to Stillwater when I realized how much I enjoy seeing stars in the night sky. Kansas City must be insanely bright because I see very few stars. Anyway, I miss the stars.

Summer Days

The first day of summer isn't official until about June 21st/22nd, but my summer has begun.

The Best of Summer List (this is what I like about summer):
Watermelon
Cool Nights
Picnics
Lots of daylight
Farmer's Markets
Outdoor sand volleyball
Wearing skirts
Flip-flops
Peaches
Ice cream
... and I'm sure there's more!!!