Why set standards that even you cannot fulfill?

Day in, day out...different words but the same whinge over the same issues.

Why is that the easiest thing to do is to make a matyr of one's self and talk about "poor me" and how much you have sacrificed; done; cried over; given serious thought to, etc?

Talk is cheap, Baby. It takes a whole lot more to actually do something.

But I guess, if you could do it, you wouldn't spend countless hours ruminating over the same issues, and deluding yourself into thinking that it's the world and not you that needs to change.

Grow up.

People will get tired of making concessions for you.

In honor of the dinner I had with friends from my AMS class, (no class today as lecturer was away) here's a little (ok, not so little) entry that may kill you with the word count. It's basically a reflective essay written for my Asian Management Systems class - that "high brow" MIB-standard class I had to get special permission to take. I think the subject is rather interesting and note-worthy. Please enjoy/suffer through:

ASIAN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND ITS RELATION TO EMERGING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

In discussing Asian Management Systems, the traditional view that comes into mind is often one that suggests that corruption and cronyism is rife in the business practices of these systems. While the former are prevalent characteristics of Asian businesses, culture also plays a dominant role in influencing emerging management practices of the new Asian economies. This essay seeks to explore the notion of culture in relation to emerging management practices in Asia and hence, the resulting importance of Social network theory.

The most significant aspect of culture that influences Asians - particularly the Chinese; ethnic Chinese make up a large population of Asian Business owners - both in their personal life and in the corporate world, is the concept of “guan xi” (social connections); implying that society and business is built upon relationships – reciprocity of obligations are built upon the constructs of personal trust (xin yong) and demonstrative affection (gan qing). “Guan xi” has three dimensions: Normative, Affective and Instrumental. In the first instance, bonds are formed out of obligation such as one’s obligation to family and kin; in the second instance, bonds are based on developed ties i.e. with friends; and the last instance are bonds that are developed in the hope of achieving outcomes.

The first instance is a cornerstone in the establishment of the Chinese Family Business (CFB), predominantly outside Mainland China, in lieu of the need to protect and provide for the family unit. The normative concept of “guan xi” has helped to shape the organizational structure of the main form of Chinese business – where “guan xi” plays an important role in choosing employees; the preference will always be for kin over outsiders. Having “guan xi” implies that the individual is someone worthy of personal trust (xin yong) due to the demonstrative affection “gan qing” developed i.e. the person can be trusted to act honorably in a manner beneficial to the firm.

The second and last instances are key relationships in doing business in the Chinese context or even, in the daily operations of a company. An affective “guan xi” between an individual and someone in a particular firm presents one with an advantage in doing business with that firm. However, affective relationships with a business partner is one that is coincidental and does not necessarily occur, although there will be preference for firms to do business with a friend due to “guan xi” and resulting trust.

In the third instance, “guan xi” is especially sought out due to specific objectives. An individual can make use of his “guan xi” with a friend to get an introduction to a potential business partner, thereby, establishing an instrumental bond with that party. “Guan xi” is essential as it is one way of offsetting the risk of doing business with one partner over another i.e. one of us (zi ji ren) versus outsiders (wai ren). Therefore, we see that “guan xi” is a cultural nuance that affects more than the Chinese’s personal lives but their business practices as well.

The concept of “guan xi” is closely related to another cultural aspect known as “Face”. The concept of Face exists in two-folds in the Chinese culture: “Inner Face” (lian) and “Outer Face” (mian zi). The former has to do with the individual’s feelings and self-respect while the former has to do with the person’s social persona and reputation. Both are important in a social context but “mian zi” has nuances of greater stakes to lose as the lost of “mian zi” reflects not just on the individual but on those the individual has affiliations with. Conversely, “mian zi” is also essential in building “guan xi” with others; one must be of significant social standing for others to want to give “mian zi” to you and hence, establish “guan xi” with you.

The concept of face does not apply to the Chinese alone. In Japanese culture, “face” is an important concept in management practices, specifically the idea of “Inner Face”; it is an ingrained cultural concept within the Japanese individual. The fear of losing “inner face” has led to a high degree of self-governance in terms of all aspects of an individual’s behavior – socially, ethically, personally and in the work force. The “right” behavior is determined by the context of the reference group. For example, within a management team, a particular method of achieving tasks may be seen as the right way of doing things. It is also interesting to note that culturally, there is no “loss of face” if a manager scolds a subordinate within his team but it is considered so if there is the presence of outsiders – those not within the reference group. We, thus, see that the concept of “inner face” applies not just to the individual per se, but collectively for the individual reference group (inner circle).

