tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169737422024-02-20T06:49:04.360-05:00鬼嫁日記Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-36710329891893967542008-12-11T21:41:00.003-05:002008-12-11T21:47:14.715-05:00Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicRob and I are going to an all-inclusive resort at Punta Cana next week. I'm so excited. Hopefully, we will be able to find a new waterproof camera. We broke our previous one. =( <br /><br />The resort includes the basics, such as food and drinks; it also includes certain activities, such as non-motorized watersports, dance lessons, and horseback riding.<br /><br />Punta Cana, here we come!<br /><br />Hopefully, we won't be spending too much money on excursions... Then again, I haven't done ziplining yet. I don't think I'll dare to.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-13886079549156667592008-11-16T16:35:00.005-05:002008-11-20T21:25:23.519-05:00Our New Pets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://z.about.com/d/freshaquarium/1/0/F/R/goldfish34.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 155px;" src="http://z.about.com/d/freshaquarium/1/0/F/R/goldfish34.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Rob has been studying for tests daily. Since the start of the school year, he has had a test every week. Being in a competitive ivy league school, his class average is in the 90s which leaves no room for procrastination.<br /><br />He studies alone throughout the nights while I'm asleep. He wanted company, so he came up with the idea of getting pet fishes. I was completely against it, because I didn't want the responsibility of keeping a living creature alive. In my memory, fishes die very easily. In the end, we went to a pet store and shopped for fishes.<br /><br />We must have spent an hour debating if we wanted goldfishes or tropical fishes. If it was up to us, we would have mixed it. Since we can't, we decided to buy 2 black moors because it stood out the most to us. We called it <span style="font-style: italic;">chubby wubby.</span> Although it is a type of goldfish, they are very high maintenance. We left the store spending $70 without any fish.<br /><br />We wanted to keep it simple and put it in a fish bowl. However, black moors need to live in warm water temperature, so we purchased a heater and a 10-gallon glass fish tank. Then, we had to buy small goldfishes (aka tester fish) to build a friendly environment for the black moors. However, before we could do that, we had to run our empty aquarium for 24 hours with <span style="font-style: italic;">spring </span>water.<br /><br />Okay, 24 hours later and an empty tank in the living room, we went back to buy a dozen tester fish. It has been only a week, and there are only 5 tester-fish and a murky aquarium. There were several possible problems - the ph level of the water and/or overfeeding -- not to mention, we murdered our first tester fish.<br /><br />One day, one of our fish looked sick. It was swimming/floating on its side. We read online that they may have been overfed. So, we fasted them for a day. A day later and there was no change. We came across another article that suggested that the water may be too cold. It suggested that we separated the sick fish and put it in a warmer temperature to generate movements. We took <span style="font-style: italic;">sickie </span>to a separate container with water that was warm to touch. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sickie </span>revived and generated much movements! In a matter of seconds, however, it died. I think... we cooked it.<br /><br />After our lesson, we plan to purchase water conditioners which can bypass a week of changing water and watching fish die. However, are we really ready for the black moors? Black moors might be a little difficult to flush down the toilet. (Note: the tester fish are only half the size of my pinky)<br /><br />---------------------------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update </span>(11/20/2008): Apparently, the feeder/tester fish were supposed to die. Anyhow, we're on round 2. This time, we decided to keep some tropical fish. We are most likely going to keep some type of shark. They are easier to keep.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-85772770963729113272008-08-30T21:01:00.005-04:002008-08-30T21:30:47.889-04:00Home Sweet HomeWelcome to our new apartment. It's located in Center City, Philadelphia. We live on the 10th floor and in the heart of a shopping district. Directly downstairs, we have Burberry, Starbucks, Tiffany & Co., and many stores I don't plan to shop at in the near future. We spoiled ourselves with the location and new furnitures.<br /><br />First off, we have our dining area. Our apartment has 5 oversized windows in the living room and dining area. The windows are at least 6 feet tall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyMnNVEdI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ICweQHSojow/s1600-h/P1050819.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyMnNVEdI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ICweQHSojow/s320/P1050819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240485939919524306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Say "Hi"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyL3BXsNI/AAAAAAAAAQc/KGnzsXV4Do0/s1600-h/P1050857.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyL3BXsNI/AAAAAAAAAQc/KGnzsXV4Do0/s320/P1050857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240485926984462546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our mini sculptures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyLUDhClI/AAAAAAAAAQU/EnAIOvhL0RQ/s1600-h/P1050867.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyLUDhClI/AAAAAAAAAQU/EnAIOvhL0RQ/s320/P1050867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240485917598222930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our new lily plant. It's about to blossom. It's very lively. Throughout the day, you'll see it "happy" and "sad." The leaves change in heights.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyMMTmB-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/Gb42YgMXwzI/s1600-h/P1050858.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyMMTmB-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/Gb42YgMXwzI/s320/P1050858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240485932698044386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's not milk. Lol. ... Not that healthy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyMZaA2ZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/oQKAH5L8T6s/s1600-h/P1050830.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnyMZaA2ZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/oQKAH5L8T6s/s320/P1050830.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240485936214628754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Across our walls, you'll find these branches with falling leaves and flowers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvVXsgOfI/AAAAAAAAAPs/9GBNUN4PBRA/s1600-h/P1050823.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvVXsgOfI/AAAAAAAAAPs/9GBNUN4PBRA/s320/P1050823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240482791839250930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our new cactus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnub6IC_GI/AAAAAAAAAPM/QoYET5vAPuM/s1600-h/P1050839.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnub6IC_GI/AAAAAAAAAPM/QoYET5vAPuM/s320/P1050839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240481804649167970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our bedroom. It's funny, because our only bathroom is in our bedroom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnucAgQgtI/AAAAAAAAAPU/jJ0f3ygwrUs/s1600-h/P1050844.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnucAgQgtI/AAAAAAAAAPU/jJ0f3ygwrUs/s320/P1050844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240481806361330386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some caricatures. The one on the left was from New Jersey; the one on the right was from Taipei.