Repeat After Me, "I Love Microeconomics"

So it seems that the takehome final isn’t as easy as I thought. I’ve been working on it since Monday and it’s still a work in progress.

Today there was an abbreviated session of microeconomics class since there wasn’t that much material left to cover. The professor had us meet at 10:00 instead of the usual 09:10 and let us out a bit early.

We, as in our study group, decided the day before that we would eat out and then after lunch, discuss the final. We went to Peking Express (note: need to correct the name in previous entries) for lunch, then Espresso Royale Caffe for coffee and to study. The place was quite busy, and there wasn’t a table big enough that was also vacant for us to study at, so in the end, we settled into a tiny table with sofas all around.

We went over the questions, one by one in detail, asking what each other did, what kind of answers were derived and how. It was a really nice experience. This Friday, after the recitation class, we’ll be going it over another time (perhaps the last time). The rules state that we can’t “collude” after Monday, so hopefully we’ll get everything done and that’s that.

After the study session, I went with Ying-ying to the Olin Health Center and inquire some things about insurance, like getting a waive form and stuff. The person there wasn’t really helpful, and I guess, judging from her attitude, was a bit annoyed. Oh well, nobody’s perfect.

In the end, I told Ying-ying that I would look over the other insurance provider and see what the situation is. After I got home, I checked out the website and it seemed to me that PSI didn’t have prescription drug coverage. I’ll have to tell Ying-ying that. I then called Chickering Group, who provides insurance to MSU; the receptionist told us that because of yada yada, like inflation and other costs increases, the premium increased as a result. That didn’t seem right, so I called Human Resources about it. I left voice messages since the two representatives weren’t there, but I got a call back quite promptly. She explained that the increase was because of the length of coverage provided, that being from January to August, where as the lower amount due on the previous tuition bill was from September to December.

That explains it. So now I know. I guess in the end, I'll stick with Chickering.

I also called around for chimney repair estimates. Last time the guy gave me a quote of $225 for tuck-pointing and cleaning; I decided to call around for other comparisons (in terms of estimates) and I got another one. The guys or crew were outside working already, so they came by after my call. They checked things out and asked about the quote, and said they could match it and even go lower to $200. I love free market. I also felt a bit more comfortable with this company, because the estimate sheet was a bit more professional, picturing a diagram of a chimney, denoting the terms and stuff. Hopefully their workmanship also is of that caliber.

I’ll call them to schedule for a repair and cleaning the week after finals, hopefully on the 19th; as for the other company, I called this afternoon to cancel.

As of writing this, I couldn't access the MSU webpage, and so I couldn't link the corresponding sites, I'll try it a bit later.

The site is back, so the links are all updated.

Keeping at it

By that I not only mean updating my blog as frequently as possible, but also keeping a positive and aggressive attitude toward my studies. It seems that I tend to relax toward the end of the term, usually before the finals (which is bad) and then as a result, I don’t get the grades I want, and it makes for a lousy vacation. So here I am, talking to myself (didn’t want to use the word “encourage”, seemed kind of weird; not that this is anymore normal), edging myself to be more diligent…

Class was about the same; the only good thing was that the TA, Nick, was teaching macroeconomics instead of the professor. I hate to admit it, but I learn more from him then the professor. I’ve heard quite a few people say that they wouldn’t mind Nick teaching the class, instead of the professor, but oh well, the term has ended with today's class.

After class, I came home and then went out to buy some stuff, also to get some gas for the car. Right now the price is $2.29 per gallon of regular, which totally sucks, because there was one day when the price was $1.99 and I didn’t go out and fill my car up. So, note to self, anytime you see the gas below $2.00, even if you’re not driving as in taking the bus, once you get home, drive out and fill her up!!!

Dinner was leftovers from the meal on Sunday and fresh rice which I cooked today. I wanted to end it in one meal, but the portions of the leftover were a bit too much, so I couldn’t quite finish it. Plus, it seemed a bit too salty. I guess the food at Golden Wok doesn’t agree with me as much as that of Peking Express. Hmm, I haven’t been to Peking’s for a while, come to think of it.

