Happy CNY

Haven't had time to do anything to this blog but Happy CNY to all. Hopefully the year of the rabbit is a good year ahead.

Backdated Post after 4 months

Quick summary for what happen during last 4 months,
-Almost died preparing for the CFA Level 1 examination-[but worth the effort WoohOOOOOO]
-Cleared my two weeks in camp [First High key but already ATEC stage 1; PC down barely 10 mins after hitting platoon objective; comms down as usual; super sway as usual]
-Sister got married off [Tiring event, got so many things to do]
-My birthday [Celebrated in two different countries [SG and HK] first birthday dinner was end July and my last one was in Mid September haha]
-Grad trip to HK and visited so many friends [Cool]-Our European friends came visit for two weeks although I only manage to hang out with them a few times, amazing never expect so many of them to come over
-Project work, I am done with Japan and patch upgrade(unexpected one which I had to redo the bulk of my previous test case). I still have my Australia one, man first time I heard project datelines keep pushing forward. Yesterday was the first in a month that i saw daylight after work....
-Sign for for Level 2 examinations after a long thought, still haven't figure out how to tackle it or rather too tired to think of how to tackle them.

Its OVER WHAHHAHAHA

Man, I think anyone can tell I am REALLY REALLY REALLY happy right now. Level 1 exams are over. Pass or fail, I tried my very best given that I have a lot of constraints especially last 2 weeks so I am happy with what I have done. Still have some lessons to clear two more weekends to burn for the extra lesson under the MAS course requirements but well no pressure.

Work wise quoted in my boss word, "june will be a xiong xiong xiong month". It will be tough but at least I won't have the burden of passing the exam resting on my shoulder.

Just before the exams, Andrew and Winky's group came over and lucky Kang offered and did a good job to help play host to them. I can only join them in the evening for dinners and short walks cause of the exam preparation. Even though it was a short trip for them and i didn't spend that much time with them, somehow I find that this was a very nice group and it was simply amazing. When they left, me and kang felt quite sad. Haha but ok Aug, Hongkong here we come.

Friends from Abroad

Its been another long lag before this post. Been pretty busy, many important decisions and of course there is the level 1 exam that is getting closer and closer. Hope everything goes well and I should be at least free from exams after. Aim "One shot One kill", cross my fingers.

Friends are coming, Andrew(US but now base in China) and Winky from HK is coming over in May. Then I heard Julia and gang is coming down from Europe in July. Man there will be lots of catching up to do when they arrive. Unfortunately, it happens to be the busy period as well, May is exam preparation for me and July is reservist period, hopefully I can pull myself out somehow to go for the gatherings.

In terms of work, there is still no clarity in things, one thing I know its gonna get very very busy for the next 1/2 a year.

Wierd situation

I can't say the specifics here but right now I am at an important cross roads choosing between two paths. The first path, there is much more clarity and maybe more smooth. The second one is more like a dream. I guess this is always this problem of choosing something that you can do well or something you had dreamt of doing. I don't think its bad either path is just whether you might have any regrets later for not exploring the other option. However, difficult it might be guess we all have to make a decision which path we are going to take. I hope the path that I am taking will be the right choice but I will definitely be putting in my best for the choice I will be making. I think many of my friends are facing the same situation as I do and I hope we can all find our ways and don't turn back to regret whatever choice we are making today. Make a wise decision, pull all your sources available to access the options. Wish everyone good luck in the still "choppy situation".

Work plus study = No life

haha, got to make this a fast one (just look at the topic why). This quarter is gonna be a tiring but hopefully fruitful one. I must pass the level 1 after giving up so much of other stuff. Friday night, I finally cannot take it anymore, had to take a nap while studying with Jiahe. I really want to just pass it and go for my holiday and take a one two month break before going for anything else. This is really crazy. I admit I am not as smart as those people who can pass the exam just by cramping everything in one week. Whether to stay or try for another job scope is another big headache. Anyway, in short time is short and there are many things that needs to be done. Hope i survived all these.

Finally holiday in sight

Finally, book my airtickets to hongkong for a nice figure as well 288. hehe. haven't had a real holiday for ages and this hongkong trip is like taking forever to take place. Looking forward to the trip although its in August. I want to eat good food, get cheaper work wear and meet up with some friends there. haha finally its going to happened or at least its certain.

Happy Chinese New Year.

HAppY ChinESe NeW Year, hope that this year will be a good and fruitful one. I need more luck. Looking back at 2009, it wasn't a bad year as well. I got my trip to the US and a good job but there were some hiccups here and there as well. One cannot wish for everything to be perfect but of cause any marginal improvement is always welcome. Let's hope this year will be better than the last.

Its been a while

I haven't update the blog for a long time so I decide to put in a short entry. This period had been especially busy. Frankly speaking, its not an easy job to balance between all the different commitments. Work, studies, friends and many more areas that requires my attention but I still only have 7 days a week. Guess that's basically the current situation, trying to keep the most immediate needs taken care and having no choice but to put on hold some other commitments till this period is over which might last for a while. Will update soon with more happenings.

