nEw CHilL-oUt plAcE

Its TGIF!! So I decided to give myself a break and headed down to Rochester Park with my colleagues. Just a lousy excuse to not study... heh

Rochester Park is supposed to be this up-and-coming uber cool place to chill-out. I liked the ambience of the entire place there. There're several restaurants/pubs there, all converted from those old colonial houses. They're all semi-alfresco style, with warm lights, nice soft sofas, loads of cushions, great lounging music... But price wise, thot they were a little steep. Location wise, erm, anywhere in the West is considered far and out of the way to me. Luckily I got the car but it took me a couple of wrong turns before I finally got there.

The place that the bdae gal wanted to go to was too crowded, so we went tis other one called Graze. A great place for a small grp of frens to get-together and jus chat the nite away...

Nw that I'm home, it's back to reality. Gotta fin up the last bit of studying before I call it a night... Counting down - 8 days to complete freedom!! Itz such a pain to study for an exam.

Family dae

My bro and sis-in-law were going for the Big Walk, so they decided to stay over where its much nearer to get to the stadium. While they went for the big walk, I went for breakfast with my parents and nephew. Haven't gone for breakfast with my parents in a while on Sunday morns beacause I was either at Jap class or in Church. After breakfast, we went to this canopy boardwalk at Bukit Chandu. Jayden was like this little prince, sitting in his pram while I pushed him around. I think he's really good. He sleeps the moment he gets on the car because its cooling with the aircon. But he wakes up the moment you open the car door. Amazing! Time for mum to go to work and we went home.

Later in the afternoon, Elaine came over. She just came back from Chicago and bought lots of things back. I was just thinking that I should've asked her to get me this moisturiser from VS which I liked, then she came up to me and gave me a bottle of moisturiser from there!! Though it was not the one that I wanted, but still... Hmm... I don't recall mentioning to her that I wanted that. She also bought quite a lot of chocolates. Sinful period again. It always happens when someone comes back from overseas. There'll always be a fridge full of chocz.

Sis-in-law, Elaine and me spent the afternoon chatting away. We had never done that before. I really liked it for it seems as though everyone is getting closer together. We talked about our trips, work... ... Sis-in-law then mentioned about sending Jayden to some Church for pre-schooling. I'm surprised at the choice since we're all not Christians. But she said it was because she felt that the environment in a Church was better for the kid's development. I am certainly for the idea, but am just worried about the objections she might face should she bring this up. I know I'll be giving her the support though =).

I would have loved to join my family for dinner if not for the rover galz gathering. We haven't had a gathering in a while, so I really ought to turn up for it. Wasnt' too bad catchin' up albeit for a relatively short time since I was going off to skate.

Feeling lazy and am thinking of not turning up for work tomorrow. Or maybe, I'll turn up late and leave early. Of course, I'll strive to finish up all my work so that I really don't have to go in on Tues. I'll be on leave from Wed to Fri =) Really really short week ^^

Feeling drained

I underestimated the exercise... or perhaps, I overestimated my own abilities.

As part of an interview, I had to do a valuation exercise of a particular company picked by my interviewer. Was suppose to start at 11am, but started only at 3pm because my interviewer got caught up somewhere. I had woken up at 7am, wanting to do some research and preparation before hand. But frankly I don't know where to start. Google was helpful, but still not sufficient. I was suppose to only take 4 hrs, but instead I took about 6.5 hrs. Its way way over the time given, so I know its a goner. Moreover, towards the end of the report, I just wrote rubbish. I was running out of time, and was feeling rather drained.

But as I did the report, it occurred to me that this really is what I want to do. Analysis and valuation of companies. Its really tedious, at least to me, but I enjoyed the process. Right now I know the theory, but I don't know the practical aspects of things. The report that I wrote, I ain't even sure if that is the right format that the interviewer is looking for. I just did what I knew. Now that its been submitted, all I can do is wait for some comments from them. I know I won't be offered the job, because I recognised my own inadequacies along the way. But it was a fun and great learning process for me.

Now, to continue trying for corporate finance roles... hoping that someday, some firm will hire me.

Opportunies don't knock twice

I've heard this countless times and have said it to many people too... we should not let opportunites that don't come by easily slip us by quietly. So, on a particular day sometime last week, I was informed of 2 opportunities. 1st that came to my knowledge was the job opening in Tokyo, Japan. Now, many people know that I can give up anything, just for the chance to live in Tokyo, so u can imagine the kind of excitement I was experiencing.

