Hey now, hey now...

So finals are finally finished and I actually have some time to breathe! Finals were mostly a disaster, but not for lack of studying. The funny thing is, everything is relative to each other. No matter how well, or poorly, any one of us did on a test, all that matters is that we did better than our peers. I could have flunked the test, but as long as everyone else flunked the test, then I passed.

It seems like a strange way to grade. It starts to lead to secret wishing on our part, hoping that our classmates - the same ones we support and are friends with - bombed the test. We say silent prayers for a memory lapse, for their demise. Is this what business school fosters? Feelings of whispers of ne'er-do-wells?

Of course, maybe this is how we're graded in life, too. It doesn't matter how successful - or unsuccessful - we are. All that matters is how we look compared to our coworkers. If they are shining stars, then our success pales in comparison. And vice versa. SoI guess this is life? It doesn't matter how fast we run, just as long as we're faster than the fastest person in the race.

Old Man Winter

Winter has officially arrived in North Carolina. The last couple of days have been dreary, cold and wet, and the cycle continues today.

I've actually been ready for winter for the past several weeks, so I'm excited that it's actually here. Around this time of year, there's a sort of anticipation, as the days become a little bit colder, the air starts to smell a little different, and you know that something is coming, something is chaning. There seems to be a bit of excitement with that anticipation. So now that the season has officially turned over to winter, there's as sense of harmony and resolution to that anticipation.

And now, of course, it's just pure excitement, as we wait for the holidays and start the chaotic crush of Christmas shopping. And then the renewed excitement (anticipation?) as the end of the year draws to a close and a new one awakens.

But then, it seems, the anticipation and excitement are over. And we start to bury ourselves and prepare for the long stretch of winter before us. The season has already changed, the holidays have already come, and there's nothing more to look forward to but the long, slow homecoming of spring.

The best medicine

When I first entered business school, I was told that "some days you'll feel on top of the world, and other days, you'll question how you ever got admitted." They were right, but I never thought that I could feel both on top of the world and in the dumps multiple times in the same day.

I know it's like this for many people, regardless of the kind of work they do or whether or not they are in school. It's frustrating to have so many mood swings so often during the day. The morning starts out great, and then an interview doesn't go the way you want. Then you get a "quiz" back (see previous posts about my feelings on quizzes) and you've done great. Then you remember a project is due in the next 48 hours. Then someone does something nice for you. Then you get another quiz back and it's not great. Then someone makes you laugh.

A constant roller-coaster ride. I guess there's not much to do, but just to try to keep everything in perspective. And maybe to laugh more. That seems to always help a little.

Opinion Poll

A quick opinion poll. It will be interested to hear everyone's opinion, especially from other parts of the world.

What's your favorite brand (or product)?

Or maybe...what's the brand that you hate the most?

I'll start. I know it's not entirely that original, but I really love Coke. Not only does it taste better than any other cola, but it's a fun brand that seems to capture nationalism, no matter what country you're from.

Your turn!

You ain't messin' with no gold digger

Remember when we used to take quizzes in grade school? We had that quick moment of panic (especially when they were "pop" quizzes). But they were pretty easy things to take, even back then. And they were pretty short...maybe a multiple choice question or two...just to make sure we had read what were supposed to read or were paying attention in class.

Business schools, I've found, like to use the word "quiz". When we get the syllabus for the term, there are several "quizzes" scheduled. But these aren't like the quizzes we used to take. And frankly, I feel like business schools are being deceitful by using this word. It is not a quiz, but a test. A "quiz" does not last 45 minutes. A "quiz" does not have many multiple parts to each question. A "quiz" is not something that you're expected to study for, for days. This is an euphemism that needs to be banished from business school vocabulary. Call it what it is...a test. An exam. A sliver of hell on a silver platter.

But not a "quiz". It gives quizzes a bad name.

ZZZZ...

One of my favorite things to do is sleep. This random thought comes courtesy of a gray, rainy day and a very long and boring class that I just got out of. There really is nothing better than snuggling up in a warm comforter and soft pillows, especially on a rainy day or lazy afternoon. Added bonus: having someone to snuggle in the covers with you.

The worst thing is trying to fight off sleep, especially in the middle of a very long and boring class. You know the feeling...your vision gets a little blurry, and suddenly, the only thing you can think about is your soft, comfortable bed. Your head hitting the pillows. You curled up warm in the covers. When the image of the bed and pillows is the only thought you can keep, you know you're in trouble...there's really nothing you can do but pray that the professor doesn't look your way when your head nods.

I think we should all sleep more. And I advocate bringing naptime back to business school. How great would it be if all business schools had rooms filled with egg-shaped pods, perfect for catching 20-30 minutes of much needed sleep? The room would be dimmed and each pod would have it's own white-noise sound system, to help drown out any outside noises. When your time was up, the pod could shake gently to wake you up. It would be perfect - and an efficient use of students' time.

Of course, these are things you think about when your sleep deprived and struggling NOT to fall asleep in class.

You always remember your first time

So, this is my first attempt at blogging. I guess I'm finally jumping onto the bandwagon...it's a little scary out here!

I'm still trying to figure all this out, so if anyone has any advice or good info to pass my way, please do!