It's no fun... been a month but it feels like ages and I'm oreadi starting to count down.
Swamped with tutorials, assignments, projects and readings. My blog entries will be like this - short paragraphs with little content - till I get it over and done with. In some 10 months' time!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What is the definition of Success?
MFE student life is apparently not easy.
Lecturers have high expectations of us and take it that we have the required math foundations. Thus some of the tutorials are extremely difficult and we'll have to approach the professors to get our solutions. And to think we've spent days working on that one problem! Everyday to me has become a tutorial-chasing and catching-up game. All other things have been shifted to low priority and have to be cut down. Except for personal time spent with loved ones. That is why I'm not too pleased with the make-up lesson scheduled this Sat afternoon.
My supervisor (from work) called to inform of my appraisal grade earlier today. I wasn't too happy with it initially, thinking I must been have shortchanged due to my absence from work. But as I was running mightily on the treadmill thinking of the rationale, I came to accept the fact that it should be a fair judgment, given the expectations that I won't be contributing this FY and that my team was a mess last year before the new boss came in. Let's see how bonus compares the rest and I'll decide on my next move. I'll expect they compensate for it next year before I rejoin the company.
WW has been pretty stressed and unmotivated at work recently. I can't think of any way to help relieve this stress permanently, unless the day comes when he can leave where he is now. How can we ever break out of this race and routine lifestyle? Is it only the weekends we can look forward to, and the sparse holidays in between? Why can't we find the spirit and motivation to look forward to everyday?
Back to the appraisal, I feel inferior comparing with peers and upset that I might be lagging a lot behind when I rejoin the company. But, perhaps as a self-consolation, I'm glad of the fact that I'll be happily settling down into marriage this year and that I have the support of WW and my family. And even though I'm struggling through this year with an extremely-difficult course, I'll come out of it a stronger, and hopefully, a more valuable person. Perhaps, there really isn't a perfect well-rounded case when you get it all. There has got to be some sacrifices for other pursues. It matters then what you prioritise as important and really will have to drop the others.
Well, it ain't always easy. Just gotta take things in your stride and laugh all the unhappy stuff off!
Lecturers have high expectations of us and take it that we have the required math foundations. Thus some of the tutorials are extremely difficult and we'll have to approach the professors to get our solutions. And to think we've spent days working on that one problem! Everyday to me has become a tutorial-chasing and catching-up game. All other things have been shifted to low priority and have to be cut down. Except for personal time spent with loved ones. That is why I'm not too pleased with the make-up lesson scheduled this Sat afternoon.
My supervisor (from work) called to inform of my appraisal grade earlier today. I wasn't too happy with it initially, thinking I must been have shortchanged due to my absence from work. But as I was running mightily on the treadmill thinking of the rationale, I came to accept the fact that it should be a fair judgment, given the expectations that I won't be contributing this FY and that my team was a mess last year before the new boss came in. Let's see how bonus compares the rest and I'll decide on my next move. I'll expect they compensate for it next year before I rejoin the company.
WW has been pretty stressed and unmotivated at work recently. I can't think of any way to help relieve this stress permanently, unless the day comes when he can leave where he is now. How can we ever break out of this race and routine lifestyle? Is it only the weekends we can look forward to, and the sparse holidays in between? Why can't we find the spirit and motivation to look forward to everyday?
Back to the appraisal, I feel inferior comparing with peers and upset that I might be lagging a lot behind when I rejoin the company. But, perhaps as a self-consolation, I'm glad of the fact that I'll be happily settling down into marriage this year and that I have the support of WW and my family. And even though I'm struggling through this year with an extremely-difficult course, I'll come out of it a stronger, and hopefully, a more valuable person. Perhaps, there really isn't a perfect well-rounded case when you get it all. There has got to be some sacrifices for other pursues. It matters then what you prioritise as important and really will have to drop the others.
