Those who can, do; Those who can't teach.

I was watching this afternoon a random movie (don't even know which) but I liked a lot the end of it, when a student tells his teacher (after receiving an invitation to be a speaker at one of its courses) the line from the title.

This line made me smile, because last year, during the exam there were discussions with the HR professor from University regarding the steps in recruitment. And although other books were stating differently, she didn't want to accept other ideas but the ones she had. At the end she told us that instead of trusting HR managers and others involved int he HR area, we should trust the teachers who are doing research and issuing theories. Of course, at that time being in the situation to almost fail the exam (because of my opinion), I couldn't tell her anything, but in my mind definitely there was something similar to the tile of this post.

I was positively surprised in the last month that some deans of universities in Romania had the good idea if inviting specialist from different fields to teach for the master degrees, admitting that it would be more useful to have the practical experience, rather than the theory especially for a masters' course which is not so general. Really a pleasant surprise. Now I only want to see it happen.

Despre ASE

(un post frustrat, deci daca esti intr-o stare buna si vrei sa ramai asa, mai bine nu-l citi)

M-am hotarat, cel putin ca sa ma descarc, sa imi spun off-ul pe blog, pentru ca m-am saturat sa fiu tratata ca ultimul om intr-o institutie care se considera (pe nedrept) de prestigiu.

- m-am saturat sa mi se tranteasca usa in nas
- m-am saturat sa nu mi se dea informatii telefonic, sau mai rau sa mi se ridice telefonul si in doua secunde sa fie inchis la loc (ca vreo secretara frustrata e obosita) mai ales atunci cand nu exista informatii pe site
- m-am saturat sa stau la cozi si sa respect un program imbecil care eventual mai e si o data pe saptamana (studentii de la Masterul X au program la secretariat doar joi de la ora x la y)
- m-am saturat sa ma decid la fiecare inceput de semestru ca un anume curs nu merita atentia din cauza profesorului si a modului sau de predare (Se intampla mai mult decat frecvent)
- m-am saturat ca toti (ok, aproape toti) looser-ii care termina ASE-ul sa devina profesori (ma afecteaza in mod principal ca sunt profesorii mei).
- m-am saturat sa studiez materii care nu ma ajuta deloc doar pentru ca vreun taran care ar trebui sa lucreze pamantul (judecand dupa jeg-ul de sub unghii cu care s-a prezentat la examen, poate chiar asta face uneori) vrea sa devina mare cadru universitar in ASE.
- m-am saturat sa cersesc atentie, hartii, informatii etc

Oare cand va fi si ASE-ul asta o institutie care isi va trata cu respect studentii? Oare cand secretarele isi vor da seama ca sunt acolo pentru studenti si nu invers? Oare cand...? Oare cand...? Lista continua la infinit.

Stau si ma intreb, daca in mijlocul unui program ar trebui sa renunt sau ar trebui sa mai suport inca un an cu aceleasi atitudini...

Cred ca si speranta o sa moara inainte ca "fabrica de bani" ASE sa se schimbe.

Moru

p.s.: si totusi trebuie sa recunosc ca in 5 ani s-au schimbat doua lucruri (cam putine zic eu pentru 5 ani, da hai sa nu ii demotivam)

- nu mai exista taxele infernale de la fiecare inceput de semestru si din perioada restantelor. Si-au dat seama si academicienii ca in lumea reala (in care ei sigur nu traiesc) se pot face si plati on line, si la ghiseele bancilor si mai ales fara a fi nevoit sa fii client al bancii care probabil cotizeaza cel mai mult la ASE
- nu mai trebuie sa stai la coada la secretariat sa iei formularul de restante, pe care paoi sa il completezi, dupa care sa il duci la loc sa il semneze, dupa care sa platesti restantele, dupa care sa il aduci din nou la secretariat (v-am pierdut pe drum? asa se pierd si studentii pe coridoarele ASE-ului cand sunt trimisi de la un birou la altul)

Counting to "n"

About two years ago I attended a sales training and not a lot of information remained in my mind since then, but a thing about sales and motivation of sales people definitely did (it is not exactly the quote but it is the general idea):

"You called/had a sales meeting once and the answer was no. You called/had a second sales meeting and the answer was no. You called/had a third sales meeting and the answer was no... think that until 100 there is a long way, and be prepared to get 99 "NOs", because the 100th will be a "YES"."

I want to think that 100 can be replaced by "n" and that "n" is 99,(9)% of the times much "<100".

Not all the times when you got a "NO" is the end of the world... you are just one step closer to YOUR "YES".

Moru

p.s.: special dedication to the part of THE TEAM that is not matched YET

Dreaming with the eyes wide open

I'm still in Bucharest, with plenty of free time, and while reading other blogs I realized mine is not updated.

