Not much to write about lately. We haven't sold the condo. I just received my I-20 papers. Otherwise very little is going on.
I have started to prepare for the O.C. lifestyle. I have been watching episodes from seasons 1&2 of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. It is good to know that rich American high school kids get absorbed over the same types of ridiculously miniscule issues that Canadian high school students do. I just can't believe how Jason treated LC! You better not re-hook up with him in The Hills, LC. Oh, the drama!
I hope all fellow MBA'ers are enjoying the summer. I have yet to get out to golf once (O.K. partially my fault, the one day I could have went golfing I stayed home hung over).
Final note: Is it just me, or do Americans have to be insane to accept this confusing health care system of "co-payments" and "specific providers" given the country's wealth? Discuss amongst yourselves...
Cheers.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
Burning the Bridges: Condo is Up for Sale
To paraphrase a famous general: to keep your troops moving forward burn all avenues of retreat.
Lindsey and I burned one more bridge by listing our condo for sale this week (see listing here). The London market appears to be peaking, so at worst we will catch the start of the backslide of prices (better than the tail end).
I haven't seen many comments lately. Makes one wonder if anyone is listening.
Lindsey and I burned one more bridge by listing our condo for sale this week (see listing here). The London market appears to be peaking, so at worst we will catch the start of the backslide of prices (better than the tail end).
I haven't seen many comments lately. Makes one wonder if anyone is listening.
Friday, May 19, 2006
I Guess Leaving May Not Be So Hard After All...
After the UCI's Admit Weekend, I am confident that this was a great decision. I think the jitters are gone and I am ready to go forward full steam. Even more so after I saw this in the local newspaper.I would describe my city of London as conservative, priveledged, but never tacky. I was wrong. Take a look at what one Londoner put on his lawn. It reminds me of the Leg Lamp from The Christmas Story which emanated "hot sex" from the window for all the men of the neighbourhood to partake in.
Let this be a lesson to you ladies: Don't marry a man who loves to collect lawn ornaments. These things must be more addictive than crack.
O.K., so when am I leaving?
Monday, May 15, 2006
An "Admittedly" Sunny Weekend
Wow that sun's got some power! I am back in Canada recuperating from UCI's Admit Weekend. In my visits to all my Application Schools, I repeatedly heard that admit weekends were important to establish relationships with the incoming class. They were right. I met a lot of the North American students and I had a really great time. Kudos to the UCI staff and current students for putting on an entertaining show.
Admit Weekend started with registration, a small surprise lunch (unfortunately I had just ate) and the opportunity to do the first round of networking. If I had to guess there were approximately 50 admit attendees. Next came, the dean's speech. Dean Policano confirmed the strategy that I talked about in earlier posts. Some highlights included the recruiting of Kerry Vandell to lead the real estate program and David Hirshleifer from Ohio State to be the first Merage Chair in Business Growth. If there was a point from the Dean's speech, it was that UCI has some financial clout and they are using it in chair positions to recruit top faculty and scholarships to recruit top students. The Dean also clarified areas of his strategy that I had yet to discern including his goal of making The Merage School of Business strong in four key areas of real estate, health care, entrepreneurship and innovation, and wealth/investment management.
Afterwards, was a lengthy ice breaker session where we got to learn a little about the incoming classes personalities. Then we were treated to two abbreviated class sessions to give the admits a feel of what to expect. I had already taken a 2nd year MBA class in law school, so I knew what to expect, but I think the interactive nature surprised some of the students.
After classes, we then moved to a reception and dinner with students, alumni, faculty and staff. While the food was nothing to write home about, the conversation was very enjoyable. Not much substantive was said at the event, but the opportunity to interact with such diverse people was a treat.
After the dinner was the unofficial visit to Vegas; a club in Costa Mesa. About 10-15 Admits joined about 15-20 current students at the club that played house on one dance floor and rap on the other (this was confusing when it appeared that quite a few of the patrons had an outrageous punk look). Both DJs were adept at spinning a good mix. Most everyone got on the dance floor at least once. My ride, Dan, and I were the among the last group to depart at 1:30am. I think I got to bed at around 2:30.
