:: Fruitful Fruit-full ::
Yesterday was pretty fruitful. I got to meet a Financial Services Director whom was introduced to me from Jane. Had a great time of looking into what it takes to be a financial consultant, doing financial planning, and how growth is like within the industry. I'm also exposed to the ministry behind the job. Nobility.
After the meeting, I rushed off to meet Clare & Lydia for dinner. haha. Three of us went laughing about many things. We were at this coffee store. As Clare was talking to us and walking backwards, a lady suddenly called out "xiaomei!!", and I somehow presumed she was referring to Clare coz she almost banged into her while she was walking backwards. Then I teased Clare by repeating "xiaomei" to her. haha. Then in the middle of our giggles, the lady called "xiaomei" again...this time we knew she wasn't referring to Clare, but to the salesgirl at the coffee counter!!!!! hahahha! Clare was so embarrassed, we ran out of the shop laughing NON-STOP. hahahhaha. Then as we finally decided to go back to the shop to settle for a drink, we realised that they're closing. haha. As we left, I just replied, "Bye xiaomei", to the correctly intended one; the salesgirl. haha. It was a great time of sharing and catching up with both of them. We talked under the sky and the stars. haha. Lydia said I should now look at the sky more often than I should look at the waters. hahahha.
This afternoon, it was so cool. For the first time after my first 3 weeks of internship, I went out with the entire department for lunch. Bcoz it was the birthday of one of the employee-BeeLeng. haha. That's the department's tradition; the Finance Director would treat the entire department to lunch at a restaurant. Initially I didn't know it was a treat. I thought we pay for our own and the boss treats just the birthday girl. And I almost called my dad to bring cash for me. hahahha. THen I finally dragged my feet to my colleague, and asked if the place we're going is expensive, if yes can I don't go....that kinda thing. THen she was so surprised, and told me that the boss will be treating and I don't have to worry. haha!! I was so relieved, and both of us kept laughing about it.
At lunch, everyone seems to enjoy making me eat alot. THey said that it's their tradition to make the youngest eat more. haha!! Can you imagine your accounts manager, your financial controller in front of you and beside you looking at you while you're eating?? STRESS!!!!! And they kept asking me to eat. haha!! But they were trying to be polite la. If not I might not have dare to eat. Coz I'm afraid to be rude.. Like I wanna wait for the manager to take the first piece before I go for mine..that kinda thing.
I felt even more wierd when I sat in Cecilia's car, my accounts manager, for the first time. I felt like...I was in John's car..going for cell outings. hahah!! But the only difference was that I dare not really speak. However, that didn't last. I managed to chat with Ivy, and she gave me certain advices for me too! Cool!! On our way back to work, it was even more funny. I can't imagine I actually did that. I found a bear in Cecilia's car. I had to pick it up before we sat down rite? Then I didn't know where to put it, and hence Verne took it to her lap and said it should sit there to look at her. hahaha!!! Then I took out my handphone and started taking pictures of the bear. hahahha!! And the three of us at the backseat started giggling about that bear. haha. It's MR. Bean's bear. Cecilia, I hope you don't mind me putting up the photo of that bear onto FaceBook & here on my blog. haha!!
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Verne suddenly pose me a question..and everyone else (KC, the financial controller. Cecilia, my accounts manager. and Ivy.) heard it in the car..so embarrassing. She started by saying this, "Grace ah, can I ask you what's your weight?". AHHH..hahahha!! I asked her to guess....but she was pretty close!! 40kg!! hahha. ANd i went on saying that I lose 3kg after my exams, so it was from 43kg to 40kg. KC was appalled about my weight lost, haha. He said, "Grace..did you just said that you lose 3kg? Oh my goodness. That's 10% leh!". THen he commented, "Verne, you wanna go and study or not? 3kg lost leh!!". hahahahah!!!!!! But I told them it's not gonna be easy leh..Coz I slept almost every night at 1am, and start my work at 8am. And I've no proper meals and relied alot on titbits. haha. Cecilia then gasped, and said "woah...".
