aN auditor's Monologue

So long 2008, Welcome 2009

2008-12-31T16:48:26Z

Have a happy new year!

Have a great year ahead, be it in work and all things that matter!

---------------------------------
A year of mixed emotions and somehow I am still confused and none the wiser.....

Work

The year that has been - Got my transfer to transactions strategy and left audit in April. Learnt a lot over the past 9 months but still very unsure of what I exactly want. But I know I hated long hours.....Travelled for both work and training and met lots of new people as usual

The year ahead - Gotta fight hard for my promotion to manager given the tough economic times and firms policy of promoting only the deserving. Crossing my fingers for training in London. Hoping that my mind will soon be clear once and for all about my career options

Play

The year that has been - Ran 2 marathons (sundown and stanchart), a couple of shorter runs and has been the pioneer batch F1 race marshals. Got a lot more time on hand after the transfer but somehow still feeling the lack of times at times (especially when I am on project)

The year ahead - More marathons and shorter runs and hopefully score another turn as race marshals when the F1 race comes again in Sept. Planned to get started on driving once again but on automatic license this time round

Relationships

The year that has been - Met a lot more people through work and play and have cultivated some strong friendships. Otherwise, still close to the usual groups - Niners and my NS mates. Through some weddings, have met up with people not seen for long time (Sec and JC classmates). Still single though, haha. Attended more weddings but less funerals this year

The year ahead - No expectations though a proper relationship is fine. Otherwise, maintaining current contacts while meeting new ones. Peace and happiness and good health to all

Things seems to be looking bright

2008-02-27T17:54:36Z

Hope it last.....

1st:

I got the transfer I badly wanted. Moving on to Strategy team come 1st July for a whole new career with the same firm.

Jealous of my friend's 9 months bonus though; but have to think rationally.

No pay cut, assume the same grade while doing brand new things - what's more to complain?

2nd:

Dear Sir/Mdm,

We are pleased to inform that you have been short listed as an
Official for the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. As an
Official, you will be required to assume roles as volunteers to help
out during the event.

Do REPLY this email with a confirmation that you accept the position
stated above.

Please look out on the website (www.singaporegp.sg) for the updated
training schedule and all other updates. Do note that you should keep
yourself free for the dates mentioned, as all trainings are compulsory
to attend.

All short listed Officials will be required to pass the e-module
before being confirmed. More information on the e-module will be sent
at a later date. Kindly look out for updates through email (and also
in your Junk mail).

Thank you and best regards.

Melissa Pei
On behalf of Race Committee
2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix

Good right

Maybe I should buy toto tomorrow. Who noe I might finally get lucky?

Updates from Apple store

2008-02-21T06:29:53Z

What is Man

2008-02-13T18:21:17Z

Great show and performance by the actors!

Very entertaining, thought provoking and just shiok to hear the vurglarites, sexual connotations and taboo topics

The things u have to do to enjoy a decent holidays

2008-02-06T16:33:04Z

by staying 30 hours straight in office to complete for my listed co client:
1. Clean up the audit files for the 5 entities
2. teleconference with my shanghai counterparts
3. Complete review of client's consolidation, draft announcement and financial statements

All this while occasionally getting updates from my team on another job and making my way to visit them - boy, i am behaving more and more like a manager.

Anyway I done all that I can - time to sleep,eat and play for the next 4 days, uninterrupt I hope!

Updates

2008-01-20T17:33:16Z

Started the new year on leave, then started work for three days before going off for 1.5 weeks of reservists; for that I was nearly squeezed to death by work on those three days.

Reservist was nice......a bit slack but I learnt a bit, catch up with a lot of people, rest and got my IPPT silver.

Just went to Tanya's showcase at Dragonfly - short but veryn good as she sang all my favourite from her latest album plus somemore.....

As usual, there are the wedding and pregnancy announcements, resignations and last days.

Happy new year

2007-12-31T16:37:43Z

Happy new year, one and all.

Resolution for the year is simple......

1. Be happy in all matters

2. Get more life

3. Save money

4. Travel more

That's all, really.....simple isn't it?

And so the end is near

2007-12-22T17:24:26Z

Counting down to the remaining of 2007; I will be on leave till 2nd week of Jan proper.