A lot of things cross my mind these days. Things about the present, and mostly about the future, in such a way that sometimes I feel I am not living the present but constantly making plans for the future.

Present

I'm not very comfortable with it but I am trying to make it as nice as possible. I will start today dancing classes and most probably I will have a lot of fun (or provide more fun for the others? :) ) At the same time I am trying to pass all my exams I have left, which is definitely not an easy job (I guess I am no longer used to learning for school and more than this I realized the courses that I'm taking are not really the ones that I want and like... important discovery, after all). The best thing about all this period is that I can meet more often dear people and some are even visiting Romania in the next few weeks (a good thing since I made a commitment to myself that I'm not going abroad anymore until I know what I will know my next final destination).

I guess I learned a lot of lessons lately, or at least I've been through interesting experiences. I got my first "no" (see Cata, I got it :) ), I made choices that had no way back and although I know I cannot turn back time, I am content with these choices. I guess it was time to assume risks.

Future

Still a question mark. I realized that I am applying for internships without being sure of what I really want and I'm waiting for the day when I will have to learn my lesson. I guess something that can satisfy all my requirements there isn't... yet or maybe there will never be. Sill, I am not sure if what I want is really what I need or what I should get. The only problem is that I get the feeling that soon I will be all alone here, because everybody seems to be leaving. So I am still searching and applying, but at least I am not tired yet.

Moru

A year in Provence

Try an easy-to-read and "delicious" book about the daily life in Provence region. And if you see it anywhere in French please let me know :)

Happy and lucky

Even in my last post I was complaining about my situation, feeling insecure about the future, abut my plans, about life in general. I guess my feelings were too negative in the last period because a stage in my life is going to change and changes never made me happy (yes, I don't like adventures, I don't like risks and I don't like changes... not that I don't accept them, I just don't like them. I can handle them, but I don't like them).

Still, talking to a dear friend today, I realized that everything that I ever wanted came true (and if it didn't than it means that I will still live until all my dreams will come true)... So why won't this happen now? And guess what, it's not that I am going to change my plans according to the events around me, but I am going to strive for what I wish the most: to do what I want, where I want. And even if this is not going to happen, I am still going to strive for it, and it's gonna happen one day, one way or another.

I realized that I am happy... Could be better, I won't deny it, but I am happy. So I am going to start showing this. And if anybody ever dares to question my decisions, I will take the time to explain them. Although I never made them public (why do that? just to show off? no thanks) my values and principles have always been the ones that guided me and I am feeling good because of that. And whenever I did something different, in the end I wasn't happy, I wasn't feeling more fulfilled, I wasn't feeling good at all. I can picture my life the way I want it to be, and there is no compromise that I am going to do. I don't believe in a lot of things the others believe in, but there are two things certainly I believe in: ME and MY DREAMS.

Thank you my dears (you know who you are) for everything: for questioning, for challenging, for believing. And thank you Nona for having trust in me and for helping me and more important, for standing me the way I am.

With love,
Moru

I make God laugh by telling him my plans

I am going through a very tough period in which I am thinking about the different choices that I will have to make or that I might have to make (it's not tough only because of this but uncertainty makes it tougher). I use my free time to imagine the future, to see exactly how I want it to be, although I am convinced it will not look as I see it now (the title of the post says why) I had one of the best conversations yesterday... with myself... and it answered a lot of questions and dilemmas... Still not all. but it was a good start.

I am almost at the end of my term in the MC (yes, 3 more months, but I can call it almost at the end) and I have to decide upon the next steps. And the first choice was made: no more @ involvement... but now what? A job? Traineeship? Both? None? :) (I guess the last one is not an option although being a normal student again (was I ever?) would be as challenging as getting used to live in Africa :) )

A lot of people think that I have the clear image of my future... Do I? What if something is not as I want it to be? How do things change? What would be the image then? Still the same? I guess not..

Would I be happy to stay here and work? Can I find the internship that I want? Would be the country important? Would be the company? Would be the JD? Would be my friends? Would be my family? Would be my comfort? Would be feelings? A lot of questions without an answer. And still, I might have to give up some of these... But which ones?

Something has to change...
Moru

Some things about me

I found this on Dey's blog and it seemed very interesting to go through it...

You can also use it on your blog and just bold the ones that suit you.

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby’s diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said “I love you” and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise (a lot of times)
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (a lot of times :( )
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (during high school it was a habit)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse (even overcame challenges to be allowed to see it)
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke (a lot of times)
50. Lounged around in bed all day (this is almost my favorite hobby :) )
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don’t
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest (I was a clown, a butterfly, a ghost, a ladybird... long live primary school :D )
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy (not recently but at 15 I bought a baby doll and at 16 I was till buying clothes for it... now I stopped :D)
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing (I almost never sleep during flights, so definitely not))
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi (this is the last thing I do every time I leave Vienna)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe (only 4??? :) )
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band (if school choir counts)
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz (in January I will waltz :) hopefully well enough)
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane (honestly I think this every time I have to fly by plane... but once I really believed the plane will crash)
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hotel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

Falling in love... again

Since two years ago, each autumn, in the first half of October, I fall in love. Yesterday it happened again.

