My Mom Asked Me to Pick Only One Word

from this list:

Positive Energy;
creativity;
healing;
wealth;
protection;
love;
intelligence;
strength;
health;
serenity;
growth;
motivation;
harmony;
knowledge;
courage

And this is what I said:

I think growth.

I mean I would pick several ones, but growth is not possible without motivation, strength, intelligence, courage. Knowledge can be equated to growth, so can wealth (like Growing your bank account); creativity is a form of growth, and so is love. I am already full of positive energy, and seek harmony in my relationships; that comes naturally and I don’t see it as something that’s a pinnacle of my essence.

So GROWTH. I’m all about it.

Filed under: random facts , changes, choices, improvements, self

Harvard and Realities of Unrealities

There is something unreal about Harvard, yet it pinches you with an overload of reality. What does that mean?

Every person, who is conscious enough, knows about Harvard, heard about its excellent programs, 340+ year history, accomplished alumni and, most importantly, the hefty price tag of the brand name degree.

But not everybody gets a chance to visit the campus, or has the desire to. I won’t preoccupy myself with those who don’t want to visit, but those who do. I’m one of those people. I haven’t had a lot of prior images of Harvard before I showed up, neither did I really research the school. Actually, little did I know that Transformers 2 boasted a stint on Harvard campus, involving some massive destructions inside the Widener Library, until I went and checked myself.

Being on campus, though, was certainly real. Yet the whole time I felt like Harvard was still this imaginary place that exists in this unapproachable world. A lot of people never think they’d come to the best educational institution in the world. And those who do, are probably in awe. One can only imagine what an enrolled student feels like. Or should probably feel like.

I feel that this visit has influenced a change in my middle-term strategy, a change that’s going to flower in the next 5 years or so…

Filed under: Great Times, the world eh , changes, education, film, future, harvard, movies, plans, travels, university

We Got 5 Years

5 years ago, when I was 17 and about to finish high school – first let me tell you, it was an exciting time because I was a genius in History 12, secured two hot career preparation program placements, got into the university of my choice, had a rockstar boyfriend, grand plans, read the some of the most influential books and was just so happy to reach the peak of my teenage days, – I wrote a collection of prose poetry a la Dreamtigers (you can read parts right here!).

Called From A Dreamtiger, with its mantelpiece is My Baby Krishna (the pictured object on the left), the collection centers on my perceptions of colors, relationships between numbers, memories of friends of the past, and travels. I was really proud of it because it was my first non-childish collection of pieces that really channeled . My writing instructors liked them, as well as MFA writing candidates that I used to talk to a lot. Back then I used to say that every five years I feel like writing about things from the past, and I will probably write about 2004 five years down the road.

In the past month I started to recall more and more little and big things from roughly 5 years ago – events, details, light, people, words exchanged. I remember the walks to the theatre in the falling snow, picnics in the forest, writing papers on the horrors of The Satyricon, frantically trying to comprehend the stock market in a race to win, Spanish visitors, multiple bars in Vancouver with equally multiple sins and vices, music and music and music, the film and modeling, bright future, eternal union, new member of the family, utter confusion borne out of fear of loss and changes, and more and more, expressed in frail and sensitive terms.

I feel the coming of the second chapter of my recollections, which I will add to the first and start looking for publishing opportunities.

Filed under: memories , beauty, changes, creative, development, memories, self, vancouver, writing, youth

Spring Words and Prime Numbers

I’ve never looked forward to spring as much as I have this year. Using the left side of my brain, I can deduce that it has something to do with my age. Most of my older friends always rejoiced about spring when I couldn’t care less what season it was; now I feel their joy. It’s sort of like the feeling you get when you’re about to write all your exams and burst into summer vacation.