Breakfast was served at 8:30 the next day. Amazingly, I was up and in the lobby by 8:05am. I needed to try to rope another ride because I was not confident that Dan would make it (I was proved right when Dan showed up at around 10:30). The morning was dedicated to learning about the services available to UCI students. The highlight for myself was UCI's laptop program. In place since 1987, it is the longest continuously running laptop program in the U.S. The laptops are an integral component of the MBA program where students use the most cutting edge software in the majority of their courses (OK, maybe not accounting). The computer department approves and secures deals for only 3 laptops for its students to buy to allow the tech support team to optimally configure and service the computer. This focus makes the integration of some of these software programs go much smoother than in other programs. The laptops will allow you to use the Catalyst intranet site that connects students to all components of the program. UC Berkley recently opted to use the Catalyst system. I love technology, and UCI has got it.
After lunch was the introductory ropes course designed to teach us teamwork and trust. Our group divided into three groups. There were a number of puzzles presented
to the groups. The puzzles really forced us to listen to our team mates and work together. They were tough and fun, but I think the main purpose of the event was to give us a sneak peak of what our entire entering class will be doing during orientation week only 20 feet higher (see picture - yes future classmates, that's where we are going!).
By the end of the ropes course I was exhausted and thoroughly sun burnt (Note to self - significantly increase your home expense budget for a lot of sunscreen). We tried to remedy the exhaustion by going to the Steelhead Brewery for some tasty microbrew. Then, we proceeded to go to the Lucky Strike for some neon bowling. This event really showed how well everyone had bonded over the weekend as everyone looked very comfortable with one another. It got pretty exciting when you combined the deadly (but entertaining) combination of alcohol, blindfolds, and bowling balls. Luckily no one was hurt, and we had a lot of fun.
By the end of bowling, I was pretty exhausted. I went back to the hotel and crashed. Returning home, I was not able to get home until after 3am, so I decided to take Monday off and sleep. I think, now, I am rested and ready to rejoin the real world.
I have recapped the events and my thoughts, but the real substance of this weekend are the new classmates that I met. They were all very unique and interesting. I am hesitant to name them because once I start I will want to talk about each one (As you can see this post is long enough). Lets just say I remember all those who I met and look forward to expanding that relationship in September. That and I am sure many of them will make appearances in this blog over the next two years.
Admit Weekend started with registration, a small surprise lunch (unfortunately I had just ate) and the opportunity to do the first round of networking. If I had to guess there were approximately 50 admit attendees. Next came, the dean's speech. Dean Policano confirmed the strategy that I talked about in earlier posts. Some highlights included the recruiting of Kerry Vandell to lead the real estate program and David Hirshleifer from Ohio State to be the first Merage Chair in Business Growth. If there was a point from the Dean's speech, it was that UCI has some financial clout and they are using it in chair positions to recruit top faculty and scholarships to recruit top students. The Dean also clarified areas of his strategy that I had yet to discern including his goal of making The Merage School of Business strong in four key areas of real estate, health care, entrepreneurship and innovation, and wealth/investment management.
Afterwards, was a lengthy ice breaker session where we got to learn a little about the incoming classes personalities. Then we were treated to two abbreviated class sessions to give the admits a feel of what to expect. I had already taken a 2nd year MBA class in law school, so I knew what to expect, but I think the interactive nature surprised some of the students.
After classes, we then moved to a reception and dinner with students, alumni, faculty and staff. While the food was nothing to write home about, the conversation was very enjoyable. Not much substantive was said at the event, but the opportunity to interact with such diverse people was a treat.After the dinner was the unofficial visit to Vegas; a club in Costa Mesa. About 10-15 Admits joined about 15-20 current students at the club that played house on one dance floor and rap on the other (this was confusing when it appeared that quite a few of the patrons had an outrageous punk look). Both DJs were adept at spinning a good mix. Most everyone got on the dance floor at least once. My ride, Dan, and I were the among the last group to depart at 1:30am. I think I got to bed at around 2:30.
