Robert H. Smith

The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

River Flows In You

Always loved the music from the piano. Pity I can't play for nuts, having failed grade 1 and 2.

Yiruma is really amazingly skilled in this aspect
Watch him at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhN7SG-H-3k

This song was featured inTwilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 1, when compared to the song is pale in comparison.

Friday, December 16, 2011

The finished product

My mom sitting comfortably in it! Wala :D

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Bean Bag Project

I am going to embark on my bean bag project, with the newly bought the covers and the 200 litres worth of beans to fill it up. Woohoo!
Which one should I do first - Rascal Blue or Dream Gazer?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Wake up!

I thought it will be more difficult to lose something if its on you but I thought wrong. Anything can happen when you are unlucky.

I lost the 2nd necklace given to me by my love. I definitely wore it back after facial ended that night. I was looking at myself in the lift mirror and to my horror, I realised my necklace was missing! Frantic, I traced back my footsteps and back to the bus stop with a touchlight in hand to scoured pavements/grass. After a night long search, my efforts did not pay off.

The first necklace from him, I lost it in the Bali Sea while snorkeling in strong currents. Shouldn't have wore it to the sea indeed. I was afraid someone would pry open the lockers and its better to wear it. In fact, I should have left it in SG from the start. Stupid me...

 In both cases being safe, ended up a sorry state for me. I need to be smarter next time to pre-empt such events to prevent having to choose between "safe" or "sorry'. i.e. keep it at home and wear it from home. Make no mistakes anymore kwekie, you need to be sharper.

Family

Family placed a great importance in my life and being part of my family has shaped me into a person I am today. I have very strong beliefs about what family is all about.

Family to me, are people whom you can trust, whom will standby you in all instances... Good times and bad times, they are there to support you physically, financially and emotionally whenever needed.... but never to watch you fall. And when you do really fall, and you know that you can count on them to pick you up and guide you along.

Family is not one that is selfish and inconsiderate, mutual respect is to be considered. Family especially is not one is superficial upfront but in actual fact backstabs to get what he or she wants. Family should be able to accept you for who you are and constantly help you become a better person.

Family is not something you can take for granted and not give back. In order to sustain a family, you need people who really love and care for this home, to watch over it and protect it at all means.

As of today, I'm at least thankful that the small nucleus of  us "6" can be considered as family. But beyond my immediate family, I cannot be so sure...

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Dark rings popping!

Work trips are tiresome but very rewarding. I managed to complete what would have taken a month if done offsite.

Didn't sleep well in the hotel because I was not used to being alone in a big room. Pillows were soft and comfy.. However, 2 were a bit too high and 1 would be too low. :S

The only true luxury really.... is to sleep all day and play all day and know that when I wake up there's food and money in my account to do/buy anything I crave. Lol, I know it's not going to happen without going to work. Aiya what a timely reminder for me -" must wake up early again tomorrow." I'm very sleepy now.. yawns.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Charmed Ks in Hk

On our first night, we visited Madam Tussauds and the Peak of course. It was fun acting stupid and camera whoring with these famous wax figures. Wow, the view from peak was stunning; very envious of the rich people who lived there when I disregard the fact that tourists can just pry into the windows to catch a glimpse of their private lives. We took a few good shots at the sky terrace where we had a close shave from the level 3 typhoon; managed to get home dry without a sweat all due to good timing.

Incidentally, we caught the level 9 typhoon in Hk during the second day of our stay. Luckily, we didnt get out of the hotel as we slept so soundly until midday. When we awoke, we found that it was a non work day for all employees. Having changed, we walked out of the hotel witnessing all so quiet and run down look of HK streets. It was around then Danny called us from Citygate to said that the shops were closed. Heng, I'd say, we didnt also make a wasted trio there. Instead,we travelled to Wang Da Sin hoping to visit the famous temple. As it was closed, we explored the area and the shopping centres around there. Park and Shop is their equivalent of NTUC or Giant here I would say - No doubt the property prices are high there and the restaurants food prices can be really steep. Other than those, almost everything else is relatively cheaper to here i.e. Nissin instant noodle cup cost 80cents! and good quality buns are costing only 60 cents.

On our third day, we went to Lantau Island to visit Big Buhhda and to see the Tai-O villagers way of life. Well, the weather was one again erratic with sporadic heavy downpour. With cute pink (worn my Fred) and yellow (worn by me) ponchos we scurried along the tour sites in our fully soaked shoes. Shopping till late at Citygate Mall. We only wished we had time to visit Horizon Plaza at far end of HK -  25 Lvls of shops !

On our forth day - China's national day, we met old friends Chloe and Gary with their love ones during lunch at Tim Ho Wan, followed by coffee at "fullcup" cafe. After we rushed to Tsim Sha Tsui to catch the brillant fireworks put up by their creators along the Victoria Habour for a full 26 mins!