Well, it ain't always easy. Just gotta take things in your stride and laugh all the unhappy stuff off!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
School starts!
We had our lesson #2 today, on Corporate Finance. The first was OO Programming conducted on Mon. Going back to the 3-hrs long lectures (conducted seminar-style) was somewhat tiring and gave me a flavor of the marathon-meetings we used to have back at work. The first lesson in Corporate Finance gave us a list of 12 readings for this first lesson which span articles from the Journal of Finance to some four chapters of the recommended textbook. Tomorrow I'll be busy zapping readings and printing course materials from the NTU library. Going back to student life - reliving the nostalgia yet grounded by the fact that I'm still a corporate slave.
However, no complaints still as I'll be sun-basking away, leading the flexible and free-styled life I've yearned for!
However, no complaints still as I'll be sun-basking away, leading the flexible and free-styled life I've yearned for!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sneak previews
Revealing...
.. photos taken by my make-up artist Sharon Tan during photo shoot yesterday. Actual studio and outdoor shoots will be ready in a month's time or so, currently under our photographer Benny Ang's fine editing.
With lovely Cymbidium orchids in hair
This is going to be the sweet simple hairdo to go with my wedding gown.
I'm willing to show only a picture of my evening gown for now, as likely I won't be wearing it for our lunch reception but only to our dinner banquet (where only relatives and perhaps my jiemeis will attend).
The many months of mane-keeping has not gone to waste.
Sharon was so proud of her works that she requested me to pose for these photos.
That's all for viewing!
.. photos taken by my make-up artist Sharon Tan during photo shoot yesterday. Actual studio and outdoor shoots will be ready in a month's time or so, currently under our photographer Benny Ang's fine editing.
With lovely Cymbidium orchids in hair
This is going to be the sweet simple hairdo to go with my wedding gown.
I'm willing to show only a picture of my evening gown for now, as likely I won't be wearing it for our lunch reception but only to our dinner banquet (where only relatives and perhaps my jiemeis will attend).
The many months of mane-keeping has not gone to waste.
Sharon was so proud of her works that she requested me to pose for these photos.That's all for viewing!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Witness the transformation
View from the Flyer, 24 May 2008Anticipating the rise of a new empire - the Integrated Resort and the Marina Bay Gardens.
Quiz
Personality quiz taken from this link. Pretty accurate. (Tks Jun for promoting the link!)
Your view on yourself:
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.How do you view success:
You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Breathing in the air of freedom
Since last Thu, I have been released from work and have enjoyed my days tremendously. Last Thu and Fri saw me studying hard for the Maths prep exam on Sat. After the exam I went home to pack some stuff to bring over to WW's place (for the gradual move-in) and waited for WW to come over after his work to pick me up for dinner together. WW and I spent Sunday with his family, including his elder sis, hubby and baby who went over. We also had Sunday dinner with my family, all members present. We are going to treasure this regular Sunday dinner very much, especially when I'll be moving to my new home come Jan.
With this newfound freedom at hand, I'll be catching up on my yoga sessions since I've skipped three weeks of them while busy attending Maths prep lessons. This morning I checked out the flagship Absolute Yoga studio at River Valley Point and courageously attended the session conducted in Japanese. I thought "Jap Hot C" meant a new series of Japanese-style yoga, but who would have guessed that it's an entire class of Japanese students with a Japanese instructor and lesson conducted in Japanese! Good thing the poses were not new and I could secretly blend into the class. Most of the students were married (ok, I admit I go around observing the wedding band on people's finger), probably tai-tais of the wealthy Japanese men who moved to Singapore. What good lives!
Tomorrow - my first ever facial in my life!
