Bluche, Valais (VS) - Switzerland

Dearest Bloggets,

I want to apologize for not being a good blogger this semester. I think it is a combination of being comfortable here, increase in work load, and well...just being busy in general. I can type for hours, days, months, years about what has happened in the past month but I would rather do it the way I did it back in January before I left USA. Short, sweet, and to the point.

As of now I have exactly 7 weeks left, 3 weeks left of classes, and 5 big assignments due within those 3 weeks left of my tenative educational career and here is where I stand this day in time...

Took two finals before midterm. Did well on one, did terrible on the other. Got to see Allison in Zurich. Caught up with Allison. Realized how much I missed the South hearing a Southern girl speaking in person. So good to see Allison. Parents arrived three days after. They were jetlagged. We all slept in my room and I woke up with a back ache. Had a skype interview. Started it with "HEY BOY" thinking it was someone I met in London. Haven't heard from them since. Learned my lesson.

Mom gambeled: She won 50 CHF, I lost 50 CHF - Cook finances are breakeven due to that fiasco. Drove 7 hours to Lake Como. Almost beat my father up when he came banging on the door at 8AM asking for toothpaste. My arm was launched back ready to throw it out the door. There stood my best friend and sister who I thought was not going to make it over here. All five of us reunited. Mom got locked in the bathroom and had an attack. We heard a strange bang in the breakfast room. Beth said, "I don't know what that noise is, but I hope it doesn't effect my hot water". It was my mom having a coniption. Owner had to rescue her.

All five of us hiked thru Cinque Terre. Another 5 hours in the car. My brother and sister got to meet some of my friends here. Had a wonderful Argentine meal. Drank wine. Still in shock my sister surprised me. Drank wine again. Spent quality time with my family. Still no job. Drank wine after I drank wine. Haven't had a sip since that week. Cried. Drove another 7 hours to Murren for my Dad's birthday. His favorite place in the world, with all 5 of us. What could be better? Met a new friend in Zurich. Almost left Zurich early. Too much time in the car. Ben's legs are so damn long. But everyone is still alive. Sent two bags home with my family full of who knows what. Still need 3 more bags. We will succeed in not paying for extra luggage weight.

Hate saying goodbye and had to do it to my family. Wasn't too bad considering I will see them soon. Still hate goodbyes. Came back to a group project. Applied for more jobs. Still no job lined up. The sun is shining bright as I sit here on the porch. Weather is perfect. It's 5:45PM. Gonna miss this place. Have learned more than I can explain. Realized things happen for a reason. Got rejected from a job. Miss my friends at home. Can't wait to be reunited. Had a deep conversation with my grandma. Miss her too. She got off the phone because she had to go to the bathroom (Mom don't read this part to her, she will kill me and I won't get that diamond ring on her finger when she dies). Got asked to be apart of my cousin's wedding in December. Miss the ocean. I better stop because I have a finance final tomorrow and need to be ready.

Be prepared to read my last blog in a few weeks. It will be touching. Until then, happy Spring and God bless.

Love,
Becca

Hey gang,

Well, just returned from London late last night. I cannot describe how wonderful it was to get off the mountain after being here for nine weeks. I do love it here with all my heart, but sometimes you just need to get away. I did the same at PC from time to time. And, well, Les Roches is pretty much PC on top of a large range of mountains and in a different country. Seriously, there are only 2,000 students including graduates and undergrads...you can only imagine how often the gossip-dar goes off up here!!!

London was wonderful! I made so many friends (one that was from Murrell's Inlet, SC which was great!) , went so many places, and even got to catch a nights worth of March Madness on Saturday!!! It was comforting to go to a place where people speak English and I don't have to think of speaking French, although I still spoke French there subconsciously...typical!

Rode the London Eye. Went to Madame Tassud. Walked the entire city. Didn't see the London Bridge. Saw the Parliament. Saw Big Ben. Ate good food. Almost broke my arm. Laughed until I cried. Stayed out until 5AM. Held going to the bathroom the longest ever in my life...seriously. The list goes on...

As far as school is concerned, I have about 9 days left of lectures before the family comes. Within those days I have 2 finals and a 45 minute presentation. Not too bad, but enough to keep me busy. Also, I come back to a really big week of stuff due after Spring Break. So I will be busy getting things done so I can relax during their stay. Speaking of, I am so excited for my parents and brother to come! It is going to be so amazing to road trip with them to Italy! I have been missing the old folks a lot lately and can't wait for their arrival!!!

Still no job. Companies found interest in me, and now have teased me. Getting quite frustrated, but what can I do? I am just sitting here patiently hoping something will arise. At least I can say I have tried my hardest to get a job (considering I am applying to the USA and the distance between me and my country). It is getting annoying following up on companies and not hearing things. I have tried hard, probably submitted over 100 applications. Something has to come up eventually...well, hopefully.

I got to thinking this weekend as I spoke to a newly met friend. As we were talking I began to count how many different countries I have spoken to in my life. I got up to 26 and got side tracked. I think it is amazing to know how many different countries I have been surrounded by in my life. Definitely spoiled! And of all those countries, there are so many differences but suprisingly even more things that are alike. You would think there would be more differences than similarities, but I am beginning to think the opposite!!

