Public Speaking

Well its that time again for me.

It has been quite a few years since I even had to do any form of presentation (high-school). I have to do a short one tomorrow in one of my classes. It actually took me all high-school to get over the fear and finally be comfortable. Now since it has been about 3 years since then, the butterflies decided to come back. I am trying to focus myself and be as prepared as possible. Somehow it isn’t enough. Yup, deep breath, just thinking and writing about it getting me all hyped up.

Oh its 10% of my final mark too….

Any pointers? I realize that if anyone reads this I might have done the presentation, if that is the case, I am still open to ideas because there will be more to come.

I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow evening!

New Purchase!

(skip to bottom if reading a boring story of my day is not what your looking for and just want to know what the purchase really is!) 

 It was a pretty early morning today. I rose around 9am today, not bad for a weekend that’s for sure. I had to make a trip to the bank and pick up my regular weekly groceries. I was pleased to cash-in two government GST return cheques that are always a nice surprise in the mail. It really feels like free money when these bad boys roll in.

SO the past few days I have been just scouting the FutureShop website for various electronics that are new these days. I happened to come across a bunch of headphones, many of which are $100+ !!! I guess I have not really looked into this section before but geez those are some expensive ear speakers. I did however come across a set that was fairly priced and had really great reviews.

Alright so here is a little information on me, I have pretty small ears, yes smaller then average. The fact that I only own a pair of those ear plugs for headphones makes the listening experience quite painful after a good hour or so. The speakers on my laptop are sufficient at times, but the sound quality isn’t the greatest and I can still hear all external noise in the apartment. So what better then to get some nice headphones that cover the ears.

After the bank I wandered into FutureShop and bought myself the headphones! It is a bit funny to think that the government financed my purchase and actually received some of it back with the tax on the bill.

Anyways, I got my food and jumped on the bus back home.

I am happy to say that although my ears are quite small my head may just be average. My conclusion on this is that when the headphones were removed form the package they actually fit perfectly on my head without the need to resize them, what a relief. Im no Dumbo, but at least im no melon head either 

THESE HEADPHONES ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! THE QUALITY THESE THINGS PRODUCE IS UNREAL AND VERY COMFORTABLE!!!(not to mention I don’t know how loud I’m talking with them on)

The headphones are Panasonic Stereo Headphones (RPHTX7K).

A little description from the website “Retro-style Stereo Headphones for use with your MP3 Player or Personal CD Player for a quality listening experience. They have a distinctive padded headband and comfortable padded ear cushions. Also included is a 2 metre extension cord and stereo plug adaptor for home use.“

Some direction (goal 1)

Well from a post previous to this, I had decided that I should make some goals dealing with school in order to get myself on track. I have researched grad school tremendously the past few days to just get a sense of what they are looking for. It seems to be unanimous across the board for most schools and programs. My main focus right now was on academics, while this is only part of the process, others will come with the territory. Then the others like work experience and community involvement will definitely be something to begin deciding on next.

So the grade I must obtain approximately is B average minimum. You may be thinking not so hard, ya well lets say I messed up a bit in the first two years of undergrad and only have a C average right now. I usually don’t share that information but it is necessary if anyone wants to help. To start it all off, I am working towards a A- average this semester and feel fairly confident with this. However some days I am lacking the motivation and drive to be an A student. This blog seems to straighten it out though, and I can quickly reverse any negative barriers. Plus I have a lot of down time and enjoy reading everyone else’s posts.

How will I achieve this first step in my journey? Hard work and dedication. Simple, but not easy. One thing I have never done previous to this year is keeping up with all my courses and staying on top of homework. THIS MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I vouch for it 110% and cant believe the positive influence it has had on my education already.

Unrelated: One thing I feel I should work on is my shyness. It has been one thing I have struggled to get over and I cant seem to shake it. Any suggestions? I’m totally lost on this one.

Living with parents… taken for granted?

Well it seems after three years of living on my own during school I have learned there are many things that I have taken for granted when I was living with my parents. So I decided to make a list of things spanning a 5 minute time limit to see how much I can come up with. Since I am a slow typer, due to my non-conforming attitude to using all my fingers to type way back in elementary school in computer class, I have the bad habit of using a select few finger, I will first make the list then go back and explain a little about each point.

