Happy Draft Day!

I finished my semester with my internship today and it was so tough saying goodbye to everyone! But, who knows...maybe I'll be back...VERY soon! The greatest thing though is that all of the interns and I are already planning trips to see one another. So exciting!

Now, it's time to pack. Totally dreading this process. However, I will suck it up and just get it over with. Do you know what I'm excited about though? THE NFL DRAFT. It's one of my most favorite events of the year because it officially kicks off the season. Oh how I miss football during the off-season. Can't wait till the second pick of the draft! REDSKINS WILL BE DRAFTING RG3. They better!!! I absolutely am STOKED for RG3 to grace DMV with his presence and hopefully bring life back to the franchise.

It also means that I am THAT much more excited to get tickets for 'Skins games this fall.

Pure talent right here

BUH-BYE Rex. HELLOOOOOO RG3!

Once it's official, I am TOTALLY getting one of these shirts and will sport it proudly!

SO excited for the draft! I will be up quite early to catch some of the action. I promise I won't live tweet the draft this year (except for the major draft picks of course!).

Happy Draft Day! HTTR!



Finals, Papers, and Presentations? Check, check, and CHECK.

I am officially done with classes for the semester here in Beijing! My brain is dead after a two and a half hour Chinese exam early this morning and a four hour long night class tonight. After presenting my last PowerPoint and handing in that final paper, it felt as though a weight was instantly lifted off my shoulders.

To be honest, I can't believe classes are finally over. It flew by way too fast! And it really hit me today that I am leaving Beijing...in 2 days. Is this serious?? Where has this semester gone!?

So, classes are done. All that's left is one more day of interning. Once again, I can't believe tomorrow is my last day interning at Octagon. The goodbyes will be tough. I will be savoring every moment of it!

PS. In a couple of hours, it will be the 26th in Beijing. Tweet @johnisner and wish the guy a happy birthday!

Let's Catch Up

Hey y'all!

I apologize for being totally MIA this past week. To say it's been busy, stressful, and absolutely insane would be a minor understatement. Ask my parents. I had a tiny meltdown when I was Skyping them on Monday. It seems as though no matter where I go, I always find a way to completely bog myself down with an endless list of things to accomplish. I promised myself that I'd take this semester easy but I guess I was wrong about that. Pretty much my time has been consumed by my internship and school (aka Chinese class). Fun, right? But in reality, I'm starting to see the intersect between the two so I guess I'll stop dreading my Chinese class. It has actually been quite helpful.

Today has been FABULOUS. Went out to Starbucks before my afternoon tutoring session and studied for this Chinese midterm I have coming up. It was incredibly refreshing to take a mini break and get away from campus to sit and be surrounded by people! It made me realize that I actually do, in fact, like living in Beijing! I'm also convinced that the state of the weather has a direct correlation with my mood. Beijing was beautiful, nice, clear, and sunny today and guess what, my mood was also up. Keep it up Beijing weather.

My week recapped:
1. Weekend: Even though I'm committed to interning and working hard in classes, I still try once in awhile to have some fun. That's the point of study abroad, right? To have fun? I met some awesome Americans here in Beijing who have AMAZING Chinese. We've gotten into a routine where we hang out every Friday and/or Saturday night. Last weekend was super laid back and we had dinner and watched a movie at a friend's house. One of the guys had me on the floor dying from laughter. He's pretty much just like me but even more sarcastic. Try and imagine that...yeah. We also went out and had Mexican food! That was quite the adventure. Definitely keep your eyes out for a post about that. It was hilarious.

2. Midterms: Ok, so midterms technically start on Monday but my "midterms" week starts the week before because I start studying the week prior to exams. I hate cramming and waiting till last minute so I like to spread my studying out. Plus, there was no way I could possibly cram five chapters of Chinese into this brain of mine within two days. There's just no way.