A mixed year, of birth and death, happiness and sadness, accomplishment and failures, as well as work, play and holiday.

I am still at the same job and still clueless about what I want. While I became better at what I am doing, so does level of criticism.

I went holiday thrice this year, San Fran/Las Vegas/Tokyo, Taipei and Shanghai.

I attended more weddings than last year and the same amount of funerals too.

I continued volunteering for events in TAS, while ran my 3rd marathon at the same time.

Paid my taxes, other dues and did my reservist proper first time.

Other than that, life remains the same.

So Merry christmas and happy new year one and all and in advance, as we bid the year goodbye and welcome a new beginning!

Hope for the best and peace!

Song to listen to

2007-12-06T10:49:15Z

VANESSA HUDGENS - Say OK

You are fine
You are sweet
But I'm still a bit naive with my heart
When you're close I don't breathe
I can't find the words to speak
I feel sparks
But I don't wanna be into you
If you are not looking for true love, oh oh
No I don't wanna start seeing you
If I can't be your only one

[Chorus]
So tell me when it's not alright
When it's not ok
Will you try to make me feel better?
Will you say alright? (say alright)
Will you say ok? (Say ok)
Will you stick with me through whatever?
Or run away
(Say that it's gonna be alright. That it's gonna be ok)
Say Ok.

When you call I don't know if I should pick up the phone every time
I'm not like all my friends who keep calling up the boys, I'm so shy
But I don't wanna be into you
If you don't treat me the right way
See I can only start seeing you
If you can make my heart feel safe (feel safe)

[Chorus]
When it's not alright
When it's not ok
Will you try to make me feel better?
Will you say alright? (say alright)
Will you say ok? (Say ok)
Will you stick with me through whatever?
Or run away
(Say that it's gonna be alright. That it's gonna be ok
Don't run away, don't run away)

Let me know if it's gonna be you
Boy, you've got some things to prove
Let me know that you'll keep me safe
I don't want you to run away so
Let me know that you'll call on time
Let me know that you won't be shy
Will you wipe my tears away
Will you hold me closer

[Chorus]
When it's not alright
When it's not ok
Will you try to make me feel better
Will you say alright? (say alright)
Will you say ok? (Say ok)
Will you stick with me through whatever?
Or run away
(Say that it's gonna be alright. That it's gonna be ok)
Say OK
(Don't run away, don't run away)
(Say that it's gonna be alright. That it's gonna be ok, don't run away)
Will you say OK
(Say that it's gonna be alright. That it's gonna be ok)

A time to share - please spread this around

2007-12-05T16:13:46Z

From http://hungrykaihong.blogspot.com/

My name is Kai Hong, a close friend and dragon boat team-mate of the late Wei Cheng. I am sure by now, you have heard of the tragic accident in Cambodia 3 weeks ago.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/314549/1/.html

I am honored to have had the opportunity to row with Wei Cheng in both SAFSA as well as the National Team. He was a dedicated paddler who worked hard to reach his goals. This eventually earned him a place in the National squad, despite his lack of prior experience in the sport.

While participating actively in dragonboat, Wei Cheng dedicated much of his remaining time to giving tuition in order to contribute to the family's income. From a tender age, Wei Cheng and his brother, Wei You, have been raised single handedly by their mother, who is currently sourcing for a job with the help of relatives. Wei You recently re-took his 'O' Levels and is hoping to enter a local Polytechnic with his grades. He will be working part-time to bear some of the family's financial burden, which his brother had so painstakingly bourne these few years.

I understand that most of you have probably attended the recent wake and have already given "white money" to the family. However, with the "season of giving" just around the corner, I'm trying to arrange for a second round of donations for the family, hoping to offer what aid we can to help mother and son tide over this extremely difficult time. No obligations here. If you feel that you have given as much help as you could, it is ok.

After some discussions with Wei Cheng's cousin, we have jointly decided that cheques would be the most efficient method of facilitating these donations. Even if you are unable to write a cheque, I hope you can approach your parents and see if they would like to extend their help in this. My team-mates and I are organising this to provide an avenue for those who wish to extend their aid to the Chee family, but do not know where and how.

