Day Nine - Later That Night...

Ok so it's 3:15 now! Been to the library and had an email off Craig. My week is made! Had a massage off Martin - he's good! Went down to the pool but did'nt swim. The idea is to stay up as long as we can so that we're tired tomorrow therefore sleep on the plane therefore get to England at 8am GMT feeling refreshed! Hope it works and I don't fall asleep now cos I'm so darn tired. Zzzz. Gonna read a mag or do a puzzle now. And NOT fall asleep! Bye!

San Diego - Day Nine

Today was so much fun! We all went to the simulation having no idea what it was, and when we got there the Staff Team were like "Morning AJ!", "Hi AJ!", and we were like "... what?"
Anyway, it turned out to be a sort of real-life simulation exercise where we had to use all the knowledge we'd got from the past sessions. We were given stuff to read and then we had to make decisions as a manager eg. what to do with an employee with an ethics problem, how to answer a complaint letter, how to cope with a harrassment problem. Then we had to make a phone call to "Gizmo Manufacturing" to get a recommendation for a seminar (I got a prize for this as I stopped her going on about irrelevant stuff ie gave her 'what for'!). Then I had to do an interview and Kevin was my guy who was being late. He came in like a complete retard it was so funny!
Then we graduated and got a class photo and books on management and stuff. then we went to Old Town for a really nice meal at a Latin-American restaurant. We came back anround 10 and did a Roundtable Review by the pool with string, connecting it to people we'd felt a certain bond with. Muslimah chose me cos we got on ace, and I chose a Staff Team member as she'd shown a particular fondness for my Britishness and made me feel really welcome.
I've now packed and just read Martin's diary in the style of a Bible - SO funny! I'm gonna join the others now will be back soon.

San Diego - Day Eight

Today was great! Went first in Task Force, and Team Marlin kicked ass! Did our presentation and it went so well. Then Team Eagle came out with bagels (aka bribes) And i thought "No! We're so gonna lose." Team Fox went next, and went all out with gift bags - and promises of celebrities at the grand opening of their store! We all got prizes in the end though cos they said ours were the best presentations all summer! Cool!
Anyway, went to La Jolla Beach, went in the sea (ie paddled!) and sun-soaked. Then we went to the shops, but couldn't find a present for Craig. Bit jealous actually cos Matthew has got 30 emails from Sarah and I ain't had one from my fella! Be reet though I'll see him soon. Feeling really weird in that aspect actually, like I can't wait to go home and see everyone, but really want to stay here too. Maybe everyone should come here instead!
Anyway so yeah, there were SO many nice houses in La Jolla. Mexican styles, modern - and all so big!
Came back and did some yoga with Dale, then played the Room-Mate Game, my partner was Angie and we did ok. She's cool.
Intrigued about tomorrow with this simulation thing, sounds interesting and we ain't really been told much about it.
Gonna go now and catch some kip.
ps. Put marshmallows in the microwave more often! Smores rock!

Day Seven - Later That Night...

Hello I'm back! Stayed up a bit longer than I expected - been chatting to other groups, some streesed over their presentations! Nancy and Zoe are still going over theirs and its 1:20am now! Going to do some puzzles then go to bed now so I'm not so red-eyed in the morning! Bye!

San Diego - Day Seven

Today's been a bit crazy! Been working really hard on Task Forces today - looks good - just hope we can pull it off!
It's 11:45pm now, and almost everyone is in our suite; chillin out, eating pizza and working on presentations. It's weird!
Was funny at the library today. Got really stressed as computer wouldn't print off my hand-outs, then the floppy disk got stuck in the A: Drive! Aaagh! Anyway, the Librarian was taken aback by my seductive Englishness I think, and printed them off for me for free! Yey!
Anyway, speakers today were OK - got bored with John at first, then he asked me a question and i was like "...er... umm..." and paid attention after that! Dave got sidetracked a lot, like talking about ethics (should he have bought all the fire-retardent businesses cos his competitors needed them or not - I thought that was funny) and about the cleverness of WalMart - selling everything under one roof putting small businesses out.
Really looking forward to presentation tomorrow! Looking forward to La Jolla more though! Must buy an SDSU top before I leave on Thursday too.
Well I best get some sleep so I'll see ya tomorrow!
ps. How on earth are you supposed to get permament marker off your hands???

San Diego - Day Six

Spoke to Craig this morning - will buy another phonecard first thing tomorrow so I can finally speak to ma and pa.
Wasn't sure whether or not to like the speaker today, felt a bit patronised and she kept interrupting when I asked questions. The stuff was mainly common sense but some will be useful.
Went to the Zoo! Bought some film - hope it can be processed in the UK - will be annoyed if not! Used almost an entire film! The place was a proper maze. Had fun convincing Zoe we were going the right way then realising we weren't and her then dragging me round the shops! Was fun. Took some monkey pics for Dee.
Panel Forum was the one thing I thought would be pointless as I missed the point of what it was. Actually it happened to be the most beneficial part of the week so far - I heard so many inspirational stories from Pippa, Darlene, Dale and Dave, and mentoring was really influential as I got a feel of the big picture and realised I didn't have to have one path in life. I Also found out loads of stuff about Law Schools in the US, it's in 3 stages like in the UK. Must send off for prospectus' and investigate further.

