Ice Cream and Peanut Butter

Music: Miami- Will Smith
Mood: Sore

I love my group cycling class. Actually, I take that back; it's more of a love-hate relationship. During the day, I look forward to it, but when I'm actually in the class, I find myself constantly looking at the clock wondering when it's over. But then when I'm done, I feel so much better. Today, I went to CORE Cycling, where we cycled for 45 minutes and then did ab exercises for like 20 minutes. I was SORE. So, at Kinsolving today, I rewarded myself with ice cream mixed with peanut butter. Yummm.


Gosh, I feel that nothing else is going on in my life than sleeping, going to the gym, eating, going to class, and doing homework. Life is quite boring, though I feel like I'm always in meetings. I'm going to work on my philosophy paper this weekend that's due next Friday. Managerial Accounting is interesting and so much better than financial accounting. It's nothing like debits and credits; rather, it involves equations, formulas, and more high-level analysis than financial accounting. Still, I don't think I'm going to be an accounting major. It's not that I absolutely hate accounting; it's just that accounting isn't as exciting or interesting as other subjects. I feel accounting is so nit-picky when I'd rather just get the overall concept.

In fact, I officially declared my major yesterday to Finance: Corporate Finance! Horray! So I updated my resume to include my new major. I guess it really doesn't make a difference because I'm still taking the same classes right now; it'll just effect what classes I take abroad and what upper division classes I take. Oh, and if you search for my name under UT-Directory, my three majors come up! So horray for that! Oh, and regarding study abroad, I'm sort of worried and nervous about it. My class schedule is so tight that if I don't get a class that I need in Hong Kong, then my whole schedule will be thrown off. I'm meeting with the study abroad adviser next week to talk about registration and such. Of course, I still have to do my study abroad application and with that, scholarship applications as well to go abroad. That application is due on March 1st, but I want to get it out of the way; I just haven't had time yet.

Well, that's all for now. Oh, and I was mistaken. The Texas-A&M game is actually on February 18th, not on Feb. 7th. I know I'm going to the career fair on Wed, Feb 6th just to talk to recruiters, get contact information, get free things, and say high to my recruiter contacts. I'm debating on whether to attend the Interactive Diversity Forum on Thursday, Feb 7th. Free dinner would be great, but then I have to dress up and talk with recruiters. Which can be a good thing, depending on which company I get assigned to. And my philosophy paper is due the next day, but if I finish the paper this weekend, I'll be good. Oh, and about research assistant, I'm going to be working with Professor Ethan Burris this semester. I haven't done anything yet, but I've read some of his research and research he's working on right now. I'm really excited about this because he's going to have me running his third study and helping with his research. It's interesting because I just declared my major as finance because I like numbers and find it interesting. I know I'll major in Finance, but if I were to become a professor, I'm not certain what I'll do my research in. We'll see.

Oh, and there was a PostSecret this Sunday that was really related to blogging. I hope noone spies or stalks me. Hehe. But if you read my blog and you see me around, be sure to say hello!

Cycling is Intense!

Music: Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)- Wyclef Jean featuring Akon, Lil Wayne, and Niia
Mood: Cycling

Thank goodness for short weeks. I don't know what I'd do if it were a 5-day week this week. My trip to California was amazing! I haven't seen my cousins in two years (since Christmas my senior year) because I took winter school during both freshman year and this year. So my parents flew to Sacramento from Houston, I flew up from Austin, and my brother flew in from Seattle. I had a blast just hanging out with cousins and eating great Chinese food my uncle cooks. I love crab! Then I had a red-eye flight Monday morning with a layover in Houston that had me back in Austin by 8am Monday morning. Nonetheless, I was exhausted and slept all day on Monday. Oh, and I tried out this exciting Indian buffet called Bombay Bistro.. I think it's near 183 but I'm not sure. I thought it was a little better than Clay Pit for about the same price.

Last week was preview week at RecSports and after trying out group cycling, I absolutely loved it so I got a pass. I went to 8am cycling both Tuesday and today... YES, I know.. who wakes up at 8am to go cycling, but I thought it'd be better to start my day early and get more sleep.... I am actually a morning person, but lately, I haven't been getting too much sleep and my classes haven't exactly been the most exciting so I've been dozing off in some some of them. (ehm. Philosophy). So if you're looking for a really good workout, I encourage group cycling. Also, that song, Sweetest Girl, is one of the best songs to cycle to or jog to when you're doing sprints or intervals because I think the chorus is catchy and fun to work out to. They always play it during my cycle class and that's why it's my song for the day.