With this newfound freedom at hand, I'll be catching up on my yoga sessions since I've skipped three weeks of them while busy attending Maths prep lessons. This morning I checked out the flagship Absolute Yoga studio at River Valley Point and courageously attended the session conducted in Japanese. I thought "Jap Hot C" meant a new series of Japanese-style yoga, but who would have guessed that it's an entire class of Japanese students with a Japanese instructor and lesson conducted in Japanese! Good thing the poses were not new and I could secretly blend into the class. Most of the students were married (ok, I admit I go around observing the wedding band on people's finger), probably tai-tais of the wealthy Japanese men who moved to Singapore. What good lives!
Tomorrow - my first ever facial in my life!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Lovely gift from a dear friend
Thank you my dear friend, for the lovely gift for our ROM - a blanket knitted with our names. It was indeed a special gift that is filled with so much warmth. Much appreciated! :)Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Mer-mer and Me
When we first saw her at the pet shop, she was a messy ball of fur with slightly pitiable eyes. In comparison, the tear-drop-eyed beagle in the adjacent cage looked more adorable. Good thing (WW’s sis) saw the beauty in the fur ball and brought her home after she successfully raised sufficient money. The shop owner named her “Winter”, but we thought it was too cold a name and I suggested “Summer”. From then on, she is living in that bright and sunny name, sometimes also in various variations such as Mer-mer.
Those days when WW and family used to live temporarily in Hillside Drive, Mer-mer had to sleep in the foyer, in a moist condition given the lack of direct sunlight and plants growing at the side. Weeks after she arrived, her skin got very bad with worms eating it away. WW and sis brought her to the vet, who suggested she be put to sleep. But hey, she’s such a lovely cute puppy, how could we bear to do this to her?
It was a fortunate thing WW’s family moved soon after, to their new house which presented a much better living condition for Mer. She’s now running around the foyer most of the time, if she’s not in the cage. We will often let her into the house too.
Mer is like a mischievous little kid, running around and swerving away from you every time you try to catch her. When WW parks his car outside the house, Mer will stick her head out between the gate grills and wait patiently for us to step into the foyer. I always laugh at her and her funny actions – she does this leap like she’s flying in mid-air when hopping out of the main door to the foyer. And secretly I think she likes us to laugh at her.
She’s also a smart dog, picking up words and expressions rather quickly. (That’s why she loves me so much!) A stern “No” from WW’s dad would send her flying out of the living room, and she can even retract back into her own cage when instructed a “cage cage”. There was once I said “walk walk” to her, but went upstairs to get some stuff and left her in the living room. She was so anxious that she started whining and barking rather furiously, which was quite a rare thing. WW and I were laughing our bellies out at her. And clever of Mer to not do the same when WW tries to cheat her. She was indifferent to WW’s suggestions of a walk – so clever to see through WW.
Those days when WW and family used to live temporarily in Hillside Drive, Mer-mer had to sleep in the foyer, in a moist condition given the lack of direct sunlight and plants growing at the side. Weeks after she arrived, her skin got very bad with worms eating it away. WW and sis brought her to the vet, who suggested she be put to sleep. But hey, she’s such a lovely cute puppy, how could we bear to do this to her?
It was a fortunate thing WW’s family moved soon after, to their new house which presented a much better living condition for Mer. She’s now running around the foyer most of the time, if she’s not in the cage. We will often let her into the house too.
Mer is like a mischievous little kid, running around and swerving away from you every time you try to catch her. When WW parks his car outside the house, Mer will stick her head out between the gate grills and wait patiently for us to step into the foyer. I always laugh at her and her funny actions – she does this leap like she’s flying in mid-air when hopping out of the main door to the foyer. And secretly I think she likes us to laugh at her.
She’s also a smart dog, picking up words and expressions rather quickly. (That’s why she loves me so much!) A stern “No” from WW’s dad would send her flying out of the living room, and she can even retract back into her own cage when instructed a “cage cage”. There was once I said “walk walk” to her, but went upstairs to get some stuff and left her in the living room. She was so anxious that she started whining and barking rather furiously, which was quite a rare thing. WW and I were laughing our bellies out at her. And clever of Mer to not do the same when WW tries to cheat her. She was indifferent to WW’s suggestions of a walk – so clever to see through WW.
