Showing posts with label University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University. Show all posts

Saturday, 20 June 2009

The Update

Ok. I admit. I should write here more often. Lately seem to have put all my words into either assignments or emails. Anyway, assignments are now over. University is actually formally over in the middle of July - that is when my graduation is.

Dissertation went well (I hope!). With God's help I also found a suitable job for myself, but I won't reveal any more details until I have signed a contract. I am happy to tell that it seems to be the job of my graduate dreams.

This summer I am tourist infoing it at the Tourist Information Centre in my hometown (Åsele). It is likely my last summer as Tourist Adviser, but it has been the most enjoyable summer job possible. Not all people get the privilege of working with The Stick and Slyve Homegreen ;).

Last week I did some interpreting Swe-Eng for a group asylum seekers that were taken on a bus tour past the sights around my hometown. Working with refugees is something I really really enjoy, and I hope I can get some time to do voluntary work within that area in the future.


Today Simon has:

Listened to Air
Read some computer game text
Noticed how God is good, even though Simon has felt so and so.

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Go to Bed!

Or maybe a blog post instead. Feels like ages ago. And sadly (or to the amusement of others, and myself the day after) I write like a drunkard when tired.

I am currently doing my dissertation, which I - strangely enough - find quite enjoyable.

I do not think I have dreamed any controversial dreams lately.

The longer I stay in this country, the more I seem to like it.

Why do I keep sneezing? My flat is actually relatively clean... and surely the hayfever season has not begun...?

I have my running route past two very fine furniture shops. One is particularly hard to avoid seeing, and whenever I pass by I look at the posh tables and couches. Why do I do this? I do not know. This as I...

1. ...do not know anything about the future, apart from that my last deadline is the 21st of May.
2. ...do not have any money to spend on furniture.
3. ... do not have any space for furniture.
4. ...have no plans of moving into a bigger flat, no matter where I end up.


Why did I not put down a reminder in my phone for that coffee today?

Had a very bad customer service experience today. Rang E*TRADE to activate my American debit card that I recently got. I spoke to three customer service agents. One friendly bloke called Joseph, then two less than service minded girls whereof one bore the name Amanda.

They seemed to not have time with me, and I felt obliged to excuse myself for taking their time! Which I actually did. One actually yawned during our talk - without apologising!

If I were their manager and heard those calls, I would give them a stern talking to.

In the greater scheme of things this is obviously an event of small significance, but I am surprised that they are not more customer centred as a financial services firm operating in a time like this.

Anyway, E*TRADE has a brilliant online share trading facility. Just do not talk to them...

Today Simon has:

Listened to Trans-Island Skyway by Donald Fagen
Read Dr Ike's slides
Noticed that the WSJ has written about Raoul Wallenberg today (www.wsj.com)

Thursday, 11 December 2008

The Moment of Truth

Strategy has been a rocky ride so far. As one group member left, we are now fewer people to complete the task. Tomorrow morning's meeting is crucial, but I have great faith that we will rise to the challenge. Pressure can actually get the best out of people - and that is what we have to prove now!

But first; sleep.



Today Simon has:

Listened to Simple Plan - What if...
Read slides from the eLP
Noticed that his group could be on its way of achieving something

Saturday, 15 November 2008

Avundsjuk pa sig sjalv [Awundshook paw sey shelve]

I am actually quite envious of myself (is that proper English?). Not in a unhealthy way though. However that might change on the day the dissertation proposal is due. It might well change on Wednesday. I really look forward to Windsor. Nicola - thank you for all your kind and encouraging words.


Today Simon has:

Listened to The Sounds and Katy Perry on Myspace
Read not much but written loads
Noticed that GAME reminds him of that working is the best thing in the world

Saturday, 25 October 2008

Multitasking

Is actually both challenging and fun. My world is definitely better with a lot to do than nothing to do. I am just praying that the quality will be good in all that I do - and that people will enjoy working with me.