Happy birthday once again Fred! I definitely missed all the yummilicious cakes that we had in Starbucks, Moccato cafe house and not to forget small time local bakeries.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Eggcitting times ahead

Weekends are getting more and more kickass with activities piling up. Last week was the race of all time and we chose to watch the finals on TV instead of having to squeeze with the crowd to catch a glipse of the actions.

As we are heading for hk tomorrow on sq, we are also planning for the next trip to taiwan in nov!

Monday, August 29, 2011

No more academic books for a while

Was supposed to go for french classes but the thought of traveling to newton after work was damn turn off for me coz it means that I would have to leave office at 6 sharp to be on time for class. Really don't wanna go for weekend class coz it means having to wake up early, spoiling my plans for the Saturdays.

Was suppose to do my GMAT this half a year but boy.. now I really do hate studying. Wondering if its got to do with failing my CFA L3 with band 10. Pretty tired of studying with no real results. Even if I pass what does it give me... nothing much really (to be honest) other than the impressive title.

Right now, I'm just too happy savouring the free times we have - without the need to study, and just enough time to place priority in learning the finance business. Well... I think I pretty much like having my life back so much that I can't bear to let it go.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

My homework

I find that the biggest challenge in my life is to be able to constantly be better than the current me. Everyday is a test for me to showcase how I can be a better person, a better employee, a better sibling, a better lover.

Whenever I am sad, or angry, I do not stay so for long. Instead, I spent my time thinking how I can make things better.. in any way possible and how could I have prevented things from happening the way it did? If I knew I could do something to make things better, I would. Even if it's just one small thing because they still count for me.
 
In simple terms, I would rationalise my emotions and align them to reality. Face the music, learn from past mistakes and move on... never to make the same mistakes again. When I see the flaws in others, I also see the gem in them. Learning from them is my everyday supplement to becoming a better person. Not everyone has the same learning capacity, same level of adaptability, patience and maturity. Sometimes, we all fall short of our goals because of pride and anger management issues.

Life is too short for regrets, too short to stay unhappy and too short to upset the people whom I care and love around me. More time should be spent to improve yourself, to exceed your own limits.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Life at BNPP

Having worked for a week, my entire team participated in the move to the new office building at Ocean Financial Towers level 33. View from the top is great, reckon will be able to watch some fireworks from here ha. Office is very open with nice amounts of light brightening our workspace.

Compared to my role in previous firm, where I was more like a trainer, business expert adviser. My role now has somewhat transformed into internal business consulting - gathering inputs, analyse, present, evaluate etc. It's quite interesting at first but now I got to the part where it's more challenging - mastering this new business with as many as 14 segments.

It's not really that big a change. It's a change that I needed, that I know I can cope with and make the best out of this opportunity.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Celebration of our love

The National day parade was ongoing at 7pm while we caught it live and on screen from the executive lounge of Fairmont Hotel. During this period, Fred made many trips to the toilet. Nearing the end of the parade, I was there alone anxious that he would missed the fireworks we watched 2 yrs back so I called him.

"I'm downstairs, can you come down to the room in 5 mins?" I said ok and stoned for a good 1 minute, and I walked really slowly to the lift lobby to take the lift down. But 5 mins was not up yet, what should I do? I don't wanna miss the perfect moment with him. Indeed, I went there too early. While waiting outside the door, I noticed something "fishy" was going on in the room. When he finally open the door, the room was perfectly decorated; our photos were attached to the many balloons in chronological order and on the carpet flower petals made out the words he meant to say. Beyond the window, the fireworks was blasting away while he proposed the very moment. Indeed, I was overwhelmed with happiness that a happy tears filled my eyes.

We spent the remaining time at Fairmont that night.. and continued with gym in morning before we checked out from our stay. In the afternoon, we told both our parents the very good news. :)

I'm extremely happy that I can remember this happy day also as the day we got engaged. Double celebration, double the happiness in years to come. Happy anniversary to us!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Parting Gifts from Colleagues

~Thank you for all your well wishes~

Au Revoir

After 3.5 years of memorable stint in SCB, I just wanted to take a moment to recall and cherish our good times together. It has been great interacting and knowing each one of you. I wish you all, my fellow partners and everyone in the larger SCB family, all the very best.

To my dearest Ops Risk team including Nick and Guy – I thank you for the support and insights you have provided me during my time here. While I am looking forward to my new role that will bring forth new challenges and add more diverse experience to my career, I will miss you all much.

To my regional UORMs and RPs – thank you for making my job so meaningful and exciting. It has been very rewarding understanding/tackling the risk-loss issues in your space. Hope I have at least made some difference within my capacity.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

My only sunshine

From Mr. Fred
This is the first pot of colourful flowers I ever received! Hee... I really love the way they are placed together and how nice smelling they are. 

