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.