As the year comes to an end, I looked back at what I've achieved. I realised 2007 has indeed been an eventful one for me.
Major events in 2007:
1. I finally graduated (to the relief of my parents), but I still miss school. I had an amazing university years achieving many things in life that many of my peers could not have achieved.
2. I paid off my liabilities and was left with a tight budget. At least I don't have to worry the high interest rate charged at 4.25% per annum anymore.
3. I brought my mum to Tokyo and managed to survive with my poor Japanese.
4. I attained the Spanish Diploma Basic Level, which I have no idea what use I would have as of now.
5. I was at the crossroads deciding the career path I should pursue.
6. I finally landed myself my current job and felt really blessed to be offer a placing in an industry related to my studies.
In the coming year, I hope it will be a year of achievements.
Resolutions 2008
1. I hope to get into the department I am in now. I believe the field of work is specialised enough to keep me motivated on my learning curve.
2. I hope to get my braces done. It's been more than 10 years since I last checked out the prices for braces. It would certainly be an achievement to fulfil the dream I used to possess.
3. I hope to workout on a more regular basis. I have just signed up a year of membership with Fitness First, which has a branch located in the building of my office. I will be joining my colleague(s) who are already members of the club.
4. I hope to make true friends at work and in my social life. It's always good to have a couple of true friends, especially those who will be there when you need them.
5. I hope to meet up with friends in Bangkok in January when I am there. My Argentinian friend (a great 'Spanish teacher' of mine) will be flying in to Asia for holiday. I will try to meet up with him. In addition, I am planning to meet up with my Thai friends, whom I have not met for years (since those days we worked together in U.S.).
6. I hope to go Germany and visit my cousin and friend there. The plan is yet to be drawn up. I will try to arrange leave to visit Europe, a continent I have yet to venture into.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
幸运儿 “The Lucky One"
昨天心血来潮就踏进了书局，随手就拿了一本几米的《幸运儿》来读。其实好久好久都没再翻阅书本，更别说是华文书籍了。从新拿起书本的感觉让我回到读书时期... ...
几米的书带着绚丽多彩的图、简单的文字，却总是带着一点黑色幽默。《幸运儿》也不例外。故事反映了很多人生中的矛盾... ...
我们总是羡慕那些拥有很多很多的人，但是这些人是快乐的吗？或则也许我们拥有很多，但当我们真正拥有时，我们却不懂得珍惜, 直到失去了，我们才懂得后悔。
当一个人像小鸟被捆在笼子里，没有亲人、没有朋友，人生是孤寂的。或许有一天没有人会记得你是谁，也没有人会想起你。但是没有人是一个孤岛。大家都须要爱他的人。被爱是幸福的。懂得去爱更是难得的。特别是懂得博爱，默默地帮助身边的人也是种幸福。
The Warlords
I just reached home after watching 'The Warlords' with an university friend...
I must say that the movie is certainly another breakthrough for Peter Chan. The Hong Kong director has filmed different genres of movies such as 'Perhaps, Love", but this is the first time he did a war film based on a historical event. Watching this movie was considered quite amazing for me because I saw the director in person when he was here in Singapore few months ago.
'The Warlords' , a movie that revolves around brotherhood with many hidden meanings. The scene of a wretched war field not only reflects the complicated relations among the various characters, but it also brings out the significance of peace. The innocents did not choose to go into war. Nor did the soldiers choose to fight the war. They were told to be fighting for the greater good of their own people. The irony of a cross (which symbolises protection) but always associated with death. The "Shan" (mountain) that cannot contain "Er Hu" (second tiger). [It's a chinese phrase, which my friend reminded me about.] And many more meanings that reflect reality...
The movie is also great because of the visual effects, especially the bloody war scenes. Perhaps not all girls would like it. However, if you like Saving Private Ryan, you would simply like this show too. Peter Chan has really done a good directing job in depicting the cruelty of war with the killing, the blood etc. Interestingly, the horses' eyes were covered up in one of the scenes. This is something I don't remember seeing in many films. From my understanding of horses, the idea is to prevent the horses from being distracted. I guess it's even crucial especially in warfare because the horses will often get jittery when they see the swords coming their way.
Although the storyline varies from the original in a way, the plot of the story is laid out very nicely from the start, giving a clear picture of the characteristics of the three brothers and the inter-relationships of these characters. The story is a little sad though. The 4,000 innocent soldiers that were killed despite the fact that they have chosen to surrender. The eventual death of the three brothers.
Overall, I really like the movie a lot. It really makes you reflect that life is like a war scene in a way. There is always so much complexity in relationships at work or in our social life. How much is the friendship we established worth?
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday @ Work
I feel that the week has gone by like a speed of light. It's already Friday again!
I am kept busy with research assignment beside the self-studying I have to do. My other mentor gave me a briefing session on financial modelling, which is something that I find intriguing to learn. Although I am not doing any real work at the moment, I feel a stronger urge to stay in the division to pursue the interests. The department is really specialised in its field. I believe there is a lot of learning opportunities for me, but the work involved would definitely be a steep learning curve for me.
In fact, as late Jan approaches, I feel increasingly anxious to know which department would open up vacancies to accomodate us. (The graduate trainee program will end in late Jan when we will be given a final posting based on demand and supply.) I hope my chance to stay in where I am now would be higher than the rest.
I think I grew closer to other colleagues (rather than my fellow trainees friends) recently.
One of them is Ms. S, my senior working in another department but I only discovered that she was from my university few months ago. I find her very approachable to chat with. Hence, we have started a chat on a daily basis over emails these days. We are even planning to head to Fitness First together starting next week.