Here goes nothing

1. The Dishwasher - alright so doing the dishes regularly really is quiet annoying after growing up having a dishwasher. I must say I am getting better and do them usually after each meal so they don’t pile up. Unfortunately the roommates seem to do otherwise. There is a constant mess of dishes in and by the sink but I shouldn’t complain, that’s student living!
2. Clean clother & laundry - well I was one of those lucky, spoiled, whatever you want to call me kids that hardly had to do laundry. Now that I think back on it, carrying the clothes up and down the stairs was nothing. Plus it was free! Now it costs $2 to wash in a puny washer and another $2 to dry in a dryer that barely works. $4 later and I have maybe 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, a sweater, and some boxers clean…. killer.
3. Groceries - this was maybe the most under-rated aspect of life I miss. While shopping for your own food can be fun and you get what you really really want, the long trip and the act of dodging the tunnel-vision shoppers is quite tiresome and well not so fun anymore. However the children running around always make me laugh, especially in the winter time with the big boots and head bobs, reminds me of Woody from Toy Story.
4. Quiet house - well 5 students in a small apartment, its bound to be loud. I am happy to finally say I invested in ear plugs today.
5. Space - with only my bedroom to retreat to now it does take time to get used to. However having someone around all the time is nice too. Also the space to spread out, the bedroom is kinda cramped.
6. Money - man I miss the odd 20 here and there.
7. Vehicle to drive - woohoo go city transit!
8. New stuff - a gift here and there were nice to come home to.
9. Cleanliness - cleaning is a pain, especially cleaning up after others, I don’t know how the ‘rents did it, sorry mom and dad.
10. Meals - nothing beats mom’s home-cooked meals.
11. Bills - yeah, well, not so fun.
12. Rent - you cant beat free rent!
13. Medicine - the med box is a life saver.
14. The little things - we’ve all been there, you need something, sure enough it is around. Batteries for instance.
15. Dog - I really miss my dog, Gilmour. After Dougy of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
16. Bathroom & Shower - the bathroom and shower were always open when I needed it.
17. The Parents - well almost forgot that one, great people.

Alright that wasn’t too bad.

What did you take for granted when growing up?

Tims to start the day

Well its fairly early in the day still, around noon here.

I got up early this morning and stumbled down the hallway in the dark to the bathroom. This is possibly the greatest thing about being the first one up, all the hot water. After a stunning shower I decided to head across the road to start my day off right and give myself a nice boost of caffeine. Yes, I do have a Timmy’s (Tim Hortons) directly across the street from me. This is the first time I have been able to use the gift card I received for Christmas, a large regular and a simple swipe of the card and I was on my way back to enjoy a wondrously warm sensation to begin the day in the right way.

A simple bowl of Corn Flakes spiced with mixed nuts and fresh fruit and coffee made the perfect breakfast.

Off to class I went… I guess the coffee had woken me up to what I failed to notice before, ice everywhere! It was an interesting walk up the street to class to say the least.

Class was good and quite interesting. Financial instruments was the topic today, a few brief descriptions and a collection of small mathematical equations. Alright maybe not so interesting… but no more classes for the day, a nice early weekend.

What is to come? A few hours at the library doing some assignments and homework questions. Then possibly cook up a feast for dinner of whatever is leftover… chicken, potatoes, red pepper and carrots. Any idears?

Sandwiches

What is your favourite sandwich?

I have to admit, when it comes to a choice in meals, I could eat a sandwich for every meal!

I think being in school and the constant rush and uneven time schedule, I have adopted the sandwich as a meal of choice. I cant remember the last weekday that has gone by where I haven’t managed to grab a few slices of bread and concocted a mouth watering meal from the heavens.

Usually when grocery shopping I look around for a new freshly baked loaf of bread that catches my eye. Next I make my way down to the deli in search of the perfect slices of meat to compliment the soft rich bread. Now this meat has to be shaved nice and thin in order to create a master piece. My logic behind this is that it can make many more sandwiches and the flavors mix so tremendously well this way, its a must. Don’t forget about the cheese! This is essential, depending on the meat of course, will determine the cheese. Stronger flavored meats such as smoked meats and roast beef should be joined in matrimony with stronger cheeses. A good all time classic is cheddar with the stronger meats, however mild meat like chicken or turkey should be accompanied with something like swiss or gouda. Don’t be shy with quality though, stay away from the processed, otherwise the sandwiches will all taste the same. Then anything else you may feel like adding to make it interesting like vegetables: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mild onion, pickles. Sauce, a very important aspect not to be taken lightly. This can make or break the sandwich, too much or too little can leave you unsatisfied. Tzatziki is terrific, mustard is a must and for a little extra protein punch some cottage cheese. I know, I know, it sounds weird, but for those of you that actually like the taste, its very good. Try mixing it with tzatziki, you don’t even know its there. “Would you like that toasted?” YES PLEASE! Throwing this baby in a toaster oven to warm it up and melt the cheese makes it really come together, leaving me wanting more everytime.