The lovely one
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Some songs simply mean so much
Like New Radical’s You Get What You Give, which reminds me of the JC days spent with my fellow HnF provisional instructors – Chris, WT & Tian – hanging around in the school gym and doing our schoolwork in the study rooms. Then there’s Savage Garden’s To the Moon and Back, which brings me back to those secondary school ice-skating days with Zhou Yun and Xin. And with Martika’s Toy Soldiers, I get teleported to the VJC canteen table, listening to Stephie’s dating stories before the start of our lessons.
M2M’s Pretty Boy brings back memorable times with RH orientation folks. We were young and silly, willing to follow the regime set up by our RH seniors. I still remember that photo taken with Joan and Sher in our silly Rag Day costume.
Michelle Branch’s The Game of Love, with Santana lending the base, brings a smile to my face as that first date at the pool / billiard outlet with WW seems like only yesterday again.
Songs are so amazing. They connect our souls and entrench our memories in the various phases of our lives, forever.
M2M’s Pretty Boy brings back memorable times with RH orientation folks. We were young and silly, willing to follow the regime set up by our RH seniors. I still remember that photo taken with Joan and Sher in our silly Rag Day costume.
Michelle Branch’s The Game of Love, with Santana lending the base, brings a smile to my face as that first date at the pool / billiard outlet with WW seems like only yesterday again.
Songs are so amazing. They connect our souls and entrench our memories in the various phases of our lives, forever.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Busy busy week!
It’s gonna be a busy week ahead, leading to the big event of our lives!
Wed it’s going to be fun with the gers – dinner and drinks. NO SABO PLS! I need a week to recover from excessive alcohol dosage!
Thu it’s going to be lotsa running around, from buying wedding shoes at Sixth Ave (cool huh, next time I’ll use my bungalow as my home-base bakery), to collecting marriage certificate at ROM, to appointment with my lovely bridal gown designer, and lastly to the accommodative neighbourhood florist to check out her range of flowers.
Fri I still need to work half-day (good thing it’s Friday!). Will then meet Tian for nails pampering (manicure & pedicure), then to check out facial packages. You won’t believe I’ve never done a facial before. I don’t even want to start, but, this is one of the many sacrifices of a bride-to-be. Friday evening I’ll collect my hand bouquet for use during the actual solemnization on Sat morning.
Hope everything’s prepared. So many things in preparation for solemnization; can you imagine how the customary and actual day will be like? Good thing we ladies know how to soak in the happiness of this busy-ness!
Wed it’s going to be fun with the gers – dinner and drinks. NO SABO PLS! I need a week to recover from excessive alcohol dosage!
Thu it’s going to be lotsa running around, from buying wedding shoes at Sixth Ave (cool huh, next time I’ll use my bungalow as my home-base bakery), to collecting marriage certificate at ROM, to appointment with my lovely bridal gown designer, and lastly to the accommodative neighbourhood florist to check out her range of flowers.
Fri I still need to work half-day (good thing it’s Friday!). Will then meet Tian for nails pampering (manicure & pedicure), then to check out facial packages. You won’t believe I’ve never done a facial before. I don’t even want to start, but, this is one of the many sacrifices of a bride-to-be. Friday evening I’ll collect my hand bouquet for use during the actual solemnization on Sat morning.
Hope everything’s prepared. So many things in preparation for solemnization; can you imagine how the customary and actual day will be like? Good thing we ladies know how to soak in the happiness of this busy-ness!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
真虚伪
It feels demoralising every time I complete my appraisal with my sup. It’s obvious we judge work differently and I feel it’s no point doing my own grading. The outcome will be as expected. Last year, although assessed by the same sup, I had a second-level sup who recognises my work (not that the direct doesn’t, but it just isn’t reflected at all on paper) and pushes for my ranking. This year, I’m not so sure. Furthermore, I will not be of value to the team anymore since I’ll be going on my study break.