I have a very special relationship with a certain entity (I guess it sounds too tough to call it this way). No matter how upset I am, no matter how tired I am, no matter the way that I am, there is this special moment that makes my heart beat faster, makes me cry and makes me have butterflies in my stomach (because of the songs, because of the images, because of the memories, because of everything it means for me)

Yesterday I attended the Big Picture of @ BU again (surprisingly I didn't attend the one in the year when I was recruited)... And I fell in love again with @. I felt the chills, I felt excited and I was really happy that I was part of it again.

Happy,
Moru

Yesterday... What a day...

...that started really early in the morning, because of the last exam in faculty.

At noon I lost my faith that I will graduate this year... but still I could not imagine another year in my faculty.

After 4 hours spent in the University, just waiting and feeling that I am loosing my time, I found out that I am graduating... officially :) Yu-hu.

My final paper is almost ready, my exams are all ok... so yesterday evening I celebrated with EB 0607 (me as an intruder :) )

Can't believe it's actually finnishing :)

Happy,
Moru

Happiness

I don't know exactly what happened but during the past days I felt really really good... and happy.

Maybe a lot of things contributed to this but I feel really excited about the next month and I had some really nice moments:

- I am planning a very nice surprise (and I just love this)
- I surprise myself every day by smiling more and more
- we are planning the New Years' Eve and apparently the plan will soon become reality
- I passed both my exams during this exam session and I feel really confident about the next ones
- next week I will have next to me some of my dearest people
- I had a chillaxing evening with my best friend, going out, drinking a delicious coffee and window shopping

If I look at all the things that happened in the last period and the things that are going to happen soon, I can say that all the things that make me happy are happening:

- nice surprises (for me or others)
- moments in which I surprise myself
- overcoming challenges
- having close to me dear people

Just happy,
Moru

Cultural night for @BU

For me it was already the third edition of Museums' Night and it was a great joy to see that the number of participants has increased. In the past years the museums were not so full but this year we had to skip 2 museums because of the crowd.

The meeting point was the National Museum of History. A high number of members were there and inspite the heat inside the museum, we managed to see a "golden" part of the museum.

Looking forward to the next year's edition,
Moru

All four of us... together

I could call it a week-end but it was not... There were only 2 relaxing and full of fun days.

A few days before going to Vienna I started missing the girls so much and being so anxious to go and see them. After a 3 hous trip by bus, another 5 by train, 2 hitchhike sessions, another hour by bus and then one hour and a half by plane I got to see them. Long trip, ha? Still it was not too much.

By the time I got to Vienna, te girls were almost asleep but the real fun was about to start the second day.

Sunny sunny day in Viena, perfect for walking and capturing all the sun in the world. Drinking wine on the banks of the Danube, chatting, making plans for the future, walking and in the end, becoming children again in Prater (you can see above one of the craziest things we've done), that's how my first day was and I enjoyed it at maximum.

Still, most of the second day we were divided into groups. The same groups. Two working and two still anjoying at full capacity the city. It was not the same.

I absolutelly loved these two days and I can't wait to meet again in Bucharest, again the four of us.

Wanting to press "repeat",
Moru

Silent Sunday and another story...

Enjoying the book!

Moru

One year ago...

... on the 16th of April, in the morning, I opened my eyes and found in my phone inbox a message: "it's sunny outside".

One year after, on the 16th of April 2008 in the morning, it was raining. A lot. I was in the taxi, passing by TNB and I realized: somebody, up there, in the skies, really loved us. Us, the ITC 2007 team.

It's going to be a long day. Last year it was the same. A lot of things have changed since than, but in the evening we will stop and remember last year and most probably shout again "say we are @Bu" on the stairs of TNB.

For a sunny 16th of April every year,
Moru

p.s.: thank you for the special moment last night. The messages are still on my fridge :) and thank you for what is going to happen tonight.

On my way to my crib...

After 10 days in coldness, I finally returned home. And I am more than happy because of this... I'm not going anywhere where it is cold because I love the sun (although during summer you won't hear me saying this).

EuroXPro was nice... But I am not over excited because of it. It had good parts it had less good parts, so all in all it was ok (of course, there was new information, new people that I've met, people that I've met again). I would say the best thing was the fact that we got to know eachother (us, the team) and we spent a lot of time together.

But I had a very nice journey back home... Starting with the calm flight (like no other lately :) ) continuing with the delicious food and the 3 glasses of wine (too much I think) and ending with the two stops (in Vienna and in Bucharest).