I actually still can't believe that I actually spoke so much in the car. Maybe it's because of the environment that makes me more comfortable to speak. But I'm worried that I've spoken too much..like over-spoken. You what i mean?
Thank God for blessing me with relationships, and in many ways I can't imagine. At least things aren't that bad, than I thought it was. Coz Monday was a crazy day..imagine having your accounts manager alongside with 2other supervisors at YOUR DESK checking for the hedging values. I tried to find the differences, but they didn't account for all. There are still values missing..and that was when i felt so helpless as an intern who can't do much to help. It's always a learning journey everyday at work.
posted at [7:03 PM]
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:: haha..This is really a cute video ::
posted at [10:02 AM]
:: Found this cute video ::
reminds me of high school musical..haha. Heard this song at Hard Rock Cafe last Sat.
posted at [9:57 AM]
:: Never will Learning reach the Peak ::
It has been the 2nd week through my internship. When I thought I was in the midst of only misery, I seek God, who brought help to me. Clare, who is very seldom online on weekdays, suddenly appeared on Gmail Chat. I was appalled to see the signals which says, "Clare Chia says..." on the window tab, while I was at another tab looking at another site. I began to relate to her my difficulties at work, and she gave real practical solutions which I did not previously consider. Wow! Thank God, the next day, I was able to create rapport and connect with my colleagues better. The key is to start with ONE first. One at a time. God was GREAT to have created the oppportunity itself. Bcoz in usual case it's pretty hard for me to have one on one talk with my colleagues. They usually go for lunch in merged groups, where I'll feel as if I'm there physically to eat but not to talk. And I felt bad. After Wed, when God gave me a chance to have lunch with just one colleague. Wow! I was not only able to connect with her, but I learnt a few insights from her. Cool! You'll always learn alot from the elders. Progressively, I was able to relate and talk more to the others. haha.
I've received my company card this afternoon. Hooray!! Now I need not punch card, but just tab my card at the card reader upon entrance and exit. Cool!! The lady from the HR department was really nice. She did explain and greet me when she sees me, even though I'm just an intern. You know what I mean? Sometimes many don't bother with you if they knew you're just a temp girl, an intern, etc.
posted at [1:15 AM]
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I'm amazed with the song by Ah-Mei.
The lyrics explained it all. How I felt all these while.
听海
写信告诉我今天 海是什么颜色
夜夜陪着你的海 心情又如何
灰色是不想说 蓝色是忧郁
而漂泊的你 狂浪的心 停在哪里
写信告诉我今夜 你想要梦什么
梦里外的我是否 都让你无从选择
我揪着一颗心 整夜都闭不了眼睛
为何你明明动了情 却不敢靠近
听 海哭的声音
叹惜着谁又被伤了心 却还不清醒
一定不是我 至少我很冷静
可是泪水 就連泪水也都不相信
听 海哭的声音
这片海未免也太多情 悲泣到天明
写封信给我 就当最后约定
说你在离开我的时候 是怎样的心情
THis part of the lyrics is what explains most:
听 海哭的声音
叹惜着谁又被伤了心 却还不清醒
一定不是我 至少我很冷静
可是泪水 就連泪水也都不相信
I deceive myself into believing all is well, and I'm not hurt or depressed about anything. BUt...but..It's just not true. My tears would speak more than how hard I try to believe myself to think I'm really alright.
