₪ρriŋceSs Ðeßoraђ₪™

Writing, some argue it takes inspiration, other say it takes detailed planning. 
Fortunately, I've tried both approaches.  When a 10 pages research paper is due, I cannot afford to sit around waiting for inspiration to hit.  But then again, it is a research paper, it does not call for creativity, therefore a dry skeletal outline with technical information should be able to do the trick.  Other times, when inspiration hits, I have the urge to roll out of bed and translate the sparks between the neurons in my brain into words, and needless to say, this is when true work is produced.

Yes, inspiration is nothing but a instant spark between neurons in the brain.  The ability to capture those sparks successfully and transfer them into beautiful poetry is a talent which few people possess.  The work of many authors-Dumas, Hugo, Dickens and so on and so forth, all started with a simple spark.  As a matter of fact, the quantity and quality of such inspirations within authors such as these are significantly greater and higher when compared to those of common Joe.

I'd be lying my teeth off, if I were to say I do not envy those talents-the ability to be constantly inspired and be able to successfully capture those sparks.  Especially in times such as these, when I am required to produce quality, creative work on a tight schedule using boring materials.  

I was not planning on having guests over for thnxgiving, the reason being that my GMAT is on the 28th.  Therefore, I need to study, study study.
But, since Yao's friend came back briefly from his year long business trip, and is leaving the morning of my test, I budged.

As I expected, my obsessive-compulsiveness piqued as soon as I learned that people are coming over.  I had the menu planned two days in advance.  One of the reasons I absolutely hate having people over for holidays is that I feel pressured to have the food on the table, ready to eat when they walk in the door.  So, I had a detailed schedule planned out.  On the schedule, I planned out when I was going to make the cheesecake and how long would it take, what I was going to prepare while the cheesecake was baking (so I can pop it in the oven the minute I take out my cheesecake). 
I finished the Spanokopita, and cheesecake completely, and assembled Potato Skin, and Chicken rolls half way the night before.

The second morning, as soon as I got up, I finished another detailed schedule of when to do what.  Unfortunately, the husband was not too much of a help.  I told him to clean the house, since he was all thumbs in the kitchen and I was not going to cook and give him instructions on where to find what. 

After 4 hours of craziness, the food was on the table and ready to go when the guests walked in.  Ahhhhhhh, peace at last.  Now, my favorite part- watching people eat-till-they-drop, while Mozart is playing in the background.  Very dramatic.

I've had my gym membership for a little over a year.  Unfortunately, i've only been there a handful of times.  Call it laziness, call it lack of determination, but there are day where I simply could not get the energy to drive myself to the gym, let alone, change, workout, swim, shower and drive back home.  Yeah... it is laziness alright.

So today, I decided not to flush my money down the drain anymore and went to the gym.  I ran for 30 minutes, got off and started feeling surreal, like I was walking on clouds.  That means my brain is probably shrieking for oxygen. 
When I was still in China (meaning 1st grade-ish), I use to be trained daily in track and field.  I use to be able to run for hours without being tired!  I must have been a super hyper active kid! Geeesh!  I remember getting up at 4 am and hitting the track for 2 hours before I go home and eat breakfast.  Was I not tired back then?????  I remember my coach forced me to run in the rain and my immune system was strong enough to push me through that without getting a cold. 

Ugh.... I must be in terrible shape now.  
Well, being the generous person I am, I decided to buy a set of personal trainer hours.  Sadly, the cute trainer I had a year ago is gone  and I am placed with the one female personal training, who I've been envious of forever.  She has 0% body fat! Okay, I'm exaggerating, but she has no fat! Pure lean muscles!   Now, when can I be like that......... 

I know I lack motivation and tend to cheat when no one is looking....  So, a personal trainer might just be what I need to get me motivated, a drill Sargent might work as well, but those hotties tend to be a little hard to locate for my personal use.  Thus, I shall make do with my 0%-body-fat hot-mama personal trainer for now

This is was my first run for the GMAT.  After months of cramming, I still wasn't sure if I was ready.  I hated the feeling. 
So I was told to relax the day before the test.  I tried, and failed miserably.  I was so nervous and so edgy.  My brain has flat lined and my heart was sinking into a bottomless pit. 
I planned on getting up at 8, and get ready.  Well, my mom decided to call at 6 am and wish me luck.   Ugh! are you kidding?  I don't know what I said and how I hung up, but I know I went back to sleep instantly.  When I woke up later with a splitting headache and a brain that has thrown in the towel, I knew I was in trouble.  Redbull didn't seem to jump start my brain... 

When I arrived at the testing center, I could feel my heart accelerating.  Oh great, just what I need.  I took a deep breath, convinced myself that it would be alright if I flunked it miserably.  I could try again in 30 days.  I used all those good ol' relaxation tips I've given to clients before.  Haha, now I know they don't really work all that great.  So, I went in the elevator, pressed 5th floor and in the meanwhile, I'm still trying to calm down.  I went into the restroom prior to going into the proctor room.  An old Filipino lady was inside, I nodded and tried to move alone.  She asked me if I was taking a test, so I answered "yes".  She asked me what I was taking, so I told her.  I was bewildered as she grabbed my arms started crying and telling me how nervous she is.  She clutched on to me and asked me to pray for her.  I did comply..... but now I was more nervous than ever!!!!

I didn't know what in the world I was doing when I was checking off those answer choices.  I was pretty much brain dead.  Yup!  And I got a miserable score.  So much for my first time taking the GMAT..... geeesh...

Lesson to be learned:
Don't tell your mother you have a test!
Turn off your cell phone!
and NEVER EVER use the restroom on the same floor as the proctor center!

Alright, I don't mean to sound like a downer, but this constant state of rain is literally driving me insane!
I mean, I get it, it fall, cold front encounters warm front and BAM! here comes the rain.  But a WHOLE month??? Give me a break! It is already more than double the average amount for the past years!

I wouldn't mind seeing sunshine ONCE in a while! No, really! I wouldn't mind!  I hate getting up everyday and seeing clouds.  This is Chicago, not some vampire possessed little town in Washintong State.

"rain, rain go away, come again another day"