The other colleague whom I always chat with over email was Mr. L. He has joined the company few months earlier than us, but he has the chance to join us for some of our training sessions. However, I remembered we only grew closer because of a bottle of Chardonnay. We met up over dinner together today and chatted about the 'crack' that he has observed in our group (the trainees). I cannot not agree with what he has said. I think it is quite obvious that all of the trainees have grown further apart from one another due to different reasons. Quoting what this colleague told me, at the end of the day, we are competitors to one another. That's so true! Yet it is saddening to see how everyone drifted apart from one another. Perhaps that's how true why 'colleagues can only be colleagues'. He really woken me up with his words. At the same time, I think I found myself a friend at work, whom I think I can trust.
Of course, trust will only come when the other party also trust in you. I shall see how these newfound friendships will be able to sustain the cruelty at workplace - the politics.
I am kept busy with research assignment beside the self-studying I have to do. My other mentor gave me a briefing session on financial modelling, which is something that I find intriguing to learn. Although I am not doing any real work at the moment, I feel a stronger urge to stay in the division to pursue the interests. The department is really specialised in its field. I believe there is a lot of learning opportunities for me, but the work involved would definitely be a steep learning curve for me.
In fact, as late Jan approaches, I feel increasingly anxious to know which department would open up vacancies to accomodate us. (The graduate trainee program will end in late Jan when we will be given a final posting based on demand and supply.) I hope my chance to stay in where I am now would be higher than the rest.
I think I grew closer to other colleagues (rather than my fellow trainees friends) recently.
One of them is Ms. S, my senior working in another department but I only discovered that she was from my university few months ago. I find her very approachable to chat with. Hence, we have started a chat on a daily basis over emails these days. We are even planning to head to Fitness First together starting next week.
The other colleague whom I always chat with over email was Mr. L. He has joined the company few months earlier than us, but he has the chance to join us for some of our training sessions. However, I remembered we only grew closer because of a bottle of Chardonnay. We met up over dinner together today and chatted about the 'crack' that he has observed in our group (the trainees). I cannot not agree with what he has said. I think it is quite obvious that all of the trainees have grown further apart from one another due to different reasons. Quoting what this colleague told me, at the end of the day, we are competitors to one another. That's so true! Yet it is saddening to see how everyone drifted apart from one another. Perhaps that's how true why 'colleagues can only be colleagues'. He really woken me up with his words. At the same time, I think I found myself a friend at work, whom I think I can trust.
Of course, trust will only come when the other party also trust in you. I shall see how these newfound friendships will be able to sustain the cruelty at workplace - the politics.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Ups & Downs Of Life
I've been getting a little emotional these days. I could be happy one second and sad the next moment.
At least I know today I woke up feeling better, probably due to some quality sleep the previous night. I also woke up on time and went out early. The train was super not crowded. I had a lot of "fresh air" for once on the train heading directly to Pasir Ris.
I knew I wasn't going to bump into him on the train. I purposely took the earlier train. He has no reasons to give me any mean comments again. I reaffirmed that I was going to reach earlier than him, as I even saw him at the usual spot through the glass panel of the doors when the train went passed his station. However, I felt a little shocked when he actually called me up. I decided to be nice. I waited for him at the final stop. Perhaps I still treat him as a really good friend no matter what happened between us previously. I knew I still care for him as a friend, and I hope he can stop being mean to me. Let's see if fate will bring us together on the same train tomorrow.
I also found a new motivation at work. My mentor handed me an assignment to do, which will keep me occupied. Researching for this assignment is certainly better than just doing self-studying. I could feel the fighting spirit in me even though the task is not an easy one to begin with. My other mentor has also given me a briefing on financial modelling today. He will try to finish up the briefing tomorrow. The topic is an interesting one. At the same time, it is also a complicated subject. I really hope to master as much as I could. These two things should keep me rather busy for the next two weeks.
At least I know today I woke up feeling better, probably due to some quality sleep the previous night. I also woke up on time and went out early. The train was super not crowded. I had a lot of "fresh air" for once on the train heading directly to Pasir Ris.
I knew I wasn't going to bump into him on the train. I purposely took the earlier train. He has no reasons to give me any mean comments again. I reaffirmed that I was going to reach earlier than him, as I even saw him at the usual spot through the glass panel of the doors when the train went passed his station. However, I felt a little shocked when he actually called me up. I decided to be nice. I waited for him at the final stop. Perhaps I still treat him as a really good friend no matter what happened between us previously. I knew I still care for him as a friend, and I hope he can stop being mean to me. Let's see if fate will bring us together on the same train tomorrow.
I also found a new motivation at work. My mentor handed me an assignment to do, which will keep me occupied. Researching for this assignment is certainly better than just doing self-studying. I could feel the fighting spirit in me even though the task is not an easy one to begin with. My other mentor has also given me a briefing on financial modelling today. He will try to finish up the briefing tomorrow. The topic is an interesting one. At the same time, it is also a complicated subject. I really hope to master as much as I could. These two things should keep me rather busy for the next two weeks.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas
Merry Christmas to you!
My mood has certainly recovered a little. I went out shopping with my mum last Saturday to AMK Hub. Although I didn't get anything for myself, we bought a lot of food home. We also met up my brother, who got off work to eat at New York New York.
On Sunday, I met up with my JC friends at Sentosa. I am no longer crazy over getting tanned. In contrast, I am trying to avoid sun these days. However, for the sake of the company, I went down to Sentosa. I do enjoy watching them play beach volleyball, while I just chat and rest.
I stayed for a few hours only though because I made an appointment to meet a good friend for Golden Compass, a movie I always wanted to watch this December. I think if you don't hold too much expectation on this movie, you will enjoy the show better. Luckily, we watched the movie at The Cathay. It was not too crowded for my liking. After the movie, my friend accompanied me to buy some cards for my colleagues at PS. We then headed to City Hall for some drinks at Starbucks (the new one at Raffles City, which we managed to find seats).