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnubgNxveI/AAAAAAAAAPE/WyHruQZ-KiE/s1600-h/P1050820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnubgNxveI/AAAAAAAAAPE/WyHruQZ-KiE/s320/P1050820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240481797693881826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our living room and our new flat screen TV. Notice the beautiful wall decorations~<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvWmnRlBI/AAAAAAAAAQM/jVsE2adX1wM/s1600-h/P1050835.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvWmnRlBI/AAAAAAAAAQM/jVsE2adX1wM/s320/P1050835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240482813023720466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our dining area/kitchen. We have yet to bring our stools to surround the kitchen area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnucugLLuI/AAAAAAAAAPk/fBM7_U3C-nM/s1600-h/P1050843.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnucugLLuI/AAAAAAAAAPk/fBM7_U3C-nM/s320/P1050843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240481818709012194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvWYY3oWI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Kmh4S98OdBU/s1600-h/P1050834.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvWYY3oWI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Kmh4S98OdBU/s320/P1050834.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240482809205203298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvVwdTcMI/AAAAAAAAAP0/x5culJTep40/s1600-h/P1050831.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvVwdTcMI/AAAAAAAAAP0/x5culJTep40/s320/P1050831.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240482798486384834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvV1vXwmI/AAAAAAAAAP8/kgYEAeqn9I8/s1600-h/P1050833.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SLnvV1vXwmI/AAAAAAAAAP8/kgYEAeqn9I8/s320/P1050833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240482799904342626" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-53648764345545522282008-07-03T00:25:00.008-04:002008-07-05T12:21:49.679-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SG-e-fB5LfI/AAAAAAAAAOk/ePsXTEcKBns/s1600-h/image003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SG-e-fB5LfI/AAAAAAAAAOk/ePsXTEcKBns/s320/image003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219565289464212978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SG-e-goyYWI/AAAAAAAAAOs/lvVGql1feSk/s1600-h/image004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SG-e-goyYWI/AAAAAAAAAOs/lvVGql1feSk/s320/image004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219565289895780706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SG-e-grTa8I/AAAAAAAAAO8/bVVomleLZJs/s1600-h/image006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SG-e-grTa8I/AAAAAAAAAO8/bVVomleLZJs/s320/image006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219565289906334658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color:black;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the leadership roles, aside from the in-store Banking Center Managers (BCMs) and Assistant Managers (AMs), there are Consumer Market Managers (CMMs) and Consumer Market Executives (CMEs).<span style=""> </span>In <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manhattan</st1:place></st1:city>, the hierarchy is as follow:<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">1 CME<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">4 CMMs<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">50ish BCMs<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">In the past, I have only met my CMMs and CMEs a handful of times.<span style=""> </span>When they visit our banking center, I spontaneously miss every one of their visits.<span style=""> </span>I was never able to make that first impression. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">On my first AMA (Assistant Manager Associates) meeting, the CME was clearly unimpressed that I did not “throw myself” in front of him. <span style=""> </span>The truth is I never realized that he visited.<span style=""> </span>This was then. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">In the beginning, I have focused on my sales goal.<span style=""> </span>After my first AMA meeting, I knew I had to focus on leadership and operations. <span style=""> </span>Slowly, I have taken up more responsibilities.<span style=""> </span>However, there is only so much to do inside the center.<span style=""> </span>I received little attention for the things I did.<span style=""> </span>The most important person I can impress was my banking center manager, and I knew that was done.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">After a few months, my manager <i style="">suggested </i>that I should take on the responsibility of managing the group banking activities (because no one else would do it).<span style=""> </span>It was crap-work.<span style=""> </span>I was to manage the process of attracting customers outside of the walk-in traffic. <span style=""> </span>This includes creating relationships and finding opportunities in the neighborhood, making sure that our center is participating in market-sponsored events, etc.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">In spring, the weather turned warm, and events started to line up. <span style=""> </span>I was the go-to person for my bank.<span style=""> </span>Soon, I was <i style="">volunteered </i>to take part in events at Yankees Stadium. <span style=""> </span>It was hell.<span style=""> </span>It was standing and screaming for hours.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">More recently, I was volunteered to take part in our NFL Banking event.<span style=""> </span>The event took place at a banking center where they hold many market conferences. <span style=""> </span>On that day, all the CMMs and CMEs showed up to give the BCMs their performance evaluations.<span style=""> </span>Meanwhile, I was receiving recognitions by the manager at the center. <span style=""> </span>And, the words spread.<span style=""> </span>A few days later, I found out that there was a mini-competition between the sellers, and I finished 2<sup>nd</sup>! <span style=""> </span>It was a pleasant surprise – and a $100 gift card. <span style=""> </span>My manager casually told me about it, and I never received any recognition when I returned. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">Because of my performance, I was automatically signed up for another event – Big Apple BBQ. <span style=""> </span>It was standing outside in 100 degree weather, trying to get customers. <span style=""> </span>At that event, I was 1 of 2 winners.<span style=""> </span>I received another $100 gift card.<span style=""> </span>They took a picture of me that ended up in the inbox of the entire Manhattan Market. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">For the week, my name was “flowing” around the market. <span style=""> </span>I received recognitions after recognitions. <span style=""> </span>Yet, it’s toned down because – no one at my center knows.<span style=""> </span>Thereafter, I don’t react to it either.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">This week, there was a huge event held at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Crowne</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Plaza</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>It was the New Hire Breakfast for Bank of America associates. <span style=""> </span>300 Analysts flew in from Europe, <st1:place st="on">Asia</st1:place>, and around the country. <span style=""> </span>Many sellers wanted to attend this event, because it guaranteed high-volume accounts. <span style=""> </span>I was uninterested, so I never volunteered.<span style=""> </span>My only other 2 sellers both volunteered for the event.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, they did not receive a spot. <span style=""> </span>Next thing you know, they <i style="">assigned </i>it to me. <span style=""> </span>A few days before the event, I was sitting side-by-side with 11 other associates from the entire market and my CMMs. <span style=""> </span>This was the first time I <i style="">interacted </i>with my CMMs.