tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188170102024-03-07T04:59:55.578-05:00MBA Cutie...Life on the road to Ross School of Business at U of M... GO BLUE!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-83960731586919569132007-06-12T22:49:00.000-04:002007-06-12T22:59:03.632-04:00A Crappy Day.. after so many good ones!I'm back in New York. And now I remember why I wanted to leave! So NYC is fun... sometimes! Last night I actually paid $16 for one martini. Yes, for ONE martini, not TWO, not FOUR, but ONE. And that didn't even include the tip. Welcome back to NYC, MBA Cutie!<br /><br />Today, after training, I ran all the way to the Equinox on 43rd and 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> to catch the Brazilian Butt and Brazilian Tummy Tuck classes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OMG</span>, the pain! I wonder if they will pay off. I'm almost afraid to go to bed because I don't know if I can take the burn tomorrow. Anyway, I exit Equinox at 6:30ish, and it is pouring rain. It's pouring rain in the middle of June! (Oh, how wonderful you are, California, my love!) Thank goodness I hadn't changed back into my work clothes. I ran through the streets back to my hotel only to discover that my cell phone wasn't working. I would open it up, but the screen would be totally blank, yet it buzzed and lit up just like it was really receiving text messages and phone calls. How terribly frustrating!<br /><br />I came into the hotel, forked over $14.95 to get online access in my room (oh yes, thank you again, spiteful New York!), and then found where the closest Verizon store was. I had only 25 minutes to make it there before it closed. Out into the rain again. I made it. They fixed it.<br /><br />My big lesson: Never again will I buy a Motorola phone. Oh wait, maybe it was never again will I come to NYC without an umbrella... even in summer.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-12130435671066195382007-06-09T22:46:00.000-04:002007-06-09T22:58:19.024-04:00Seattle, Banking, and a whole life still left to go...The return to the bay after a week in Seattle has been relaxing, but it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">excrutitating</span> to be away from my almost hubby. I think I've gotten so used to being around him, and even though being in the bay used to make me so excited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">because</span> it meant going out, going out, and more going out, my "going out" itch has waned significantly. I think I have quite a bit of a nesting itch.<br /><br />So I was reading this article yesterday about MBA spending... and it really scared me. During recruiting season, I really felt that particular recruiters put undue financial expectations on full time MBA students. My parents didn't understand why I had to have such good suits (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">because</span> I'd look awful standing next to someone who was dressed more impeccably than me), why I had to fly to New York when no one had offered me a job (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">informationals</span>), and why having a drink on Thursday and Friday evenings was so important (how else do you network and socialize!). It is hard to adjust the other way once you have worked and had a good income, but the loan does frighten me. A lot, actually. Whatever happened to being a student? Sure, I want a job, but I don't want to break the bank in the process of trying to get one! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Especially</span> when there are no guarantees in life.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-30349034695977034252007-06-06T15:51:00.000-04:002007-06-06T15:58:51.356-04:00I have too many clothesThe recent move back to California for the summer has left me with one true observation. I have way too many clothes... most of which I don't wear, are the wrong size, I have no idea why I bought them, or are just too young looking for my current lot in life. I guess it's time to start kissing the going out all night partying MBA Cutie goodbye. She needs to trade in her wardrobe for some good staples that make her look hot, sexy, sophisticated, and not juvenile!<br /><br />That means she has to give up her target jeans...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hmm...</span> this may be harder than I thought....MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-39855599614672792922007-04-01T23:21:00.000-04:002007-04-01T23:26:02.355-04:00April Fool's!It's April Fool's Day! <br /><br />I managed to get away without being fooled. However, I guess I was slightly fooled. My team is at work on our MAP project, and we were suppoed to have a meeting in NYC tomorrow. I told my girlfriend I'd be back in New York for the weekend, and then at the last minute... plans were cancelled. So that was my only April Fool's Day gift.<br /><br />Other than that, school has been busy, I've hardly been going out. I'm discovering that wedding planning is a lot more work than I had expected. It's really hard to coordinate eveyrone's thoughts (including mine, my fiance's, and our families'). I'm also getting over the stomach flu, so this weekend really was so-so.<br /><br />Oh well. More news when it happens!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-10756729665755090492007-03-12T23:15:00.000-04:002007-03-12T23:34:31.499-04:00... & Baby!No, no, NO! Not me! I'm talking about <em>Shopaholic & Baby</em>! I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet, but I was so excited when I saw it in a bookshop in the airport on the way to New York last week. I can't wait to read it. There are a couple of other books out there that I've been dying to get my hands on, including <em>Freakanomics</em>. No, I still haven't read it yet. *sigh*MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1173666516533738572007-03-11T23:16:00.000-04:002007-03-11T23:28:36.560-04:00Return of the MBA CutieI've been gone. I know I have. I've ignored my blog for months. But I have lots of news for my readers... If I have any readers left! I'm ENGAGED! And here's how it happened....