ON TRACK to an MBA

Text GIVE to 25383 and donate $10 to Partners in Health to aid Haitians

2010-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

Donate to an NGO that has an established long-standing history of helping Haiti:

Cheers to 2010!!

2010-01-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of 2010 and thinking back, 2009 seems like a big blur! It happened so fast that at times, it feels like a tender sweet memory of days past. So, how was quarter 1 of my MBA? Pretty da** great, actually (as evidenced by the smile plastered across my face when grades were posted). All over the social networking sites, I feel a sense of optimism about this new decade. Apparently, the massive financial crisis that hit our economy in 2009 made everybody cringe at this past year and pine for a new, more hopeful future. I'm not sure what 2009 meant for you, but the year was actually a good one for me. All of my goals that I had set forth were accomplished. However, the only thing that I was disappointed in was my inability to run due to a 6-month sports injury. But if any of you have ever been injured due to physical activity, it is very WISE to rest (although you'll be whining the entire time if you're anything like me) and let your body heal by itself. Listening to your body makes a world of a difference and although it's psychologically painful to give up your favorite sport(s), your body will thank you in due time (just like mine has) when it fully recovers.

So for 2010, my health and fitness are one of my top priorities. I just signed up to run the San Francisco Half Marathon and will be spearheading a health initiative at the GSM. Why, you ask? Well, why the heck not? Doesn't health pretty much underscore EVERYTHING we do (and are unable to do)? Being healthy has a positive and transformative effect on nearly every other aspect of our lives and it's b/c of this important reason that I'm committed to being healthier this year. Running as you know, has always been my favorite sport ever since I realized three years ago, that I was not doomed to a lifetime of stagnation.

Another priority is to do more traveling overseas. I haven't booked my tickets yet, but I'm happy to report that the hubby and I are planning a trip the Far East. I won't disclose the destination(s) just yet (well, at least not until I finalize my plans), but let's just say I am out of this world ecstatic that I will be able to fully embrace my epicurean curiosity in places closer to my Mother Land---where spices and freshness dominate street stalls that serve up delicious-ness around every corner:) What a great way to celebrate the completion of the 1st year of my MBA---can't hardly wait!

And remember that awesome thing called Net Impact I mentioned (incessantly) in my posts? Well, yours truly is Co-President of the UC Davis Net Impact chapter for working professionals & alumni. Whoo hoo! And even moreso, I was elected to serve on the Dean's Council for my class. Very cool stuff and I'm flattered that my classmates have put their trust in me to represent them. Thank you, ladies and gents.

In the meantime, I also wanted to gush over my Micro Econ professor, Victor Stango. I was already excited to take the class in the fall when he spoke at our orientation, but then the man goes and writes up this report that made national headlines regarding the Tiger Woods sex scandal and how one man's extra-marital affairs cost shareholders a cumulative $12B!!! Wow! I am impressed, but not surprised. The good news is that their losses will rebound when Woods makes his comeback into the golf world. I mean, the man has star power and who can really do what he's done for golf? It's like he's the Phelps on land:) You can read all about the study on the links I've provided from these sites:

1. Wall Street Journal
2. New York Times
3. ABC News (you can also watch a video clip)

BTW: Some random tidbits I learned from my organizational behavior class from our final presentations:

1. Goldman Sachs employees make an average bonus of $600K/year...WTH?
2. The CA State furlough costs more to implement than it really aims to save---can somebody tell the Terminator this?
3. GM was doomed to fail b/c of a mismanaged org. culture that focused on fostering & rewarding fierce competition versus collaboration

Basically: Effective management is not only about meeting the bottom line. If it's anything you should have learned from the 2009 Wall Street debacle, it should be this: What we originally thought of as irrelevant 'soft skills' of managers actually have a profound and lasting fiscal impact on the success or demise of corporations. Learning to effectively lead people is just as important as meeting your sales figures (if not more).

Quarter 1, Almost Done

2009-11-24T00:52:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? My first quarter is almost nearing its finish? Turkey Day is right around the corner and as luck would have it, I have a financial accounting exam to look forward to....tomorrow! Eeek!

Thus far, this quarter has flown by faster than I can slurp a bowl of soup--literally and I mean it! Every other week, it's either a case study, midterm or paper and the ever-much-needed late night happy hours with the social bunch of us. So, how do I feel, you wonder? Actually, pretty darn productive. At first, it was hectic because I have to travel a lot for my job, but then I also got really good at managing my time. Needless to say, however, I have not seen the interior of my gym any more times than I can count on my hands (although, today I did manage to sneak in for a spurt of endorphins with ab works and pilates). Honestly, I don't know exactly where I find the time to study, but let's just say I've become BFF with the Panera and Barnes & Noble down the street--not to mention the late night jolts of espresso.

Regardless, being in a part-time MBA program does have its perks. First and foremost, my classmates and I are extremely efficient. The first month of classes, we had group assignments practically every week and I was amazed at how productive we were in meeting up, setting priorities, assigning tasks and pretty much just getting whatever we needed to do accomplished. It was a bit of an adjustment getting acclimated with everyone's working style, but that's expected from any group work. Organizational behavior is hands down the star of the quarter for me--which makes me understand exactly why UC Davis is ranked #2 in the world for our expertise in this particular field. The main takeaway for me is understanding how (in)effective managers lead and how they are directly responsible for the outcomes of their organization. It made me realize why I left my previous employers and understand the reasons I became disillusioned with my work. But more importantly, OB is giving me a new perspective on own leadership style and how organizational culture can significantly impact my personal & professional happiness within a company.

As for financial accounting, it has been amazingly challenging, but remarkably worthwhile. Of course, as expected from any ranked MBA program, our focus is on financial analysis of accounting methods. Pretty much, it's understanding what critical questions to ask when examining a company's financial statements so that as an executive, you can manage your books and as a shareholder, you can be wiser about which investment decisions you ultimately undertake. And that's about all of accounting I can sum up right now as it has seriously been the only thing I've been looking at for the past few days after I spent 3 hours of my life writing like a mad fool for an OB exam I just took on a Friday night!

And oh yes, how can I forget. I just got done registering for winter classes: Markets and the Firm (MicroEcon) & Data Analysis for Managers (Stat). I'm psyched for econ because of the professor, Victor Stango. His lectures, I've heard, are great and more recently, he left Darmouth's Tuck School of Business to teach at the GSM (previously he was also at Booth and Haas). I'm quite impressed:) As you can see, the faculty at UC Davis are nothing short of amazing when it comes to their credentials--just one of the reasons why I decided to enroll. (Note to those considering part-time MBA programs: check to make sure you're getting the same quality education from the faculty as their full-time cohort. You're paying a hefty pricetag, so don't sacrifice the quality)

So, did I ONLY study during quarter 1? Of course! I did not! Among other things going on in my life, I was happily elected (along with 3 other amazing folks) to represent my class on the Dean's Student Advisory Council as the Director of Communications. Yup, yours truly. I'm excited for the opportunity and I hope that I can create a greater sense of community among my peers as we continue together these next few years. I also (true to my word) applied for a leadership role with my Net Impact chapter, so we'll see how things traspire for me. Until then, I'm off for a late night date with accounting!

Images from Cornell

2009-11-23T03:14:00.000-08:00

Some images from the 2009 Net Impact Conference at Cornell from my friend and 2nd year daytime MBA student, Jackie. Thank you for your amazing pictures---love it!

Net Impact Conference 2009 Update

2009-11-23T02:57:00.000-08:00

I won't begin with a ritual apology as to why I've been lagging on my posts, but I will let you know that MBA plus a full-time gig is not an easy feat at all. Having said that, it is not impossible to do it all.

I got back a week ago from the 2009 Net Impact Conference at Cornell. Was it worth it? Yes, and shall I quantify it for you? Not right now. The GSM had a pretty large contingency in Ithaca---there were 27 of us total. I, along with another guy, were the only 2 working professional students present and the rest were from our full-time cohort. By the way, both of the UC Davis (Daytime & WP) chapters for Net Impact received the Gold and Silver distinction, respectively, in recognition of our commitment to CSR.

I had never been to Cornell up until the conference and I must attest to the beauty of the campus--it was simply gorgeous. The detailed architecture befitting of an ivy league campus sure beats the cookie-cutter boxes that spring up on many of the west-coast campuses I've visited. But that's besides the point. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell, although there were some sessions I could have easily skipped and missed nothing because the speakers just weren't as prepared as they should have been. Oh, and a special shout-out to fellow blogger, Andrew, from USC as I finally got a chance to meet him:) Don't forget to wander to his blog (I have it in my sidebar--to your right). Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, back to Net Impact. Here's a partial list of notable sessions I attended:

1. "Transforming Education: How to Use Your Business Skills to Make a Difference"

2. "Applied Learning: Enhancing Students’ Knowledge through Corporate and Nonprofit Partnership"

3. "More than Money with Mark Albion" (I have his book--which I forgot in my hotel room and he didn't get to sign it after all--bummer)

and my favorite:

4. "How to Generate Business Value through CSR"

As you can see, my focus is on creating value for the public sector. Although, I must mention that there were a huge variety of sessions that covered topics from consulting in the development sector, global social entrepreneurship, micro-finance, socially responsible investing, green energy/clean technology, among others that I could have easily chosen as well. Some notable speakers included the CEO of GE, the founder of Honest Tea, Seth Goldman and one of the men who wrote the original business plan for Ben & Jerry's ice cream (and thankfully, we also got to taste much of it at a reception on our last night). Nonetheless, my track in session 4 was my favorite for a couple of great reasons:

1) The speaker was my personal career coach who I had selected as part of the FREE session that Net Impact offered to all conference attendees. Spaces were limited, but lucky for me, I made my reservation online and got to speak with Jason Saul, the CEO of Mission Measurement, a leading Chicago-based social impact/managment consulting firm! I really thought I was going to be more nervous, but he was so down-to-earth and friendly, we ended up having a casual conversation over my career aspirations in the middle of the courtyard rather than in a confined room (where all the other coaching sessions were taking place). I'm taking an organizational behavior class this quarter and in my book, I think this speaks profoundly on the type of leadership style he embraces and welcomes.

2) Jason's presentation was by far the most captivating of the entire conference. Basically, the focus was on how to quantify social value by generating tangible metrics for evaluating performance and effort. In other words, companies shouldn't just be donating $$ to charities and consider that their only contribution to society. Companies can still maintain their bottom line by being socially responsible and telling their story in a way that connects people to their products/mission.

Our schedule for the conference was jam-packed with sessions, networking, cocktails, a career expo and more networking. I was pretty much pooped by 3pm each day and had to wind down with some hops and barley:) and oh yeah, sake bombs in downtown Ithaca. What did you expect from a bunch of MBAs all nestled in a college town for a weekend? I'm definitely looking forward to the 2010 Conferece at U of Michigan's Ross School of Business--yep, you heard it here first!

Making the Most of Year 1

2009-09-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Two more days until the official start of class (why do quarter systems begin sooo late in the game?) and I wanted to offer my two cents on making the most of my first year. In creating this blog, I noticed that the vast majority of bloggers are full-time MBA students--so, where are the peeps who are doing this part-time? Working, I suspect, and leading super busy lives. Well, I'm no exception, but hopefully, I can encourage others to realize that yes, getting your MBA is important, but don't let it get in the way of your education.

1. Repeat After Me: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!
As a working professional MBA candidate, I understand that time is a precious gift---with school, work and family obligations, I can already anticipate the craziness of this juggling act. However, I'm one of the crazies out there who wants to relish in the opportunities that an MBA presents with it. How does one accomplish this? Well, my friend...it's all about networking (or as some like to refer to as "schmoozing").

Case in point: From the moment you begin to think about b-school, reach out to the current students via the school's student clubs. Most schools don't post the current student contact info on their site, but once you browse the student clubs/activities pages, you'll notice a list of emails of their leadership team. I started this process a year ago and I've already befriended a few of the 2nd years. They are a great wealth of knowledge and advice. In fact, they are the ones who introduced me to the Women in Leadership & Net Impact clubs at Davis.

I'd also recommend attending the school's networking receptions. As a prospective and incoming student, I was really able to get a feel for the vibe of my future classmates by attending a good number of these events. Davis really stood out to me as having one of the most chill and down-to-earth group of MBAs who you could really start a good conversation with without having to fake the funk. I'm sure you've been to one of those events where the atmosphere is so uptight that you feel so suffocated and out of your element---the whole time wondering why the heck you signed up to be there when you honestly couldn't picture yourself befriending any of the folks you meet that night. Well, Davis was not like that for me, so I naturally gravitated to this group. In fact, I was just at the Dean's Welcome Reception earlier this week in San Francisco and meet a lot of new faces as well as bumping into a college buddy of mine who is also in same program---what a small world!

2. ATTEND A CONFERENCE
The choice to come to b-school was more than just getting the nice 3 letters after my name, but it had much to do with me hoping to enhance my personal and intellectual growth. Being out of school for 5 years sometimes made me question whether my brain cells were dead or alive. It's so easy to become complacent in our everyday lives and quite honestly, (and I might sound like a major dork for saying this but) I missed the critical thinking component that intrinsically comes with being immersed in academia.

Many moons ago, I blogged about my desire to attend a certain conference this year. Two hours ago, I just finished registering for the Net Impact 2009 Conference . Comprised of the top 30 MBA schools (yes, UC Davis is in the top 30 for CSR!), the conference is possibly the largest gathering for MBA students interested in issues pertaining to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, microfinance, social entrepreneurship and all that other good stuff. This year's theme is centered on advancing sustainable global enterprise. I have no idea what to expect, but from what I've gathered from the 2nd year students, it's a great networking and learning opportunity---so I'm down for anything. And just in case you're wondering, it's also being hosted by the Johnson School of Business at Cornell.

3. GET INVOLVED (somehow)
I know this can be much more difficult to do if you're in a part-time MBA program like myself, but your MBA is what you make of it. If you asked me to look back at my college years and tell you what distinctly stood out in my mind, I would not recount the chemical formula for a periodic element or tell you how to derive the standard deviation for a data set. I would, however, point out the handful of student organizations that elevated my social and political consciousness to help me understand and analyze my own personal and global views. I would point out the thousands of under-resourced public school students I worked with to ensure greater access to higher education and who (I might add) are now becoming the first ones in their families to finish college and also apply to graduate schools. These are the experiences that remain vivid in my mind and I can confidently assure you that the people and experiences I'll embrace in my MBA program will also be the lasting memories I'll have years from now. So, however you choose to get involved, I would encourage folks to really think about how they can make the most of their own MBAs because after all, for many of us, this may be our final foray into academia (at least for a while, right?)

BTW: For those of you who are applying to b-schools, good luck!!!

Oh my Word...Where Has the Time Gone?

2009-09-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

It's gone to summer, that's where. I guess the nature of my blog is quality versus quantity, so since the first year of my MBA is nearly here, I'll definitely TRY to be more frequent with my posts---after all, it's also my intention to chronicle this important and exciting new chapter of my life with the hopes that it'll help both prospective and current MBA students on their journeys.

First off, I got some great advice from the 2nd year students in my program to 1) take it easy and go on vacation OR 2) get some preparation to make my fall quarter easier. Although I would have chosen the former option, after checking with the bank of Ms. Piggy, I realized she'd have to be saved up for my student fees. Oh, the sacrifices for this 3 year investment continues. I ended up taking a financial accounting course at the local community college and braced myself for a world loaded with statements of cash flows, income and balance sheets galore. Honestly, I felt like dropping the class my first week b/c I was SOO not motivated to take a class just for sh$%! and giggles (and I could probably dream up better things to do with my summer), but then I realized how helpful it would be for me once I started my courses in the fall and chugged on like the fool that I am. In hindsight, I'm actually really glad that I did since I learned a boatload of new concepts and even more surprising was that I LIKED it! I know, I'm wondering how that happened as well, but it was actually refreshing to be exposed to something I never thought I'd have the faintest interest in whatsoever. I also befriended some characters in class and even a fellow Cal alum. Go Bears! Overall, the course did equip with a new-found confidence in accounting especially since I was a social science major in college.