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">Today, at the final stage of my Leadership classes, my CME was the guest speaker. <span style=""> </span>I have always wondered if he knows my name. <span style=""> </span>The last time he said my name, he glanced at my name tag. <span style=""> </span>Today, I didn’t have my name tag.<span style=""> </span>And… he said it!<span style=""> </span>It didn’t stop there.<span style=""> </span>He knew me well from various events.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">When his speech was over, a small crowd gathered around him as he was leaving to make an impression. <span style=""> </span>He preached to these Managers and Assistant Managers about “taking risks.” <span style=""> </span>The conversation went like this:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">CME:<span style=""> </span>As leaders, you need to know how to take risks. <span style=""> </span>Taking risks like… promoting Stephanie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">Me: <span style=""> </span>Oh, there’s no risk in that! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">*<b>Laughs</b>*<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">As he said his final Goodbye, he told me to “get on his calendar.”<span style=""> </span>I asked him to elaborate. <span style=""> </span>He then told me to call his secretary to schedule an one-on-one meeting with him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">In our world, that means… let’s talk; let me see if I should promote you. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-38847707816141659202008-06-25T23:33:00.010-04:002008-06-25T23:47:00.005-04:00My Story -- At Work<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">The turnover rate in the banking center is high. <span style=""> </span>I have only been in the bank for 9 months, and I have seen many people come and go – but for good reasons though. <span style=""> </span>They have all left for either promotions or relocations.<span style=""> </span>For the past few months, there haven’t been any movements.<span style=""> </span>Consequently, dramas start to build up as we see each other more and more often.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">August (Banking Center Manager) – A Long Island Italian guy who is new to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manhattan</st1:place></st1:City> but isn’t new to the bank or to the position.<span style=""> </span>He’s the “pleaser.”<span style=""> </span>He’ll only tell you want you want to hear. <span style=""> </span>At first, I thought he’s the most desirable manager that an associate would want. <span style=""> </span>However, he would never take a position.<span style=""> </span>In some aspect, he’s border line incompetent – and I’m being nice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Kadene (Assistant Manager) – Her name gets butchered by customers. <span style=""> </span>It’s pronounced <i style="">Ke-deen</i>.<span style=""> </span>She is recent management program graduate – the same program that I am currently in.<span style=""> </span>Because the program requires no knowledge of what the tellers do, graduates of the programs may sometimes have little respect from them.<span style=""> </span>How do you manage the tellers if you don’t know what they do?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">IK (Teller Operation Specialist) –<span style=""> </span>In layman’s term, she’s a teller manager. <span style=""> </span>We call her IK, because her real name is Ikponwosa. <span style=""> </span>She’s like the teacher that you loved and hated.<span style=""> </span>She’s effective and she lays her foot down.<span style=""> </span>The tellers have the utmost respect for her. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Leo (Small Business Specialist) –<span style=""> </span>He would be Brain in <i style="">Pinky and the Brain</i>.<span style=""> </span>He has a strong sales track – the bread-winner of the bank.<span style=""> </span>The entire teller line (aka Pinkies) to perform free labor for him.<span style=""> </span>As a teller, your job description is to do teller-stuff and make your referral goals.<span style=""> </span>He has got all of them to work overtime for free.<span style=""> </span>They actually <i style="">want </i>to do the mundane clerical tasks for him all day long. <span style=""> </span>He’s basically got a group of <i style="">bitches</i>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color: black;">To be Continued…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-14020137784221740952008-05-21T19:21:00.016-04:002008-05-22T07:08:41.300-04:00Souvenirs from Taipei~<div align="left">A few weeks ago, Rob came back from Taiwan with lots of small gifts. I love them all. Here are some pictures:<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvv36-jPI/AAAAAAAAANc/8vwBhQg5Oz4/s1600-h/SANY0023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202976706519796978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvv36-jPI/AAAAAAAAANc/8vwBhQg5Oz4/s320/SANY0023.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvwX6-jQI/AAAAAAAAANk/r9mz1uJQ19Y/s1600-h/SANY0024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202976715109731586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" height="272" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvwX6-jQI/AAAAAAAAANk/r9mz1uJQ19Y/s320/SANY0024.JPG" width="365" border="0" /></a></div>I really enjoyed the movie "CJ7" by Stephen Chow. I particularly liked the children that were in the movie. Meet CJ7.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvwX6-jQI/AAAAAAAAANk/r9mz1uJQ19Y/s1600-h/SANY0024.JPG"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvw36-jSI/AAAAAAAAAN0/26-NLXV-J2Y/s1600-h/SANY0033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202976723699666210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" height="240" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvw36-jSI/AAAAAAAAAN0/26-NLXV-J2Y/s320/SANY0033.JPG" width="366" border="0" /></a></div>The following is a Japanese product. Our pictures are embedded in these key chain dolls.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvw36-jSI/AAAAAAAAAN0/26-NLXV-J2Y/s1600-h/SANY0033.JPG"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvwn6-jRI/AAAAAAAAANs/pHqcn60mg6U/s1600-h/SANY0030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202976719404698898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" height="242" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvwn6-jRI/AAAAAAAAANs/pHqcn60mg6U/s320/SANY0030.JPG" width="364" border="0" /></a>A close up of my Rob's.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvwn6-jRI/AAAAAAAAANs/pHqcn60mg6U/s1600-h/SANY0030.JPG"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvvX6-jOI/AAAAAAAAANU/JlDWqqGU3tM/s1600-h/SANY0021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202976697929862370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 329px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px" height="264" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvvX6-jOI/AAAAAAAAANU/JlDWqqGU3tM/s320/SANY0021.JPG" width="364" border="0" /></a></div>This is a minature of us. You give them a picture, and it is made to order. This is our second one. Although it looks nothing like us, at least, they don't look ugly like our first minature. Now that I think about it, doesn't it look like HK actor and actress, Leon Lai and Maggie Chu?</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSvvX6-jOI/AAAAAAAAANU/JlDWqqGU3tM/s1600-h/SANY0021.JPG"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxIH6-jUI/AAAAAAAAAOE/uo8hU6qw5Fg/s1600-h/DSC00033-2854.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202978222643252546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px" height="301" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxIH6-jUI/AAAAAAAAAOE/uo8hU6qw5Fg/s320/DSC00033-2854.jpg" width="364" border="0" /></a></div>This is a look back at our first minature. I got it for Rob for our 2nd yr Anniversary. I do see SOME resemblance, but it's hideous. I ordered it online and they shipped it from Mainland China. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxH36-jTI/AAAAAAAAAN8/rm-N_KFgmg0/s1600-h/Steph+without+hair.jpg"></a></div><div align="left"><br />They sent me pictures during the whole progress. I actually thought they did a really good job looking at the photos below. However, the colors really killed it.