Tuesday, December 15, 2009

CIMBA 'twas

My friend Gen and I wrote this for our Christmas formal dinner. It was a complete surprise to everyone and I'm pretty sure we got major brownie points.


Twas two weeks before Christmas , when all throughout CIMBA

Not a creature was stirring, not even Amanda;

The students were exhausted and drinking with care

In hopes that a break would finally be there

They were all settled finally comfortable in their places

While visions of higher education danced in about their faces

Cristina and her flip chart, and I without my glass

Had just settled down for a long winter’s class

When out on the courtyard, someone created such a clatter

I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter

Away out of class, I flew with a fit

Tore open the shutters and threw up my spritz

Glass all around and the door hung open ajar

Gave the luster to the lessons LIFE had not taught us thus far

When thinking of what happened, I wondered what to do,

Then it hit me, the cause is needed, a PA will do

What, Where, When, and How much?

Then through distinction and change we determined as such

With such a swift decision and no time on the clock

I knew in a moment it must be the Doc

More rapid than eagles his courses they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name

Now consulting! Now KT! Now Career Strategy and Coaching!

On Project Implementation, Six Sigma, High Ropes and Negotiating!

To the top of the class, seemingly the top of the world,

Now Get a job! Get a job! Get a job all!

So up to the corporate-top, students they flew

With a sleigh full of K-T tools and Ringlebean ones too

And don’t forget the coaching sessions and their toll,

It’s all about perfecting and completing each little goal.

From distances they come our Italian engineers

Fabio, Stefano, Serena, and Giampietro – if only we could see them everyday of the year

With Ziemba and A-dub, off to bed by nine,

For Gen and Sara that means time to pop open the wine

Elisa and Lady Gaga will dance till Dawn

All while Omar in high-pitched voice, secretly sings along

Kristy and Valentina both looking so sweet

Watch out if you push them, you might get beat

With James and Ryan trying to dress all Euro

Will never match up to the Flamboyant Roberto

Ricky and Cristian, the California boys

Love to drive everyone crazy with that bumpin’ noise

Curtis the top chef always in the kitchen

Maybe one day he’ll cook something other than chicken,

Neeraj and Kumar the pea-cooking duo

Just turn on the music and watch how they go

Then after class, we all join for a delicious Fuego

No Maria’s tonight, lets avoid the all-loving Angelo

To our surprise we find K-J, Tommy and Jayme drinking Montenegroes

Just a couple more and it would be a complete fiasco

As we get back to CIMBA, we don’t make a sound,

Hoping and praying that Dr Al’s still around,

He was there dressed in a suit, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all spotless with cufflinks to boot

A bundle of Toys he has stored in his mind,

He looks like Mr. Trump, just a little more kind

He preaches about the brain and leadership neuroscience

Combine these with our tools and you have quite an alliance

He writes “try” on his practice exams, Ms Baggio not far behind,

But we all make mistakes, some more fun to find

A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work

And graded all of our exams; then turned with a jerk

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up to La Rocca he rose

He sprang to his Fiat, to his hawkeyes gave a whistle

And Away they all flew like the down of a thistle

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas Time!

Christmas is coming and I'm SO excited. My plans are working out perfectly and its going to be great. I'm hoping and praying that it will be so great that I don't notice I'm not at the church candle light service or that I'm not being filmed while I open all my presents! Its going to tough not only for me but for my family that that's heart breaking to me. They all are putting a strong face on so that helps me, but I want everyone to enjoy every Christmas they have. Its such a special time to be with the people you love.

Anyway enough sob stories. My plans include Dublin for Christmas, London to see an old friend, then Italy and Germany with my DADDY! I can not explain how excited I am to get away and get some downtime.

Dublin will be so great at Christmas, and everyone in the country is super nice to Americans so I have no worries there. I had a blast the last time I went and can all but guarantee a great time this time around as well. Then there's London! I dno't get to stay there long but my flights work out perfectly! I will arrive at the airport at almost the exact same time as my dad. Dad and I will will rent a car for our Germany adventure. My friend Stefano helped me plan it with detailed directions, instructions and a guide book! :) Love that guy!