Just spoke to Clare over gmail chat. She gave me some advice on what to do. And I just teared all over. Though I'm trying hard not to..so that my parents won't worry what happened at work.
posted at [9:08 PM]
:: What's the real stress? ::
All the while I thought to myself that schoolwork is stress enough for me. When I stepped into a real job, even though it's just internship, I start to acknowledge my seniors and elders who says they are stressed out at work. It isn't a temp job where employers don't really take you seriously, and you yourself don't take the job seriously. This time I bear responsibility, I receive feedbacks, I've work assigned directly to me. Because I had a talk with one of my manager last week, I seemed to have become intimidated by his presence each time he appears. I felt as if he is monitoring every move I make, thinking when am I gonna speak to my colleagues. I find it so hard to speak to my colleagues, coz I don't know them. They keep talking mostly about motherhood and holidays. I've no interest in all that. Though sometimes I might wanna add on some stuff on top of what they say, just for the sake of speaking to them. I feel restricted to even laugh along as they joke, and to open up. When is this gonna be over. I feel more relax when my manager isn't around. It's not so bad if Cecilia is around. At least I don't have the psychological pressure in mind. She's a very nice lady. Not that the other manager isn't. Just that I'm afraid now...he kinda resembles P.Pete. Initially I was pretty afraid of P.Pete too. Later I still can make fun of him. But it took about a year. Becoz P.Pete sometimes would deliberately stand behind me to wait to hear me share in a discussion group. Argh..I hate that feeling. That's why I gave up on teaching. Don't like it whenever a parent watches you, or another teacher watches. Oh man... Each time Cecilia gives me stuff on hedging, I would be very afraid I make mistakes. BUt so far I didn't..haha! Coz it's so impt not to make mistakes for hedging..it's a buy/sell long/short issue. Not a laughing matter. Other than that, tasks like VAX invoices aren't that bad. Coz if there are any mistakes, i still can wash them out in the system. haha. Just depends HOW MUCH you wash out. haha. Not fun to do washing out ah..Somehow Cecilia resembles Clare. haha. THere's just the sense of authority in her. Unlike the rest. BUt she's still friendly at the same time. Clare always says she will appear fierce at work. She does definitely. Cecilia is serious at work too when she gives instructions, that sometimes I'm also afraid. haha. I'm always afraid of this and that. Can this stop??
posted at [8:28 PM]
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:: Work-Internship-Relationships ::
It has been sometime since my last entry. It isn't easy to do regular blogging when I'm working, although I'm given the liberty to listen to online radios, assess emails on my com at work. Thank God.
Internship is definitely different from all other temp jobs which I've done so far. It's where I really feel that I have a responsibility in the tasks I'm assigned, etc. I feel belonged, unlike a temp who only comes to fulfill 8hours of work till contract ends. My employers are really nice people. They would explain to me the hedging process, the history of cocoa beans, the acquisition of acher daniels midland cocoa, etc. They felt that since I was there to learn, they'll brief me on the background, instead of just telling me to do this and that. I felt that was great! They are really sincere at teaching and guiding.
Thursday was hectic and scary. When my manager came to brief me on ADM's hedging on cocoa bean futures. The briefing was fine, and also prove that I need to read up alot on my own. What was stressful is that she said in doing this hedging, they can't afford to make mistakes, otherwise it'll be a loss. Hence, as I analyse and tally the items, I was super-duper careful. Then I came across some values which appear to be like a switch, and just let her know. I was surprised that she actually already knows of the switch, and has already informed the brokers. What was more surprising was that she said it was there just to test if I saw that. Oh dear....
Thank God!! haha. I guess in the midst of challenges that's where you can unleash and reveal your potential. Just imagine if everything's so simple, there wouldn't be a need to do troubleshooting, etc. Hence, your skills are limited to one of only accomplishing something to be done. Problem solving at work is VERY important.
I've taken videos and photos during our cell outings the past few days. There'll be more to come. And the correct time isn't here yet, so the videos wouldn't be up yet.
posted at [8:34 AM]
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:: First Day at Work ::
I saw how my manager skipped her lunch, or maybe she went for a really LATE lunch, because she was rushing for her closing. The company does the closing every 2nd week of the month. That's when I heard her saying about the P&L. I could hear many familiar terms within the department. Terms which I thought I would only hear in school. haha!! It's so real at work. I also saw that there are 5 kinds of taxes. But we usually use 3 out of them. This firm is actually an acquisition. Acher and Daniel formed one, then acquired Midland. Hence there are two companies in the one I'm working at. We're under Cocoa; aka ADM Cocoa.