3. Presentation: Another source of my stress?? At work my supervisor had three of us create a presentation on an event we had all attended last week. The tricky part was, each of us had to present in the language that we were less comfortable with. For me, that would be Chinese. A ten minute presentation...in Chinese...by myself. Yup, I would label that as a stressor. But, to my surprise I did pretty well. I went in confident and the presentation went smoothly! I was able to understand and throughly answer all questions in Chinese. Chinese class has really been helping! SUCCESS.

That's pretty much the recap of what you all missed in my oh-so-exciting (but not really) life in Beijing. It's back to studying for these midterms for me! Only 4 more days until I board a plane to my grandparents in Fuzhou for Spring Break. It's not like I'm counting down the days or anything...

PS. dWa is hosting a super cute E. Olsen Designs giveaway over at her blog (Prep In Your Step). Monogrammed hair bows? Yes please!

Life as an Intern

There is never a single dull day as an intern in Beijing. Each day is completely different and something exciting always happens. ...or at least it's exciting for me? I don't know but everyday this week has been hilarious. Whenever I'm running around getting an errand done or heading somewhere I always find myself in a situation that only would happen to me. What I mean is, I am directionally challenged and I always get lost.

On Tuesday I was asked to go to this electronic store to find a replacement cord for the external hard-drive that I needed access to. One of my coworkers drew a picture for me and I found the store perfectly fine. The funny part would occur the second I walked into this building. "Electronic store" is definitely an understatement for this place. It was a four-story building that was HUGE and there were little stands everywhere. People were shouting at me, trying to pull me into their stand to buy something, or attempting to take my iPhone and sell me another one. What was even funnier would be me...trying to talk about technology...in Chinese. The second I said "external hard-drive" in English the salesmen got scared and shuffled me off to the next person. Yup, English is intimidating? Needless to say, I walked out the store empty handed.

After the whole electronic store adventure I found out I'd be headed out to observe a focus group! This was a first for me and of course I got lost getting to the building but once I got there I did recognize a couple other people from different companies whom I met last week. The focus group was incredibly interesting but I don't think I can share much about it. I'm sorry!

Yesterday at my internship was hilarious. Last minute we needed to scramble and find some CDs that the artists need to autograph. The problem is, in China pirated CDs are very common and real legitimate CDs are very difficult to find. So, Karen was sent off to find CDs! Before I went out though, I did want to make sure that the store had the CDs in stock. That phone call was another "roll on the floor" laughing conversation. I had everyone's attention in the office as I was making this phone call and stumbling through with my Chinese. It was a sight to see...more like, conversation to hear. For the third time this week, I got lost but eventually found where I needed to go and I am now guarding these CDs as I will have to deliver them to the venue today.

See, everyday is just an adventure! My life as an intern is simply too entertaining!

Typical Wednesday night dinner for me. Baozi, jiaozi and some bubble tea! By the time I get back to campus I'm starving because I don't eat at all on Wednesdays. Like I said, life as an intern. I am absolutely addicted to the taro bubble tea here. It is fabulous. Is it also sad that the man at the stand now knows me? If I can't get my daily dose of coffee then bubble tea it is!

Came home to find a letter from my Big, Kendall, sitting at the front desk of my building! What a wonderful surprise to come home to after a long day! It was the perfect Valentine...and she wrote some Chinese! LOVE HER.

Me with the CDs I had to pick up last night. YES, THAT'S RIGHT. iL DIVO IS PERFORMING IN BEIJING TONIGHT. I am so, so bummed I won't be able to go tonight. They are literally my favorite quartet on this planet. I know, I'm an old soul.  

Anything exciting happening in your lives right now??

First Concert in China with a Boy Band

***I've actually had this post all written up 3 days ago but my Internet was being uncooperative!***

6:30am alarm went off and it was not a pleasant surprise. While I was getting ready for work, I found myself dancing around the room to Westlife. Did I incorporate some of their cheesy choreography? Maybe...maybe not.