<br /><br />So I started dating this guy that is in the Business School at Michigan also. We have been inseparable for months... as anyone here can tell you! For spring break we went to Italy... and while touring around Venice he popped the question. And of course I said yes!<br /><br />The second highlight of our trip to Italy the chance to visit Milan during fashion week. We had a few drinks at Just Cavalli (Roberto Cavalli's lounge, located in the middle of a park in Milan). It was incredible. Jewels and fur everywhere! Our table had a beautiful couture dress "frozen" into the tabletop. Interesting clientele... lots of girls clearly looked like they were in Milan for runway shows, but many of them looked so very young. There were also a lot of couples with older men and very, very young girls. One of the Milanese girls we were with said that it's a very common thing. The business is so harsh and many girls are willing to do anything to get a break or a chance to walk down the runway for even just one show.<br /><br />Since my return to the states, I had go back to my old stomping grounds and spend the second half of last week in New York City. Our MAP projects have started at school. I came back to AA to find out that my soon to be hubby is on his way to Brazil... and I won't see him for 5 weeks. Could be an interesting 5 weeks. Stay tuned!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1165867105523867202006-12-11T14:47:00.000-05:002007-03-09T11:13:36.560-05:00If you wait long enough...When it comes to celebrity couples, if you wait long enough, it seems that none of them manage to stay together. This weekend my girlfriend came to town and we (my boyfriend and I) took her out around Ann Arbor and had her participate in various activities taking place with b-school friends. One of these activities was CELEBRITY CHARADES, where we put numerous celebrity names into a bowl and then went through three rounds: (1) describe but cannot say the name, (2) act out, (3) one word description. It was actually a lot of fun! But it got me thinking... of most of the celebrity couples out there, how many of them have actually managed long term success as a couple? And, of those that seem to be doing well, how much longer will it last?<br /><br />Just yesterday, as I continued on my new Fox Reality Network binge (and if you haven't checked out this channel, OMG! You HAVE to!!!!), I saw an announcement that Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn are now over too? I'm not sure if this is true, but there is speculation about everyone and everything! Not that it's not well deserved! Between the recent splits of Jennifer and Brad, Jennifer and Ben, Denise and Charlie, and Britney and Kevin (because absolutely no one saw that one coming), it makes me wonder if it's even worth it to continue to pay attention to any of it. My boyfriend freaks out, because as one of the few MBA 1 couples here at Ross, he sometimes feels the attention may push us to the celebrity level of public monitoring. However, I don't think there is need to be that vain. As far as I know, we are last semester's news. There is always enough drama out there to help divert attention. I hope so anyway!<br /><br />Maybe some sort of hedging instrument can be created. One that will derive it's value from the length of a celebrity couple's relationship. Damn, I should have shorted my KFed stock last month. :(MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1163646720379657132006-11-15T22:06:00.000-05:002006-11-15T22:12:00.420-05:00Cheating or Not?Yes, I'm a slacker. I haven't posted in ages. But then, I did promise this game, didn't I? Not all of these things happened to me, so a few events have been altered and persons changed to protect their identities. <br /><br />Happenings in b-school... is someone cheating or not? <br /><br />(a) Pretty girl with boyfriend chats with her guy friend who has a girlfriend at a party in downtown. They laugh, drink, and hang out. Guy mentions to her that inspite of having a girlfirend he is available.... cheating or not? <br /><br />(b) Girl with boyfriend spends time talking to old hook up friend... with the intent of making her boyfriend jealous... cheating or not?<br /><br />(c) Guy with girlfriend spends prolonged periods of time studying with other girls, who are not in his section or on a team with him... cheating or not?<br /><br />(d) Guy with girlfriend regularly goes to local bars, drinks, and makes out with local undergrads... cheating or not?<br /><br />oh the list is endless!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1161994176589114592006-10-31T08:01:00.000-05:002007-02-19T10:15:03.120-05:00When is cheating, cheating?I read an interesting article on the plane the other day. It was about things that every girl should discuss with their significant other so that they are on the same page as far as where the relationship stands. One of the most important things to discuss, supposedly, is your mate's definition of what constitutes cheating. I was a little surprised, but then the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I mean, what really DOES constitute cheating?<br /><br />- Is flirting cheating?<br />- Is hugging someone goodbye cheating?<br />- Is talking for hours on end with someone other than your SO on the phone cheating?<br />- Is kisssing cheating?