Asolo in winter has been so gorgeous. Snow in the mountains and Christmas lights everywhere. Its really a beautiful city. Everyone keeps saying that its too warm to be Christmas time here. I mean its cold out but not cold enough for snow or anything. I guess I'll just have to wait and see!

Gen and I have have been practicing our cooking skills for Ireland. I must say I'm gettting pretty good at this cooking thing. Last night we made a stewed butternut squash side dish and chicken Marsala. Everything homemade. I even had to cut the butternut squash! BTW that is VERY labor intensive. So far our repertoire includes: Hungarian goulash, pasta alla carbonara, homemade bolognase (sp?) sauce, vodka cream sauce, a "hot" salad, stewed butternut squash, chicken Marsala, pasta fagoli, pizza pockets, and mroe stuff we've just thrown together. Its fun cooking! I can't wait to try my hand at an authentic Christmas meal. Cross your fingers for me!!

Well I better go! I love you all! I'll post again soon. XOXO

Monday, November 30, 2009

Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Rome?

SO Verona is a great city! We had a blast!! There were so many funny stories that happened though... first we got confused about our hotel and had the cab take us to the wrong hotel! Then the receptionist at the wrong place LAUGHED when we told her where we were actually staying. We should have known then... OK so we finally got to our right locale, then the lady practically yells at us and tells us we're wrong because there is no way we could have booked a single room for two people. SO we had to pay extra... joy. I will say the hotel did a great job with the pictures on their website because it looked nothing like that when we got there! Sure it had all the parts of the pictures but when it all came together has a whole it was completely tacky.

Of course the problems were not just skin deep - they had booked the indoor pool (one of the only reasons we booked the place) for little kid swimming lessons. The stories go on and on, but we had a good laugh about everything.

On the second day while we were in the grand arena we ran into another girl from CIMBA, Kristy! We met up with her after we did our Juliet touristy thing. She met us at the Christmas markets.... which were amazing!!! SO many beautiful little trinkets! Of course its a tourist trap, but I didn't care - I was in love! I love Christmas so much!!

Oh and FYI the food in Verona was awesome. It cost a pretty penny, but it was totally worth it. There was still so much there that I didn't get to do. I will go back!

On the way home we decided not to rush back and stopped in Vicenza and had some tea. We looked around at their shopping. Its pretty close so we decided to plan another trip there as well. Then we stopped in Castelfranco for dinner - first meal of the trip that wasn't amazing. BU|T when we made it back to Asolo some of the people had bought chicken and were BBQing! I was pumped and definately had some of that. Salads and working out for me for the next little bit!

Anyway, off to study for our Managerial Accounting test! Love you guys!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving

Hey all! I miss home today. Its Thanksgiving and my Dad's birthday. I feel like I'm missing out on so much. I just keep reminding myself of what I'm gaining. Please be thinking of my family as they try to celebrate this holiday season while continuing to deal with family loss.

We are having a "formal dinner" tonight and I hear its like a traditional Thanksgiving. Although, nobody does the holidays like my family. There will be no Bloody Mary's and none of Memmie's mac and cheese. I am crossing my fingers and praying that there are mashed potatoes - even though I'm sure they'll be instant. :( BUT another girl from Alabama and I have decided to do a big southern meal one night... that includes frying something and potatoes and mac and cheese! I'm super pumped about it! We're going to show CIMBA why Oklahoma and Alabama are two of the fattest states in the US. haha!

OH and we get three days off for Thanksgiving break so I'm going to see Verona! Its where Juliet lived! Mrs. Tyree would be so proud. lol.

Also, took my Stat II test last night... approx. 43 pages... Yikes. Think I did pretty well though. We'll see!