Today Simon has:

Listened to Big in Japan by Alphaville
Read, not really. I bought The Times - but I have yet to read it.
Noticed that the new morning gym routine is great!

Sunday, 5 October 2008

Great North Fun

12,057 people were faster than me. However, they still cannot take away the fact that I managed to beat my time from last year =). I finished my second Great North Run on 1h 58min 48sek.

My aim was to finish on or around 1h 45min. That obviously did not happen. I also learn that running becomes so much more unpleasant when you try to achieve a certain time. Next year I will have a more structured training and just do it for fun - and then the result hopefully will come by itself (is that English?).

Congratulations to all the charities which raised money. I pray it will all be used wisely to help people in need.

Tomorrow is a dissertation seminar. I am still slightly confused.

And Governor Sarah Palin does not play a fair game. Interesting to see whether the Senators Obama/Biden can stay focused when the Republican election winning machine gets going.

Obama/Biden are better for business according to the latest issue of the Economist. Get it if you are interested in American politics. Special feature in this issue.

I also pray that British Airways will change their short haul sandwich menu. Pretty tiring getting the same grub on intra-European flights as on UK domestic. Their new ad is class though.

Today Simon has:

Listened to the choir at Newcastle Cathedral.
Read about Apple's next move.
Noticed that he will try to run 'just for fun' next year.

Thursday, 12 June 2008

Where are the Tourists? / Time for a Degree

I am now just one day away from fulfilling two working weeks at the tourist information centre in Åsele. The workload is pretty uneven - right now it is most answering the phone and replying to email enquiries from tourists. It is a great job though, but I have to say I look forward to the more stressful days.

But where are all the tourists? Potentially they all are in the US as you get more money for your money as a European. Most likely it is just because their holiday period has not begun yet.

I went to the local gym yesterday. A nice place which sadly has not performed well enough financially. Rumour has it that it will be sold to the owner of a local supermarked who will re-open it in the town centre.

Placement
I will be very surprised if I am anywhere but Northumbria when university starts in September. I am really looking forward to finish my degree off, and as I have good and valid work experience from my life before the UK - it might be as well to save one year by not doing a placement.

Another enlighting experience is that I probably match graduate requirements better than placement requirements. One respected tutor at the university told me that I would probably get bored on a placement. A well respected Dutch multinational rang and told me that I was "very interesting" and that they wanted me to re-apply after graduation.

There is still hope.




Today Simon has:

Listened to BBC 6 Music
Read some in Marketing Management by Kotler and Keller
Noticed that this may well be a confusing summer

Saturday, 17 May 2008

Career

Well, I am going to be absent from blogging for a few days, as it is in the middle of the exam period. Wish me good luck.

I'll be back in the Old Country by the very end of this month.

No placement yet, I get the impression that companies want me for their grad scheme instead.


Today Simon has:

Listened to Geordie and Jamie. They are indeed great people
Read Marketing Research by Burns and Bush
Noticed that he can't think about much else than airlines... well, who needs girls anyway?

Friday, 11 April 2008

These R the Thoughts

The last two weeks have been rather busy as I have not been able to resist the temptation university assignments bring to my life. I should not complain though as I am one of the strong proponents of the thought that there are seasons in life. And now, apparently, is the season of report writing.

I have the privilege of going to Canada on Wednesday. I agree with myself when I say I deserve it after two weeks of report writing.

Newcastle takes on Portsmouth tomorrow in what is the best football league in the world. I will definitely watch it on the telly. Then I think it is a great idea to play with three strikers, especially as they are probably the three most gifted players in Newcastle's current squad.

The Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt takes on China this weekend in a meeting on climate change. I am surprisingly knowledge-less about this meeting as I am usually a news geek (I blame my journalistic past).

China is an interesting country and I promise to devote a blog post to it before the Olympics kick off (or whatever Olympic games do).

Regarding my future career there are no major news. I will go down to London for an interview before I leave for Canada. I do not have much information yet what the role entails (apart from that it is marketing). They will probably be able to answer my questions when I meet them.