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxIX6-jWI/AAAAAAAAAOU/-jdeEuvo5Ss/s1600-h/Rob+without+hair.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxI36-jXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Q_ERWPnU-Ik/s1600-h/Steph+with+hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202978235528154482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxI36-jXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Q_ERWPnU-Ik/s320/Steph+with+hair.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxIX6-jVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/5ByUe0O3HeU/s1600-h/Rob+with+hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202978226938219858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" height="246" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SDSxIX6-jVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/5ByUe0O3HeU/s320/Rob+with+hair.jpg" width="365" border="0" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-9904987266065003112008-05-11T14:05:00.024-04:002008-05-11T18:48:51.905-04:00Cruise to Bermuda<p align="left">Last year, we went on the Norwegian's Spirit Cruise to the Bahamas. This year, on our 3rd year Anniversary, we celebrated by going to the Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Cruise to Bermuda. The highlight of the ship includes rock climbing, ice skating, basketball court, and minature golf. Last year, we went to Pearl Island Snorkel, Parasailing, and a Disney water park. This year, for our excursions, we chose to go to Shipwreck Snorkel in the Bermuda Triangle and Scuba Diving!! Both ships were very different. We chose Royal Caribbean this year because it is highly reputable. We took so many pictures with our new camcorder and underwater digital camera. The following are a sample of pictures and videos: </p><p align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdvE36-jKI/AAAAAAAAAM0/UUSDIfBtQ0A/s1600-h/PICT0048e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199246424344005794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdvE36-jKI/AAAAAAAAAM0/UUSDIfBtQ0A/s320/PICT0048e.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyKyy8yvGfMsdQcYx28ghkazoMFgYwq4x3HOSIXu4e1j9LFcoKe0qLeoPDsIwCSpZAqMzuPGQfHQNU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>This was the video that we took before we jumped into the water. There were 8 of us splitted into 2 groups. The instructor was French, and we couldn't understand him clearly. It was more complicated than we expected. Some of the things that we had to learn were:<br />1. What to do if there's water in our air tube;<br />2. What to do if there's water in our goggles;<br />3. How do we equalize as we go deeper into the water;<br />4. What to do if our air tank runs out of air;<br />5. How do we share air with our partner while under sea;<br />6. Simple sign language;<br />7. How to inflate and deflate our life jacket.<br /><p align="left">This was much more complicated than it sounds. We signed our lives away. There were so many things that could potentially harm us under the sea if we touch it. Also, all of us got a few scratches here and there.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxtkyxTrlRWmcd2RaXMyKRh_P52x6BVAwDhPzj70iSpJGf9rbxJ9N0vLR0Ac4U4Yu5he1gyon9Y1sk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>This was a video that we took while we were under water. There weren't many fishes in this clip, but the instructor finds a lobster and shows us.<br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdXKX6-jHI/AAAAAAAAAMc/SKQb2kp0_V8/s1600-h/SANY0014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199220130554219634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdXKX6-jHI/AAAAAAAAAMc/SKQb2kp0_V8/s320/SANY0014.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdXKX6-jGI/AAAAAAAAAMU/0b2FDQos_hg/s1600-h/SANY0015.JPG"></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Due to high wind, rockclimbing was not always available. However, Rob had a chance to try it. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdAMH6-i5I/AAAAAAAAAKs/V3ySeWUt9jQ/s1600-h/SANY0023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199194871851551634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdAMH6-i5I/AAAAAAAAAKs/V3ySeWUt9jQ/s320/SANY0023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHb36-jDI/AAAAAAAAAL8/7IC2JYnMB2Y/s1600-h/SANY0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199202839015885874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHb36-jDI/AAAAAAAAAL8/7IC2JYnMB2Y/s320/SANY0005.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On our first day, we had a mandatory evacuation drill.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHbn6-jCI/AAAAAAAAAL0/x0F-v-PSZlw/s1600-h/P1050678e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199202834720918562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHbn6-jCI/AAAAAAAAAL0/x0F-v-PSZlw/s320/P1050678e.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Like all other ships, we had a formal night. Each dinner was banquet style. We made some friends at our assigned table with 2 other young couples. 97% of the ship was occupied by cruisers age 40 and up.<br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEQH6-i-I/AAAAAAAAALU/W0UXjOlI8Fo/s1600-h/SANY0047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199199338617539554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEQH6-i-I/AAAAAAAAALU/W0UXjOlI8Fo/s320/SANY0047.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2X36-isI/AAAAAAAAAJE/_3u1uLQFwH4/s1600-h/P1050753e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199184078598736578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2X36-isI/AAAAAAAAAJE/_3u1uLQFwH4/s320/P1050753e.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Our ship at Bermuda. It's much bigger than it looks.</div></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdGvn6-i_I/AAAAAAAAALc/J2_rYHz6nnY/s1600-h/SANY0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199202078806674418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdGvn6-i_I/AAAAAAAAALc/J2_rYHz6nnY/s320/SANY0004.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Every day, our stateroom attendant would make us a towel animal. Can anyone guess what this was? For 2 days, we thought it was a roasted duck. Can't help it if we're Chinese... </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdGv36-jAI/AAAAAAAAALk/yECsKBA80UU/s1600-h/SANY0029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199202083101641730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdGv36-jAI/AAAAAAAAALk/yECsKBA80UU/s320/SANY0029.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the ship, entertainment included comedy shows, parades, midnight buffets, etc. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEPH6-i7I/AAAAAAAAAK8/2nI4nRe87_E/s1600-h/PICT0014e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199199321437670322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEPH6-i7I/AAAAAAAAAK8/2nI4nRe87_E/s320/PICT0014e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEPX6-i8I/AAAAAAAAALE/BIK8ES8lJ4I/s1600-h/PICT0001.JPG"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">That's me with a heavy tank and weights on me. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEPn6-i9I/AAAAAAAAALM/zNlIyiOTlTQ/s1600-h/PICT0003e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199199330027604946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdEPn6-i9I/AAAAAAAAALM/zNlIyiOTlTQ/s320/PICT0003e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4SH6-ixI/AAAAAAAAAJs/WRBboQyeqUw/s1600-h/SANY0082e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199186178837744402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4SH6-ixI/AAAAAAAAAJs/WRBboQyeqUw/s320/SANY0082e.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">This was at the famous Horseshoe Bay.<br /></div></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdAK36-i1I/AAAAAAAAAKM/uF4WBFaXZvc/s1600-h/P1050662.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199194850376715090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdAK36-i1I/AAAAAAAAAKM/uF4WBFaXZvc/s320/P1050662.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">They surely are talented when it comes to making animals. We also got a puppy during our stay. