Time, we all share the same amount, but some people make it count

You can probably guess from the title, it's been a bit of a busy week. But I cannot say it's been draining. Theories in class are starting to get more complex, reading are beginning to pile up, and the weather becoming a bit more nippy. But as theories increase in their complexity, my perspectives are being challenged, while my world view is also being shaped. The MPhil degree is fulfilling the syllabics as was written, providing engineers with transdisciplinary training, being competent in conversation with environmental lawyers, economists, or policy makers. Furthermore, it provides a framework for analyzing and understanding the different point of views of different stakeholders in current and past events. And last but not least, putting together a room full of people who want to change the world for the better has been an absolute blast! Listening and learning from the ideas share in class has been most beneficial.

Now today, I just bought a pair of running shoes. I never thought I'd buy a pair since I HATE running. Many of you already know that, but ever since I've been here in Cambridge, I've been biking everywhere, and my legs are always sore! But what made it worst is playing on the Cambridge Blues Ice Hockey Club. This requires 2 dryland training session per week, +1 practice, +1 game. That's 4 days a week I have hockey. Not to mention the toll it's taking on my body. So this week, doing the Tuesday and Thursday training without proper shoes I found was NOT a good idea. I had gore-tec hiking boots, thought... well, it's wet, and raining.. it'll be fine. Turns out I paid for it later as my arch in my foot was hurting for the next couple days. So I tried something I learned in Benin, put paper in the shoe to give support to the arch. Well, kind of worked. But realize I had to go get a pair of running shoes as these hiking boots weren't exactly light. So I guess I am going to start running when I get back to Toronto. Anyone know where i can get some running gear such as those dri-fit zip ups or some nice jogging pants? I've been totally going North America in these 0 degree mornings... Shorts, Hoodie, and Hiking Boots :D

Oh one more thing I want to add, late last week, I was invited to my first candle lit service. It was absolutely awesome. I sometimes realize just why people put such emphasis on the church building, as an expression of their work for God. I don't think it's as simple as Paul saids, God does not live in temple built by men. I think they knew this, but the effort and detail they put into the building, I believe it was more of an outward expression of their worship to God. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but an engineering feat with state of the art physics. Check out the pictures below. But I must say, being in the building, with candle lights only, and a choir singing; it really help me settle down, focus, and meditate on God. I can't explain it, but there is something about the practice of religion. The building was completely silent as I walked in, you could hear footsteps bouncing off the walls, you can literally hear a pin drop at the other end of the church. Once you sit down, you hear this marvelous choir voice, resonating from some other room, but clear and loud as if you were listening to a symphony. And you're just in awe how courageous these teen choir people are. Talk about pressure, they just project their voice with full confidence, knowing well that if they were even off by a tiny bit, their sound would be amplify without a doubt, no sound board to safe you now! But yes, absolute amazement at the acoustics of the church and the talent of the choir. Definitely a must if you are to come to Cambridge. Anyway, you should check out the link below, I think the picture would do a much better job then me explaining!



















http://picasaweb.google.com/hkwong05/CambridgeWeek4#

More Power Equals More Responsibility?

Anyone ever hear the story where an investment bank manager is trying to determine how to evaluate his three junior analysts? Their all smart, competent, and junior. All have a great show great potential in their quality of work since they join the company; so how does the manager really get to know his employee's character beneath the persona they project? Now the manager is going away on vacation next week, and decides to give one analyst a $1,000,000 portfolio, the second a $500,000 portfolio, and the third one a $100,000 portfolio, there was no real specific way he chose, except he just wanted to see their response and the results from each of them with what is given.

Now can you imagine what each analyst must feel. I know there would be a sense of competition to win, but then again, if I was given 1/10 of the someone else, I wouldn't think it to be a fair competition. If i was the analyst given the million. I'd think, great, he's looking at me as the front runner, I need to really perform to prove he's right (or i could slack off...). Second, if I was second, I might think... alright, I can do my best, and if i do better than the first analyst, I might be given a promotion. But if I was the third guy, I might have a defeated attitude and think I've already been written off.

After a month, when the manager returned, he found the analyst with the million maximize his given resource, and got a return of about 10%, as did the second analyst, gaining about 10%. However, the third analyst have already internalize the situation and placed himself in 3rd place by minimizing any risk and just put the money in away in GICs.