I have told God that he has the great opportunity of putting me wherever he likes. He will - as it is in his interest. And hopefully hindsight will show that it was in my interest as well...

In five year's time I hope to:

Have a job that I am passionate about (I have no problem with being 'married to my job' for a while)

Be without debts (might work if I get a graduate salary of 40k - I have no problem with having a grad salary of that!)

Fly a lot (as flying is freedom in plane-shape)
Work with competent people

Play ice-hockey again

Speak decent French

Speak German fluently

Understand Italian



Today Simon has:

Listened to These R the Thoughts by Alanis Morissette
Read CNBC European Business
Noticed that the local Indian's Peshawari naans are terrific!

Monday, 28 January 2008

Waiting and Results

I am fairly happy today as I got results from two modules back. I did well so now I just hope that the remaining results will not destroy my, for now, awesome average.

Right now I am waiting on the decision from a company regarding placement. I really hope that I will get it as it is in my favourite industry. I will tell more about this when I get their decision. So that is the only info you will get for now.

Now I have to make myself ready for a metro trip to dodgy Byker. Exec meeting with the Christian Union. It is exciting time as we will change Exec Committee during the next couple of months. I will probably write more about that later as well.

That's me for now. Best wishes to you all.

Today Simon has:

Listened to new lectures at uni
Read The Times
Noticed that time flies on Northumberland Street

Saturday, 26 January 2008

Getting Things Done

Sorry that I have not written here for ages. I hope that a Christmas holiday and a run of busy uni life is a good excuse for my absence.

I have had the privilege of hosting one of my best mates from Sweden, Johannes, for a week. It has been good fun and I have really enjoyed being tourist guide. Sadly his journey back to Sweden was quite a hassle as the bad weather led to some flight cancellations.

I have ordered some French language software which will help me to brush up my French. This because I have neglected it for almost one month (and now I feel completely lost French-wise).

I have also neglected the gym for ages as I have had a cold during the last two weeks. I am gonna go in a few minutes so wish me good luck! =)


Today Simon has:

Listened to Lavigne's latest
Read options re flights for his parents to Ncl
Noticed that it is already after noon!

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Due to popular demand...

I will today, on the final day of October, give you a fresh blog post from the heart of Tyneside. The fact that I do not feel that I have that much to tell you is something we just have to ignore for the time being.

I can proudly reveal that I have applied for shiploads of placements. Anybody who have been in touch with me since I started at Northumbria know that I am so looking forward to that year. Not to mention the staff at the placement office who have to see me every other day! I do not know where I will end up yet but most likely I will not stay in Newcastle as I am gonna be here during my final year anyway.

For no reason whatsoever I will now give you a real treat. This is what I would be like if I was in the hospitality business.

What more can I tell you? I am technically working on an essay which is due before Christmas. It is about advertising and if advertising promotes or exploit the demand for organic food. I will unfortunately not be able to ramble on with my own theories as it is a strictly academic piece of work.

Last I would like to remind you not to miss the Christian Union meeting on Friday. We will have a new feature, and if I do not make a fool of myself we might actually continue with it.

Today Simon has:

Listened to a few fans.
Read Nemi on DN.se
Noticed that he has a Great Future.

Sunday, 14 October 2007

And they just muv!

This is the proof. What a storyteller she is. This video clip is from the Graham Norton Show and Courtney Love is so amazing. Watch it.

Today Simon has:

Listened to some Alanis Morissette
Read some in the Airline Business by Rigas Doganis
Noticed that he has made new friends at the School Rep course

Friday, 5 October 2007

French for beginners (and how the run went)

Sorry if I have kept you waiting concerning my performance in the Great North Run. I still have traces of the cold left and so I had on Sunday. I managed to get in on 2h 1min 37s. Which means that I am very pleased with myself and that I am already looking forward to next year's run.

Today I have had my first class in French. I never thought that I would volunteer to learn the basics of French. I am usually not the shy person and I always give English words a go even though I might not be 100 % sure how you are supposed to pronounce them. But French seems to be very tricky.

