TOP 10 THINGS I WILL MISS MOST!

It's not like I haven't traveled...It's that I haven't lived abroad...
I am going to miss the states; California in particular, and everything I know!
The top 10 things I will miss most while living in China are...(not in numerical order)

1. MY CAR...driving fast and listening to music!!!
2. FRIENDS and FAMILY (Pets included!)
3. THE GYMMMM<3
4. OMGSH! FASHION ISLAND
5. FUN WITH FRIENDS and WEEKEND FUN with MOMMY<3
6. LAYING OUT to TAN and RELAX
7. MARGARITAS with the RIGHT MIX
8. KNOWING the LANGUAGE in the COUNTRY I RESIDE
9. EL POLLO LOCO
10. NOT HAVING TO BUDGET!

I love you guys<3

Lets face it Alex, this summer has been AWFUL.
There has been little time for friends or family, in fact I have probably only seen them a hand full of times during the past few months. The only true wholesome enjoyment I have had is with my international business cohort. I have met some awesome people and hope to keep in contact with them not only in China but afterwards and forever. They are awesome, supportive, intelligent, strong-willed people who I can relate to and who have become my lifelong friends.
I thank God for my old friends- Evette, Becky and Esther who have stood by me, and who I trust and love whole-heartedly. They have been nothing but supportive and are always there for me when I need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to talk to.
My parents and brother have also been awesome<3 My mom and dad know how stressful this program has been and do whatever they can to make my life easier. When I have a spare day, my dad and I hit up trestles with our long boards and my mom; who I consider to be my best friend sends me care packages and note cards weekly=)
Thank You everyone...I love you and am going to miss you all so much!

GETTING READY FOR SHANGHAI

Hi Everyone!
So excited to be posting my first blog! As many of you know, I am leaving for China very soon; August 21. The masters program I have chosen, is a unique one to say the least... I mean, what other masters program requires a year of interning in China? For the past month or so I have been taking the required courses, working towards obtaining my degree-MA of international business. The courses are intense and stressful. Thankfully I have been able to keep my head above water and complete the first two classes with A and B marks. My second LARGE paper is due this weekend along with a final and presentation. Overwhelmed cannot describe the way i feel but i wouldn't have expected any less from this program. Taking breaks to GYM IT, and drinking vats of water are my keys to sanity at this point...