<br /><br />Surprisingly enough, many people seem to think the only way you can cheat on someone is to have sex with someone else. Others actually seem to think that even talking to anyone that you may have ever had any romantic interests in is cheating. In the world of b-school the lines get even blurrier. In the spirit of one of my friend's comments this weekend, as to whether or not anyone at our table had played "fake or not", let's play a little game over the next few posts... the game of "B-school Solicitation: Cheating or Not?"MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1161993585050872602006-10-27T19:47:00.000-04:002006-10-28T13:58:15.100-04:00Chocolate at the PenI'm going to have <a href="http://chicago.peninsula.com/pch/dining_03.html">Chocolate at the Pen</a> tomorrow night! It's been ages since I've been to Chicago. And I have to miss the homecoming game to make it out there, but I'm not exactly sure when else I'll have the chance to have an all chocolate dinner and then enjoy cocktails on the rooftop of the W Lakeshore Chicago. <br /><br />Much has happened since my last update. We survived finals, and I even managed to make it out to Leopolds the night before my Strategy final. I didn't stay long, but all the studying and lack of movement really got to me, and I knew that I had to get out or I'd scream and self-destruct. The second wine event took place on October 13th (Friday the 13th!!!), and it was so much fun. I think I drank a little more wine than I really needed to. Maybe these are the times that it's nice to have a boyfriend who wants to make sure you get home safely, even if he catches you talking to people that it's probably better for you to stay away from now that you are attached... Needless to say I didn't stay long at Oz with the others in my class, to dance off the wine. A good night's sleep and two asprin in the morning just seemed so much more enticing. <br /><br />We celebrated the end of finals with a fabulous Halloween party. I was a goregeous Cleopatra, and I made my entire outfit myself. I was so proud! NOW, onto my gripes about halloween costumes. Do costume makers realize that women are different heights? Something that's designed to be hoochie on someone that is 5'2'' will make someone like me look like total trash if I chose to wear it out! I tried on outfit after outfit after outfit at Halloween USA and not ONE of them was long enough to cover my behind in any sort of reasonable fashion. Not any of the CUTE ones anyway. Finally, I decided to throw in the towel, headed over to Jo-Ann Fabrics and bought some cream linen to put together my own Cleopatra outfit. Which I think everyone loved. Well, it doesn't matter because at least I loved it. <br /><br />My boyfriend's birthday was last Sunday, but since I headed home to Fremont, I didn't get to spend the day with him. I made it up to him when he came out here for West Coast Forum. We went out three nights in a row: Nola's on Tuesday, Santana Row on Wednesday, and then out in the Marina in SF on Thursday. I think he had a good time. I had a good time having him around. I'm looking forward to heading back to Ann Arbor tonight. I'm actually starting to miss the place. (Crazy, huh?) But I will really miss the weather out here.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1160665949222888952006-10-12T10:58:00.000-04:002006-10-12T11:12:29.303-04:00One more week to go...How is it that my blogging has fallen to the wayside? People really aren't joking when they say that b-school is ridiculously busy. I've stopped calling my friends back. I've stopped talking to my family every day. All interactions I have with the real world are through my laptop, which has become my new lifeline. I don't know what it would do if it disappeared, or even worse, one day, just didn't turn on. <br /><br />A few interesting events have managed to take place during my blogger absentee-ism days...<br /><br />The first snow of the season fell today. It didn't stick, but it was cold, and it was pretty, and it only lasted about 5 minutes. But I guess that's it. The snow has started, the winter is coming, and how is MBA Cutie going to stay warm?<br /><br />A new column, <em>Ross Goss</em>, has started up in our school newspaper, <em>The Monroe Street Journal</em>. I have to say I have mixed feelings about it. I thought it was ridiculously funny even though there was a slight jab at me (I think) in it, but I am so annoyed that so many people are coming up to me and asking me if I write it. First of all, I'm a little disappointed I wasn't approached to write it. I mean, obviously I know how to utilize a "gossipy" tone of voice and like to go out. But then, maybe that's exactly why they didn't ask me to do it. Because everyone would figure out that MBA Cutie is writing over-time. Anyway, I wouldnt' be able to keep all the good fodder in my blog if I had to get involved with that. So a disappointed and rejected MBA Cutie says the column is good, but maybe the person(s) that writes it can bring me in as a consultant from time to time? :) I mean, of course, ONLY if I'm value added. <br /><br />My experience at GBR decided to follow me this weekend... right to the B-School bus after the Michigan State game. It was ... surprising... as I didn't expect to ever see (or have to see?) this person again. For a short amount of time, it was very possible that three people that know me a little better than most were all in a 500 sq ft vicinity. Scary! I was a little disappointed that the surprise visitor didn't inform me that they were coming, but then again, I guess I have no right to be disappointed. I don't exactly keep them abreast of all my developments either.<br /><br />And ... what you have all been waiting to know... yes, MBA Cutie has agreed to couple up. She met another MBA Cutie of the opposite sex, and then eventually gave in, to letting him call her his girlfriend. Oh wait, I think she calls him her boyfriend, too. But don't worry loyal readers, there will still be plenty of fun and antics in the next two years... whether MBA Cutie is coupled up or not.