I'm back...to reality!

It's been almost 2 weeks that I'm back from my hectic exchange in Lundun ;) Unfortunately, I didn't pick up the sexy English accent even if my flatmate is English.

My four-month experience was really enriching and full of surprises (What happens in London, stay in London hehe). I've traveled to many places including Barcelona, Oslo, Paris, Bristol (in the UK), Amsterdam, Florence and Venice. All these trips are only avant-goût because it wasn't possible to see every thing in a week end.

Which city is my favorite? It's definitely Florence, a charming Italian city. There are a lot of markets on the street that sell leather goods. I bought a messenger bag made with lamb skin. I discovered how to test if the leather is real from the seller: use a lighter. If the leather doesn't melt or burn, then it is real. However, the craziest city in my opinion is Amsterdam because weed and prostitution are legal.

Every time that I look at the pictures, all the good memories come back and it's hard to believe that I'm back to my routine. Although I'm happy to be reunite with my family and friends, I (will) certainly miss the routine of a Londoner! I'm going to make a scrapbook with 195 pictures!!!

2009 was an epic year for me, but my resolution is to make 2010 even better. It'll be hard to beat lol But seriously, I just want to get the best out of everything...

...and cherish every moment :)

Networking Event: John Molson School of Business Banquet

Over the last month, I've been to a good number of networking events: KPMG Ace the Case workshop, KPMG Beer & Pizza, Deloitte's National Leadership Conference info session, Deloitte Spring Conference at Fairmont Elizabeth Hotel, and Deloitte and Ernst & Young "Demystifying Recruitment" workshop. This is only the beginning!!!

Accounting firms recruit during the same period which is between September-October. In fall, the networking events are insane!! Just to give you an idea, it would be 10 circles of people around a manager or partner...:S

Upcoming events:

01/04/09: This week, I'm going to another workshop hosted by Pricewaterhousecoopers & Deloitte: "Resume Clinique and Interview Seminar". It will take place in Concordia's EV building.

02/04/09: I will attend the annual JMSB Banquet that will take place at Sofitel Golden Mile Hotel. I choose to sit at the table of the company Business Development Bank of Canada (the Institution at Ville-Marie). I'm so excited!! =D I'm thinking what to wear for the event...probably a suit.

http://jmsbbanquet.com/main.htm

Slumdog Millionaire

The movie was amazing!!! Seriously I will watch it for the second time on the Internet hehehe

But it was worth going to the theater for Slumdog Millionaire. The cheesy love story is simple, yet the storytelling through the game "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" is creative.

The story of Jamal Malik, a 18 years old teen of the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest success of his life on the Indian version of the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" show watched by the whole nation. As the show ends for the night, the authorities arrested him suspected of cheating. How can a slum answer correctly all the questions and be on his way to win 10 millions rupees (Indian currency)? In order to prove his innocence, he unveils his difficult childhood on the road that he shared with his brother, Salim. He also met Latika, the girl he truly loved and lost. From each chapter of his life, he learned the answers of the seemingly impossible questions asked on the show. Although his life is about to change, Jamal has no desire to become rich. What is his drive to contest in "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"? What would be more valuable than 10 million rupees? (Written by me)

I give 4.5/5 for the movie.

Actress: Freida Pinto

Naked and Famous

Shopping time!!! Since boxing day, I was looking for good deals on jeans. I'm still wearing the bad quality Urban Behavior jeans, however they are really comfy. I found that Naked and Famous have nice models. I like the skinny model =)

"Naked & Famous Denim uses only the most unique and rare denim fabrics from Japan. The prestigious mill in Japan, from which we import all our fabric, is committed to producing only the best (and most expensive) denim in the world. Throughout each step in denim production (weaving, dyeing, finishing…) the mill uses a combination of old school and modern methods and practices. So much culture and history is poured into the fabric so that it can be appreciated by the denim purist.

We keep all our jeans raw and simple. No washes, no embroidery, no gimmicks… just the best fabric in the world combined with modern fits. We have eliminated these costly (and in our opinion unnecessary) after-effects, and have stripped down our jeans to the core essentials. Now true denimheads and newcomers alike can enjoy these special fabrics at a reasonable price."

http://www.nakedandfamousdenim.com/

Moules Marinières

I really like to eat seafood such as lobster, oyster, tiger shrimps. crabs....and MUSSELS.