The book I read last week reminded me of the more subdued version of that feeling – the quiet joy, the fleeting happiness you feel when noticing the most beautiful details of our lives. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa is about memory and math. It’s about kindness and perseverance, family and understanding. What got my attention, of course, was the role mathematics played in telling this poignant story. Set in 1992, it is about a new housekeeper assigned to the brilliant professor whose short-term memory lasts only 80 minutes as a result of a serious car crash that happened in1975. His memory stops at that time, and he resorts to writing notes and attaching them to his suit. The housekeeper is a patient and kind woman who finds professor’s math trivia interesting. So does her son. I won’t jump into details of the novel, but I highly recommend this book for your spring reading list. It is the kind of story that makes one’s heart clench at the sight of tiny, unnoticable things of our daily lives; it makes you appreciate the present moment (try imagining only having 80 minutes of memory!); and it may even cause you to entertain the thought of eternal love.

Filed under: imaginings , books, changes, japanese, literature, love, math

You Like Girls? You Have to Know About Fashion Too

“…And that’s the way it is. That’s what I wanted to say.” 1 2 3 4 by Miss Kittin & The Hacker (download the MP3). I’ve grown increasingly annoyed with my wardrobe, as I still possessed 4-5 year old items that I would never wear again, despite my stubborn belief that I might use them. Last month I donated 2 garbage bags full of clothes, and I’m not done yet. My current wardrobe seemed disappointing too, as it represented a cool, eccentric university student look too much; the jackets, winter boots and sweaters were becoming a too old or too cute for my liking. So I decided to buy new pieces in line with the hip, sophisticated young woman image.

On a mission to sync my wardrobe with my new attitude and lifestyle, I randomly stumbled on a Henrik Vibskov unisex black crinkle trenchcoat at Delphic (they’ve got amazing stuff). Luckily it was on sale. I love its lightweight and interesting paper-like texture, metallic tone, and waterproof and windproof features. My interpretation is on the right (the belt makes all the difference), pardon the poor photo quality.

I also found a perfect elongated cardigan online, since the stores had either incredibly expensive goods (Henrik Vibskov yet again), or plain cardigans in boring colors. I found a Grey Ant knit cardigan ($352) at 75% off. More Henrik Vibskov – black stretch twill pant, originally priced at $236, and reduced to $59. If that isn’t great value for wardrobe defying pieces, then I don’t know what is. Can’t wait for them to arrive. Can’t wait for Jeffrey Campbell biz bootie – a perfect flat bootie with buckle detail, – to show up in the inventory, too.

Filed under: moving up , changes, city life, development, fashion, improvements, mp3, music, photos, self

Monopolist Half The Time

We return to you once again. In the past week our orders skyrocketed and we couldn’t manufacture enough to meet the demand. Process innovation, in which we engaged,now allows us to produce more, faster and at a lower cost.

Speaking of which, I’m enjoying my Industry Analysis class. My professor, a former art director, is an eccentric, socialist wine connoisseur Dr Richard Michon, well-versed in creative positioning. I’m loving the class, despite originally wincing at the Economics of Strategy text. You see, I didn’t really like to listen during econ lectures back in the day, but it came back to me.

Strategic thinking and seeing the big picture are my strengths. I kinda drool over the military terms that we deal with, and I learn useful things on positioning and sustainable competitive advantage. I’m eager to do the best job I can on the class project which involves a novel-long analysis of a particular industry and maybe more.

One line I’m going to remember for a while and possibly invite into my fleet of mottos, came from a discussion of early mover advantage. Some firms may not want to move in first only to share space with other, possibly improved products of competitors. But! “It’s better to be a monopolist half the time than oligopolist all the time.” I’m running for the market! Bye for now!

Filed under: moving up , changes, learning, plans, ryerson, self, strategy

clear out the junk

Originally uploaded by dreamtiger

I used to allocate a lot of my personal & precious time to things like being mad at my boyfriend for insignificant things. In reality, there were maybe about five things I should have really been mad about. I must’ve had too much time on my hands. I also loved to devote my time to getting angry at friends for silly things, although those frenzies didn’t last long.