Love you guys!! Keep the comments coming and please email me about your lives. I like to keep two way relationships! :)

Monday, November 16, 2009

"Home"

As many of you know, I returned to the states recently for family issues. It was so good to go back and be there with everyone. I got to see family, eat delicious food, hang out with friends, and just be there. I did struggle everyday I was there but it SO worth it. I would not have missed one second, and I only wish I could have stayed longer. I won't bore you with the sadness of why I was there - I just wanted to express my appreciation for everything that makes up my hole in the wall heaven: Holdenville, America.

I feel closer to my family and friends back in good old Oklahoma than I ever have. I love the fact that I will always be comfortable staring at a pasture with a beer in my hand...well also with Momma's good food in my belly. :)

However, I did have to come back to Italy. This is my "home" for quite a few more months. When I returned, I discovered everyone hiding in my room with the lights out! They greeted me with a surprise welcome back get together!! They had printed all of these wonderful pictures and taped them up everywhere, they hung toilet paper streamer from my ceiling, and had even cleaned my room! As I was traveling back to Italy I was so sad to leave my home and return to this "home" but I'm glad I did.

I started something here, and as much as I might not appreciate it sometimes I am truly blessed. These people took me under their wings and went above and beyond for me in my time of need. It was the best surprise ever.

PS, I forgot to write about the snow! A few days before I left for the states we all woke up and looked outside. It had snowed in the mountains over night - they had white caps!! The clouds were low (below the snow line) and almost transparent. It was the most beautiful scene. I didn't take a pic, but I will ask around to see if anyone else did.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Vaca is over... THANKFULLY

Hey guys!! So I'm back from Spain and I must say one of the highlights was coming "home"...... I really missed my little closet I live in. lol. For future reference I would say 6 days in one city as a visitor is too long. Anyway!! SO when I got back I had to start working on evefrything that is due.... a huge group project (ours turned out really good, I'm thinking its becuase we have an auditor from Price Waterhouse Cooper's on our team) a final and then this long HW assignment. Thankfully I am all done with everything but the test, say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me!! If you know me at all, you know how much I loathe accounting.

This has been a difficult week. I don't think I have been more homesick. You can imagine my joy when I got back from vaca with all the wonderful things waiting for me.... a package and letters from my grandmas and a card with pics from my sister! AND I'm still waiting on a gift from one of my best friend's LaChelle. There could not have been a better time to be reminded how much I'm lived and supported through this whole process. Thank you guys SO much!! As the holidays approach its only going to get more difficult so please keep up with the thoughtfulness. You'll never know how much it truly means!

Oh, and I guess I can start counting down the days til my DADDY gets here!! I am so pumped to see some fam. We're going to do so much, I know he will have a blast. I'll be saving up til he gets here. My cousin Toby might even come before then - she is going to Ireland at the end of this month and is looking into flights into Italy... WOOT! AND my mom is planning on coming in April with one of her besties. I'll be busy bee entertaining, but I'll be happy the entire time about it!

I love you all and miss everyone and everything SO much! Now back to studying for my final! Ugh.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Barcelona!

Sorry it has been so long. Brief history of what's been going on. I finished my stat class.... feel confident with my performance, although I don't have my grade yet. I'm on trqavel break and when I get back I have like 3 days until a paper is due, HW is due and a final for accounting. I'll get it all done though, I'm sure. Now, I am in Barcelona agina.

I was here last summer and didn't enjoy it much, I'm trying to be open minded here. So far its been lots better. Last night we did some shopping and had tapas and sangria. Tapas are just like small appetizers and sangria is like a wine where fruit has been soaked in it.... delicious!! Tonight we are taking a cooking class and going on a bar crawl. We're going to learn to make paella which is a seafood rice dish here that is AMAZING! I'm more excited about the food than anything... surprising. LOL.

We're here til Sat morning then off to Milan to celebrate Halloween. We'll be meeting most of the group in Milan so it should be fun.