Passionate Profs

This really is a first for me, or at least the first time I have noticed anyway. After two full years of university I have finally hit the bulls-eye on good, intelligent, passion professors.

I must say that once the title is given so many great things can automatically be applied. Intelligence, high communication skills, interest in their students and full classes.

It must be a good semester or something but I just landed a jackpot of teachers. All four of my courses have come supplied with a fantastic prof willing to give me what I payed for. Going to class is no longer a chore or a burden on anything else I could be doing but probably shouldn’t be doing. Sure, part of it is that my priorities have changed and my focus and motivation to be successful has been located. But seriously, I have some really passionate professors.

When choosing courses I was fortunate to have a friend that has taken the courses previously to me chip in what professors to go for, what a great thing to have. Also Rate My Professor is a great resource to utilize when the choice of professors can be made. Check it out for sure, it has many countries and virtually all schools I would imagine. But you have to take it all as it is, exaggerations and underestimations. You do get the odd insightful post, but that is the beauty of averages.

I look forward to tomorrow, more class, something I wouldn’t have ever thought I may think or say. I am grateful.

Cheers.

So Many Options, pre-goal stage

Well after a very busy and eventful weekend I finally found time to get a little research on some information I only had small knowledge of in my educational career. It definitely is a career for the amount of time invested so far and the many years to come, I’m not complaining. I really enjoy learning, more so now than ever.

Well looking at a few post undergraduate directions that my current school offers I have made a conclusion on what I will need to achieve in order to further my education.

Beginning with grades, on the high end I will need a B+ average for any specific programs like MSc in Supply Chain Management. However I am not sure I would like to be that specific at this point in time. On the lower end since I have no work experience at all, not even a small amount, I am only applicable for Coop versions of a MBA or MABE. Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Arts in Business Economics respectively. These two require slightly less in terms of grades, being a B average in the last 10 courses taken. Not to bad if I think about it, some hard courses up there but I will be able to manage it.

A GMAT test score of 650 for the Management direction and other courses of the like. On the other hand the MBA and MABE only require a 550. Unless of course I have a B average in the famous Calculus, then the GMAT test will be waived.

I do have to have references from academics when I apply for the MBA or MABE, 3 to be exact. I don’t consider this much of a problem as I get further into my education as I will get to know them as it goes along.

An interesting note is the amount of people that do not seem to proceed on into the following years of the education in many subjects. I guess the weeding out processes of the schools in the first two years is significant. I look forward to be a few rather then a bunch.

Next step will be researching various schools of interest and see what they offer.

Please all input would be greatly appreciated.

Second day of classes, a continuation

Well I managed to survive the second day of classes. In truth though, it was a much easier day today minus the January rain that should be snow. I attended a macroeconomic course in the early afternoon and natural resource economics in the evening. Both teachers again are fantastic, this couldn’t be a more perfect time to get such quality teachers. I am completely motivated being quite a nerd reading and doing work, a first for me.

I have had the chance now to witness the difference between a science oriented curriculum now to a business side. The quality of everything on this side of the fence is much better: teachers, textbooks, classrooms, the courses themselves. Who knows, maybe I found my calling? It sure seems like a possibility.

I have decided against another blog, when this will be sufficient enough anyways.

It seems as though the feeling that my throat was on the verge of becoming sore, has subsided a bit. I don’t know know whats up with that? Just when I thought a “tease” was irritating, I much rather have this then an aching throat.

NEXT: build some damn goals to work towards in education. No more blindfold in a maze, when the maze itself is hard enough.

First Day of Classes

Well today was the day classes begun for the new term. Today only consisted of two classes but I’m still pretty tired from it all. Both my teachers seem very good and intelligent as well as passionate about their work, a big plus. I dislike the boring teachers reading straight from the slides with no enthusiasm, definitely hard to follow.

One day, two classes and I one load of work to already keep up on. Mainly reading so I don’t mind and its all introductory, so slightly less important and very general.

On another note, I had a terrible sleep last night, I am starting to get sick, hopefully it will pass.