I dropped the personal finance course after the first week during my junior year because of a couple reasons. A. I knew the professor was hard and the course doesn't count toward my major anyways. B. I was behind before the start since I didn't get all the materials in time. And C. because I thought I was fine living with balance. Sure I spent more money on fast food this month, I'll just balance it with shopping less, it will be alright.
I was woken up by my discovery of my shiny credit card almost reaching declined stage. Then I went on a craze hunting for knowledge of personal finance. My illogical balance theory had never failed me until now. I guess when you have twenty dollars left to your name, it is best to learn how to budget and recoup all the mistakes. Man, unplanned expenses creep up at the end of the month.
For the past two months, I have been obsessing over personal finance books, podcasts, courses and anything in between. Starting with Suze Orman's book, The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke, I was mesmerized with these financial concepts. She explains all the concepts with a real and personal touch. "You will never truly be powerful in life until you are powerful with your own money." How to invest, where to invest, she left a well planned road map for us twenty something to follow.
When reading before bedtime is not enough to suffice my thirst, I decided to listen to Dave Ramsy's podcast during work hours. Follow up with the famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad (um...teenage edition, I am not there yet with the adult version) and Farnoosh Torabi's You are So Money. I also decided to enroll in Personal Finance taught by Professor Gutter at University of Florida via Coursera. I have a notepad just for finance concepts. Obsessed? I'd say so.
After graduation, I felt like being thrown to the water with no inflatable donuts. There are just so many decisions I have to make. Right, I wanted a job, I got a job. Right, I wanted a job with benefits. I got a job with benefits. But now I have to decide on which benefits and what to do with these benefits. That gets complicated.
And as the course nearing the end, I smiled. :) Taxes and investing are no longer such heavy words. While I still have no clue as to which stock to invest in or which funds are definite buy, at least I faced my faced my fear of personal finance.
July 30, 2014
July 16, 2014
Smile #3
Aside from bright and sunny weather, any other weather condition will shut down Charlotte causing traffic to be congested 10x worse. Today is one of those lucky days. On my way home, traffic came to a halt as the rain began to drizzle. Annoyed and frustrated as always, I looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow radiating across the gloomy sky.
Immediately, a smile spread across my face. I remembered sitting in class during a gloomy day in Austria when Dr.Wood called out there is a double rainbow outside. Everyone started snapping photos and ten minutes later, posts after posts of double rainbow run down my Newsfeed. :)
Rainbow lasts only a few moments before vanishing. It reminds of the quote - "不一定要天長地久，才值得你曾經擁有" - It doesn't mean it wasn't worth your while just because it didn't last forever.
During these moments, I feel especially thankful to have all the experiences I had so far in life - to have cross paths with new and old friends and to experience the world beyond my hometown.
What moments are you so glad it happened, regardless of how long lasted?
Immediately, a smile spread across my face. I remembered sitting in class during a gloomy day in Austria when Dr.Wood called out there is a double rainbow outside. Everyone started snapping photos and ten minutes later, posts after posts of double rainbow run down my Newsfeed. :)
 |
| One lucky moment captured on camera |
During these moments, I feel especially thankful to have all the experiences I had so far in life - to have cross paths with new and old friends and to experience the world beyond my hometown.
What moments are you so glad it happened, regardless of how long lasted?
July 7, 2014
Smile #2
Avoiding all crowds and busy streets, I spent a wonderful July 4th along side my boyfriend. With nothing on the agenda, we were able to relax and take the day an hour at a time.
Arriving at his apartment late Friday afternoon with a hungry tummy, we went to pick up ingredients for our dinner at a local supermarket. Tender steak, seasonings, drinks, desserts, breakfast items for the next morning, our buggy was filled with goodies. Before we checked out, we spotted a steak recipes book. Not only did we find the perfect recipe, we were able to get the book under a steep discount :)
Chef Bubble began working up a storm in the kitchen. Being the 'eater' in the relationship, I was able to relax watching TV until dinner is ready. I do provide kisses as compensation.