The manager was extremely please with the work of the first 2 analyst, while the third he was disappointed with. Now I understand this story might sound bias and one sided, and almost even unfair. But here's the thing, I think I am beginning to understand just what the manager is looking for. I've always thought of the story as being the third analyst, and how unfortunate it was that he was placed in such a situation. But I think I finally come to realize, that if I was the manager, I just want someone that really understands what I am about, and what I am trying to do. Yes the overall result is absolutely important, but I am not trying to compare with the same scale the net earnings of each one, because my point wasn't to measure the overall $ gained. But that each analyst worked their hardest to because they knew I entrusted them with something. I realize how often I tend to internalize a "pity me" attitude. I use to look at my own situation, and realize what an uphill battle I must fight, and the unfortunate thing is that my never give up attitude kept me away from seeing the bigger picture. Instead, I was often just fighting the wrong battle. If i understood what my manager wanted, and I stop seeing what I can do to "impress" him, or find flaws in the other analyst so that I could be different or better. Instead, just realize that I will worked for my manager, the entire system makes a whole lot more sense.

In case anyone is wondering, I got the story from Matthew 25-14-28 in the bible. They tell it much better. The reason i was thinking about the story is this. I feel that lately... and this has been a slow and steady trend, i feel i've been given more responsibility, not a one off, or an opportunity that arise, but steadily, and more often. These opportunities seem to be related in discussing with other situation in life, and developed point of views. It's pretty amazing because I feel as though if given these test again, i might not pass, but God whom i believe controls these events believe that I am actually more ready then i believe are putting me in situation where I have some influence, and can share my thoughts and concern. In fact, I thought i might of failed today, in setting up a convincing argument. And i felt a little sad because I was concern about the potential outcome. I said a quick prayer which I'm certain He already knew what I was concerned about. And within minutes, the same decision was reverse. I was so relieved! I was completely reminded that I just need to work with what I am given. As long as i'm seeking to do what is good and right, I can be certain that it is not the end result that I need to worry about, but that the intent and motives are what are important.













Anyhow, just want to leave a couple pictures for you guys.
London with Harmony

Cambridge

http://picasaweb.google.com/hkwong05/CambridgeWeek1?pli=1&gsessionid=qZOm82YkObb9lmwaEoC02g#

Exciting But Busy Week

So since last week, a few things things are worth mentioning:

• Class trip to Stonehenge, Winchester, and Hindhead (England's landscape is different than that of Canada's but beautiful)

(http://picasaweb.google.com/hkwong05/StonehengeOct10112008MPhilESD#)

• Classmates are of similar mindset on sustainability. This is exciting because we're going to have the opportunity to learn and combine our ideas in attempt to tackle some of these new problems. This class of ours were handpick by our professor, and I think it shows as the consistency and genuineness of each person is amazingly similar. It's like I told one of our classmates, it's like we only knew each other for a couple days over the weekend, and it's like we have these established friendships that we never knew we had.
  
• Practiced and am invited to play for Cambridge Blues Ice Hockey team this year, Wow! Never thought I'd play on a varsity team, but worry about the time commitment. Want to do other things along with hanging out with classmates :D
• Found this amazing store call "Poundland" perfect for students as I need some hangers, snacks, and cloths. So happy to have found the UK version of the dollar store here! And it has just about the same type of items you find back at home! Time to raid it when I need to do some one off projects!
• Got really sick yesterday after having a bad dinner. Seriously, the last time i remember feeling this sick was first year in University when a friend had Chinese food imported from Toronto, and that night I was in the washroom! This time, I had my garbage can next to my bed, slept like 14 hours, woke up like 4 times, try to use the washroom, but no go.... :( Not to mention, training on ice for hockey on Sunday for 4 hours, my body decided to take care of what ever was in the stomach that my muscles were SORE! I mean, SORE! it was like I had arthritis in my muscle, i couldn't close my right hand! Glad God is in control of things I can't control....
• Classes have been perfectly entry level so that I can appreciate the fundamentals of the Macroeconomics, Globalization, and Energy Policy. Seriously, if anyone feels like taking a week of class with me, feel free to audit for free, it's almost like signing up for a conference! Except free, and much to take away. I see how here in Cambridge, they really value academia for the sake of learning instead of just trying to squeeze every penny out of you. Mind you things aren't exactly cheap here.
• A line I heard that has kind of stuck with me, and I'm paraphrasing, " When you get to know Him more, you are going to understand who you are more, what you am made for." (Because we are designed in His image).
  

