I am getting ready to complete my first semester of grad school. It's been tough only because the workload is greater and as always I am continuing to over-extend myself with work, assistantship, friends... However, I have done pretty well. The only class I really regret taking is a topics which is independent study. Although I have learned a great deal on my topic -Convergence of the FASB US GAAP and the IASB IFRS, I hate to write papers. There has been a lot of uncertainty which leads me to believe it's only purpose is to aid us in getting our 30 hours.
Tomorrow I finish up by taking my last exam. Then I am going to begin working to complete my CPA exams. I start in January and hope to be finished with all four sections by mid-May before I leave for France and my eventual study abroad in Copenhagen. I am very excited to be heading back to Europe. Although my preference is France I am going to remain open to a new adventure in Denmark.
Well, I still need to get up and study so I better retire for today. I really must begin writing more on this blog and documenting my life because I used to love that while I lived in France, oh.... France. La France me manque de plus en plus chaque jour. France est toujours prez de mon ceour.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Masters in Melbourne???
I am feeling rather lazy today so I have only done some Pilates at Maddy's apartment this morning, cooked a little lunch for the two of us, and now I am checking my e-mails at Melbourne Uni before have a drink with Jules and Anna tonight. I have been thinking an awful lot about the state of things in my academic life. In particular is my want to experience another study abroad. I am again looking at participating in a study abroad experience, this time at the University of Melbourne in Victoria Australia. It is only a beginning because it will be very difficult to do with a postgraduate program.
I am getting information on the program here in hopes that I may be able to take the required classes at my university and then take my electives "Down Under." It would be great to have more than a three week parcel of time to see my friends and I would also have another cultural experience in a very diverse, thriving city in the Asia-Pacific rim. Right now it is merely a feasibility study that I am undertaking, but it is nonetheless a future possibility.
I have been cooking lunch everyday for Maddy and myself in an attempt to save some cash. Actually, I have been cooking lunch and dinner. Monday we had tacos with Cass, Malvina, Jules, Maddy, and me. It was fortunate in a way that Claire, Rach, and Isa were unable to come out because I had 24 taco shells to go around and the girls and I polished off all but four of them! Good times are definitely being had and although it would seem that I don't know some of these people its not long before I feel comfortable as old friends in there company.
I feel a little awkward posting to my blog in the middle of a bustling library where many are waiting for access to a computer so I will have to make this entry brief so that real work can be done. It feels a little bit of foreshadowing as I sit in the library because there is a chance, albeit slim, that I could be one of those students very soon.
I am getting information on the program here in hopes that I may be able to take the required classes at my university and then take my electives "Down Under." It would be great to have more than a three week parcel of time to see my friends and I would also have another cultural experience in a very diverse, thriving city in the Asia-Pacific rim. Right now it is merely a feasibility study that I am undertaking, but it is nonetheless a future possibility.
I have been cooking lunch everyday for Maddy and myself in an attempt to save some cash. Actually, I have been cooking lunch and dinner. Monday we had tacos with Cass, Malvina, Jules, Maddy, and me. It was fortunate in a way that Claire, Rach, and Isa were unable to come out because I had 24 taco shells to go around and the girls and I polished off all but four of them! Good times are definitely being had and although it would seem that I don't know some of these people its not long before I feel comfortable as old friends in there company.
I feel a little awkward posting to my blog in the middle of a bustling library where many are waiting for access to a computer so I will have to make this entry brief so that real work can be done. It feels a little bit of foreshadowing as I sit in the library because there is a chance, albeit slim, that I could be one of those students very soon.
Friday, March 23, 2007
A "Lyons Roar" Down Under
OK, It's been a very long time since I have posted anything to my blog. I guess I just didn't think that my life was worth writing about while I was a senior at Uni, it didn't hurt that I was very busy as well with school and Beta Alpha Psi. However, now I have finished my stint as an intern with Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Audit and Enterprise Risk Services. In fact, I was made an offer on my last day at the firm to begin in the Fall of 2008. Currently, I am planning to mail the offer from here. Where is here you may ask -Melbourne, Australia. At the moment I am updating my blog from the Melbourne University Baillieu Library.
It's about 90 degrees outside, which is very warm considering that its autumn here. Although I hear that it's supposed to cool down tonight. Go figure, the day before we are to head to the beach for a big reunion.
It was great to give Maddy a huge hug at the airport where she picked my up. I am still feeling in a dream world from seeing everyone and meeting her family.
Yesterday, I met up with Anna to have a drink on the Yarra River before we headed to see Jules read some french love letters. Anna is working in marketing/sales for a radio station and is really looking great since she has been working out. Its kind of a motivator for me since I put on some weight since returning and getting caught up in class. More on that later since I am planning to make that my summer goal, 200 lbs, 230 by my 30th b-day in a few months.
Jules is working as an assistant to a French History professor and seems to like what she's doing. She has also been made an offer by Deloitte's Melbourne Tax Practice which I think is pretty cool since I am going to work for them as well.
Also, Isabelle met us for a hot minute after work and before we went to catch Jules. It was really weird since I haven't seen her since December of 2004 as she was a one semester kiddo. She is doing her articles with a law firm , very big and respected one, so she was dressed all professionally which is a far cry from the more free spirit that I remember.
It's very nice though because we all just get on like it was yesterday. There isn't a forcing of friendship. We had some drinks like it was just the other night we were in Lyon having a drink at Maddy's place. Although everyone has jobs here so we can't hang out all night. However, since noone will be working on Sunday morning I will not take no for an answer tomorrow night when people want to leave. I'll be cooking dinner so I will make it nice and heavy to keep everyone's tolerance high!!!
Well, that's a good start to my blog from Australia. One last note, I have been accepted to the UNCC Master's of Accountancy Program as of March 21, 2007. So, I will be headed back to school in the Fall of 2007 in Charlotte, unless I get a better offer somewhere else!
It's about 90 degrees outside, which is very warm considering that its autumn here. Although I hear that it's supposed to cool down tonight. Go figure, the day before we are to head to the beach for a big reunion.
It was great to give Maddy a huge hug at the airport where she picked my up. I am still feeling in a dream world from seeing everyone and meeting her family.
Yesterday, I met up with Anna to have a drink on the Yarra River before we headed to see Jules read some french love letters. Anna is working in marketing/sales for a radio station and is really looking great since she has been working out. Its kind of a motivator for me since I put on some weight since returning and getting caught up in class. More on that later since I am planning to make that my summer goal, 200 lbs, 230 by my 30th b-day in a few months.
Jules is working as an assistant to a French History professor and seems to like what she's doing. She has also been made an offer by Deloitte's Melbourne Tax Practice which I think is pretty cool since I am going to work for them as well.
Also, Isabelle met us for a hot minute after work and before we went to catch Jules. It was really weird since I haven't seen her since December of 2004 as she was a one semester kiddo. She is doing her articles with a law firm , very big and respected one, so she was dressed all professionally which is a far cry from the more free spirit that I remember.
It's very nice though because we all just get on like it was yesterday. There isn't a forcing of friendship. We had some drinks like it was just the other night we were in Lyon having a drink at Maddy's place. Although everyone has jobs here so we can't hang out all night. However, since noone will be working on Sunday morning I will not take no for an answer tomorrow night when people want to leave. I'll be cooking dinner so I will make it nice and heavy to keep everyone's tolerance high!!!
Well, that's a good start to my blog from Australia. One last note, I have been accepted to the UNCC Master's of Accountancy Program as of March 21, 2007. So, I will be headed back to school in the Fall of 2007 in Charlotte, unless I get a better offer somewhere else!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
State of Mind
One of my favorite times of the year is upon me here in Charlotte, NC. It is the changing of the season. Soon, the leaves will begin to turn from the familiar green from spring and summer to a beautiful, vibrant portrait of oranges, reds, yellows whipping in the cool arctic breezes. Correspondingly, I am also experiencing a change this fall. I will finish my undergraduate degree in accounting with a minor in management information systems.