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4S36-izI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/EeMRUPndqvI/s1600-h/P1050655e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199186191722646322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4S36-izI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/EeMRUPndqvI/s320/P1050655e.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Awaiting for a after-dinner show with my Pina Colada~ </div></div><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdALX6-i2I/AAAAAAAAAKU/_20upZFOv4w/s1600-h/P1050634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199194858966649698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdALX6-i2I/AAAAAAAAAKU/_20upZFOv4w/s320/P1050634.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A view of the top deck with the swimming pools and jacuzzis.</p><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdAL36-i4I/AAAAAAAAAKk/EooGzA09hG4/s1600-h/SANY0039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199194867556584322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdAL36-i4I/AAAAAAAAAKk/EooGzA09hG4/s320/SANY0039.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Some of the architecture in Bermuda.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4Rn6-iwI/AAAAAAAAAJk/pG0FV0QKuNw/s1600-h/SANY0087e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199186170247809794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4Rn6-iwI/AAAAAAAAAJk/pG0FV0QKuNw/s320/SANY0087e.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4Sn6-iyI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/QcB9KE4nyFI/s1600-h/P1050644e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199186187427679010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4Sn6-iyI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/QcB9KE4nyFI/s320/P1050644e.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Random photo. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4TH6-i0I/AAAAAAAAAKE/-XRqMKsGvxs/s1600-h/P1050650e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199186196017613634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc4TH6-i0I/AAAAAAAAAKE/-XRqMKsGvxs/s320/P1050650e.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2YX6-itI/AAAAAAAAAJM/9Dw6GJQp9RE/s1600-h/PICT0104e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199184087188671186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2YX6-itI/AAAAAAAAAJM/9Dw6GJQp9RE/s320/PICT0104e.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2Yn6-iuI/AAAAAAAAAJU/1YlY4tAwiNY/s1600-h/PICT0101e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199184091483638498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2Yn6-iuI/AAAAAAAAAJU/1YlY4tAwiNY/s320/PICT0101e.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We specifically purchased snorkelling gear for this trip. We didn't want to put our mouths where everyone else was. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2ZH6-ivI/AAAAAAAAAJc/XlhCZVJ9wuE/s1600-h/SANY0044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199184100073573106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCc2ZH6-ivI/AAAAAAAAAJc/XlhCZVJ9wuE/s320/SANY0044.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Some fossils that we found at Horseshoe Bay.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdyW36-jNI/AAAAAAAAANM/_Ob3y9tqXYo/s1600-h/SANY0026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199250032116534482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdyW36-jNI/AAAAAAAAANM/_Ob3y9tqXYo/s320/SANY0026.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">A picture of one of the parades.</div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHcX6-jEI/AAAAAAAAAME/-03Jo3za938/s1600-h/SANY0041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199202847605820482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHcX6-jEI/AAAAAAAAAME/-03Jo3za938/s320/SANY0041.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">For dinner, we ate shrimp cocktails, lobsters, steaks, escargots, etc. We usually doubled up on desserts. Heh. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHcn6-jFI/AAAAAAAAAMM/uWlOVtm3dmY/s1600-h/SANY0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199202851900787794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/SCdHcn6-jFI/AAAAAAAAAMM/uWlOVtm3dmY/s320/SANY0018.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />This was one of the many decorations on the ship. </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-19455190531157460742008-03-18T23:58:00.002-04:002008-03-19T08:29:56.784-04:00Boston<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCbsf0cNI/AAAAAAAAAHc/a0vnsg2rG0g/s1600-h/P1050434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179282983788769490" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCbsf0cNI/AAAAAAAAAHc/a0vnsg2rG0g/s320/P1050434.JPG" border="0" /></a>A few weeks ago, Rob and I visited Boston for his dental school interview. We visited a few schools - Harvard, MIT, and Tufts.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCa8f0cMI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Mz4k1DQhABM/s1600-h/P1050427.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCa8f0cMI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Mz4k1DQhABM/s1600-h/P1050427.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCa8f0cMI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Mz4k1DQhABM/s1600-h/P1050427.JPG"></a><br />Despite the fact that Boston is so close to me, it was my first visit. Boston was a friendlier, and <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCcsf0cQI/AAAAAAAAAH0/jiTT6IspLw4/s1600-h/P1050443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179283000968638722" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCcsf0cQI/AAAAAAAAAH0/jiTT6IspLw4/s320/P1050443.JPG" border="0" /></a>much smaller version of New York City. My first impression of Harvard was that it isn't what it is cracked up to be. It wasn't as beautiful as I had imagined it. However, the campus town surrounding it was trendy and entertaining.<br /><br />We did the typical tourists things. Rob ate a lobster a day. We ordered New England clam chowder whenever we can.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCb8f0cOI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-lV8LfAVfG8/s1600-h/P1050439.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179282988083736802" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCb8f0cOI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-lV8LfAVfG8/s320/P1050439.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the other hand, we visited Rob's cousin - Derek, a freshman MIT student, who needs rest or drugs. We also went to ice skate in a park that resembles a mini version of Central Park. The entire city was New York and San Francisco slapped together and thrown into snow.<br /><br />Most interestingly, we randomly walked into a restaurant called, "Dick's Last Resort." The <em>theme</em> of the restaurant is ridicule and horrendous service. For examples, customers had dozens of balloons tied to their long hair; slow or no service; utensils and entrees thrown at you, etc. Worst of all, <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCccf0cPI/AAAAAAAAAHs/oy9G7o1-uNE/s1600-h/P1050432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179282996673671410" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCccf0cPI/AAAAAAAAAHs/oy9G7o1-uNE/s320/P1050432.JPG" border="0" /></a>we STILL had to pay 15% tips!<br /><br />Because we flew there, our trip was by foot or public transportation. When we walked, we often got lost. Their idea of a train is a bus inside a tunnel. We <em>unintentionally </em>visited all of their landmarks.<br /><br />At last, we ended the trip with a show to the Blue Man Group. We have seen it before, but we couldn't help ourselves when the student discount (I saved my student IDs!) was almost 1/4 of what we had paid in New York. Looking back, that night in New York was the most romantic date that we have had.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CCa8f0cMI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Mz4k1DQhABM/s1600-h/P1050427.JPG"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-10764657429026482792008-03-18T23:43:00.005-04:002008-03-18T23:59:04.291-04:00Shooting Range<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CMzMf0cUI/AAAAAAAAAIU/WCN0fyQTdoY/s1600-h/Photo-0236.