Anyways, I better hit the books. It is going to take a few hours to get off the vacation mindset and get my life re-organized! Hope everything is going well over there, and the sun is shining bright! Thinking about you all a lot and miss you all so much.

Love,
Becca

It honestly does not make sense to me. You would think that if you get up earlier than you normally have been for the past seven weeks and went to bed later that the days would seem longer. Not in this case! Things are crazy speedy! I was walking to class today and I think I almost fell down due to people's wind from their sprints to classes. Well, as my book bag was being jolted and nearly knocking me down (yes I carry a lot of books, my book bag is heavy) an analogy stumbled across my mind...

Why do people run so fast from their points on their daily itinerary? It is like they do one job, and IMMEDIATELY begin sprinting to another point. It baffles me. It got so deep into my brain in thinking that it sort of reminds me of people driving cars and speed. I am not going to lie, I am guilty of speeding tickets in my past BUT...in reality, it is true that you barely save any time when you speed. Perhaps, a solid 30 seconds...but is it really worth it? Is it worth it to speed and risk hurting yourself or another innocent individual? Do people REALLY have to run to point A to point B in their lives? Mind-blowing. They will fall one day, and I will laugh. Hard.

Welp, we presented our proposal today. I can honestly say I would not have changed a thing on our work effeciency and motivation. We did the best we could do, and I am really proud of our group. We managed to pull it together with 50% less than every other group presenting. And to top it off, the Board of Directors were rather pleased. The six teams competed and only one team is actually allowed to execute their 'proposal' on the assigned blocked day. We came in second place of all the groups. In all actuality, we lost by ONE vote. This, to me, says a lot. It shows that working under pressure is maintainable and feasible. They were really impressed and thanked our group several times. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Employers have been showing interest in me here lately. I am a believer in the saying 'when it rains, it pours'. No matter what the hell it rains...it flippin' pours! It could rain on your parade, and it most certainly will pour. Or it could rain as you are showered with opportunities. Regardless, it happens. And we appreciate these moments so much because when it happens for the best, it makes you smile so big. And even when it happens in a negative way, shouldn't we have to deal with the rainy days to simply appreciate the sunny ones? Just a thought.

This interest from the real world makes me feel like I am going somewhere. Time will only tell where that somewhere will be. Could be living at home with the 'rents making bagels. Fine with me! (Sorry, but it's not happenin' even if I am your favorite daughter...he he!) I won't go into the details about them for several reasons: I don't want let everyone know and it be a buzz kill if nothing arises, I don't want to 'curse' it, and honestly I am too lazy to type it. But, put it this way, I am not as stuck as I have been for the past month and a half. If anything, I am learning how to be a professional interviewee...right?

Just wanted to give you a little post to let you know how I am doing over here. I couldn't be any happier. I love the work load, the people, and the school so much. Life is good, but life can only be better if you are happy. And that is my wish for you tonight! I hope you all take the opportunity to realize how special you are not only to me, but to so many others. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. And that is what makes you an amazing asset to my life. As Dr. Evil would say, "You complete me!" And I stand by that! Take care over there, be home soon! It drives me crazy how much I love you all. Kinda.

Love,
Becca

You know...I have been thinking a lot these days. Not focused on one specific thought or idea, but mainly just thinking more. I would not say it is a bad thing. Perhaps, it is helping me with my stress management. This past Wednesday our group turned in our 80 page proposal. At first, we had the best group of all the teams but things began to slowly dwindle on that idea. A good friend and colleague decided to set sail and leave the program. It was not for him, so he left. It was rather sad, to be quite honest. Furthermore, we had to take care of his job part of the project. We have another group worker, but due to her English level it was hard to assign her particular parts. We tried though. It was a long and exhausting few weeks of no social life and heavy work loads, but it is over for the most part. Surely, we have projects and other deadlines we have to meet on top of having 4 midterms the last week of the month but the heaviest project is done which is nice!

At one point, I asked myself if I missed anything and if I was happy. To be honest with you, I was so dedicated to my work that I did not have time to miss anyone or time to figure out my paradigm in life. I kinda liked not having feelings for a few days. It really proved how much I am willing to work in the real world. I did not even eat a few meals! Now, that is what I am talking about! Ha ha! I have been applying for jobs like it is my business. Like I said, I have been really busy. Well, when I am not doing work I am applying for jobs. My focus is the USA, but I am keeping my doors open around the world. I had a 20 minute phone interview with the Ritz Carlton, NYC Central Park last Thursday. It went pretty good considering it was my first phone interview. I also have had two other interviews with companies that have come to the school. They, too, have gone pretty good, but are focused on European citizens. That is fine with me, I want to come to the USA anyway...the land of the free! But like I have said, I am still submitting everywhere in hopes some company will want me. I promise I will bust my tail for the first few years in the workforce, even if it includes eating noodles and having no life for that time period. I am willing to give it my all in the real world, especially at the beginning. I want to do what it takes to provide my future family with what my parents have provided for me. I am so fortunate, and I thank God every single day. Reminder, I am single...so I have some time to bust it before the children begin to produce...I may need a husband to do that! Just keep your fingers crossed that something will pop up. I am trying my hardest considering the work load is almost ten times more this semester.