Behold! I noticed that on Friday Darren kept apologizing and apologizing, and asking me if I was mad about x, y, z, and then not believing me. It was actually cute. But I wasn’t mad. I’ve spent so much time of my young life worrying about insignificant things and ruining mine and other people’s days that I simply don’t have the energy or desire for that anymore.

I’m proud of that development. I am quite easy-going, and don’t vigorously succumb to the drama. I don’t want to hurt anybody anymore (and, obviously, do not want to be hurt myself). There is no time to waste, no need to be angry with one’s close folks.

Filed under: memories , autumn, changes, improvements, memories, obsessions, photography, photos, productivity, travels

Expanding Horizons

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle

During September some bolts have been twisting and turning in my head and heart, as a result of which I have been actively looking to expand my horizons. I’ve got the energy of a billion bears. I am increasingly interested in activities at Ryerson University, which I’ve never experienced before (or at UBC), and so I applied to the Ryerson University Finance Society case competition which is going to be happening all day on November 7. It’s not the prize – $4,000 for winning team plus some lucrative internships, – that’s motivating, but the fact that I want to do it.

I am also going to write an article for Ryerson Marketing Association – I’ve been thinking about a lot of recent developments, and will definitely write something interesting. I have an increasing interest in getting to know my fellow classmates more, which I never cared for before, heh. I’ve also been developing relationships with my professors, who are all super awesome people. Lucky me this semester.

To quote VHS or Beta’s “You Got Me” (download Baby Daddy’s remix), “Everything’s better off this way” Oh yeah, I’m researching shooting ranges near Toronto, as well as looking for archery lessons. I’ve got a good eye, better put it to use.

Hot Product Alert: Last week I went to Sephora in search of an amazing shower gel, and KORRES natural products caught my eye. Their products are “skin-compatible, environment-friendly, joyful and effective”. I grabbed the wonderful jasmine shower gel, and oh, wasn’t I impressed!! Korres is fabulous! Their claims are all true. I suggest you check this Greek skin product line out. (I’m trying out the Sunflower and Vitamin F shampoo for coloured hair really soon and can’t wait!)

Filed under: Quotable, moving up , aristotle, autumn, changes, guns, hot, mp3, product, productivity, ryerson, self, shooting, toronto, trends, UBC, university, vhs or beta

why hello

Originally uploaded by dreamtiger

this is from such a long time ago! well, well…. 2004. I remember, those were the days. Summer after we graduated from high school, the days before university, texting my boyfriend at the time (finance engineer guy, heh), we just spent the afternoon shooting 35 mm and speculating about the future. The sun shone brightly, the belt felt heavy, we felt the lightness in our stomachs and were so full of optimism… Speaking of, the positivity is even higher now.

Filed under: memories , 2004, changes, friends, fun time, legs, life, memories, photography, photos, self, summer, vancouver

CDOs, CDOs squared, cubed, synthetic…

Ladies and gentlemen, these days I cannot express how outraged I am at the financial world, or rather, the organizations that let things plummet to such lows. Today, for the first time ever, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 777 points, resulting in a $1.1 trillion loss.

I don’t need to reiterate what you can read on the Marketwatch, Yahoo! Finance (being my favorite) and the likes.

The news that really affected me and me question the point of saving these ethically challenged companies is the fact that Lehman Brothers had a $2.5 billion to spread between 10,000 employees days before the bankruptcy. What.the.hell? I know, working for the company like that is probably a blast, since you get rewarded for driving the firm to the ground, but for Christ’s sake!

I am taking a really good class this semester – Ethics in Finance with professor Allen Goss. It’s amazing. Although Finance is my minor (Marketing being teh major), I am really quite enjoying this class and am never bored. I also appreciate a healthy dose of current events as opposed to the theoretical boredom. I am also a fan of “overthrowing” (i.e. pushing aside as ‘irrelevant’) traditional views everyone gets taught in finance. We just got exposed to the Agency Theory Capital Structure and Pecking Ordering Theory as opposed to the Static Theory…

The point is, I am becoming increasingly sensitive to the ethics at play in pretty much any industry. I am becoming more concerned with socially responsible brands, with sustainable practices, with the things that won’t blow up in your face pretty much. I don’t know what it is, but my Gordon Gecko days are over; same as the days of adoration of Gordon Geckos are over.