Honestly, I never thought this day would really come to me. I have been marginal at best throughout my previous tenure as a student both in high school and my first years in college. So, when I returned to school after several failed attempts in the fall of 2003, I was reluctant. That semester I was enrolled in College Algebra. I had begun this class a few times before and always withdrawn due to being poor in mathematics and getting behind. That semester seemed destined to the same fate. I made a 50/100 on my first exam. I bumped into the professor on the way to another class and informed her I would be dropping the class because I didn't want to get an F on my transcript. Ms. Funderburk, the professor, pleaded with me to wait until the next exam. One that was going to be after the deadline to withdraw from the course. She gave her word that if I came to her with problems and made a real effort to augment my grade, she would tell the Dean and have a withdrawal made for me. I agreed and began going by her office for extra instruction. The test came, I wrote the exam and left worried and anxious at the result, which thinking back, may have been the turning point in my academic life.
judgment, 98/100 points!
With newfound confidence I dove headfirst into all my classes with even more gusto. That semester I received a 3.4 out of 4 for my GPA. I know this isn't perfect, but knowing that I had never, ever in my academic life received marks this high I was ecstatic.
This exuberance followed into the next semester when I began classes. I had dreamed for years of living in France as a student abroad. A common day Erasmus from the US. All of you know that I lived this reality, none know how it almost never happened.
After completing the semester I had a 3.4. Although my cumulative GPA was a mere 1.6. This is because I had transferred to the University a few years earlier and stopped coming to class because I was working too much. At my previous institution the withdrawal was done automatically by the professor. However, UNCC had recently adopted a self-withdrawal policy and I did not know until the end of the semester, exam week, when my professors had already left. I tried to have a withdrawal but the Dean denied the request without the teachers signatures.
Because the exchange program required a minimum GPA of 2.5, I was in a predicament. How could I get my transcript expunged after more than 3 years had passed since the incident?
I entered Dr. Jack Hogue's office, Assistant to the Dean, with trepidation. I explained my situation from previous years and the consequences. Dr. Hogue, a prudent, forthright individual who had only moments before sent a student from the room mumbling explicatives under his breathe, granted my request. I was allowed to contact the professors from the previous years and ask them to review there attendance records to see if I had truly stopped coming to class prior to October 15, 1999 as I had said. His first criteria were that I receive all five professors signatures, but after I said that only two of the professors were still with the University he allowed a 3 out-of five.
I went to Google to find the professors current whereabouts. One was in Georgia at UGA, she had authored several detective books based on her background in forensic anthropology. What consequence would it be for her to take time to help little truant me? I sent her an e-mail requesting the needed information without response. Therefore I focused my efforts to the other teachers on campus.
The first professor was an Economics professor who I had spoken with four years earlier about the same matter. At the time, she did not agree with my position trying to get a late withdrawal regardless of the Dean's position. ( I tried the last day of exams in 1999 to get the same signatures, but gave up.) She told me to return the next day after she has spoken with the Dean, she never came to meet me. However, I explained my case to her, presented the facts fairly without any bias to our incident four years previous. She looked over her records and realized that I had indeed stopped coming to class shortly after beginning the semester.
She signed.
Next, I went to a history professor, who looked at her records quickly and without hazard signed the form accordingly.
Next, I tried to have a stubborn Algebra professor look into her records. I e-mailed her on several occasions but was ignored. I looked up her office hours for an unannounced visit to confront her. Just in case, I also sent another message to the professor in Georgia including my phone number in case she would like to speak with me.
I entered the corridor leading to the office of my Algebra professor from four years prior with resolve. In the balance, I knew, was my opportunity to live in France for a year. I knocked softly on the door and her gaze quickly found my eyes. She locked in asking "Yes?" in her slight Spanish accent. I inquired about her e-mails and she curtly stopped to say she had not looked. She looked back to her workpapers, but I was not to be so easily dismissed. I explained that I would be back everyday until she had time to at least look into her attendance books, neatly stacked on her bookcase.
She broke, her Latin culture most likely influencing her because I had been firm and threatened to interrupt her peaceful office hours for weeks to come. She asked me to reach the shelf for her and pull the fall 1999 booklet, saying that it must contain a side-note about my situation in order for her to sign. I found it, nearly trembling, and handed it to her. Thumbing the pages she found my name, in the margin was a note scribbled in pencil saying that I had never returned to class after the Fall Break.
She signed. I had three signatures.
As I left the office with a euphoric wave of emotion my phone rang. I answered the strange number to a familiar name. "Hello, this is Karen Ramey Burns could I speak with Sean please?" Still elated, I said hello and congratulations on the success of her new book. Having tried to track her down I learned she has become well-known as a mystery author using her forensic background and work the the FBI. If I am not mistaken, she is also a reason for the CSI series' success her in the US. She serves as an expert consultant. Back to the matter, she thanked me and said she had found my records and, to her bewilderment, had also penned that I stopped attending class early after the semester. She sent an e-mail to the Dean and wished me luck in France.
It must have worked because I was accepted to the program and 7 months later I met some of the most wonderful people, who I think of often, and look forward to seeing in April.
If you are still with me, reading, thanks for hearing my little sentimental story. It's an anecdote on how sometimes, with a little persistence, luck, and thoughtfulness of others, things happen.
Great things.
I am happy to be the President of Beta Alpha Psi at my university. I am proud to have been selected as a winter intern with Deloitte & Touche. I am ecstatic to think that I will see my friends in a few months. Although I am worried about the sordid affairs of the world, I am optimistic because I know that a few people can and will make a difference one person at a time.
I look forward to doing my part.
Honestly, I never thought this day would really come to me. I have been marginal at best throughout my previous tenure as a student both in high school and my first years in college. So, when I returned to school after several failed attempts in the fall of 2003, I was reluctant. That semester I was enrolled in College Algebra. I had begun this class a few times before and always withdrawn due to being poor in mathematics and getting behind. That semester seemed destined to the same fate. I made a 50/100 on my first exam. I bumped into the professor on the way to another class and informed her I would be dropping the class because I didn't want to get an F on my transcript. Ms. Funderburk, the professor, pleaded with me to wait until the next exam. One that was going to be after the deadline to withdraw from the course. She gave her word that if I came to her with problems and made a real effort to augment my grade, she would tell the Dean and have a withdrawal made for me. I agreed and began going by her office for extra instruction. The test came, I wrote the exam and left worried and anxious at the result, which thinking back, may have been the turning point in my academic life.
judgment, 98/100 points!
With newfound confidence I dove headfirst into all my classes with even more gusto. That semester I received a 3.4 out of 4 for my GPA. I know this isn't perfect, but knowing that I had never, ever in my academic life received marks this high I was ecstatic.
This exuberance followed into the next semester when I began classes. I had dreamed for years of living in France as a student abroad. A common day Erasmus from the US. All of you know that I lived this reality, none know how it almost never happened.
After completing the semester I had a 3.4. Although my cumulative GPA was a mere 1.6. This is because I had transferred to the University a few years earlier and stopped coming to class because I was working too much. At my previous institution the withdrawal was done automatically by the professor. However, UNCC had recently adopted a self-withdrawal policy and I did not know until the end of the semester, exam week, when my professors had already left. I tried to have a withdrawal but the Dean denied the request without the teachers signatures.
Because the exchange program required a minimum GPA of 2.5, I was in a predicament. How could I get my transcript expunged after more than 3 years had passed since the incident?
I entered Dr. Jack Hogue's office, Assistant to the Dean, with trepidation. I explained my situation from previous years and the consequences. Dr. Hogue, a prudent, forthright individual who had only moments before sent a student from the room mumbling explicatives under his breathe, granted my request. I was allowed to contact the professors from the previous years and ask them to review there attendance records to see if I had truly stopped coming to class prior to October 15, 1999 as I had said. His first criteria were that I receive all five professors signatures, but after I said that only two of the professors were still with the University he allowed a 3 out-of five.