OK, I better go. Again, sorry its been so long and sorry so short! :) Love you guys!!!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Trip Planning and New Friend

Hey there! Well we have our first fall break coming up. I'm getting pretty excited. One of the girls that I'm close with wanted to go to Barcelona so it looks like thats where I'm headed for 6 days! I've already been there, but I'm excited to experience it with different people. So far there's five of us going. I'm looking into day trips outside of the city because six days anywhere is a long time. I'm sure I'll be so ready to come back "home." Hopefully the beaches will be pretty this time of year but no bathing suit weather. LOL.

We'll also be staying a night or two in Milan. I'm excited about that! I've never been, maybe I can do a little shopping!

This week we have accounting Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Needless to say I'm not excited about that. Ugh, eight hours a piece. Bring it on!

Oh this weekend we had a happy hour here at CIMBA so alumni could come back and meet us. Well, I met this girl Anna who is awesome!! That night she took me to Bassano to see the annual fireworks! It was SO much fun!! We're meeting for coffee today and we might go dancing Wednesday. YAY. She was great. I took like 10 pictures of the fireworks and none of them turned out well. My camera sucks at night! :(

Well, I'm off now to do some accounting and to get ready for my coffee date. I love meeting new people!

Keep me posted on your lives too!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Productivity

Hey everyone! So this week we had to get through six chapters and do our Italian and our individual coaching stuff..... It seemed like it was going to be tough. I'm well known as a procrastinator who pushes everything off til the last minute. NOT this time. I had everything done Wednesday! I was so pumped. We all banded together for like two days and just worked on everything. As a little treat to ourselves we randomly decided to go to VENICE to stay Thursday night. I mean we literally decided to go around two and by three we were on our way. It was my first time to see it (I was the only one out of the seven who went that hadn't seen it) and I absolutely loved it. I can totally see how people fall in love with it. There are windy roads that lead to endless bridges. It was awesome. We didn't take a gondola ride or anything, but we did hop onto one guys boat in the middle of the night to take some pictures. My camera doesn't work at night so most of the pics are on other people's. I will get them soon.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Care Package!!

Ok, people I will make this easy for you and add a few suggestions to any care package ideas.... I will update this post as I can think of more.

  • Popcorn
  • DVDs - my interent sucks so its hard to stream them
  • School supplies - like post it tabs, actual tabs, a binder, another notebook or two
  • Actual mexican salsa
  • Tortillas
  • Febreeze
  • Headphones - big comfy ones
  • Computer Battery
  • Slippers
  • T-shirts
  • Euros - :)
You get the gist. :) Make sure you write on there something lame like USED clothes or towels and it is of NO value. Some people have packages stuck at customs cause their friends and family don't listen. Love you guys!!!!

Public Service Announcement

Hey everyone!! Sorry its been awhile.... Let's see lately. Well let's start with the obvious - class. We had stat for two grueling days this weekend. We all over prepared which ended up being good because Dr. Ringleb was pretty thrilled. We even got out of class early both days! 9-6 is just too long anyway. So far the material has been decently easy. We'll see how it progresses though. We have another six chapters this weekend. The tests are open book and open note so that'll help with having so much in such a short amount of time. Accounting is starting next week too. We'll have that like Tuesday and Thursday 9 to 6. I'm really hoping we get out early from every class. I doubt we will, Dr. Rongleb said our butts weren't conditioned yet, but I'm betting they will be by the end of this!!
AdaptabilityThey have been making us take so many strengths tests lately! Its pretty neat to see how they all compare. So far, I'm pretty compassionate and say that's a strength... we'll see how being a softie suits the business world soon enough I suppose. On this last one my top five were empathy, adapability, communication, activator, and positivity. I wouldn't read too much into each word. With theese tests the words have specififc meanings that you're not used too. On another one love was one of my top ones. So I guess I'm an outspoken bawlbag who loves everyone and likes to get her way. :)
So we have chesnutt (spelling?) trees here. There really should be a public service announcement about the damn things! Do you know how big one of those things are? Well they're like 3 X the size of an acorn or bigger. Anyway, I guess they fall like leaves in the fall... only in clumps! You can be walking - or sitting at a restaurant and crack bam!! They've fallen on the street and bounced around. I havn't seen anyone get hurt yet, but its CLOSE!
I got a card from my Memmie today... 4 letters and counting people.... ;)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Husband

Well, I jumped on the marriage bandwagon! I have caught an Italiano husband!! He's perfect and adorable. He has a masters in Economics and Finance and his family owns a vineyard. He gave me a ride to the eye glass shop and the grocery store. We calls me wife and we talk about our children and about their Zanco family inheritance. Below is our first picture of us at the welcome dinner.