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1159768815434739552006-10-02T01:36:00.000-04:002006-10-16T20:00:14.526-04:00TO-GA, TO-GA!That's right! This MBA Cutie went to her first toga party this weekend, courtesy of the Hill House. I had never been to one before, so the whole evening was quite an adventure. Knowing that there is only one majorly good fabric store in Ann Arbor, I rushed out with <a href="http://www.microfinancegirl.blogspot.com/">Microfinance Girl</a> on Wednesday to purchase a toga in my chosen color... Lavendar! And I found exactly what I wanted. Luckily enough, the sales girl happened to be an "antique costumer", so she showed us the best way to wrap togas (so simple, but totally authentic looking!), and we were on our way.<br /><br />I wasn't exactly sure how to accessorize, so I consulted my fashionista friend. She said lots and lots of gold jewellery! Thankfully, I have plenty of the fake stuff, since I had just bought a few sets while I was in India. And a necklace became my new crown. I curled my hair and tried to look as "grecian" as possible. I even changed my eye color to green. <br /><br />First, we had a section 4 preparty at one of our section mates houses. Another girl in my section was celebrating her birthday, so we had a cake, sang, and got excited. When I came to pick up my roomate, <a href="http://www.thearwenperspective.blogspot.com/">Arwen</a>, she was all decked out and looking absolutely fabulous. The line to dance with her on Friday night was long, and competitive! Lots of belated birthday tidings came her way as well. More than a few people noticed her popularity, but then again, I expected nothing less from the most fabulous looking girl there! The party wasn't very crowded, which was great, because there was plenty of room to dance without bumping into anyone. My guy didn't end up coming (yes... details in a later post... I promise!), but I still had a good time and people seemed to like my toga and accessorizing efforts. It was a fun night, but one that ended a little earlier than I expected... I got a late night call and had to get home... but Arwen managed to stay a lot longer than me. And I know she had a fabulous time. <br /><br />And yes, today is my birthday! Congratulate MBA Cutie as she welcomes in her 25th year!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1159409118279035592006-09-27T21:52:00.000-04:002006-09-27T22:05:18.320-04:00Mud BathI've slacked on the posting. I admit it. Things just kind of came about in a whilwind over the past few days and I haven't have time to breathe. Drinking hard and studying hard totally takes a toll on your body. Maybe too much of a toll on mine. I had forgotten about the "freshmen 15" but considering the amount of alcohol we all can <em>legally</em> ingest the second we arrive at business school, I wonder if it should actually be called the "MBA 40" or something like that. Physical therapy just hasn't been enough. I need to get myself out of bed early enough to actually make it to Ballys more often.<br /><br />I know everyone is dying to know... how good did our victory over Wisconsin feel this weekend? GO BLUE! Totally awesome. And it was followed by an even more awesome tailgate, sponsored by Target. Food catered by Zingerman's, a fully stocked Bloody Mary bar, all you can take goodies from Archer Farms (target's generic premium brand). Smartly, or stupidly? I decided to go ahead and sell my ticket for the Michigan State game. I know, I know. But what I've found is that after a morning of drinking (YES! I finally made it out to the first year pre-bus breakfast!), standing through the game is a lot more work than I expected it to be. That and waiting for the bathroom, and the general density of the crowd just gets to me. So me and my , uh.. how do I put this, "current man" (CM) decided to take a break from the game at half time and rejoin the bus.<br /><br />At the tailgate, CM got a phone call. His friend's car had been towed! So we had to leave the tailgate and go help him out. We were to tired to return, but I wish I had! Supposedly, everyone was so excited and with so many out of town guests, the dancing just took off, there was beer sprayed everywhere. Target bags strewn out into the street. And eventually, it just became one, wild, muddy party. Damn. I need to make sure I make it out there post game on October 7th. <br /><br />Toga Party this FRIDAY!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1158798937860873992006-09-20T20:20:00.000-04:002007-02-19T09:54:05.016-05:00Coming OutThis is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions any MBA Cutie has to make: once you spend enough time with someone, should you come out into the open and let the whole class know? Or should you continue to lay low, analyze your options, and not take yourself off the market too quickly? Definitely the question of the week at Ross it seems, as Cupid manages to dart around and shoot at various members of our first year class. We all say that we are here to date guys from the med school, the law school, or the undergrad super seniors, but the truth is, when you are around the same people day in and day out, you can't dodge every arrow, and you may find yourself in the predicament that some of the MBA Cuties in our class have discovered. To come out, or not to come out?<br /><br />As a whole our class has been good at keeping things under wraps. Unfortunately, events with lots and lots of alcohol do manage to extract even the best kept secrets, as a few of us found out at our infamous bus, wine club and tailgates over the past few weeks. Needless to say, there are benefits in either direction.<br /><br />Pro Come-Out:<br />1) You don't have to worry about people finding out.<br />2) It's ok to leave parties together and if you are caught holding hands, that's ok too.<br />3) Less pressure, no jealousy. You don't wonder if the cute co-ed your man or cutie is talking to is someone trying to move in on the other person.<br />4) You can join the ranks of the many who have passed through the halls of B-School and dipped their pen in the school ink. Hey, it's good practice for life in the real world, right?<br /><br />Con Come-Out:<br />1) You will have the most public relationship ever. And you thought Jessica Simpson had it bad.