In simplicity, it's where the company produce materials to supply to other companies so that they can make chocolate, wheat, alcohol products. Haha..They even supply to Starbucks to make my favorite MOCHA. ahha!!
Anyway, Thank God that He answers my prayers. I've got a nice bunch of colleagues and a nice manager to work with!! The meals there are subsidised heavily. My meal could be up to only 50cents! Becoz I was provided with meal coupons. haha. What's more, I heard that the HR is gonna make me a pass!! Cool. It'll have my name and maybe also a portrait of my picture. hehe.
posted at [7:36 PM]
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:: Pen down my thoughts ::
I felt that it's changing in me. I don't really know how to explain it, but I'm changing. THe way I pray and the things I do. It's all in GOd's glory.
Yesterday as I led cell, I did my praying thing again...it's definitely not wrong to pray before you worship. But I actually do so usually to hid my fears. haha. I did that too before Paul auditioned me 3years back. hahaha. Worship was great. It impressed me that we can give the Lord a shout of praise and a clap offering even at cell. That's amazing. I wanted to do so, but again I always hesitate. But it's the atmosphere the Lord has created hence Ellen was even led to ask all of us to give God a clap of offering. Cool.
One more issue is that I don't know why I'm feeling so..Whenever I do hear others receive affirmations, I tend to feel a little uneasy. Is that jealousy? Perhaps. I am always one who wants to be BETTER than others. But..that's just not going to get through. God made us each for different purposes and different destinies. Otherwise..we would be clones. Agree with me? If you wanna be better than EVERYONE, it's just so impossible. Because different ones has their different gifts. Wake up Grace! It's not as if you don't receive affirmations. Build on those you've received, and not covet over those others have received. Wake up!!
Okie..awaken..
posted at [11:42 AM]
:: My wonderful art pieces ::
wahahhaha... This is so so funny. But it's also so fun to do them and surprise the persons on the left. haha!!
posted at [11:38 AM]
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:: Wed's events ::
God has been great to bring me good arrangements pertaining to the appointments of checkups. I'm glad it doesn't clash with work, neither did it clash with my meeting with my cell leader, John. Thank God.
Manage to meet John at Holland V. We had a great time of sharing and evaluation. I'm surprised and impressed at his response to what I'm saying. Usually people just go.."ya ya. ya lor. It's like that la. We can't do much..". John was different. In fact we came to conclusions and evaluations at the apparent dynamics we brought up. Great!! Thank God.
I get to know further about the feminist spirit, the Jazebel's spirit. God hates this woman, Jazebel, as she does not want to live like a woman that God has made her, and she wants to take over the clan of man. That's very bad and the truth is that the woman who does so would end up hurting herself. It's just the truth. That's why we see many women striving on their careers becoming a 女强人, doing body-building, doing what a man does, and tries to bring men down. This causes one to lose focus and draw away from the destiny God has intended for them. I'm glad that p.pete actually brought this up to me. I'm glad that I need not walk into that direction.
I'm very blessed by the book Clare has passed to me (not sure if it belongs to Clare or to Kevin). It is a godly book that teaches one on job-hunting in the Godly prospect. I'm very impressed at how it was written, though it makes me do alot of work besides reading, I gain new insights pertaining to the employment dynamics. Cool!!
