Work - 2008 is turning out to be a VERY busy year. I am currently working on updating and revising the materials for three different programs, much to the chagrin of my boss who really doesn't want to do another revision... but, alas, it needs to be done and we have some big deals in the works for the programs and so need the materials to be looking top-notch. I enjoy cleaning up the files and making them "prettier" but it is a little overwhelming when I also have to deal with the many other aspects of my job. I am doing well with my acquisition of the responsibilities for the parenting program we offer. I have already recruited about seven old trainers to start teaching classes again (which doesn't sound like a lot but it really is). Everyday I hear from more and more people about how these parenting classes are valued and needed. I am hoping that I can help build a better availability for them so they are there for parents who want to take the program. I am also continuing to work on revamping our website. We have been having major issues with the web person that we work with for several months and have finally decided that we can't give him any more chances. Hopefully the switch to a new person will be smooth and bring an end to this project.  Also last week I finally told my bosses that I will be going back to get my MBA in the Fall (provided I get in to a program...). They were very supportive but I think they are a little like "what do we do now?". I told them that I would like to continue working with them part-time while I go to school and they have said that they would like see if we can work something out with that. I think it should be pretty easy since we use a remote server and so I can access my work files and email from home. I can even set up my work email on my iPhone!! I love technology. 

School - I am smack dab in the middle of finishing up my MBA applications. I am planning to submit my application to SDSU (my 1st choice) this week. If I find out whether or not I am accepted before April 1st (and I am accepted) then I won't apply anywhere else. But if I am not accepted or don't find out by then, then I will submit my applications to USD and probably UCSD. Everything is ready to go for all three apps, it is just paying the application fees that I am waiting on--I don't want to have to pay for applications I don't need. I went to information sessions this week for USD and SDSU about their MBA programs. I definitely think that SDSU is the best fit for me. I am REALLY hoping that I get in and I think I have a very good chance. I am also toying with the idea of doing a study abroad (probably in London) in the middle of my program. It is much easier to live in London as a student and I would really like to live abroad for a while (something I really regretted not doing as an undergrad) and then I can decide if I like it enough to pursue a more permanent stay. SDSU has a very highly rated International Business MBA program (#21 in the country) so I am thinking about maybe making that my emphasis instead of Marketing as well.... who knows, maybe I'll do both!

Other - I had my Oscar "party" last week. It wasn't much of a party. Just a few friends came over and we watched the show and had tacos. Totally forgot to take pictures too so I guess it really was the year of the "strike". I was happy with the winners, mostly predictable, and most happy that Dario Marianelli won for Best Original Score for Atonement (which I am coincidentally listening to as I write this blog... and looking at the book of Atonement on my desk and the Atonement poster on my wall.... think I like that movie?? hmmmmm......). 

I am totally sucking at the runningchallenge but it is still motivating me to get to the gym more. It is difficult to maintain a social life (especially one that usually takes place 20 miles from home), be at work the whole time the sun is out and still find time to fit in my runs. But these are all excuses and I do have the luxury of independence so I really just have to find the time to get it done. I think the Hood to Coast sounds like a ton of fun and an awesome experience. I am totally up for it. Thanks for the idea, David the Motivator.

LOST is amazing. I fall more and more in love with it every week. I will leave it at that.

My American Idol favorites: Michael (hello? Australian accent? of course I like him best), Jason Castro (dreads), Carly (once again, the accent, but really she is good)

Tom and Tracey's acquisition of the game "Ticket to Ride" has started a frenzy. I played it with them and realized how much I liked it. So I introduced it to my friends to see if it would be worth my investment to get my own copy of the game and they LOVE it. So I purchased the USA version of the game and we are pretty much obsessed now. :) 

Ok - that is all I can think of for now....a pretty thorough update I think. Now I am off to consult my friend Michelle on her research paper/project that is due tonight at midnight. Don't you just love online classes?