Then I went to the northeast of Singapore (Kovan and Hougang area) to meet up my JC mates (including those who went Sentosa and those who didn't) at Hougang Mall for dinner. It's been a long time since I met most of them, so it was enjoyable catching up on one another's latest updates in life.
I must say the whole weekend was certainly fulfiling. I truly enjoy myself.
There was a festive mood at work on Monday. A few of the graduate trainees, including me were like Santa Claus, giving out cards and gifts. Although someone irritated me in the morning, I made a discovery after lunch. I had a short briefing session with one of my colleagues, which lasted only 15 min. We ended up chatting about Latin America and Spanish for another fifteen minutes. He is a Japanese expatriate, who studied in an university in Spain. That's so cool! He only took Spanish for a half a year, but when he speaks in the language, he certainly sounds fantastic. He was jokingly saying that his Spanish is probably better than his English. It just got me excited that I found someone who can speak fluent Spanish at work because it's SPANISH! Ok, I admit I am a little obsessed over the language. I really want to return to learn Spanish soon.
My mood has certainly recovered a little. I went out shopping with my mum last Saturday to AMK Hub. Although I didn't get anything for myself, we bought a lot of food home. We also met up my brother, who got off work to eat at New York New York.
On Sunday, I met up with my JC friends at Sentosa. I am no longer crazy over getting tanned. In contrast, I am trying to avoid sun these days. However, for the sake of the company, I went down to Sentosa. I do enjoy watching them play beach volleyball, while I just chat and rest.
I stayed for a few hours only though because I made an appointment to meet a good friend for Golden Compass, a movie I always wanted to watch this December. I think if you don't hold too much expectation on this movie, you will enjoy the show better. Luckily, we watched the movie at The Cathay. It was not too crowded for my liking. After the movie, my friend accompanied me to buy some cards for my colleagues at PS. We then headed to City Hall for some drinks at Starbucks (the new one at Raffles City, which we managed to find seats).
Then I went to the northeast of Singapore (Kovan and Hougang area) to meet up my JC mates (including those who went Sentosa and those who didn't) at Hougang Mall for dinner. It's been a long time since I met most of them, so it was enjoyable catching up on one another's latest updates in life.
I must say the whole weekend was certainly fulfiling. I truly enjoy myself.
There was a festive mood at work on Monday. A few of the graduate trainees, including me were like Santa Claus, giving out cards and gifts. Although someone irritated me in the morning, I made a discovery after lunch. I had a short briefing session with one of my colleagues, which lasted only 15 min. We ended up chatting about Latin America and Spanish for another fifteen minutes. He is a Japanese expatriate, who studied in an university in Spain. That's so cool! He only took Spanish for a half a year, but when he speaks in the language, he certainly sounds fantastic. He was jokingly saying that his Spanish is probably better than his English. It just got me excited that I found someone who can speak fluent Spanish at work because it's SPANISH! Ok, I admit I am a little obsessed over the language. I really want to return to learn Spanish soon.
Which Sex & the City Character Are You?
Which Sex and the City Character Are You? | |
 | You are Carrie. You know what you want out of a relationship and you're not afraid to keep moving until you get it. Wit and charm are your biggest turn-ons, and you like guys who appreciate you for your mind as much as your body. You have fun playing the dating game, but secretly you just can't wait to find the guy who sweeps you off your feet and carries you into the sunset. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
Friday, December 21, 2007
Latest Updates On My Life...
I had a one-to-one session with one of the HR personnels last Tuesday. She provided me a breakdown of the scores based on our assignments, short job rotations and 5-week internship during the graduate trainee programme. I was not in the top 50% cohort of the batch of trainees. In fact, that was within my expectations. I know I am not the aggressive type among the twelve of us. Nor am I one of the smartest around. However, what shocked me was when the HR personnel asked me 'Who are you close to among the trainees?" The question really caught me. I didn't know how to reply her. I would probably have an answer for her if she has asked me few months ago. However, now I am not too sure who is my closest friend at workplace.
After the feedback session, I felt really down. Many things went into my head. I couldn't tell specifically what was the reasons behind that. Perhaps it was the low scores I had. Or maybe it was more of that question posed by the HR personnel.
I'm glad my mood recovered a little after watching National Treasure Part 2 yesterday. I really appreciate the friend who is willing to accompany me to watch the movie. Or else I might have to spend Hari Raya Haji doing my usual activities - sleep, watch tv, surf net and eat.
Although at the end of the day I still have no answers to the question, I believe I will find someone who is willing to reciprocate his/her feelings and treat me as a friend so long I remained true and sincere to people around me. I am not attempting to open up anyone who is unwilling to open his/her heart to me. I am not a superwoman. I am just trying to be myself.
After the feedback session, I felt really down. Many things went into my head. I couldn't tell specifically what was the reasons behind that. Perhaps it was the low scores I had. Or maybe it was more of that question posed by the HR personnel.
I'm glad my mood recovered a little after watching National Treasure Part 2 yesterday. I really appreciate the friend who is willing to accompany me to watch the movie. Or else I might have to spend Hari Raya Haji doing my usual activities - sleep, watch tv, surf net and eat.
Although at the end of the day I still have no answers to the question, I believe I will find someone who is willing to reciprocate his/her feelings and treat me as a friend so long I remained true and sincere to people around me. I am not attempting to open up anyone who is unwilling to open his/her heart to me. I am not a superwoman. I am just trying to be myself.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Friendship
Can colleagues only be colleagues/acquaintances and not friends? I thought the answer was NO.
Recently, I realised what you considered as friends might not be your friends afterall. Or worst, they never regarded you as their friends in the first place. That changed my opinion of friendships.