Not too long after I was told of the above, I got a phone call... for an interview. I don't know if itz something I will like to do, but I know it is something that I want to try out. Yep, interview is scheduled for tomorrow and right now, I'm trying to think of some answers to some standard interview questions. Think my interview skills have all eluded me. Its gonna be tough tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed and praying hard.

I had wanted to go for the interview, rate my chances, before I decide on whether or not to apply for the position in Japan. But, things never work out in the way you want them to. The application dateline was yesterday. I deliberated the whole nite and day before the dateline, wondering whether I am going to just let the chance pass me by. Well, I did. I just hope that one day when I look back, I don't end up kicking myself for not even trying for it. And hopefully, my resolve to stay in SG for another year will produce some results that I'll be happy and satisfied with.

Like I said, things never go as planned right? I was told that this other person working in the company I'm going to interview at ain't too happy about things there. That just made my heart sink. I let one opportunity slip me by.. and the 2nd one doesn't sound any better. But, I ain't letting this hearsay thing get into my way. I'm still going to 'try' to be 110% prepared for the interview and find out more about the company for myself.

Back to preparation time.

What a way to kick-start the long weekend

I'm just almost done with my work. Decided to call it a day since itz already 4am, the 'night' of a public holiday. Rightfully, I should be having fun, relaxing or studying. But I have to work. Itz so sucky and shitty!! This is a long weekend, and I started it off by working. What da??!!?!?!?
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On a lighter note, my family went out for lunch earlier in the aft to celebrate Mother's Day. Da-sao recommended the seafood buffet at Tung Lok that cost $40/pax. I wasn't really for the idea of seafood nor buffet but went along since no one voiced their opinion. I suggested the buffet at Merchant Court Hotel but no one supported the idea =(

Contrary to the thought that I would not enjoy the meal since I never really liked seafood, I was completely blown away by the buffet. We had things like oysters (really HUGE, juicy and fresh), salmon sashimi, chilli crab, lots of prawns (steamed, fried w oatmeal, salad) , fish (steamed, fried), sea cucumber etc etc. I couldn't believe myself when I had 3 oysters since I've only eaten it once so far in my entire life!! The prawns and fish were really really fresh too!! It didn't have that fishy fishy taste, which I so dislike. But itz also because of the freshness of the seafood, I ate so much that it was my only meal of the day. Lunch lasted from noon to 3pm. A family of gluttons? Hehe... After lunch, we went shopping at parkway. While they all went grocery shopping, da-sao and I went shopping for clothes!! It was quite fun since I never really shopped alone with her before without my brother ard. Hopefully she'll go along with my cuz and I to HK in Jul. I'm sure we'll have a great time shopping!! *shopaholicz*

I met up with 2 frens later on in the night for coffee at Siglap. Has been quite a while since we last caught up. We were discussing abt the govt, which has been quite the topic of late due to the recent elections. We're both happy and yet unhappy with the system right now. Everything seems so nice and rosy on the surface, but when you look deeper, there's something that's just missing. I suppose there's no one system that can satisfy everyone, and we just so happen to be those unsatisfied ones, hanging ard still simply to remain within our comfort zones. Finally called it a night slightly pass midnite when the staff were getting ready to close the place.

Let Yur Will Be Done, Not Mine

"God will not give u anythin, even an ounce of somethin u cannot handle."

When I first found out about it, I got very agitated and just couldn't understand why I was so down on my luck, that the most dreaded thing had to happen to me. After I'd done my 'broadcasting' work and screamed about it, I sat myself down and thought through the whole matter. I could've done something about it and will not have to face what I don't want to. But I thought this was a good opportunity to put myself to the test. If I could face it this time around, I would know (100%) that I'm ready to move on to the next phase of my life.

Thus, with the above quote in mind, I set forth to face this 'test' I've been given for the next 2 days.

There can be miracles when u believe.

Platonic friendship

Do you all truly believe in the existence of platonic friendships?

Why am I asking the question out of the blue? Nope, nothing's happening just that I'm a little upset with the comments my mum made. She's someone who believes -110% in platonic friendships. I am just the exact opposite of her. I believe 110% that true friendship can exist between 2 ppl of the opposite sex.

Let me quote my mum, "看谁比较适合就跟他做朋友咯。" To translate, she meant for me to choose the guy whom I think is most suitable for me and get together with that guy. I'm utterly speechless. What prompt her to say this is because I've got a couple of really close guy friends whom I hang around with quite a bit and I do go out with them alone at times. She has always been asking a lot of questions about these friends of mine. I know what she's driving at and will always give her politically correct answers. But when she made the above comment tonight, itz really the last straw. I believe itz certainly out of concern for me and stuff, but what is she worried about? That I'll decide to remain single always or that I'll be left on the shelf?