I really need to practise a lot on my own to get a good start. Because I know that if I do not get a good start then I will loose confidence and fall behind. This afternoon I actually got quite upset with myself as I doubted my ability. This is where the stubbornness comes in as I am, in fact, not a very linguistic person. Just determined. Or as a Swedish saying puts it:

'If you aim for the stars, you will end up in the trees.'


I am aiming for the stars.


Today Simon has:

Listened to two tutors
Read a few texts
Noticed that Royal Mail is on strike

Tuesday, 18 September 2007

Winter (or give me a Bösendorfer)

Welcome talk was the event of the day. Our programme leader explained to us few second yearers who turned up what the university expect from us all during the upcoming academic year.

Personally, I always feel inspired and motivated when something new starts. I just hope that I will carry that motivation throughout the year, cause it is honestly not of much use before the studies start. And while I am at it, the new building is awesome and definitely worth some praise. All because of the infallible combo of Sir Robert McAlpine, NBS and our tuition fees.

I have found a new favourite artist to add to my list. It is Tori Amos and her greatest hits compilation is available for a fair price. And I think that I have to live with the fact that she wants to "smash the faces of those boys, those beautiful christian boys"...

Anyway, read on wikipedia (the ubiquitous ever-reliable source) that she composed some tunes of her own with lyrics at the age of 5. She plays on a Bösendorfer Grand Piano. I want one.

Today Simon has:

Listened to Tori Amos (check out the tracks Winter and Angels)
Read The Undercover Economist by Tim Har(wood?)
Noticed that it is getting colder inside

Friday, 14 September 2007

iKent

First of all I would like to tell how happy I am that you found your way to this blog post. I hope it will light up your day a bit. Or at least offer something...

Freshers week start on Monday, and I am involved in it a bit which I look forward to. Interesting to see what new people who will turn up at the uni. My timetable starts the week after on the 24th.

Tomorrow I have been in the UK for one month since I left Sweden. I have very high expectations on my second academic year which is the second out of four as I am doing a sandwich degree.

Last, but not least, I would like to send out a general thank you to all of you who made my 23rd birthday a day to remember. And do not worry if you did not know or totally forgot. According to Jerry Seinfeld a birthday is only to celebrate that a person has not died since last time he or she was celebrated...

Today Simon has:

Listened to Kent (Vapen & Ammunition och Du & Jag Doden)
Read and responded to various e-mails
Noticed that life is always tricky

Wednesday, 25 April 2007

Library

Today I have been a good lad as I have spent more time than necessary in the library writing on an assignment. This morning I also went for the longest run so far this year, 8 1/2 mile. Which mean that my legs are a bit tired.

I think I should leave uni after I have uploaded this blog post. Since I came back to Newcastle my schedule has been very busy. I believe I will have no problem to adapt to life in my new (well, it's new for me) flat.


Today Simon has:

Listened to keyboards being typed on
Read a bit in Financial Times
Noticed that the 60 sec donut machine looks interesting

Saturday, 17 March 2007

My So-called Life

No, I'm definitely not complaining about my life. Secs ago I saw that the cult tv series My So-called Life will be released on DVD in the UK in mid-may. I might buy it when it gets cheaper.

I have now started with some serious running. My aim is to be in top form when the Great North Run is on in September.

I'm going to church tomorrow and after that it is lunch and then uni-time. I need to do some reading on Business Organisations and Environment. We have a make or break test before summer.



Today Simon has:

Listened to So Young by The Corrs
Read on the Internet about old TV series

Wednesday, 28 February 2007

FLATtered

I'm gonna view two flats in the upcoming weeks. One of the flats seems ideal and I hope I will be the only one interested in letting it.

Healthwise I'm better than last week , but right now I feel a bit worse than yesterday though.

University is the next thing to tick on my 2do list. I really have a few things to catch up with, and it's alway hard to know where to start.

Today Simon has so far:

Listened to Dying by Hole (from the album Celebrity Skin)
Read Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet (www.svd.se) online