Breakfast was served at 8:30 the next day. Amazingly, I was up and in the lobby by 8:05am. I needed to try to rope another ride because I was not confident that Dan would make it (I was proved right when Dan showed up at around 10:30). The morning was dedicated to learning about the services available to UCI students. The highlight for myself was UCI's laptop program. In place since 1987, it is the longest continuously running laptop program in the U.S. The laptops are an integral component of the MBA program where students use the most cutting edge software in the majority of their courses (OK, maybe not accounting). The computer department approves and secures deals for only 3 laptops for its students to buy to allow the tech support team to optimally configure and service the computer. This focus makes the integration of some of these software programs go much smoother than in other programs. The laptops will allow you to use the Catalyst intranet site that connects students to all components of the program. UC Berkley recently opted to use the Catalyst system. I love technology, and UCI has got it.
After lunch was the introductory ropes course designed to teach us teamwork and trust. Our group divided into three groups. There were a number of puzzles presentedto the groups. The puzzles really forced us to listen to our team mates and work together. They were tough and fun, but I think the main purpose of the event was to give us a sneak peak of what our entire entering class will be doing during orientation week only 20 feet higher (see picture - yes future classmates, that's where we are going!).
By the end of the ropes course I was exhausted and thoroughly sun burnt (Note to self - significantly increase your home expense budget for a lot of sunscreen). We tried to remedy the exhaustion by going to the Steelhead Brewery for some tasty microbrew. Then, we proceeded to go to the Lucky Strike for some neon bowling. This event really showed how well everyone had bonded over the weekend as everyone looked very comfortable with one another. It got pretty exciting when you combined the deadly (but entertaining) combination of alcohol, blindfolds, and bowling balls. Luckily no one was hurt, and we had a lot of fun.By the end of bowling, I was pretty exhausted. I went back to the hotel and crashed. Returning home, I was not able to get home until after 3am, so I decided to take Monday off and sleep. I think, now, I am rested and ready to rejoin the real world.
I have recapped the events and my thoughts, but the real substance of this weekend are the new classmates that I met. They were all very unique and interesting. I am hesitant to name them because once I start I will want to talk about each one (As you can see this post is long enough). Lets just say I remember all those who I met and look forward to expanding that relationship in September. That and I am sure many of them will make appearances in this blog over the next two years.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Back in California Ready for Admit Weekend
I arrived into Irvine around 10pm this evening. Of course it is 1am EST, so I am zonked. The flights were smooth except for other passengers sitting in my section. The first leg had a young girl who drank heavily before getting on the plane, then once on the plane proceeded to ingest perscription pills until she passed out cold. She was seriously stoned. The next leg saw me in a fairly empty plane. For the bulk of the boarding time, I had my section to myself. Then, I see anther women coming towards me. She had a thin nose with bright blue eyes close together. That wouldn't have been a big deal if she just glanced around like most people, but she starred intently at one area at a time. It really freaked me out. I started praying "please don't let her sit here" and guess where she sat - next to me. She wasn't bad passenger; she just gave me the willies!
Upon arrival I tracked down the cab area. I read a list of shuttles and the Irvine Marriot was not on it. So I got a cab. When I told the cabbie I wanted to go tot he Irvine Marriot, he looked at me with scorn. Unbeknowst to me the Irvine Marriot does have a shuttle. While driving to the hotel, he went on a rant saying that he waits 3 hours in line to get one passenger and that passenger doesn't know there is a shuttle to the Marriot Irvine. I mentioned that it might not be the best earning strategy to wait in a 3 hour line to get one fare, but he wasn't impressed. The ride was still a $8 cab ride, but I guess that wasn't enough. Welcome to the OC?