I went to Google to find the professors current whereabouts. One was in Georgia at UGA, she had authored several detective books based on her background in forensic anthropology. What consequence would it be for her to take time to help little truant me? I sent her an e-mail requesting the needed information without response. Therefore I focused my efforts to the other teachers on campus.
The first professor was an Economics professor who I had spoken with four years earlier about the same matter. At the time, she did not agree with my position trying to get a late withdrawal regardless of the Dean's position. ( I tried the last day of exams in 1999 to get the same signatures, but gave up.) She told me to return the next day after she has spoken with the Dean, she never came to meet me. However, I explained my case to her, presented the facts fairly without any bias to our incident four years previous. She looked over her records and realized that I had indeed stopped coming to class shortly after beginning the semester.
She signed.
Next, I went to a history professor, who looked at her records quickly and without hazard signed the form accordingly.
Next, I tried to have a stubborn Algebra professor look into her records. I e-mailed her on several occasions but was ignored. I looked up her office hours for an unannounced visit to confront her. Just in case, I also sent another message to the professor in Georgia including my phone number in case she would like to speak with me.
I entered the corridor leading to the office of my Algebra professor from four years prior with resolve. In the balance, I knew, was my opportunity to live in France for a year. I knocked softly on the door and her gaze quickly found my eyes. She locked in asking "Yes?" in her slight Spanish accent. I inquired about her e-mails and she curtly stopped to say she had not looked. She looked back to her workpapers, but I was not to be so easily dismissed. I explained that I would be back everyday until she had time to at least look into her attendance books, neatly stacked on her bookcase.
She broke, her Latin culture most likely influencing her because I had been firm and threatened to interrupt her peaceful office hours for weeks to come. She asked me to reach the shelf for her and pull the fall 1999 booklet, saying that it must contain a side-note about my situation in order for her to sign. I found it, nearly trembling, and handed it to her. Thumbing the pages she found my name, in the margin was a note scribbled in pencil saying that I had never returned to class after the Fall Break.
She signed. I had three signatures.
As I left the office with a euphoric wave of emotion my phone rang. I answered the strange number to a familiar name. "Hello, this is Karen Ramey Burns could I speak with Sean please?" Still elated, I said hello and congratulations on the success of her new book. Having tried to track her down I learned she has become well-known as a mystery author using her forensic background and work the the FBI. If I am not mistaken, she is also a reason for the CSI series' success her in the US. She serves as an expert consultant. Back to the matter, she thanked me and said she had found my records and, to her bewilderment, had also penned that I stopped attending class early after the semester. She sent an e-mail to the Dean and wished me luck in France.
It must have worked because I was accepted to the program and 7 months later I met some of the most wonderful people, who I think of often, and look forward to seeing in April.
If you are still with me, reading, thanks for hearing my little sentimental story. It's an anecdote on how sometimes, with a little persistence, luck, and thoughtfulness of others, things happen.
Great things.
I am happy to be the President of Beta Alpha Psi at my university. I am proud to have been selected as a winter intern with Deloitte & Touche. I am ecstatic to think that I will see my friends in a few months. Although I am worried about the sordid affairs of the world, I am optimistic because I know that a few people can and will make a difference one person at a time.
I look forward to doing my part.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Getting Back on Track
Hello Everyone (Those that still drop by from time-to-time anyway.)
I am sitting in a little coffee shop down the road from my house. It's nice enough but I hate to tell Madz, Rach, and Claire that they do not serve any fair trade. It is amazing because this place is such a nice coffee shop, locally owned and everything. However, the guy who owns it is apparently a neo-conservative. So, I'll be headed to another coffee shop soon, there is one about the same distance away that serves all shade-tree, fair trade, organic coffee. Like anything else it is feast or famine I guess, one or the other.
"Back on Track"
Last semester I has an awful time. I did well in school, but not to my normal standards. In addition, I rarely had time to work out and I was smoking intermittently along the way. As a result I put on about ten pounds(5 kilos). This only added to the holiday weight that I had as well. So, I have decided that it is time to make some changes. I am going to lose all the weight that I have put off since coming home, plus another 20 pounds. My goal is to have a trim waist, six pack abs, and most importantly make my health a priority. So, I will be trying to incorporate some pilates and core strengthening exercises. This will help me with my hip issues, it doesn't really affect me but from time to time I am aware of the extra stress that is placed on my right hip.
I am going to make this very transparent and post my pictures along the way. I have a goal of about 2-2.5 pounds, or 1 kilo per week that I want to lose. This will put me on track to starting my last full semester of classes at well below my current weight and will throw all my classmates for quite a loop.
I am going to take some photos this weekend and post the results here for the world to see. I think that this will give me the incentive and motivation to "get back on track." The ultimate goal is to be in great shape when I get to Australia next summer. Internship or no internship, you better be ready!!!
Love to everyone, talk to you soon.
I am sitting in a little coffee shop down the road from my house. It's nice enough but I hate to tell Madz, Rach, and Claire that they do not serve any fair trade. It is amazing because this place is such a nice coffee shop, locally owned and everything. However, the guy who owns it is apparently a neo-conservative. So, I'll be headed to another coffee shop soon, there is one about the same distance away that serves all shade-tree, fair trade, organic coffee. Like anything else it is feast or famine I guess, one or the other.
"Back on Track"
Last semester I has an awful time. I did well in school, but not to my normal standards. In addition, I rarely had time to work out and I was smoking intermittently along the way. As a result I put on about ten pounds(5 kilos). This only added to the holiday weight that I had as well. So, I have decided that it is time to make some changes. I am going to lose all the weight that I have put off since coming home, plus another 20 pounds. My goal is to have a trim waist, six pack abs, and most importantly make my health a priority. So, I will be trying to incorporate some pilates and core strengthening exercises. This will help me with my hip issues, it doesn't really affect me but from time to time I am aware of the extra stress that is placed on my right hip.
I am going to make this very transparent and post my pictures along the way. I have a goal of about 2-2.5 pounds, or 1 kilo per week that I want to lose. This will put me on track to starting my last full semester of classes at well below my current weight and will throw all my classmates for quite a loop.
I am going to take some photos this weekend and post the results here for the world to see. I think that this will give me the incentive and motivation to "get back on track." The ultimate goal is to be in great shape when I get to Australia next summer. Internship or no internship, you better be ready!!!
Love to everyone, talk to you soon.
Friday, April 28, 2006
I think they call it burnout?
These last few weeks have been very draining. I have been through my father being in the hospital for more than a week for a 4-day maximum surgery. In addition I was initiated as the newest president of Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Fraternity, and I have been busy with classwork and exams. So, with all of this going on plus staying active at work and doing lots of meetings and seminars I am beginning to feel a burnout.
Luckily, I have a couple more weeks and then I will be given a break for about eleven days. I plan to relax, sleep in, and get my butt into the gym more often. I have put on some of the weight that I lost in France this year. I was in the gym for a while until my dad went into the hospital. I got so busy going to see him and with school that working out went down on the priority list.
For those of you interested, I am going to be participating in a few things this summer that I am really excited about. First, after meeting the Deloitte recruiters at our spring banquet I sent a letter to see about opportunities. I was asked to participate in the annual Deloitte National Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is a great chance to meet a lot of partners and senior managers along with 450-480 students from universities across the country. I am anxiously awaiting to participate and represent my university.
In addition, I am going to the Beta Alpha Psi Conference in Washington, D.C. This will be great to help me get ideas on things to do to make our organization superior chapter for the 11th time. I know that I am going to be busy, but it is a great opportunity for me and you never know where it may lead.
Until next time, Sean
Luckily, I have a couple more weeks and then I will be given a break for about eleven days. I plan to relax, sleep in, and get my butt into the gym more often. I have put on some of the weight that I lost in France this year. I was in the gym for a while until my dad went into the hospital. I got so busy going to see him and with school that working out went down on the priority list.