I felt like "I" was flying... And the scenary was so beautiful... And after 2 hours and a half from our starting point (in St. Petersburg), something took my breath away... The center of Vienna seen from the plane... I was able to distinguish buildings, streets, details (yes yes... almost could see each and every one of my friends in Vienna :) )... and it was soooooo nice :) And right at the moment when I was planning my last visit for this year and saying that I will "break up" with it :) (so I will not return for at least one year) I fell in love again with it (I remember that during that flight I showed Topper a photo with an Austrian Airlines plane flying over Stephans Dom... I could say it was almost the same for our flight :) )

After another glass of wine I was landing in Bucharest. And I was so anxious to get home, but I was stopped... At the exit there were @ Bucharest members waiting for us (ok, most probably for Oana, but since nobody was waiting for the others we include ourselves in this category :) ). So the sleeping time got shorter because we went out to drink and returned back home at around midnight. But it was a very nice surprise. Very nice.

I loved this journey back home...

I feel so good. I feel. And I love this feeling.

Hugs,
Moru

One step closer...

... to achieving the objectives for a life time :)

It is said that during your life, you have to (at least) plant a tree, have a baby and build a house (I hope I didn't forget anything).

I started with the begining: this week I planted 5 trees. 5 special trees planted with special people in my life (ok, in @ BU, nowadays , so that others don't feel excluded :) )

- my dear best friend, we already have 2 trees, at the shadow of which we will be able to rest with our grandchildren :) and gossip about our @ life (I guess we will stay there for a long time :) ) Regarding the house, I take officially the committment for the seaside house :)

- "always" upset girl :) I am happy that at least while we planted the tree you were smiling. You did a goos job with these events.

- Free girl, the first step was done. Now plan the other two achievements (yes yes, kid and house :) ) but only after you finish your responsabilities. I sorry for not planting with you the second tree also.

- my team colleagues, it was fun fun fun... I only wanted us all to be there. I guess showing my happiness about our own tree, would be equal to saying "Can we be a family?" or "I had a nightmare, can I sleep here under the tree with you?" :) (I love you, signed chipmunk Theodore) And no, I am not high lately, but I guess finishing this cycle really affects my brain, or my hearth.

I didn't feel any pain during that day... The day after I was questioning myself if planting 5 trees was the best idea... I was in terrible pain, but still we whistled all day long for a less polluted Bucharest.

Happy (and ready to leave for Expro)
Moru

Planning vs. surprises

I had a wish... and it became reality.

Things might come out differently as planned, but I am always sure, that whatever happens, it is the best thing (although you might not realize it in the beginning).

Still, I have never considered planning, as my option for organizing my life. I did this only once... And this is the outcome.

During the past week-end I was in Vienna. If I had to compare the image I had in the beginning, when I was planning this trip, with the image of what it actually was, it might be a little different (ok, the time line also allowed these differences).

Still, I wanted to be during this week-end in Vienna. And I was. And it was a week-end like no other (in Vienna). It felt like I was at home (only that it was more than 1000 km away from my real home). At one point, a friend of mine told me, that for me, going to Vienna is like going to the mall. Not true at all. I don't go to the mall that often :)

This week-end meant for me only relaxing (eating, sleeping, watching movies, walking and doing sports (really???) ). And it was the right thing to be done at this moment. Although, I might say that the "shaking" from the end of my trip brought me back to reality.

So for me, it's over with planning... I'm expecting the surprises of life :)

Moru

p.s.: wishes change.. Have you ever visualised something that you really really want? With all the possible details? And then when you felt you will actually make it, you just got scared or changed your mind? It happened to me a lot of times, and this is why I don't like planning, because my dreams could be ruined either by me being scared and not doing the final step for my dreams either by me again, by not wanting the same thing anymore (yes, because when you want something really really badly and it's hard to achieve, it takes a lot of time until you are in that moment very very close to it).

Continous learning.... at over 50

I had yesterday a conversation with my mom in which she was asking me "Who is leaving and where?" ... And I had no ideea what she was talking about... And then she continued: "I read that a friend of yours is leaving"...

And I realised that:

- 1 year and a half ago (whilw I was in CEED in Vienna) my mother used e-mail for the first time
- 1 month ago she surprised me by contacting me through gmail chat (and ever since then every night we chat instead of talk on the phone)
- yesterday she started reading my blog :)

I wonder what is next... Having her own blog? A facebook account? :)

Still, I have to admit that she is improving continously in the virtual world.

Proud,
Moru

This is the response that I received... Take it as a comment:

"blog-ul`il`citesc de la inceput de acum o luna . normal k incerc sa tin pasul sau sa ma informez cit pot (ca si volum si cit pot intelege)"