<br />2) Past hook ups may come out of the woodwork and taunt you internally, or your significant other externally.<br />3) You are immediately off the market. Even if you WANT to play a little, there is no way you can get away without the other finding out unless you go outside the school.<br />4) If it all goes bad, you have to deal with working in groups and classes with this person. And everyone will know it.<br /><br />Inspite of all this, and inspite of the familiar saying "the odds are good, but the goods are odd", so many still decide to take the plunge and come out. All I can say is, try to pick someone in another section. If at all possible. And if not, well... at least you found someone you like... which is more than can be said for half of the world, so enjoy!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1158248509262821252006-09-14T11:27:00.000-04:002007-03-12T16:23:12.276-04:00CollisionIt's odd when two things from your past happen to collide. When I changed companies, I ended up working for someone who was pretty buddy-buddy with the CFO of my last company. When I moved cities, I ended up dating my old roomate's cousin. When I came to Michigan, I found an old friend I hadn't seen in four years, and he just happened to be living just 20 minutes away from me now. It's even stranger when thing from your not-so-distant past manage to collide. I guess the real question is: "stranger" or "more interesting"?<br /><br />I haven't been out here in Michigan for that long. I think it has barely been a month. I've still managed to create a little drama and have some adventures, but nothing too crazy... or so I thought.<br /><br />In spite of a late night on Friday, I managed to get myself up, and head out towards the stadium for the Central Michigan game on Saturday. Thank God I had the sense to wait for halftime, so I didn't have to worry about getting evacuated from the stadium (the first weather delay in the Stadium's history... 79 years!). I went to the tailgate (which was still just OK) which had a few humorful events... my favorite was when Muff was caught sleeping in the grass holding hands with a certain someone. (awww!!! how cute!) Afterwards, I went to the bus and began the usual process of alcohol ingestion... before I knew it, I was buzzed, dancing and screaming along with everyone. And I even got to hang out with a special someone who escorted a couple of us girls to Rick's for post-bus activities. I had a pretty good time, up until past (of about two weeks ago) decides to show up and meet present (as of now). I suppose I'm being vague, but with good reason. Let's just say that the collision was more mental for me than obvious to the colliders... but I hope to avoid those types of things in the future.<br /><br />That may mean I need to cut down on the drink.... hmmm... maybe collisions aren't so bad after all. What's life without a little drama?MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1157817806597605432006-09-09T11:57:00.000-04:002006-09-09T12:03:26.600-04:004amI am appalled that I can stay out until 4am. What on EARTH am I doing until 4am?? I still have not really figured it out. Last night wasn't the only night of 4am debauchery since I got to Ann Arbor. The evening unfolded innocently enough....<br /><br />My section decided to have a little after MBA Games get together at Leopolds, which was fun.. but a little calm. So a few of us decided to head over to a joint birthday party at Rush Street. Rush Street was fun... the music was awesome, we danced and drank, and before I knew it, it was time to go home. Ahhh... the drunken trail home. It's an interesting trail that seems to change it's path every few minutes. First we have to stop for pizza. Then we have to stop and talk to a bum on the road, because hey, when else would you want to stop and talk to a bum? Then we have to wait for the drunken friend that ends up seeing someone they know on the street and needs to hoot and holler for a while at them. Then some how, a good hour and a half later... you trip into your apartment... only to chug down a glass of water and then go to bed. <br /><br />The 8am breakfast so didn't happen. I'll be lucky to make it to the game by half-time.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1157763954072992792006-09-08T20:57:00.000-04:002006-09-13T10:37:01.266-04:00Social ExtravaganzaI have been lax with posting... a few quick updates since the last time I wrote:<br /><br />- I DID run for office, but didn't have to worry about the voting... because only one other person ran for the same position as me and we were both elected. So now I'm one of the official Cultural and Diversity Initiatives Committee Rep for Section 4.<br /><br />Ok, if I even TRIED to get started on the social menagerie that has become my life outside of classes for the past few days, I don't think can in any way really shed light on what it feels like to really be an MBA 1 at Ross. I'm surprised we're not all outfitted with IV lines during orientation. Seems like a much faster way to take in beer! That too.. the number of kegs is insane. I was talking to my friend in California during the week but had to tell him "Sorry, I have to go... I'm on my way to a keg-kill." It was 4:30 in the afternoon. Yes, I know. <br /><br />Shout Off and MBA Games were a blast, for more details, check out my other <a href="www.rossexperience.blogspot.com">blog</a>. I did come out ... I let a fellow classmate give me an "MBA Cutie" tattoo in permanent marker on my left tricep. Hey, anything for the section, right? I even have the full support of the section to launch <a href="http://www.mbacuties.com">www.mbacuties.com</a> (note the plural)... not exactly sure what the content would be... but I'm sure you all can use your imagination. <br /><br />Another thing I have realized, there are numerous people at Ross that I find I cannot have a normal conversation with when I'm sober, but the minute I'm drinking, they are the easiest people in the world to talk to. Sometimes I feel like going up to them and saying, "I swear, I'm really not a dumba$$. It's just that I have nothing to say to you when I'm sober."