For those of you interested, I am going to be participating in a few things this summer that I am really excited about. First, after meeting the Deloitte recruiters at our spring banquet I sent a letter to see about opportunities. I was asked to participate in the annual Deloitte National Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is a great chance to meet a lot of partners and senior managers along with 450-480 students from universities across the country. I am anxiously awaiting to participate and represent my university.
In addition, I am going to the Beta Alpha Psi Conference in Washington, D.C. This will be great to help me get ideas on things to do to make our organization superior chapter for the 11th time. I know that I am going to be busy, but it is a great opportunity for me and you never know where it may lead.
Until next time, Sean
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Mr. President
This week I took a major step toward my future. I am going to be the next president of the Beta Alpha Psi Honorary Organization. It is for Financial Information professionals and students. I have been active with the organization since participating last semester as an associate pledge. As an associate pledge you get all of the benefits of being a member without having to meet the requirements of a pledge. As you may imagine I do not like to just sit at the wayside, so I was active from the start and attended 80% of the meetings and also volunteered about 8 hours to community service. This semester I was eligible to pledge and did so. I became more active and when the time came to elect new officers I decided that I wanted to become president.
In a few more weeks, this semester will come to a close and I will begin a one-year intership with General Electric. I should say that I still have to sit for an interview, but I feel very good about my chances. I will also be going to summer school to lower my burden next semester and give me the time to begin a systems minor or major to add to my skills. Then, I plan to do a summer internship with a "big four" accounting firm before entering the Master of Accounting program at UNCC, or at Melbourne Uni if an internship down under comes through. All in all, I am busy but I think that the best is definitely yet to come.
I miss Lyon, I miss my friends, I miss the feeling I had back in France. However, I know that it will come again and I try to think of this time as the time in between. I will be in Australia and France before you know it. I am actively moving in that direction and I am staying very open to new possibilities. I better run, the cafe that I am in is closing.
In a few more weeks, this semester will come to a close and I will begin a one-year intership with General Electric. I should say that I still have to sit for an interview, but I feel very good about my chances. I will also be going to summer school to lower my burden next semester and give me the time to begin a systems minor or major to add to my skills. Then, I plan to do a summer internship with a "big four" accounting firm before entering the Master of Accounting program at UNCC, or at Melbourne Uni if an internship down under comes through. All in all, I am busy but I think that the best is definitely yet to come.
I miss Lyon, I miss my friends, I miss the feeling I had back in France. However, I know that it will come again and I try to think of this time as the time in between. I will be in Australia and France before you know it. I am actively moving in that direction and I am staying very open to new possibilities. I better run, the cafe that I am in is closing.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Stressed but loving it
This week could be the worst week of my collegiate career in terms of amount of work to do. It may very well be the deciding factor in my final grades as well. I have three exams, one of which is a two-day exam. Also, I have a three-page French paper due on Thursday before my two exams taking place that day. Then, I have an excel project and a memo due in one of the classes giving the exam. Very stressed, but I feel good about my capabilities to do very well.
In addition, I have decided to run for a position with my professional fraternity; Beta Alpha Psi. It is a very challenging position that has a lot of duties that I must perform. In spite of the work and obligations I think that it is going to be a great opportunity to use my leadership skills in advancing our chapter to new highs. I look forward to the challenge.
I am in the process of applying and interviewing for scholarships and I am hopeful that I will attain one in the public accounting field. In fact, after speaking with the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, I was told that my participation as president would assure me an internship and most likely several job offers. I knew that it would better my position but I had no clue how sought after the presidents are. One firm in particular has hired four out of the five former presidents, although it is not my first choice I find comfort in this fact.
I am very busy and I have no time for myself at the moment, but I am keeping up with the site so that I do not lose touch with everyone. I hope that everyone is well and I look forward to hearing from all of you soon.
In addition, I have decided to run for a position with my professional fraternity; Beta Alpha Psi. It is a very challenging position that has a lot of duties that I must perform. In spite of the work and obligations I think that it is going to be a great opportunity to use my leadership skills in advancing our chapter to new highs. I look forward to the challenge.
I am in the process of applying and interviewing for scholarships and I am hopeful that I will attain one in the public accounting field. In fact, after speaking with the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, I was told that my participation as president would assure me an internship and most likely several job offers. I knew that it would better my position but I had no clue how sought after the presidents are. One firm in particular has hired four out of the five former presidents, although it is not my first choice I find comfort in this fact.
I am very busy and I have no time for myself at the moment, but I am keeping up with the site so that I do not lose touch with everyone. I hope that everyone is well and I look forward to hearing from all of you soon.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Spring Break With No Break
I am currently on Spring Break this week. While most students are having fun in a warm, tropical location I am working, studying, and writing. I am very jealous of those having a great time but I had to stay behind and get ahead. The last round of exams was excruciating and I do not want that to happen again.
I received one of the worst marks ever in French and as a result I have reapplied myself and I think that it is paying off. Last week I was speaking online with my roommate's mother and she said without solicitation that my verbal French had improved a lot! I hope to be able to use it soon in France. I am trying to plan a trip in July to Lyon, Roanne, Italy, Spain, and of course Paris.
For my Lyonnaisers who still check in I am going to try and post more pictures soon of friends and what I am doing. I thought the other day about how I have not taken many photos since returning. I am not sure why, but there are plenty of times that I probably should have. So, I will be tweaking with my blog and posting more information.
I am going out next week with a woman that I met at the restaurant. She is cute, intelligent, and has two little boys. I am a little bit reluctant to go on a date but I think that I should at least see if something is there first, right? On ne sais jamais.
Well, I have a meeting with my professor tomorrow, the last day of my break... Crazy isn't it? So, I better go and proofread my documents and get into bed soon.
Lots of love, Jules and Maddy I am happy to know that the two of you are home safe.
I received one of the worst marks ever in French and as a result I have reapplied myself and I think that it is paying off. Last week I was speaking online with my roommate's mother and she said without solicitation that my verbal French had improved a lot! I hope to be able to use it soon in France. I am trying to plan a trip in July to Lyon, Roanne, Italy, Spain, and of course Paris.
For my Lyonnaisers who still check in I am going to try and post more pictures soon of friends and what I am doing. I thought the other day about how I have not taken many photos since returning. I am not sure why, but there are plenty of times that I probably should have. So, I will be tweaking with my blog and posting more information.
I am going out next week with a woman that I met at the restaurant. She is cute, intelligent, and has two little boys. I am a little bit reluctant to go on a date but I think that I should at least see if something is there first, right? On ne sais jamais.
Well, I have a meeting with my professor tomorrow, the last day of my break... Crazy isn't it? So, I better go and proofread my documents and get into bed soon.
Lots of love, Jules and Maddy I am happy to know that the two of you are home safe.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
It's been a long time.
I am sitting in the library and trying to decide if this is where I want to stay at the moment. You see, I have been in the library for the last two and a half weeks and I do not feel like being here at the moment. It is about 22 celsius, or 65 farenheit outside today and I want to enjoy it a little more. However, I got really behind a few weeks ago and I am trying to stay ahead of the curve. Not too sure what I am going to do but I think that it is not going to be done here.
I have rencontrer'd a few french students in the past few weeks. Including one named Vanessa who is from Lyon. Last night we spent about an hour discussing France, going to New York in a couple of months, and what it is like to be a student studying abroad. In all I found her company very nice and we are having a French Table tomorrow night. It's something that we did before I left for France where the American and French students get together and meet one another. You can speak in French, or English, and get to know everyone. Hopefully this will mean a good turn-out to the French Film Festival as well. There are currently about 4 of us that are going but I think that number could increase five-fold in the next few weeks.