While we were in Slovenia and I was on the telephone thing about to jump off we have to check with different groups of people to ensure that the ropes are ready. There was group 1 and 2 and a trained guy named Yaca. While I was climbing everyone was yelling about thinking about meeting Roberto's mom instead of the fact that I was climbing a telephone pole just to jump off. So I got up there and yelled group one ready.... group two ready.... Zanco (instead of Yaca) ready.... everyone laughed so hard even all of our instructors. It took me three times to yell Yaca right. Below is a pic of us at the spritz festival. We were laughing so hard taking this pic. Its our wedding picture. :)

Well if you made it this far I bet you're pretty freaked out. LOL. This is just an ongoing joke here. I off-handedly said one night that I would marry him ( as soon as we got him some wider leg pants). Well, someone mentioned it in front of him and you know I don't get embarassed or back down easily so it fosrt of morphed from there. Don't worry dad, there is no Italian men in my life besides just as classmates and friends. All the other stuff is true though. I think its pretty funny! haha. Ok, that's seriously all for tonight.... I need to STUDY!

oh BTW, I got my parents and family's birthday cards yesterday... thanks for the American $20, is that a cruel joke? Your cars were sweet and hysterical THANK YOU.

LaChelle, I got your card tonight and it made me cry. I love you!! It totally made my day better.

Postcards will be out soon, cross your fingers that you're in my first round people!

Since Slovenia

Hey everybody! I was planning or writing earlier but I've been busy. Our first actual class starts Saturday... and its taught by the director of the entire program here. No pressure right? Lol. Dad - lol means laugh at loud, learn something new everyday! I'm just sitting here reflecting on the last few days listening to my Garth Brooks. Its been a whirlwind for sure.

We went to Slovenia in the middle of the mountains across from a Nazi concentration camp to do a high ropes course. We were 24 feet off the ground!! At one time we had to climb up something the equivalent of a telephone pole and then stand on top of it turn about 180 degrees and then jump off. Granted, we were connected to safety ropes but your mind makes you think your life is in danger! Thw whole trip was an eye opening experience. Just being near a concentration camp was intense, but then being in cramped quarters with everyone was tough.

We got to walk around the camp and see the ruins. It totally gave me the chills, but I was happy I got to see it. To the left is a memorial stone as you walk into the camp.

I love being around people, but I need my alone time. By the end I could totally tell I was annoyed and frustrated with just being around people. I reassessed my situation and changed my behavior in the end and ended up having a great time. That's what we're learning right now... emtional regulation. If you know me at all, you know how important this skill will be for me.

I learned a lot about my leadership style and some things I can improve on. I'm actively working on myself while trying to find a balance of who I am and who I want to be. Tomorrow I have my first coaching session - I'm nervous but excited. They don't give you advice but help you decipher your own thoughts and feelings.

Anyway, so the night we got back from Slovenia I discovered that housekeeping had gone through and locked the doors... my keys were in my room and there was a spritz (local type of drinnk) festival going on. The girls all banded together and got me dressed and helped me out because my wallet was in my room as well. I ended up having a great night and most of the Italians stayed for a drink or two too!! Below are Stefano and Fabio. They are such nice guys!

Since then I've just been studying and hanging out. Oh I stepped on my glasses while packing for Slovenia.... I took them to an eye glass shop and poof fixed for free. Thank you Roberto for the ride! Anyway, I'm off to study. Keep the commenting up, I really love to read them. :)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Birthday Celebrations!

