Changes - For the good (I hope)

Ok, I know I have been missing for a fair bit. And, I always think to myself that I do still wanna blog, cause I do love keeping something for records.

So, what have I been doing? First, I have left my previous tax role in Nestle, and have joined a totally new industry which I have never been to - Oil industry.
I have joined Ampol, part of Caltex Australia Group. Because this is a new company set up in Singapore, there are many operations and processes that needs to kickstart. So, I am really looking forward to contribute and also learn more. I knew this may be difficult, after having a not-bad work life for 1 year plus... hahaha...
Now, I may be back to working OT, but I'm definitely very excited to be working in this new place.
Coming up with new processes and documentations, compliance, financial statements, and of course tax will still be a major part of my role. Learning Australia taxes is a new area for me, but definitely excited to ace this.
For the first time, I'll be working in TOWN..... and the people there are..... horror. People mountain people sea.... haha...

Anyway, I started work for 1 week, and then went to Bangkok trip with my dear girls and then 1 day later, took a flight to Sydney for 3 weeks of training.
I have not been so busy since Abbott time, so it's challenging... 3 more days, I'll be heading back to Singapore, and not long after, will be boarding the flight to Perth for holidays! hahhaa... October has been a roller coaster, but hey, keep calm and carry on!

I can do this! *note to self*

Anyway, I will update all the backlog trips.... just give me some time!!!!

 

What you do live for.

Finally, whatever has been owed to him has been cleared, and everything between us has also been closed.
No longer do I need to contact him or whatsoever.

---- The end. ----

I have also tendered from my current company, and moving on to hopefully a more challenging role. Hope I can take up the challenge. I doubt myself initially, but I guess, I have to face this sometime.
Because you believe in me, I pray I will not disappoint.
It will be a whirlpool last quarter for me, but let's see to it.

I do pray that life will be kinder to me now that the tough times have passed.

Benji's wedding of the year: #benjixkelly

Haven't been up to date to my post as I was down for 2 weeks with flu, sore throat and everything else. Not only that, work has been quite a trouble. Had to make difficult decisions in my career as well. Well, in short, I haven't quite figured out what I want to be. haha... oh wells.

 

May started with a bang for Ben's wedding. His wedding is like wedding of the year lah. Everything so atas!!!

It was at Grand Hyatt with a theme Formal or Silver Elegance.

I would say 95% followed the theme! Very nice!

 

Grand Hyatt had renovated their ballroom and it was gorgeous!!! It used to be dull looking cause the carpet was dark green. But now, they even had their kitchen transparent so you know what's going on! U know, like the Din Tai Fung Xiao long bao like that.

Food was really good as well. Almost every dish tasted delicious.

Ben even had hired live band for songs!

But then again, I think no one really listened to it. All busy talking. haha...

 

 

 

The bomb. Abalone in a claypot for each and every one!!!

 

Of course, we hardly managed to get everyone get together, and hence it's the perfect time to take full attendance group photos!

 

My handsome kingsman. ;)

 

My only girl buddy in the group. :) 

 

All the "+1's". haha... we always name them that in group chat, which is very convenient.

 

And of course, the boyband and plus 1's. haha...

Though they really take crap sometimes, I do love the company of all of them.

Glad we are still going strong after more than 10 years.

Cheers to another 10 years, and seeing all of us in a wonderful chapter next. :):):)

 

 

Let It Go

It's a long time since I ever chased a serial on TV. And this time, I finally watched a full serial that caught my interest - Let It Go. This is on Channel U, recently ended, so you can catch it on Catch Up TV. A short 13 episodes only. Why I was interested in watching is because of .. ELVIN NG!
hehe.. He's my favourite boyfriend on TV. HANDSOME TO THE MAX. *fanmode on*

Besides the incentive of looking at the handsome guy, the story plot is interesting as well. And, somehow, it makes me reflect of my love relationship.

I remember when I was at my worst chapter in my life 4 years ago, it was really horrible.
The pain left a scar and was mentally tormenting. For me, my way of recovering was shutting up myself to the extent I could not bear it anymore and just break down.
I have a habit of crying at night cause no one will see me.
The longest, and hardest let it go... was probably this.

My friends around me knew, and of course, consoled me and shared my sorrow.
Working was terrible, and I kept making mistakes, and staring into blank spaces. When they found something amiss from my actions, people started asking.
I particularly remembered though, my good buddy, who at that time left Abbott already, texted me when I was still doing OT to ask me what happen.
When I spilled the beans, I guess the conversation crafted a bad scenario as if I was going to end my life (probably that time maybe), and he sent someone else who was still in Abbott to watch out for me.