San Diego - Day Five

Well had quite a full day today! Did loads of sessions in Marketing, Communication Skills and Handling People, which have been really inspiring and informative.
Found out I'm an I-C mix personality type, influential and compliant - which are two complete opposites and is apparently a rare mix (I think that's a good thing). I can see bits of both which apply to me, but I always thought I'd come out dominant for some reason. Oh well.
Bought a phonecard today and phoned home. Spoke to Dee as Mum was out, it was nice to hear a familiar British voice! Checked emails and got one from Mum, Dad, Louisa and Amy which was so cool! I was so glad people received mine.
Started on Task Force and feel so much more relieved that we've got something done! All we have to do now is think more about time scales and costs, then make the information presentable. Phew!
Tummy feels a bit icky today so must be careful with food tomorrow. Looking more tanned today though! Looking forward to Zoo tomorrow, but rapidly running out of photos so must stock up. See u tomorrow!

San Diego - Day Four

Went down and had breakfast for the first time this morning. Was nice - the sausages taste like burgers! Note to self - must NOT eat snacks between meals - there's so many opportunities to put weight on so must have willpower!
Went to library and emailed home. Really hope they get it cos i don't want to use the phones! Will check emails tomorrow.
Have started the course and I've learned so much already today. Frank Acuff was a great speaker, and I think all the stuff I learned would be useful in everyday life, let alone in business itself! Some writing skills I knew already so Business Writing has built on that.
Feel as though I've managed to chat to everyone today and know people a bit better. I got quizzed on how i do an American accent but can't seem to do one under pressure! Will do better next time (rather than a pityful impression of the stressed-out lady at Philly airport!)
N.B.

• must start Task Force tomorrow!
• must buy some Aloe / Aftersun as back is KILLING ME! Ow!

Anyway must read marketing booklet now and muse over black comedy - is it weird that I can't tell what they're saying, let alone get it? Hmm.

San Diego - Day Three

Today was a little crazy - got up and found out that we were supposed to be in Old Town ready to go to the beach. I love how Mr B makes arrangements without actually telling us! Anyway got to Mission Beach eventually, after a truly unsettling bus ride (bus folk ain't normal here). Was very nice and hot - I burnt my back! And face. Note to self - MORE CREAM next time!
Got back and everyone's arrived. They seem nice - a few quite headstrong so I hope I'm not gonna be bossed about! Task Force prsentations sound a bit scary - not the actual doing of it but the preparation, I've not much knowledge or experience in business.
Played Charades tonight - I am NEVER gonna live that gorilla thing down. Aaaargh! Embarrassment to the maximum.
Anyhoo must dash as keep seeming to become tired around 8.30 so shattered now! And must read bios on speakers tomorrow. No more beach and shops from now on! Bye!

"We're gonna paint yer wagun, we're gonna paint it good!" Me and Zoe at Old Town

Me posing on a fountain at San Diego Harbour, near the Naval Base!

San Diego - Day Two

Must have been a bit unsettled last night as I think I actually slept-walked for the first time in my life! All I remember is knocking on Zoe's door and then not having a clue what the hell I was doing! She must've been quite freaked out - poor girl.
Anyhoo, went on a trek this morning to find a Starbucks (which was no challenge, there's one on every corner), then took ages trying to find Mr B and Pippa's hotel with Staff Team member Karina. Went into Downtown San Diego and cannot get over how gorgeous California is! Don't blame Robbie Williams for moving here! Think I might! Had some retail therapy (comprising of pink top, nice pink underwear and a shoe necklace a la legally blonde), bought Mum and Nicky's fridge magnets and some postcards. Then went to harbour and lunch (on Mr B!). Next went to Old Town San Diego - a sort of Old West meets Mexico town/museum/shopping opportunity. Nice! Came back and hung out by the pool (this uni has a POOL!) and watched TV. It's silly cos they have adverts just before the ending credits over here! Weird. Also, cannot get over how big portions are here! Me and Zoe got a large Dominos pizza and i've only eaten two slices! Too full!
Overall conclusion is I love California despite profusion of advert breaks and large portions. I may even have to do my degree here!

My Visit to San Diego! - Day One

Well it's 1am (23/7) and we finally got here at ten to 11 after being delayed at Philly. Was VERY overwhelmed at the lights when we were landing! Everything is so much bigger here it's quite scary. Was surprised at stroppy, arrogant and patronizing airport staff also. Flying time was about 13hrs in total. Accommodation is lovely! However feel a bit stranded as Mr B and Pippa have gone to the Hilton and left us with no one to contact in an emergency - great! We have a whole day before course starts tomorrow so hopefully going shopping and beaching with Staff Team - can't remember their names cos too tired. So going to read Cosmo now and get some sleep! Bye!

San Diego - home of the infamous San Diego Zoo, Blink 182, and the Globetrotter's first destination!

Trip to San Diego!

I'm off to San Diego tomorrow! I won a competition at college to go to San Diego State University, California, USA (USA BABY!) to take part in a course on Management and Leadership, which I thought was a great opportunity to see some of America, meet new people and learn some valuable life skills to prepare me eventually for work. This is the Globetrotter's first real trip, as she will be without parent and may have to fend for herself, so really looking forward to it. Will speak to you again from the States. See ya!