<br /><br />Well... I'm off to yet another drinking/ socializing/ "networking" event. More to come....MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1157398206368832002006-09-04T15:21:00.000-04:002006-09-04T15:30:06.413-04:00Days of RestTwo days without the consumption of alcohol. Quite a feat, considering I am in Ann Arbor and it was a "game" weekend. But these two days have been oh-so needed. I feel more rested and normal. AND, I've actually managed to start organizing my life a little bit. <br /><br />A bunch of people I know took off for Chicago this weekend for the NETIP conference. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Last year, I spent labor day weekend in Atlanta with my then-best friend... the NETIP conference happened to be going on there, but we weren't registered. We still managed to have a fabulous time, and we promised to go to Chicago this year together. Needless to say, that didn't happen. Although, I'm actually happy it didn't. The past few months with out her has really opened my eyes. While there are times I still miss her and wish I could call her or talk to her, this whole experience has taught me a few things:<br /><br />1) Never underestimate the power that a "guy" can have on your girlfriends.<br />2) Friendships run cycles in life and it's an unrealistic expectation to think that every single one will last forever.<br />3) I really can never call someone again (total cold turkey) if I have the will power.<br />4) When things aren't going well, it's good to remove yourself from things that you think are making your life more miserable than it needs to be.<br />5) Most of the time, people don't air their ideas because they want advice... they air them because they want validation or just an opportunity to think them through. Give and receive advice sparingly, and any advice you give should be incredibly neutral.<br /><br />I'm still pondering over whether or not to run for a section office. It may be fun to be more involved with the school, but I never was the type to run for these types of things in high school (or in college) for that matter. I am also a little worried about the amount of time it will take up. I have to decide quickly, elections, and nominations, are tomorrow!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1157309756852716142006-09-03T14:20:00.000-04:002007-02-19T09:13:57.796-05:00The First Game ... and the Last MatchWith Ross Leadership Program wrapping up, the UMBSA (University of Michigan Business Students Association) threw a party to celebrate on Thursday evening at the infamous Hill House. The Hill House is basically the "business" fraternity house. They had beer pong, tons of kegs, and a luge set up. After the closing speeches, I came home with my roomate, took a shower, changed, and then started in on the party circuit. I first went to a friend's BBQ and goodbye party, then walked over to my section's preparty, and then finally, after what seemed like hours later, found myself at the hill house. There were so many people there when we first walked up to the lot, I almost wanted to turn back. Nights at the Hill House are interesting... they are always full of drinking, dancing, and lots of random confusion. I can't say that this night was much different. There was a little additional excitement celebrating Agassi's victory that evening. Before I realized it, most of my friends had disappeared... and it was nearly 4am. I managed to find someone I knew to walk me home and then went home to get some well deserved sleep.<br /><br />Friday was pretty uneventful. I tried to get as much work done as possible, but still reeling from the previous night's events, it was hard to really get focused. I picked up my course packs, navigated the school library a bit, and then made it back home to sleep some more. We had our section party at Connor's on Friday evening. It was fairly quiet, as a lot of people seem to have gone out of town for the weekend. I got to meet a lot of the second years, who managed to come out that evening. I went home around 10:30pm. I was just too tired to have another night out... and the Michigan - Vanderbilt game was on Saturday.<br /><br />Some of the partying for the game started at 8am. I barely made it to the B-School bus by 10:45am. Everyone is so curious about the bus... basically, a bunch of students in the class of 2004 got together, purchased a bus, and painted it Blue and Maize. If you want to be part of the bus (actually buy a share), it costs $500, and then you get to party on the bus for every single home game and two of the away games. For those of us who are not members, it's $5 to drink all day. The bus provides keg after keg of beer for the morning, and afternoon. The fesitivites manage to continue until about 10pm. After our win against Vanderbilt, all the B-school students joined together for the UMBSA tailgate, which was not that exciting. After eating a veggie burger, I headed back to the bus with a few others, where we continued to drink and dance and have fun for a good portion of the afternoon. The party ended around 7:30ish, when we all went home, and then reconvened at the Hill House. I discovered some new-found abilities at flip cup. I never thought would really get into the whole beer drinking culture, but to a certain degree, beer almost gives a better buzz than hard liquor... the buzz is slower to take on, and because you have to drink so much beer to feel anything, the buzz is not as strong either. The lines to get into any of the bars last night was ridiculous, so we just called it a night and got home.<br /><br />This morning, I managed to catch Agassi's last tournament match ever. I admit, I cried. It was so hard to watch, especially as we could see him continue to struggle through each set against Benny Becker. It was a good game, and one that will be remembered for a long, long time.