Last night was absolutely exhausting and I'm feeling it today. My entire body is sore and hating me. But, in the end working at the Westlife concert last night was so worth it. Excuse me body, you're going to have to forgive me, but I care and love the experience more.

After class, I scarfed down lunch and dashed over to MasterCard Center and met Jenny around 2pm to start setting things up. We set up about 300 some seat covers with MasterCard branding, made sure everything was set up at the interactive stage and rooms. There was a last minute emergency but as two pros, we resolved the problem real fast. The concert was hilarious. It was a sold out show and Beijing was actually Westlife's first stop on their Farewell Tour. I've honestly never seen so many Chinese people more excited than last night. People were shouting (I had a girl shouting in my ear the entire night), standing on chairs, singing lyrics, waving the millions of glowsticks that they bought, and it was definitely a different experience than in the States. It was really cool to see the differences of the two country in terms of entertainment.

Going into this Westlife concert, I had some pretty low expectations, I mean a boy band? But, I'm going to admit, the concert was fun and I think it was because of the people I was with. They were hilarious. Some of my favorite songs from the set would be "World of Our Own", "I Will Reach You", their cover of Michael Buble's "Home", and the finale song, "Uptown Girls" that had me laughing the entire song. They also covered Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" but come on, trying to top Josh Groban? Yeah, right.

I have to say though, my favorite part of the entire day, besides learning from Jenny all day, would be the sound check. We were setting up the seat covers during the sound check and it was really awesome to listen to them practice and seeing them interact with one another. Each of their personalities really came out. I also learned that only one of them could sing:  Shane. He's got the whole package. I forsee in his future a possible solo career.

Sound check

MasterCard VIP seat covers. I bet you those without a seat cover felt left out. Those seat covers look simple to put on but trust me when I say they're not. I have cuts on my hands as evidence.

The interactive stage Octagon created for the show. How awesome. It was a hit!

The Chinese crowd LOVES glowsticks and glow headbands...pretty much anything that glows.

The atmosphere was amazing

Finale: Uptown Girls

So sorry most of the pictures are blurry. My iPhone failed me! Can't wait till this week's concert. I may die...it's one of my favorite groups!



Tuesday Tunes & Press Conference

I am dedicating this Tuesday Tunes spotlight to Westlife, an Irish boy band that has been together for 14 years. Yup, you read that correctly. FOURTEEN years.

This afternoon, I got to meet these guys through my internship. Arrived at the office bright and early, got some work done, and by 10:30am Jenny (my co-worker) and I were out the door headed to MasterCard Center (previously known as Wukesong) to set up for Westlife's press conference. The band will be performing tomorrow night at the MasterCard Center as one of their stops on their Farewell Tour. I had no idea that an Irish boy band was so popular in China! The last time they were here in September, the show completely sold out. Seriously??

Jenny and I spent an entire day running around prepping for the press conference. Such a great learning experience! After the press conference we filmed a few ID's for tomorrow night. Those guys are absolutely hilarious and their accents? AWESOME. Throughout the presser, they kept saying "lads." LOVE IT. One of the things I wasn't use to today was speaking music industry/production jargon in Chinese. I struggled through it but I made it through the day! It never hurts to try and as I spoke more and more in Chinese, the easier it got.

Here's one of Westlife's most popular song in China. "My Love" is currently plastered everywhere in Beijing. MasterCard has some great branding! (hehe) The guys sure don't look like this anymore...

Staff Badge

This backdrop in the green room only took Jenny and I about an hour and a half to put together. Major struggle bus there. Who thought it was a good idea to let two girls under the height of 5'4 to put this contraption together? Thank goodness someone finally stepped in and helped us!

All set and ready for the press conference to start

Priceless Beijing

Seats are filling up! Presser about to start

Back in the green room filming ID's for MasterCard!

Alright, time to get studying on Chinese and attempt to get some rest for tomorrow. It's going to be an even longer day but always exciting. 



Busy Thursday

I'm going to be double posting today since my internet wasn't working last night. It kept dropping my Skype calls with my Biggie, Kendall. RUDE.