You will have my assurance that all donations will be documented, and that the FULL proceeds will be handed to Mdm Chee. We are doing this for we believe that Wei Cheng, being the filial son that he was, would not want his brother and mother to have to bear the weight of his departure.

For those who would want to donate a substantial amount to the family, please either reply to this message,contact me at kee_heng@hotmail.com or 96461072. Details on how to donate will be disclosed to you privately. I hope to be able to collect all donations during the 3rd week of this month, which is 17th to 22nd December 2007.

I'm not sure of the response to this, but I thank you for reading this, and hope we can all do our part to help the family.

Yours Sincerely,
Chian Kai Hong

To sum it up

2007-11-29T18:06:35Z

To Eugene and the five dragonboaters:

Don't think its no longer a issue of whether I know you or we could have keep in contact more often.

You guys should be safe on the other side. You shall be missed fondly by all of us

I guess a lot of us will take some time before moving on. But we must, for their sake, to have the courage to carry on and to continue remember them for what they have been.

On a personal note, I dedicate portion of my current favourite song to the six of you -

当你离开的时候 by Tanya蔡健雅

我只能低着头发呆
让回忆渗透脑袋
渐渐变空白
我把它当作个意外
但内心还想不开
以为我明白
其实你都还在

我想起了遇见你的时候
想起你眼神中的温柔
我想起了我们第一次牵手
我闭上眼
想起当时你怀里的颤抖
似乎那么害怕失去我
然而到后来我什么都没有
当你离开的时候

And I am also dedicating this sunday's run to all six of you. I guess some of you will be running, if nothing has happened. Guess this is a wild yet simple gesture I can come with.

And for the rest of us......time to put some smile on our face!

Sorry to hear that

2007-11-25T18:10:22Z

I was only gone for 5 days in China and boy, so much has happened.

I do not know anyone of the 5, but I know people who did.

Its sad and tragic; such a waste of life! And abit uncanny, since it come so fast after another army pal's death (http://www.omy.sg/news/localnews/200711/20071121_008_drown.html). Its sad knowing how much he has achieve in his life and regret for not being to know him better.

But life still has to go on. My heart goes out to all of those who are affected by these events and let us all live on, stronger and making them proud of what we will go on to achieve!

Update

2007-11-11T16:55:03Z

Another update......

Past weeks quite a bit has happened:

1. Work - As usual, getting more and more sucky. Despite my attempts to leave via going for interviews, nothing good has come out to date. Working with new people in my current well-being obviously has been trying, especially when it has been taking some effort to get myself interested in the first place. A bit of excitement coming from my upcoming trip to China to visit my China subs; 3 days site visit to Suzhou and Wuxi before adjorning back to Shanghai to review workpapers in Chinese. As it is, I was not supposed to go but when your manager does not read chinese, who else but you. Its nice though, since I get to clock miles via flying SQ and hotel pretty much paid for and I could extend my stay over the weekend for my own leisure. But its kinda sucks when you are flying overnite both ways and going with my partner.

2. DnD - Came and when 2 fridays ago. Food and entertainment was not bad, but I still ended up leaving early for tea session at the nearby HK cafe. Guess that's what happened when you progress further with lesser of your peers around. We even took group photos of the remaining few.

3. Birth - Good friend gave birth, also 2 fridays ago. Very cute of course and I glad she had a smooth delivery and based on her blog, quite nicely adjusted into motherhood. Probably going to see her less for now since its only the usual 2 of us who hang out yesterday for a spot of shopping and afternoon tea at Crystal Jade.

4. Wedding - 2 weddings last month on back to back saturdays, the former being in an marquee at the Fort Canning Park, while the latter at JB, for which the whole of us stayed over at the hotel there for the weekend. Nice though tiring and a bit sian, given the company. As usual, you realise some people are definitely the few you will not want to go overseas on holiday with, unless you want to be driven nuts. Thank god for the year end, as I only has one left and that's on the marathon day.

5. Marathon - training as usual and besides running regular long distance, has been supplementing it with swimming, yoga and lots of weights and sometimes classes. Not going to ambitious, but I target 5.5 hours this year, ie reaching the finishing point at 11 am. Its possible, unless the freaking weather spoil the day of course!