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179294382631973186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CMzMf0cUI/AAAAAAAAAIU/WCN0fyQTdoY/s320/Photo-0236.jpg" border="0" /></a> A few weeks ago, a group of us went to the shooting range. As if I haven't heard enough stereotypes about the US and guns! I shot guns and rifles. It was an interesting experience. It was so scary pulling the trigger for the first time though.<br /><br />Honestly, while I was firing, I don't think I knew where I was pointing to!<br /><br />That's me wearing glasses and googles that they gave me at the same time!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CMz8f0cVI/AAAAAAAAAIc/Q9fgOZx1Wus/s1600-h/Photo-0239.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179294395516875090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CMz8f0cVI/AAAAAAAAAIc/Q9fgOZx1Wus/s320/Photo-0239.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CM08f0cWI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Ur5qVCnSwpk/s1600-h/Photo-0237.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179294412696744290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CM08f0cWI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Ur5qVCnSwpk/s320/Photo-0237.jpg" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-36289357949366252732008-03-18T23:35:00.007-04:002008-03-18T23:58:48.360-04:00Chinese New Year Parade<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179292737659498786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CLTcf0cSI/AAAAAAAAAIE/x-umGTWprmg/s320/P1050412.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CLSsf0cRI/AAAAAAAAAH8/9ZNcFQ0OMTc/s1600-h/P1050419.JPG"></a>It's hard to tell... but we were on a float at the Chinese New Year Parade in Flushing, NY. I have never been to a parade hosted by the city. And now, we were in one! However, it wasn't as cool as the ones that you would see on TV. People did wave to us though!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CLTsf0cTI/AAAAAAAAAIM/a5RFE8jwiwM/s1600-h/P1050409.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179292741954466098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CLTsf0cTI/AAAAAAAAAIM/a5RFE8jwiwM/s320/P1050409.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In other <em>Chinese </em>news, we went to the some cocktail party for the Chinese small business community. It was so stressful finding a dress! I feel obligated to buy a dress each time we go to a formal event. Not long before this, we attended a Chinese American Dental Association cocktail party for NYU and Columbia University.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Too bad I didn't take many pictures, and I was pretty wrapped up for pictures due to the air conditioning.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CO-sf0cYI/AAAAAAAAAI0/X-iSLuN6juY/s1600-h/P1050307.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179296779223724418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CO-sf0cYI/AAAAAAAAAI0/X-iSLuN6juY/s320/P1050307.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div> </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-53214168081350607012008-03-11T01:02:00.004-04:002008-03-11T01:12:11.227-04:00Congratulations to Me and Hubby!I officially finished paying off of my student loan last week. Luckily, my university wasn't that expensive. By the time I graduated (minus scholarships and grants), I was in a debt of $13,000. My loan kicked in in November. It took me 4 months!<br /><br />Now, time to save... for what first?<br /><br />In US, the university ranking is as follow:<br />1. Princeton<br />2. Harvard<br />3. Yale<br />4. Stanford<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. U Penn<br /><br /></span>And, my babe just got in to UPenn for Dental School!! That's how many Porsche until you graduate? I take full credit for all of those essays and surveys that I helped write and revise!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-52131136911420930682008-03-11T00:47:00.003-04:002008-03-11T00:58:34.090-04:00WPMI always had random mention about how fast I typed. I was always the fastest typist when I took my typing class in 6th class. It was all natural - just like the kids nowadays that spend endless hours in front of their computers.<br /><br />Soon, everyone else caught up to speed. It was like my height. I grew quickly as a child. Soon, I stopped growing while everyone grew taller than me.<br /><br />In high school, I estimated that I typed 75 wpm. However, I didn't think it was true. To end my curiosity, I took 3 random tests. I didn't try more than once on any of the tests. My scores were as follow:<br /><br />81 WPM,<br /><br />74 WPM, and<br /><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size:48;">102 WPM!!<span style="color:navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br /><br /><br />http://www.testmytyping.com/typing-speed-test.php<br />http://www.typeonline.co.uk/typingspeed.phpStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-22406102504471200422008-02-13T18:08:00.007-05:002008-03-19T00:02:39.723-04:00( ^.^ )<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CQS8f0cZI/AAAAAAAAAI8/pWgOySN2LkY/s1600-h/P1050326.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179298226627703186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R-CQS8f0cZI/AAAAAAAAAI8/pWgOySN2LkY/s320/P1050326.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Recently, Rob has been invited for an interview from multiple schools. He's everywhere. We are still waiting to hear from the California schools. As for me, there has been much changes at my workplace. My end-of-the-year performance assessment went very well. I received my bonus for last quarter. Now, I am continuing my program with the leadership portion. My last class is in July. Hopefully I'll be promoted then.<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />A few weeks ago, Rob and I celebrated our 1000th day anniversary. We went to see the Phantom of the Opera and dined during the "Restaurant Week." There was so much anticipation, because I have wanted to see Phantom of the Opera since I was 12. We were seated in the second row; everything was close. Even with my weak eyesight, I was able to see their spits and sweats. Though I have heard the soundtrack, I never knew the exact storyline until the night of the show. In the end, I was disappointed at the ending and storyline. Perhaps, it was overrated. Another disappointing factor was that people wore jeans and sneakers. How foolish was I to have thought that the audience would be different at a classic like this. On the bright side, the execution of the performance was 2 thumbs up. =)<br /><br />***************************************************************************<br /><br />In other news,<br /><br />Before<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R7N6PeCKJSI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7qY8e1m6Lq0/s1600-h/P1000409.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166607603702834466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R7N6PeCKJSI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7qY8e1m6Lq0/s320/P1000409.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/1062100/0125151550085.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/1062100/0125151550085.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-69437318601893225912007-12-09T15:30:00.000-05:002007-12-10T22:26:36.417-05:00Paradise Island<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Local food! Conch fritters, conch salad, conch chowder, etc.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xRXUAE_nI/AAAAAAAAAGc/C8eCekF7qrk/s1600-h/P1050116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142074335498141298" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xRXUAE_nI/AAAAAAAAAGc/C8eCekF7qrk/s320/P1050116.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kalik's Bahama's local beer. Beer... yuck!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xS9kAE_qI/AAAAAAAAAG0/3ig2wpd9Pmg/s1600-h/P1040953.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142076092139765410" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xS9kAE_qI/AAAAAAAAAG0/3ig2wpd9Pmg/s320/P1040953.