today markets were super quiet. and i sat in office all day till i was bored shitless. then i left on the dot today. wondering on the way back: do they pay me so much to sit down on the desk and pretend to work like a silly cow when actually nothing is being absorbed? wat is it i have to do here in hk? on one hand, it is good that they throw me bits of the puzzle to fit together, and really that's more like my style of learning. on the other hand, they tell me to learn the data tool but really i cant learn anything unless i do some hands-on. in the previous 10 days i was able to occupy myself with my furniture and getting the logistics in place. when the dust has settled, i begin to question my purpose here in hk.
eric had told me to expect the unexpected. frankly i did not have any expectations when i started out. it is a a double-edged sword, so that when things happen, then i realise how the world goes round... new found friendships (from friends who recommend friends, or work colleagues who go the extra mile to make me feel comfotable), old acquaintances disappoint, dont know who around me to trust, dont know how to manage work uncertainty and direction. i know family & friends stand firmly behind me, it is hard also knowing i have to fight my demons alone.
i reflect: maybe its not so hard afterall. eric has told me what to do already. all i have to do is pull up my socks, take things one at a time: support, account management then pre-sales. he also said something about putting my heart into looking after the accounts, as at the end of the day, we have to question who is responsible if we lose the accounts. makes a lot of sense. make effort to understand their situation, and work closely with my colleague and slowly handle the simpler troubleshooting.
my body seems to sense my stress, i am starting to get itchy today. not good. i really hope the hives dont return, coz i dont know where is the nearest doctor! i suspect its the macau noodles i ate today. and i have no appetite for dinner. i would say my cantonese has improved slightly, though i still have some foreign twang to it. scared myself to bits just now coz my main door just opened by itself. It was probably becoz of the wind, and partly also that the property manager has a set of my keys. well, my heart was beating very fast just now in panic. And now it is still beating funny with trepidation, a mix of fear and nervous energy.
What a scaredy cat i am. And I ve made sure i have locked it good this time.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Of Taxi Drivers & Singaporeans
HK taxi drivers very sui lou one. Was at LKF at Sat midnight togged in hand with a prepacked Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie. None of them wanted to take me home to Man Mo Miu. They gave ridiculous excuses that "Hui Kowloon" or they just gestured a no and a worse one just said "Mo sai xi gan". I got really angry after waiting for fifteen mins (just about the time I would take to walk home), as my heels were starting to hurt even more. Finally, decided to just not budge and hopped into a cab. In the end, he still didn't want to make one round, and made me get out at Hollywood Road. I can't decided whether Singaporean or HK cab drivers are worse.
Met Desmond, Serina, Kok Wee over the weekend. All working for JP Morgan. Found meself more friends now! We started out over dinner at Gaia @ Grand Millenium Plaza. Also met Homan for Sat lunch, and Esther for Thursday lunch. Had dinner at this fantastic Japanese restaurant called KOI along Stanley Street on Thursday night. with my colleagues Rick, Mabel and their friends. Wednesday had dinner with Bosses & colleagues at Ruth Chris Steakhouse (Richard's favourite food) and after, drinks @ Wanchai over gagging at the simply dodgy patrons this notorious district is frequented by. Tuesday was drinks at Wooloomooloo for Jurgen's departure in Asia, to be based in London. He was very kind. he remembered me as being "very feisty, just like me (him)". Made more friends over his party, spoke to Alex, Amanda, Anthony, Noel, Selina, Macy, Eva, Stephen, Johnny, Felix ......
Had a great week really, capped off by Saturday with Lust & Caution and Live Jazz @ Ned's bar @ Tsim Tsa Tsui. I loved the show, am now a fan of Leung Kar Wai. Excellent acting by him. Plot was so-so, and although I thought it was very adrupt towards the end, and didn't fancy the ending, the whole film was very well-shot especially the beginnings, being sufficiently exploited for the subtle sexual and emotional nuances.
Didnt feel the tiredness until Sunday when I snoozed till 1pm, awoken by a strange dream. Called mom, who had to rush off somewhere. And muo around the apartment, ate eggs and sausages till I finally leave the apartment at 4pm to go for my waxing appointment. Then walked around Lyndhurst Terrance, till I hit a supermaket. Ended my shopping with two red Carnations & a pink one. Did my housework till late. Dryer and washer takes forever.