The festival showcases French Films from multiple genres. There are cartoons, shorts, and full-length features that come from a variety of writers, directors, and producers. Often the directors, actors, and others will come to the festival and interact with the crowd. There is a question and answer session after each film and it very cool. Last time, we met up with a group of the visiting envoy and went dancing and drinking. The atmosphere is very open and it's a great experience. Last time I did not speak French so I look forward to this year's event.
Well, I better get back to my studies, or head to my car to go and get a bite to eat.
Il faut en profiter de les beau temps, n'est-ce pas?
I have rencontrer'd a few french students in the past few weeks. Including one named Vanessa who is from Lyon. Last night we spent about an hour discussing France, going to New York in a couple of months, and what it is like to be a student studying abroad. In all I found her company very nice and we are having a French Table tomorrow night. It's something that we did before I left for France where the American and French students get together and meet one another. You can speak in French, or English, and get to know everyone. Hopefully this will mean a good turn-out to the French Film Festival as well. There are currently about 4 of us that are going but I think that number could increase five-fold in the next few weeks.
The festival showcases French Films from multiple genres. There are cartoons, shorts, and full-length features that come from a variety of writers, directors, and producers. Often the directors, actors, and others will come to the festival and interact with the crowd. There is a question and answer session after each film and it very cool. Last time, we met up with a group of the visiting envoy and went dancing and drinking. The atmosphere is very open and it's a great experience. Last time I did not speak French so I look forward to this year's event.
Well, I better get back to my studies, or head to my car to go and get a bite to eat.
Il faut en profiter de les beau temps, n'est-ce pas?
Monday, October 24, 2005
No Internship, No Worries
It has been more than a long time since my last post. I would like to tell you all that I have not had the time to write anything. However it is more correct to say that I did not have anything great to share and I missed writing my blogs back in France... Yes I am still longing for Lyon and France. Every time I meet recruiters from accounting firms and businesses I am always the one asking if they are located in France, how long can I expect to be with the company before transferring to Paris or another location in France, etc.
My father is doing well and this week marks the half-way point in his chemo sessions. He is feeling great, he was given a new job last week that he is very excited to have received.
Mother is also feeling better after her accident in which she lost her car. She took my advice and got a Honda that would be more reliable and less expensive to fill up each time at the pump. It's an Element and I like it a lot. It is a burnt rust color and reminds me of my old truck.
I applied for an internship and I was in the process of getting things ready to go in that direction when everything went south. I am not sure why but I was informed by a package on Friday that I had a disqualifying factor. They did not state why only that I had been disqualified. It definitely took the wind from my sails and I was more than dissappointed. I have been working 2-3 nights a week expecting to have had this internship. So I let the resto know that I would like 4-5 shifts per week now. I will just have to make sure I get my studying done during the day. It may be for the best and perhaps I would have been too busy with the internship to concentrate enough on school. It's all good now, I should be able to make a small fortune waiting tables through the end of the year with all of the Christmas parties and such.
Not too sure when the next post will be, but maybe I can get the feeling back and let you know how things are going from time to time.
My father is doing well and this week marks the half-way point in his chemo sessions. He is feeling great, he was given a new job last week that he is very excited to have received.
Mother is also feeling better after her accident in which she lost her car. She took my advice and got a Honda that would be more reliable and less expensive to fill up each time at the pump. It's an Element and I like it a lot. It is a burnt rust color and reminds me of my old truck.
I applied for an internship and I was in the process of getting things ready to go in that direction when everything went south. I am not sure why but I was informed by a package on Friday that I had a disqualifying factor. They did not state why only that I had been disqualified. It definitely took the wind from my sails and I was more than dissappointed. I have been working 2-3 nights a week expecting to have had this internship. So I let the resto know that I would like 4-5 shifts per week now. I will just have to make sure I get my studying done during the day. It may be for the best and perhaps I would have been too busy with the internship to concentrate enough on school. It's all good now, I should be able to make a small fortune waiting tables through the end of the year with all of the Christmas parties and such.
Not too sure when the next post will be, but maybe I can get the feeling back and let you know how things are going from time to time.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
First Night Back
Hello Everyone. In an attempt to start posting more I thought that I would tell everyone about last night. I started back at the restaurant and it may have been a good omen. I only took 3 tables and I was sooo lucky. Every table had wine and I had one 4 top that ordered a $135 bottle of Heitz Cellars without even having to recommend anything to them. After 3 tables and a little side work I walked out the door with $162 dollars and went straight to the bank. I am trying to make sure that I continue to live like I don't have any money and pay down my debt while saving every week as well. I have budegted out a $400 a week plan. I will be saving $100 from that and anything over the $400 benchmark. Hopefully I can have a nice little nest egg for Oz in another year. Gotta run and get a couple of hours of shut eye before heading to Uni in the morning to see some professors. Love to all of you, you are in my thoughts constantly!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Sorry For The Lapse
Hello everyone, I am sorry that it has been so long since the last time that I left a post. I haven't really been doing anything that exciting up until now. Not unless you want to hear about my life as a tow motor ( forklift ) operator? I didn't think so. I will try to recap the last week or so in a limited amount of space. My brother has been gone for about 3 weeks to Europe. I am driving his car until I get my 1990 Honda Civic back on the road. I estimate that to be in the $1,000 range since it needs new CV joints, an oil change, a complete detail inside and out. Not to mention a little body work just down the road. The up side is that I will have a vehicle without a car payment, low cost insurance, and great gas mileage for something outside of a hibrid. It was getting around 35 mpg last time I had it and I hope that after changing the air filter, oil, and strapping some magnets on it I can get about the same or even closer to 40 mpg.
Unfortunately the job that I had last summer is not as great as it was. They have only been calling me in 2-3 days a week and it has been frustrating since I only had 6 weeks before school started and that is almost over. Finally they called me in on Monday and Tuesday passed but I didn't want to go in for my Dad's first chemo session just in case there was a need for something here. Plus I had to keep my mom company yesterday. We went to the place where I had my first job and had some BBQ. It was good but I can't understand how some people will eat that everyday??? I felt like I was going to have a heart attack and realized there was a reason that I hadn't been there in like 3 or 4 years.
I have been hanging out with a couple girls named Mary and Erin. They have been a real help in my return to the States and I see them about twice a week. Last weekend I planned to work all weekend. It fell through after I rearranged my schedule and blew off my best friend to earn some money. They pulled me in at 2:00am and I worked 6 hours then left for home so that I could get up at 5:00pm to go back for more. I think that they played me like a deck of cards and never called me in so I traded in the Saturday night with Timmers for a Friday in the end and it worked out even better. Earlier in the week I had to choose between going to High Point or out with Erin and Mary. It worked out that I went up to High Point and had a great night of food, wine, and conversation. Then Saturday I went to a cool wine bar and then to a few bars afterwards that were a little off with there atmosphere so the 3 of us pretty much stayed together and got pissed. Next I called in a favor to a valet where I used to work because we couldn't get a cab to stop. Mike gave us a ride to Mary's house, or should I define "new house" where it was a little bit of a crazy Lyonaiss night with another bottle of champagne and me cooking dinner for the girls. I arm-wrestled a little with Erin and I thought about giving her a kiss. I didn't do it ladies. Sorry if I let you down but I will explain. It not that I am scared to kiss her but she just got out of a relationship before I got back and she is definitely not finished with it. Should I just go ahead and make a move but wait and see how serious it gets? Or do you wait until the ex is out of the picture to make sure you are not a rebound. Some womanly advice would be great from you gals. I miss you all more that you know and I am always day dreaming about being in Perrache waiting on the A line to take me up to Madz and meet everyone. Or hanging out with all of you in the Parc de la Tete D'Or. La France et Lyon me tellement manqe maintenant. I cannot wait to go back and see my city, to go down to Oz and see my people. Ciao and Gros Bisous. Dad is doing well and has actually driven himself this morning to finish up his chemo treatment, he is worried but in good spirits and trying to do all I can.