And as much as I would like to say that I finished the books on my summer reading list, I know very well that I'd be spitting out a big, fat lie, so I'll just be honest and tell you guys that it is seriously on my list of books to read SOON! But they are in my possession since I was very fortunate to receive the majority of them for my birthday---thanks to my hubby and sis for checking out my blog:) I guess blogging does have its perks, eh?

Fast forward to a couple days ago, and I just finished my MBA orientation. It was funny that I met a few of my classmates who recognized me from my blog (although I have no pictures of me on here). I read a while back that some first year MBAs felt a bit uneasy about so-called strangers coming up to them and chatting up about their blogs, but did we forget that our sites are public and anybody can view what we write? I personally didn't feel the least bit awkward, but it's nice to know that your blog is being read by folks who actually think what you have to say is valid. I sure as H#$% wouldn't be checking out blogs that are full of crap. I do, however, just have to be conscious of what I do post since it can always come back and nip me in the butt. For the time being, this blog has and will be a continuation of my journey. I know that when I was going through the MBA process, it was such a breath of fresh air to know that others where either going through or had been through the trenches before me and that ultimately gave me the motivation to keep on chuggin along. If this blog can do that for others, then consider me a happy blogger.

In the meantime, classes start Sept 29 for me and I'm taking financial accounting & organizational behavior this quarter. I expect that I'll love OB and continue to fine tune my skills in FA. So far, I am psyched for my professors (they are both women at the top of their game!). I'm also headed to meet up with my a GSM alum tomorrow and then a welcome reception with the Dean...will keep you posted on what transpires, so check back!

GSM News & Summer Reading

2009-05-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, I received a nice shout-out from the assistant director of the Davis GSM asking to feature my blog in their newsletter. Of course, I adamantly refused! Haha..j/k. It's pretty awesome to know that what started out as my attempt to re-invigorate my writing skills (while potentially awakening a few dormant brain cells) and chronicle my b-school journey has generated much interest from both prospective and newly admitted MBA students. As I continue this trek, I hope to shed a much more vibrant light on the GSM and highlight the amazing opportunities I'll have along the way. Remember that whether you choose a full-time or part-time program, your MBA experience is truly what you make of it. Getting an MBA is great, but relishing in the experience is priceless! I, for one, intend to take full advantage of most of what's being offered and then some.

On a related note, I am excited that the GSM will welcome our new Dean, Steven Currall, who hails from the prestigious London Business School and University College London. He also packs an impressive background in entrepreneurship and innovation. But I do have to confess that I'm going to miss our current Dean Nicole Woolsey Biggart for a couple good reasons. Firstly, I'm not too familiar with female deans, so whoo hoo! for amazing female business leaders. And secondly, she also has a sociology background, which I find so refreshing to the b-school environment. Last year, she was honored by the Aspen Institute with a Faculty Pioneer Award (dubbed as the Oscars for the business world) for her exceptional commitment to incorporating social and environmental issues into academic research & management education. She even donated her honorarium to Davis' Net Impact. This just goes to show how committed the GSM is to ensuring that corporate social responsibility is not just a fad, but an integral pillar in business education and that the school is also dedicated to educating socially-minded business leaders who will use their MBA to meet the challenges of a strained and vastly interconnected globalized economy.

Nonetheless, I'm hopeful that under Dean Currall's leadership, the GSM will receive a tremendous boost in elevating its global appeal. Already, the UC Davis GSM is the youngest and one of the smallest programs to be globally ranked in the Top 50 for 14 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report and we're also 25th among public universities! And, according to the Financial Times, we're ranked #2 in the world for Organizational Behavior. However, in my book, the most significant attribute of the GSM is its ongoing commitment to remaining small and intimate. I attended a very large undergraduate institution and I knew that I really didn't want the lecture-style set-up in a b-school; I guess I finally figured out my learning style and the conditions under which I thrive...I know, it's about time!

Another great thing the GSM sent me was their summer reading list. No, it's not mandatory, but purely a compilation of recommendations from the GSM community. In this spirit, I also came up with my own summer reads that I hope to pick up very soon!

1. More than Money by Mark Albion

2. Uncharitable by Dan Pallotta

3. How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas by David Bornstein

4. Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits by Leslie Crutchfield & Heather McLeod Grant

WiLPower at UC Davis

2009-05-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Excited to quench my insatiable appetite for getting involved with the UC Davis MBA community, I couldn't help but commit to attending the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Sacramento with the Women in Leadership (WiL) team at Davis. I met the president of WiL at the campus' Preview Day event months earlier prior to my acceptance and she was super cool. As such, I was invited to join their Team WiLPower on the day before Mother's Day to walk/run for a great cause. Of course, how could I refuse such an invitation, right?

Here's a picture of those of us who bravely woke up bright and early on a Saturday morning to join thousands of others in the fight for a cure against breast cancer. Many thanks to Jackie (WiL's co-pres) for bringing her camera along to document our smiley faces.
It was such an awesome event! I had a great time and it was quite touching to witness all the honorees and survivors walking/running alongside me. Surprisingly, there were plenty of men amidst the massive sea of pink and they couldn't be more proud. Afterwards, I wandered through the race expo and even got a chance to get my free body fat testing completed. I'm also happy to report I'm in the normal range, so whoo hoo! for that.

It's pretty neat to be immersed in a team environment again. Since all of Team WiLPower were finishing up the 1st year of their MBA, they were more than happy to shower me with really helpful advice on making the most of my experience and still maintaining my academic rigor. I guess it all boils down to finding a balance--much like everything else in life.

I was also excited to speak with one of the students who had attended the Net Impact Conference at Wharton last year and he encouraged me to put that on my calendar for 2009 since it's happening at Cornell's Johnson School (little does he know I've already beat him to the punch!). I've got a meeting lined up tomorrow with the president of the working professional Net Impact chapter at UCD to strategize our community involvement plans for next year. I'm thrilled she's given me the opportunity to really help build this fledgling chapter of NI since this kind of thing is right up my alley. Earlier in the week, I saw Wicked in San Francisco and conveniently used the night to also network with some non-profit gurus in the bay..how's that for efficiency?! (BTW: If you are in the bay, go see Wicked...it's just wickedly addictive!)

Right before drafting this post, I also stumbled upon Andrew Choi's top 10 advice for incoming MBA students. I'm happy to note that I'll probably be checking off 4 of those from my own list. So, thanks Andrew for thinking of us who are still on the brink of embarking on our MBA goals. I know you can expect plenty more from my side, so stay tuned:)

A special gift

2009-04-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

My sister came over today and surprised me with a little token of her elation on my MBA news. So, what does she get for me? Hmm...the gift was flat, so I think it's a book. I'm not sure I mentioned this in my other posts, but I LOVE books. I think there's a name for people who have this passion (NO, it's not DORK), but it slips me mind at this time. Ever since I graduated college, I've really made an effort to read at least one book each month and believe it or not, I've gone back and started seeking out more children's literature, especially my own childhood favorites. I recently finished Mildred D. Taylor's award-winning books including my all-time favorite: Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry along with other books from her series. It's an inspirational, heartfelt and politically & socially charged piece of historical fiction that chronicles the racial and social injustices faced by an African American family in the rural south of the 1930s. It's amazing that as I was reading the book, this country also elected its first colored president--it all seems so surreal.

Anyhow, back to the initial reason for this post. After meticulously disassembling her lovely wrapping, I gave her a fat hug when I saw this: Fancy Nancy!

I'm such a sucker for colorful illustrations and smart little girls. It's so ironic (and silly) that I get into an MBA program and my sister gives me a children's book (maybe it's because she teaches 3rd graders for a living). Hahaha, but I love it and she knows me so well. I think we all need to smile and relive the inner child in us; it makes for a much happier me and I'll take that any day!

"Just not that into me" paves way for new beginnings

2009-04-13T23:09:00.001-07:00

After a restful weekend in Hawaii basking under the golden sun and soaking up the Aloha attitude, I think I'm ready to reveal the final decision for my MBA journey. So, Stanfuuurd, Harvard and NYU were "just not that into me" and I am totally fine with that. Sometimes, things just don't work out and although I was wooed, unfortunately, I was never courted. But every new beginning is some other beginning's end (hmm..I think those were the lyrics to some song).

Even without a decision from Columbia, I am excited that the next 3 years of my life will be at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management with their working professional program (I've already started brainstorming all the opportunities that I want to become a part of (Net Impact, Consulting Corps, Int'l Study Practicum...) After much heartfelt conversations with my hubby and my close friends, Davis really makes me happy. I know I hadn't blogged about it before, but I did attend it's annual Peer to Pier networking event in San Francisco last month and by far, the students & alumni at the GSM are solid, intelligent and extremely down to earth. My ideal post-MBA location to work is the bay area and the GSM boosts its largest alumni contingency in this local, so for me, this is a win-win situation. Besides that, my initial foray into my MBA dreams began with Davis about a year ago after realizing that I needed much more from my current profession. I longed for professional development opportunities, enhanced career prospects and an intense desire to work in teams (something that I considerably thrive under and strive for), all of which, I've found at the GSM.

So, as my run for an MBA nears an end in its initial chapter, I wanted to offer a piece of advice for my readers who are merely at the beginning of their own journeys.
I noticed on the blogosphere that many folks are blogging about other top-ranked b-schools, and I have to admit that made me a bit intimidated at first. But then I realized, how many of us are simply choosing schools based on rankings? I've met so many successful people in my lifetime who have accomplished significant things, but who didn't all attend the top 10 programs in the country. I hope my journey encourages others who are thinking about b-schools to also open their minds and realize that attending a top b-school is not an automatic guarantor for success. Ultimately, it's up to YOU and YOU alone to ensure that success happens. Take the douchebags of Enron and GM Motors who graduated from HBS only to make a complete financial fiasco. The rhetoric and oratory skills of our former president also didn't improve with a polished ivy-league b-school degree. With this in mind, I hope that others will see that an MBA is not an end in and of itself, but actually, a means to an end. Whichever means you choose, I hope you choose wisely and are ultimately happy with your decision. Good luck to all of those who are embarking on your MBA dreams, but before I go, I'll leave you with some cool facts I stumbled upon regarding the UC Davis GSM:

1. Lam Research CEO (HBS alumnus) Gives $1.5 Million to Foster New Business Leaders:
Underscoring the importance of leadership in business education at the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis, Stephen G. Newberry and his wife, Shelley, have pledged $1 million to endow a faculty chair in leadership, as well as $500,000 to create a fellowship that will support MBA students who have great potential as business leaders.

2. The Brass Tacks among the 10 Most Innovative MBA Teams in the World: A team of four UC Davis MBA students advanced to the final round of the 2008 Innovation Challenge, the world’s largest academic competition of its kind produced by consulting firm Idea Crossing and hosted by The Batten Institute at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

3. Net Impact Trailblazers: In 2008, UC Davis' Net Impact won 'Gold' designation, the highest awarded given to a Net Impact chapter. In 2007, the Davis chapter received the Trailblazer Chapter of the Year and the 2006 Small School Chapter of the Year award. Davis Net Impact is ranked among the top 30 MBA programs in the world for integrating issues of social and environmental stewardship into curricula and research by The Aspen Institute's Center for Business Education.

4. Among others, the GSM is also pioneering programs on green technology and will be offering a concentration in public health to prepare MBA students to lead hospitals, government agencies and other organizations.

BTW: I just found out I was nominated for Clear Admit's Best of Blogging for 2008-09..cool beans! Thanks Clear Admit...you guys are clearly awesome! I am quite flattered..I hope this blog has been helpful for you as it has (and will continue to be) for me.

My First Admit

2009-03-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Bright and early at 10am PST, I received a call from an unknown number which I conveniently sent to voicemail. Little did I realize that it was the Admissions Director of the UC Davis MBA program. With a hopeful smile on my face and good thoughts racing through I head, I immediately called back and sure enough, she extended her personal congratulations on my acceptance into their program. Yay! It is such a huge relief to know that my future is filled with much more hope and optimism now. I know an MBA is only a means to an end and wherever that end will be, I'll be equipped with the resources to make it happen! Only last week I was blogging about the wait and now, I have one of my questions answered; it feels amazing, albeit quite surreal, and even as I type this, I don't think it's completely registered in my mind yet. But of course, it will sink in soon enough:)

UPDATE: I received my nifty admit package in the mail on Friday..yay! It's for reals!!

The Wait

2009-03-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking on my posts b/c apparently, this waiting game has been excrutiatingly painful. I had my interview with UC Davis a week ago and so far, nothing. Haven't heard back from any of my other schools either, so I'm fearful of not-so-great news coming my way next week--eek! Anyhow, the only thing that's been updated thus far is the HBS director's blog which reads

"Something for Everyone!
Date: March 24, 2009
This is the time of year when we have all three rounds in play, so here is some news for everyone:

Round One Waitlist - We will be extending offers of admission to about 40 round one waitlisters shortly after April 2. We will continue to maintain a waitlist and Eileen Chang will send out an update in early April.

Round Two Notification - April 2 is the notification date. All decisions will be released online - you will receive an email instructing you to check your status. We won't be making any congratulatory phone calls in advance of April 2!"

One can only cling on to whatever hope is left in this bschool journey, but geesh..let's just get the pain over with and tell us, already!

2009 MBA Scholarship: Apply now!

2009-03-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

I wish someone had told me about this when I started my process for bschool, so in keeping with my promise to give back, I'm going to encourage all of you who are embarking on your MBA dreams to apply for this awesome opportunity to save LOADS of your own money with the 2009 Beat the GMAT Scholarship. Any of the prizes would be worth it for me b/c you still receive a free Manhattan GMAT prep course, which I highly recommend to anybody preparing for their GMAT. I blogged about MGMAT in my earlier posts in 2008, so browse my archive. BTW: I should add that the contest is open to both U.S. & international students. Anyhow, here's the cool prizes they're offering:

* First Prize ($5490 total value)
o $500 Cash
o One full Manhattan GMAT course
o 1 School Comprehensive Package with Stacy Blackman Consulting

* Second Prize ($2310 total value)
o $500 Cash
o One full Manhattan GMAT course
o 2500-word Editing Service with Stacy Blackman Consulting

* Third Prize ($2210 total value)
o $500 Cash
o One full Manhattan GMAT course
o 1000-word Editing Service with Stacy Blackman Consulting

* Fourth Prize ($2020 total value)
o $500 Cash
o One full Manhattan GMAT course
o Copy of MBA Application Roadmap by Stacy Blackman

* Fifth Prize ($1990 total value)
o $500 Cash
o One full Manhattan GMAT course

The final day to apply is May 8, so get started! What are you waiting for? Besides, it's a great way to jumpstart your application process and be ahead of the game.

The MBA: To do or not to do in this economy

2009-03-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

It's been on a mind for quite some time now and at first, I hesitated to post anything about the inevitable shadows of doubt that linger in my head regarding my MBA in the midst of a horrid economic downturn, but today, I just couldn't resist after reading Stacy Blackman's post on BNET regarding the arrogance of MBA degree holders and questionable viability of the three letters during this moment in time. The post hit close to home and I had to share my ponderings with you. The other week, I calculated my monetary investments (thus far) in my quest for an MBA and here's what I came up with:

1. MGMAT Prep Course: $1390
2. Estimated Travel Expense to MGMAT/Info Sessions: $475
3. GMAT Exam: $250
4. Bschool Application Fees: $1075

GRAND Total: $3190...yowsers!