Social network theory is the idea that firms are connected not through common resources or transactions, but rather through a series of relationships. This concept is an emergent theory in management practices, particularly for Asian Management systems. From the above discussion, we see that “guan xi” and “face” – two correlated cultural concepts - play a major role in doing business in the Asian context; although the Chinese are more concerned with the idea of “giving face” while the Japanese focus on “not losing face”.

The relational network view, thus, becomes an important concept in doing business the Asian way. “Guan xi” aids the building of relationships and it is this relational network that allows firms to build up networks that provide firms with access to scarce resources and facilitates knowledge transfer across firms and industries. In a knowledge-based economy, relationships become key in attaining competitive advantages and, efficient and effective operations of business.

Hence, it can be seen that while Asian management systems may seem steeped in traditional practices, due to the large influences of culture on business practices, they are neither out-of-date nor stodgy. Rather, its cultural implications have correlations with the emerging management practices that advocate social network theory.

Did you die? Heh.

Rushing, way too fast
Why do I always do it,
thinking this might last
How could I be so stupid
But this time, I'm not ok,
no I need to breathe again
'cause I don't want to

But I don't want to make another
mistake like you
And I don't want to hate

Whine. Bitch. Whinge.

Why is it that our relationship has deteriorated to this stage? From a rocky start to the progression of a really promising relationship; things quickly hit a rough patch and we've spiralled downwards rapidly.

I think at the end of the day, you have become too dependent on me for your emotional vents. At the end of the day, no matter how many "nice" questions you ask me about MY life, things always take a quick turn towards yourself, or rather topics YOU want to talk about. It doesn't matter if I diplomatically try to show you that I am not interested, you just pratter on.

It's not that I'm selfish to the point that I don't want to listen to you. But you re-hash and harp on topics that have been discussed till there's nothing left to say. I've given you my two cents worth and some! But at the end of the day, it's up to you to listen or not listen. There is no point in deliberating a topic out loud when you know what you are going to do and you've mentioned it so many times before. The number of times you say it is not going to make it more convincing or make me agree to your way of thinking.

I am not your personal pyschiatrist. (At least pyschiatrists get paid, I don't!) I am your friend. Your exploitation of me is deplorable, especially since you constantly offend with your offhanded remarks. Sometimes, thinking before you speak is essential. But you clearly do not take this into consideration. Further, you put me in a difficult spot when you consistently use me as an emotional platform to unload on. Friends don't do that to each other.

So, tell me, are we really friends or has it just been convenient for you? Think about it.

Ladies (and certain fellows of that inclination), I present to you the divine Jamie Dornan...


*DROOL*

I'm dead tired. I just got home from Waiying's birthday dinner. Such a blast. Good food (eventhough the place was so hard to find); good company (even if Adrian, John and Chen Wei were bullying the Singaporean i.e. me) and generally, a really good time.

I was so tired that I actually fell asleep while watching this stupid F-grade movie, Vampire War, at Waiying's place with Noel, Elisa and Dave while the others were playing poker. The subtitles were terrible, the acting and plot worse. Despite the hilarity of it all, I still went off to Lala Land, and trust me, the noise volume of the place was LOUD.

But I was really glad to be able to see Koa for the last time and say bye before he heads off to Taiwan on exchange. I had the best time teasing him and calling him "Fruitcake". Hee. hee. hee. Hope he doesn't really come back with a Taiwanese wife. Waiying would be so "sad". Heh.

It was also good to catch up with Jac, who introduced me to Waiying in the first place! She's leaving on Wed for a holiday back home. Ooohhh, I'd miss that girl.

Ahhh...tired feet and tired generally. I've been up since seven this morning after a mere three hours or less of sleep and we had a drunk customer today who was scary. Plus, you-know-who was a real pain in the arse today at work. *SIGH*

Nites!