One of my goals this semester has also been to starting doing research assistance with a business professor. Over break, I randomly emailed some professors who I found through the business research database. I met with several of them, and some were excited and had research opportunities for me. I ran into my management professor from last semester, Ethan Burris, and he told me about the research he was doing and the help he needed in conducting his final study for his research on inner-circles and the effects on group productivity. That sounded interesting, so now I'll be doing some research with him this semester, which will be great because it'll give me more exposure to the research side of business that is often ignored or hidden by business undergraduates! If any of y'all are interested in getting involved with research this semester, check out the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Fair on Wednesday, January 30th from 1 to 4 in the 3rd Floor Special Events Room next to the atrium. You don't need to dress up, just swing by to chat with some professors about their research. I was surprised by how many professors were interested in giving me an opportunity to do research with them. The thing I found out about a big university is that there are so many opportunities that many students don't take advantage of. It doesn't hurt to ask. In fact, I emailed the associate vice president of research during my mass email craze to find a research assistance position and Dr. Peterson invited me to meet in his office in the main building to just talk about various research opportunities and what being a professor and an administrator is like. I thought it was pretty cool and will definitely be in touch with him again just letting him know how my research goes this semester.

Other than research and cycling, there's not much going on in my life right now. I'm a little behind on my philosophy reading but that's because I just haven't gotten around to reading it. Other than that, I'm up to date in my classes and enjoying the semester. I just need more sleep. On the recruiting front, I finished with recruiting last semester, so that's a relief, but I know the career fair is coming up Feb. 6th. BBA Career Services is having a lot of preparation events such as Resumania, Mock Interviews, and an etiquette dinner, so definitely check those out. I'm thinking of going to the career fair just to get some contacts from companies I'm interested possibly interning with next summer and to also get some free stuff! Also, the McCombs Diversity Council Interactive Diversity Forum (with free dinner) is on Feb 7th. It was good last semester and last year, so I'm thinking of going again just to say hi the some of the recruiters I've meet and to get a good meal. However, the only dilemma is that UT basketball plays TAMU on that same day at 7pm. Last year, I remember waiting in line for 3 hours to get tickets to that game, and it was worth every second. So I'm debating.. free dinner or great basketball? =)

Well, I've got to run and grab lunch before my next class. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week.

Gummy Bear Lost Among Gummy Worms

Music: Taking Chances- Celine Dion
Mood: Calm

School is great right now. This week was a struggle simply because I wasn't used to so many 1.5 hours classes.. I guess I just don't have the attention span to sit for so long and listen to a lecture. Other than that, the week was great! I'm done with classes early, have time to GYM, am staying caught up in classes (so far), and plan to do research with a professor! All is well. Calm and stress-less (for now...).

Tomorrow evening, I fly out to California to visit family and cousins, and I'll be back Monday morning, so I'm excited about that! Other than that, not much going on.

Here's a quick update:

• Research Assistant (RA)- I've contacted various business professors and got overwhelming response about helping as an RA. I hope to finalize by Monday or Tuesday who I'll be working with and what research I'll be doing, so I'll definitely let y'all know what's going on there.
• Group Cycling- I went to a preview class on Wednesday for group cycling and really liked it. I'm going again tomorrow at 12, and I'm going to buy a pass for the semester. It's such a good workout and feel it's better on my knees than jogging. So in addition to treadmilling, I'll be group cycling! I'm SUPER excited.
• Yesterday, I was playing apples to apples with friends and was eating gummy worms.... and I made a striking discover... a gummy bear in a bag of gummy worms! =) Just thought I should share that with all of y'all. I couldn't stop laughing for 5 minutes when I made that discovery.. hence my post title.
  
• BHP recruiting is going well. It's definitely picking up this semester with some prospective students finding out their admissions decisions and contacting me for more information about BHP. Others are still applying, so there are plenty of questions about that. Also, the sophomore transfer application is coming out in mid-March, so I'm getting questions about that too. Overall, I'm exciting about this semester because after all this BHP recruiting, it'll be rewarding to see who ends up getting accepted into the program and then who chooses to matriculate.
• Finally, Go Patriots! I see the city of Boston sweeping the sports championships... First the World Series, Next the Super Bowl, Then the NBA Championship. I don't really follow hockey, but I don't think the Bruins are too bad either, though Detroit Red Wings are a pretty stellar team. We'll see.

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!

Here's a picture of my friends and I at Trail of Lights in December. (Old Picture, I know, but one of my favorites from December)

2008

Music: Friends Like These- Mobius Band
Mood: Relaxed

I haven't written a post since school let out in December, so I wanted to write to let everyone know how my break was and what I'm looking forward to this spring semester.