Anyway, should probably hit the sack and get some more sleep to get better. I will definitely talk about the shoes next post. And also I'd do a post on Cambridge shots, really nice :)

Do You Ever Get That Feeling, the Feeling That You Can REALLY Get Behind Something?

So, you know that feeling, that first time you realize you had something really good? It could be a situation you're in, or someone you're with. But initially, there were all these concerns, and issues that you mentally had in your head. But when you committed to the situation, or were forced into a relationship with someone (I probably should of switched the analogy), but my point is.... that when you start realizing just how amazing the potential, and the opportunity that it provides, not to mention the experience.... and your attitude begins to change for the better. Earlier issues might still exist, and it's not like new issues won't be arising, but the difference is, the lens you're viewing through the situation/someone has changed. Now the things that would of bother you are becoming challenges that you WANT to overcome.

Maybe it's me finally settling down in Cambridge, but this is really a town and school I can get behind! I use to think it can be snobby, and expensive, not to mention the difficultly I kept facing in trying to dress and fit into the shirt, tie, and suit environment, but dealing with the rain, long walks, or bike rides in these clothes.... I was like.. ARGH, a car really helps when you're all dressed up. Anyway, my point was this, you start finding solution to these problems, and in the process, you begin to see what this town/school is about. Here are some cool things about the school that I really admire:

1. Your research paper belongs to YOU! Unlike most school I've come across, the research paper you do for the phD or Masters belongs to the prof., you might get recognition. But it's how the game is played. But Cambridge gives credit where Credit is due. I love that, these ideas that have been entrenched in the school!
2. Here in Cambridge, they really do try to put learning first. As a student, you can audit ANY COURSE with the Lecturer's permission. And in most case, I hear it is encouraged. So you're saying, what's the big deal? All Unis encourage auditing. So let me clarify by saying that when i say audit, i mean FREE. I am so looking forward to sitting down and in some Eng Lit Class. Check out the free classes you can attend if you come to Cambridge this year :) http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter/current/weekly/6121/
   
3. Absolute emphasis on work/life balance. I mean some colleges gets hired chefs! A well kept college property that is second to none. And 16 hour per module over 8 weeks per term! Amazing.
4. At the Cambridge library today, and i'm not that big on books... but something about being in a library that has 7 million books with all of UK's history published journals in the library. I must say it was pretty cool.
5. Oh, another thing I love, but it's probably not very efficient for those of you who love efficiency :D But applying for jobs, these guys have a great website, but they are reluctant to set up a system where we the job seekers post our resume, and have the company contact us. I love that, i feel like the onus should be on the job seeker to impress the employer for an interview. Back at home, it seems like sometimes it's impossible to get an interview. And for me, one of the thing is i just don't get a good feel on what the employer is looking for in a "posted" resume. I'm looking forward to trying to find a job here :)
6. Everywhere I've needed to go is a 5 minute bike ride. Or i can park my bike and walk around town for 20 minutes getting everything done. It takes some getting use to, but so efficient!

Alright, enough boosting Cambridge, i'm sure i will find lots of bad things about it.. (later posts) But yeah... The only thing I would change is to bring you guys over for a week to enjoy this with me... It would absolutely be so cool!

Speaking of cool... our class is taking us on a field trip! Going to a wind turbine farm, Stone Henge, and doing some basic studying of old vs new highway systems! Overnight trip Friday Saturday! So cool! I'm so excited about visiting the Henge... Definitely going to bring my camera!

Tomorrow, I'm going to talk a little bit about these interesting shoes I keep seeing here in Cambridge.

Whirlwind of a Couple of Days

Wow! Seriously, wow, it's been a few crazy days. In short:

Friday Oct 3, 9am:
*ring* *ring* hk : "hellloooo.. (in a raspy, broken, voice)"
mom: "wai ah keet... doe jui la" (or for those who don't speak Cantonese, "hk, it's here")
hk: "haa? lei gone met yei ah?" ("huh? what are you talking about")
mom: "lei phone shun doe jui la" ("your letter has arrived!")
hk: "oh okay la, heeg dee tone lei goun la" ("okay, call you later")

Friday Oct 3, 10:30am:
hk: so i wake up, email a few people that i got my visa, and started working out my strategy to leave town.
12:30pm:
hk: return product on lone such as 407 transponder!
1:00pm to 3pm
hk: trying to book ticket through RBC to redeem my visa points for a last minute ticket... BOY IT's a tedious process. But finally done.
5pm -11pm
hk: saying some good byes with OMEers and CPCers.