Perhaps we can go there for lunch tomorrow, since our study group decided to go out for lunch and talk over the final. Now, back to studying.

Seahawks at the Eagles

Note: Entry for Monday, 12/05/2005.

Mondays aren’t that bad anymore, because there is something to look forward to; that being Monday Night Football. But before an evening of fun, work still must be done, so here goes…

You could feel the anxiety in the air; there were those who acted cool like nothing was going to happen, and there were those who seemed a bit restless. Why all the fuss, you ask? Because in today’s microeconomics class, the take-home final will be handed out for us to agonize over. To add to the drama, Professor Davidson didn’t show up until quite late, he had a car accident (he’s okay btw) on his way over, according to the secretary who came with a big manila envelope, which inside held our exams.

So in the end, being a bit short on time, the professor breezed through the remaining material, gave us the final and laid out the rules of writing it. Basically we can consult all printed material, notes included; but no conversing with anybody outside of the class. As for our study group, we decided to go over it on Wednesday, giving us some time to write things out.

After that, it was time for lunch. I headed over to Old Botany with Seth and chatted a bit about his team, the Philadelphia Eagles. It seems that they aren’t doing too well, with McNabb out of the season because of surgery, and the whole T.O. drama. I did remember to pack my lunch, but after finishing it (sandwich and chips), it just didn’t feel like enough. That usually doesn’t happen, and I didn’t know what was the matter, at least with my stomach. But being quite hungry, I decided to go to the Union to get some burgers.

It’s nice to eat a hot and juicy burger with fries liberally sprinkled with salt and pepper, plus free soft-drinks refills. Talk about the calories, but I’m good. I have yet to gain serious weight, and every time my mom sees my photo, she’s worried that I’ve grown thinner.

With a fulfilling meal in my tummy, and some caffeine in my system, I headed over to Berkey Hall for econometrics. The professor went over a series of derivations of a multivariate problem. It was quite calculation-intensive and it took the whole class hour, and she didn’t finish it, either.
I was quite anxious to go home, because I had an appointment with the a chimney company, called “Chimnee Cricket, Inc.” for a free estimate. It seems that our chimney has a serious downdraft problem and cold air keeps coming in. A temporary solution of plastic sheeting held in place by duct tape was used, but that didn’t really help, because quite often, the tape would fail and the plastic sheeting would come off at the corners.

Anyway, so the guy arrived, and checked it out. I told him about the damper being rusted shut and stuff. He then gave a pull on a steel handle and said, problem solved. Turns out that because the old damper was rusted shut; a new external or something damper was installed and that the handle basically controlled the on/off of it. Stupid me, I never thought that was it. Oh well, at least him coming out was free. He then said something about “tucking-in” the bricks lining the chimney, saying that it would be better if it was fixed before I burn stuff. He gave me a quote of $225 including the maintenance and cleaning. This reminds me, I have to call around, get some other price quotes and then talk to him about it.

After that, I went to Owen for food and television. I got to meet Becky and Tammy for dinner; Arthur came down later, but he didn’t eat with us. Something about spending too much money dining out previously. After dinner, we cleaned up and Arthur and Becky left. Tammy and I stayed to do homework. Around 19:00 or something, Luis showed up. He joined us and we chatted a while. He’s going back home for winter break and I said that I could give him a ride to the airport on the Saturday after the finals.

We then proceeded back to our studies when Luis left. Around 20:30, I got a bit restless, so I decided to call it a night and go watch the game. Eric called earlier on (during the afternoon) to see if I wanted to see the game. I said I would and asked if he would like to join me at Owen and watch it together. It was around half way past the first quarter when he showed up. At that time, the Seahawks, playing in Philly against the Eagles, made an impressive drive for a touchdown. Arthur also joined us later with snacks and drinks. Thanks man, that was some great tea!