I guess this is why most of my friends are not getting MBAs anytime in the near future. Already, the financial investment towards an MBA is a huge hurdle for many of us who work in the education/nonprofit sector, and this is not even calculating the mental fatigue of sleepless nights, stressing, worrying before, during and after the application process. If accepted, I have to submit a deposit and so forth. The potential MBA bill is scary to say the least but even as I type this post, I know that investing in myself is the best and most secure financial decision I will ever make in my life. I hope that once I achieve my own dreams, I can enable those of others who find themselves in a similar situation. I can't help but wonder how many people whose dreams are stunted because of the immense financial obligations they must take care of (mortgage, flood insurance (just got my letter to renew), car payments, food, the list goes on). I am fortunate that somehow my hubby and I have managed to weather the storm and stay afloat even as friends around us are facing foreclosures and bankruptcies (I know, crazy, right?).

Even more, I am thankful that I am chronicling my journey in this blog. Many moons from now when I look back, it will be meaningful to remember all the little steps I had to take (and countless sacrifices my hubby has had to make) for me to realize my MBA aspirations. So, I say: Yes, the dismal economy does take its toll on me, but does it deter me from my original goals? No way, dude! It only makes me that much more determined to go after them. I believe that it is especially during moments such as these, there is so much room for MBAs to do great things with their knowledge and resources. I can't wait to be one of them.

Seattle Here I Come!

2009-02-18T01:58:00.000-08:00

As promised, I've signed up to run the inaugural Seattle half marathon in June..yay! I'm so psyched! This is going to be my fourth one and hopefully, I can focus more on increasing my pace this time around. It is yet another reason for me to keep my fitness goals alive and well as I kick off the beginning of 2009. I know this year will bring many more new beginnings for me and I can't tell you how juiced I am about all of it. If you had asked me two years ago where I saw myself, I certainly wouldn't have been trying to complete my fourth half. BTW, if any of you considering joining me in Seattle, I do have a coupon code to get $10 off the current reg fee of $85. Just leave a message and I'll send it your way!

Whoo hoo! I can't wait to sink my teeth and my soles into the likes of Seattle. I've always been enamored with the birthplace of Starbucks and the home of the Space Needle...now I get to experience it myself. I'll have to catch some Foodnetwork and Travel channel shows to find the best places to dine on the freshest seafood--wowie! I can't wait! This is certainly going to keep me nice and occupied as I wait in limbo to hear back from my prospective Bschools...thank goodness!

My First Interview Invite...yay!

2009-02-13T00:11:00.000-08:00

After feeling the post-MBA application blues for a few weeks, I was met with some great news in my inbox today at exactly 10:59AM PST...my very first interview invitation from the UC Davis GSM. I have to admit it caught be my surprise seeing that Davis was the last application I submitted, but I was elated nonetheless. I read the invite at around noon and when I tried to sign up for an interview, I was surprised to see that over half of the slots were already filled...geesh...aspiring MBAs are on top of their S3*! Anyhow, I signed up for mine a month from today, so it'll give me ample time to prepare. The cool thing is that they let you do a 5-7 min presentation on any topic you want, so for me, that's really nice...more room to shine!

I'm particularly drawn to the UC Davis MBA for a few good reasons. One being that a very good friend of mine has already gone through it and loved her experience. Secondly, the program prides itself on its intimate and collaborative team environment..both wonderful attributes of any great program. After I attended their Preview Day, I received a freshly signed letter from the Director..yep, it was real ink! I'm not sure how many people actually sign their own letters nowadays, but to me, it's a sign that people care about their prospective students and that earns extra brownie points in my book;) Thirdly, the GSM offers the program of study that I wish to pursue, Social Entrepreneurship...I looked it up and they have professors who actually teach the subject matter and are renowned experts in the field. Other reasons why I know the GSM would be a great fit for me is that I can do it part-time, thereby relinquishing my fear that a volatile economic downturn may leave me worried should I need to quit my job--I would be able to have my cake and eat it too (and I love cake)! And on a final note, Forbes did rank the part-time program as 16th in the nation, which is pretty awesome since I think since there's so many random ones out there these days. I get a whole slew of internet MBA thingies in the mail which I simply think is a bunch of crap. It seems that ever since I took the GMAT, I've been getting a ton of 'em. Oh wells..options are always nice I suppose. In the meantime, I'll continue to cross my fingers for more good news and grab some nice gifts for my wonderful recommenders.

The agony of waiting + other ramblings

2009-01-29T13:58:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week, I submitted my Columbia application...finally! Since Columbia is the only bschool with rolling deadlines, I figured I can apply to it last and still find out of my admission status in April. I have to admit that it does get easier to click the 'submit' button the 4th time around, but the waiting game has me on pins and needles. I wake up each morning and before even jumping out of bed, I roll over and grab my iphone to check my email, each time hoping I can stumble on some good news.

I checked out the HBS Director's blog and found out they'll be releasing interview invites starting February 9, so I am keeping my toes and fingers crossed for the best of luck. Yesterday, I popped in a Season 2 episode of 'Ghost Whisperer' and there was a scene in which Melinda Gordon's new friend, the professor, was talking about how envisioning what you really want will coerce it to come true. Wishful thinking, I suppose, but I couldn't help but imagine checking my email on Feb 9 and seeing that one of them was from the HBS adcom.

I feel like I'm a high school senior all over again...ugh! But to help keep my worries at bay, I've gotten back into my normal fitness routine: spinning, kickboxing and body pump (intense weight lifting) classes..yay! I feel so powerful after working up a sweat for 2 hours. Last weekend, I went running along the San Francisco marina and the experience totally reinvigorated my fitness ambitions. I can't tell you how much i love the ocean. It is honestly the cheapest and most fulfilling form of therapy you can ever get. I don't get why people pay mad bucks just to sit in a confined space with a shrink dissecting your innermost thoughts. If you want to get in touch with your inner self and seek some kind of meaning to your chaotic lifestyle, just wander to the ocean..the tranquility of this space encapsulates and transports your mind and body to a place of total relaxation. Wow..did I just sound like an infomercial or what?

Haha..anyways, I also found myself craving oysters for some reason. My hubby and I plus a couple awesome friends found ourselves at the Hog Island Oyster Farm in the midst of pouring rain. It was so funny because during the entire drive to the farm, we were getting so hot b/c it the sun was beaming down on us. By the time we got to the Tomales Bay area, the dark brooding clouds were looming overhead and we were pelted by giant rain drops once we got to the oysters. But we were troopers who came prepared with 2 jumbo-sized umbrellas and we started a bbq pit right there in the middle of the rain! I was impressed! I was shucking away left and right, while gorging myself with nature's mother of pearls: Kumamotos and Hog Island's best, extra small Sweetwaters. If you haven't had fresh oysters, you haven't lived! It tastes just like the ocean; that's when you know it's the good stuff and with just a sprinkle of Tabasco sauce and fresh lemon..Yum--heaven on a half shell! You should also never eat oysters that smell fishy or look murky, even if the waiter tells you that's the way they eat them. I had this experience happen during a visit to South Beach last year and I wasn't having it. You can't mask funky oysters. In any case, I told myself that should I find my happy butt in Canada some day, I'm visiting Prince Edward Island to get my hands on them juicy Canadian cup oysters and oh-so-slobberlicious mussels they got up there. As you can probably tell, I'm a foodie in every sense of the word. What can I say...I live to eat!

Welcoming our 44th President: Barack Obama..how great art thee

2009-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Tokens of inspiration I collected from Obama's Inaugural Speech:

"...a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous."

"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

Halfway Mark Reflection

2009-01-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

I have now submitted 3 of my anticipated 6 bschool applications, and since I can't sleep tonight, I'll take some time out to reflect since I think it may help others who either will be submitting their apps or plan to apply in the future.

First off, hats off to Clear Admit for their insightful essay analyses. I highly recommend pasting them into your word doc for each school you're applying to and then doing a complete outline of your answer to each question segment. It's very important to make sure that you answer EVERY portion that is being asked.

Secondly, free write and try not to worry about the word count just yet. Although I did find that one of the most challenging parts when condensing my large essays. However, take it as a bschool lesson in the art of effective, yet concise communication skills.

All in all, I am happy to report that as I clicked the 'submit' button for each school, I was really content with my work. I believe it is an honest portrait of who I am and the values that I hold dear. I poured my heart into them and I know that whatever happens, I can honestly say I was genuine in my responses and if that's not good enough, then there is something else out there for me. Dreaming the dream for bschool was great, but actually going through the process has shown me that I do have the courage of conviction to make my dreams happen. It has been an amazing journey thus far and although I have 3 more apps to conquer, I am confident that 'it's gonna be all good!'

Harvard:
It's all about the L word..yup, leadership! And luckily for me, it has been my defining feature. As I reflected on my life experiences, I realized the unifying thread for me has been the element of leadership, which is why I chose to apply to HBS. I don't believe it's about the number of people you supervise, but the lessons that you learned from those experiences are what you should reflect on.

I had a lot of fun writing Essay 1 on my accomplishments because it really made me think long and hard about what gave meaning to my life. From there, I was able to settle upon 3 of the ones that I believe really impacted me. However, this was not the case for Essay 2 on making a mistake. I often found myself stepping away from my computer and then wake up in the middle of the night with my 'A-HA! moment where I'd have to put a note in my iphone about what sparked my train of thought just so I wouldn't forget it when I woke up. In the end, I did end up with what I feel is an honest mistake example and what I did to strengthen myself as a result of it.

Stanford GSB:
First of all, read the director's insights on how to write an effective essay. It really helped me articulate my thoughts as if I were speaking with a good friend rather than an adcom. I absolutely HEART the Essay 1 on speaking about my values. I think it was the easiest essay to write because it was really personal and the word limit was pretty generous at 750. The best approach to this is jot down several things that are important to you. From there, find the linkage between each one by writing down key words/phrases that define those experiences. It's like connecting the dots. You should see a pattern and yes, my friend, that pattern is your set of values. I know everyone has one, and I sincerely believe that if you live life guided by these principles, you will have no problem relaying this info to the Stanford adcom.

NYU Stern:
Halfway through my essays, I had second thoughts about what really made Stern stand out in my mind besides the fact that it was in NYC. Obviously, everyone is going to write about the NY advantage. In any case, Essay 2 was be far the most difficult because the question subsets initially seem so unrelated. I had already completed 3/4 of my essays when I realized I needed to take a mental break and step back to see what really made Stern click in my mind. I had hoped to submit my essay on the Saturday and then start packing for my cruise but then I realized I didn't have my best essays yet. When I read my Essay 2, it seemed so fake...ugh! I hated it! Why did I try to sound like somebody else? I thought it was weird, especially since I had already completed 2 applications before Stern. What makes Stern unique is the question it poses. Stern wants to know why exactly you want Stern and this made me realize why I had such a hard time. Well, I remember vividly a particular interview experience at a school that will not unnamed when the interviewer specifically asked me exactly what about me made me right for the job. Seems simple enough, right, but I realized that at that moment, I honestly didn't know. Yes, this is so not the best way to go into an interview. Needless to say I didn't get the job and I know my response to that question had a lot to do with it. If I don't know why I want Stern, why the hell would Stern want me right?

So, the time is ticking away and I just told myself I'll sleep on it and take my work with me on the cruise, but hopefully the answer would come overnight and I wouldn't need to. I think Somebody heard me up there and I woke up from my nap re-energized to tackle the question once more. This time, my thoughts flowed effortlessly through my fingertips onto my laptop. Before I knew it, I had the application completed and ready to be submitted. It was a true moment of revelation and elation. Now, off to Mexico baby! Adios!

More than Money...indeed!

2009-01-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd share a little bit about my journey so far. I was able to submit my Harvard & Stanford apps and am feverishly completing my Stern app as we speak, but it's been an incredibly amazing experience to say the least. I've learned so much about myself than I had originally imagined and I know that wherever my lucky stars take me, I am living life with a sense of purpose.

Today, I was able to wake up bright and early to attend the MBA Preview Day at the UC Davis GSM. Some of you are probably wondering why I've decided to consider this particular bschool, but first up, I was inspired by a special somebody who went through the program and had such awesome things to say about it that I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to indulge my curiosity. As it happens, they have a small, but wonderfully active Net Impact org whose members are so down to earth and genuine. I was fortunate to meet both of the co-presidents today during my time on campus and they were very supportive of my decision. So, I'm not sure how many of you bloggers out there know, but Net Impact is this national network of bschool students who have the passion to use their MBA to create social value. Yes, MBAs do have a moral code of ethics, contrary to what the incidents on Wall Street may lead you to believe. In any case, last week, the founder of Net Impact, Mark Albion, came to the Davis GSM to speak to their students and I thought, "WOW...how cool is that!" Every year, top bschools from around the U.S. send their best and brightest to attend the Net Impact Conference; this year, it was held at Wharton and next year will be at Cornell! If I should be so lucky, I would like to count myself in the group of attendees. We'll just have to wait and see. In any case, Albion also wrote a really neat book, More than Money, and from what I hear, it's going to be on my books to read for 2009 list for sure!

I think that regardless of where your MBA dreams will take you, it's important to nurture your values and incorporate them in your path to success. If it's anything we learned from Wall Street's plummet it is this: There are always going to be difficult choices you'll have to make and unfortunately, those of us who are not guided by our own moral compass will make poor decisions that will ultimately cost us in the end. For the rest of you who know why you want an MBA and what you hope to do with it, I hope that you do it with a sense of compassion and humanity and that you won't become the dreaded 'one of them' because if that's what really what your life is all about, then my friend, you have some serious rethinking to do. Maybe this is why I love Essays 1 for Stanford so much: What do you value and WHY? As I penned my words, I realized that I am quite fortunate to be doing a job that speaks deeply to my values. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard people complain about their jobs and how they hate it. What does this mean essentially? In my book, this means you need to start thinking about who you are and what matters to you. If you can find the answer, then start living your life to reflect those ideals.

So, check out the video and let me know if what Albion says resonates with you...it already has for me.

My First Bschool Submission

2009-01-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

Wow..I did it! After pulling an all-nighter, I laid down 235 hard-earned smackers and finally (and nervously, but anxiously) hit the 'submit' button, relinquishing my fate to the hands of the HBS adcoms at exactly 10:22:22 AM E.S.T. I just thought I'd document this moment before I take a nap and then return to Stanford apps. So, 1 down and 2 more to go for this week, 1 for next and 2 more for a month out before I'll be officially done and crossing my fingers to score an interview. Whew!

Tis the Season: Holiday Parties=Free Food.

2008-12-12T01:41:00.001-08:00

Just got back from my friend's holiday party at a ritzy dim sum place in SF and I gotta say I'm glad she invited me. You see, every year, my office throws a holiday shindig too, but since I telecommute for work, I'm a plane ride away, which in turn means that I also telecommute for the party..catch my drift? With the budget crunch this year, I told my boss I'll opt out from the party thing...but then there's a piece of me that misses it. Thank goodness for awesome friends who invite me to theirs..thanks ladies! Next week, another lunch that's not on me. So, how can I not love the holidays? Free booze, food and entertainment.

So, the interesting part of the whole night had to be seeing my friend's face light up as she opened her gift from the office..that's right, folks..it's called a bonus, something that is all too foreign for me to envision. This brought me back to filling out my MBA apps. There's usually 2 boxes: one to indicate your salary and the other to indicate your bonuses. It was pretty sad (okay, I lied..it was downright depressing) as I placed a big fat "0" in the latter box b/c the entire time, I kept thinking: "Damn, other people get bonuses...unless you work in the public sector where there ain't no $$ to be had." So, I guess it's good that I'm blogging this moment b/c years from now, I hope to be perched on the other side of the fence..one can only hope, right? Yes, hope seems to be the only thing I can bank on right about now.