Unfortunately the job that I had last summer is not as great as it was. They have only been calling me in 2-3 days a week and it has been frustrating since I only had 6 weeks before school started and that is almost over. Finally they called me in on Monday and Tuesday passed but I didn't want to go in for my Dad's first chemo session just in case there was a need for something here. Plus I had to keep my mom company yesterday. We went to the place where I had my first job and had some BBQ. It was good but I can't understand how some people will eat that everyday??? I felt like I was going to have a heart attack and realized there was a reason that I hadn't been there in like 3 or 4 years.
I have been hanging out with a couple girls named Mary and Erin. They have been a real help in my return to the States and I see them about twice a week. Last weekend I planned to work all weekend. It fell through after I rearranged my schedule and blew off my best friend to earn some money. They pulled me in at 2:00am and I worked 6 hours then left for home so that I could get up at 5:00pm to go back for more. I think that they played me like a deck of cards and never called me in so I traded in the Saturday night with Timmers for a Friday in the end and it worked out even better. Earlier in the week I had to choose between going to High Point or out with Erin and Mary. It worked out that I went up to High Point and had a great night of food, wine, and conversation. Then Saturday I went to a cool wine bar and then to a few bars afterwards that were a little off with there atmosphere so the 3 of us pretty much stayed together and got pissed. Next I called in a favor to a valet where I used to work because we couldn't get a cab to stop. Mike gave us a ride to Mary's house, or should I define "new house" where it was a little bit of a crazy Lyonaiss night with another bottle of champagne and me cooking dinner for the girls. I arm-wrestled a little with Erin and I thought about giving her a kiss. I didn't do it ladies. Sorry if I let you down but I will explain. It not that I am scared to kiss her but she just got out of a relationship before I got back and she is definitely not finished with it. Should I just go ahead and make a move but wait and see how serious it gets? Or do you wait until the ex is out of the picture to make sure you are not a rebound. Some womanly advice would be great from you gals. I miss you all more that you know and I am always day dreaming about being in Perrache waiting on the A line to take me up to Madz and meet everyone. Or hanging out with all of you in the Parc de la Tete D'Or. La France et Lyon me tellement manqe maintenant. I cannot wait to go back and see my city, to go down to Oz and see my people. Ciao and Gros Bisous. Dad is doing well and has actually driven himself this morning to finish up his chemo treatment, he is worried but in good spirits and trying to do all I can.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Monsoon Season
It is raining here like it is Monsoon Season in Vietnam. I tried to go for a drive downtown and I had to abort it because the traffic was too thick and it was raining so hard I was worried about getting into a wreck. The freight job is pretty good but it has been so hot that I thought I was going to pass out the other night. I am trying to work between 8 and 10 hours per day. Last summer I was going for 12 hour shifts which meant that I had to be there twelve and a half hours. I was desperate for cash to get things for France and I have decided that was too draining and so I am going to be smooth and steady this time around. I am also trying to get a full time position at another place where my friend runs the dock. It is decent pay and I could use the steady income and job security. I also have applied for several positions as a business intern. I am hoping that one will come through and pay well so that I can use my expertise rather than muscle to earn my money.
So to let all my Aussies and Kiwi know what the romance front has to offer I will let you know that I have told the Erin, the red head, exactly what I think. We have been hanging out a lot lately and after she told me that she would give me the good word with one of her friends I told her that I was more interested in her. Although I am comfortable with a friendship as well. I have not heard back from her since so I hope that I did not do more damage than good as intended. I am sorry that I have not been emailing all of you lately because I have been too busy with everything here around the house or work. Even so I really have nothing great to tell all of you except I miss Lyon and all of you more than even I thought I would. I miss the nights at Maddy's apartment and the days in the park as well. I wish I could have all of you over for dinner tonight like old times and then hit Ninkasi or Johnny Walsh's!!!
I have worked out school now and I am starting back on the 22nd of August so I will be extra busy soon to be sure. Sorry I do not have more exciting news at the moment but I will hopefully have more. Madz is coming through New York on the way to Brazil so I am going up there to meet her in December and that is very exciting for me. We can perhaps have a day or two if all works out right. Love you all, biz!
So to let all my Aussies and Kiwi know what the romance front has to offer I will let you know that I have told the Erin, the red head, exactly what I think. We have been hanging out a lot lately and after she told me that she would give me the good word with one of her friends I told her that I was more interested in her. Although I am comfortable with a friendship as well. I have not heard back from her since so I hope that I did not do more damage than good as intended. I am sorry that I have not been emailing all of you lately because I have been too busy with everything here around the house or work. Even so I really have nothing great to tell all of you except I miss Lyon and all of you more than even I thought I would. I miss the nights at Maddy's apartment and the days in the park as well. I wish I could have all of you over for dinner tonight like old times and then hit Ninkasi or Johnny Walsh's!!!
I have worked out school now and I am starting back on the 22nd of August so I will be extra busy soon to be sure. Sorry I do not have more exciting news at the moment but I will hopefully have more. Madz is coming through New York on the way to Brazil so I am going up there to meet her in December and that is very exciting for me. We can perhaps have a day or two if all works out right. Love you all, biz!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Helping My Brother's Girlfriend Move and The Red Head
Well, I have been staying up late in preparation for my new job on Monday. It is not so much a new thing as a return to last summer. I thought that I would hate the idea of going back but I am actually enjoying it to be frank. It is at ABF Freight Systems. It is a provider of LTL services in the East I believe and it is not too bad. It is unionized so although I am a part-timer by technicality I still recieve the same pay which is about $16 per hour. Plus I will receive time and a half pay for anything over 8 hours in a day. If it's anything like last summer I will probably be able to make about $3200 before school starts. I have also interviewed with Starbucks coffee. I am planning to phase that in as I work the other job and then do that full-time and try to work into a management position. I may end up riding it to France actually. I just want something that offers benefits and has a ladder upwards. Working in restaurants is usually good money but it takes so long to build up into something, especially if you have a limited schedule. So for once in my life I am going to think about the future.
Today I helped my brother and his girlfriend move into her new place before they leave for Europe. It was a way to spend some time with the two of them and get a workout as well. She moved from the common University style apartment and atmosphere into a duplex near uptown Charlotte that is pretty cool. I may be able to use the place while they are gone if I need a night alone to keep my sanity.
Things around the house are beginning to settle down and I am getting my room ready so that I can be here as long as needed. Which is at least the next 7 months while my Dad is going through chemo. I am going to be very busy and I think that a social life is going to be out of the question. I am going to try and use the time to get into better shape and work on a business plan for my investment company.
Tomorrow evening I have a date/rendezvous with the now infamous red head. I talked to her two days ago and she was a little upset with me. I thought that we were going to do something Tuesday night and so I called and emailed her. I did not get any relpies so I sent her a less than cordial email asking her what the deal was. After being in France with my peeps I am not very patient and I think that being in my parent's house was multiplying the effect. It turned out that she had called I just had not gotten the message from my family. Ooops! Sorry E, didn't mean to be a prick. After all my talking about her "slipping" away a few years ago I am happy to say that I go into this as only a friend, I am not really interested in her anymore because I think that we are moving in different directions. I still think that she is lovely and I could get along very well with her but I think that the tides have changed. Probably for the better right now anyway since I do not want to get involved with anyone under the current schedule I am going to inherit soon.
I am a little bored right now and I have been playing my X-Box as a result. I have a cool racing game that I am trying to beat and it is kicking my ass. Talk to you all soon and I will take pictures tomozz. Gros Gros Bisous A Vous Tous!!!
Today I helped my brother and his girlfriend move into her new place before they leave for Europe. It was a way to spend some time with the two of them and get a workout as well. She moved from the common University style apartment and atmosphere into a duplex near uptown Charlotte that is pretty cool. I may be able to use the place while they are gone if I need a night alone to keep my sanity.