Back to the game, during the first offensive drive by the Eagles, there was an interception for a touchdown by the Seahawks and that basically was the tone of the game. The Eagles couldn’t get past fourth down, and the Seahawks defense was all over, with a few more interceptions that resulted in more touchdowns. The final score was 42-0, quite a blowout I’d say. During halftime, there was a dedication to Reggie White, #92 and stuff, and beyond that, the game wasn’t that interesting. Around 23:00, the café was in the process of closing, so we went downstairs to the TV room to catch the reminder of the game. Unfortunately, someone was already there, so we couldn’t watch it. I said to Arthur, Eric and Tammy that the game is basically won, and it was late, so I bid them adieu and drove home.

It's Starting to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

I set the alarm for ten o’clock this morning so Kevin and I could wake up in time to talk to Mom and Dad. Dad called the day before, but we’re still asleep, and they were also on their way to Grandpa’s. So today was the day. It’s always nice calling home, especially when you can talk as long as you want (or as time permits) because it’s free. Plus this time Kevin brought back his webcam so we could show our parents our new haircuts and have a shaky video tour of the house.

Kevin and I, we cut each other’s hair. Not only does this save us money, at least $30 every time; but from past experiences, it’s hard to get a good haircut around town; plus when you’re doing it yourself, it’s easier to get it just right. The only downside is that for this time, we started a bit late, so it took us until late night to finish.

After a nice chat with our folks, we had, or more like finished, the last of my turkey lasagna extravaganza for lunch. It’s nice not having to cook up a meal, but just reheat, and voila, eat and enjoy. I guess it’s a good plan, especially when homework and studies are a bit tight. The only downside is that there isn’t that much variety; it’s basically the similar meals all throughout the week. However, taste bud satisfaction aside, I do make sure that I eat a healthy and balanced diet.

As for the main event, it would be attending “The Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra presents Jingle Bell Pops”, with tickets courtesy of the lovely and talented Yo-fan. It was quite a fun concert. Kevin and I dressed up, at the expense of Tammy jesting us, at least in good nature… I think. She wanted to take pictures and stuff, and I bet by this time of the day, she already has the photo album uploaded and all that. Oh well, what can you say, it’s not like we dress formal (in this instance, semi formal because sans tie) everyday, nor that she gets to see it often. So I guess she was quite… “bewildered” by our attire?

The concert itself was quite nice, with musical numbers such as “The First Noel”, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”, some very memorable scores from “The Nutcracker”, and many more Christmas Holiday tunes.

The choir composed of Okemos High School Concert Choir and Someko Singers as well as Everett High School Choir was lovely. They were very good and as a group, very good sports. They stood in the back, regardless if it was their turn to sing or not. If it was me, I would be fidgeting like mad.

In the end, there was even a sing-along. The tunes were quite familiar, but the lyrics, not so much. Plus, according to Tammy, people (including my brother and I) were a bit too uptight and didn’t go along with the whole atmosphere.

After the concert, we waited at Wharton Center, hoping to meet up with Yo-fan for some dinner and stuff. I guess there was mis-coordination on my part. I didn’t tell her about it before hand, so in the end, we didn’t have the honor of inviting her for dinner. I imagine it would have been great fun, hearing her talk about the experiences of playing in a Symphony Orchestra.

However, dinner was still a joy. We “rescued” Zoya from her treacherous studies (I’d say treacherous because it seemed from her that it was really tough) for a relaxing meal at Golden Wok with Kevin and myself, plus of course Tammy. We had some appetizers before dinner, which were IMO, huge fried dumplings, then we had three main courses (soup beforehand was complimentary), and some dessert, plus also fortune cookies. Mine was quite the romantic, stating, “Because of your melodic nature, the moonlight never misses an appointment.” Plus lucky numbers 44, 49, 8, 24, 32, and 20. What a way to ruin something so poetic.

Since I mentioned Zoya, there’s a cool story about her being our long-lost sister, but I’ll write that down some other time.

So, that brings us to tonight and me sending Kevin back to his warm dorm. Hey, that kind of sounds funny.

P.S. By the time I posted this entry, I noticed that there was a comment about me missing a previous date and its corresponding entry. I have already filed the appropriate response with “…”.