Kristin’s Birthday

I took Kristin to Vegas this year for her birthday.  We combined it with a work trip.  While in Vegas, we stayed at the Trump International Hotel.  This is supposedly a 5 star hotel but I wasn’t extremely impressed.  The room was very nice but it wasn’t what I expected.  One warning about the Trump Hotel is that they will nickel and dime you.  Once you pay your room rate, there’s also a “Resort Fee” that you have to pay.  The Hotel was nice but it was about 3/4 mile from the strip.  It made for a long walk.

We went to the Rainforest Cafe for a birthday meal.  It was the first time Kristin had eaten here, though I know she has wanted to eat here for a long time.  It was a fun place, though very noisy.

While we were here, we saw Ka, from Cirque du Soleil.  It was an amazing show.  You didn’t have to understand the words, just the actions.  I don’t know what else to say except that it was just amazing.

We also saw all of the free shows, too.  The Water Show at Bellagio, the Pirate Show at Treasure Island.  We did lots of walking but it was fun to see everything again.  The only thing that would have made it better is if we had Segways.

We also ran into one of my relatives at the Venetian.  Auntie Louis Yang was sitting at the slot machine waiting for her in-laws.  Kristin noticed her before I did.  It was a fun meeting as she took us back to her room to show us her view from the Venetian.

Vegas is fun for little getaways but it wears me out quickly.  I’m glad we live so close that we can visit often.

This year’s travels

This past year has been a busy, wonderful one! We have had so much fun! We went to Disneyland for Kristin’s birthday. We thought it would be fun to do before we have children.

We also go to go to Montreal, last fall, through Steve’s work. We went to cooking school for a night and made crepe’s! Our flight was canceled due to weather. Instead of spending our money that night at a hotel we spent it on a late night cruise along the Hudson River!

In April, we went to Oahu, Hawaii! We went snorkeling, to a luau, to the Polynesian Cultural Center, hiking, and spending lots of time in the sand and sea. The highlight was going parasailing! We really enjoyed it! It’s an awesome way to see the island!

AND Kristin’s brother Erik got married to a wonderful girl! We are so happy for them both!

Graduation, again!

I’ve done it again.  This time I graduate from the University of Utah with a Masters of Science in Finance.  This is my third graduate degree and this is one that I enjoyed the most.   I enjoyed my last graduation so much that I decided to do it again.  Everyone should go to school!

What’s next?  Rest?  Vacation?  No!  It’s time to cram for the CFA Level 2 exam.  After that, the GMAT.  What did you expect?  I’m a perpetual student.  If I’m fortunate enough, a PhD will be in the future, Kristin be willing.  🙂

CFA Level 1 Results – I Passed!!!

Back on December 1, 2007, I took one of the hardest exams that I have ever taken. The CFA exam is like taking everything you know about business and finance and putting it in an exam. I only passed Level 1 and have two more levels to go. After coming out of the testing center, I did not feel like I passed. Everyone that I spoke with at the testing center was pessimistic about the exam.

Now it’s on to study for Level 2. That test date is June 7, 2008. It’s a stressful time again and I really have no social life except for my study materials.