Again, I’m reminded of the fact that you have to be wa-yang, yaya at work. It no longer suffices to deliver good result, but you need to be damn proud of it and announce to the whole wide world. It’s so faked.
So, shall I put on my mighty cynical hat and hone my politicking skills during the next one year?
真虚伪
Again, I’m reminded of the fact that you have to be wa-yang, yaya at work. It no longer suffices to deliver good result, but you need to be damn proud of it and announce to the whole wide world. It’s so faked.
So, shall I put on my mighty cynical hat and hone my politicking skills during the next one year?
真虚伪
Monday, June 09, 2008
Gathering @ Feng's house
We had a cosy gathering at Feng & Jason's house to celebrate Feng's bday and to chill out with some karaoke and mahjong. It was Jun's exact birthday but she was in Perth with her dear Michael. They must be happily spending time together. =) Ivan missed out the fun, but hope his tummy is okay by now!
Their hyper friendly terrier - Scruffy. She jumps onto everything - the sofa, the cushions, and us.
Happy birthday Feng! One more year older!
WW adores Scruffy for she lets him flip her over without struggling.
Scruffy's busy licking away at my palm
Mr Lock & Wong Tian. Sweet little pair.A little more than a week to go. I'm excited!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Divine Yoga
This feeling is really different.
Even before the benefits of the entire yoga session are reaped, the serenity and peace of it have being felt.
When I shut out those noisy thoughts, concentrate on achieving balance and strength, and immense myself in the tranquility, my mind would go back to those young and carefree days. It was as if the time clock turned back and that the secondary school days were back. The sounds of activity outside that little quaint shop-house room became crisp and clear. The comfortable heat of the sun moderated the coldness from my earlier hours in the office. I was at peace with myself, and in that moment, felt myself lift out of the numbness of the lifestyle you call working.
That explains why I have been going for regular lunch-time yoga, once a week. This special moment of being with oneself erases the hectic two-hour rush. It is elating knowing there are more such moments to come – the relish of regained freedom.
Even before the benefits of the entire yoga session are reaped, the serenity and peace of it have being felt.
When I shut out those noisy thoughts, concentrate on achieving balance and strength, and immense myself in the tranquility, my mind would go back to those young and carefree days. It was as if the time clock turned back and that the secondary school days were back. The sounds of activity outside that little quaint shop-house room became crisp and clear. The comfortable heat of the sun moderated the coldness from my earlier hours in the office. I was at peace with myself, and in that moment, felt myself lift out of the numbness of the lifestyle you call working.
That explains why I have been going for regular lunch-time yoga, once a week. This special moment of being with oneself erases the hectic two-hour rush. It is elating knowing there are more such moments to come – the relish of regained freedom.
Friday, May 30, 2008
How will it be like?
Feeling lethargic these days, having slept less from the online research I’ve been doing during the nights. There’s just so much to prepare and the vast pool of information online just makes the choosing process more tedious. Not that I’m complaining though, I like looking through beautiful and sweet stuff and to soak in people’s happiness.
As the day when we’ll swear our vows to each other approaches, I’m asking myself more and more of the fundamental questions. In some ways, we’re not a pair of sticky couple who need to be with the other every other day, since we both need our personal space now and then. Thus seeing each other everyday would be a major change for both of us. Although I won’t be moving in till the customary seven months later, the idea of having to blend with each other’s lifestyle has already hit on me. Especially, when I have to live with the in-laws. I suppose no one, other than another in the same situation, would ever know understand how this experience would be. Well, sometimes I wish I don’t have to think so far. Seems like I badly need the marriage preparation course.