I know that Mussels and French Fries is a famous Belgian dish. Belgium is a must-to-go place in Europe for its cheap beers, seafood, Belgian waffles and chocolate....omg PARADISE :D

The next recipe that I would like to try would be "moules marinières" (mussels). I found a good video and it seems to be easy to prepare. That's what I like about seafood, it can served steamed/boiled without any spice. If someone tries it, tell me if the recipe is good =)

Here's the link: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-moules-mariniere

Connie's style noodles

As you know, I really like to cook, but I just do easy things... hehehe

When I don't have school, I like to make myself a good meal for lunch. Recently, my mom bought a miso soup paste (no msg added) and seaweed in a Korean grocery store. Two weeks ago, I made myself a really good noodle...it was so delicious :D

I took some hot pot style beef (thinly sliced beef) marinated with a korean sauce (the same sauce that I use to make rib eye beef) and small onions. I stir fried the meat and put on the top of the noodle when the soup is ready.


Ingredients: stir fried beef, shrimps, fishballs, seaweed, miso soup base, korean noodles and green onions.

Alcohol :D

Since school started, I've been busy studying and finishing the application for the exchange. I also applied to volunteer to fill tax return for low income residents and it should start in 2 weeks. Two weeks ago, I started to take wine education and testing classes at Concordia every Thursday (50$ for 12 hrs; 6 classes). It's super cool. :D

First class, the instructor taught us how to enjoy the wine by looking at the liquid, by smelling it and tasting it. We tasted 2 French wines; 1 white and 1 red. The white is Dom Brial Muscat de Rivesalle (Rousillon) 2006. The red is Domaine Labranche-Lafont 2005. The instructor said that wine is really a good investment and the return is high. So, give up stocks and start collecting wines hehehe

The red was dry and the white was really sweet. Wine is like love at first sight. If the color doesn't appeal to you or you don't like the taste the first time, then you don't like the wine. I skipped last week's class because of exams, I hope that I didn't miss the lesson on varieties of grapes.

Then, I just remembered that my parents received bottles of alcohol from friends a long time ago, but they've never opened them. They were hidden in the garde à manger for 10 years I think....lol I found:




Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky, Distilled, Blended and Bottled in Scotland 40% alc./vol. 750mL

It's sold around $30 now and it's the cheapest Johnnie Walker Whisky. The most expensive is the Blue Label.



Rémy Martin Fine Champagne Cognac V.S.O.P, CLS Remy Cointreau - Cognac France H.k.D.N.P 40% alc./vol. 1000mL

It's the famous Champagne with the Centaur design. Champagne is a sparkling white wine produced only in Grande Champagne or Petite Champagne of France. A 750mL bottle is sold at $76, but I can't find the price for 1000mL bottle.




Grand Marnier - Lapostolle Liqueur Cordon Rouge Paris - France 40% alc./vol. 750mL

It's a citrus liquor. ($45)




When I went to California, I bought a white wine, Mélange à Trois 2007 California White Wine from Folie à Deux Winery St-Helena, Napa County. It's a blend based on 3 varietals: Chardonnay, Moscato and Chenin Blanc.

The instructor said that the Californian and Australian wines have a lot of potential and they are on the rise.

Yoga power!

I haven't been to gym for a month. I also gained a few pounds because when I'm not at home I eat irregularly. This week I tired yoga and it's a good training to tone the body. The stretches are good for muscles and the exercises strengthen arms, legs and back. I would like to try hot yoga :) I found a nice website that has good videos.
Check this out, it's a workout for legs: http://www.yogatic.com/yoga-video/yoga-for-legs/

I have 2 coworkers who tried pole dancing. One of the girls took 12 classes I think. It sounds interesting and I would like to try any one interested? hehehe
check this link, the girl is soo good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msy7TtyAVIc

Xmas party look

I just saw Cyn's super nice hairstyle and I really want my long hair back. lol Good job Cyn! ;)

Saturday, Saputo's Christmas Party will take place at Palais des Congrès. Supposedly, the party will consist of 1500 people...yep it's gonna be enormous. Last minute shopping on friday for accessories. When I was in Chicago, I bought this strapeless tube dress at the BCBG outlet store. I'm exited for the party and the drinks are all you can drink. However, when your boss is around, it's better to drink moderately. =)

Recommendation letters =)

Good news!! =) I got my 2 recommendation letters from 2 random teachers lol I didn't do exceptionally well in their classes, but I guess they have good hearts and they want to help this desperate asian girl lol

I asked my POM teacher (Raul Valverde) and he accepted. I also asked my 308, intro finance, teacher even if I did awfully bad in the class (Louisa knows hehehe....good summer memories :p ) He asked me to write the letter and he will make changes if necessary. I'm so excited =) I'm one step closer to my objective. Now, I have to decide which U I want to go. XD

Step 1: Convince parents

A week ago, I was really optimist and I thought that this study abroad project will work out fine. I have already talked to my mom about it and she is not convinced. I have doubts too because I didn't meet a coordinator of the program yet. I am confident that if I document the program properly and explain them the situation, they would trust me more.