Hey guys this one will be short I promise! Last night was my 23rd bday. I am the baby of the grpup and somehow convinced everyone to come out and celebrate with me! The theme was white trash bash then a transformation to eurotrash. It was epic! I don't really know how to dress to euro trash, but try explaining white trash to people not from the south! It was so funny!! Anyway, the plan was to hit the disco, but turns out that it is only "popping" on Wednesdays during the summer. We ended up at another bar that was so cool. I will have to steal someones pics and put them up.

I woke up at 11:30 but I will go back to sleep during our 5 hour bus ride to SLOVENIA! We are doing a ropes course there tomorrow. They say the entire country is beautiful. I will be bringing my camera with lots of batteries!

I got my annual poem from my dad and cried. I then read it to all the girls who were upset I wasn't crying again. haha! I got MAIL from my Granny!!! Finally someone sent me something that got here!... hint hint people! Oh two of my friends here got me a pair of earrings that are darling! I was so excited!! They also got my nutella and some pastries. YUM! Nutella is like a spreadable chocolate. It will knock your socks off! Thank you Amanda and Elisa!! Awesome friends!

Everyone was so great last night. I am so glad I get to live with these people and share in everything with them. My birthday was an absolute blast and I could not have asked for more.

Friday, September 18, 2009

LIFE in more ways than one

Here's a quick post before I go to bed. We have been busy lately and its only going to get worse. I haven't decided if that's good or bad though. Lol. Our actual classes don't start for like another two weeks. Next week on the 24th (day after my birthday!!) we go to Slovenia (its a country!) for a high ropes course. It should be lots of fun!

Speaking of my birthday, it turnsa out we have a free night in morening that fits perfectly in with going to the disco (club) again. This time we'll reserve a taxi in advance. For those of you that don't know the last we went we just thought we could call the cab that got us there.... well they turn their phones off at 1 and the disco doesn't even open til midnight!! Anyway - we couldn't get one and ended up walking over 40 minutes at like 4 or 5 in the morning. It was so funny! We all made it home safe with only a couple of blisters to show.

So, I told you about going to the LIFE course. We just got back last nigiht. It was a very intensive 2.5 days. The trainers never smiled and were almost hateful. It was geared to really pull within yourself to complete the "tests" we were given. I cried a lot, but I always do that. I even broke a board a karate style! Watch out Chuck Norris! My barriers to success (so far) are that I always try to please everyone and that I have this enormous amount of uncertainty. I should change while I'm here though.

The night we got back everyone was exhuasted. They only allow a certain amount of sleep to keep you in a stressed state. Anyway, we got back and went out for some drinks. A few of us decided to go soome place a get actual food. We found Due Mori - might be misspelled. It was so beautiful. I'm taking my parents there when they come. You can sit on the balcony and just one of the most incredible views. And the waitress reminded me of an older Lucille Ball! Then we decided to come back home, but we had some energy we needed to use.... solution? dance break!! We danced around for like an hour. It was so much fun!! We were all on tables and window sills (only ones wit balconeys) and anywhere else.

Today everyone took it easy. I napped and watched people cook lunch. I made a sandwich with salami, gouda, tomato and a croissant. Everything tastes better here. The meats and cheeses have so much more flavor! Tonight I had one the most soul warming nights since I've been here. We climbed to the top of the Rocca - its the castle/guard post on up the hill from us - and had a picnic. We had prosciutto (thin ham) and cheese (asiago and another kind that was out of this world) and wine and prosecco (sparkling Italian wine). My friend Curtis even played some jazz on his mp3 player. The whole night could not have been better.

I miss everyone, but I'm doing great, Its getting a lot easier being here. I love you guys!!

PS Dad - your test comment worked. Keep them coming. Love you!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Italy - in the Beginning

Sorry I don't have much time. I just wanted to say that I'm having a wonderful time. This is going to be a great expreience. Everyone keeps joking that it feels like summer camp though. We live in dorms and our classes are downstairs. Our building is beautiful with awesome views. My room looks out toward our courtyard. Pics to come soon.