Filed under: the world eh , 2008, autumn, changes, class, crisis, dow jones, ethics, finance, gordon gecko, improvements, outrage, ryerson, self, subprime, university, wall st, wall street

September’s Developments

I haven’t written all the posts about Europe, but I will continue to post more about my tour as I keep a to-do list of blog posts and I’m back (unfortunately). While I am hesitating to start reading Michael Porter’s Competitive Strategy, which is the big bang book in bussines strategy, I will write a little about what’s going on, especially since Hans pointed that studies have shown that blogging is quite good for you. Agreed.

The first week is so far very hectic. I straightened everything out with with my bank, Ryerson and work, signed up for the gym (to play squash, do cardio, swim), for pilates (let’s try this out), and cross-training group classes. Having paid $30 for the latter, I can go to as many classes – which include Cardio Camp, Spinning, Yoga, Abs & Butt, Boxing and Cardio Kickbox, – as I can, every week. First session tomorrow. I’m also doing a major health check this semester, it’s long overdue.

I’ve become a big proponent of cooking at home, and have a well-stocked fridge at the moment. After fabulous excesses of European food, I’m switching to lighter choices, and eliminating meats from my diet; let’s see how it goes. I compiled a weekly menu for myself to make sure I get all the recommended daily servings of various foods, that I prepare certain products earlier on to avoid spoilage, and to save the time spent on meal contemplation in front of the fridge.

One is more likely to get into a habit of doing particular things if one has a schedule, and since I want to improve time management skills and accomplish more in this busy time of my life, I set one up. Incorporating time for classes, studying, work, exercise, leisure, self-development, online tasks, it will go in effect starting next week.

Filed under: simple life , autumn, changes, food, productivity, self, toronto, work

Tarot of the Day

The Eight of Wands card suggests that my power today lies in climax. It has all led up to this moment of anticipation and “there ain’t no stopping it now.” I have thrown my “hat” in and given it my best shot and have just as good a chance as any — but the outcome is still up in the air. I am ready to accept what lands, sticks, misses, or hits the fan. “When it rains, it pours.” I am empowered by the potential payoff in this direction and I transform through timing or focus under fire.

That´s precisely what I thought this morning. Dum dum dum….!! (that was a drumroll)

Filed under: simple life , changes, self

Ladies and dudes, I present to you – Garbage Island

In case you didn’t know (neither did until David pointed it out yesterday), some areas in the ocean are covered by accumulated plastic that just floats on the water. Makes sense, right, since you probably weren’t the only 10-year-old kid throwing plastic bottles and whatnot off the coast back in the day.

This is ridiculous, however. The patches are massive! The exact size is unknown, of course (and it’s probably constantly increasing anyway), but it’s estimated “range from 700,000 km² to more than 15 million km²” according to Wiki article on this phenomena.

Just after I stopped interning at Vice, VBS.tv started the new series, that investigate this Great Pacific Garbage Patch! You should really watch all 12 episodes, just so you know what’s happening “out there”, far from the reality of your personal world.

And while you’re at it, ponder this harshly affected creature -> I’m really surprised that it remained alive, poor thing. Nature finds a way. It can’t find a way of dealing with birds and other ocean creatures swallowing plastic, choking, dying or enduring whatever other pains there could be, yet.

Heh, I’m becoming more and more concerned about things in the world that are not directly affecting my life as it is. I am saddened by the decreasing silverback gorilla population, I am saddened by this goddamn garbage island. Where is all of this going to lead us?

Of course I don’t let myself get bogged down by this;I’m still a happy person who enjoys her every day and who wants to make the world a better place.

Filed under: the world eh , animals, causes, changes, environment, ocean, pollution, self, vice