What is wrong with going out with guy friends for meals, coffee and getting free rides with there being no hidden agendas? We share a common understanding and the line is pretty clearly drawn. They often offer me advice from a different viewpoint as my girlfriends and I find that really helpful. So I really don't understand my mum. No matter how hard I try explaining to her about being just friends with the guys, she doesn't get it.

I know and do have friends who believe that platonic friendship is non-existent. When someone is nice to them, they'll often interpret it as that person is interested in them. I just think that there're ppl out there who're really really nice individuals. I will never doubt a guy's motive for being nice until he actually puts it plainly across that he even have the slightest interest in being more than just friends. I really value all my friendships, so I won't do anything nor harbour any thoughts that could jeopardise any friendship in any manner.

Mum's comment tonight really has no basis and I asked her not to make such baseless and unwarranted comments again. But I know this same whole issue will surface again some time down the road.

So anyone out there who's like me and believes 110% in platonic friendship?

Hibernate

I'm having a super looong and extended 'weekendz' which started last Thurs and will end next Tues!! =) I should be really happy with this long break that I so deserve after slogging so hard at work. But it ain't so, cause I still need to contend with my studies. Doesn't help that I ain't in the mood to study for I only feel like sleeping the days and nitez away... in other words... HIBERNATE!! Not forgetting, I also need time to enjoy myself.

Sat morn was spent fishing at Penjuru Jetty. I think that fishing will be perfect if someone brought along a music player. At least it won't be so dull and boring while waiting for the fish to bite. There were a couple of 'bites', but we never caught a single fish. The fish just bit off part of the bait and never got hooked! What a pity. Not long after, the weather took a change for the worse and it started pouring pretty heavily. Left with no choice, we packed and left. One of my friends then made a very interesting comment, 'the feeling is worse than my whole class failing the exams'. Yes, he's a teacher and he was really disappointed to just leave like that. When I got home in the afternoon, I crashed into bed and slept for the rest of the day.

It was off to blading on Sun aft. But we spent more time on lunch, then on blading. *lol* Itz cause my nephew was taking part in some baby contest and I had to go to show my support. Alas, I wasted my entire afternoon. There wasn't any form of contest at all. The babies were all screened by the doctors and the doctors are the ones who shortlist the babies for the 3 categories of, 'cutest baby', 'healthiest baby', 'most look-alike parent-baby'. For each cat, only 3 babies were called on stage. From there, the audience gets to vote. We were still expecting there to be some sort of performance put up by the babies. Maybe watch them crawl or something. But nothing. My nephew wasn't picked for any of the above, so ya, a whole aft wasted. It was really tiring to have to stand the entire aft too. At night, I met up with the group again for coffee at the Airport. As usual, loads of jokes cracked and the 'racist' comments/jokes made so reminded me of a friend who's now on exchange in the US. I never knew I could find a 2nd, even a 3rd person like him! We also went to check out the new budget terminal. We were throwing out our views on what the terminal will look like. But none of our guesses were right. It was much better than what we had imagined it to be... I think the staff must be wondering what this group of ppl are doing, exploring the airport at 1am in the morn. I have no idea either but it was a laughter-filled nite.

So my hibernating began on Monday. I woke up only to take brunch and crashed back into bed shortly after. I never woke up till it was time to take dinner. I feel like a PIG!! But there really wasn't anyway I could lift my eyelids, let alone drag myself out of bed. So my plans of studying was foiled. I finally started flipping the books on Tues. Progress so far - 1++ book out of 5. My aim is to finish 3.5 books by next Tues. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can do it since the weather is sweltering hot and makes it really difficult to study, and my aft naps are sooooo looooong that I think I'm hibernating more than I'm studying. *sighz* I'm beginning to ask myself again why did I choose to torture myself by registering for the exams and forcing myself to study? Not like itz gonna get me anywhere. Was whining about having to juggle work and studies to my fren whoz still in U. He asked if I would rather be like him and have to study 18hrs a day? Alrightz, so it doesn't really matter how I fare in my exams, since passing/failing don't seem to affect me anyhow, just a waste of money. I also don't study 18hrs a day. That's just madness!! Itz like every waking hour is spent studying. How is that ever possible?? So, maybe, itz still betta being in the workforce then being a student.