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />CONCH! It's so yummy~<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xS_kAE_rI/AAAAAAAAAG8/XEeiQxTnt18/s1600-h/P1040963.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142076126499503794" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xS_kAE_rI/AAAAAAAAAG8/XEeiQxTnt18/s320/P1040963.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Stingray<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xTAEAE_sI/AAAAAAAAAHE/j7xm2lYV7BQ/s1600-h/P1050055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142076135089438402" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xTAEAE_sI/AAAAAAAAAHE/j7xm2lYV7BQ/s320/P1050055.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/R1xRXUAE_nI/AAAAAAAAAGc/C8eCekF7qrk/s1600-h/P1050116.JPG"><br /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-66557734096997345612007-11-29T22:08:00.000-05:002007-11-29T22:11:37.588-05:00WoohooNext week, we're going to the <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >BAHAMAS</span>! I'm so excited. We loved it when we went by cruise in May. This time, we're flying there, and we're staying at the famous Atlantis Resort. On top of that, we're staying at the 5 star Royal Tower.<br /><br />I am dying for some sunshine and warmth.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-85626109216435429922007-10-22T23:18:00.000-04:002007-10-22T23:28:45.208-04:00花ざかりの君たちへ<span style="font-size:100%;">A few weeks ago, Rob and I just finished the drama </span><span style="font-size:100%;">花ざかりの君たちへ (Hanazakari no kimi tachi e). It was one of the most entertaining show. Go watch it! In a snapshot, it's about a girl who dresses up as a guy to go to an all-male school. The "cultural shock" is priceless. Why would a bunch of guys cheer to Avril Lavigne's song, "Girlfriend." <span style="font-style: italic;">Hey Hey you you; I want to be your girlfriend?!?! </span>And, why would the beautiful ballroom dance be accompanied with the song, <span style="font-style: italic;">Amazing Grace</span>?!?!<br /><br />Maybe the music crew was high when they chose the songs.<br /><br /><br />With Japanese Dramas, there have been ups and downs. I have seen some bad ones like </span><span style="font-size:100%;">喰いタン (Kuitan). Hopefully, the next drama, </span>プロポーズ大作戦 (Proposal Daisakusen) won't be a disappointment.<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-10302885989824366582007-10-09T23:21:00.000-04:002007-10-09T23:27:38.815-04:00Jersey Shores '07Keeping up with the tradition, Rob and I visited the Jersey Shores this year. This time, we were fortunate enough to find a good deal at the place we stay at every year. We visited Ocean City, Cape May, Seaside Heights, and Wildwood.<br /><br />We also encountered the Seafood Festival. We ate a bunch of seafood and snacks on the boardwalk. Yummy! In addition, it was a beautiful long weekend. I definitely did not expect to go to the beach in October.<br /><br />Fun, fun, fun~Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-1511469923112107802007-09-16T17:12:00.000-04:002007-09-16T17:44:14.317-04:00This Week in Food...For the past 2 weekends, I made banana nut bread. It was a huge success. I have mastered every recipe that I have found online. Thereafter, Rob wanted a dish of his own. So, this weekend, he made marble cheesecake!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2dZGYhGvI/AAAAAAAAAGE/-R5ZQUroEN0/s1600-h/P1040617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110914206671117042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2dZGYhGvI/AAAAAAAAAGE/-R5ZQUroEN0/s320/P1040617.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Look! ... if only he wore an apron.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2dZWYhGwI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Xy8GprHbeLk/s1600-h/P1040614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110914210966084354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2dZWYhGwI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Xy8GprHbeLk/s320/P1040614.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To complement the udon, we bought pre-made tempura. All we had to do was deep fry it. It was better than I thought it would be.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2daGYhGxI/AAAAAAAAAGU/5RZBGxG0F4s/s1600-h/P1040595.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110914223850986258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2daGYhGxI/AAAAAAAAAGU/5RZBGxG0F4s/s320/P1040595.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At last, I made fried banana!! I always eat it whenever it is available in restaurants. Little did I know that it was so easy to make!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2cYGYhGuI/AAAAAAAAAF8/usbzevtDp-s/s1600-h/P1040632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110913089979620066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Ru2cYGYhGuI/AAAAAAAAAF8/usbzevtDp-s/s320/P1040632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-59810110421711292012007-09-08T12:10:00.000-04:002007-09-08T15:34:12.476-04:00RecruitersOn my second week of work, a guy walked in with a group of friends. He wanted me to open an account for him. Unfortunately, I am not finished with my trainings; so, I would be unable to do so. As a result, I gave him the personal bankers' business cards. However, he insisted that he wanted my number, and that he would wait for me to finish my trainings.<br /><br />Perhaps, I was naive; I thought he really just wanted me to get the credit for it. However, the matter was not as simple as it appeared. On the next morning, I got a call from him. Apparently, he is a manager from Chase. He wanted to recruit me to his new branch that he will open in Manhattan. He figured that he can benefit from my Chinese language skill.<br /><br />I told him that I am not a personal banker; instead, I am in the management program. He grew silent, and accepted my rejection.<br /><br />I did not want to appear to be disloyal. Thereafter, when I told my co-workers, I told them that I wouldn't have considered it for a split second. On the other hand, they were giving me advice as to how to handle the situation. I was told that I should at least figure out how much he was to offer me. Obviously, when you're doing that, you're pulling people with a much higher offer. At the same time, another co-worker advised me that I should consider the location the next time.<br /><br />Apparently, they were all too familiar with it. I guess, next time, I <em>will</em> ask how much they would offer me - just to cure my curosity. Then again, I am not going to become a personal banker when I'm in a training program to be an Assistant Manager.<br /><br />Overall, everyone is surprised how quickly I was recruited. Now, I wonder, of all the customers, how many are there just to scout and shop?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-80671247867485373802007-09-04T00:08:00.000-04:002007-09-04T00:39:29.589-04:00My First Week of WorkMy first week of work was rather interesting. My time at work is split into two halves. On one end, I am at the lobby helping out; on the other, I am doing independent study/training.<br /><br />The highlight of my week was probably the video that I have watched on security/safety measures. It included a list of things I should do in case of robbery, health emergencies, natural disaster, etc. Since it is confidential, I don't think I will disclose the details.<br /><br />New York is the center for everything. A few years ago, we had the 9/11 terrorist attack. In recent years, NYC has been notorious for blackouts. More recently, there was the steam pipe explosion last month. At last, I have heard 2 incidents last week that banks were robbed in the city. Not to mention that when it rains a little heavily, the subway stops running. So, as you can see, the video was definitely the most important thing I will ever learn for work.<br /><br />Aside from that, I have gotten to know a bit about everyone at work. Right now, I just want to learn everything so I can start hitting my goals and get my bonuses/commissions.