Another thing I have learned these past few weeks is how to develop stress tolerance. I think I have succeeded in that manner. Majority of our work this semester is group projects, therefore we work in groups...or so you would think. I discovered a term that I will use the rest of my life: free riders. They are everywhere. You have them in your jobs. They are those people whose goal is to try to get by with doing little as possible. It is like their mission. Well, good mission folks...you people have me aging quicker! I told my teachers the free riders were making me want to develop an addiction to cigarettes. Do not worry Mom and Dad, I have not and will not begin...it was a joke. They thought it was funny, so it worked.

Anyways, I want to conclude on a few thoughts I have discovered minus what has previously been mentioned. I have learned that no matter how busy I am, I am willing to do what it takes to stay in touch with the ones that matter. Even if it is just to say hello and that I hope they are doing well and to apologize for being so busy...it takes two seconds to say it...and those two seconds could mean the world to someone. I am family and friend driven. I always will be. And nothing will change that, no matter how busy I truly am. People use it as an excuse and like I have discussed with people back at home...if you really are passionate about staying in touch with someone you will make it happen regardless of your surroundings. I officially can say that now that I know what it is like in the real world. I have had several glimpses of it here lately. And if I do not learn one thing from this school it is how to balance life in general and realize that I am lucky to be so motivated. A lot of people just want to get by in life and for me, that is not enough. Life is tough. It always has been. Even when you were a child you thought it was. Of course, looking back we all wish we could go back to the young and innocent years in life where your only care was being home from playing with neighborhood friends by dark for dinner. But even then, that was a big care. It may seem easy looking back as we now struggle with more serious issues like economic debt, health problems, and stress management but in all actuality this time will pass as well. And we will all soon be in wheel chairs going back to the same worries...but this time it will not be being in for dinner, it will be preparing for weeks on how to plan a nail painting party with the other women in the nursing home. Life does not stop. Time will never slow down. So enjoy each day to its fullest. Live life in a balanced manner. Do not consume yourself in your job, but work as hard as you can. Remember the people that matter and let them know they matter. Life is fragile, treat yourself with respect and get respect. I miss you all very much. I will be home in 100 days or so, and I can not wait...but I am really sad it is going by so fast. I am truly going to miss it here, regardless of the free riders!

Love and miss,
Becca

I want to first begin with apologizing for not doing my weekly blog these past few weeks. Things have been rather busy over here. Once I get a free minute, I want to step away from the computer and relax with friends here. I promise I will try to do better!

Things here are going well. I can't believe I have been here for an entire month already. We are being overwhelmed with projects, presentations, proposals, and papers at the moment. Our main project is to propose and oraganize an event from A to Z including cutlery settings, entertainment, etc. I can't say what we are doing because we are competeing with 5 other groups. We will find out who wins in mid-March as we propose our event plan to the Board of Directors. I am afraid some people could be weasles and reading my blog from school! I will let you know how it goes at a later time. The actual winning team works as a managerial team (of 5 people) to organize the rest of our class of 32 people when we have our event on May 2.

Another big project that we have is to organize a trip for 30 guests coming from the US. We have to make reservations at hotels and route their stay here in Switzerland. All of it is "made up" but we actually have to call the hotels to make sure there are vacancies, design our logo, email our guest (yes, I have an email address for this company), and have meetings with the guest leader.

Those are two of our main projects, but we also have weekly presentations and papers. Needless to say, I can assure you time is flying!

As for life outside of Les Roches, things are also going well. I am suffering with a pretty bad sinus infection at the moment. I think the entire school is sick. You know how things go in school settings. Once one group of people are sick, it effects the entire mountain! Hopefully with staying in these next two weekends and focusing on school, my cold will get better!

We celebrated Valentine's Day by a group of 15 going out to eat at a Portuguese restaurant. It was great! We could bring our own wine, because half of us were Portuguese speaking and down with the staff! That helped with the bill! They didn't even charge us corkage! What a great Valentine's present! We went out afterwards with all the single ladies and gentlemen and had a great time.

Heading to London during the weekend of Neeley and Robert's wedding, March 20. I can't stand to not be busy during that time as I will be so sad to miss their big day. I know I will be there in spirit, but it just isn't the same! But, don't worry... I was planning on going regardless to London! Paula and I are staying with some of her friends that she met while living there, so that will help with the costs! I am excited to go to a place where everyone speaks English and not French! I am hoping one day I will wake up speaking French, but that is quite unlikely!

I better wrap up. I have to whip up a five pager by the end of the night, and I need to get some rest to rid this infection! I am missing everyone over there like crazy and have been trying very hard to get an internship back at home. Don't worry, I will keep you posted on my success...or lack there of!

Love from the Suisse land,
Becca