Week ahead would be to check out
1) hairy crab - in season
2) get to a gym, bloody Cal Fitness is very very bad in membership and client service!!!!!
3) get some work done in Office???
4) Head to Shenzhen this weekend with friends
I am guessing I have to skip my cousin's wedding. Just impossible to attend. Will be home 19th Oct - 23rd Oct.
Met Desmond, Serina, Kok Wee over the weekend. All working for JP Morgan. Found meself more friends now! We started out over dinner at Gaia @ Grand Millenium Plaza. Also met Homan for Sat lunch, and Esther for Thursday lunch. Had dinner at this fantastic Japanese restaurant called KOI along Stanley Street on Thursday night. with my colleagues Rick, Mabel and their friends. Wednesday had dinner with Bosses & colleagues at Ruth Chris Steakhouse (Richard's favourite food) and after, drinks @ Wanchai over gagging at the simply dodgy patrons this notorious district is frequented by. Tuesday was drinks at Wooloomooloo for Jurgen's departure in Asia, to be based in London. He was very kind. he remembered me as being "very feisty, just like me (him)". Made more friends over his party, spoke to Alex, Amanda, Anthony, Noel, Selina, Macy, Eva, Stephen, Johnny, Felix ......
Had a great week really, capped off by Saturday with Lust & Caution and Live Jazz @ Ned's bar @ Tsim Tsa Tsui. I loved the show, am now a fan of Leung Kar Wai. Excellent acting by him. Plot was so-so, and although I thought it was very adrupt towards the end, and didn't fancy the ending, the whole film was very well-shot especially the beginnings, being sufficiently exploited for the subtle sexual and emotional nuances.
Didnt feel the tiredness until Sunday when I snoozed till 1pm, awoken by a strange dream. Called mom, who had to rush off somewhere. And muo around the apartment, ate eggs and sausages till I finally leave the apartment at 4pm to go for my waxing appointment. Then walked around Lyndhurst Terrance, till I hit a supermaket. Ended my shopping with two red Carnations & a pink one. Did my housework till late. Dryer and washer takes forever.
Week ahead would be to check out
1) hairy crab - in season
2) get to a gym, bloody Cal Fitness is very very bad in membership and client service!!!!!
3) get some work done in Office???
4) Head to Shenzhen this weekend with friends
I am guessing I have to skip my cousin's wedding. Just impossible to attend. Will be home 19th Oct - 23rd Oct.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Fireworks
Today is HK's National Day. Saw some fireworks @ Tsim Tsa Tsui, but partially hindered by the overhead Bridge. It lasted for 20 mins. Their National Day is small relative to their 1st July Handover, as their only celebration is the Yin Fa.
I have put on weight eating junk. Finished Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie in 3 days! I usually take more than a week!
Bought my mirror, clock hooks, stool, kitchen blinds all from IKEA. I think I will get my bathroom set from GOD.
HKers and Sgeans not too different. We should align ourselves more to China, a business-man-turned-taxi-driver said.
Tired. Should be turning in soon.
I have put on weight eating junk. Finished Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie in 3 days! I usually take more than a week!
Bought my mirror, clock hooks, stool, kitchen blinds all from IKEA. I think I will get my bathroom set from GOD.
HKers and Sgeans not too different. We should align ourselves more to China, a business-man-turned-taxi-driver said.
Tired. Should be turning in soon.
Monday, October 01, 2007
F1 Mania in Shanghai!
My colleagues are heading for the Shanghai F1 - I also want to go!
2007 F1 Calendar & Circuit
7 October, China
21 October, Brazil
So exciting, McLauren-Mercedes is leading by 166 points! Ferrari, BMW, Renault and Williams-Toyota follows!. Top drivers include Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Reikkinen & Felie Massa!
Why was I not even bothered previously when ING was an official sponsor? And how come they do not seem to be involved in this Shanghai's F1? Tickets are quite expensive, think its about USD500 for an average ticket? Well, brokers and private bankers have quite a lot in common.
My colleague told me not to expect so much of sales on this job, as it is hard. It was a wakeup call really. But anyway, its fine with me, as I am here for the exposure. Not for the job. I have to embrace the fact that my job is a mix of IT and Finance. Like it or not. And sales if it comes. Also here, top management promise but don't deliver results (as yet). See how it goes lah.
Next week should be quite fun.
Tues: Coffee with Hwajie
Wed: Contractors coming during lunch
Dinner with Homan
Thurs: Lunch with Esther! Dinner drinks with Valetia! Immigration centre!