Time to beat the competition.

Its CCA orientation period again, the most exciting period for a CCA. This year, I am very happy with the cadets performance. I can see that everyone have put in the effort even for those that are considered usually uncooperative members. Together, they have demonstrated their strength to the entire school.

In terms of results, this is a record breaking year 222 sign ups against a 320 cohort base. The previous record i remembered was just over 200 for a cohort of 400. These sign ups does not necessarily translate to the numbers who eventually join us. We are also force by school and HQ policy in only accepting 36 cadets per cohort. However, the real impact of these numbers are more psychological for both my cadets and their competitors.

Think about it, all the hard work that people have put in, the quarrels, disagreement and fatigue just disappeared when the result was announced. Are results importan? Yes, I am sorry to admit it but it does indeed. You can see the pride and happiness as they cheered and drank in celebration. While on the opposite side, you look at the once proud competitors being humble and perhaps even humilated by the disparity of results. Looking at the bright side of things, at least they got a taste of reality, results can be harsh and hopefully they will strive to do better.

In the midst of all these, they have all taken something valuable back as well. Cadets who were shy and introvent have improve their sales pitch, become more willing to engage or even becoming proactive to "solicit" the customers. The planners learnt a great deal about how to manage manpower, resources in the midst of putting up the show and lots more. This is what is really unique about this CCA, you hone your skills and learn new ones and these will certainly help them in their future endeavours. I once commented that sometimes i find my secondary school kids being able to outperform some students that are in tetiary level and i think once again this has just reinforce my belief.

I can't get any pictures up for some reason but i will try to post them again.

Dream Team

I have this crazy idea once again for another venture but again i think the concept is good but it will be tough to assemble this "Dream Team". All fresh people, with the right skills, desire, attitude and the level of trust for the whole operation to work out. Lets see if this will be a good one. Hopefully, it will be another bbq.com in terms of well this concept can actually work out but not in terms of the lack of resources that we had experienced then to really get it started.

Telling the future

Haha, I have come to realize that I have a good sense of being able to fortell whats going to happen to people and advise accordingly. Although, it may not be 100% accurate but it has its worth. There is nothing special about how i derive certain conclusion. Its just base on observing people's behaviour, understanding their motivation and observing the environment.

Sadely, I think it is tough to communicate and convince people of their impending "disaster"I guess some people just hate the way I put across to them the blank truth of what is to come. Some people think that is sick and disgusting. I admit there might be ways i can improve in the delivery methods but i think there is hiding, people will remain oblivious to what they can be doing to steer away from trouble. Haha the chinese would describe it crudely as "fan jian" which probably is the best way to describe it. I have been through that stage so I know how it is to say" Haiya, never mind", only to regret it later. Haha. Lets hope no one hit the stage whereby the disaster is irreversible but well most of them are not. So good luck for the new year my friends and hope everyone will do well, no matter what you are doing and what your aim is but just make sure you don't go for a roundabout because there is not much time to do that without screwing up the rest of your life.

ChristmAs SeaSOn

Christmas Season is a hectic part of the year even though i am no Christian follower but i subscribe to the part that its a time of giving and keeping in touch with all those that matter to you and those that had helped you in one way or another.

However, I am having the holiday fatigue now. I have been out almost every single night. Its been exhausting both physically and for the account books. Haha, ironically my boss had been emphasising on the need to keep a Work Life Balance. Haha but i think i have a new model up, its call the Work Life and Account Balance (WLAB).

Anyway some of the places i have been this month, Vivo City "Body Guards and Assassins" Gala Primere.

Giant Ferrow Rocher Christmas tree outside Takashimaya. Crazy crowd at Orchard this season.

The new ochard central. Just realise they have pretty nice place at the roof and basement. The roof gives you a bird eyes view of Orchard area which is pretty similar to the Peak kinda feeling when you are in Hong Kong. The basement has some pretty nice designs and theme much like the casinos in Vegas. I think the marketing people for far east organisation is not doing their work. I would have never discover the presences of such good stuff if not for my friend...

Just realise, I was in the same kindergarden as Claire. Haha but her mum said there are like 10 classes. Who could have guess that. Singapore is just too small. HAha

Team Lunch

Sorry, if all my post looks like its about work but the place is really happening. Today, its the team lunch data service and corporate action combined. Tomorrow is company level...
Anyway gift exchange presents

The gift that i recieved and now its proudly hanging at the side of my cubicle.