So I am definately the youngest one here. There are people in their 30's even, but mostly upper 20's. I feel like I have a lot to prove, but everyone has been really nice and supportive so far. Not too many cracks about my age! My birthday is the first one so I keep telling everyone that we have to set the scene for the the birthdays to come. LOL.

I really only get homesick at night when I can't sleep. That's when everything bothers me, but besides that I think I'm adjusting well. Can't wait for visitors though!!

Our classes don't start for like another two weeks. Today we are headed to the undergraduate campus for this program called Life. It is supposed to be superintensive and really break down all your walls. I anticipate crying. lol. Please be thinking about me. I am really excited about it though.

Our building is up on a hill and by the time I get home my legs will be solid!! I huff anf puff everyday. Anyway - I have to go. Ciao!! Love you all!!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

STRESS

So I have decided that I am officially stressed out. This next week is going to be insane. Monday as you know, I get my stitches out of my mouth. I actually lost one last night - scared me to death! I iext my mom at like 10:30... and any one who knows her knows you do not do that. lol.

Before I head to Stillwater to get that done I think I'm going to head to Shawnee to do that extra blood work. I want to get it over with. :/ Hopefully I can grab some lunch at Shawnee, hint hint Kelly!

Tuesday I'm reserving for GMAT studying. The test is Wednesday and I really don't think I will get the 550. I know a 550 isn't a super hard score to get, but I just do not have the time nor the mental resources to put forth the effort needed. I talked to guy in my same boat and he's not taking it again until Italy. He also knows a girl last year who didn't ever get the 550 so I hope they won't reject me or make me take it a million times. I know that's a lot of hear say, but a girl can hope and at $250 a pop I really can't afford to take it any more. I think this is my main source of stress right now. Everything else will come later.

I leave for my road trip to Houston right I finish the test Wednesday. My dad is meeting me in the city then we're gonna drive drive drive. He did remind me that after this week the only thing I'll have left is moving, packing what I'm taking, and getting my financial aid in order. Oh, and also planning all my going away parties. :) For the record, there is going to be one in Holdenville for sure and hopefully one in the city.... GET EXCITED!

One of my friends is coming over with a post-its to claim my stuff for a year so if you want any momentos of me or just need some stuff for your place until you get off your ass and buy it for yourself hit me up!

Wow, I guess it really does help to right all this stuff down. Maybe I'll try it more often. :-) Ta ta for now!!

PS - I would really like a more personalized backdrop template thing, but have not succeeded in finding one. Suggestions?

Friday, August 14, 2009

First Blog!

This is my first blog, so hello. I'm Sara. I started to this to let everyone stay up-to-date with my life. As of September 9, I am moving to Asolo, Italy to get my MBA. I'm really excited but SO overwhelmed with all the applications and paperwork and other things involved with the whole process. So if I've been a lil cranky - I'm sorry.

I have been frantically trying to get ready for my big adventure. The last week has been completely devoted to getting medically ready. I had my wisdom teeth cut out Monday (6 stitches in all), the eye doctor Tuesday (I have to get glasses and contacts), the gyno Wednesday (I won't give you any details ;o) ), and I had blood work Thursday. I am exhausted, and I still have to get cream for my ezcema (sp?), a tetanus shot, and do more blood work. Apparently my thyroid is a little abnormal. I'll keep everyone posted on that. As someone said today - I'm like a sick puppy having to go to the vet all the time. I guess that's what I get for never going to the doctor!

This next week I will be taking the GMAT and I have to score a 550. I hope I'm not too rusty! I will also be going to the dentist AGAIN to get the stitches out. Oh and a road trip with my dad to Houston to turn in my VISA application. Turning the application in by hand seems to be the fastest way to acquire this elusive visa.

Well I guess this is all for now. I will try to update this pretty often so stay tuned!