6. Music - Lotsa releases this time of the year. Was surprise how catchy Britney's new album has become. A bit disappointed with Annie Lennox. Alright only for James Blunt and KT Dunstall has not disappoint. Gem of the is Tanya's new album. Loves almost all the tracks there. Think Liang Jing Ru's is also going to be good one and not forgetting Kylie's new album.

7. Reading - Been wanting to pick up reading again and its not just reading magazines and travel guides, which I still do. Been reading quite a bit of self-improvement and business books to gain a bit more professional knowledge. Now getting started on fictions, starting with the chinese books I have bought during the recent trip to Taipei and I just bought a new book - Atonement by Ian McEwan. Not a recent release, but guess its because of the movie that got me interested. Will read first and watch the movie later.

Well then, so much said in such a short time. That's all for now! Will write more soon

Update

2007-10-15T17:11:57Z

As usual, have been busy with work.....that's what happen when your portfolio has only one year-end. Its all planning now and all interim work in a few weeks time and Peak starts from Jan all the way till Mid May before I go off for my usual 4 weeks break.

Anyway, besides work, its immersing ourselves with gossips and politics at work, bidding farewell to good colleagues and manager while asking why am I still here and training for the marathon.

------------------------------------------
In the midst of all this, I went for a short break to Taipei for 4 days three weeks back. It was right in the midst of mid-Autumn festival and everyone was barbecuing. Weather was warm but great for walk.

The flight via SQ was great and service was impeccable. Thank goodness for the special fare offer. The Hotel I stayed in (http://www.tshotel.com.tw/) at Ximenting was also a good deal.

The food was great and I did get my shopping fixed via the bookshops (Eslite and Page One), Nike and Adidas. I even watched Lust, Caution on the night before I came back. Skipped much of the tourist attraction and instead, went to the temple to see the crowds, to the shopping district around Taipei 101, went for 2 nite markets and see the sunset at Danshui, after hot spring at Beitou. The MRT's real convenient to get around.

And guess what, I was on the same plane as Wong Lee Hom when he flew in to promote his album.

----------------------------------------------------

Really getting tired of work but at the end of the day, no job has come to date that matches what I am doing, or so when I found myself promoting the firm and job at the NTU networking night last friday. I did not lie but simply told what I think was true......that I have no regrets and the time hasn't not come yet, even though the market is good. I told them to look beyord money and think about it as investing on your future.

Even when I am not exactly feeling great and being overlooked.

Finally I know of something

2007-09-14T18:13:22Z

And so I was rejected.....all because of a remark of maybe I need time to think it over.

Strange thing is, I never did say that or do any thing of such to even suggest that during the interview.

To say I was disappointed, that was a understatement. It was an sad end to an already disappointing week, which dun seemed to end.

The best part, the futile attempt to pacify me when I should have been told weeks ago, leaving room for me to appeal. But eventually I know of it only now. Best part, those who are really unsure got the chance, instead of me!

Maybe I am not fated. Am I really? I was so looking forward to it, a chance to do something and shine on.....got to look towards my next 2 interviews out of my firm.

Maybe I will get it and then that's really it.

Like what I say to the HR personnel, I will not die if I dun have it.

Only thing is, other people will appreciate me. And that will be the firm's loss!

I will not look back and I stand tall and firm.

Meet the new additions

2007-09-06T18:44:14Z

Enough said; time to save up again.

A song for you and me

2007-08-27T17:29:30Z

Beautiful Love - 蔡健雅

看住時間別讓它再流浪
從前我太適應悲傷
你的出現在無意中卻深深撼動我
一起走著沒說什麼心是滿足的

這個世界隨時都要崩塌
我沒有其他的願望
假如明天將消失了趁現在我愛著
只想記得被你抱著溫熱的感受

Love’s beautiful so beautiful
我失去過更珍惜擁有
多慶幸我是我被你疼愛的我
緊緊牽住的手不要放手永遠守護我

Love’s beautiful so beautiful
我很快樂你會了解我
我不會再哭泣是因為我相信
我們勇敢的愛著每秒鐘都能證明一生的美麗

這個世界隨時都要崩塌
我沒有其他的願望
假如明天將消失了趁現在我愛著
只想記得被你抱著溫熱的感受

Love’s beautiful so beautiful
我失去過更珍惜擁有
多慶幸我是我被你疼愛的我
緊緊牽住的手不要放手永遠守護我

Love’s beautiful so beautiful
我很快樂你會了解我
我不會再哭泣是因為我相信
我們勇敢的愛著每秒鐘都能證明一生的美麗
Love’s beautiful so beautiful

