So, which one of those thoughts should I open with? Oh, let's get the bad news over with first. We spent the entire day on the Global Financial Crisis in our classes today. If you think hearing it from your investment banker, on CNN or reading about it in the Wall Street Journal depresses you, just try hearing about it from some of the top economists in the world at The Harvard Business School. You don't want to know what I know now. And if you know what I know, you don't want me to remind you. Just one hint though - you might take the suggestion to learn Mandarin very seriously. If I was having a hard time in this class as an American before, you can only imagine the backlash from today's classes. Although, Europe and Asia have certainly done their share to contribute as well. It's one thing developing nations (3rd world countries) can be grateful for -- they do not inherit any blame for this situation.
Okay, on to other tidbits of my life that you will probably not be very interested in. There are 51 steps from the first floor to the 4th floor where my room is. I know this because I count them everyday when I walk up and down them 20 times. I drink about 20 bottles of water a day between meals, classes, study group and personal study time. So, you know what else I do about 20 times a day. Speaking of water, one reason I drink so much is that it is very dry here. It's so dry that I don't have any bad hair days here! Great - I find a place where my hair cooperates everyday and it has to be some place that is 35 degrees in the middle of April.
When you are somewhere that you can not possibly take time for a pedicure (really can't), you have to cut your own toenails. Three weeks in and I finally realized that! Okay, that was TMI.
About the pictures -- The building with glass windows is called Kresege Hall and that is where I eat my meals (the ones not in styrofoam). The picture of the stairs I put in, because I actually saw somebody ride a bike UP them today. They lead from campus to the bridge across the river. The dog picture is because I even miss my dogs (well, they are really Ashley's, Trevor and Trey's - but I claim them since I am hundreds of miles away), and I enjoyed watching this dog swim in the river today. The picture of the JFK park shows you where I spend exactly one hour on the rare sunny afternoon, such as today. Ashley gave me this great wireless weather thingy that shows me the daily weather, hi and lo, and windchill factor and a five day forecast. SO, I have been watching this thing all week and it said hi of 70 and sunny for today. I worked all week day and night to get my cases done early for tomorrow so that I could enjoy the afternoon for a couple of hours and I did!
I am so excited about the CFA team that is coming in on Monday! I cannot wait to see you all! For those who don't know, 11 CFA staff are coming in on Monday to serve CFA to all the class members Tuesday at lunch time. People from all over the world will be having their first taste of CFA! I am not sure what my friends from India will think of the Eat Mor Chickin cow, but we shall see.
I better get back to work -- getting ready for Monday and Tuesday classes so I have time to visit with my CFA friends. And tonight is lobster reception, which means there will be a little lobster and a lot of drinks. I am going for the lobster!
I wish everyone an awesome weekend -- thanks for the many thoughtful cards -- they really lift me and thank you for all the prayers behind them.
Blessings and love to all,
Dee Ann