Sometimes I wish I had a remote control for my life;

So that I could:

Pause and record the moments that were special; and
Replay them over and over;

Fast-forward the awkward ones;

Slow down the moments I never want to end;

Mute the times when I just speak rubbish or have to put up with crap;

Actually, I'd like to stop-and-rewind the times that I was a bitch or put my foot into my mouth and not realised it till later.

Hindsight is 20-20 but I wish I had better vision in the present.

To the friend whom I was bitchy and demanding towards eventhough it's her birthday and therefore, I should be making things easy for her and not the other way round:

I'm Sorry, Waiying.

I was grouchy because I haven't slept in addition to being tired and sick. But it's still no excuse.

Thank you for taking the trouble to add me to the reservation.

Two years of promised silence with the occasional communication in special circumstances. Everything was swimming along. It wasn't perfect but I could survive. You were once my dream; my hope; the one I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. I was ready for "ever after" with you.

I never thought that we would
break up for the better
Should've never made the
promises to each other
So many things I should've said
that you didn't know
Coming in from a past with a heavy load

And now, I'm wondering if I should have fought for you. In my heart, you were the best; I'm scared that you're the only. I never met anyone who looked as fine as you in my eyes or anyone who treated me so well. There were days where you drove me nuts with your reticence. Ultimately, you broke the promise you made to me.

But I knew that you were a good man
Give me love, you were faithful
- It showed on my hand
I know there are questions in
your mind you don't understand

I asked you to go into conventry eventhough I still wanted to maintain our friendship. I still check up on you through indirect means. My heart bleeds when I know something has happened to you. And for two years, I just never really moved on despite the separate lives.

So I search in my mind,
trying to figure it out
And thought I was happy but
I'm having some doubts
Think I found the answer
and I know I must confess
I'm still in love with my ex

When you said you think you may be interested in someone else, I could feel my heart crumble; D Day was here and someone else is going to take that special place in your heart. You say you're sad that you couldn't give me what you promised and you wished things were different. So do I. I wish you hadn't moved on before me.

I'm staring out at the sky (I see you baby)
Praying that he will walk in my life
Where is the man of my dreams
(right here) yea-yeah
I'll wait forever, how silly it seems
How does he laugh? How does he cry?
What's the color of his eyes?
Does he even realize I'm here?
Where is he? Where is he?
Where is he? Where is this beautiful guy?
Who is he? Who is he?
Who is gonna take me so high?

-"Where are you?" (Natalie Feat Roman)

I know I've sort of moved on but in my heart, I don't think I really have. But now that you have, it's time I did. The prospects are bleak now (I found out recently that another good man has been taken) but we'd see how it goes. Let's see the stage of desperation/boredom I'm in this summer and the depths I sink to.

Hello. My name is Dawn and I am an alcoholic. Ok...I'm not really. Cos' I don't go for stupid meetings. So that would pretty much make me a drunk. Not really funny cos' one of my grandpa's passed away from drinking too much (which resulted in me never knowing him at all).

In any case, my liver is feeling rather poorly, so is my skin for that matter. The liver is suffering because I've been out drinking the entire weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday - and I had to work on Saturday and Sunday. As for my skin, specifically my face, I don't know if it's the drinking and late nights or the fact that I've been kissed quite a bit recently (on the cheeks). Or maybe it's a combination of both. If it's the latter, then I must be allergic to Stephen and Nyssa, which I sincerely hope not.

ARGH...I'm growing fuglier by the second.

But, on a more serious note, quite a few people have passed away recently. It's always hard to lose someone even if it's expected. My prayers and my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have passed away - Lena Cheo, Chow Guang Ren, Debbie's Granduncle and Justin Lee's mother.

May God Bless the souls of those who have left us and fill their loved ones with His Grace and Love.

It was easier being a child, living in a cocoon of ignorant bliss. There was no worry or insecurities or any anxieties over your every action or word. No fear of the consequences, or underlying implications. We lived simply the way we were. A joyous existence that did not go beyond the surface.

In Asian Management Systems, we're learning about the relationship network model; where people congregate in networks and one network and another tends to have gaps that are bridged by one individual or more. In the case of only one bridge between two networks, the person who serves as the bridge becomes a crucial figure as he/she controls all information transfer between the two networks. Information transfer thus becomes subject to the individual's selection criteria and his/her bias towards transferring information.