Up at 4am...it's all good!

2008-12-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

"Yours is the kind of love, makes nothing else feel good enough and I'm never gonna give you up...No, no!"

Okay, that's what's in my head right now. It's 4:04 am, I'm listening to Natasha Bedingfield's new album and it's going to be okay. I've got my brain juices flowing and I'm working on my Stanford essays...yay yay! I know it's been a while, but trust me, I can explain:) And you haven't slipped my mind b/c I've still been checking the ClearAdmit blogs every week...yup, still alive and kickin, guys!

It's been a week of nocturnal behavior as my days turns into nights, nights turn into MBA essays and sleep is during the days for me. What the heck? I know, many of my MBA aspirants out there can understand what I'm experiencing right now. I feel like I'm in college all over again studying for finals, but this is good stuff. It makes me feel hopeful that my future's in the works and it's going to change for the better.

Oh, before I go any further, I just wanted to say "Congrats!" to all of you who've been accepted to your choice bschools. You must be sooo excited! (I know I would be!). And for those who've receive less than steller news, don't worry..hang in there--we will all have our moments to shine (at least that what I've been told..no, but really, it's true) At first, I felt like crap for not being so diligent in submitting my stuff in R1, but now, I'm okay and I feel that I'm going to hammer out kick-ass essays to really make it count. I've decided not to take my GMAT and I know it's going to come as a disappointment to you bloggers out there, but I put some thought into reading Tiny Dancer's post many moons ago and I think she makes a valid point of not sacrificing the essence of everything else in my app just to raise my GMAT. In any case, I've got 1 month to get my apps into all my top 4 schools since I'm leaving for a cruise to Mexico come mid-January. I'm going to take it as an early celebration of surviving the grueling app process b/c if this is the hard part, I'm thinking bschool should be just fine.

So, in case you're wondering where else I've been..I went to NYC!! Yup...my hubby ran the NYC Marathon and I got to be a bandit for the last 2 miles...at least I can lay my claim that I did run part of it, right? It was too tempting to resist, but the trip did solidify (once more) my plans of applying to East Coast schools. Who does not looove the City?! It was such a packed weekend, but I did visit Columbia, except the school was closed since it was Saturday. Darn....I know, but it's all good since I've been there before and already fell in love with it since. I was in the NYU neighborhood, and I've got to admit that in terms of culture and vibe, I really enjoyed the NYU campus. Well, being a foodie...you just gotta love all those good, cheap college eateries nearby....what better way to study for finals, right? Haha....anyhow, catchya later. I'm going to get back to work on my essays and possibly go to bed at 5 in the morning.

Barack the VOTE!

2008-11-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

After a near-month hiatus, I just couldn't help but blog this moment down in history (as I'm sure whether or not the outcome is in my favor), everyone will remember November 4, 2008 in the books. Yep, so I am happy to report that I did my civic duty and for the first time in my life, I've never been so elated to see a line...at the polls, that is! My hubby (first-time VOTER ever since he blossomed into a U.S. citizen) and I cast our ballot and with that, made our own mark in history as the 207th and 210th voters, respectively, at our polling station.

Yes, I did VOTE for CHANGE, but regardless of who you ended up voting for, I hope that each one of us realizes just how important this election is for generations of folks who've fought and perished for this historic moment as well as our own future sons and daughers, mothers and fathers, and brothers and sisters. For me, it's a resounding call for what progress truly embodies. Nonetheless, I do believe that the man who can deliver this progress comes in the form of hope and by the name of Barack Obama.

Early this morning, my friend text me this message and I hope you'll join me in passing it on:

" Rosa sat so Martin could walk...Martin walked so Obama could run...Obama is running so our children can FLY! Keep the progress going...we can only go up from HERE!"

Reinvigorated by a Website? Can it be?

2008-10-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm alive and running! Just finished another half marathon (whoo hoo!) and I guess I needed this physical journey to re-energize my run for Bschool. I'm happy to report that I rocked the entire 13.1 miles with a steady running pace...something I never thought I could ever do!

Another thing I never thought I'd ever do was add another Bschool to my current list. However, after speaking with a few people regarding my career goals and the infamous WHY MBA question, they each suggested Stanford. Up to this point, I've known Stanford has a very reputable program, but the only thing that's been preventing me from seriously considering applying to the program has been my own logistical thought process. I've been so consumed with the how the heck am I going to make it happen question that I've pretty much brushed Stanford off my shoulder. But after hearing so many people suggest this school to me, I'm going to take it as a good omen. As such, I've been rigorously perusing their site and omg...I think the folks who wrote it had people like me in mind: People who consistently doubt their own potential even after everything that's already been accomplished. Maybe that's my own fatal flaw...self-doubt.

If you read through the Stanford admission criteria (Intellectual vitality, leadership and personal qualities/contributions), you'll see what I mean--they're really trying to get folks to apply who aren't just quantitatively savvy, but also understand the inner crux of their own passions and motivations and how that applies to an MBA. I love how they reiterate that intellectual vitality is not measured through grades alone and I wholeheartedly agree with that notion. How many times have we met geniuses in their discipline only to realize these people are only good on paper? I know I'm stealing lines from "Sex on the City," but Carrie Bradshaw knew what the heck she was talking about. So, I've come to the conclusion that my saving grace will be my words...the power of my pen.

1st GMAT Attempt: DONE!

2008-09-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's official...I've survived the GMAT and you know what? It wasn't so bad after all. Being an over-prepared nut like myself, I wandered to the test site yesterday as I was getting my car serviced(as it happened, the two places are just down the street from each other) just to get a feel for where I'd be headed on my happy and glorious test day. I'm so glad I did b/c as I was driving against the glare of the horrendous early morning sunshine today, I could barely see anything, much less street signs. Luckily, I remember landmarks and got to the test site with 30 minutes to spare amidst the early morning rush hour commute.

I have to say I'm pretty fortunate to have taken the test at such a clean and professional site--it makes all the difference in the world for anxious test takers everywhere. And not only that, but the room was cozy, carpeted and as luck would have it, set at a perfect temperature. The night before, I took it easy and looked over a few math concepts to refresh my memory, but other than that, I told myself that if I didn't commit any formulas to memory by now, God knows that shit won't be happening in a night. In any case, I did manage to memorize the MGMAT testing timetables to pace myself throughout the exam and yes, it helps a great deal!

So, after going through all the security mumbo jumbo that comes along with taking any standardized tests, I was left to my own accord. The 2 AWA essays were a complete joke and nothing that I even attempted to study for, but I was glad it dealt with current issues that were very much close to my heart. On one of them, it felt like I was writing an op-ed for a newspaper, so that left me with some comic relief. I really wished they'd grade and factor our AWA scores into our overall GMAT score for if that were the case, I know my crystal ball would give me a shot at seeing the likes of a 700. Aside from that and after excusing myself for my first allotted 10-min break, the quant portion wasn't anything I hadn't expected. However, the thing that did surprise me was that my MGMAT CAT exams seemed A LOT more difficult than the one staring at me on the screen. Of course, I did the best I could. I opted out of my 2nd break and instead, felt pretty good to head into my verbal portion. My biggest issue with verbal going into the exam was the careless time I spent sketching the long reading comp passages only to get half the questions correct. I decided to cut my losses early and instead, focus my attention on problems I knew I could correctly answer, namely the sentence completion ones. Otherwise, I'd be fighting with time and please believe I'd lose that battle in a heartbeat.

All in all, the final verdict wasn't bad (I'm good enough for my last choice school) but it also wasn't "WHOAH! HBS here I come great!" In other words, my final score was well above average but well below the median at the top Bschools and I'll just leave it at that. The silver lining on this cloud is that it gives me hope that I can definitely increase my score 2nd time around, which I intend to take full advantage of. For me, this is great b/c after taking 2 CAT exams from MGMAT, my scores were so dismal, I was so disheartened through it all b/c even though my learning curve peaked, my performance had much to be desired. Thus, my overall GMAT score has left me content for the amount of effort I've put in, but it also leaves me with the knowledge that I am capable of a lot more than what I initially thought possible for myself. Essentially, the GMAT is far from being a precise mechanism for measuring one's aptitude, but rather, a measure of how well one can perform under pressure when equipped with lots of studying, content knowledge, test-taking strategies and an intense desire to pursue an MBA. Go figure. That's standardized testing for ya!

And just for the record (and also so I can hold myself to this later), I will schedule my next GMAT for early November. Gotta stay committed!

Where Have I Been?

2008-09-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Alright, I gotta come clean. I've been up to my neck in studying for my GMAT that is coming up (much to my chagrin) in 3 days..Sept 5 is D-Day! I'm nervous, but in a way happy that I've gotten much of the core MGMAT content areas covered. I finished my MGMAT sessions about 2 weeks ago and was very pleased with both the instructors and their teaching pedagogy. I will blog my review later, but it's suffice to say that if you want a great experience preparing for the GMAT, please consider this reputable company. There is a ton of work, but it is well worth it!

So, about my MIA: Basically, I told myself that I couldn't get too bogged down with blogging and B-school research unless I could dedicate my studies to GMAT since I can kiss my chances at the top B-schools goodbye if I don't do well on this exam.

In any case, I will keep this post short since I am trying to remedy a cold before this Friday and will have to hit the gym to boost my immune system for the time being. Wish me luck (good Lord knows I'll need it) and oh yeah, before I go, just wanted to give a shout out to Clear Admit for the lovely "project" they threw my way. You guys are awesome! And thanks to Tiny Dancer's guest blogger (her hubby) for the insightful post.

2008 Beijing Olympics: Gotta Love Men's Swim!

2008-08-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

Alright, I just have to blog about the 2008 Olympics since it's pretty much captivated my entire being for the past few days. It has been, to say the least, one of the most awe-inspiring and empowering moments I've witnessed on TV; makes me want to kick myself for not planning a China trip during the Olympics, though. Well, even if you're not a sports fanatic, I don't think you can help but feel so damn proud of Team USA, especially in the mens swimming competitions. I just finished watching the U.S. beat down France in the men's 4x100 freestyle relay and OMG...I was sitting on pins and needles as Jason Lezak, against all odds, stormed to the finish in world record time---putting France to shame for the crap they've been talking! I just thought it was hilarious that the NBC commentators pegged U.S. for the silver medal and then had to eat their own words when U.S. took gold! And then Michael Phelp's hysterical reaction when Lezak touched first...priceless!

I dont' think you can watch Phelp's reaction without feeling his raw emotion of pure, monumental pride and elation--at least I couldn't! You can catch the actual video at NBC as there are copyright issues for posting it anywhere else. I know I echo millions of fans everywhere when I say, " I am sooo frickin proud of you, Team USA! Michael, Jason, Garrett and Cullen...you guys are amazing!" Just goes to show you that anything's possible when you want something bad enough!

GMAT Appt: Check!

2008-07-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

It's final..a few moments ago, I just confirmed my GMAT appt for the first week in September! Damn...a whole $250 smackers just like that! I've been prolonging the inevitable, but seeing that my studies have been waning this past week, I told myself it's time to kick into high gear again and battle the beast. So, it's for real, for real...I'm going to take the GMAT and Lord help me if I receive a faltering score b/c I'll be pounding my head on the Official Guide hollering "WTF! WTF!" That'd be the worst case scenario. Best case scenario, on the other hand, would be if I make it into the 80% percentile score range for my target Bschools...now, let me take a moment to dream up this case (ahh (sigh) that's right..what a great feeling it would be, indeed). No, I'm not shooting for a 700, but if it happens, that'd be the optimal case scenario--for right now though, my goals are humble.

On a brighter note: I did have lunch with my former boss, who (as I blogged about before) just received her MBA. She's now going to live her dreams and have a hefty paycheck to match..wow..how awesome would that be one day! One can only imagine, right? As always, another token of inspiration collected for the day...why, if only I had a dollar for every token I'm collecting, I'd be able to afford all of my Bschool app fees :) Anyhow, here's a run-down of our conversation in a nutshell:

ME: I've decided to take the ultimate plunge and aim for the top Bschools! And I'm looking into programs that foster my interest in social enterprise, CSR, what have you. What are your thoughts?

MBA boss: You are so going to get in! Bschools need people like us who care about other people (ie: underprivileged peeps). And CSR and sustainability will be an integral part of MBA curriculum for sure.

ME: Oh, you flatter me. I hope CSR is not a fad like Kaballah.

MBA boss: It's not. Rich people can ignore poor people, but they can't ignore the degradation of our environment. CSR will endure.

ME: Awesome! Thanks for the inspiration.

MBA boss: No prob. You can totally do it!

:) And so, I'm left with this wonderful feeling of optimism...I'll have to bottle it up and preserve it for when I'm taking my GMAT.

The Power to Dream

2008-07-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

It's funny how one blog leads to another and another and then before you know it, you're sucked into the blogosphere! I stumbled upon this video clip from Starwalker's blog a la Tiny Dancer's recent post and what do you know? I picked up another token of inspiration. And this one truly is in it of itself. His name is Randy Pausch and until today, I didn't know who he was. For those of you who don't, you should, and for those of you who did, consider yourself blessed. I wish I had known this man when he was alive--he reminds me of my own father, both of whom possess a deep-seated belief in the goodness of humanity and the value of self-discipline. Sadly, however, Pausch passed away due to pancreatic cancer on July 25.

As my curiosity would have it, I initially clicked on the video thinking..okay, I'm only going to watch 5 minutes and then get back to work, only to be so enamored by his eloquence, enthusiasm and charisma that 5 minutes turned into a whole 75. Come on...you know you wanna. Words cannot do justice to the impact his lecture will have on you, so see for yourself and then tell me you didn't get inspired.

Some of Pausch's words of wisdom that I heart:

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."

"The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out; the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough."

"Luck is truly where preparation meets opportunity."

"You cannot change the cards you are dealt, just how you play the hand."

This clip was his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon and its' great for a variety of reasons. For me, it's a reminder that good people do exist in this world and that there are those of us who have values and morals and believe that karma is an omnipresent force of nature. With all the crap we're being fed by the mass media and reality T.V. shows, I know I've sometimes lost faith in finding the good in people. It's reassuring to know that not all is lost. Moreover, Pausch also touches on life and how we, as human beings, have the power to affect change in many capacities, with the only questions being: Are we willing to do something about it? And if so, will we quit when we encounter the 'brick walls' in our endeavors or will we persevere and climb over it or better yet, knock it down!?

And most importantly, it's about dreams (both big and small) and how we can make them come true. In essence, it's about leading your life in a way that you ALLOW yourself to dream those dreams. I think that as adults, we sometimes become so jaded with life and the reality of it all, we forget to think about the days when we felt uninhibited to dream. The days as children when we were asked about what we wanted to be when we grow up and without thinking about money, grades, or any externalities, we just blurted out what first came to mind. Whatever happened to them good ole days? In the spirit of dreaming of an MBA, I think we need to put the kid back in each of us. For the past year, I've been catching up on my favorite childrens books--they're so pure, innocent and unadulterated and they all give me the power to dream (yet again). Some of the ones I absolutely adore are: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Ramona Quimby series, Freckle Juice, Fancy Nancy and so much more. Recently, I've also gotten into the Gilda Joyce series and Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer, the latter of which combines art, mystery, and math (go figure!) to take the reader on a journey through the eyes of sixth graders.

It's been a bit more difficult to find adult books that are worthy of my time, but quite fittingly, Professor Pausch's book, The Last Lecture, published in April and has since become a national bestseller, may just be my next great read. I'm heading to my local Barnes and Noble to peruse a copy. I'll keep you posted with my review.