And that someone else became my boxing bag since then. Because he has nothing to do, single, he followed me for sad walks, kept bringing me back to reality when I stone. I would look through photos and weep. He was a trustworthy friend because he never gossips nor spill beans. He never ask any questions but just sat quietly there or talk other random stuff. I was really thankful.

Slowly, I got back my normal life and tried to move on with the pain still buried inside me.
One day, when he confessed to me, I stop short and went away. I didn't know what to react and realised I wasn't done "letting it go". And I didn't want to hurt him.

I thought I had "let it go" but it was just being buried. I didn't erased all that left memories. And I remember he said to me something like that... I can always be trap in my own memories, but he has moved on happily, while you are still sad. Is this something I want.

I then found my own way of letting it go, and the only barrier is myself.
I deleted all photo memories, took new course, and did a solo trip and meet new friends. I want to have back my independence that I used to have. Motivational books definitely helped me in my negativity.

They say time will heal everything. I say, maybe not. Healing depends on yourself, how fast you can fight yourself and win that emotional race. And I believe in letting it go before holding someone else's hands. Never bring down other people when you are still not letting go.

And now, I'm thankful for all that I have even though it is a tough journey.  

The last of 2014

Time flies isn't it.
We are at the last day of the year. My year in review....

Left my first company Abbott and joined another major player. Was a very tough decision, and I still do miss my colleagues. It became more of a family than colleagues.

Completed my studies and obtained my professional certs. This was a long journey, considering all my friends not already not studying... haha... Learning is a lifelong journey, and I do believe in it. It is not only textbook oriented, but also real life experiences makes you learn as you grow. It's the perspective on how you see things then you will be able to realise that you are learning.

Travelling is also a learning process. Learned about different cultures, experiencing different lifestyles.
This year was fantastic, from Taiwan, Thailand, and Cameron Highlands. All of them are new experiences. Yes, even Thailand.... seeing temples the whole day was new. hahah

I also took up my first lesson in wakeboarding and on/off went for a few. It was challenging but fun as well. Managed to stand up for a longer period of time and learnt to go left and right. Will continue this expensive sport, but not so often lah.

Focusing on tax specialisation this year is in a way, a new role for me. I didn't see this coming. But it's something that I don't hate or dread. People don't believe me, but I really do like tax because it's challenging and it changes with the economy. It's not dead.

I must say this year really has been a wonderful year for me, blessed with many true friends around, and happily in a relationship, and enjoying my super work-life balance career. haha...
Next year....... let's watch. :)

 

Happy 2015 everyone!

Night Fest x Ippudo Tao

Yes, i'm missing for a while. But forgive this girl who fell sick for almost a week can?

Was down with rashes, then after that came fever flu sore throat. All in one.

Super sian. Took medicine and stay all day long at home.

Hardly you will catch me sleeping in the noon, but this time, I eat and sleep non-stop.

 

Thankfully, I recovered most of it by weekend, although I felt tired earlier than before.

Didn't wanna spoil my weekends with the boy, hence just tahan.

 

Of course, we went night festival and this year, we even went for the 2 weekends!

I would say we covered most of it cause both weekends we stay there till 2am!!!

 

I think my favourite was the show Fat kids are harder to kidnap. It was hilarious!

Anyway, guess pictures are better than descriptions cause it's arts!

 

 

 

 

 

The Philatelic Museum. So cool, my first time there!!!

Btw, it's free for Singapore Citizen and PR, so do go there and visit if you have time cause we did spend quite some time there actually and it's superheroes theme now!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the 2nd floor, you actually get to see a few little corners of the history of Singapore. And you will be amazed by what you didn't learn in history! At least for those in my generation... haha...

 

 

 

 

 

Toured around Clarke Quay since we have spare time, and took a tourist pic!!! :)

 

 

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Yesterday, I went out with my 2 colleagues to Ippudo Tao at MS road!!!

My first time, and the ramen was fantastic! I really drank up the room and ate the noodles all of it!

Love it!!! Will definitely come back again!

 

Note to self: There's Ippudo at Mandarin Gallery, but without the "Tao" word. :)

Guess which is mine? ;)

 

The pork bun that super craved by chloe.

Not a fan of this though.

 

 

 

We then headed to Laurent Bernard for desserts, and it was heavenly!!!

The dark chocolate was perfect!

Missed my dark chocolate for soooo long...

 

The praline that came with my cup of mocha even had coconut taste in it!  

I think it's special lah. Never taste before mah.

 

 

Been eating a lot this week ... shall control!!!!