Fri: Collect quilt
Rough guidelines:
Back to Singapore Either 12 - 14th October, or 19th - 21st October!
First weekend in Dec 07
CNY Feb 7- 11
Can plan a holiday: Good Friday 21 - 24 March 08
People coming:
30 Oct - 2 Nov - Shir
17 - 20 Nov - Pris
Others who said they would come: Serene, Pris, Ruby, Sam, Joann, Jie!
Trip to Nepal with Yuan Chang:
15 Dec - 6 Jan 07
2008
Natasha coming
24 Apr, Thurs - Jill & Mike Wedding @ Shang (Fly to Sg 24-27 Apr)
7 Jun - Julie & Gerald's Wedding @ Raffles (Fly to Sg 7-8 Jun)
Sept - Alfred's Wedding
Work Wise:
First week Oct: Bosses are down (Get some rough ideas maybe?)
Rest of Oct: Polish up on Derivatives knowledge and IT Support! Keep running!
Nov: Keep working on Presales maybe? Find about competitors
Dec: Start dating customers out (1st 2 weeks Dec)
2007 F1 Calendar & Circuit
7 October, China
21 October, Brazil
So exciting, McLauren-Mercedes is leading by 166 points! Ferrari, BMW, Renault and Williams-Toyota follows!. Top drivers include Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Reikkinen & Felie Massa!
Why was I not even bothered previously when ING was an official sponsor? And how come they do not seem to be involved in this Shanghai's F1? Tickets are quite expensive, think its about USD500 for an average ticket? Well, brokers and private bankers have quite a lot in common.
My colleague told me not to expect so much of sales on this job, as it is hard. It was a wakeup call really. But anyway, its fine with me, as I am here for the exposure. Not for the job. I have to embrace the fact that my job is a mix of IT and Finance. Like it or not. And sales if it comes. Also here, top management promise but don't deliver results (as yet). See how it goes lah.
Next week should be quite fun.
Tues: Coffee with Hwajie
Wed: Contractors coming during lunch
Dinner with Homan
Thurs: Lunch with Esther! Dinner drinks with Valetia! Immigration centre!
Fri: Collect quilt
Rough guidelines:
Back to Singapore Either 12 - 14th October, or 19th - 21st October!
First weekend in Dec 07
CNY Feb 7- 11
Can plan a holiday: Good Friday 21 - 24 March 08
People coming:
30 Oct - 2 Nov - Shir
17 - 20 Nov - Pris
Others who said they would come: Serene, Pris, Ruby, Sam, Joann, Jie!
Trip to Nepal with Yuan Chang:
15 Dec - 6 Jan 07
2008
Natasha coming
24 Apr, Thurs - Jill & Mike Wedding @ Shang (Fly to Sg 24-27 Apr)
7 Jun - Julie & Gerald's Wedding @ Raffles (Fly to Sg 7-8 Jun)
Sept - Alfred's Wedding
Work Wise:
First week Oct: Bosses are down (Get some rough ideas maybe?)
Rest of Oct: Polish up on Derivatives knowledge and IT Support! Keep running!
Nov: Keep working on Presales maybe? Find about competitors
Dec: Start dating customers out (1st 2 weeks Dec)
"Hallo"
Hiya guys!
See my apartment! http://www.hongkonghomes.com/property_info/pop_photo.php?pro_id=41155&num=1
How are all of you doing? I am in Honkie Tong land now, finally feeling a bit more comfortable. I really like my apartment, very quiet windy, and I get free water! Old building mah, so don’t have to pay!!!
Just in case u guys are worried, I am doing well not to worry. I took Monday and Tuesday off to settle my apartment. and there was Mid Autumn yesterday when I went to Ikea bought bright green and blue bedding, went to Seahorse got some nice pillows & tailor made a mattress pad, so I can still keep my bed (their bedding is really gross so no way). I went to DKNY sale, and got 3 tops for under $200. Did my grocery shopping, went marketing, but the people at the market very rude, and the food very smelly. So I will not go there again. I think Supermarkets are way better for me,
Got my locks changed over Tuesday, and had dinner with Uncle Victor and his family, and got a box of Chui Chow Mooncakes, which were really really nice! It is unlike the traditional ones and the snow skin, which both sucks! I received my DHL-ed stuff on Monday (they delivered it to the apartment downstairs, idiot! Thank gosh my neighbour very honest).