Just Ran for Wine!

2008-07-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Whew! I survived and completed my 2nd half marathon from Napa to Sonoma! It was challenging, moreso than I initially thought! We began the day prior with a stop at two fabulous wineries in Sonoma: Kunde and Ledson; both of which were beautiful and offered wonderful hospitality. We were lucky enough to arrive just in the nick of time at the Kunde estates to receive a complimentary tour of their vineyard and wine cave which feature over 6,000 barrels of wine fermenting at a perfect 55.4 degrees. The Ledson winery had one of the most spectacular grounds I've ever witnessed...simply gorgeous gothic castle type of estate made you feel like you were rolling up to some fancy mansion for a black-tie event with Gargoyles :) After which, I attended a Pasta Party at a lovely vineyard for the charity that I'd be running for along with 700 other team-mates and 3 of my own mentees. It was very inspirational to hear about so many people who were embarking on the half marathon in honor of a friend of loved one suffering from Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. But perhaps, the most motivational part came from the former Olympic coach/Half marathon announcer who told us that the final race participant he let in was none other than a nun from the Vatican who, only two days earlier, had climbed Mt.Whitney (an elevation of 14,505 feet to the top!). After hearing that, how could you not be juiced to run?

Race day began at 4:00am at the Cuvaison Vineyard Estate. I woke up feeling dazed and groggy, but anxious to have 13.1 miles kick my ass. And that it did! There were rolling hills pretty much throughout the entire course, but it was lined with miles upon miles of beautiful vineyards. At mile 10 and 11, I had to be sidelined twice for cramps on each calf...oh it was painful! And then...I see the nun run past me! It was too funny amidst my little injury, but a great motivating force to take me all the way to the finish. Granted, I did not make my PR, but given my condition, I was elated to make it at all. My friends and hubby had already finished, so they were snapping pictures left and right. The best part had to be running to the finish with one of my mentees who is diagnosed with Crohn's Disease...we'd been training together from the start and this was her first half. How cool is that! It was pretty awesome to receive my 2nd half marathon medal, but my calf pains were killing me and it continued for the next 3 days. ugh!

Having completed yet another feat, here is my takeaway lesson:

1) Much like my run for an MBA, running a half marathon is challenging, thrilling, empowering and full of unexpected possibilities.

A few days after the race, I was invited to speak to a group of 60 students at a bay area non-profit organization surrounding the topic of self-empowerment. Can you believe I do this for a living? It was pretty informal, but the director asked me to share my experiences regarding college and life in general. Needless to say, it went off without a hitch and (not to toot my own horn..but okay, if you insist: Toot! Toot!) I hope I sprinkled some seeds of inspiration during my visit. These students are pretty amazing already, but what touches close to home is that they really remind me of the neighborhood kids I grew up with: brimming with potential, but lacking the necessary financial and social capital to fully make their mark in society, esp. if it were not for the resources of this community-based non-profit.

In between breaks, the director and I shared our educational career plans and it just reinforced my goal for an MBA. These are the moments that make me smile and realize that not only is this the most opportune time for me, but that I'm pursuing an MBA for the right reason: My heart is definitely already there--business deserves to have people with heart...and that's something I got plenty to give!

P.S. I also just signed up for the San Jose Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in October. If any of you are juiced to do this, let me know and I can send you a coupon code for $15 bucks off the reg. fee. :P

HBS Info Session: The Scoop

2008-07-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

You know the feeling you have when you're looking forward to something good? Do you have it in your mind? Okay hang on to that feeling b/c now, recall a moment when that something you were looking forward to doesn't turn out the way you expect, and I'm not talking in the good sense. This anticlimactic moment leaves you with a pang of utter disappointment, dashed hopes and the only thing you can mutter to yourself is, "DAMN, that's it?!"

Well, now you know how I'm feeling right now after getting home from the Minority HBS information session. What really sucks is that I know HBS can do better. Last year, I went to a Harvard session put on by the School of Ed and it was fabulous! It was also when I thought I'd be venturing into grad school for higher edu. Tonight's disappointment made me question my intentions for an MBA. Granted that HBS receives far too many apps than probably any other B-school in the country, you would still think that it would put more planning into hosting an event, especially in SF of all places!

Okay, you're probably wondering what exactly went down. Here goes my candid observation:

The event was held at the Medjool Restaurant & Lounge in the Mission District of SF. I've only heard of the Mission District but until today, had never been there to experience it for myself. As its name suggests, this part of town is recognized as the home of stunningly vibrant, mural-lined streets dotted with taquerias and mercados that remind me of being in Little TJ or Rosarito as a result of its predominant Latino & Spanish-speaking population. I got there 30 minutes early b/c the email indicated that registration would begin at that time. In any case, once I arrived and inquired about where I should meet up with HBS, the hostess said she didn't know but thought it would be up in the Penthouse area. So, I'm thinking....wow, this is nice. I speak too soon b/c as soon as I get up there, the waiter says there's no HBS group here, but kindly directs me to the mezzanine level. Apparently, nobody really knew that Harvard was in the building...when does this ever happen, right? Well, I finally spy a guy and a girl and just as I (had not) suspected, they are the only 2 hosting this event. I give them the benefit of the doubt, but notice that nothing's organized at all. There's no Harvard banner or any HBS brochures in sight, so obviously, how can anyone discern that this is Harvard and not some random people meeting up for drinks? She has nametags scattered on some low tables along with a hastily printed sign-in sheet. I guess I'm the 2nd guest to show up and she then makes it clear that this is going to be pretty informal. The only thing is: there's 52 people on the list and there's only 2 of them! I think to myself: This cannot be productive.

The biggest perk of being early is that you're able to ask your questions w/o having to compete for face time. However, even this is difficult b/c the place is so darn noisy and the set-up is such that you either have to sit on couches so low to the floor while others tower over you as they stand, or vice-versa. I elect to stand and a few more people show up before 7pm. Later I find out that other people were also under the impression that this would be a nice and somewhat formal session that would include an HBS powerpoint presentation followed by perspectives from alumni and/or current students. The emails I received didn't allude to the fact that we'd be met by only 2 current students with no plans whatsoever. Anyhow, based on our interrogation session (for lack of a better word choice b/c that's pretty much what it seemed to be), here's what I gathered:

1. Both of the students, A* & J*,have finance backgrounds and currently doing internships in the SF area (one at Genentech; the other at Accenture (I think). A* participated in the Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program prior to considering HBS and said it helped her realize that HBS was the right fit for her.

2. HBS cares a lot about leadership (and that's pretty much all I got).

3. The HBS interview (if you're lucky enough to receive one) will either make or break your candidacy, meaning the adcom has not made a final decision yet and you have the potential to sway their opinion of you if you kick ass in person. J* contrasted it to Stanford's interview, which (in his experience) pretty much tries see if you are a good fit for them, thus, he says that they've pretty much made up their mind on you already and you have very little to do with changing it. J* also mentioned Columbia and how they are, of all B-schools, so obsessed with their yield numbers and would prefer to hear you say, "YES! Columbia is not my back-up, but really my #1 and I haven't applied anywhere but here!" He says telling them you applied to other top B-schools will may likely increase your chances of being dinged!

4. A* said she is probably taking on $100K in loans. Ouch! But again, she touts the ROI is awesome in the long-run and she believes it will definitely be worth it. When asked about career services, she says there's still room for improvement. When I posed the question about the not-so-great economic forecast, she admits she is worried, but that, her professors have reminded her that the Harvard brand will sell itself, even in the midst of a brooding economy. Of all Bschools to invest in during this state of the nation, Harvard is probably the best.

5. HBS' case-study teaching methodology is pretty much 90% of the way courses are taught. This requires a great deal of work and participation on the student's end. This means that close to 50% of your grade will be based on class participation. I asked her about the grade non-disclosure policy and she said HBS has done away with it the past year. Really? However, she reassured me that when she was applying for internships this past year, none of the companies inquired about her grades.

6. HBS students are very cooperative. A* was really concerned about being in an uber-competitive business environment and found that her peers were more than willing to offer their advice and expertise. This is a major plus in my book!

Alright, I think that's all I can remember at this moment b/c I cut out after just an hour of chit chat. Writing things down makes me realize I probably took away more than I thought. However, even with this info, I'm still left with a sour taste in my mouth, but one I hope to sweeten on August 14 when I attend the MBA panel event. I double checked the description for that and they assure me it's going to be a panel of admissions reps/directors from each of the 5 major Bschools, so that makes me happy.

The students today were both nice, but somehow, I just didn't click with any of them. Maybe it's b/c none of them shared my passion for social enterprise. I guess it's Bschool...what did I imagine right? I still have HBS on my hit list b/c 2 peeps are not reflective of what I believe the program is capable of offering me. I also still plan to visit late September and network with other students who share my passion and maybe, that will salvage my taste buds for HBS.

In the meantime, I have to keep the bigger picture in mind. I know where I want to go and an MBA will undoubtedly take me there. This is just one of those potholes I can run over. (But I can't help but wonder: Is this really what I want?) I think this question will forever be on my mind until I get in somewhere (somehow).

Ahh...the thoughts that go down in this noggin of mine! Alright, so what's the lesson here folks?

1) KNOW Before YOU GO: Double check what type of info session you'll be attending: formal presentation w/Admissions or informal one with alumni/students. The optimal choice would be a mix of the two. The former is more structured and thus, for those of you who are just looking for general info, it's great. The latter is more for those who've already done research and want specifics into the life of HBS students and so forth (Is it just me or does the latter remind you of speed dating and 21 Questions? I think it kinda felt that way during the night. Weird.)

Gearing up for 13.1 miles!

2008-07-15T13:47:00.001-07:00

In just 5 days, I'll be running my 2nd half marathon from Napa to Sonoma! According to Runners World, this event was voted Best Finish in 2007 since all runners are treated to a huge Wine and Music Festival at the end where we have all-access wine-tasting privileges. As much as I love the idea, I will probably forgo drinking wine at the finish b/c chances are, I will be super dehydrated and will have no desire to further intensify this physical state of exhaustion. I'm hoping, however, that the vendors will give us sample bottles to just take home or something..that would be Sa-WEET! Either way, I still plan on visiting some lovely vineyards in the Healdsburg/Sonoma area to do some wine-tasting of my own. If you have never been, I would recommend Sonoma over Napa any day because the latter, in my opinion, has became way too commercialized and snooty. Sonoma, however, retains its country charm and many of its vineyards are still family owned and operated....plus, they are very friendly. If you like white wines, two of my favorites are Passalacqua and Mauritson Vineyards. And suprisingly, the Kendall Jackson vineyard estate not only features great reds and whites, but the grounds itself is so picturesque.

Thus, with less than a week away, this past weekend I attended CCFA's final group training in SF where we trekked 6 miles across the Golden Gate Bridge! Note to self: Do not eat CornNuts for breakfast on race day! I went against my better judgment and inhaled a handful of the tasty morsels before becoming uncomfortably bloated halfway through my run. I couldn't help but laugh b/c I knew I should have never done such a stupid thing! Where do my cravings come from? What a nut!

I've also realized that I'll be missing my 5th MGMAT session because the race expo will be in Sonoma on Saturday and I have to show up in person to get my bib number and timing chip. But thank you MGMAT for make-up sessions. I think it's for the better since I get to attend the Sunday class in August and the instructor is way cool! My GMAT studies have been progressing steadily. So far, so good. I have been keeping track of my mistake patterns and it pretty much boils down to 2 things: 1) careless arithmetic mistakes and 2) incorrect rephrasing of problems. Otherwise, all I need more of is practice. I will be completing my 2nd CAT test this week, so I'm a bit anxious to see my progress to date. Wish me luck!

And thanks to Clear Admit for their post, I've also signed up to attend the Wharton info session on August 5th. Coincidently, it is also the day I'll be flying down south for business, but I anticipate getting back in time to make the commute into the city for the session. If this goes well, I will opt out of the August 14 session I had originally signed up to attend. Oh, the opportunities that abound.

On my way to B-school info sessions!

2008-07-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

I received a lovely email from my friend who just began her summer study abroad experience in Amsterdam and as much as I wish that were me right about now, I have to admit that I'm pretty happy to not have to shell out a Euro for every 15 minutes on the net. Can you imagine? By the time I finished writing this blog, I would have paid for my B-school app fee already?!

It's funny that while others are enjoying or looking forward to long-awaited vacations in paradise with visions of sipping mai tais and pina coladas, I'm here in the middle of a heat wave diligently planning the course of my highly-anticipated and hoped-for future. But you know what? I don't feel the least bit disappointed. I feel that it's my hopes and dreams that continue to fuel my desire to always better myself in ways I've never thought possible. Every summer, I find myself undertaking a new goal and in the process of it all, I learn more and more about the real me and about what truly brings me happiness and a sense of fulfillment on a day-to-day basis. True, financial freedom would definitely bring me close to my goals. But above all else, it's my passion for life and all its trials and tribulations. I just couldn't imagine living a life of knowing that I really have no purpose but to settle for whatever I can get. So, to put me one step closer to narrowing down my B-school list, I just signed up for some info sessions in SF. And this time, I'm confirmed!

To be honest, I haven't even gotten to finalizing my hit list. I hope to keep it at 5, okay, 6 max (I promise). I have, however, made the conscious decision to apply for R2 b/c I really want to visit some of my top choices before submitting myself to the grueling application process. I've got one free roundtrip from Southwest just waiting to be used up, so I'm very fortunate for that. Additionally, come November, I will be in NYC to support my very significant other for the ING Marathon so I will definitely visit Columbia and NYU to make the most of my time. I've visited both schools before, but that's when an MBA wasn't looming over my head and I had intended to pursue an advanced degree in education. My how 4 years changes everything!

Well, here are the sessions I'll be attending:

HBS Session: July 17
Chicago GSB: July 29
Penn Club MBA Info w/Wharton, HBS, Stanford, Sloan & Kellogg: August 14

This will be my very first opportunity to rub elbows with current students and adcom members, so this should serve as a good indicator of what each school has to offer me, esp. in the realm of social enterprise!

On another great note: I'm having lunch with my other two recommenders this month and they are each very excited to hear about my plans for B-school. In fact, one of them just received her MBA in June and she's already got a job lined up! So far, things are looking up!

Ignorance is NOT bliss! It's Idiotic!

2008-07-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

I was just browsing the Business Week website to see if there were any further updates on the whole Scoretop cheating mess and I happened to come upon a comment posted by a less than bright individual (whose screen name shall go unmentioned) claiming that b/c of this particular scandal and I guess whatever stuff they've been reading, that "all Asians cheat." I think this is how his/her thought equation worked: Scoretop run by Asian + VIP members presumably mostly Asian + tendency for Asians to cheat (based on ill-conceived assumptions) = ALL Asians must cheat! My reply: In the words of Ellen Pompeo of Grey's Anatomy, "Seriously?"

Okay now, my Stat-savvy friends: does correlation always imply causality? And when do the actions of a single person or a group of people automatically justify the scapegoating of an entire race (whose cultures are so vastly different and who aren't even, I might add, linked by one common language)? Is it just me or are we all fed up with how ignorant people can be and how their thought processes have still not progressed since the Prehistoric era? Haven't we learned anything from the morally unjust internment of our Japaneses sisters and brothers about the horrendous effects of racist scapegoating?

Well, I just had to get that off my chest. As you can see, one of my biggest pet peeves, above all else, is people speaking out of their (_*_)!

