Tagged: 5 things you didn't know about me...

Last year, at the same period I published a blog post about 5 things you didn't know about me . I have decided this year to do a new one. As you will read, some issues have found their solutions, others are new. So enough talk, let's write!
1- I have reconnected with my mother with whom I didn't have news for the past 11 years. She has changed since the retired 18 months, and I got more mature and self-confident. It is really a big achievement and I feel really at peace now!
2- I am 37 and I finally found my soulmate, her name is Caroline, she is Chinese and eventually, we will marry this spring.
3- Despite my high salary and the advantages coming from my job position, I have been hit by the economic crisis. My wife is, currently, doing a MBA @ Duke Fuqua promotion 2010. While we hoped last year to have a student loan, it appeared very quickly it would be impossible with the financial meltdown. Bank loans for Foreign students has increased to 20% interest rate which means if you borrow 150,000 USD for 2 years MBA you have to reimburse 300,000 USD within 5 years. Therefore, we have decided to pay without borrowing; I will pay 150,000 USD within 18 months putting us in a lot of financial pressure.  Compare to other students I still feel lucky, we can afford to pay in full the MBA, some are quitting right now!
4-I have moved again last october 2008 from Beijing to Shanghai. I have to admit I prefer Shanghai to Beijing because the city is greener, less polluted, warmer, more international and it is the economic center of China therefore more opportunities.
5- I will attend in June at INSEAD Singapore an executive education. I have a law degree, an Executive MBA and currently doing a PhD but I feel the need for more knowledge in management and Asia therefore I am attending this program. It doesn't come cheap 11,900 Euros but my friends who attended it said it is worth it.