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1156812366234068992006-08-28T20:24:00.000-04:002006-08-28T20:46:09.283-04:00Where is it easier?Everyone always says "make sure you meet a guy in school, because once you're out, it's nearly impossible!". Now that I've had a solid week of drinking and socializing in the b-school, I do wonder if this really holds true. <br /><br />First of all, yes it IS easier to meet men in Business School. After all, there are 66% of them and only 34% of Cuties running around. However, whether this really increases the odds of meeting the RIGHT man I'm not so sure about. The huge advantage of being in school is that you have a well defined social network. People go out all the time. They are everywhere! And everyone is trying to meet everyone else. But I wonder what will happen once everyone knows everyone else. There are only 410 people per class Ross, a good sized portion of whom are already married or in a relationship. That means that eventually, every single person in the class will know of every other single person in the class. Of course, we have to consider the available individuals in the class above ours. It's a shame that business school is only two years! That means that there are only two classes of people, or around 850 individuals (350 of which are most likely unavailable). <br /><br />So, if you don't meet someone in your school, how is it easier to meet people when you are in school? If anything, wouldn't this almost limit your social network as you only hang out with those in the school, and have little exposure to those outside the school. I would think this actually has put a huge damper on mate-meeting potential, as before, while in the workplace, going out and exploring new cities meant an indefinite number of men. Suddenly, there are less than 400 now available.<br /><br />Perhaps the advantage lies in including the whole university community? If so, it seems to me that we're in the same boat we were in before we went to school. Maybe the real advantage for academics is because of the social nature of school. I know I'm much more likely to go have a drink after class on a Thursday afternoon now than I was to go to a bar on a Thursday night after a twelve hour work day.<br /><br />Who knows? Looks like the dating game finds a way to make a fair playing field for everyone. It's likely to be hard to meet the RIGHT guy any where, including in school. But then again, if the RIGHT guy isn't necessary, b-school is probably a great place to spend two years.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1156551944089531952006-08-25T20:09:00.000-04:002006-08-25T20:25:44.156-04:00Wrapping up the WeekMy first full week at Ross has come to a close. I haven't gone out this much since my LA days. The class is incredibly fun, and there are quite a few other Cuties! It makes things that much better when there are other cool people around.<br /><br />Yesterday was our first day of Orientation (you can find out more about how that went on my other <a href="www.rossexperience.blogspot.com">blog</a>), so afterwards quite a few people met up at Scorekeepers to start off the night with $1 long islands (YES, such a thing really exists!!! However, they aren't exactly good.. but they are still pretty potent), and $2.00 pitchers. My roommate and I headed over there at around 9ish. The weather in Michigan is so unpredictable! After a semi-cloudy day, the evening turned into insane thunderstorms. The rain was coming down in sheets. Thankfully, we were able to snag a ride over to the bar so we didn't get soaked walking in the rain. <br /><br />I chatted with <a href="www.microfinancegirl.blogspot.com">Microfinance Girl</a> , and a few other cuties. There is quite a large California and New York contingent at Ross. We all were busy sharing our M-Trek experiences (some people went on some amazing ones.... Costa Rica, Belize, Thailand and Bolivia... to just name a few), move-in horror stories, and information we had gathered regarding the availability of guys at U-M. General consensus seems to be that the law school guys are the ones to go for, that dating within Ross should be delayed for as long as possible to avoid awkward situations, and that a few evenings a week, if we get to the "diag" at exactly the right time, we can see a bunch of cute, scrub-clad medical residents scurry across on their way to the medical center for their night shifts. After Scorekeepers, we all wandered over to Rick's, which seems to be the place to go after 11pm.... thankfully the undergrads have not hit campus yet, so Rick's was not too crowded and quite a lot of fun. Waking up for orientation this morning was brutal.<br /><br />On our way out of orientation today, our Campus Tour Guide put up a sign ... we have another drinking night ahead of us... Saturday is our b-school picnic, followed by a house party... and then Tuesday is our "Welcome back Happy Hour". It will be a miracle if my liver makes it out of Ann Arbor alive!MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1156375341699251852006-08-23T19:11:00.000-04:002007-02-19T11:26:28.920-05:00KEGGER!Now that I'm settled into AA, I can give the low down on what really happens out here in the midwest... Boy, are those of us who call the coasts our home are totally missing out. <br /><br />Pros of a Michigan Social Life (GO BLUE!)<br /><br />(1) You NEVER have to get dressed up. You can toss on whatever, because everyone is so chill, and just head out the door.<br /><br />(2) You NEVER have to worry about what there is to do, because there is only ONE thing to do: DRINK! <br /><br />(3) Beer and Alcohol are cheaper here than in any other city I've ever lived in.<br /><br />(4) People are so very nice! And everyone likes to have a good time. (NO more NYC stick-up-the-you-know-what types.)