AHM 2007

2007-08-26T16:36:25Z

The actual start to my running calendar.....the Passion run earlier last month don;t really count lah.

The Good:

1. Despite not able to train properly due to work, still managed to complete the run in under 2.5 hours.
2. The route was better than last year where there was the attempt to bring us into the city area and not closing off the roads. The route this year is definitely simpler to grasp and the roads are closed to give us more space to run.
3. Location. Well its new and paved, not the usual grass patches which given weather these days, should be muddy.

The bad:
1. The location - the layout this year not very good. The booths are all over place and someone ought to be shot by placing the safra booth right in front of the baggage counters.
2. The baggage counters of course. Maybe as a result of the stupid decision to locate the safra booth in front of baggage the counters, there was only a single quene to get to the open area in front of the counters to get our bags. Imagine having to stand on quene after running 21KM, with no water and when reaching to the counters, have to wait like striking lottery before you can get your bags. It chaotic and disappointing. Knew they tried their best but this was too much. I took 2.5 hours to get my bags - the same time I took to run my 21 km.....add that and you get a full marathon.

Of course, sad to hear someone pass away after reaching the end point. Think all eyes should be on the Aviva Ironman next week. Its gonna be another tiring week for me since I will be volunteering as usual.

Gwen Stefani - The Great Escape Tour

2007-08-14T17:56:56Z

Fabulous concert!

Better than Christina - more energy, less polish, great audience and truly a concert where I stood nearly the whole time and dancing along.

Plus the fact that she went into the audience; I got a very upclose shot of her and she was within reach of me!

Plus the fact that pre-concert, you get to see her hubby Gavin Rosdale bring Kingston (her child) out for a walk around the stadium. He never refuses being photograph, of course.

All this for 200 bucks (not the front rows but stlll not too far and high up back).

Next up , Cheer Chen, Sammi or Amei???

An old album

2007-07-24T17:12:19Z

Was introduced to the album by a good friend, who loves nice music like yours truly. While we all know her by that great hit 'Sway", this album contains much more stronger tracks, with equally strong lyrics. Presenting 2 of my favourite tracks.......

Gravity
If gravity let us go
We would all go flying
And I'll meet you somewhere in the milky night
Away past the satellites

The breeze is dressed so lightly
And it breathes onto this fire escape
Where all our secrets melt like ice
Leaving only water

Night will close us down
And change the view
And I'll promise you what I can
I forget myself when I'm with you
Please remind me who I am

Dancing like a landslide
Swinging round the living room
We fall like sudden rain from sullen skies
Singing to the radio's tune

Say my name aloud
And make it new
And I'll promise you what I can
I forget myself when I'm with you
Please remind me who I am

Day so soon, hear all the traffic move
The sirens all fill this room till we both have to shout
From the road, watching the stars explode
You and I breathe so slow
How strange the sound

----------------------------------------------------------

Beautiful Collision
What a beautiful collision
Things that go bump in the night
With such beautiful precision
Fate could create you and I

Do you know what it means
To abandon your dreams?
To leave with the storms rolling by
How the clouds on this day
Come to take you away
Til you're gone gone far away from me

Beautiful beautiful night
What a beautifully dangerous ride
What a beautiful day we could hardly complain about
What's going on in the sky

What a beautiful collision
Things that go bump in the night
With such beautiful precision
Fate could create you and I

Do you know what it means
To abandon your dreams?
To leave with the storms rolling by
How the clouds on this day
Come to take you away
Til you're gone gone far away from me

Beautiful beautiful night
What a beautifully dangerous ride
What a beautiful day we could hardly complain about
What's going on in the sky

Move with the strangers
That pass through your days
If someone by chance
Should call out your name
When you're lost in the places you don't care to stay
A blinding romance to blow you away

Clueless

2007-07-15T16:52:05Z

I am clueless about the future and what I want!