The words that were told to me may be mild as compared to betrayal. Yet, it still hurts to know that I have never had that friend in the first place.
I have invested so much into the friendship, willing to afford the time and energy with this friend. At that point in time, I thought he/she is also reciprocating by being nice to me. However, I realised at the end of the day, I was never regarded as a friend. Just a colleague or maybe only acquaintances.
I have no wish to guess what's on his/her mind, and why the sudden change in attitude towards me etc. Should I give up this so-called friendship? And treat him/her as a colleague?
P.S. Losing a friend is worst than losing love.
Recently, I realised what you considered as friends might not be your friends afterall. Or worst, they never regarded you as their friends in the first place. That changed my opinion of friendships.
The words that were told to me may be mild as compared to betrayal. Yet, it still hurts to know that I have never had that friend in the first place.
I have invested so much into the friendship, willing to afford the time and energy with this friend. At that point in time, I thought he/she is also reciprocating by being nice to me. However, I realised at the end of the day, I was never regarded as a friend. Just a colleague or maybe only acquaintances.
I have no wish to guess what's on his/her mind, and why the sudden change in attitude towards me etc. Should I give up this so-called friendship? And treat him/her as a colleague?
P.S. Losing a friend is worst than losing love.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Crazy Way To End A Week...
I am finishing my internship this week. However, the whole week has been rather crazy. It is going to be the same for the next few days.
Unlike my other peers, I have a lot of work to clear before the internship ends. Firstly, the deadline for the whole report is next week. My mentor is looking through what I've written so far. One last section and conclusion remain to be completed. I intend to finish up as much as I could for my team before the deadline.
Besides meeting the deadline of the report, I have to let my boss see my draft (whatever I have written together with my mentor). He needs to write my appraisal for the internship according to the performance of work. What makes things worst is that my boss is on leave this Friday and he will be away in Mumbai on a business trip next week. That means I have to edit the draft of my paper earliest by tomorrow or latest next week after getting feedbacks from my mentor. However, next week I will be starting my workshops. That is going to leave me little time to complete.
In addition, I still have to organize my thoughts to write my journal. This last assignment of the internship is to be handed to the HR, and will be graded. The grades will be part of the evaluation scores that determine our final posting.
P.S. Demand and supply mechanism + "the fittest survive" = work life
Unlike my other peers, I have a lot of work to clear before the internship ends. Firstly, the deadline for the whole report is next week. My mentor is looking through what I've written so far. One last section and conclusion remain to be completed. I intend to finish up as much as I could for my team before the deadline.
Besides meeting the deadline of the report, I have to let my boss see my draft (whatever I have written together with my mentor). He needs to write my appraisal for the internship according to the performance of work. What makes things worst is that my boss is on leave this Friday and he will be away in Mumbai on a business trip next week. That means I have to edit the draft of my paper earliest by tomorrow or latest next week after getting feedbacks from my mentor. However, next week I will be starting my workshops. That is going to leave me little time to complete.
In addition, I still have to organize my thoughts to write my journal. This last assignment of the internship is to be handed to the HR, and will be graded. The grades will be part of the evaluation scores that determine our final posting.
P.S. Demand and supply mechanism + "the fittest survive" = work life
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Stardust
A friend and I went to JP for Stardust, the fantasy movie yesterday. Returning to JP for the movie, all my memories of secondary school times came back to me. The shopping mall was still as crowded. The cinema looked packed with young people too.
The movie itself was great, with a simple storyline and some romantic elements added to it. The effects, scenary and cast were also not too bad.
P.S. Of course, what matters at the end of the day is the company one has.
The movie itself was great, with a simple storyline and some romantic elements added to it. The effects, scenary and cast were also not too bad.
P.S. Of course, what matters at the end of the day is the company one has.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Better Mood
I am in a better mood this week, especially after the weekend. Probably my mentor is not around. That's is why I feel less pressurised. My average knock off time is capped at before 7pm this week. I just prayed hard that when my mentor is back, I can show her a good piece of work, which reached her expectations.
I met up with a few university friends on Thursday night after work to celebrate one of their birthdays. We went to a Shanghainese restaurant that serves great dumplings. After dinner, we shopped around Bugis Junction and eventually ended off the day with ice-creams at Swensens. However, I still headed off to Clarke Quay to meet my colleagues, who were chilling out at MacDonald. We only left at around 2plus in the morning. I probably reached home close to 3am, and slept till 10 plus in the morning.
Today I joined my colleagues at Tampines Sports Complex for badminton session. I must admit I was there for the company, not so much for the sake of the sports (because I haven't played for a long time). After two hours of games, we had our dinner at Ajisen (Tampines Mall). I guess that was enough for a day and so chose to go home.
P.S. It is the company that matters at the end of the day.
I met up with a few university friends on Thursday night after work to celebrate one of their birthdays. We went to a Shanghainese restaurant that serves great dumplings. After dinner, we shopped around Bugis Junction and eventually ended off the day with ice-creams at Swensens. However, I still headed off to Clarke Quay to meet my colleagues, who were chilling out at MacDonald. We only left at around 2plus in the morning. I probably reached home close to 3am, and slept till 10 plus in the morning.
Today I joined my colleagues at Tampines Sports Complex for badminton session. I must admit I was there for the company, not so much for the sake of the sports (because I haven't played for a long time). After two hours of games, we had our dinner at Ajisen (Tampines Mall). I guess that was enough for a day and so chose to go home.
P.S. It is the company that matters at the end of the day.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Mood
I've been having foul mood these days. I think that's because I feel that I've not done up to expectations at work, and that pissed me off in a way. I always want to do the best at work. I like the feeling of recognition. However, I just feel that I fall short of all the expectations that people has on me.