Yesterday was my FIRST whole day at work. The work culture here in Beijing is completely different than that of the US. ...well, maybe my office may be the exception since we have a UK director rather than a Chinese director. My friends who have Chinese bosses say that no one works in the office and it's pretty much social hour. Oh no, not at Octagon. Everyone legit works straight through the day and is insanely quiet. The set hours are 9:30-6:30pm but in reality, many of them work until about 8:30 or 9pm everyday.

I got into the office (treated myself to a Starbucks Hazelnut Latte. DIVINE.) and began working. Research, research, research. It was great though. I'm learning so much and my boss caught me by surprise when he said that this account is pretty much my own account. Seriously?? So, I get to be making phone calls next week. It was only my second real day, and I've already been entrusted with so many responsibilities. Lunch time was great and hectic and I LOVED getting to know my co-workers who had me laughing the entire time.

By the end of the night, around 6pm my boss literally had to kick me out of the office.

Boss: What the hell are you still doing here?

Me: ....working? Doing research?

Boss: Go. Get out. HAVE A LIFE.

Me: But, I won't be here until Tuesday and need to get this done.

Boss: You are an unpaid intern. Stop working so hard. I don't want to be the one keeping you from having a good time in Beijing.

What made this whole conversation even better was that accent of his. DAY MADE.

It was an eventful first full day and I can't wait to get back next week into the world of INSANITY since we have a show. But first, I gotta get through today--class, going to record myself speaking English to make some extra spending money, and class again. At least it's Friday?

PS Did I mention some of my writing will be on Mastercard billboards/promo material in China. Like I said, I love my job.

PPS I need to find the perfect outfits for a press conference and concert next week. Any suggestions?





Valentine's Day and First Day Interning

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I know for a fact that when I start having a family of my own and have kids, Valentine's Day will be a big thing in my household. Decorations, sweets, cute things EVERYWHERE. No doubt about that! This time last year I was having so much fun decorating my Little's (who is currently studying in London for the semester!) room for Big/Little week. I remember distinctly emailing her the night before/the morning of Valentine's Day and warning her that I will be vomiting Valentine's Day all over her room.The stress of that week was well worth it though. I absolutely loved spoiling her and to say that I'm in love with her is an understatement. She's FANTASTIC and so happy that she is in the Strong Family.

Few Highlights from Little's Big/Little Week Last Year

 Didn't know how to rotate the picture so just tilt your head. First night was My Favorite Things night. Yes, those are mix CDs hanging from the ceiling.

Valentine's Day! Red velvet cupcakes+Nutella+strawberries. PERFECTION. And plus some mini valentine's around the room.

Beach night! This was definitely an adventure. I brought along my friend Kelsey that night and had some fun!

My Little Claire (cMm) and I at last year's Unity. Yup, total coincidence that we're both wearing black lace dresses. We were simply meant to be. Miss this girl so much!

This Valentine's Day was spent in Beijing interning and skyping with friends! As some of you may know, today was my first day interning at Octagon. It wasn't a full day but still, I went into the office! It was quite a commute (about an hour or so) and it was my FIRST Beijing rush hour traffic commute experience. I totally forgot to take a picture of the metro today because there are absolutely no words to describe the volume of people on the Beijing metro. You are packed in like a sardine and you can barely move even a millimeter. People push you onto the car and people push you off the car. You simply have to go with the flow of things I guess. To say I was overwhelmed just doesn't cover it. But, I love my office, the staff, and the environment. I'm going to be working on some awesome projects and helping with one of the company's biggest accounts. Oh, and did I mention occasional free concerts?

OOTD for my first day interning! (sorry mom that my back is slouched. I'll have better posture next time!)

Back to preparing my presentation about Apple and the Fair Labor Association auditing...in Chinese. OH, and sorry I've steered off from my Tuesday Tunes and Pinterest Wednesday schedule. I'll have a combined post tomorrow!