That's the conclusion after my weak attempts to fill up my development plan for the new work year, something new that the HR is implementing this year so that they can be seen as a people developer by making everyone plan and everyone help each other achieve their goals and aspiration and hence, fewer people leave.

Like real its gonna happen, bet people will still tender. I will too, if that perfect job fall right thru the sky now.

To be honest, its nice to go on job hunting again, to go for interviews and getting that offer. But really, I am becoming pampered and spolit as the longer I stay, the more I see how narrow our job market is. Basically, a lot of the jobs my peers are taking on after leaving the firm, I probably am only envy the money and working hours. Most of the job scope.....seriously, it sound and is probably boring as well.

But then I also dun noe exactly what I want, so I can't really comment much.

Anyway, things are still pending. For one, I am still waiting for the green light to go on secondment in Advisory as financial due diligence; am I a sadist? Trading one long hours to another even longer hours job?

If that do not works out, I really not too sure.....I probably can stay and hopefully get myself invited to the financial services practice after the next peak. Or otherwise, maybe its time I leave the country and get my ass to New York, where I have always and still is, constantly thinking about going there to work.

I have to admit......I think too much. If I dun, I would probably be really in New York now.

And having this thought has definitely makes thing not anyless easier.

In the spirit of Live Earth

2007-07-08T16:00:34Z

The lyrics to Madonna's Hey you......

Hey You
Don't you give up
It's not so bad
There's still a chance for us

Hey You
Just be yourself
Don't be so shy
There's reasons why it's hard

Keep it together
You'll make it alright
Our celebration is going on tonight
Poets and prophets would envy what we do
This could be good
Hey You

Hey You
Open your heart
It's not so strange
You've got to change this time
Hey You
Remember this
None of it's real
Including the way you feel

Keep it together
We'll make it alright
Our celebration is going on tonight
Poets and prophets would envy what we do
This could be good (this could be good)
Hey You

Save your soul little sister
Save your soul little brother
Hey You
Save yourself
Don't rely on anyone else

First love yourself
Then you can love someone else
If you can change someone else
Then you have saved someone else
But you must
First love yourself
Then you can love someone else
If you can change someone else
Then you have saved someone else
But you must first

Hey You
There on the fence
You've got a choice
One day it will make sense
Hey You
First love yourself
Or if you can't
Try to love someone else

Keep it together
We'll make it alright
Our celebration is going on tonight
Poets and prophets will envy what we do
This could be good (this could be good)
Hey You

First love yourself
Then you can love someone else
If you can change someone else
Then you have saved someone else
But you must
First love yourself
Then you can love someone else
If you can change someone else
Then you have saved someone else
But you must first

------------------

When you think about life sometimes, don't the last paragraph above make sense?

Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics

2007-06-30T18:21:53Z

Wonderful concert, even though its pretty short. Hah, she could have sing more songs.....how can 90 minutes be enough.

The choreography is fantansic. The singing, of course, is faultness, though she seems tired easily. Not sure if I am to sensitive, given recent news of her being pregnant.

Given the musical theme of the concert where she paid tribute to the 30s sound, there were her earlier hits being re-arrange to fit the theme. Thank god, she kept it original with 'Beautiful' and 'Fighter'. The former, easily the highlight of the evening and the only song capture on video with my phone, when the whole world is shooting away with their cameras!

The end and another start

2007-06-27T17:46:46Z

Finished my 3rd year officially in my first job since graduation. Today marks the 3rd anniversary.

That's neither long or short. Still, its an achievement to celebrate, especially when I nearly tendered, not once but twice.

The future though, remains unwritten.

As promised, more pictures.

2007-06-23T17:32:43Z

1. The Marina

2. Walking along the Golden Gate Bridge

3. Japantown

4. Entrance of UC Berkeley

5. Union Square at night

6. Farmer's market at the Ferry Building

7. Sausalito

8. Little Italy

9. Open air concert at the Mission Delories Garden

10. Murals at the Mission Delories district

11. Castro Street