I sounded a little harsh to my colleagues on Friday. I think a few of them are shocked at my huge reactions to the correspondences. Seriously, I think I was in the wrong.
Taking a break over weekend, I did some thinking on my report. I'm in a better mood now. I feel more motivated to prove my mentor wrong. I want to exceed their expectations of me. You can call it ambitious, but I am really keen to put my soul and heart on perfecting my work. I want to change the bad impression I have given them previously and do a detailed job. I've been through worst jobs. I am sure I just need to be given the chance to prove myself this time round to earn the recognition.
At least my mentor won't be around the whole of this week. I can put less pressure on myself and concentrate on my work. In addition, I plan to join my colleagues over dinner, i.e. leave office around 5 plus (a rare situation these days for me).
P.S. I need a listening ear that I can trust to release all the frustrations in me.
I sounded a little harsh to my colleagues on Friday. I think a few of them are shocked at my huge reactions to the correspondences. Seriously, I think I was in the wrong.
Taking a break over weekend, I did some thinking on my report. I'm in a better mood now. I feel more motivated to prove my mentor wrong. I want to exceed their expectations of me. You can call it ambitious, but I am really keen to put my soul and heart on perfecting my work. I want to change the bad impression I have given them previously and do a detailed job. I've been through worst jobs. I am sure I just need to be given the chance to prove myself this time round to earn the recognition.
At least my mentor won't be around the whole of this week. I can put less pressure on myself and concentrate on my work. In addition, I plan to join my colleagues over dinner, i.e. leave office around 5 plus (a rare situation these days for me).
P.S. I need a listening ear that I can trust to release all the frustrations in me.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
This Week
I losing track of the day of the week. I can't tell if today is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday anymore. Perhaps every weekdays feel the same now. I'm still working till 7plus every day. I might not be the last in my department to leave office, but I will make sure I am really get a rest when I can't think anymore for the day. However, I still feel that my report is not perfect enough. I need to find inspirations to write it.
I made a stupid mistake today. I dropped my new contact lens. I was left with half of the visibility the whole morning, but I managed to do up my graphs with only my right eye. I only managed to get a new one at IP during lunch and it was raining heavily. I had no choice but to use the underpass to get to that building. This is not the first time I lost my contact lens. However, it is my second time in a week's time. I accidentally dropped my contact lens box together with the lens into the toilet bowl. How careless can I be? I have only myself to blame.
P.S. I must be careful these days...
I made a stupid mistake today. I dropped my new contact lens. I was left with half of the visibility the whole morning, but I managed to do up my graphs with only my right eye. I only managed to get a new one at IP during lunch and it was raining heavily. I had no choice but to use the underpass to get to that building. This is not the first time I lost my contact lens. However, it is my second time in a week's time. I accidentally dropped my contact lens box together with the lens into the toilet bowl. How careless can I be? I have only myself to blame.
P.S. I must be careful these days...
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Halloween
My university friends and I initially wanted to go Nectarie (the dessert store beside Lunar) , but it was too crowded. In the end, we went to Pump Room and had some drinks together. The place became very crowded before the soccer match was broadcasted. We stayed till half time and left for Mac. I had my hot chocolate, while my friends had their filet-o-fish meal and mcnuggets.
Sitting at Mac, we saw many people dresses up for the Halloween Party. There were various interesting characters. Below is a list of some of these characters:
1) Stormtroopers
2) Eyptian goddess
3) Warrior
5) L (from Death Note)
6) Mermaid
7) Fairy
8) Devil
9) Vampire
10) Angel
11) Bee
12) Ghost bride
The coolest costume I've seen is probably the Stormtroopers.
P.S. I really enjoy the "people watching" during Halloween.
Sitting at Mac, we saw many people dresses up for the Halloween Party. There were various interesting characters. Below is a list of some of these characters:
1) Stormtroopers
2) Eyptian goddess
3) Warrior
5) L (from Death Note)
6) Mermaid
7) Fairy
8) Devil
9) Vampire
10) Angel
11) Bee
12) Ghost bride
The coolest costume I've seen is probably the Stormtroopers.
P.S. I really enjoy the "people watching" during Halloween.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Entertainment
I just returned from ICA with my new biometric passport. I went there around 8am. There were already a long queue in front of me. I was made to "tour the circumference of ICA" (i.e. queuing around the building). However, I managed to get it in an hour's time. That's not too bad! At least I won't have to wait alone there for such a long period (I hate doing things without any company.)
I was so tired that I slept on the train on my way back home from ICA. I slept late on both Thursday and Friday night (1am and 2am respectively). In addition, I didn't get quality sleep yesterday because my cough and running nose worsened. Of course, insufficient sleep these days and working long hours have led to my slow recovery from the illness.
Anyway, I have no plans for today, except meeting two university friends tonight at Winebar. I am currently just "parking myself on msn". I might doze off any time (especially since my bed is not too far from my mac). I need to get some life! Friends who want shopping, chilling out etc can start dating me.
I was so tired that I slept on the train on my way back home from ICA. I slept late on both Thursday and Friday night (1am and 2am respectively). In addition, I didn't get quality sleep yesterday because my cough and running nose worsened. Of course, insufficient sleep these days and working long hours have led to my slow recovery from the illness.
Anyway, I have no plans for today, except meeting two university friends tonight at Winebar. I am currently just "parking myself on msn". I might doze off any time (especially since my bed is not too far from my mac). I need to get some life! Friends who want shopping, chilling out etc can start dating me.
Friday, October 26, 2007
He
I've managed to get to know him better these days, as we had more time to chat lately. I realised he makes a very good friend. We can chat on the same frequency. Perhaps not to extent of guessing what's on each other's mind, but we can chat on almost any topics. We were chatting late into the night that day. He finally revealed a little more about himself - his past with me. I think that's a big step for him because he seems quite secretive about himself sometimes. I think he is not comfortable to share too personal stuff with friends of the opposite sex. Well, maybe I can try to change him as a friend. An inquisitive friend he has here.