But anyhow, I digress from my initial endeavor. GMAC has come out with a list of FAQs for those who are interested or concerned about their looming MBA future as a result of being VIP members of Scoretop. GMAC upholds that they have the right to cancel scores and ban you from taking it altogether if it can acquire "compelling evidence that you did seek out 'live' test questions." You can imagine how this news is affecting those involved. In fact, Business Week reports that this scandal has gotten fellow MBA aspirants sweating like hotcakes! And here I'm thinking this 100 degree heat wave is bad enough! So, remember folks: When in doubt, run the other way!

I'm Collecting...

2008-07-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

tokens of inspiration, that is. To rewind and recap back a year ago, I began this blog to document my goal of running my very first half marathon after a lifetime of mistakingly believing that I just wasn't a runner. I set out to prove myself wrong and I am so happy I did. Now, as I continue in the same tradition, I'm "running with a dream" to pursue my MBA.

A year ago, I never imagined myself running. And now, I'm gearing up for my 2nd half marathon in Napa in just two weeks' time to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. I'm even mentoring a group of awesome ladies who will be embarking on their 1st half. I'm ecstatic, but my own training has been sporadic. Well, after all, the air quality in Nor Cal has been extremely unhealthy as a result of the wildfires and this week, it got icky hot. In any case, after a day of gorging like a malnourished fool in celebration of our Nation's day of birth, I just had to run! At the butt crack of dawn on Saturday, I set out to prove to myself that once a runner, always a runner (hey, it's just like riding a bike, right?) The answer: yes it is. You just have to commit to running and you'll get there soon enough.

And run I did. 11 miles to be exact! The weather was perfect for running: no scorching sun, but a much-appreciated overcast with a blanket of fog and mist hugging Ocean Beach as I made my way along the Great Highway to Lake Merced and back again. Wow! I couldn't believe that I ran non-stop (well.. except to tie my hair, but that doesn't count in my book:) .

I bring up this story b/c as I and everyone else who is embarking on a journey to pursue what is right now a dream, but may very soon become real and tangible within a year's time, we all have to stay committed and focused on the bigger picture. I realized this not just from my 11 miles, but as I have been perusing through admissions essay topics, I've really had to dig deep within myself and do quite a bit of soul-searching. I've only begun to crack the applications, but even so, I realize that entire app process will be demanding, challenging and at times, perhaps even draining. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the plethora of information that's being put out there on the blogosphere, but at the end of the day, I am utterly grateful to have so much support from those who have such obscure identities but possess such vivid personalities.

For many of us, the idea of pursuing an MBA was probably never something we aspired to achieve, at least it wasn't in my case. As I contemplate a concise and compelling way to present my on-paper self to the adcoms, I am compelled to think back to the one moment in time when that light bulb lit up above my head and I actually BELIEVED that this idea was possible. I know we all had it otherwise we wouldn't be blogging about it, right? So, I encourage you to do a bit of introspective analysis and rewind back to that moment. I believe that it is from those seemingly insignificant moments that we have the most profound epiphanies. I know I did.

So, along the way, I'll be collecting random tokens of inspiration to keep me on the right track to an MBA...wherever it may lead, there's only way way to go from here...and that's up!

BTW: The HBS Women's Info Session contact did email back and was also shocked at the "gone in 13 minutes" status of the session. I guess the limited space had to do with the fact it's hosted by the Womens Association at HBS and there's only going to be 2 reps there to speak with everyone. In any case, I'll be keeping in contact with her and come late Sept. when I visit HBS, It'll be nice to aim for a more intimate discussion with her. Hope springs eternal...I will not give up!

HBS Info Session: Full in 13 minutes!?

2008-07-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Arrghh...I've been visiting the HBS website practically everyday hoping that the registration for their SF events open up soon. So, you can imagine my delight when I get an email from HBS Admissions announcing that the Womens info session in SF is now open. I get this email at 1:18 PM (PST) but I dont' get a chance to read it until 13 minutes later and when I click on the link to register, IT'S FULL! I'm like, "What the Feezy? Already?" Currently, I am waitlisted, but not before I sent an email to the contact inquiring if it was due to some glitch in the system that the session filled up in record time. Today, still no reply, except a confirmation that I'm still on the waitlist. UGH! I even try the link again and this time, the message reads that the registration is closed due to full occupancy...that's crazy right?! I'm thinking I should just show up. I've been to these types of info events before and usually, nobody gets turned away...but we'll see.

I Get It!!

2008-06-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

I spy purple, green, red, yellow, orange, blue, so hmm...where am I? In the Skittles candy factory? Well, no I didn't get to taste the rainbow, but I got to see it in person this weekend at none other than the Pride Parade in SF! The best was probably a gi-normous float on the back of a tow truck...not sure how they worked their magic to make that happen, but it was sure fun to watch! It felt like Bay to Breakers all over again, except folks were also celebrating their new-found freedom to wed.

Anywho, back to what I'm supposed to be writing about: GMAT. I had my 3rd and 1st session this past weekend. Like I told you days ago, I missed the first class, so MGMAT let me make it up...yay! I'm so glad I did. I spent the entire last week working on the quant section (inequalities, absolute value, blah blah) and I finally GET IT! So, I also started doing more data sufficiency questions and since I missed class one, I was totally at a loss...but after taking my make-up session, I also FINALLY GET DS! The methods MGMAT teaches really do work in increasing my overall understanding of the subject matter. The only real problem I have (and will continue to work on fixing) is that I get stumped by the question which sucks b/c it's easier than they make it look. Like I mentioned earlier in my postes, GMAT questions always come with a funky disguise and until you learn to recognize their disguises, they'll totally stump even the savviest quant nerd.

And just another plug for MGMAT: Their instructors are so frickin awesome! In sum, I spent a total of about 7 hours in class this weekend and mark my words: the hours just breezed by like nothing! The interactive style of the class made learning quite fun I'd have to say (and this is coming from a person who took naps during afternoon 3-hr college lectures). Again, another positive affirmation that my 1390 smackers is oh so worth it! I'm not a fan of online courses, so I'm also really fortunate that MGMAT has an SF office, or else I'd be left with little choice. I guess my advice to you is that nothing beats the face-to-face interaction you get when you sign up for an actual class. Virtual courses, at best, should be a last resort because for someone like me, the classroom setting matters a whole lot in terms of allowing me to focus on a particular subject matter. Now, since my next session isn't until 2 weeks (thanks to our nation's birthday), I have some time to stretch out my studies without feeling that I'm being victimized by the GMAT. Wow...what a relief!

GMAT STUDY TIPS:
First and foremost: Time management is key to acing the GMAT. Always practice with a stopwatch or timer to make sure you're completing each question within the alloted time (I believe it's up to 2 min for Quant Q's and 1.5 min for Verbal)

1. Learn and re-learn ALL the math/verbal concepts with the MGMAT strategy guides
AND do most (if not all) of the practice problems AND check your answer!

2. Keep track of ALL your mistakes (a pattern will develop and you'll begin to hone in on your problem areas)

3. Understand WHY you got a question wrong. This is very important! If you don't know why a problem is wrong, you'll have a very difficult chance of getting the question right the next time you see it in a different "disguise"

4. Once you have mastered 2 or 3 concepts (either quant/verbal), practice with questions from the Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition.

5. Take practice GMAT CAT exams

6. Practice, Practice and Practice more Official Guide problems

7. Take the GMAT with confidence! (Don't forget to register at least 1 month in advance!)

GMAT Cheating Scandal Update: Woes to Cheaters

2008-06-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Business Week just released an update concerning the future of MBA applicants and students who knowingly sought out "live" test questions aka "jungle juice" (JJ) via ScoreTop. What does this mean? The dreams of over 6000 VIP members of ST will be in jeopardy as GMAC begins investigating ST forums to determine who knowingly posted or sought out JJs. I cannot begin to fathom what must be going through the minds of these students right now. Compared to the potential fate that awaits these folks, it makes me think that studying for the GMAT is a cakewalk. More details to come...I'm sure! BTW: The original story was posted earlier this week.

Letters of Rec: Check!

2008-06-27T01:14:00.000-07:00

I was flown in for a meeting with my boss today and I finally broke the news to her that, after contemplating my career path for some time, I've decided to pursue my dream of getting an MBA. And the best part was that she couldn't have been more supportive of my decision. I'm so psyched! Since she's had experience serving on grad school adcoms, she even told me she understands that each letter has to be catered for each school I'm applying to b/c in the end, it's really about the "fit" of the B-school to my own career goals. I couldn't be more happier since I had been a bit nervous about asking her to write me 5 individual letters of rec to each of the my target schools. From what I've read, your letters of rec (LoR) can make or break your application. Thus far, I already have my other recommender lined up, so this is great. I'm now wondering about my 3rd (b/c I think I may need a 3rd in some instances)...hmm...who to ask?

I guess for now, I will have to compile a handy info pack for my recommenders so that I can make their job as seamless as possible. I think I'll include the following:

1. Why I want an MBA (Goals essay, I suppose)
2. Background info of each MBA program and how it fits me
3. Timeline of Deadlines for each program
4. My professional accomplishments
5. Whatever else to eliminate the guesswork on their end

Okay, now on to the most challenging (but probably most significant) part of my app: 1. ESSAYS and Introspective Analysis of Me and oh yeah, the GMAT.

GMAT Cheating Scandal...Oooh, No You Didn't!

2008-06-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Many of you, like myself, who have high hopes of joining the ranks of the Class of 2011 at top B-schools are probably studying profusely for your GMAT in preparation for R1/R2 deadlines. Last night, as I racked my brain with data sufficiency questions, I came down with this nasty feeling in my guts like I was going to hurl GMAT at any moment. Needless to say, I went to bed with this queasy feeling in my stomach, lulled to sleep by incessant thoughts of how much more studying I could possibly endure for the next 2 months. I haven't set my GMAT date yet, but plan to take the dreaded exam by late August after my MGMAT course. I'm sure many of you share my sentiments and as such, the thought of getting your hands on live test questions may have wandered into your mind now and again. Well, you might want to rethink those thoughts b/c in the end, it will bite you in the A$$! Case in point:

There's huge buzz circulating on sites like Clear Admit and Business Week in regards to the GMAT cheating scandal that was recently uncovered. Apparently, a site called Scoretop that's been in operation since 2003 has been leaking "live" questions to its subscribers. Now, I'm not sure how this works b/c the GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam and it spits out questions from its vast storehouse based on your previous answer, but either way, it sure sucks to be anyone who's going to be caught up in this mess. This just makes me think twice (no, maybe thrice) about joining forums and online sites that claim to do great things to help you ace the GMAT. I know there might be those who may have haphazardly subscribed to Scoretop w/o even realizing that they were attempting to cheat the system, so my heart goes out to you. But for the rest of you, you know what you did....karma sucks and I'm a firm believer that what comes around will inevitably go around and when it does, you better watch out. GMAC plans to obtain the names of all Scoretop subscribers and have their test scores canceled, their schools notified, AND (here's the kicker) the student will not be permitted to take the test again...OUCH! Talk about a dream deferred...this is a dream denied! More to come in regards to how the top B-schools will be responding to this scandal...I can't wait!

Wow...who would have thunk it? Business and ethics do intersect! There is an ethical code of conduct involved in everything we do and if you attempt to circumvent the system, well, shame on you, esp. since so many of us are working up a sweat trying to study and do things the right way to earn a well-deserved GMAT score. So, for all you crazed, die-hard, study-like-your-depended-on-it B-school-bound nuts out there, I applaude you and wish you the very best in your B-school endeavors! Good luck..we'll get there soon!

Hello Summer, Hello MGMAT

2008-06-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

To commemorate the official first (bloody HOT) day of summer (June 21), the weather forecasts predict a sweltering 105 degrees in pretty much all parts of Nor Cal...and to celebrate this glorious occasion, I spend 3.5 hours of my day sitting in the Flood Building in SF enduring my first GMAT course. I do a cost-benefit analysis (I know, big DORK) of whether or not to drive into SF, and then decide to BART my way instead since there's just nothing like public transportation in the bay: hoards of everyone and their mother (and child) swarming to grab a seat on the trains and bums entertaining passersby in each station with their music and random acts of whatever---like I said, nothing like it. Since it's my first day (well, I registered a week late), I'm not sure what to bring to class, so I decide to bring EVERYTHING (I figure let's error on the side of over-preparedness) and damn, it's a heavy load!

I arrive 30 minutes early and meet my instructor...he seems cool, now let's hope the man can teach! Prayers answered as soon as class starts since this guy actually knows the shit and he can TEACH the shit as well. Yay for competency! I had read reviews of other instructors at Kaplan and Princeton who pretty much..how shall we say it..sucked! I'm happy this guy does not since MGMAT requires that ALL of their instructors score in the 99th percentile and have prior teaching experience. Since I missed the first class (which MGMAT will let me make up next week), I didn't get a chance to go over the homework, but the course is taught like an intimate college discussion section where they ASSUME that since you paid big bucks to be here, you are committed and will do your homework prior to class. Today, we are going to learn to master subject-verb agreement and critical thinking. He presents the question and then we're given 1.5 minutes to select our answer. Afterwards, by a show of fingers we each silently indicate our answer choices. He then does a cold call and selects one person to go over his/her thought process involved in selecting the answer. Pretty cool and the best part is that he doesn't care if you got the answer right or wrong but makes a point of allowing you to see (if your answer was wrong), what went wrong and if it was right, if you used the proper techniques for reaching your conclusion. Throughout the class, he keeps reiterating the fact that we shouldn't be discouraged if we're not getting the right answers b/c it's all about what we learn in class and how we can do better as the course progresses. So far, so good! And FYI: I do pretty damn well on the verbal!

But that feeling of accomplishment is fleeting as soon as we enter the Quant Section....ugh! We are introduced to integers, divisibility and prime numbers and as soon as he began putting up the questions, I seriously felt like a I was staring at a fat pink elephant speaking in tongues. You know it's an elephant but you don't know where it came from or what to do with it...I was just like, "HUH? WTF? This is not cool!" Like any standardized test, the math portion will always perplex me b/c no matter how much you know the material, the manner in which the question is posed will always stump you b/c they disguise it in something that looks much more complicated, or in my case, weird! I hope that by the end of this course, I'll learn to recognize these pink elephants...let us hope, right? So my first day in class, I conclude:

A. Verbal--I'm good, but I need to be great!
B. Math--I suck, so I need to suck less--a LOT less!
C. Instructor--Cool guy with great teaching methods, so let's hope this continues
D. MGMAT--So far, worth my $$ and again, let's pray this also continues
E. Studying for the GMAT--Like my life depended on it!

Am I MBA Material?

2008-06-20T20:22:00.001-07:00

This is a question that frequently pops into my head as I continue to update my blog. Okay, I went to Cal (against all odds!) and you'd think I'd be as confident as anyone who graduated from the much-touted "#1 public university in the world!" But alas, my own self-doubt creeps in and lingers in the background, like the presence of a nasty ingrown hair..ick! I feel like Will Smith in an episode of the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" as he contemplates whether or not to defy uncle Phil. In my mind's eye, I see two 'mini-me's perched on my shoulder; one optimistic angelic version that's telling me to "Dream Big" and think back to the time when I was applying to colleges and never even dreamed that Cal would take a look at my app, whereas the other 'mini-me is a horned little devil wielding a pitchfork and poking my neck, while all the time snarling, "What the heck are you thinking? Are ya nuts? How can you ever manage a 700 on your GMAT! You didn't even graduate with any honors!" Ugh! As much I've tried to knock the little brat off my shoulder, I can't help but feel the evil mini-me's effect on me (oh, the irony of it all!). I think what I'm experiencing has a lot to do with what sociologists term as lacking "social capital." Those of us who weren't brought up with a sense of entitlement often lack the resources to tap into places of privilege.

