My Weekend

Unlike this past weekend, I usually have good weekends where I have plenty of activities to do.  I would like to give you an idea about what I usually do in my weekends.  Other than cleaning, cooking and doing my laundry, I go to Gym, and hang out with my friend. However this weekend was all around studying math and doing GMAT's homework.  I have good deal with my friend who is also preparing for GMAT test; the deal is to meet every day in "Blenz" coffee at Broadway to study together. So far this arrangement is working well for both of us. We have selected "Blenz" at Broadway for many reasons. One reason is because it is just walking distance from the Gym, so we can study either before or after our daily routine. Second reason is that we have noticed that it is popular among students to study in coffee-shops so we thought we will give it a try. In fact, we accomplish more studying there. 

ME & the GMAT

Some challenges if not treated well can turn to major blocks for fulfilling one’s dreams.  Valid examples of such challenges might be getting over a fear of public speech, learn new language, get rid of bad habit, or pass a test. Of course, people are different; consequently, their challenges vary as well. However, for some people like myself entering new territory is a terrifying experience.  This realization just occurred to me.  It was provoked by my GMAT test preparation course, which I was putting off for so long.  Last Thursday it was my first GMAT preparation class and I was nervous beyond imagination could get!! It was difficult for me to concentrate on the class. Actually, The base of my fright is the fact that I have long bad history with math. And GMAT is mostly about high school to university math. Add to this it is an essential requirement for any business school's admission.  So there is no way for me to get around it.  While I was in the class trying hard to keep up with the instructor, I had this question in my mind: is this amount of fear is totally new for you? or is it your primary lifetime's challenge? And all of sudden effortlessly the answer was there, well no, it is not! This fear feels so familiar I went through the same frightening and disturbing feeling when I first decided to learn swimming and later on driving.  Both experiences were the most exhausting and unforgettable ones that filled my mind with doubts and discouragement. Yet, with patience, devotion, and determination I conquer them. I can’t deny this realization has given me some peace of mind and somehow boosted my spirit up.  It gives me the hope that with trying my best I would have the same happy ending. I really do not know right now I feel very much like someone who is pushed in the corner or like the old saying the sea is behind you, and the enemy in front of you.

Wish me good luck

The Clod & The Pebble Vs. Hills Like White Elephants

Ernest Hemingway in his story “ Hills Like White Elephants” describes love between the American man and Jig. Love in the story was expressed differently between the couple.  The American man loved Jig in an obsessive way, which was expressed in various parts of the narrative.  He was self-centered and did not show any consideration to her desire when he made his mind about the abortion. He wanted their relationship to go on without any commitment, while Jig dreamed of long lasting relationship and hoped that having a baby would work as an insurance and fulfill her wishes for a happy and a complete relationship.

So if we reflect on Wiliam Blake views of love in his poem “The Clod and the PEBBLE” we can see some similarity expressed by Pebble.  According to the Pebble, people fall in love just to please themselves rather than pleasing their partners. That would be accurate if we say that the American man in his love to Jig didn't really care for her feelings; not only concerning her feelings about the abortion, but as well about his way of treating her. For example, when they were outside the bar drinking beer, Jig was trying to have a conversation with him, and he was cutting her off all the time. This type of treatment shows the type of relationship they have and cast light on the American man personality.  I think he is not a pleasant person to be with; he was neither affectionate nor considerate. The girl was about going to have an operation, which she knows nothing about. She has been worried about her health, her baby and in top of that she was insecure about the future of their relationship.  Hence, Pebble’s description of love was expressed by the American man’s actions. He tried to please himself and bend his lover for his own delight.  On the other hand, I do not know if it is accurate to describe Jig’s love as the Clod’s description of love.  She was lean at the beginning and she wanted to please the American man but her attitude changed at the end of the story when she realized that he doesn’t love her the way she wanted him to.  I think I can say she was in despair and wanted him to provide her with a heaven.