Break has been nice. I've been taking Gov 312L during winter school at Houston Community College, and let's say it's been really easy. Last winter, I took Cal 2, and it was definitely a lot of work. During break, I've been going to class from 9 to 12 (or 9 to 11, if the professor dismisses us early). Then I head off to the gym for about 1.5 hours, grab lunch, and then I have the afternoon to hang out with friends and enjoy my break. This has been one of the most relaxing breaks in a while simply because I've stayed in Houston and haven't done much. I usually go to California to visit relatives for Christmas. Oh, and I didn't have to get my wisdom teeth taken out because the dentist person said to wait more year to let the 2 teeth that are still deep in my mouth grow out.

So in summary, here's what I've done over break:

• HCC Winter School (Government)
  
• Meet up with a former cowoker from Detroit who was in Houston visiting family
• Went to a Jazz bar (that was really exciting)
• Chinatown, Houston, Texas (I think that's all I need to say)
• Been working on my fitness (during break, I've been able to stay at the gym longer and get in better shape)
• Celebrated New Year's with friends and fireworks
• Watched: Juno (which was... cute), High School Musical 2 (which was a let down), Ratatouille (which I loved!) and plenty of NCAA Bowl Games
• Followed the primary race for the democract and republican presidential nominations
• Sugar Land Town Square
  
• Shopping at the Galleria
• Had hot-pot with friends and 2 former high school teachers
• Visited the high school to get a transcript
• Hung out with Friends
• Discovered the band The Mobius Band (check them out on Myspace.com!)
  

And here's an idea of my schedule for spring 2008. I really like my schedule, a lot. And it helps that I only have one class on Friday! (finally... gezz. Most business students don't have class on friday because classes are either MW or TTH, but liberal arts classes are usually MWF.

Since I have most afternoons free or off, I'm going to try to find a professor to shadow and do some research with. As y'all may know, I'm interested in doing finance and going into the corporate world, but I'm also interested in getting my PHD, doing research, and teaching. I think working as a research assistant or something would help give me exposure to the field and allow me to see if I like it.

These are my goals for this coming semester:

• Do research with a business professor
• Get involved with a charity organization
• Apply for study abroad and get lots of scholarships to go abroad
• Maybe rush for a business fraternity?
• Get all As (last semester, I got an A in accounting!!!! But wasn't as successful in Philosophy. Last semester, my favorite class was my french revolution class. This semester, I'm pretty excited about my SS 301- Psychology class. Overall, this semester seems a bit easier, so hopefully that can be reflected in my GPA before I go to Hong Kong)

Well, that's all I have for now. Off to have a grapefruit and then go to bed so I can make it to class tomorrow by 9. I hope everyone had a great winter break and a happy new year!

Oh Hong Kong, How I Crave Thee

Music: White Houses- Vanessa Carlton
Mood: Studying Intensely

So for my iGoogle page, my backdrop is the skyline of Hong Kong!!! I can't believe Google made the HK skyline a theme!!! =) Look how pretty it is!


I found out that two Asian Studies classes I plan to take in Hong Kong will count for my Plan II upper division humanities credit. Thus, I had to meet with Brent in the BHP office to finalize/tweak my four-year plan. I won't have a semester with 12 hours. Ever semester here at UT will be at least 15 hours. =( That's sad, but I'd say its worth it to study abroad. I cannot wait! I'm going to fill out my study abroad application over break and also get the syllabuses from the professors in Hong Kong for the classes I plan to take, so I can make sure I get the right credits. Then, I also want to find scholarships to study abroad. I know there are many scholarship for people who go to the Asian countries... hopefully I can snag some to help alleviate the costs of studying abroad. Oh, and I am taking 15 hours abroad, too. Which is a lot for being abroad, so I'm hoping I'm not caught up inside studying all the time. I definitely want to be able to explore the city and also travel around Asia.

Anyways, I took my accounting final today. Hopefully I did well! I know I messed up one thing but that shouldn't be worth that much. I just finished studying for Spanish so I'm probably going to call it a night and start up on History tomorrow. Then I have my Spanish exam at 7pm. I haven't even started on my Philosophy exam yet and that's worth 40% of my grade! Gah, finals stink, but at least I'm almost done. I can almost taste the end. But alas, it's not over yet until the last exam, so until then, I must study some more.

I've discovered a great place to study... the Life Sciences Building on the 2nd floor of the main building is extremely quite and has high ceilings (which is a plus), and it sort of looks like Hogwarts inside too. It opens from 8 am to 12am. In fact, I'm about to get kicked out, but that's a good thing because then it'll force me to go back to my room and call it a night!