Things around the house are beginning to settle down and I am getting my room ready so that I can be here as long as needed. Which is at least the next 7 months while my Dad is going through chemo. I am going to be very busy and I think that a social life is going to be out of the question. I am going to try and use the time to get into better shape and work on a business plan for my investment company.
Tomorrow evening I have a date/rendezvous with the now infamous red head. I talked to her two days ago and she was a little upset with me. I thought that we were going to do something Tuesday night and so I called and emailed her. I did not get any relpies so I sent her a less than cordial email asking her what the deal was. After being in France with my peeps I am not very patient and I think that being in my parent's house was multiplying the effect. It turned out that she had called I just had not gotten the message from my family. Ooops! Sorry E, didn't mean to be a prick. After all my talking about her "slipping" away a few years ago I am happy to say that I go into this as only a friend, I am not really interested in her anymore because I think that we are moving in different directions. I still think that she is lovely and I could get along very well with her but I think that the tides have changed. Probably for the better right now anyway since I do not want to get involved with anyone under the current schedule I am going to inherit soon.
I am a little bored right now and I have been playing my X-Box as a result. I have a cool racing game that I am trying to beat and it is kicking my ass. Talk to you all soon and I will take pictures tomozz. Gros Gros Bisous A Vous Tous!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
The Current Plan
I have been looking all over the place for the perfect job. I do not mean to say that it must be something in my career field and pay lots and lots. Although that would be ideal I am looking for something that lets me live a little better. I have decided that I have had enough rough times with a restaurant kitchen and school and I am not going to put myself through that again. I am going back to ABF Freight Systems where I worked last summer. It is a decent paying job that I can maximize through the end of summer to catch up and to put a little in the bank. At the same time I am going to look for other jobs like waiting tables or anything that gives me a flexible schedule. I am also putting applications in with larger scale companies trying to find something for the longer term and perhaps something that I could actually transfer to France or Australia when the time is right.
Last night I went out with my brother and his girlfriend for a couple of beers. It was a nice time but I felt like a piece of shit because I have no money and they bought my beers and wings not to mention the $3 cover charge for some crappy music. It was nice to have a little fun though before Brendon leaves for Europe next Monday.
I had a coffee with Renee and her boyfriend last night. We talked about a lot of things like where we were going next and how my job search was going. In the end we did the French thing talking at the car for about 20 minutes before we left. It was nice to talk to her and have a little time out of the house.
Last night I went out with my brother and his girlfriend for a couple of beers. It was a nice time but I felt like a piece of shit because I have no money and they bought my beers and wings not to mention the $3 cover charge for some crappy music. It was nice to have a little fun though before Brendon leaves for Europe next Monday.
I had a coffee with Renee and her boyfriend last night. We talked about a lot of things like where we were going next and how my job search was going. In the end we did the French thing talking at the car for about 20 minutes before we left. It was nice to talk to her and have a little time out of the house.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
A Little Bit Of Uncertainty
Today I am unsettled in my pursuit to find a new job after arriving back home in the States. I have been out and about to several places and crossed a genre of possibilities. However, I am very unsure of my future at this moment in time. There are so many things that are going on at once that I find myself just trying to stick to one task at a time. I had a working interview today at a local upscale steakhouse called Mickey and Mooch. I worked there about 5 years ago and they are still going strong. I went in and explained to the chef that I am not sure if I am going to take the position yet or not since I have several applications in at other places and I do not want to act prematurely and cause bad blood if I were to leave and take another job in a few weeks. He thanked me for my candor and we rearranged the agreement to start on Tuesday instead. There is one problem because they are starting me at the same rate as 5 years ago. There menu prices have gone up, there overhead has most certainly been diminished and the resto seems to be in a very strong position. It's the busiest one in the area for the last five years as well. They are still paying the same wages though. I spoke with the chef and he has assured me that there is tremendous room for advancement in the future if all goes well. I do remember them taking care of those that took care of them and I am going to most likely end up there. I am also applying for a management level position at a large Sporting Goods chain called Dick's Sporting Goods. Not in my field but I would be able to have the possibility of promotion when I graduate. I am not sure that it would help my cause since I am headed to Oz and then back to France but it is a thought none the less. Lastly I also have applied at a wine store which bears a considerable relevance to the restaurant industry and is something that keeps my interest at the same level. I may end up in that business one day if my nerves become too rattled in the trenches of a kitchen. The main thing is that I am trying to make an informed decision that best reflects my future over the next 2 year period. I have a lot to prove to myself and I want to be moving forward as long as it is not interfering with my education.
I have also been frequenting the local bookstore trying to take some time to myself everyday. I usually pick up a couple of books and a cooking or wine related magazine. I browse through a chapter or two of the book and decide if it's something that I may want to check out from the library or buy. Which reminds me that I really need to check and see if the title 62 million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong. Jo would be so happy that I want to check it out. As always I miss you girls more everyday. I really do not have anyone at the moment that I feel absolutely comfortable around. My best friends do not want to hear my stories and are already tired of my comparisons. Hope you are all doing well and your integration is going better than my is currently.
I have also been frequenting the local bookstore trying to take some time to myself everyday. I usually pick up a couple of books and a cooking or wine related magazine. I browse through a chapter or two of the book and decide if it's something that I may want to check out from the library or buy. Which reminds me that I really need to check and see if the title 62 million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong. Jo would be so happy that I want to check it out. As always I miss you girls more everyday. I really do not have anyone at the moment that I feel absolutely comfortable around. My best friends do not want to hear my stories and are already tired of my comparisons. Hope you are all doing well and your integration is going better than my is currently.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Getting Back In The Saddle
I am sitting in my living room across from my Father watching the Home Run Derby for Major League Baseball. I am being completely overloaded with commercial advertising and poor sport's broadcasting. They just played the Japanese and Spanish versions and I think that those guys were having a lot more fun.
Today I got up around 11:00am which means I think that I am pretty close to being back to normal with my sleeping pattern. After having uploaded some songs on to my sister's Ipod I took a shower and went out to find a job. I think that it would be best to work near the house in case anything happens and to give my Mother some piece of mind as well. So, I am going to have to give up on trying to find something in a fine dining atmosphere. So I am going to go for the money. I went to a couple of places and got some applications before heading to Mickey and Mooch. There I filled out my application and turned it in, I think that it surprised the chef that I wanted the kitchen because I was not Mexican, Honduran, or Salvadorean. Even the server that I handed my application to was expecting me to be looking for a server position. I thought about it to be honest but I also think that I would like to have the steady income over the uncertainty of the floor. To be honest I am not sure that I would actually like to be waiting tables again because it gets kind of old and it never changes. You do the same thing every time and while the money is good I would not be developing as a cook. So, I asked for 14.00 dollars an hour and he told me that I am at the top of the list. I was kicking myself for not asking more but I think that I am going to request a 30 or 45 day review to get a raise. That is if I get a job there!
Next I wanted to go see Renee and since she was working I went to GAP. I thought that she might still be working inside of Concord Mills and so I headed there with all of the other suburbanites and rednecks. I inquired at the GAP and noone knew her so I stopped by Banana Republic to find out that it was another store. So I hopped in the pickem up truck and headed that way. She gave me a look as I walked in the door but it took a few seconds to realize who I was. She lit up a little more when she realized who I was. I talked with her for a bit and then Alex, her ex now again boyfriend came in to take her to lunch. I really do not think that the 2 of us really care for each other but we still say hello to be nice. Renee and I decided to have a coffee later this week and I expect it will only be the 2 of us. I think that she saw in me that I am having trouble adjusting back to things here in the US. It will be nice to see her and talk to her about things.