After the dinner, we lay down by the couch and enjoy the Redbox we picked up earlier at the store. 'Her' is a romantic drama film based on a man falling in love with his artificial intelligent computer operating system. The movie explored a very interesting topic, what happens one day when we are able to formulate computers to have feelings and emotions just like us.
____________________________________________________________________
Waking up to sweet honey aroma is possibly the best way to face a new day. :)
Chef Bubble is once again whipping up a storm in the kitchen making french toast. Bread dipped in egg, fried to the perfect crispy yellow tone, then layered with honey and a touch of sugar. YUM! :)
Our day was spent at shopping at Hobby Lobby, World Market and Target. Coming back to the apartment, we changed into our swim suits and lathered ourselves with sunscreen. Time for a tan!
Sad to find out that two hours exposure to the sun is only equivalent to a slight tan line. Better get working on it next weekend.
With a whole menu in mind, Chef Bubble quickly gather the ingredients and started working. Meanwhile, I flopped myself to a nice seat in front of the TV. Total gender role swap in our relationship, I'd say. :)
Enjoy the Netherlands vs. Costa Rica world cup game with a nice cold Heinkein. Go Dutch!! I am ready for the next game!
Look at how yummy this look! A step closer to professional chef!
Ending the evening with Kiss or Drink - a game to test how well do you know each other.
Here are some of the questions we asked: (Highlight to find out some of our answers!)
Boyfriend:
- If your girlfriend could choose one thing of yours to get rid of, what would she choose?
- Complete this sentence: My girlfriend is a natural-born ____________
- Complete this sentence: I knew I had found the love of my life when she ________.
- Complete this sentence: A perfect girlfriend is one who _cooks_______.
Girlfriend:
- Fill in the Blank: My boyfriend may be the world's best _chef_, but he may also be the world's worst _eater _.
- What's the silliest thing your girlfriend has ever done?
- Complete this sentence: A perfect boyfriend is one who ___cooks and change diapers____.
- What is the strangest gift your boyfriend has ever bought for you? He said the Justin peanut cup; I said the tiniest package in the world
- What percentage of the house work would your girlfriend say you do? I wrote 78%; he wrote 75% but really it's like 90%
Although we drink more than kiss, it was a blast laughing at the answers we had.
____________________________________________________________________
Last day of mini vacation. Let's explore the city, Mooresville!
It has been a while since we bowled! We are one competitive couple and can't miss any chance to show off to each other. Typically, gutterball is usually my talent. But this time! I was able to keep up with him, pin by pin ... :) until the fourth frame... then my luck ran out and gutter time. He won with 114 to 78. Next time, I shall take you down!
Follow that with a trip to the the theater. As promised by the trailer, Tammy was definitely funny. Tammy's journey with her grandma is definitely something new.
But the best part was when the credit stroll down and one character named Kathleen's real name is Dakota Lee, aka Chef Bubble's real name! :) Coincidence or new nickname!
A mini vacation away from home. :)
What did you do for your July 4th? Share any Smiles you had!
Arriving at his apartment late Friday afternoon with a hungry tummy, we went to pick up ingredients for our dinner at a local supermarket. Tender steak, seasonings, drinks, desserts, breakfast items for the next morning, our buggy was filled with goodies. Before we checked out, we spotted a steak recipes book. Not only did we find the perfect recipe, we were able to get the book under a steep discount :)
Chef Bubble began working up a storm in the kitchen. Being the 'eater' in the relationship, I was able to relax watching TV until dinner is ready. I do provide kisses as compensation.
Bon Appetit!
 |
| Chef Bubble's special mushroom, t-bone steak and mash potatoes |
____________________________________________________________________
Waking up to sweet honey aroma is possibly the best way to face a new day. :)
Chef Bubble is once again whipping up a storm in the kitchen making french toast. Bread dipped in egg, fried to the perfect crispy yellow tone, then layered with honey and a touch of sugar. YUM! :)
Our day was spent at shopping at Hobby Lobby, World Market and Target. Coming back to the apartment, we changed into our swim suits and lathered ourselves with sunscreen. Time for a tan!