Oh, and one thing that's making studying unbearable is the weather. I just don't want to get out of bed because it's so warm in my bed and so cold outside. If I were at home, I would just want to snuggle in a blanket, near a heater, sit on my couch, and watch a movie. Speaking of movie, I kind of want to see PS. I Love You, though it seems very chick-flicky. =)

With that, I think this is my last post before break. I'll definitely update during break some with photos and let ya'll know how winter school goes. Horray for almost being done!!!

Almost Free

Music: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Sarah McLachlan
Mood: Stomach Ache

I've got four finals keeping me from my Winter break. It stinks. Tomorrow, I have my the listening part of my spanish final worth 25%. Then I've got an Accounting test on Wednesday (which I HAVE to make an A to get an A in the class). Then, I've got my Spanish test on Thursday (which I have to make an A to get an A in the class as well). And finally, on Friday, I have my French Revolution class (which I'm not too worried about but haven't really started studying yet), and also my philosophy class (which I think I've give up in just because I'm so sick of it. I can get an A but it'll be a stretch).

Oh yesterday, I received a care package from the chemical company in Houston wishing me luck on my finals. It had candy, a coffee mug, and a starbucks gift card! And the interesting thing is that I turned their offer down, but they still sent me a package. That was really flattering, and it totally made my day! =)

Today, I was super ambitious at the gym. I ran on the treadmill, but I felt like reading my French Revolution book about the Napoleonic Wars and so I sat on the bike machine for like 25 minutes reading. It was pretty amazing! Just thought ya'll should know.

Also, if ya'll don't know about pandora (www.pandora.com) it's a site that plays music based on music you like. For example, I typed in a christmas song (say, all i want for christmas if you), and it plays music similar to it. For finals, I love studying while listening to Christmas music. I just gets me in the mood and excited about the holidays! I know I've got to concentrate on studying on my finals, and I cannot think too much about the break yet, or else I'll give up. So I probably won't blog between now and my last finals on Friday, but I'll definitely let you know how things go! Wish me luck.

My stomach hurts right now though. =( One more weekkkkk till freedom! Then I'm going home on Saturday and then start community college winter school for GOV 312L. That class meets 9 to 12 every day except for X-mas and New Years, but at least it gets credit out of the way. I met with my BHP adviser to talk about study abroad, and we got it to officially fit so I'm excited. For Plan II, I need 6 hours of art history, music history, or upperdivision literature/humanities. At HKUST, they have two classes called Chinese Literature in English Translation and then Chinese Film, and apparently both classes will count for my Plan II requirement, so I'm super excited about those classes, in addition to my Business classes.

Anyway, I'm off to bed!

Dressing Business Professional / Casual

Music: You Look Good in My Shirt- Keith Urban

Mood: Sunday Evening Lull

OK, so I have to get this out of my system before I go crazy. Judging at the debate tournament was fun, but I'm so glad I only did it for four years. It is certain helpful and a lot of work, and it stinks that all that work comes down to simple rounds. But anyways, I'm writing today to complain about how poorly debaters (from my observations, LD debaters) dress.

The dress for debate is typically business professional and sometimes business casual. If you saw a large number of awkward people gathered around the UTC both Friday and Saturday, those were the debaters. And my goodness were there so many dress violations I just wanted to pull my hair out. If I were a recruiter, I would have just left.

So this is what I noticed and can comment on:

• A casual shirt from Hollister, American Eagle, Aeropostal or any other brand with a logo on the left side IS NOT a dress shirt. Do NOT wear it with a tie. EVER.
• For guys, if you wear a suit jacket and there are three buttons, it's sometimes, always, never. And if you have a two button jacket, it's always, never. NEVER EVER, EVER BUTTON the bottom button. EVER. It looks soooo horrible.
• If you're going to wear a tie, tie your tie correctly so we don't see the tail end sticking out from behind the larger end
• A dress is not business professional. DO NOT WEAR A DRESS, especially if it looks like a dance or ballet dress
  
• If you're going to wear a sweater vest over a dress shirt, iron the shirt first. Don't wrinkle it all up. And if you wear a sweater vest over the shirt, then don't roll up the sleeves up to your elbows. Only 3/4ths of the way. if you're going to roll up any sleeves, roll it up only 3/4ths of the way
• No tennis shoes with dress pants or a suit... Please. Especially guys. Girls, I can understand wearing flats and switching to heels, but guys, come on.
  
• No white socks with black shoes
• Make sure your belt matches your shoes; whatever color you decide, keep it consistent
• if you're going to wear a tie with your shirt, don't wear it slightly done if you're not done with your event. only loosen up your tie when you're ready to relax
• Name-tags should worn on the right side as you shake hands with your right hand (sometimes, i even forget this)
• Comb or fix your hair so it doesn't look like you just woke up or walked through a storm

Well, that's all I can think of right now. Let me know if you have any to add or can comment on any of these business professional violations.