Also, I wanted to do it during my last semester, fall 2010. Unfortunately, it's not possible because I must graduate at Concordia. (I don't want to miss the grad neither) So the last option is fall 2009 which is really soon :S. The application deadline is Feb. 2009 and I have to get a bunch of recommendation letters and write stuff to Universities. Ahhhh >.<

I am a bit discouraged, however I won't give up!

La Grande Braderie de mode Québécoise

Girls and boys!!

Montreal’s eagerly awaited Fall 2008 Braderie de mode québécoise will be held from October 23rd to October 26th at Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal.

The Braderie serves up samples and inventory-surplus womenswear, menswear, kidswear, coats, jewellery and accessories from more than 50 Quebec fashion designers - Marie Saint-Pierre, Muse by Christian Chenail, Rudsak, MSiamo, Bodybag by Jude, Report Collection, Envers by Yves Jean Lacasse - all at 50% off or more.

http://www.braderiedemodequebecoise.com/index_english.htm

Study Abroad Project

Most of the time, lunch break discussion subject is travelling. I listen and I contemplate...
People try to convince me to study abroad while I'm still staying with my parents. I didn't think that leaving 3 months on my own is feasible. Also, I didn't want to spend all my savings. I know many friends studying abroad in England, New Zeland, France...I CAN DO IT TOO!!

After thinking about it seriously, I think it's time to get out of the box. Now I feel stupid to stop myself from accomplishing something because of money issue. Being intellectually richer is the best compensation. I will apply for fall 2010 (my last semester) and I'm really interested going in Belgium. Why Belgium? Because one of the national language is French, so I won't be too lost. I will learn Flemish and German =)

Two years from now, I will be more prepared to write a new chapter of my life: study abroad. I would also plan to travel to London, Paris and Berlin if I can squeeze time.

I should start saving to pay rent, tuitions fees, books, food, shopping, travelling... However, the Ministère de l'éducation des loisirs (MELS) give bursary ($750-1000 CAD per month) to students who are full-time during 2 semesters prior to the exchange and who have a min. GPA of 3.0.

P.S. Anyone interested?? It would be too cool to travel with a friend =)
http://international.concordia.ca//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=80

Mix and Match

Weekends just started and I wasted half of my day trying on the few clothes that I have and taking pictures lol It's already 15h00 omg...

I was doing laundry and cleaning my closet, then I wanted to mix and match. I've noticed that most of the time I wear casual things; t-shirt, jeans and flat shoes...BORING!! So next time when I'm gonna go out, I'll be more fancy.

My selections: Only grey coat , Guess Bag, skinny jeans and Geox Black Leather boots. The grey coat belongs to my sister. It's cool that I fit in her things =)

Sept. 27 2008

We gathered together to celebrate Louisa's bday (09/30) and my bday (09/29). Like every time, it's so hard to schedule something because we are really busy. We wanted to have lunch at Shabu Shabu, japanese hot pot, but it opens at 1pm on weekends. Finally we chose to eat viet at Pho Bac New York. Mmmm soupe tonkinoise XD

Then we bought a green tea mousse cake from Harmony in chinatown. The cake looked nice, but it tasted weird. I prefer cakes from Legend where it sells buns. We went to Complexe Guy-Favreau to eat the cake.

I got a Zen Mozaic MP3, a pretty shirt and Jelly Bean sundae sauces =) THANK YOU GIRLS

<3 boots

I am a shopaholic again ><. I found super comfy and nice black leather boots at Geox.

I bought them at Tendance in Champlain Mall in Brossard. Geox shoes are unique because of their breathable soles. The soles are supposed to keep our feet dry and healthy. (I'll see if they are miraculous) The holes on the sole is small enough to keep water from entering the shoe. It's so hard for me to find nice and comfy boots because I have to wear orthotics. I am so happy that the orthotics fit in the boots.

The boots cost $225 + taxes.

Don't clean my room

During my short journey in Wisconsin, I stayed in 3 hotels. The first week in Lena, I stayed in Ramada Inn. Then, we went to Appleton where we stayed in Radisson Valley. Finally, we moved in Holiday Inn, closer to work. Sometimes, I get 2 double beds for myself...what a luxury

Updates

Now it's the best moment of my day: night. Some people like morning because it's the beginning of a day. But I think I'm pessimistic, I hate morning. At 6h45 am, my day starts and I'm grumpy because it's early.

This fall semester I'm working as an internal auditor. I have to test controls related to Bill 198 and SOX. I sound smart hen? But I don't know more than you. lol Sometimes I'm really stressed. What I like about the job is that I travel a lot. I went to Calgary and Wisconsin. In 2 weeks, I will go to Chicago. During weekend, I play badminton at YMCA Guy-Favreau.