I find myself caught in the situation above. I know that he is a good person. Yes, he has invested a lot in her. He has given (almost) his all in his bid to win her eventhough she has never promised him anything. Over the past few months, I've grown used to having him share his idealistic dreams of a life together with her; it was with a heaviness in my heart that I listened to the usually verbose him pour his heart out punctuated with regular silences.

Knowing what I know, I was so tempted to slap some sense into him by speaking the absolute blunt truth but as a friend, I knew that there were some things that were just better left unsaid. Even so, I failed as a friend. All he wanted was for me to be a girl and let him bitch but I chose to be "a guy" in this situation by giving him rational advice, thereby, taking away his opportunity to work up an emotional storm and have a good cry later on.

Still, I can only hope that I did make him feel better. She means so much to me and I love her. But over these recent months, he's started to occupy a tiny place in my heart as well. While she'd always come first with me, it still pains me to see him hurt.

Sometimes, ignorance truly is bliss. The world is as you perceive it to be. Nothing goes wrong and all is an idealistic dream.

WAR: AN ECONOMICAL VENTURE

There's been alot of protests going on recently over the war in Lebanon and it's gotten me thinking. Many would think badly of the Bush administration and the many wars that America has participated in. But here's food for thought: War has traditionally been taken as a last resort or as an aggressive stance to achieve something. Basically, the wars of the past have been fought for greed (conquering new lands), when honor is at stake, etc. But has war now progressed from being a political venture to one that has more economical nuances?

A significant portion of the American taxpayers' dollar goes towards the country's defence fund. This in turn is used to procure weapons, machinery and the such, things essential in fighting a war. Soldiers need to be clothed, fed, have a roof to slip under, etc. All these are contracted out. Industries previously not profitable in nature become profitable in times of War and this in turn, creates jobs for people as workers are needed in factories to produce these things. In a somewhat, sick vicious cycle, the taxpayers' dollar indirectly creates jobs for the nation and pours money back into the economy through selected industries.

So tell me, has war not become an economical venture?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I approve of war or violence. But realistically, we know that sometimes war is inevitable and some wars were fought with good intentions in mind i.e the Confederate war that was fought to abolish slavery. Yet, at the end of the day, for every job created and for every dollar earned for the economy, there's someone's son or daughter; wife or husband, boyfriend or girlfriend, brother or sister, uncle or auntie, cousin, etc who was shot, maimed, emotionally scarred or killed in this great economical venture that is war.

Can you go to bed at night knowing the money you earned and spent was gained through the spilling of someone's innocent blood?

Hello, my name is Dawn and I am a shopaholic.

I know that my recent employment and the receipt of my first paycheck entitles me to spending on myself or "treating myself" as Estee says but I think my groaning wardrobe begs to differ. Even my workmates have commented on my spending.

Working at your favorite clothing store is both a blessing and a bane; you get staff discounts but now you have a legitimate reason to keep buying clothes because you "need" them for work.

I think I'm going to be terrible at saving. My poor nest egg. It's going to take ages to build up.

In any case, I'm happy with the gorgeous jewellery I bought; I shall henceforth be known as Leann's muse because I inspire her to make hot, customized pieces for me. I'm also extremely pleased with the midnight blue vintage dress I bought (although I can't wear it to work cos' I'm going to alter it and make it shorter.); the white belt to go with it; the black dress and cardigan to go with it. Of course, the light blue summer dress from Jay Jay's and the pink cardigan with the red satin pockets and ribbon from Peter Alexander was just pure me spoiling myself rotten.

I'm wearing my new black dress and cardigan to work. At least I'd look pretty at Sandeep's dinner thing-y.

Oh...and I must say I love where I work but after Stephen's birthday drinks tonight at Lounge, I really do start to love my workmates more, especially, Nyssa, who kept kissing me and gave me her "fart kisses".

Off to bed. I'm so knackered and I'm opening the store with Garth tomorrow and staying till closing.

TTFN

p/s: Thank you Nina and Sarah, for following me around patiently while I tried on oodles of clothes although you guys were tired. *KISSES*

Today's Advice:

Make good decisions or be good at it...

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde

Are you a Vodka Bitch?

We all know we do stupid things when we're drunk? Or do we? I find that with a certain friend, denial and ignorance seems to set in just as his beer goggles does. This isn't the first time that he's been abusive towards me while he's drunk. When I mention it to him, he thinks I'm exaggerating or lying.