<br /><br />On a lighter note, I got my name tag. Underneath my full name, it says "I can speak Cantonese" in Chinese. If only it was possible, my manager is probably dying to add "I can speak a little bit of Japanese/Mandarin, too." LOL. However, aside from Spanish, the only other non-English prospects I see are Koreans. Too bad I never tried to learn Korean seriously.<br /><br />The best part of last week was probably my paycheck and my 3-day weekend. I'm so glad we have Labor Day off. We saw "Halloween," "A Battle of the Wits" (Chinese movie by Andy Lau), "28 Weeks Later," and Japanese drama. We also went to Dave and Buster (the adults' version of Chuck E Cheese) with a group of friends. Moreover, we went to the 3rd or 4th mall/outlet in the past 2 weeks to shop for work clothes/shoes.<br /><br />At last, my biggest accomplishment yet- After our yummy slice of Banana Nut Bread at Starbucks, we made a whole loaf! It was so yummy and unhealthy. The ingredient included about a cup of sugar, a cup of butter, etc. I have never made something more successful.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-84547010610895645122007-09-03T23:56:00.000-04:002007-09-04T00:08:27.382-04:00Heh<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">22.55%<br /><br /></span></span>That is the percentage of total taxes withheld from my bi-weekly paycheck.<br /><br />10.7% went to Federal Income Tax (FIT)<br />1.44% went to Medicare<br />6.2% went to Social Security<br />2.52% went to New York State Income Tax<br />1.68% went to Queens City Income Tax<br /><br /><br />What did my net pay equal to? Zero, practically.<br /><br />This isn't even the end of it. I won't qualify for medical benefits until 2 months later. And, by then, I'll probably have my deductibles, too.<br /><br />Aside from that, it was a pleasant surprise that my paycheck arrived in my mail exactly at the end of my first week of employment. =)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-47100375213884822212007-08-27T22:17:00.000-04:002007-08-28T22:17:11.096-04:00Hospital -- Updated<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My mom was discharged from the hospital this afternoon. </span> We weren't notified until this morning. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">She's much better now. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br />So, what happened was... Her colon (large intestine) was infected. The most obvious symptom was her terrible abdominal pain. It has many factors - Diabetes, Old age, Lack of fiber, and lack of exercise. In general, she had bumps on her large intestine that popped. All of the puss leaked and caused an infection. They did a procedure where they had used a needle to take out the puss. Normally, if her part of her organs (ie. bladder) are not functioning properly, she would need a surgery. However, after the small procedure, some rest and antibiotics, she's better now.<br /></span><br />My mom went to the ER last Friday, and she was diagnosed for Diverticulitis. After 11 hours at the ER with her, she was finally admitted to the hospital at 2 am.<br /><br />Today, I visited her; she looks much better. On her first day at the ER, she was poked 9 times for blood sample and IV. Two nurses poked her about 6 times and missed. Finally, the doctor did the job in 1 shot. By now, 3 days later, she has probably been poked about 20 times.<br /><br />Anyway, she had a small procedure two days ago, and she's fine now. She can finally eat. The case management team will review her status tomorrow to see if she can go home. There's a chance that she might need surgery.<br /><br />After 11 hours in the ER, I have only noticed one thing - that no one knows anything. Maybe I'll explain next time when I'm not so sleepy.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-20364670336572985662007-08-27T22:09:00.001-04:002007-08-27T22:17:19.516-04:00My First DayI need to write an entry to reflect on my work today. <br /><br />At the banking center that I work at, there is a temporary Manager, Assistant Manager Associate (me), Small Business Specialist, 2 personal bankers, and about 4 tellers. The location is great. It's a 30 minute subway ride, and the station is right across the street. It's right at Grand Central Station.<br /><br />Today, I worked a 9 to 5 schedule. The banking center only opens M-F from 8 am to 6 pm. So, my schedule will only have 3 variations - 8-4, 9-5, or 10-6. What sucks, however, is the lunch break. We only get a 30-minute lunch. <br /><br />I saw the vault today. It was rather interesting.<br /><br />Otherwise, it's extremely hectic. I was so tired from smiling.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-43501542686111677792007-08-21T14:27:00.000-04:002007-08-23T21:20:28.163-04:00My Creme Brulee SecretHere is an updated entry with the picture. As you can see, Rob just turned 5.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Rs4yBicwe0I/AAAAAAAAAF0/oD85y5WMWKE/s1600-h/P1040422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OGdsSxOnuNQ/Rs4yBicwe0I/AAAAAAAAAF0/oD85y5WMWKE/s320/P1040422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102070429866031938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Google! I google everything. I found all of my yummy recipes online. I would even google a restaurant's recipe, and they usually have a copy-cat recipe of it. Please look at the link below for creme brulee.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/262/Easy_Creme_Brulee6793.shtml<br /><br /></span>Generally, I found this to be the easiest. Usually, they'll tell you to use the stove, and all kinds of stuff. For this, the oven does everything you need with the recipe. In addition, get the torch. It's fun. Rob and I have been burning all kinds of things, esp. marshmallow!<br /><br />On a side note, I came across another recipe where it stated that the ingredient "Heavy Cream" is not called Heavy Cream in places outside of the United States. I think it's called Whipping Cream or something. Anyway, I got my Heavy Cream at the section where they store milk.<br /><br />Oh, and, I had to bake it much longer than the directions given.<br /><br />Good Luck, Hayley! It was easy and yummy. And, Honey... It was very very hard to make! And, only I was talented enough to <span style="font-style: italic;"></span>make the yummy Creme Brulee for you. lol.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16973742.post-58252676808263777362007-08-20T00:16:00.000-04:002007-08-20T01:09:44.174-04:00The Next 5, 10 Years..."Where do you see yourself in the next 5, 10 years?" I get that question very often at job interviews. I generally just brush them off by saying that I believe in higher education, and I plan to enroll in MBA part time. More generally, I answer them by saying that I will be in a higher position. For example, for Citigroup's Business Analyst position, I told them that I see myself as a Senior Analyst or a General Manager. For Bank of America, I told them that I see myself at the cozy office that I was interviewed at.<br /><br />Right now, my Assistant Manager Associate program is 12-24 months long. Hopefully, I will finish it in 12 months. As for Rob, he is still applying for Dental School for the entering class in Fall 2008. If time allows, I would like to make use of my tuition reimbursement and take classes. Perhaps, a master before I get my MBA? Realistically, that won't happen.<br /><br />In the next 5 years, Rob will be busy as a student. Meanwhile, I will be busy getting my part-time MBA. If we're still in New York, I would attend NYU part-time. Otherwise, there isn't enough part-time programs available as of now; also, going to school full-time will not be feasible when I have to support my family. My dear uncle suggested that I should give my parents an obscene amount of money per month. He had such high expectations.<br /><br />By Fall 2008, we will know what state we will be in. Subsequently, we will be living together. 5 years later, Rob will graduate from Dental School. He can then practice dentistry, or he will have to do residency to apply for specializations - ie. orthodontist, endodontist, periodontist, etc.<br /><br />In the next 10 years? Who knows!<br /><br />P.S. I am now convincing Rob to support my parents. LOL. I get to apply for Stanford's full time program, and we get to live in San Francisco! Woohoo!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434108484106461567noreply@blogger.com