Makes my day indeed, I like!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Body Combat

Making use of my 2 week free trial at California Fitness, I am here again one Friday evening working out.

I like the Body Combat class most cause its a good combi of strength training, balance and cardio. Make funny loud sounds when you punch/kick makes the class more interesting than ever. Hoo HAhh!

What I am outta class at the fitness corner, can see people checking out themselves and others. Eeew, really a place to be seen. :S

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Play

Gone are the days of working- CFA study-limited play days.

With time aplenty meanwhile, I find myself searching for things to get myself busy with whenever Fred is not around. Taking the dogs out for a night walk, reading whatever materials I can find, exercising and all.

Can't wait for our trip to Cambodia and KL too for the 10k "marathon"... definitely a long awaited trip!

Period.

Throwing the letter for the first time was an all time thrilling experience. I was afraid and yet somehow I knew I had to do it sooner or later. I didn't gave any lackluster signs at work, nor did i ever breathe about any unhappiness at work. With some courage borrowed from Fred, I called her into a small room and just handed her a typed out note. She read it with shock written all over her face.

I wondered ... what was she thinking at that point in time.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Our RWS adventure

My ticket to universal studios cost me 57 bucks to get in the afternoon. It is amazing how Fred n I managed to spend 80 bucks in total to enter universal studios, enjoy 2 cuppa coffee bean, 2 bowls of noodles and dessert in Chinese Bistro restaurant, 2 ponchos for the Jurassic Park ride, 2 entry tickets into Sentosa, carpark charges at Habourfront Centre.

Apart from the good deal we had, I truly enjoyed the short time off I had from my books. Jurassic Park ride would have got us all wet if not for our newly bought ponchos. Mmm.. somehow the Revenge of the Mummy ride left a deep impression on me. The crane dance that we waited till 8om to watch was cancelled due to technical issues. From outside, we only managed to see a glimpse of the fireworks from a distance.

Overall an ok experience, I may go back there if the ticket is free since the place is totally not worthwhile the ticket price.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Adora Green - our new home



Friday, April 15, 2011

Silver wonders

I was feeling quite sian and sick today. Fred accompanied me shopping in Zara then we happened to walk into Goldheart for this! What a pleasant surprise from Fred. =)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Darn

Freaking busy days at work with dual roles - can't wait for my shuttle to come each day after an intensive day of slavery in the office.

What you sow should be what you reap. But then who says life was ever fair?

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Work ethics in trying times

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last Friday have been a frightening experience SCB colleagues in Japan. It is with relief that all the people in my function was accounted for and whilst terribly shaken, are leading efforts to deliver stability for SCB business, customers and the community.

The dreadful images appearing on the television and newspapers are truly heart breaking, yet at the same time those same images portray personal, touching stories that tell us the people of Japan are incredibly strong, resilient and will overcome the trying times ahead.

Despite quite arduous journeys to and from work, often taking up to 2 hours travel time as train and road networks are affected due to power disruptions. Food, gas and general supplies are difficult to find, but this has not stopped them from coming to work.

The professionalism, responsiveness and courage of these people to ride through the challenges in such difficult times is greatly admirable.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

What's happening to mother earth?

We have seen natural disaster occurring more often than not these days. Just recently, we have seen a strong 8.9 magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami rock Japan's Fukushima prefecture. That accounted for at least 1,700 people dead or unaccounted for. 


My friend Toon is doing her further studies there. When I saw the news in office, my heart sank. Worried and helpless,  I prayed for my friend's safety and everyone in there.


I am real glad she is safe as the impact could have been worst. :)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

mAKAN Shop mAKAN sHOP in HK

WOOO, what a trip!
Day 1 - Macau
We won some cheap thrill money at Sands which was used to ofset our lunch. We sampled so much macau snacks that we almost puked and cry.

One of the nicest picture taken here.


Day 2-5 - HK
We did the half marathon in 3hours - half running and half walking. Fred was very kind and sweet to accompany me at my pace as his timing is easily half of mine. Stupid me thought of changing hotels immediately after thr run... it was a torture for us to carry our heavy shopping bags across to causeway bay by bus 11. Anyhow, we got a beautiful highest level suite in Butterfly Hotel overlooking Havppy Valley at a promo price, so it was quite worth the journey.

We spend quite a lot of money on small stalls, restuarants and snacks along the way. My favourite was the gui ling gao and dumping cum wanton noodles. We also met up with a few friends this trip, one of which is gary pu na ni. Say cheese to the condensed milk bun.


HK, we will be back again!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Daddy Kwek's Birthday

This is one of my favourite birthday dinners which I have specially arranged for my dad. One of the first with both my brother's gfs and Fred! One of the first dinners with a cake with real candles! One of the first where I saw him smiling so happily as usual though. haha.


