What's Been Going On

Admittedly, TheLadiesChoice has been to lazy to blog. The summer heat has been killing me. It seems to get hotter by the day. No doubt a freezing Chicago winter will quickly change my mind. Nevertheless, because I promised that this blog will capture this endless summer (which is fast approaching it's end!), I've listed the things which I've been up to, and what they really mean.

1. The housing lottery just came out and (un)fortunately I've been assigned a twin-studio along with a fellow MBA from my own country.
What this really means: Although I'm glad that I got lucky in the lottery thus saving me a pretty penny and all the hassles of looking for off-campus housing, I'm quite terrified of sharing a bathroom with another human being.

2. I've started a Yahoogroups for all the MBA students leaving my country. This starry-eyed group of hopefuls is set to meet tomorrow at a local bar.
What this really means: As a naturally introverted person (though some might disagree), I've started to realize the value networking (oh, horror of horrors). And while a part of me will always consider networking as "selling out", I'm realistic enough to know that it's part of the game. And TheLadiesChoice always plays to win.

3. Been working on a slideshow for my highschool class's Ten Years After reunion.
What this really means: The nostalgia trip has officially begun. This is part of my own personal way of saying goodbye to the closest people in my life. What struck me the most was how exceptionally close we all were back in the day. We literally did anything and everything together. But now, we've all grown up and are leading separate lives. Nonetheless, it's always good to look back once in a while.

4. Just signed up for an optional pre-MBA field trip for incoming first years.
What this really means: Amongst a list of dozens of international destinations, I only sorted out and chose the trips with high-comfort and high-nightlife rankings. TheLadiesChoice isn't shelling out almost $2,000 for a glorified hiking trip to leave me battered and bruised. Give me tequila shots, and margaritas anytime!

5. Just narrowly evaded a blind date.
What this really means: In my half-hearted attempts to find an IntheMeantimeGirl, I almost managed to secure myself a disastrous date. I know I always say that I look for good conversation first and foremost, but this presupposes that the aforementioned date passes a certain threshold for physical attractiveness. Let's just say that this prospective date did not pass this threshold to say the least. Thank the Lord for Friendster stalking. So thanks to a certain KPie for rescuing me from a harrowing experience!

Living Quarters...choices, choices, choices

In a couple of days, the online application for my bschool's on-campus student housing will be up and running. It's going to be lottery-based so there is no guarantee that I'll be able to secure a spot. Nonetheless, I remain very optimistic since I've read quite a few posts in the student-discussion boards hosted by the school that pretty much everyone who wanted a slot got one. Turns out, that despite the relative convenience of living in-campus, this type of housing is significantly more attractive for international students like myself. The locals, or those living in the States prefer to source their own living quarters from the vast array of surrounding apartments and condos. No doubt, they aren't afraid of the extreme weather conditions or the culture shock that are sure to send tropically-inclined people like me scurrying for cover. I hear the cost-savings of living off-campus are quite tempting as well.

I've pretty much decided on on-campus housing. I have no plans of buying a car during bschool, and since the units all come furnished that also solves any problems of buying furniture, setting up Internet and phone access and all the hassles of moving into a new place. My dilemma now is whether to choose a studio unit, a one-bedroom unit or a twin-studio(!). If costs weren't an issue, I'd go for the one-bedroom unit. Think of the parties, poker nights and PS2 tournaments that can be accommodated by my spanking bachelor pad! But alas, the price is not right. So I'm stuck between a studio or a twin-studio with the latter being the more economical choice.

So what's the problem, you ask?

The thing with the twin-studio is that I'd be sharing a common kitchen and bathroom with a roommate (horror of horrors!).

Well, if you must know, TheLadiesChoice is actually one big mama's boy. Yup, that's right, I've never lived away from home and thus have never felt any compulsion or need to do any household chores. I'm like an undomesticated wild animal...well as wild an animal as a 27 year-old who can't cook, clean, or do laundry can be. Failure to launch indeed.

My thinking is that, if I'm going to have to clean the toilet, then I might as well be assured that I'm cleaning my own crap. I really can't imagine sharing something I hold so sacred with another human being. If it's going to be a mess, then it might as well be my mess.

The price difference is a whopping $300 a month. A small price to pay for my peace of crap. Haha.