One Week Has Passed
The first week of my internship (during the graduate trainee programme) has passed. I have spent the last one week doing the same report. My mentors have yet to review the report with me. They are very busy with their own reports. I was talking to one of them today. She commented that the report looks comprehensive. I take that as a compliment for now. However, I am still modifying my report. There's no deadline to it. I am just trying to do my best for that first assignment. Hopefully, I will get a good appraisal for my internship too.
Anyway I realised my worries that day were redundant. Everything was a false alarm. Thanks goodness! I feel so much better with the current status.
Anyway I realised my worries that day were redundant. Everything was a false alarm. Thanks goodness! I feel so much better with the current status.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Work-Related Illness?!
Is it really work-related illness?
I know I can be a perfectionist at work. I have been working late (till 7 plus) to organise my research for the market report. Yet I always feel that I have no done enough. I really need to check with my mentor soon if I am on the right track. By the end of the week, I should be sitting down with my mentor, finding out what else I need to improve on. It's always good to obtain some feedbacks about work.
However, I also realised there's something at the back of my head. I know I have to talk it out to get it off my load. Bottoming up all the emotions is exasperating. Finding the right person to talk to is another issue. Too bad I am only meeting Jin on Saturday night. Perhaps the best way is to face the music. Though I have no idea how I am supposed to put it into words.
At least I can still sleep early. The medicines should knock me out soon...
I know I can be a perfectionist at work. I have been working late (till 7 plus) to organise my research for the market report. Yet I always feel that I have no done enough. I really need to check with my mentor soon if I am on the right track. By the end of the week, I should be sitting down with my mentor, finding out what else I need to improve on. It's always good to obtain some feedbacks about work.
However, I also realised there's something at the back of my head. I know I have to talk it out to get it off my load. Bottoming up all the emotions is exasperating. Finding the right person to talk to is another issue. Too bad I am only meeting Jin on Saturday night. Perhaps the best way is to face the music. Though I have no idea how I am supposed to put it into words.
At least I can still sleep early. The medicines should knock me out soon...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Start of Internship
I just started my five-weeks' internship yesterday. I had a short briefing of the department, and spent the rest of Monday browsing through research reports. I hate just reading and doing nothing. What makes things worst is that I sat alone, facing the window. My whole department is behind me but I have no idea what goes on behind me. There is nobody beside me too. At the end of the day, my boss finally gave me the topic of the assignment. At least I know I have the assignment to do today.
I spent the whole day researching on my new assignment - market research on a particular industry in India. The industry comprises of a few sectors, which complicates the whole paper. I worked till around 7 in the evening today. However, I wasn't the last to leave though. Almost the whole of my department was still around. I bidded goodbye to my boss, mentor and my colleagues and left with Mr. W & Ms. H.
I am down with running nose, beside my cough... getting worst...hope I get well by the end of the week...
I spent the whole day researching on my new assignment - market research on a particular industry in India. The industry comprises of a few sectors, which complicates the whole paper. I worked till around 7 in the evening today. However, I wasn't the last to leave though. Almost the whole of my department was still around. I bidded goodbye to my boss, mentor and my colleagues and left with Mr. W & Ms. H.
I am down with running nose, beside my cough... getting worst...hope I get well by the end of the week...
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Dinner on Friday
I went out with some of my university friends over dinner at Waraku, the Japanese restaurant @ Central. We managed to get a seat with a good view of Clarke Quay. The view was magnificient from the restaurant. It was simply romantic sitting there. Though two friends didn't join us. We had a good time gathering together, updating each other of our lives.
After dinner at Central, we went to Nectarie. A dessert place beside Lunar and Candy Bar. My friend had their ice-creams and cakes with alcohol content. I only tried a little of the cheesecake that has zero content of alcohol (so as to avoid worsening my cough conditions). The food 'looks and sounds' delicious. I will check out that place again next time when I recover.
P.S. I hate falling sick for such long period. Life is meaningless without good food.
After dinner at Central, we went to Nectarie. A dessert place beside Lunar and Candy Bar. My friend had their ice-creams and cakes with alcohol content. I only tried a little of the cheesecake that has zero content of alcohol (so as to avoid worsening my cough conditions). The food 'looks and sounds' delicious. I will check out that place again next time when I recover.
P.S. I hate falling sick for such long period. Life is meaningless without good food.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Boring Friday
An unproductive Friday.
I can't update my passport. I have to make a new biometric passport. That means I have to returned to ICA to collect that new passport, and queue for it. I hate queuing!
In addition, I did nothing since coming back from ICA. I had lunch with my dad at home, and took a nap. I slept more than an hour. I think the cough syrup really knocks me out. I hate falling sick!
I hope dinner with my university friends will turn out to be fun. That would pull me out of the abyss.
I can't update my passport. I have to make a new biometric passport. That means I have to returned to ICA to collect that new passport, and queue for it. I hate queuing!
In addition, I did nothing since coming back from ICA. I had lunch with my dad at home, and took a nap. I slept more than an hour. I think the cough syrup really knocks me out. I hate falling sick!
I hope dinner with my university friends will turn out to be fun. That would pull me out of the abyss.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
First Break
Counting down to Wednesday 5pm! That's officially the time I will knock off and marks the start of my first break (Thu - Sun). Plans have been laid down as such:
Wednesday: Settler's Cafe & Zouk with my colleagues after work. Honestly, I have never been to Zouk. Nor have I attended any Mambo Nights before. Hence, tomorrow will be the day for me to check out the nightspot for once.