Much thanks to Fred for his patient wait for all the lattecomers, and for getting the wine opener. or else, we wouldn't have had the chance to enjoy moscato with mango cream cake!



Daddy Kwek looks very happy with present (24k Gold Fu Lu Shou by Hong Kong Shifu) from us. Can't have thought of a more meaningful present than this dearie!

Alon USA energy

After holding Alon USA energy for almost the entire of 2010 (for which its price fluctuated within $5.8 - 6.8) , I lost confidence in the star stock which I have handpicked. So, I decided to sale it with a miserable profit @ $7.10 at the start of 2011.

Who would have expected it to rocket up to 9.57 just days after I sold my stock? Feeling very DL now.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Laughter is infectious, so is Anger

Anger whether is expressed by ourselves or others, is to be reckon as a sign of weakness, demonstrating a lack of emotional control. When unchecked, it can be really harmful, leading to broken relationships, poor health and bad behaviour. That hurt begins with the physical and psychic hurt to the one who is feeling anger. It starts with their increased blood pressure, nervous and muscular tension, interference with normal physiological function. Slowly and surely, it takes a toll on their self image, affecting not only themselves but the people around them. Even a generally happy go lucky person can lose himself when after being influenced for some time. 

A lot of effort is needed to cheer up a generally angsty person, temporarily. It takes perserverence and really "thick skin" to be able to succeed. And because anger is contagious, it doubles the difficulty. When someone expresses anger towards you, it's almost natural instinct to react in defence and respond angrily. In this aspect, I need to practice resisting such a reaction. This I must! 
 
I think the ultimate solution to anger is a change in mindset - learning to embrace it, to understand what are the triggers and manage them effectively before it can destroy our lives.

Choosing my MBA

After some research, these are some of the 9 key factors I would take into consideration when choosing my post graduate school.

1) Reputation – I don’t want to be ashamed of your school appearing on your cv
2) Duration of course – opportunity cost of doing a part time or full time course on impact on my work/career/cash inflow
3) Budget – how much spare cash do I have and how much loan am I willing to take
4) Faculty – to build a strong network and learn from the best
5) Curriculum – the name of the cert can be good but the contents crap?
6) Student Profile – how much are the students similar to my own values, are they of someone I aspire to be, which are the sectors and positions they go into after grad
7) Years of establishment – definitely one factor to build a strong legacy and good reputation
8) Facilities – do they have sports facilities, location of school, flexibility?
9) Staff – are they friendly and helpful to students?

First thing first, take GMAT!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Organisation Psychology

The short introduction of OP today has led to explore further into the psycline.

As I was reading Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I was intrigued by the way he catagorised and itemise the different types of needs. I wouldn't concur its 100% accurate but I would agree with the general idea - you can get as many things as you want, but if your basic needs are not fulfilled then you won't be any happier.

When certain things are out of your control, i.e. a new job, good bonus, promotion, lucky draws, those that you can't use money to buy....instead of wishing for the stars and crossing your fingers, it's sometimes wiser to align your expectations to reality.

Though painful a process it can be, it helps you to reassess your expectations, measure them against reality and then hopefully provide some motivation to continue to find ways to nuture your dream.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Perfect holiday

I realized I didnt manage to blog about my trips in dec2010. The blog site was always down during the times I tried logging in.

We went bali for a short gateway, stayed in a different hotel for each of the 4 nights. Tunes hotel was pretty safe amidst their faulty safebox. Bangdi Sari offered wet puddles all over it's gardens. Nikko Bali being the most expensive of all, provided an environment of luxury, peace and good food at tanjong benoa beach. I love the fact that they have a 24h clinic to tend to my monkey bitten toe at uluwatu. Talking about it, the incident happened when the silly monkey sank its teeth through my skin,almost reaching the bones as he tried to snatch my golden slipper away from me. He become more forceful sensing that I tightened my grip on the slipper. I won the fight in keeping my golden slipper eventually.














After Bali, I return to Sg joining my family onward to jippon. The tour was very well planned covering long distances-Nagoya-Kobe-osaka-kyoto-Nagoya. The 'dick' temple was particularly interesting where people worship when they pray for a kid etc. Usj had a medium thrill roller coaster which I accompanied my new "sista",belle. She's quite a cool like girl and rarely spends on the things she like other than food coz she's so thrifty. Feels quite weird for a moment initially as I am used to my rowdy brothers.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Happy new year 2011

Wow, it's been a good year. Lots of traveling, time with friends and family, overcome all odds and yield results at work, periodic exercises of badminton, basketball, swimming and jogging. No tennis for me in 2010 but I think I will do some of it this year at the multipurpose court at my office w my colleagues.

To celebrate the end of a good year, we went to lawry's for the first time to try their specialty - lawrys cut made to perfection. It's quite to our liking but we both prefer morton's to lawrys anytime.

Looking forward to a better 2011.