NYSE

Out of all the New York City sights, attractions, star gazing and big lights the New York Stock Exchange will be one of my most memorable. Even though I was there for a cocktail event recently, I could feel the rapid exchanges and chaos.

Shovelling the Snowy Road to the MBA

No snowstorm stopping us now!

Visa applications were submitted this week, after a tedious process and much money spent to expedite. In one month I'll skip to the Spanish consulate and pick up our Visas!

Now that the goal of attaining an MBA is getting closer, I'm reflecting on the steps I've taken to actually come to this point. A graduate degree was a goal that I've always thought about, but I needed to pursue it when it was the right time and for the right reasons. Midway into my career, I feel that I'm at a good place where I can confidently contribute my experience to a high level program. And at the same time, really gain new knowledge to make me a more desired professional, whether it's working for another company or doing my own thing. I also want to leverage this degree towards a career I enjoy, using the skills to create and solve challenges.

Another point that has nudged me in this MBA pursuit is the representation, or lack thereof, of women in upper management positions. I've been lucky enough to work with companies with women high level executives, but overall, there is still an underrepresentation of women in business. Another interesting tidbit to mention is that there still is a low ratio of women pursuing an MBA. The average is just about 3 out of 10. I'm not saying that there's a direct correlation of men and women who have MBA's to those in higher management positions with the degrees, but it's definitely something to note.

Taking the time for an MBA is a huge investment in terms of career building, but there are also compromises that are made. Hopefully, in the long run I will reap great rewards. Here's an article on options for women to get on the road to their graduate degree and they'll find that it's doable. A women's point of view: Is it the right time to do an MBA?

Even the snowiest January in NYC ever (38") can't block the road to the MBA.

Here are some snow photos from my neighborhood.

Trip Downtown Memory Lane

As I continue the countdown to leaving New York City, I took a trip downtown for lunch to meet some of my city colleagues at Zigolini's for a TGIF breath. When I was worked in the Municipal building and near the WTC site previously, I rarely made it out for lunch outside of a 3 block radius. The restuarants and charm of that area is underrated. Granted, it is a ghost town at night, once the shops and restaurants stop servicing the work force. But, with the small streets and waterfront, you get a glimpse of the old New York before the noise of monumental buildings, bright lights and honking cabs.

TGIF didn't come soon enough as this week seemed particularly long. Two snowstorms were supposed to collide on Tuesday night, so the city anticipated another snow day with up to 12" of snow. School and offices were to be closed, however, Wednesday came along and the snow mounds were just short of bunny slopes. Here's a clip of this past Wednesday morning.

Friday Salsa Classes Changed

My usual salsa classes on Fridays have changed pricing and structure. Unfortunately, studio rent increases have made the instructor create a more structured class where you have to attend every week and at least for 3 hours. Classes are still $5 per hour and 3 hours long ($15 total). If you have the time and can commit to 6 consecutive weeks of fundamental instruction, check it out! Classes are in NYC in Hell's Kitchen! Frank Ritmo Mambo Salsa

Friday in Flight to the City by the Bay

Today I'll be flying cross country to where I left my heart, back home in San Francisco. This will be the trip back home before I move to Spain so I'm going to try to see as many friends and family as I can. However, that also means I have to have my SF classic fix (as I think of this list, notice how it's mostly food...) -

• Marnee Thai - THE BEST thai food in the city, very authentic and has the best Thai chef in the US
• In N Out - maybe if I was living in California I probably wouldn't eat it, but because there's not one in New York I have a "you miss it when it's gone" relationship
• Boba anywhere on Irving St. - even though there are a ton of boba places in chinatown ny, it's much more convenient from my grandparent's house and they're everywhere in SF
• Salsa dancing on2 (New York style) - it's been a few weeks since I've gone and a friend knows a spot that does it New York. Check here for the difference between dancing on1 (LA style) and on2
• Stroll around downtown SF to the Embarcadero, Union Square and Powell St.
• Napa Valley wine tour

Happy Holidays!

San Francisco streets and underground MUNI subway

Exchange Rate Robbers

It's official! I'm enrolled as an International MBA student. I just submitted my enrollment contract and deposit for IE Business School. The deposit was actually a BIG deal. Shopping around for exchange rates from my banks from US dollars to Euros was not fun. Citibank and Chase had an exchange rate of $1.38-$1.44: 1 euro. On top of that, they charged a $15-$30 transaction fee. I'm sure there's a charge on nursing my first born in there somewhere.

So, thanks to some helpful friends at work, the best solution and rate was actually Western Union through its online Business Solutions. Yes, this bodega-facade establishment has helped me wire money in an instant to family in the Phillipines, but now has alleviated my transaction woes with a reasonable rate of $1.33: 1 euro with no fee. "You save $300-$500." Cha-ching! Why didn't I think of that?

Entertainment Marketing Maven Remembered

This Friday, Dec. 17th is a special day. A true mentor, confidante, and friend was laid to rest. I had an insightful experience working with Karen Sortito, as my direct boss, over the past year and have had the pleasure of knowing her for three. She fought brain cancer with as much gusto and balls as a 10,000 troop army. Her charisma and boldness has always inspired me and I hope I can emulate even half as much energy as her in my lifetime. I've been so fortunate to have had the chance to work closely with someone who's had such an influence in the field of entertainment marketing and partnerships.

Here's the beautiful obituary that was written about her spirited life and accomplished career:

Karen Sortito dies at 49; marketing exec negotiated product tie-ins to Bond movies

Photo above: Our team spending time at the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy with Karen (2nd to right). Summer 2010