 

My 28th: Month round celebration 3

Back date to last Friday, I met up with the girls for dinner. And it's at Ssikkek Korean grill BBQ at Oriental Plaza. Yuez warned me that we will stink badly once we go in... and... it was true. hahaa...

 

We got there around 6.30pm and was told that we could only eat till 8pm. So, apparently, although is 2 hrs eating time, there is a time slot: 6-8pm, then 8-10pm.

I think this is new, cause linx was mentioning last time was 2hrs starts only when you enter.

Anyway, we ate finished earlier than that lah..

 

 

Craving for BBQ~~~

 

After the stinking session, we walked down to The Central and settled for Starbucks as they were having $4.90 promotion for Venti sized coffee! Super worth it.

 

And opening presents time! They bought 2 huge presents and told me to guess. And best still, I had to carry back home with 2 huge plastic bag?! I ended cabbing home .. hehe..

 

And to my surprise.... I got 2 wonderful gifts! So useable ... for them... cause i'm supposed to bake for them....

I got a hand mixer and the original dispenser!!! Casually mentioned to them the last round we met that I was searching for a dispenser but didn't wanna buy the real thing cause it's quite expensive for storing cereals... and they got one for me!!! And it's not fake - it's the real deal!!!!

 

Love them deep deep lah!!!!

 

And the bought a pair of Brown & Cony for me... for I dunno why too... hahhaa

But they are so sweet!

 

So, I promise them that I will bake them a cake for their bday!!! Now, time for me to resume my baking! And I have more time to spare now cause I passed my exams!!!

 

I have officially graduated and able to get my CPA!!!!

So, no more exams!!!! WOOHOO!!!!

I'm sure Yuez will say, woah like finally no more studying... hehehe

But yeah, really, nothing to study liao except maybe occasionally training and short programmes.

Have no plans to do MBA now so.... *shift behind the back of my mind*

 

But I also keep thinking to myself... what am I supposed to do now. haha...

feel kinda lost not studying... like just passing your time your life away...

haha...

Oh well, I shall find something to keep me occupied!!!

 

Okay, enjoy your weekend guys! and something to cheer myself up this weekend :)

 

Super love this video.. :):):)

 

 

 

My 28th Speech

Happy 28th to myself.

This 28th, I woke up and reflected on what  I have achieved over my past 28 years.
.....
Nothing fantastic. ok, does owning a house count?

Yeap, I thought hard. Nothing big. But, how about the small little things?
Oh hell yeah.
I survived without any revisits to hospital, I'm fighting hard to earn my keep, pay my debts, and while taking more time off for my "me-time" and doing things I like.

I, praising myself, patted myself for having grown up spiritually, seeking God's word, being happier a lot more, overcoming difficult obstacles that have come.

However, nobody's perfect. And me, far from perfect.
I'll continue to learn to be happy, try not to get bothered over unsightly matters, and see things with an open heart.

Someone told me, there's this guy who grew up with average results, and being brought up by a single parent, his mum had an eye surgery when he was a child. Because of a careless act by a doctor, his mum became blind.
Since then, he became the eyes of his mum. Shortly after, his mum passed away and he never got a chance to visit the zoo after his PSLE (that was supposedly his gift).
Cut things short, he went through tough periods but realised his passion of teaching. He studied hard and managed to get MOE scholarship to teach, even though his results could get him into business etc. He wanted to do something meaningful in his life.
Even when he was poor, he saw a poor old man begging for food, he saved his money and ate bread to treat the poor man a Macdonald's meal. So, be thankful and appreciative of what you have.
What's even amazing was, his mum didn't sue the doctor even though potentially, they would have gotten financial return, and would not be so poor.
But his mum told him, because the doctor is a new doctor, by suing him, there goes his license.

Life, it's how you decide how you want to lead. But remember, every actions has its consequences.
Be thankful, kind and gracious.

I may not be able to achieve that kind heartedness, but definitely, I'll do what I can in my own way, even if it just means donating a dollar to an poor old man.

That story, is a real life story in Singapore by the way. Told by my Godma :)

Thank you all for reading such a wordy post if you have reached here....

Last but not least, I'm really thankful for the real friends I have out there. You know who you are. :)
and... of course, the silly boy who never reads this and minds his own business. :)

My Open Thoughts

Met up with the gang and generally, many were planning about houses, marriage, the usuals that this age would go through.

On the way home, I thought about what I personally went through for the past 3 years.
Yes, it has been 3 years since the faithful night.

It took me rather long to come out of the dark lights.
And now, I do believe things happen for a reason.

