So ... here I am.  It's Saturday night and I'm at home.  I skipped out on the MBA Formal at the last minute.  I really did want to go so that I could spend time with some of my graduating MBA friends; but when it came down to it, I realised the smarter decision was to stay home and get some rest.  It's been a rough week - there's been a lot on my mind.  Projects, papers, impending final exams, the Washington conference, the Unit, the Rotary project, my hunt for a summer internship, does it ever end?  So I stayed home ... gave my heart a chance to slow down ...

One thing's for sure: I've certainly improved my time management skills since the first semester.  Back in October I was sleeping odd hours, always running to try and keep up, and constantly concerned about various things coming due.  I saw the MBA as two years in which to take on new challenges and as many opportunities as I could find.  While I still see it that way, I believe I've learned how to focus my efforts more efficiently.  So this semester's been a lot more organised, and even with more on my plate, I feel more confident and not as overwhelmed.  Attitude-wise, I came into this semester planning to focus less on marks and more on involvement.  Extracurricular activities, networking, enjoying the learning experience, spending time with my friends.  I'd say I've done a lot more of these things, perhaps not as much as I'd like to, but an improvement nonetheless.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm a workaholic or just trying to do too many things at once...

My friend Luis Javier López mentioned to me the other day that the attitude in North America seems to be live to work ... he pointed out that Europe seems to be where it's at.  Where they work to live ...

The MBA's not only tested my intellectual capabilities, but also my emotional awareness and mental stability.  Does it sound like I'm a few bricks short of a load...  perhaps!  But this is good.  I relish the challenges.  For example, I find I've been contemplating the state of my interpersonal skills.  Networking etiquette, relationships with family & friends, writing letters, e-mails, etc.  I seem to be second-guessing my ability to manage these simple tasks...  Since I returned from Colombia, I have become preoccupied with interpersonal matters of the simplest nature.  It's become even more acute since I began the MBA.  I've started to notice the difference between the Canadian and Latin cultures much more than ever before, and I see now how it has affected my personality and attitude towards life.  This has been the object of much self-analysis these last couple of years.  You may have noticed it from my ramblings here on ryanrowe.com...