But with every eerie cloud, there is a silver lining. Mine comes in the form of the blogs I've been blogstalking to the right of the screen. I don't even know these people, but I feel a connection to them already, as they've already been there and done this or are going through the same thing as we speak. I am hopeful that whatever MBA program I ultimately get accepted into, my future classmates are as welcoming and REAL as my fellow bloggers have been to me.

Oftentimes (and more than I'd like to admit), I, too, am consumed by the stats of getting into an MBA program: How competitive is my GMAT score? What if I don't have a 700? What if I didn't graduate summa cum laude? And then you hear about the overachieving dorks who complain about 740 GMATs and have unbelievably stellar resumes at major corporations and my next question is the one we've all been asking ourselves: What are MY chances of getting in? Do I even have a shot in hell of getting into places like Wharton, Chicago and Harvard?

Honestly, I wish I could tell myself "Yes! You are frickin awesome! You are SOO going to get in anywhere!" But I know doing so would be a big fat lie, well except for the me being awesome part:) But here's what I can say and I'm sure you can empathize with me. "I'm going to keep it real and do the very best I can to ace the GMAT and show the adcoms that there's nobody else like me out there who has more passion and heart for advancing educational access and equity for under-served and under-represented people of color than me! And with that comes power and perseverance to pursue my dream of getting an MBA." If you're reading this, I know you've already joined me in lending your unwavering support for this endeavor and for that, I'm ever so thankful. So, shall we knock the little devil off her perch now?

Researching MBA programs

2008-06-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

So I've been up to my neck google-ing, blogstalking and webstalking to get the dish on which MBA program I may be applying to for Fall 09. After much online research and thanks to a knowledgeable and highly motivated community of prospective and current MBA bloggers, I've narrowed my choices down to 5. After weighing the pros and cons of full-time and part-time MBA programs, I've decided that if I get admitted into a CA program close to home, I will go ahead and pursue a part-time MBA. However, why not give myself the benefit of the doubt and aim for some of the top 10 out-of-state full-time MBA schools? I've been going back and forth, forth and then back again on this decision b/c of 1 major reason: I have a mortgage to keep up and with the icy real estate market in CA, I know selling is not an option.

So why, then, aim for the stars? Hmm...maybe because I've learned that one can only achieve the unforeseeable by dreaming the impossible...and each and every day I go out to speak with students on pursuing an education, I am constantly reminded of my own advice to them: "NEVER shut the door of opportunity on yourself! You'll never know unless you strive!" So, when it comes to my own goals, why not practice what I preach? I can't think of any reason not to....except for the bling bling factor, but even there, I know things will look up. (Let's think good thoughts:)

Another reason for my consideration of out-of-state MBA programs is this: It's probably going to produce the biggest return on investment and if I'm opting for something outside CA, it better we worth it! That for damn sure! As to which ones...keep on reading my blogs to find out! And this may change as well since my GMAT performance will be a HUGE factor in my final decisions. I just took an assessment GMAT and let's just say I'm sure glad I'm going to my Manhattan prep course tomorrow! :) Let's see what happens....I can only go up from here!

GMAT here I come!

2008-06-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Alright, so after countless hours perusing around at the U of Google, and blogstalking MBA reviews, I have finally buckled down and handed over 1390 smackers to the makers of Manhattan GMAT. I swear this better pay off...or else..well, I don't know what the heck to do. I'm not a fan of standardized testing, much less shelling out big bucks for the mere prospect of acing them, but I have to admit that when it comes to increasing my odds of being admitted into my top MBA programs, I had to bow down and put aside my otherwise biased and unsettling views of the test-prep companies. One reason being that I CANNOT afford to NOT get into any MBA program for Fall 2009.

Another reason? Well, after nearly a year of contemplating long and hard over my future career prospects and where I see myself in a decade or so from now, I realized that although my heart lies in education and access, I don't see my financial security lying there as well. And then I began to ask myself: "Is being immersed in higher ed the one and only way of impacting change OR (lightbulb over my head) can I create change and generate greater impact elsewhere in a more propituous sector of society?" As I ruminated over my response to this question, my dear friend, JC was on the verge of completing her MBA program at Davis and she, like me, had her stint in the non-profit world for quite some time and please believe, you don't go in wishing to be a millionaire when you enter this arena. So, as much as she loved her job, she also marveled at the idea that she could one day comfortably afford to rent in the highly-overtly priced bay area, drive her car without having to calculate the horrendous price of gas to whatever destination she decided AND low and behold, have the liberty of shopping for organic (oftentimes costly) and sustainably-harvested food items that help us lead a greener lifestyle. Now is that too much to hope for? She encouraged me to see the business world as a channel for affecting change in the social sector, but also as a means for people like us to afford the everyday necessities we oftentimes are compelled to deem as luxuries given the state of our economy nowadays. So, eventhough I have never endeavored to consider applying to any MBA program, I realize that maybe it's time for me; that maybe, there must be a good reason why I haven't applied to any graduate programs to date and that maybe, my future lies in an MBA program that will take me 3 years worth of my life to complete.

I begin my first GMAT prep course this coming Saturday, so I'm excited to see what my 1K and then some has brought for me. It better be good. Stay tuned.

Halfway to my Half!

2007-08-28T01:42:00.000-07:00

Training Week 8: August 25

Based on our training schedule, this week is regarded as Recovery Week b/c it gives our muscles time to heal and relax our bodies a bit before we peak once again. So, prior to Saturday, I'm thinking it'll be an easy, flat 4 mile run..no biggie. Our run is scheduled to take place at Baker Beach which lies at the rugged serpentine cliffs west of the Golden Gate Bridge and I clearly have no idea where this place really is. I get lost trying to find my way there, but thanks to my own navigational expertise, I manage to join the team in the nick of time only to find out we're doing 5 miles UPHILL! Yes, up to this moment, I don't believe uphill running has been in our trainings and it just so happens it's taking place during recovery week...hmm...I think I'm in for it this time!

I start off trailing behind b/c our first mile is uphill and I notice I'm breathing heavier than usual. Well, that and my shoe laces need to be tied. In any case, I trudge on and eventually catch up with my running buddies. We turn on to the Coastal Trail starting from Lands End and leading up to Sutro Baths and the Cliff House and oh my GOD! It's situated along a winding cliff that has the most perfect and gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean and Marin Headlands There are moments along the trail where I glance down and see the waves crashing against boulders...it seems so close. I can't help but run in awe of everything around me....I wished I had a camera on my forehead to document the entire run...I can't say I've ever run in a place as beautiful as this trail. There's truly nothing else like it to run and feel like you're on top of the world b/c you are actually running on a cliff. Even my description can't do this place justice, but I found this one that might help you visualize it:

"Lands End Beach is quite beautiful and exists amidst a dramatic scattering of hard rock formations. A cliff scaling path runs just above waves crashing into canyons of rock between Sutro Baths and Lands End Beach. This is the most beautiful trail in the area. Cypress trunks twist like old women frozen in recoil from the blasting wind. The area is phenomenal by any standard. That it can exist in the context of a large city is astonishing.

This general area is an emphatic highlight of natural places in San Francisco. All the secret paths which weave around between this cliff trail and the Coastal Trail up above tend to lead to protected hideaways under twisted cypress trees. The cliffs are characterized by dark, hard rock rising in immensely detailed formations up to 300' high before yielding to a softer, decaying rock and soil. Since the water table leaks out of the cliffs, there is an abundance of interesting plants which seem to exploit the watershed dribbling down, among them douglas iris, plumes of cow parsnip with huge leaves, and some very nice flowering mallow bushes. This is another great feature of the cliffs."

But you really have to check it out for yourself. I am definitely going back with my hubby for this one.

The most challenging part had to be the during the middle of the trail when I'm running up these stairs that seem interminable and downright grueling b/c it's the steepest stretch of the trail that goes up about 100 feet! But, and it's the best workout I can ever do for my bootie...that for sure! I run halfway up the stairs and then realize that my tush is getting sore, so I end up huffing and puffing my way to the top and thankfully, the rest of my run is all downhill...hallelejah! But you know what? I have no complaints b/c I feel so good....by the time I finish my 5 miles, I feel so juiced that I could have kept on running. But it's okay...another day, another run. Besides, CCFA is putting on a Halfway There BBQ today and when we get back to Baker Beach, Breanne is grilling burgers to feed a pack of hungry runners. Yum!

Reason to Smile: I can't believe it, but I'm really halfway to running my first half-marathon. If you asked me a year ago, I would have never thought I would or could be running. I probably would have laughed and said, "Ugh..yeah, right!" It's amazing what a team and weekly trainings can do for a person who never thought she could run. I am so proud of myself for committing to this and I just wanted to take a moment to thank all my biggest fans (that's you...if you're reading this) for supporting me in my run for a purpose. I think everyone has those list of things to do before you reach a certain birthday and for me, this is definitely going down in my book of accomplishments during my quarter-century mark! If you haven't done it, let me be the first to encourage you to do something you've always wanted and never thought you could do. You'll be amazed at the feeling you get when you do accomplish it. It's indescribable, but the feeling is immense. Just Do It!

8 Miles...Whoo Hoo!!

2007-08-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Training Week 7: August 18

Okay, I just got back from vacationing 4 days in South Beach...wow! Simply spectacular...lots of great food (that's the best part of traveling for me) and warm ocean waters of the Atlantic. If you've never been to South Beach, you should consider it, especially if, like me, you end up with a free roundtrip ticket from my friend and yours, Southwest Airlines. Although I had originally planned on running during my vacation, I ended up doing lots of walking instead...the weather was too humid and it rained a couple mornings during my stay out there..not cool! So, you can imagine my trepidation when Saturday came around and I would have to run 8 miles.

I bought along my handy camelbak, and to avoid plastic-tasting H2O, I filled it up with my Accelerade and this time around, it did the trick..no plastic aftertaste in my mouth. I was feeling pretty good b/c we were running in a new place, Lake Merced near the sunset district of SF. It There was a golf course/clubhouse situated in the middle of the huge lake and for our 8 miles this morning, we would be doing a double loop around the lake. Up to this point, 8 miles will be the longest run of my life! So, putting my fears at bay, I started out with the team. I started with a slow pace during the first loop and as our coach had instructed, would need to pick up the pace during the 2nd time around. It felt great...the scenery of any run really helps, as I've noticed for myself. If I dont' have something beautiful to admire to help me keep my mind off how many more miles I have to accomplish, I realize that I run at a steadier pace and most importantly, am able to enjoy it a lot more than if I was running around a dump. Yes, presentation is everything in my book.

So, during my second loop, I feel a jolt of energy and it could be a self-fulfilling prophecy, but I swear it's b/c of the Accelerade. And get this...I feel like a nut, but as I'm running, I get the Accelerade mantra stuck in my head, so over and over again, I'm hearing: "Don't fade, Accelerade!" And maybe it was just that that kept me running like a nut around the lake. Since I do a run/walk combo, I've noticed that my walk breaks are getting shorter and shorter b/t my running and that is such a major accomplishment b/c most of the time, I am actually running! This is huge for me and with the Accelerade mantra stuck in my noggin, I can't help but pick up my pace. My team-mates are great..we cheer each other on as we pass by one another and during those moments where you just wanna take another walking break, it really helps you persist and keep on running. Towards the final 2 miles, I feel a biting sensation on my right inner foot and I know it's a hot spot coming on. Just what I needed...ugh! But I persist and I tell myself that hotspot or not, I am not going to let this slow me down...not now! I end up finishing in about 1 hour and 30 minutes which is great b/c that means I had an 11 miler/minute pace..not too bad for myself at all. As I make my way to the end, I hear Breanne blasting "Thriller" from her car b/c to commemorate our 8 miles, they decided to bring back the 80's for this training...anything to keep us motivated, eh? Well, I was supposed to show up decked out in 80's gear but I just couldn't imagine running in a Richard Simmons get-up, so I had to forego the wardrobe and bring my sweat band to show them that some effort was made.

Reason to Smile: At this point, I am so elated that I've run my first 8 miles and to top it all off, I feel pretty darn great! I decide to treat myself to a scenic drive along the Great Highway overlooking Ocean Beach...the windy part of SF where if you go on the wrong days, you can get a mouthful of sand just from breathing. Of course, the view is just breathtaking with pillowy white clouds laying high in the sky amidst a baby blue backdrop. The sun is beaming nicely overhead as I make my way towards the ocean's shore, I can't help but feel my hot spot getting sore, but I figure..oh, this scenery is so worth it. I close my eyes and take it all in: the saltiness of the sea air accented with the lingering smell of seaweed against the sound of waves colliding on the sand and then sizzling to a foamy mass of bubbles that evaporate as quickly as they appear. Wow...so peaceful. I think I could stay here all day long and just listen to the musical notes of the ocean lulling me to a peaceful somber on the sand. If you haven't guessed it already, this is why I love the ocean...free therapy that can't be bought. You just close your eyes and listen, and somehow, you're transported into a place of serenity that you never new existed....trust me and until next week, do something relaxing and therapeutic for yourself.

Got Motivation?

2007-08-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Training Week 6: August 12 (yup, Sunday...why? find out!)

So, it's Saturday morning, August 11 and I'm supposed to wake up and run with my team today....what happens? I get up and feel nauseous (and no, it's not what you're thinking b/c if you know me, you know where my hubby is at) and dizzy and I'm like...I really wanna go run, but I don't think I can drive 2 hours to the Sawyer Creek Trail past Palo Alto today...ugh! And so, I play doctor and realize that first and foremost, I have to listen to my body...it's one of the key points of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. If it hurts, take some time to rest...if you're body is saying no, make sure you heed its warning signs or else you'll end up paying for it in the end. So, yes..I heeded my own body signals and took time to rest. But geeze..why did I feel like so horrible for missing out on my training..it seriously felt like a bout of withdrawal b/c as I glanced at the clock and it read 11:30am, I kept on saying to myself...by this time, I would have been done with my 7 mile run...oh, this sucks! Although I felt physically better by noon, I couldn't help but feel disappointed in myself even though I knew I had done the right thing.

What to do? Well, being the die-hard go-getter that I am, I decided that the very next day, August 12, I would drive to San Francisco and run along the marina....so far, my favorite place to run and finish my 7 miles doing a double loop from the Presidio to Fort Mason. And best of all, I would also take the opportunity to invite my parents along so they could enjoy the bay...they've been wondering what keeps me so busy that I deny coming over for Saturday brunch at their house each week..hehe. Well, that and I know my folks have been wanting a change of scenery from the humdrum of life in Sac. So, I tell them we'll carpool to SF starting at 7am..they're amazed that I can wake up that early and frankly, I am too every week when I do just that to train with the team. Go me!

The day is beautiful in Sacramento, but by the time we make it to the Bay Bridge, I can feel the air getting crisp and the fog is still blanketing the Golden Gate Bridge from coming into full view. We get to the marina and I bid adieu to my folks and oh yeah...I've got my brand new camelbak with me today! I'm testing it out b/c I know I am going to need extra hydration for 7 miles. As I'm making a turn towards my 2nd mile, I hear someone behind say, "Chandara? Is that you?" I turn around and low and behold, it's Breanne, the development manager for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation in SF...she's the head honcho for helping us fundraise for Team Challenge. She looks at me in disbelief that I drove all the way out here to run by myself, but also appears amazed that I'm crazy enough to do stuff like this. She's actually out running 12 miles with a friend today, so we part ways and I'm left thinking, "Damn, it's a small world out here!" haha....in a good way, of course. Isn't it funny when you think about it and you realize, of all the people who you don't know out there in this world, you will always, bump into somebody you do know...how amazing is that!