Friday Oct 3 11:30pm - Sat Oct 4, 4am
hk: Reformat and clean up hard drive in prep for school, also packing!
2pm - hk: Pearson

Oct 5 - 6am: Heathrow
7am: lining up for customs
8am: still lining up for customs
~8:30am: "You are holy, holy holy.... so here i am, all of me, finally, everything..." (iPod and Sennheiser make a good combo!"
10am: National Express to Cambridge
12pm: Register at Cambridge (Smooth :D)
2pm: College Meeting
3:30pm: Matriculation photo? What the?
6pm: Dinner! FORMAL? CRaP! (to do: buy shoes)
7pm-10pm: Force mingling :)

Oct 6 - 10am - missed registration :S
20 minutes walk to campus! oh boy!
10:30am - intro to cambridge eng grad programs
11:30 ditched intro to find office for registering! (Boy I love exploring new places, there's this great open concept office in the engineering department on the 3rd floor... absolutely gives off this Green, and forward thinking environment! but too bad it wasn't the sustainable development office :)
12pm-5pm: Eat and Shopping! bowls, groceries (pasta sauce for 22p?!), duvet covers, ethernet cable, etc. (40GBP)
6pm-10pm: Didn't want to walk back to college, it'd take 30+ minutes! Met the Christian Chinese Fellowship in Cambridge... nice to sing praises and pray! Really amazing! One of the person is holding a bike over the year for a friend! YES saved 50GBP for a used bike as i biked home!
10 minutes later I got home! Now everything seems reachable!

Oct 7: 10am - still jet lagged
11:30 - missed safety lecture
2pm - finally met class mates
3pm - library, and hung out with class mates
4pm - finally feel like i'm fitting in.... talking sports... ambition, and what we were doing before taking this MPhil

So in summary.. it's been pretty frantic over the first few days. Haven't even really had a chance to settle down in Cambridge as I just really LEFT Toronto. Seriously, i really miss Toronto over the pass few days. I should be ecstatics getting into Cambridge and meeting new people with similar interest. Maybe it was because I got to see most of my friends during work hours, and being able to hangout really late with my roommates. But life seem like it was at a pinnacle, good friends, had enough money, getting things done, playing games at night. I guess I had this fleeing feeling that life would not be the same, not even when I get back to Toronto as one of my close friend and roommate will be married! Good on ya mate :D but that means no more late night conversation and Starcrafting with roomies. Furthermore, seems like we will be leaving 152 St. Patrick, and boy, I never really knew how attached I've grown to the place. *tears* :(

Once I got here, I felt like a stranger. I spoke the language, but knew no one, and no-one knew me. The events the college threw were nice, some people were constantly looking for the next person to meet, while some I got to know, but we really didn't have too much to chat about. Realize i didn't pack some important items like formal wear shoes and duvet covers. Thought i was going to have a chance to pick up these things, but never realize how much a car helps! Because i couldn't fit everything i needed to get, and it was such a LONG walk home... i was like... CRAP! well, either way, God provided! Found some Christian brothers and sisters, and they provided a Bike! WOW... my mood was completely lifted! I can get around now!

Now a second issue that's been bothering me. I was really hoping to be able to room all my friends that wanted to visit! Really... maybe it was living at 152 St. Patrick, but I really enjoy being hospitable. But i realize i can't do that here, my room is probably 3x4m, and the common area between my other flatmate is literally a kitchen and bathroom... so yup, needless to say, i was disappointed. But over the past couple of days, i realize there is a guest house here at Wolfson :D not sure how much it'd be, but i hear it's big, and capable of housing more than one :D So that's cool.

As the issue started to resolve itself, I must say, walking through the town, through the mall, and just absorbing the town, it is absolutely picturesque! I keep having to remind myself, as I walk through King or Trinity college, I'm walking on the same ground that Sir Issac Newton walked on. Looking into the 800 year old chapel, it was the same site that Darwin once looked at. Anyway, I must say it was very humbling as I walked through the bumpy inner streets of Cambridge's market square. I am beginning to be overwhelm with excitement of this upcoming year, a little sad that I won't be able to share it with everyone back at home in Toronto, and even sadder that I will not have the strong support that I have grown so accustom to back at home. But I guess I need to look forward as this year will pass by very quickly.

Anyway, I promise my post in the future will be shorter and have a better story telling format, I will attempt to bring you into Cambridge, what it's like to see, taste, touch, this town. Yes, i will do this with my surprub English writing abilities! :P

Cheers,
hk