Thursday: JB with a friend in the day. I have no idea what time I will stayed there till. However, in the evening I will meet up my colleagues AGAIN at Cafe del Mar.
Friday: Dinner with Ms. W & gang at Waraku (Japanese).
However, before all these plans can ultimately be executed, I will need to finish another day of RDS (a department orientation). At 5.15pm, we will be having a debriefing session with Ms. K, one of the HR personnel (who takes care of us for now). No matter what, I am eagered awaiting for my first break from work!
Wednesday: Settler's Cafe & Zouk with my colleagues after work. Honestly, I have never been to Zouk. Nor have I attended any Mambo Nights before. Hence, tomorrow will be the day for me to check out the nightspot for once.
Thursday: JB with a friend in the day. I have no idea what time I will stayed there till. However, in the evening I will meet up my colleagues AGAIN at Cafe del Mar.
Friday: Dinner with Ms. W & gang at Waraku (Japanese).
However, before all these plans can ultimately be executed, I will need to finish another day of RDS (a department orientation). At 5.15pm, we will be having a debriefing session with Ms. K, one of the HR personnel (who takes care of us for now). No matter what, I am eagered awaiting for my first break from work!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
JB Trip
I just returned from JB with two friends. The trip was great! I had a 40-minute foot reflexology for Ringgit 26 and a sumptuous dinner at Kim Gary. Today is Hari Raya Puasa, and luckily there was no heavy traffic at the causeway. We went in the late afternoon (around 4.30pm) and returned to Singapore at around 10pm.
Colleagues At Work
There is always a variety of characters in a workplace. So is mine. Even the twelve of us each has a distinct characteristic. Below is my personal opinion:
Ms. S - Individualist. She likes to give herself personal space and time. While we are discussing about Friday outing, she was back at her workstation doing her journal. You have to open up yourself before she will open up to you. Then there was this other time...during group discussions, she will sit in one corner, making her own notes. However, her notes are really detailed and nice.
Ms. M - Blunt. She often says things without showing much delicacy or considerations. It's good to be honest sometimes. However, over-doing it might cause you some trouble in the future (not with me), especially in terms of managing relationships. Perhaps being young you can still be blatant about it.
Ms. R - Down to earth. She talks like a school teacher (and in fact, is a tuition teacher as part-time). Good natured girl. She has this motherly nature, bringing me drinks every morning and giving me Vitamin C when I am sick.
Ms. A - Blur. She can be blur like 'sotong'. She looks really serious. However, most of the time she's in her own world. Nevertheless she's a smart girl (graduating from the R's school). She gets along well with Mr. E and often seemed bickering with Mr. D.
Ms. H - Inquisitive. She looks quiet, but she is a very inquisitive girl. She loves to ask a lot of questions during the job orientation. And she is also very hardworking and always taking down notes like Ms. S.
Ms. T - Optimistic. As saintly as her name sounds, she is always with her wide grin. She's a good natured girl who can get along well with the girls and the guys. I am still thinking of ways to make her wear a skirt. That's a huge challenge.
Mr. D - Hyper. He may not have graduated from Finance (he's from Engineering), but he has the most experience in the banking industry among us. He has a boyish face, but he is intelligent. He is the type of person who can spend little time to finish up reading and digest everything he read. He is very energetic and hyper. Talks a lot. In fact, he repeats himself a couple of time to emphasize certain things. Age probably plays a part in his long-winded speeches. He's the oldest among us. Anyway, I nearly forgot to mention he's a great singer in our group.
Mr. S.G. - Crappy. He looks quiet, but he loves to crack jokes with us. At time his jokes can be a little childish. He acts strangely in front of me though. He does a lot of sweet-talk. I have no idea why he's acting so weirdly. Nevertheless, he is very hardworking to prove himself at work. His credit risk management report is as long as Mr. D.
Mr. S.H. - Quiet. He will quietly sit in a corner, looking at his handphone (probably chatting with his girlfriend). He will crap a joke once in a while, but he always gives a very serious look after joking. This makes it hard to tell his jokes from serious talks at times. He jokes more when we are in a small group.
Mr. E - No sense of direction. He possessed this X-factor that makes him a very good friend of girls. In fact, I think he's very sporty about the ideas put forward, he is well-liked by the guys too. However, he can be so clueless when it comes to directions. He needs GPS to drive or at least someone who knows the road to direct him. Even asking him to go along a straight road, he might get lost. I have no idea how he survived his army navigating in the jungle.
Mr. W - Secretive. He is a regular smoker but for some reason he's been hiding the fact from everyone else (the 11 of us). He is being very secretive about it. I have no idea what is the reason behind. Anyway, he always sound sarcastic to me but in a playful manner. However, he has a very good-natured character, which makes him a good friend to chat with.
That's all for the description of my colleagues. I shall do a more detailed write-up next time after more observations.
Ms. S - Individualist. She likes to give herself personal space and time. While we are discussing about Friday outing, she was back at her workstation doing her journal. You have to open up yourself before she will open up to you. Then there was this other time...during group discussions, she will sit in one corner, making her own notes. However, her notes are really detailed and nice.
Ms. M - Blunt. She often says things without showing much delicacy or considerations. It's good to be honest sometimes. However, over-doing it might cause you some trouble in the future (not with me), especially in terms of managing relationships. Perhaps being young you can still be blatant about it.
Ms. R - Down to earth. She talks like a school teacher (and in fact, is a tuition teacher as part-time). Good natured girl. She has this motherly nature, bringing me drinks every morning and giving me Vitamin C when I am sick.
Ms. A - Blur. She can be blur like 'sotong'. She looks really serious. However, most of the time she's in her own world. Nevertheless she's a smart girl (graduating from the R's school). She gets along well with Mr. E and often seemed bickering with Mr. D.