Sad to find out that two hours exposure to the sun is only equivalent to a slight tan line. Better get working on it next weekend.
With a whole menu in mind, Chef Bubble quickly gather the ingredients and started working. Meanwhile, I flopped myself to a nice seat in front of the TV. Total gender role swap in our relationship, I'd say. :)
Enjoy the Netherlands vs. Costa Rica world cup game with a nice cold Heinkein. Go Dutch!! I am ready for the next game!
Look at how yummy this look! A step closer to professional chef!
 |
| Carbonara with shell pasta, broccoli, mushroom + mussels |
Here are some of the questions we asked: (Highlight to find out some of our answers!)
Boyfriend:
- If your girlfriend could choose one thing of yours to get rid of, what would she choose?
- Complete this sentence: My girlfriend is a natural-born ____________
- Complete this sentence: I knew I had found the love of my life when she ________.
- Complete this sentence: A perfect girlfriend is one who _cooks_______.
Girlfriend:
- Fill in the Blank: My boyfriend may be the world's best _chef_, but he may also be the world's worst _eater _.
- What's the silliest thing your girlfriend has ever done?
- Complete this sentence: A perfect boyfriend is one who ___cooks and change diapers____.
- What is the strangest gift your boyfriend has ever bought for you? He said the Justin peanut cup; I said the tiniest package in the world
- What percentage of the house work would your girlfriend say you do? I wrote 78%; he wrote 75% but really it's like 90%
Although we drink more than kiss, it was a blast laughing at the answers we had.
____________________________________________________________________
 |
| Hehe, Velcro shoes! |
Last day of mini vacation. Let's explore the city, Mooresville!
It has been a while since we bowled! We are one competitive couple and can't miss any chance to show off to each other. Typically, gutterball is usually my talent. But this time! I was able to keep up with him, pin by pin ... :) until the fourth frame... then my luck ran out and gutter time. He won with 114 to 78. Next time, I shall take you down!
Follow that with a trip to the the theater. As promised by the trailer, Tammy was definitely funny. Tammy's journey with her grandma is definitely something new.
But the best part was when the credit stroll down and one character named Kathleen's real name is Dakota Lee, aka Chef Bubble's real name! :) Coincidence or new nickname!
A mini vacation away from home. :)
What did you do for your July 4th? Share any Smiles you had!
July 3, 2014
Smile #1
 |
| Studying hard! |
This past month, I had the chance to dive in the transportation/logistics industry. A step closer to becoming a supply chain professional.
From the 'blank-face' Leigha to now the 'kinda-know-what-you-are-talking-about' Leigha, it has been a work-in-progress. After a month, I am beginning to pick up each processes slowly bit by bit and trust me when I say there are A LOT of programs we use. Although I still have plenty of questions, at least I know who I can turn to and seek some answers. Glad to be in an office not in chaos right now and have a manager who doesn't just throw me in. :)
As part of my International Graduate Program, I was send up to headquarter for a week of training. Finally meeting the rest of the group and out of the competition mode. The week was intense-yes, but very informative and resourceful for my job.
Starting the week lightly with brief presentations on company culture and history as well as updates on the numerous company adjustments. Ending the first day with a visitation of Port Elizabeth. Seeing the port first-hand and learning about the port operation was an eye-opening experience. Each operator busied themselves with on-loading and off-loading each container. The synchronization between one step to the next is orchestrated with perfect coordination.
Two days crash course covered many technical topics not focused in school, such as Incoterms, customs clearance, and C-TPAT. Brain fried, but so worth it! :)
Gained both life insights and career advice during dinner with all the HR professional. :) . Their cheerful and jolly personality definitely matched what I imagined for the HR department.
Completing the week with numerous guest speakers explaining various aspect of this giant multinational, multifaceted company. Each department plays a vital role to the success of the company and while each company faces difficulties, but we must act as One Damco to battle.
Aside from headquarter training, I had training with the folks on my team. Scrabbling chicken scratch all over the notepad, like a maniac, as an attempt to copy down everything everyone said. This report, that report, this PO and that SO, say whattt?!
Cheers to completing first month!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)