Whatever.

I don't think drunkeness is an excuse for treating your friends shabbily.

p/s: I actually had a pretty great day today, swishing around in my coveted gorgeous green dress that has sold out in the CBD area and selling the most merchandise (thrice that of everyone else's individual sales). Plus, one of the girls in today was just fabulous, eventhough she's only in for training. But someone had to go and ruin my day. *SIGH*

FAREWELL, MY MIMI...

Herein lies the tale of A Small Miaow who entered my life one cold, wintry winter day in June 2005. The following one year has been a wonderful journey of watching korean dramas together in our pajamas; eating; shopping at Laguna for junk food; eating the best Spam with instant noodles, prawn crackers, and goreng pisang; ganging up on Babu; getting excited over gossip magazines, etc.

Ahhh.....But all good things must come to an end, and so it's goodbye for now. Across the ocean to sunny Indonesia for two weeks of sun, humidity and the pleasures of home. And thereafter, lies a new adventure: Starting work in Singapore.

*SOB*

I'd miss her cute smile and cheek dimples that makes her look like Tigger; her unique laughter that always come after a split-second delay; the way she always says "no need"; the cheeky smile that makes her look like a little meow-meow; the "pat-pat" she says when she wants to sayang me; the sweet way she calls me "dawnie".

THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES...


Mimi's graduation...24th August 2005

Downstairs the apartment...I can't remember when. I think it was late last year.

Sydney, July 2006 - Enjoying the best of Sydney and the River Cruise.

Sydney 2006 - The Opera House

And saving the best for last...My favorite picture of Mimi. Because she looks so cute. Just like a cute Meow-meow and hence, why she is also known as Small Miaow.

Oh! Sad, sad Dawnie who couldn't go see a certain little 'cute cat' off at the airport early this morning.

*SULK*

But all is not lost...for TUPAI is still here. I promise to take good care of him, Mimi. Remember, *RUB-RUB*

heh heh.

Everybody look at me, me
I walk in the door you start screaming
Come on everybody what chu here for?
Move your body around like a nympho
Everybody get your necks to crack around
All you crazy people come on jump around
I want to see you all on your knees, knees
You either want to be with me, or be me!

She's a Maneater, make you work hard
Make you spend hard
Make you want all, of her love
She's a maneater
make you buy cars
make you cut cards
Wish you never ever met her at all!

And when she walks she walks with passion
when she talks, she talks like she can handle it
when she asks for something
boy she means it
even if you never ever seen it
everybody get your necks to crack around
all you crazy people come on jump around
you doing anything to keep her by your side
because, she said she love you, love you long time!

-"Maneater" (Nelly Furtado)

I normally dislike Nelly furtado's songs, especially her whiny "I'm like a bird" and "Turn off the lights". But I really like this song. I think it's the title "MANEATER". That, and the fact that we play the song constantly at work. Heh heh.

And in the words of Stephen, it's so Garth's song...

My feet are killing me...

Today was my first full shift at work. I was on my feet from 12-9p.m in a dress and boots. I wanted to die. We were so busy today and we had periods where I was just rushing up and down the stairs of the split level store, getting everyone the sizes they wanted. Some customers were bitchy, some were nice and some were...well, interesting.

I had this gay indian guy come in and he had on make-up and had the most effeminate manner but he had the cutest doggie with him. Teehee.

Then, there was this asian girl who was a real bitch about some discount that we didn't carry anymore. Boy, was she rude! There were some customers who came in and tried a million stuff but didn't buy a thing.

There was also this Swiss guy who came in with his girlfriend and they were the sweetest. They were polite and bought heaps of stuff from me. They even came back to get more stuff from me later in the evening. I love them!

Sandeep came in during my break and tried on some stuff. I ended up buying some more clothes during my break eventhough my mum had bought me some stuff for work yesterday. I guess it's true what Stephen says: you end up spending more in the store when you work there. Especially if you are a clothes horse like moi! Nyssa was ribbing me and asking me who Sandeep was, and I was like: "Err...just a friend?" I briefly explained to her how I was an "un-mary"; I think she got the idea.

Nina and Siew passed through but were off to somewhere.