Tomorrow, starts my reason of being here: UCI's Admit weekend. I hope to get a head start meeting some of my classmates by laying the foundation for some good future relationships. I am still debating if I want the optional school tour at 12pm. I think it will depend on how well rested I am (sidenote: I appologize for any typos, but it is now approaching 2:30am EST and I am spent). I will keep you updated on how it goes.
Toodles.
Upon arrival I tracked down the cab area. I read a list of shuttles and the Irvine Marriot was not on it. So I got a cab. When I told the cabbie I wanted to go tot he Irvine Marriot, he looked at me with scorn. Unbeknowst to me the Irvine Marriot does have a shuttle. While driving to the hotel, he went on a rant saying that he waits 3 hours in line to get one passenger and that passenger doesn't know there is a shuttle to the Marriot Irvine. I mentioned that it might not be the best earning strategy to wait in a 3 hour line to get one fare, but he wasn't impressed. The ride was still a $8 cab ride, but I guess that wasn't enough. Welcome to the OC?
Tomorrow, starts my reason of being here: UCI's Admit weekend. I hope to get a head start meeting some of my classmates by laying the foundation for some good future relationships. I am still debating if I want the optional school tour at 12pm. I think it will depend on how well rested I am (sidenote: I appologize for any typos, but it is now approaching 2:30am EST and I am spent). I will keep you updated on how it goes.
Toodles.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
The Reality Of It All Is Becoming Surreal.
The deposit has been paid. New housing is being arranged. Our condo is being prepared for sale. My MBA journey is rapidly gaining a corpeal form; moving from good idea to an dramatic action that will greatly impact my family's life.
Butterflies are setting in. We have just agreed to expend the majority of our savings, go into more debt, and relocate 2500 miles to a foreign country in the gamble that this endeavor will bring us greater opportunities and a better life. This reality is spurring me to re-appreciate the quality of our current life. We make a decent living. The quality of living is high here. The city is relatively safe. The spring weather has allowed me to go onto my balconey and appreciate the tranquility of my city. Life is good.
The biggest enemy of change is the comfort of familiarity. It is that enemy I now face. As in business, when embarking on change, one must, first, charge forward and implement it. Then, and only then, can one properly evaluate the success of the decision. I made this life changing decision to round out my education, for the opportunity to be immersed around more technology companies and the chance to expand my contact network. It is my confidence that we fully considered this decision that drives me forward in defiance of the pangs of comfort.
Next weekend is UCI's Admit Weekend. I am driving down to Detroit to fly out on Thursday (If anyone is getting in Thursday night let me know). I will tell all about the experience when I return.
Butterflies are setting in. We have just agreed to expend the majority of our savings, go into more debt, and relocate 2500 miles to a foreign country in the gamble that this endeavor will bring us greater opportunities and a better life. This reality is spurring me to re-appreciate the quality of our current life. We make a decent living. The quality of living is high here. The city is relatively safe. The spring weather has allowed me to go onto my balconey and appreciate the tranquility of my city. Life is good.
The biggest enemy of change is the comfort of familiarity. It is that enemy I now face. As in business, when embarking on change, one must, first, charge forward and implement it. Then, and only then, can one properly evaluate the success of the decision. I made this life changing decision to round out my education, for the opportunity to be immersed around more technology companies and the chance to expand my contact network. It is my confidence that we fully considered this decision that drives me forward in defiance of the pangs of comfort.
Next weekend is UCI's Admit Weekend. I am driving down to Detroit to fly out on Thursday (If anyone is getting in Thursday night let me know). I will tell all about the experience when I return.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thank God They Gave the Little Girl the SUV!
I want to take a moment from the regularly scheduled program to note that finally justice has been served! Tim Hortons has awarded the disputed SUV to the 10 year old girl!