<br /><br />In just the past six days I've managed to drink awesome Sangria at Dominicks, have home brewed ale and in-house distilled vodka at Leopolds, learn to play beer pong, learn to play dice, learn how to make a luge so I'm ready for winter-time, attended a kegger party and have taken my first suck at the beer bong. I guess I did a few school related things too, but if you are interested in reading about that, check out my other <a href="www.rossexperience.blogspot.com">blog</a>. Supposedly by the end of my time at Michigan, I will be immune to alcohol.<br /><br />It's interesting what excessive alcohol and reduced sleep can do to a person. It certainly leads to some interesting conversations. My current question of choice is does having fake boobs automatically mean that you cannot be intelligent? Last night at the kegger I was wondering around with my classmate, Goonie (his self inflicted nickname), searcing for a bathroom. No luck, so I get ready to head off to the b-school to use the bathroom. I turn around and run right into Goonie, who decided to just use the bushes. Whoops. Well maybe there are some advantages to being a guy. But then again, maybe not. ;)MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1156191545126655942006-08-21T16:10:00.000-04:002006-08-21T16:19:05.163-04:00Never a lender or a borrower be...To take a break from the trip posts for a day....<br /><br />I've always wondered, when you loan someone an article of clothing, and they get complimented on it, should the wearer be obligated to mention that the outfit is not theirs? I am not sure. I think it depends on the circumstance. For example, if the item is a ball gown or cocktail dress, and is worn to a formal where the original owner is not present, then no, the lendee should not have to say anything. But, if the item was borrowed and worn out to an event where the lender is present, it is almost rude to accept compliments on the item without mentioning the item doesn't belong to them. Once I loaned a brand new dress to a friend of mine. She wore it out to a party and everyone loved it. Then I wore it to another party. Everyone said they loved it, but do I know that so-and-so has the same one? grrrr.....<br /><br />Although, this brings an important point... when an article of clothing is complimented, is it the actual piece of clothing that is being complimented, or the way the wearer is wearing it? If it is the former, then the rights of the compliment definitely belong to the owner. However, if it is the later, maybe the compliment should have been "you look really great in that shirt".MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1156098797008831322006-08-20T13:32:00.000-04:002006-08-20T14:33:23.343-04:00Day 4: Travel to BangaloreAfter breakfast, we checked out of Le Royal Meridian, and then headed over to Anna Airport for our flight to Bangalore. We were on Jet Airways. This is the first time I've ever flown Jet. First of all, the stewards and stewardesses are attractive! Not at all like the Indian Airlines ones (who really are NOT attractive!) The flight to Bangalore was so short but they still served us lunch. <br /><br />The traffic in Bangalore is HORRENDOUS. Absolutely HORRENDOUS! Once we got to my grandma's house in Methekere, we went for a quick shopping trip to Maleshwaram. Lots of things were available.. not as good as commercial, but definitely a better buy.... We also visited Iskon temple, and the huge Hanuman temple, where my mom did a vada-mala puja. <br /><br />We got home around 9pm, had dinner, and went to bed.MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18817010.post-1155860317757483442006-08-17T19:12:00.000-04:002006-08-17T20:18:37.896-04:00Day 3: VitheeshwaranThe day commenced at 4:30am. After a fitful sleep, we all woke up, bathed, and rushed off to meet our driver. We had a 5 and 1/2 hour drive to Vitheeshwaran from Chennai. Okay, so here's the deal with South Indian Temples in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They open early in the morning at like 3 or 4am, and then they shut by noon. In Kerala, lots of them shut by 9am or 10am. Then, they don't reopen again until the late afternoon. So, if you don't make it to Vitheeshwaran by 9 or 10am, you won't get darshan (seeing the deity) unless you stick around until the late afternoon.<br /><br />For the most part, the road was good, and made great time to Vitheeshwaran (passing through Chidambaram, which also has an incredible temple and is home to my dad's undergaduate school, Annamalai University). Vitheeshwaran is famous for it's temple and it's Nadi tradition. A Nadi is a fortune teller, many of the most famous nadi lineages can be traced back to Vitheeshwaran. Despite the prodding of family members, I decided to not have my horoscope given. I know that if I had it, I would be thinking about it and would not live my life.<br /><br />So, we got to Vitheeshwaran fairly early, and managed to secure an abhishekham (ritual bathing) for 12pm. I wandered around the temple, ate panchamritham (a nectar made of five or more ingredients), read about the historical lore of the temple, dipped my feet into the bathing pool, watched volunteers counting the temples' gold and money stores, and witnessed a few babies have their heads shaved and ears pierced. By then it was noon. Vitheeshwaran is a very old temple, but it is not well maintained. There is graffitti and it's quite dark and dingy. During the abhishekham, a HUGE cockroach flew and landed on my brother. I SCREAMED and jumped up and ran away. Everyone laughed at me for being afraid of a cockroach. It was HUGE though! And still, GROSS!<br /><br />By the end of the day, I was definitely ready to get back to the Le Royal Meridian....<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5356/1850/200/P1010124.jpg" border="0" /> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5356/1850/200/P1010129.jpg" border="0" />MBA Cutiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161192617456990828noreply@blogger.com0