One of my mentees, Pei, came in with a present for me for my graduation, which was really sweet of her! It was actually from Pei and Pook (both my mentees). Awww...they are such sweeties! I was busy or I would have chatted to her longer.

At least, I got to close up with Garth whose alot easier to work with than my manager who can be quite anal and pedantic.

I would have loved to have a night out but I'm just dead tired now. I don't even think I can eat dinner...And I have class tomorrow at ten plus a group assignment meeting afterthat.

*WHIMPER*

Oooooh...but I earned bragging rights for selling two pairs of ALBA FAN CLUB jeans. Haha. Fifteen hundred bucks or thereabouts worth of clothes sold today by moi...I'd say it's a good start. And I'm getting a five-hour shift on Sunday. Oh yeah, baby!

GRADUATION PART 2

THANK YOU TO ALL FOR THE LOVELY GIFTS!!!!!!!!!

Aren't they the cutest? My brother got me the Graduation Bear and a family friend got me the "Bride" bear. Her name is Bianca and she even has a birth certificate...

Thanks to my lovely friends who came to take pictures and brought me flowers. I don't think I've ever received so much flowers in my entire life. Thanks to Nina and Sarah for the lovely pink roses; to Mimi for the lovely pink lilies (you're the only one who remembered that white lilies are my fave followed by pink ones); to Shuyan for the tulips; to my Grandma who gave me the massive bunch of red roses and to Brian, Eric and Janice for the lovely long-stemmed rose.

Thanks to my lovely mummy who loaned me these stunning earrings for graduation.

HAPPY GRADUATION, ME!

So, today was not only Singapore's birthday but my graduation ceremony for my undergraduate. It was totally sweet. My family and alot of my friends came down to take pictures with me.

MANY MANY THANKS to AMELIA, BRIAN, CELINE, ERIC, JANICE, NINA, REYNOLD, SARAH, WAIYING, AUNTIE SUSIE AND UNCLE BRUCE for coming down to celebrate my graduation with me.

Me and Celine getting "gowned"

I had by far, one of the largest groups for taking the studio shots.

The ceremony was really long though. *BLEARGH* It was so hot in the hall and I was extremely bored. To my horror, I discovered a pimple on my right cheek after the ceremony. EEKS!!!

Congratulations to fellow graduands CYNTHIA, KIM, KRIT, NADIA and JAY amongst others.

And thanks to NOEL, for lending me his 'handicapped' permit, which made parking so much easier...

Ooooh...and of course, the lovely graduation pressies

Happy Graduation from Daddy...

Happy Graduation from Mummy...

Happy Graduation from... myself!
It's a double-side bag I treated myself to.
Hee hee hee.

I'm dead tired. My first shift at work started today at 1p.m and I was on my feet all the way till 6.45pm without a single break. I did sell 400 bucks or thereabouts worth of stuff. So, I'm pretty happy. Still, it was exhausting. I had to rush off to uni for classes after that till 9.15p.m and that was a killer.

Tomorrow is National Day and my graduation. I have to (reluctantly) skip class. Maybe I should rock up to uni in red-and-white. Haha.

On the bright side, I've checked my shifts and I do have some weekend shifts... *KA CHINK*

"For by Grace are you saved, it is a gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

I am one lucky girl. On average, most people send out about fifty resumes to as many places and even then, they may not get the job on the first try. Yes, I went through that whole one month of waiting in agony but to be honest, I've been really fortunate in getting my casual job. I got called on Wednesday for an interview, had my interview at 2p.m on Thursday, was hired by 5 p.m and start work this Tuesday. All in all, when things get going, they really pick up speed.

Life kinda is like that. Some days you're floating on a tube down a lazy river; you approach and a blind corner and suddenly, around the bend, there are rapids and if you're really unlucky, a flash flood.

I'm excited to be starting work. I really like where I'm working; nice people, nice product, nice location, nice compensation. *LOL*

Plus, I'm no longer in financial dire straits. Yay...after three weeks of starving, it's good to be liquid again. Getting paid is fantastic and then suddenly, I had all these refunds from Medibank and stuff. Haha. Being a permanent resident rocks.

Yep, you read right...I am now half an australian.

And now, I have to go read a gazillion pages of boring hypotheses for my AMS class. *SIGH*