To bring the non-Canadians up to speed: Tim Hortons (affectionately known as Tim's) is a chain of coffee/donut shops that Canadians religiously attend with more frequency and devout fervor than their church. Unlike America's unhealthy obsession with pastries, in Canada coffee/donut shops are all about our unhealthy obsession with coffee (be careful America the chain and its addictive coffee are expanding into the U.S.). Tim's has an annual pagan ritual for its worshippers: "Roll Up the Rim to Win". Contrary to your first impression that it is some type of sex rite, "Roll Up the Rim to Win" is a contest where coffee drinkers can unroll the rim of their paper coffee cup and they can win anything from a free donut to an SUV.
You now have the context. Let me give you the situation. One of Tim's faithful finished his sacrament of drinking the coffee of Tim, but performed the heretical act of throwing away the coffee cup without rolling up the rim! The faithful follower was punished when a 10 year old girl (well-versed in the in the religious rites of Tim) picked the discarded cup from the garbage in order to roll up the rim. The girl had trouble rolling up the rim, so she asked her 12 year old friend to help her. The friend rolled up the rim to discover that the cup was a SUV winner!
It only goes downhill from here. In a concerted effort to demonstrate that we, Canadians, love litigation as much as Americans, the 12 year old's parents decided that they were entitled to the vehicle as it was their child who did the physical unrolling. At this point I should mention that there are unconfirmed reports that Tim's puts something in their coffee that make the Canadian population go stupid. The 12 year old's parents showed their resolve by taking the action to court. To take this religious nightmare one step further, the original Tim's faithful who consumed the product came forward, anonymously through his lawyer (for fear of being publicly stoned for not completing the rim rolling ritual), claiming that the cup and thus the SUV was rightfully his!
Tim's has finally ended the 10 year old's nightmare by officially awarding the SUV to her parents who will surely sell it or use equivalent proceeds to fortify the young girl's college fund. Now, the other parties can sue Tim's for their poor fortune. Sure, try to sue a god.
Read the ARTICLE.
To bring the non-Canadians up to speed: Tim Hortons (affectionately known as Tim's) is a chain of coffee/donut shops that Canadians religiously attend with more frequency and devout fervor than their church. Unlike America's unhealthy obsession with pastries, in Canada coffee/donut shops are all about our unhealthy obsession with coffee (be careful America the chain and its addictive coffee are expanding into the U.S.). Tim's has an annual pagan ritual for its worshippers: "Roll Up the Rim to Win". Contrary to your first impression that it is some type of sex rite, "Roll Up the Rim to Win" is a contest where coffee drinkers can unroll the rim of their paper coffee cup and they can win anything from a free donut to an SUV.
You now have the context. Let me give you the situation. One of Tim's faithful finished his sacrament of drinking the coffee of Tim, but performed the heretical act of throwing away the coffee cup without rolling up the rim! The faithful follower was punished when a 10 year old girl (well-versed in the in the religious rites of Tim) picked the discarded cup from the garbage in order to roll up the rim. The girl had trouble rolling up the rim, so she asked her 12 year old friend to help her. The friend rolled up the rim to discover that the cup was a SUV winner!
It only goes downhill from here. In a concerted effort to demonstrate that we, Canadians, love litigation as much as Americans, the 12 year old's parents decided that they were entitled to the vehicle as it was their child who did the physical unrolling. At this point I should mention that there are unconfirmed reports that Tim's puts something in their coffee that make the Canadian population go stupid. The 12 year old's parents showed their resolve by taking the action to court. To take this religious nightmare one step further, the original Tim's faithful who consumed the product came forward, anonymously through his lawyer (for fear of being publicly stoned for not completing the rim rolling ritual), claiming that the cup and thus the SUV was rightfully his!
Tim's has finally ended the 10 year old's nightmare by officially awarding the SUV to her parents who will surely sell it or use equivalent proceeds to fortify the young girl's college fund. Now, the other parties can sue Tim's for their poor fortune. Sure, try to sue a god.
Read the ARTICLE.
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