Thank you dinners

Friday night, I was having dinner at Mahatten Fish Market with Shaun, Yan Hao, Anatasia and Sherman. Finally, all of us are working and so its time to pay tribute to one of our mentor, Sherman. I think Sherman had really help us with not just the academic part but our US trip as well. I don't really find lecturers going all the way for their students as he does. For example, he gave us a 50 slide handout and briefings for the US exchange. It covered a wide range of things that gave us a better concept of what to expect. Really appreciate that.
Saturday night it was the turn of my ncc air group. After all the debate and ideas of where to eat. We took a vote, the final decision was the kopitiam zhi cha tua opposite my area, recommended by none other then Ivan. We have 8 ppl and we had 9 dishes... and everything was in large portion. Initially, we thought they would be in small portions and lucky the auntie and Samatha stopped us from getting anymore.
Fist size man tou.

It seems that no matter how we eat and eat, the food just does not seem to get any lesser. Another lucky thing, the 10th dish, the pork ribs was not served and we manage to cancel it before it came. By the way, to my other friends sorry I can't treat everyone. There is just too many haha. Hope everyone can understand.

Company events -Charity Club

Our company had this task to help hold a party for the touch community for underpriviledge kids (kids with single parents or low income families). To make the long story short, we were in touch with the volunteers there and tried our best to see what we can do for the kids. Everyone went down early to help out with the decorations and stuff for the day not to forget having about six one hour long meetings for discussions and dozens of emails flying around for updates. My team was really gung ho.

I manage to bring two instructors from our air unit to perform for the kids and guess how they brought the guns over. It was hidden in the gold club casing.
End of the day, we have many happy kids that enjoyed the games, the gifts and performance.

Mission Accomplished.

Office view

Some of the photos from my office internet cafe. I love my office, my company :)

Bloomberg pantry

Updated Photos
Freeflow of snacks

I love the legendary bloomberg pantry, its really as they say a freeflow 7-11 with its famous guardian the pantry auntie call, Jenny. Haha but as first timers, i didn't really know what exactely to expect. I can see some season bloomberg course participants all armed with chips and drinks from the pantry before the course. Anyway, i didn't really find the course that i attend useful maybe the next one will be better. The problem with the course is that, 1) i don't have that indepth level of knowledge for swaps yet and 2) the trainer talks like his mouth is a machine gun... i think most of us didn't catch what he was saying. Anyway, i believe the next one will be better and i will take better photos so that i can upload here. haha. Excited and gear for a return trip to bloomberg. HAHA.

Venue photos

Room size which the event is going to be held

Floor plan

The field that we can use for the water games.

Updates after a pretty long period

Haven't had time to blog for a long time so this will be a lengthy one. I am really enjoying my work and i know the comments from most people about me is that i am a workaholic but well i won't deny it. The environment is extremely nice and the culture is good. I took a picture of my office "Internet cafe" which is actually a staff lounge. Window seats and other perks. Hehe.

One lesson which i like to share with my friends is that, please constantly upgrade yourself and stay relevant. Our generation is the one that is being caught right smack in the middle. The world is changing fast and so are the job requirements. Adding to our woes, we were growing up during the infancy of the IT revolution so compared to the teens and kids today, we lose out quite a bit. However, i think no one should doubt how IT has and will change the world we live in. If you think you will survive without learning and trying to keep in pace with this changes, i can only say that you are naive and waiting for a major disaster to happen.

I know people always think i am pretty pessimistic but i like to think that i am just being realistic in my expectations. So often, i am spot on in foreseeing whats gonna happen. Sometimes, my friends listen and they avert the problem. When they do they tend to forget what i had said. When they don't and shit happens, the next thing they say, "It has already happen, lets not talk about it". I am not saying that i am 100% right all the time but i think i have a reasonably high level of accuracy. I don't possess a crystal ball but because i have the experience and i consider a lot more factors before i make a comment or judgement. Its a trait and skill that has brought me success in many areas but sharing these insights to help my friends avert potential problems before they happen is indeed a challenge. I don't think it is just the way i communicate but more so because most people have this problem, they need to suffer before they believe and do something about it.

Life is short and sometimes we don't have that luxury to keep making mistakes. I do encourage people to make mistakes but learn from it and don't make it again. I guess for some people, life is already set for them. I am just trying to help as a friend but in the end its their own life.

Many times, i also don't want to tell them, "See i told you this before". Some times, when they come and tell me all the shit that had happend, i can only just give them a few consoling words like but is that really helpful. I hardly think so but i guess its the best thing a friend can give at that point of time. These are just some of my personal thoughts but well enough of the tough talk for now. Haha.

I just ran the Nike Human Race. Biggest mistake of the day, I went to the event with a Standard Chart (adidas sponsered) running gear and was promptly deny entry by the security. Haha. The race was not on top of my priority list so i failed to read anything prior to the race that says that i must wear this shirt but eventually i got around by bypassing the start point to join the rest. I must say i will be harder and harder to keep the physical fitness level up. Used to be running a lot but now run 10km only, i can feel the strain. Will try to maintain but like i say it is damn difficult with more and more things piling up. Anyway i really got to go, still have plenty of things to do.