Ps Wai Yi: Uncle Cheung called, so he should meet me on 30th October on his way home, but he is really busy, hopefully he can make it for a meal at “Zong Guo Song”, which is this really nice restaurant with very yummy home cooked food! Plus, please help me fwd this to Leng yi – I left her email address at home….
Will post up photos of my place when I am more or less done with it, probably next week. See ya guys soon!!!
Take care okay!
See my apartment! http://www.hongkonghomes.com/property_info/pop_photo.php?pro_id=41155&num=1
How are all of you doing? I am in Honkie Tong land now, finally feeling a bit more comfortable. I really like my apartment, very quiet windy, and I get free water! Old building mah, so don’t have to pay!!!
Just in case u guys are worried, I am doing well not to worry. I took Monday and Tuesday off to settle my apartment. and there was Mid Autumn yesterday when I went to Ikea bought bright green and blue bedding, went to Seahorse got some nice pillows & tailor made a mattress pad, so I can still keep my bed (their bedding is really gross so no way). I went to DKNY sale, and got 3 tops for under $200. Did my grocery shopping, went marketing, but the people at the market very rude, and the food very smelly. So I will not go there again. I think Supermarkets are way better for me,
Got my locks changed over Tuesday, and had dinner with Uncle Victor and his family, and got a box of Chui Chow Mooncakes, which were really really nice! It is unlike the traditional ones and the snow skin, which both sucks! I received my DHL-ed stuff on Monday (they delivered it to the apartment downstairs, idiot! Thank gosh my neighbour very honest).
Ps Wai Yi: Uncle Cheung called, so he should meet me on 30th October on his way home, but he is really busy, hopefully he can make it for a meal at “Zong Guo Song”, which is this really nice restaurant with very yummy home cooked food! Plus, please help me fwd this to Leng yi – I left her email address at home….
Will post up photos of my place when I am more or less done with it, probably next week. See ya guys soon!!!
Take care okay!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Long nong Weekend & weeks ahead
Wee har! This week was good stuff. Quite successful i would say.
Week passed slowly, but weekend's never enough. Friday, Mel's party at NAB was a great get-together lah. Saturday was not only teachers' day, but also a day where my students strutted their stuff in Show and Tell! I am so happy for my 3 year olds! They have progressed from babies to performing material! They could listen, take instructions, and perform, occassionally remember the lyrics and steps to the songs. 8-9 yr olds on the other hand, have done well in improvisation, and more importantly grown more confident, and enjoyed all their classes with me! I deserve a pat on my back.
also i was privy to Peter Low's 50th Anniversary Concert. Attended by the who-whos of society, the concert saw the 80 strong choir perform a medley of hymns and sacred music. the choir was amazing, excellent voices and choreography! a tad too long at over 2 hours, it ended off beautifully with a champagne toast and great food beneath a white marquee on a beautiful saturday night!
the weeks ahead looks busy,
3-7 sep (Sg)
Week passed slowly, but weekend's never enough. Friday, Mel's party at NAB was a great get-together lah. Saturday was not only teachers' day, but also a day where my students strutted their stuff in Show and Tell! I am so happy for my 3 year olds! They have progressed from babies to performing material! They could listen, take instructions, and perform, occassionally remember the lyrics and steps to the songs. 8-9 yr olds on the other hand, have done well in improvisation, and more importantly grown more confident, and enjoyed all their classes with me! I deserve a pat on my back.
also i was privy to Peter Low's 50th Anniversary Concert. Attended by the who-whos of society, the concert saw the 80 strong choir perform a medley of hymns and sacred music. the choir was amazing, excellent voices and choreography! a tad too long at over 2 hours, it ended off beautifully with a champagne toast and great food beneath a white marquee on a beautiful saturday night!
the weeks ahead looks busy,
3-7 sep (Sg)
- someone is coming from london = entertaining every day
- presentation to mentor is almost overdue = quick understand every module i need to by mid-week
- planning for d 8 day hk trip, which i am not going alone this time = a bit more coordination and communication with mom and aunt... sigh
- packing the necessary stuff to hk
- buying equip for nepal
- settle bills
- book place for 21st sep
9-16 sep (HK)
- my bosses' going to be in hk for some of the time im gona be up there = more late nights & entertaining
- work and arrange housing in hk
How to survive arh?