Ms. H - Inquisitive. She looks quiet, but she is a very inquisitive girl. She loves to ask a lot of questions during the job orientation. And she is also very hardworking and always taking down notes like Ms. S.
Ms. T - Optimistic. As saintly as her name sounds, she is always with her wide grin. She's a good natured girl who can get along well with the girls and the guys. I am still thinking of ways to make her wear a skirt. That's a huge challenge.
Mr. D - Hyper. He may not have graduated from Finance (he's from Engineering), but he has the most experience in the banking industry among us. He has a boyish face, but he is intelligent. He is the type of person who can spend little time to finish up reading and digest everything he read. He is very energetic and hyper. Talks a lot. In fact, he repeats himself a couple of time to emphasize certain things. Age probably plays a part in his long-winded speeches. He's the oldest among us. Anyway, I nearly forgot to mention he's a great singer in our group.
Mr. S.G. - Crappy. He looks quiet, but he loves to crack jokes with us. At time his jokes can be a little childish. He acts strangely in front of me though. He does a lot of sweet-talk. I have no idea why he's acting so weirdly. Nevertheless, he is very hardworking to prove himself at work. His credit risk management report is as long as Mr. D.
Mr. S.H. - Quiet. He will quietly sit in a corner, looking at his handphone (probably chatting with his girlfriend). He will crap a joke once in a while, but he always gives a very serious look after joking. This makes it hard to tell his jokes from serious talks at times. He jokes more when we are in a small group.
Mr. E - No sense of direction. He possessed this X-factor that makes him a very good friend of girls. In fact, I think he's very sporty about the ideas put forward, he is well-liked by the guys too. However, he can be so clueless when it comes to directions. He needs GPS to drive or at least someone who knows the road to direct him. Even asking him to go along a straight road, he might get lost. I have no idea how he survived his army navigating in the jungle.
Mr. W - Secretive. He is a regular smoker but for some reason he's been hiding the fact from everyone else (the 11 of us). He is being very secretive about it. I have no idea what is the reason behind. Anyway, he always sound sarcastic to me but in a playful manner. However, he has a very good-natured character, which makes him a good friend to chat with.
That's all for the description of my colleagues. I shall do a more detailed write-up next time after more observations.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Different Work Culture
It's my second month at work. Adapting to the working culture is a challenge here. Those who come from European or American firm will probably experience more of a culture shock. Below are some of the cultural tips given to us:
1) PUNCTUALITY is a must. 8.30a.m. means 8.30a.m. A biometric system is present to keep a record of your login and logout time. A report will be submitted to your boss every Monday.
2) Lot of PAPERWORK. Everything needs a 'hanko' (rubber stamp) for approval. You can imagine how much 'hanko' is required before a decision is made. Of course, you will also see papers flying here and there trying to get 'hanko'.
3) ACT busy. The natives will be the first to come and the last to leave. One of them once sent out an email at 1 a.m. However, we discovered that there are colleagues, who didn't stay late to finish up work. Instead, they are some good artistes hiding their talents in the company. They will pass time by drawing manga. And they are others who moonlights (trading on SGX) at work.
4) WastePAPER basket is meant for papers ONLY. No rubbish allowed. The GA will actually store those papers for days before trashing them. This is to prevent any incidents of missing documents.
5) FORMALITY depends on occasion. The natives will always wear a jacket at work to show respect. Or they are just there to show their faces. If they wear their jackets at dinner, that means they are treating the meal as part of work. These natives will only take out their jackets when they treat the event as a casual event. But if you're eating with your boss and he's not in his jacket, that doesn't mean he is not noting down everything you said about work.
6) CONFIDENTIALITY is an important word in the company. Any incoming and outgoing emails are audited. They will keep a copy of all these emails in the server, just like every documents in the company have a specific number of years to be retained as archives. Emails with attachments to external parties have to be locked with a password. And Internet access is only allowed to users, who needs it for work purposes. No thumbdrives and external HDD allowed. Any customer related information can't be brought out of office unless approval has been granted.
Beside the above, there are probably a lot more to be discovered by myself...
1) PUNCTUALITY is a must. 8.30a.m. means 8.30a.m. A biometric system is present to keep a record of your login and logout time. A report will be submitted to your boss every Monday.
2) Lot of PAPERWORK. Everything needs a 'hanko' (rubber stamp) for approval. You can imagine how much 'hanko' is required before a decision is made. Of course, you will also see papers flying here and there trying to get 'hanko'.
3) ACT busy. The natives will be the first to come and the last to leave. One of them once sent out an email at 1 a.m. However, we discovered that there are colleagues, who didn't stay late to finish up work. Instead, they are some good artistes hiding their talents in the company. They will pass time by drawing manga. And they are others who moonlights (trading on SGX) at work.
4) WastePAPER basket is meant for papers ONLY. No rubbish allowed. The GA will actually store those papers for days before trashing them. This is to prevent any incidents of missing documents.
5) FORMALITY depends on occasion. The natives will always wear a jacket at work to show respect. Or they are just there to show their faces. If they wear their jackets at dinner, that means they are treating the meal as part of work. These natives will only take out their jackets when they treat the event as a casual event. But if you're eating with your boss and he's not in his jacket, that doesn't mean he is not noting down everything you said about work.
6) CONFIDENTIALITY is an important word in the company. Any incoming and outgoing emails are audited. They will keep a copy of all these emails in the server, just like every documents in the company have a specific number of years to be retained as archives. Emails with attachments to external parties have to be locked with a password. And Internet access is only allowed to users, who needs it for work purposes. No thumbdrives and external HDD allowed. Any customer related information can't be brought out of office unless approval has been granted.
Beside the above, there are probably a lot more to be discovered by myself...
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