Afterwards I stopped by to say hello to Lava Bistro. I ran into Tatiana on the way to the bathroom. We actually talked for about 30 minutes and I learned that her daugher is now 15 months old and she is 6 months pregant with a little boy now. She is originally from Russia and we worked together for a total of 2 years. We were talking about how different Europe and Moscow are from here in Charlotte. If you want to go for a walk you have to take your car somewhere because there are almost no sidewalks. Their is public transportation but instead of being something that everyone uses I honestly think that is for people who are on the verge of poverty. Thanks for listening and I will hope to hear from a lot of you soon.
Today I got up around 11:00am which means I think that I am pretty close to being back to normal with my sleeping pattern. After having uploaded some songs on to my sister's Ipod I took a shower and went out to find a job. I think that it would be best to work near the house in case anything happens and to give my Mother some piece of mind as well. So, I am going to have to give up on trying to find something in a fine dining atmosphere. So I am going to go for the money. I went to a couple of places and got some applications before heading to Mickey and Mooch. There I filled out my application and turned it in, I think that it surprised the chef that I wanted the kitchen because I was not Mexican, Honduran, or Salvadorean. Even the server that I handed my application to was expecting me to be looking for a server position. I thought about it to be honest but I also think that I would like to have the steady income over the uncertainty of the floor. To be honest I am not sure that I would actually like to be waiting tables again because it gets kind of old and it never changes. You do the same thing every time and while the money is good I would not be developing as a cook. So, I asked for 14.00 dollars an hour and he told me that I am at the top of the list. I was kicking myself for not asking more but I think that I am going to request a 30 or 45 day review to get a raise. That is if I get a job there!
Next I wanted to go see Renee and since she was working I went to GAP. I thought that she might still be working inside of Concord Mills and so I headed there with all of the other suburbanites and rednecks. I inquired at the GAP and noone knew her so I stopped by Banana Republic to find out that it was another store. So I hopped in the pickem up truck and headed that way. She gave me a look as I walked in the door but it took a few seconds to realize who I was. She lit up a little more when she realized who I was. I talked with her for a bit and then Alex, her ex now again boyfriend came in to take her to lunch. I really do not think that the 2 of us really care for each other but we still say hello to be nice. Renee and I decided to have a coffee later this week and I expect it will only be the 2 of us. I think that she saw in me that I am having trouble adjusting back to things here in the US. It will be nice to see her and talk to her about things.
Afterwards I stopped by to say hello to Lava Bistro. I ran into Tatiana on the way to the bathroom. We actually talked for about 30 minutes and I learned that her daugher is now 15 months old and she is 6 months pregant with a little boy now. She is originally from Russia and we worked together for a total of 2 years. We were talking about how different Europe and Moscow are from here in Charlotte. If you want to go for a walk you have to take your car somewhere because there are almost no sidewalks. Their is public transportation but instead of being something that everyone uses I honestly think that is for people who are on the verge of poverty. Thanks for listening and I will hope to hear from a lot of you soon.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
I'm Back
I have returned to the United States of America as of the 7th of July. I am in complete culture shock right now. I think that if I were in a larger more diverse city that it would not be as difficult but I am not and there are a lot of rednecks in my area so it's odd and weird right now. Today I actually had a big wave of sadness and longing come for Lyon and also my friends. You know who you are, I miss you all terribly. It was nice last night because Maddy called me from Melbourne. It was great to hear from her and I was very happy to talk to her the little amount of time that we had. It was on her parent's phone bill but we did not talk to long so they should not freak out too much.
The day I got home I went straight to the hospital to see my father. He was not feeling to good and was still under heavy pain meds. It was nice to see him but still a little hard to see my pops in the hospital as imagined. Next, I wanted to make sure that I stayed up so I could beat my jetlag as soon as possible. I went with my brother and sister to Outback Steakhouse to get a good steak. Sorry for the Aussies that it is a real spoofy restaurant based on Australian stereotypes and corny language. However it was a nice piece of beef that I got. I was so amazed at how much food I got, we eat too much here in the States. Leaving there I went back to the house and tried to settle in with some Carambar's and a glass of wine with my mom and I got to see my dog. Jules did not even recognize me at first but after a night she realized who I was and became extra loveable. Well, it's a little late and my brother is waiting to watch a flic with me so I am gonna say goodbye for now but I'll post again soon.
The day I got home I went straight to the hospital to see my father. He was not feeling to good and was still under heavy pain meds. It was nice to see him but still a little hard to see my pops in the hospital as imagined. Next, I wanted to make sure that I stayed up so I could beat my jetlag as soon as possible. I went with my brother and sister to Outback Steakhouse to get a good steak. Sorry for the Aussies that it is a real spoofy restaurant based on Australian stereotypes and corny language. However it was a nice piece of beef that I got. I was so amazed at how much food I got, we eat too much here in the States. Leaving there I went back to the house and tried to settle in with some Carambar's and a glass of wine with my mom and I got to see my dog. Jules did not even recognize me at first but after a night she realized who I was and became extra loveable. Well, it's a little late and my brother is waiting to watch a flic with me so I am gonna say goodbye for now but I'll post again soon.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Leaving Lyon
I have been eluding to this moment now for about 3 months, I am finally going home. Today at 1:00pm I will boarding a train to Paris where I will stay until the 7th of July. At which point I will be flying back home to see my family and friends. It has been a rough night for me because I got back to the apartment after having a wonderful day with my friends and my mother had sent me an email that my Father was in the hospital with a partial intestinal blockage but not to worry. I called her immediately and I have just learned that my Father has cancer. We are unsure of the results of the pathology for a few more days but luckily the tumor was intact. It was removed last night and so the hardest part is now over. I was going to get a flight home as soon as possible but my Mother has convinced me that now we know it had not mastastisized I should stay until the 7th as planned. I know that it's serious and I share with all of you because you are also my family and I look for your support. Do not change your way about me even though the times are hard, keep me laughing and be your lovely, laughing, beautiful selves.
Now I am headed over to France Telecom to drop off my LiveBox ( wi-fi internet ) and to cancel my contracts for that as well as my cell phone. After which I am headed back to the house and going to make a once over before going to the train station to meet everyone and say goodbye.
Yesterday I spent the day with the teachers from Aristide Briand. I spent the last 9 months working with them and we went to David's house. He has a place outside of the city with a pool and a stellar view. We all brought a dish and we had some sangria, wine, and champagne as we talked. Unfortunately the time in the pool was short because as luck would have it there was a big storm yesterday that did not clear up until just before we left. I was excited to get to know Caroline a little better and I am sad that I had not had the opportunity a little earlier on. She was amazing with the kids and my regard for her grew even greater. Who knows what the future may bring if I am ever back in France. I plan to keep in touch with all of them and I hope that they do the same.
Yes, I am sad to go but now I look forward to going home and helping my papa get better. Love you all and I am sorry if I had not said it enough before. I will miss you and look dreamily to the next time I see you be it Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, England, etc. The website will keep going so you can always check in and see how I am doing but don't be too shy not to leave a comment.
Now I am headed over to France Telecom to drop off my LiveBox ( wi-fi internet ) and to cancel my contracts for that as well as my cell phone. After which I am headed back to the house and going to make a once over before going to the train station to meet everyone and say goodbye.
Yesterday I spent the day with the teachers from Aristide Briand. I spent the last 9 months working with them and we went to David's house. He has a place outside of the city with a pool and a stellar view. We all brought a dish and we had some sangria, wine, and champagne as we talked. Unfortunately the time in the pool was short because as luck would have it there was a big storm yesterday that did not clear up until just before we left. I was excited to get to know Caroline a little better and I am sad that I had not had the opportunity a little earlier on. She was amazing with the kids and my regard for her grew even greater. Who knows what the future may bring if I am ever back in France. I plan to keep in touch with all of them and I hope that they do the same.
Yes, I am sad to go but now I look forward to going home and helping my papa get better. Love you all and I am sorry if I had not said it enough before. I will miss you and look dreamily to the next time I see you be it Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, England, etc. The website will keep going so you can always check in and see how I am doing but don't be too shy not to leave a comment.
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