As the day when we’ll swear our vows to each other approaches, I’m asking myself more and more of the fundamental questions. In some ways, we’re not a pair of sticky couple who need to be with the other every other day, since we both need our personal space now and then. Thus seeing each other everyday would be a major change for both of us. Although I won’t be moving in till the customary seven months later, the idea of having to blend with each other’s lifestyle has already hit on me. Especially, when I have to live with the in-laws. I suppose no one, other than another in the same situation, would ever know understand how this experience would be. Well, sometimes I wish I don’t have to think so far. Seems like I badly need the marriage preparation course.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thank you mama papa tian & ww!
Did my trial make-up with my wedding make-up artist at home tonight. Wong Tian rushed work to come back earlier; WW dropped by despite his busy work and fatigue; Mama being the enthusiastic and beauty critic for me - I'm touched and happy to have my loved ones showing their concern for me and my wedding preps. And Papa, who usually is quite bochap about beauty and the like, popped in and took a look.
=)
=)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
累
I feel tired worrying for him, wondering what is happening now and if things are fine. He must be too tired to drop me a note and may not realise I'm worrying for him. Sometimes I wish I could receive an sms or two of the positive progress rather than just the bad news.
从不知道为个人担忧也会是种累。
从不知道为个人担忧也会是种累。
30 days!
30 more days! The ticker has ceased counting in terms of months and it was quite a shock seeing the count down in terms of days.
Excited to think of the big commitment both WW and I are going to make to each other 30 days later. Wonder if the man is feeling the anxiety. And will I, the freedom-loving soul, fantasize of being a runaway bride on the big day? Okay, maybe not that exaggerated, but I’ll definitely feel some cold feet, as much as I look forward to the special day.
I’ve got to remind WW how soon our ROM date is now. I honestly hope he is fully and mentally prepared!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Family outing @ Henderson Waves
It has been a joyous weekend, well-spent with WW and our families.
This morning we went on an early visit to 光明山 temple with WW and his family. I really have the Buddhas to thank. We then had breakfast at Bukit Timah food centre.
This afternoon my whole family and WW explored the newly-opened Henderson Waves, Hilltop Walk and Mount Faber Walk. The sun was still splendidly hot at 5ish pm, but we had a great time still and enjoyed the sunset on our way back. Next Sat we all are heading to Singapore Flyer, credits to Mama who won the tickets!
The Wong Family
So happy to have WW with us!
Me and WW on the Henderson Wave bridge
Look at Shou Bi's long and flowing hair!
Looking ahead
View from the bridge. Is it a good thing that they did away with see-through floors?
Shou Bi and WW posing away, waiting for me to capture the previous two artistic shots. Wahaha
Wong Tian and me
At Jewel Box.
Dinner at Siglap's 福林酿豆腐
Yippie
This morning we went on an early visit to 光明山 temple with WW and his family. I really have the Buddhas to thank. We then had breakfast at Bukit Timah food centre.
This afternoon my whole family and WW explored the newly-opened Henderson Waves, Hilltop Walk and Mount Faber Walk. The sun was still splendidly hot at 5ish pm, but we had a great time still and enjoyed the sunset on our way back. Next Sat we all are heading to Singapore Flyer, credits to Mama who won the tickets!
The Wong Family
So happy to have WW with us!
Me and WW on the Henderson Wave bridge
Look at Shou Bi's long and flowing hair!
Looking ahead
View from the bridge. Is it a good thing that they did away with see-through floors?
Shou Bi and WW posing away, waiting for me to capture the previous two artistic shots. Wahaha
Wong Tian and me
At Jewel Box.
Dinner at Siglap's 福林酿豆腐
YippieTuesday, May 13, 2008
The Nan Ren's house
The beautiful fountain which gives soothing water flow sounds that can be heard from WW's room.
Lovely Summer the Westie
Sneaky little one quenching its thirst at the fountain
Eying her favourite food - apple
Wahaha
The sunset view at the balcony
The table, benches and chairs were WW's gifts to his family, especially to his mother as Mothers' Day gift. And I paid half the amount!
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