My open thoughts to you.
Really, I am disappointed in you. Like totally.
After we broke off, and in the midst of settling the lawyers, you were angry with me. Which I have absolutely no idea why cause I thought I was supposed to be mad at you first. But it's okay, I forgive you.
You think you were not at fault, but come on, things wouldn't have come to such stage if you hadn't done anything guilty. It all starts with just a small matter. But, you really think it is a small matter.
Next, you became all so cold and believe that I should be the one paying your lawyer's cost, and the full COV. Fine, i'll do it since you were so adamant.
Throughout the proceedings, because it took a whole 2 years to settle, you kept asking for money. And when we finally settled it this year, boom! you got married. Wow. No wonder you have been asking back money. And marriage within 1 year of dating is an "in" thing eh...
Really, I could have pay you only half of the money since you were partly responsible for this failed relationship.
But, me being me, can't do it cause I know it's your dad's hard earned money.
But what's disappointing is really, you bear NO consequences of what you did.
And to my surprise, you even blocked/ deleted me in your facebook. Wow. You are supposed to be a matured adult, considering you are married already, and you did this? You made me laugh.
All my ex-relationship, how bad it has gotten, they have never done such a childish thing. Seriously, your actions don't make you an adult.
But it's okay, I'll forgive you anyway.

Because of you, I grew stronger spiritually, and learnt even more about financial independence.
And maybe I should thank you. Because, I found someone matured, who taught me to be patient, calm, and to be rational, and most importantly, to be happy everyday.
Yes, there may be anger moments esp. during work, but he believes work is just work. You cannot control when people gives you shit, but you can control not to be affected by them.
I'm a person who gets bothered to what people think, but now, I think I've improved a lot.
My life shouldn't be controlled by other people. And more importantly, it should be only the closest to you that affects you. *Reminder to myself*

I may not believe in "forever love" anymore, but I believe in making an effort to be happy living everyday with the ones you love. And that is enough, cause you never know when's your last good day. 
Falling in love is easy, but maintaining the love in a relationship requires effort and discipline. Love is the attitude that looks out for each other interests, and chooses an appropriate way to express such behaviour. And, it is not easy.

There may be moments in your life that puts you down, but pull your thoughts together and know that you can come out stronger. Crying won't be the matter go away. So, smile and fight on.  

My farewell @ Abbott

Had my farewell dinner with the finance colleagues at Carousel! Finally man. Been wanting to try this but never had a chance to. Heard reviews that it's better than The Line... And true enough, IT IS better than The Line. But I would say Marina Mandarin is better.

 

 

The deserts line looks very colourful and tasty. but it was bad. Can just miss all this. Not worth your tummy space.

 

 

The fresh seafood!!! Great!!!!!! Overall, their seafood, and Jap counters are good, and they have a wide variety of cooked food and carved meats. Do try them out!!!

 

Thanks for the treat!!!

 

Thereafter, a few of us went for a drink together at Gusto, opposite Wheelock.

Chit chat before ending the night at 1am. Luckily, all of us made it in time for next day's work.. haha..

A special cider that hardly seen around. Sweet and refreshing taste!!!

I'm loving ciders!

 

My last day of work... took photos with a few of my good friends.

 

Hui Min, although we no longer have to work closely in work, and we may not be related, but we are still very close, talk personal stuff cause of this special connection. :)

I don't know what is it exactly, but we just.. click.

Love her for being straight and dare to speak up.  

Hui Min - Group Product Manager (Medical)



Yen Chin, joined only a year, but has been supporting us continously. She's the kan jiong type lah. and the go by the books one. Typical accountant. haha.. :)

Yen Chin, my manager

My mentor, my supporter, from Day 1 I stepped into Abbott. She groomed me to where I am today, and definitely she's one of the smartest person around. She taught me all I knew, and gave me opportunities to learn and grow.

 

It was really really hard on my last day. I tried not to tear in front of her when she hugged me cause I didn't want to leave with a bad memory.

But the moment I walked out of the door, tears flowed.

I can't thank her enough for always allowing me to be her left hand and supporting her even though I was fresh.

Gaining so much knowledge within 4 years + of finance experience is extremely privilege. To earn this level of status is also because of her. I'll probably never forget her for the rest of my life.

 

Van - Finance Director

 

(left-right) - Cay, Celyn

 

International Finance Operations

Another precious person is also Helen, standing to my right side. She is my Godma. She's the one who I always share my ups and downs with her. She gives me guidance and shares her own experience in life. She's like a mum to me. Really really miss her. She's the one I'm most worried about actually... .... haiz.

Anyway, my last day with Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Pte Ltd ended on 10th April 2014.
Really grateful to have spent these days, fire fighting and being part of all major projects with such a great team.