During my run, I am inspired by the new mommies and daddies who take their babies (and even puppies) out running/walking with them. It's truly my Reason to Smile this week. It's so nice to see people who are so committed go the extra mile and not even let the excuse of "I have a baby" stop them from doing what they love with the people they love. Most of the time, the kiddies are asleep in their swanky sporty strollers as their parents whiz by me. That's what I say...start'em out young and hopefully, they'll pick up this healthy habit! :) And oh..as for the run itself...simply stunning! I ran along the marina and during the last 2 miles back, I ended up running on the beach path along the ocean...great view! There were so many doggies with their owners out there playing on the beach and I even spotted a special dog walkers group all walking their little "Coton De Tulear." From afar, they resemble pearly white mini puffs of cotton with feet scurrying about. When they're close up, I think they actually look like miniature versions of the Shaggy Dog as seen on the classic Disney movie...haha...some may beg to differ, but to me, they looked like they could have been driving a white car with some kids in the back..haha!

And oh yeah...see that large (uncropped) picture up there with me running with what looks like my own dog? Well, not exactly. My dad snapped this picture of me running and some dog ran into my shot chasing his green ball...it was fitting I suppose b/c now it looks like a nice postcard shot. hahaha! Till next time...I shall see you soon!

It's Been a While...I'm Back!

2007-08-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you're wondering...dang, is Chandara still running these days? And yes, I am happy to report that even though I've been on vacation with my blog, I have been keeping up with my running every week..yay! So, I'm back and so juiced to tell you all about how I've been doing these days..here goes:

Training Week 4, July 28:
As I mentioned previously, the having to take the GRE on my regularly-scheduled Team Challenge training day, July 28 was a bummer to say the least....believe me, I would have rather been running outdoors than taking a 4-hour long exam. I did manage to surpass my own goal and score pretty well on the analytical writing portion...but riddle me this: I studied like zero to none for math and my score was significantly higher on that portion than on my verbal..go figure!

Training Week 5, August 4:
So, this was a great one although I was utterly disappointed to learn that I'd be running my 6 miles at the same darn sticking place...the Palo Alto Baylands Preserve..ick! I even contemplated skipping it and running elsewhere, but then I missed running with the team the week before already, so yes, I made myself wake up bright and earlier (at 6am) to head out to Palo Alto...and oh yeah, I had also remembered that I promised my honoree, Kelly, that I would make up for missing the Honoree Brunch last week and take her out to lunch instead.

But you know what? It was a nice, breezy morning and do you know what this means? Okay, here's an equation to sum up this run: Nice breezy morning + 75 degree weather + more breeze + 6 mile run at the Baylands = One much nicer run than week 3! That's for sure. I started out with a pretty steady jog and to my surprise, no funky running buddies this time around. Rather, I had the nice bay breeze caressing my cheeks as I watched some Canadian geese congregating in the marsh area..which, thankfully, neglected to impart any funky smells. :) When I got to the stretch that had smelled like nasty sulfur during my previous run, I was prepared to hold my breath for the long haul, but lucky for me, still no smell. Having said that, I think I spoke (or at least thought too soon) because during the final mile, I was met with an overpowering putrid odor that nearly knocked the wind out of me and thus, had to take it easy...but you'll be happy to know that I did manage to hold my breath and make it...finally!

After getting some stretching out of the way, Kelly and I decided to do lunch in downtown Palo Alto (check out our picture below)..one b/c we didn't want to remain anywhere near the baylands and secondly, because I have never been to Palo Alto. I know, I go to college for 4 years in Berkeley and never even manage to make it out to see our rival...SSSSS!!! Well, that and probably the fact that the BART doesn't take you straight to Stanford was reason enough to deter me from visiting. Well, not sure if you've ever been to downtown Palo Alto, but it's one street (University) and driving down, it's lined with little eateries typical of a college town. We decided to dine outdoors at a small Mediterranean cafe where we each ordered a tasty wrap in keeping with our attempts to stay healthy and away from the greasy fast food joints that defeats the purpose of having exercised. For me, it was a nice change of scenery since, as you can see, I always love experiencing new things in the bay after my weekly trainings. I guess you can say it's my way of 'rediscovering the bay' to make up for all the times I took the place for granted during my years in college. And it was a great way of getting to know more about Kelly...who is amazing for having gone through this entire ordeal and still maintaining such a positive outlook on life. She's been active in sports for practically her entire life and I just couldn't imagine having something like Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis prevent you from leading the lifestyle you've been so accustomed to. If you ever fall in love something, you know it's like an addiction, regardless of what it is---good or bad. For Kelly, it was staying active in sports and for me, it's just plain staying active and fit. But you know...we're fighters, we all are in our own rite and being surrounded by people who are strong makes me stay strong as well....through my own trials and tribulations!

Well, needless to say that Palo Alto is also home to the ritzy and flashy. I ended up meandering to their outdoor strip mall while I was there and although all the stores whose names I couldn't pronounce and whose prices I couldn't much less afford were plenty, my Reason to Smile was the Farmers Market at the mall..yes, it's on the far side of the mall, but it is there. It seems so out of place, but it was so befitting b/c how many times do we wander into malls and there's nothing to eat except Steak Escape, Burger King, a yogurt/ice cream place and the greasy Chinese fast food? Well, this was nice for a change and I ended up with my 4 golden California nectarines to take home as parting gifts from Palo Alto. Gotta love CA produce..it's simply the best!

Week 3: July 21: A Heated Running Equation

2007-07-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my version of an equation to sum up my 3rd training: Heat + Stench of a drying marshland + 5 miles = 1 Heck of a run! Alright, so I've been blogging about how wonderful my runs have been thus far...and even though this is probably the farthest continuous run of my life up to this moment, I can't say it was fun, but it was very rewarding in the end. I know...this is the reality of training to run 13.1 miles...lotsa hard work and plenty of sweat, but a great sense of accomplishment to top it off.

I started out from Sac earlier than usual this week (6:30am) since our training site was the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. I did a 5 mile route along the Adobe Creek trail which is primarily a flat dirt trail circling the marshes, up a small hill, along Highway 101 to a bike trail and then through a parking lot! Besides my handy water bottle, I was accompanied by two running partners: air redolent with the smell of overpowering fennel and the putrid odor of a drying marsh loaded with the droppings of its geese and other wildlife. Ick! I know! The smell was manageable for most of the time until I was in my last mile and then, I was downwind, so nothing could prevent the sulfur-like stench from permeating my nostrils to the point that I really thought I would be dry heaving. It was that bad. Otherwise, the rest of the run was pretty dry and heated...something I haven't experienced as a combo yet...but I know this will help condition me to run in San Jose for sure!

Oh yeah, my Reason to Smile (or shall I say Chuckle): During my 3rd mile, the trail was littered with little rabbit pellets...made me laugh for a moment there since I literally felt like Hansel & Gretel following stones to some witches' house made of candy. The sight of those pellets managed to motivate me to run a little faster; well, that and the funky smell. :)

After my run, and some stretch exercises with my team, I decide to head back home since the heat started getting intolerable. But before that, I take a detour to grab some lunch and experience 4th Street in Berkeley. You see...I went to school there for 4 years and never managed to make my way to that part of town; partly b/c from I-80, it looks like a dilapidated section of the city. But I had to make a trip to my favorite stationery store that I discovered as I was planning my wedding last year: Paper Source! It has the most unique and reasonably priced selection of papers...great for invitations, cards, whatever you can think up! I wasn't able to find parking right away, so I take a turn and end up on the 4th St. strip....similar to Chestnut St. in SF. It is home to some cute little boutiques and restaurants, plus my other favorite place: The Crate & Barrel Outlet..yes outlet! And as I'm always looking for great bargains, this was a great place to discover.

Well, stay tuned for a couple more weeks since next week, July 28, I'll be missing my training for good reason: I'm taking my GRE! Yup! A week of attending a national admissions conference in Memphis and then off to a 4-hour grueling session of test taking. Oh, and if you're wondering why I've been using such erudite vocabulary lately, it's b/c it's my way of studying my vocabulary for the GRE. And no..I don't always endeavor to sound so pretentious. Haha...until another week of laughs...wish me luck! :)

Week 2, July 14

2007-07-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a couple weeks into my training and thus far, I've discovered the joys of running outdoors..something I've always aspired to do, but never had the endurance to do so. During my individual trainings, I've been running laps around the State Capital...I figured out that one lap around the entire block is equal to a mile, so it's been easy to pace myself. Lucky for me, Sac has been experiencing unusually cooler temperatures for July (by cooler, I'm talking mid-80's), so I haven't yet experienced the running during a suffocating heat wave...thank goodness!

On Saturday, I had my Team Challenge run and just my luck, I get to practice late, but then I spot my team mates running with their Team Challenge T-shirts and I breathe a sigh of relief. There's so many people this morning...I hear that many of them are training for the SF Nike Womens' Marathon. Wow...that's on my agenda for next year! :) Anyhow, after a little bit of stretching to warm up my muscles, I get started and today, it's going to be 4 miles out and back from the Sports Basement to a marker on the hill in front of our landmark, Safeway...easy enough. I think I can manage and I did! I usually need my ipod when running on the treadmill..just to save myself from sheer boredom, but outdoors, just seeing everyone running, cycling and walking is inspiration enough to keep me going. So, halfway through my run, I finally catch up with my team mates and they're thrilled that I made it all the way from Sac to join them. I also spot Katie, the walk coach and right when I think she's our halfway point marker, she tells me to run up the hill (oh geez..a hill!) But then she also says that our new run coach, Jason, will be up there too. Yay! I finally get to meet my coach! He turns out to be a really cool fella who is all smiles as we shake hands and he directs me to run 2 laps around the hill before heading back to our starting point. By this time, I'm elated since I know it's just another 2 miles back.

As I'm nearing the end, I spot my honoree, Kelly, who's walking, and since I can pretty much spot the finish line amidst the foggy patches that occlude a complete view of the Golden Gate Bridge this morning, I yell "We're almost there... you can do it!" So we end up completing the run together...and just as I'm about to cross the street, there's this guy who runs up about 10 feet in front of me and hocks a huge "loogie," and it's sick...not just b/c he did that, but because the wind has been whipping my face this entire time since I'm running against it, but I am thankful that I wasn't in the line of target for this inconsiderate fool. Kelly is laughing behind me because I turn around and give her this disgusted 'oh no, he didn't!' look after the incident. I guess it was a bittersweet end to my 4 mile run!

We all re-convene after our run and after some stretching and talking with my fellow team mates, we all part ways...but it's just the beginning of the day for me. I end up walking back along the promenade b/c I hear that Chestnut Street has cute shops and boutiques to check out...and besides, I drove 1.5 hours to get to SF...I have to milk my time here to the max. I end up taking a turn towards the Palace of Fine Arts...and with its majestic golden columns, I feel like I'm in a Paul Bunyan story. This monumental edifice is a sight to be seen, truly spectacular and up to this point, I've only seen pictures, mostly from browsing wedding photography websites. My only regret is that I didn't bring my camera from the car..oh darn! But well, another day I suppose. The weather in SF isn't up to its potential today; slightly chilly with a strong wind that bought along fog with it to shield the sun from illuminating this part of the city. I make my way around the Palace, and as expected, lots of other tourists out and about as well. There is also a crew setting up white chairs for what I presumed to be a wedding and right in front of the fountain, I spot a group of teenage girls in white gowns and some boys in handsome black tuxes. At first I think they must be the lucky wedding party, but then, I spot one girl in a pastel pink gown and come to my own conclusion that they must be part of some debutante party. Whatever it was, they all looked like they belonged on top of a cake.

A few turns up and down the blocks, I finally arrive at Chestnut. True to what I'd heard, the street is home to a collection of cute fashion/stationery boutiques, family-owned bakeries and eateries, and even street musicians playing up some jazz to entertain diners and passersby like myself. The thing I miss most from my college days in the bay are the small floral shops that dot the streets, so much to my delight, I was excited that one existed on Chestnut. From crimson ranunculas, orange and gold dahlias and pearl white tulips...it's truly a pleasure for my aesthetic senses.

I end up grabbing the good old bento box lunch of chicken teriyaki and a couple of sweet delights before making my way to the ocean to take in the cool, bay breeze. As I sit near the shore to savor my lunch and watch the tides roll in as if being nudged by the wind, it occurs to me of how peaceful and happy I am at this moment. Running has really allowed me to experience a whole new level of inner peace with myself. I remember reading an article about a woman who had recently lost her husband and confessed that running gave her a sense of peace and fulfillment she never new existed. It was through her runs that she was able to de-stress and come to terms with the events that had transpired in her life. I remember thinking: "How can running do that for someone? Everytime I run, I feel like I'm going to pass out." That was then. This is now. I feel like a fitness infomercial when I tell people of how fitness has changed my life. Fitness was never something I aspired to partake in...mostly because I come from a family that isn't accustomed to this lifestyle. I'm happy to say that I'll be the first to change that for everyone. :)

Okay, well...to end my training day on a good note, here's my Reason to Smile for the day:
I'm walking back to my car and I hear this, "Come on...show me what you've got!" I turn around and it's the cutest thing: A cyclist is racing (I kid you not) with a couple in their bright, school bus yellow, electronically motorized vehicle along the street. From afar, the vehicle is reminiscent of a yellow ladybug w/o the black polka dots, slowly inching its way to catch up with the cyclist. As I watch them go by, I can't help but laugh out loud...it's the funniest thing I've ever seen (today, at least). You'll have to check back to see what else happens during my training adventures! See you then!

My First Training: July 7

2007-07-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Wow! Simply amazing! I just finished my very first training for Team Challenge--a total of 3 miles running from the Marina Green to a marker along Chrissy Field. I have to be honest...I was dreading the run outdoors b/c I am used to running (like a hamster) indoors on a treadmill in Sacramento...what with the 100 degree or above weather...it leaves me with very limited options. Aside from that, I was also very excited! The view of the Golden Gate Bridge set amidst the backdrop of a misty Pacific Ocean made for a very dreamy early morning run. I ended up doing a run/walk combo and it worked perfectly for me since I can't do a steady jog the entire way. And believe it or not, running outdoors is so much easier than indoors on a treadmill...not to mention a lot more fun and enjoyable! I got so motivated by the scenery and the plethora of other runners on the trail...the whole time, I kept on saying to myself, "Chandara, this isn't boring..yay! You can do this...3 miles today...13.1 miles in the end..it's going to happen and you can do it!"

Alright...if you know me...this is something I would not have ever been saying to myself years past. I still remember trying to run outdoors and feeling my ankles hurt after running 5 minutes. It was sad...but I realize I've progressed so much even at this initial point in my training. And get this: I only had 1.5 hours of sleep the night before, yet I somehow managed to muster up the energy to drive from Sacramento to SF. Okay..this isn't the wisest thing to do, but it's unbelievable how much the run re-energized me.

After the training, I spent the entire day walking (4 miles!) from the Sports Basement to Fisherman's Wharf. Note to anyone who doesn't know where to go in unfamiliar places: follow the tourists on their rental bikes...they know where to go! And by doing just that..I discovered a new path to the Wharf and Ghirardelli Square--one that winds up a hill overlooking the ocean with a perfect view of Alcatraz.

So glad I ventured over or else I would not have discovered cupcake heaven at Kara's Cupcakes! They remind me of Sprinkles in LA, but unlike Sprinkles, Kara's makes their cupcakes from organic ingredients and firmly support local farmers and businesses. Pretty cool..and their cupcakes? OMG...to die for! I ended up with a meyer lemon one with lemony buttercream frosting that tasted like decadent ribbons of heaven just sliding on my tongue..wowie! And to your right is a pretty Raspberry Dazzle cupcake. I know..Yummy!

My first day of training couldn't have ended on a sweeter note :) I'm so looking forward to every Saturday from here on out! Be sure to check back!