On Wed, after meeting with John, I actually had the time to meet Rachael and Esther! We went crazy at dinner..playing with food!! Big NO-NO. THere's a video below. However, the best of all, we were able to discuss the birthday pranks for MinMin and ZiYu. haha. It's so BIG-SCALE that I'm so excited to do it. haha! I felt like we were a team of an association for birthday pranks, where we hold meetings and present different suggestions and ideas for the proposal. haha!! We went into the extreme of recruiting ppl for the roles needed for the project(the birthday prank). We also went into the discussion of suitability, job description, person specification of those we are recruiting. The logistics of the props, the arrangements, the public relations, etc are also done up. haha. Can you imagine?
Don't worry if you're excited when you read this. We offer LOADS of internal and external opportunities. You can come down for an interview anytime. Please present your resume with a latest passport size photo. We don't ask for a wide portfolio of birthday pranks that you've accomplised and directed, but it would be good and an added advantage if you do have. haha!!
posted at [9:10 PM]
:: Thus far.. ::
Thank God. Thank God.
All I could do is to thank the Lord. He who has been good all along. He sees me through the dental surgery, the examinations and the medical checkups.
I should say sometimes doctors from the polyclinics who serve TONNES of patients per day, could end up exaggerating their remarks. It can become a negligent misrepresentations at times. But at least they always refers the patients to specialists to confirm. Most of the time, I would be found perfectly fine. haha.
I'm glad that fibroadenoma or cist aren't dangerous. Even if they are there, there isn't a need to remove, assuming it's a normal case. If it's for extreme cases where they grow so quickly, then it's better to remove. Usually it DOESN"T. haha.
My mum was like..aiya..in the first place don't even need to check then. True enough, for my age it is pretty unlikely to get cancer.
After the good news, I proceed to join my sch friends for a session at KBox. We had promised ourselves way before exams started, and here came the time. Hooray! haha. We sang normal chinese songs until a point of time I came up with crazy songs like: Stupid Cupid, Only You, 爱的初体验, etc. And I started inspiring the rest to do retro moves and dances along with the songs. haha. A few joined in, while the rest went completely SPEECHLESS. haha!
A video and pictures taken at the KBox session:
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posted at [8:40 PM]
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:: Thank God ::
Thank God for my new cell. I honestly feel we're moving ahead; ex-ante, forward-looking. I'm glad to have a cell-leader who truly cares for all of the cell members, and practise GEMs (Go the Extra Miles) to connect and care.
I won't go into comparison with my previous experiences from cell. Coz I know it'd be unfair for both parties to do so. I learnt so in Human Resource Mgt that it's pretty bad to do so. It causes vigilance, and perception of breaches in future.
Tmr might or might not be the check-up I dread and hate-to-go-for. Firstly, I wonder if it'd be a female/male doctor doing the check-up for me. Secondly, I don't like waiting for it to be my turn. Third, I don't like to wait for the results. Lastly, I don't like to react upon seeing my results.
I'm so touched that my cell's praying for me. Even if tmr isn't the checkup, postponed to 18th June or sth...I believe the outcome would be favourable. Coz I don't want to spend further expenses to pay for operating fees on top of checks from specialists. It's so troublesome. Although fibroadenoma is common for women, but I'm praying for the BEST. As a child of God, why not ask for the BEST. I'm praying that it'll disappear, and it'll not be of any concern that needs to be removed, and it'll not cause anymore pain. Amen!
It's amazing today. I promised God I'd spend time with Him after exams. As I was preparing for glorify this Fri, I prayed that He'll bring me to an appropriate song. I scram through the entire songfile I had from RGB while I was in IGNYTE, and through the stack of songsheets fr CMs. I was like...struggling on my guitar..firstly which was OUT OF TUNE..then later I realised I FORGOT how to play so many chords. Sobs. I tried playing this song that song...so on and so on. Then as I played this song, This Kingdom, there was suddenly a warmest within me. I felt more and more convinced of the lyrics as I sang on. Although after I up-key it to D, I couldn't play on the guitar (coz chords were too difficult), but I just sang on...haha. I don't care how late my neighbours sleep till..I just sang. haha!! oops. Cool. It's good to worship when you're alone at home.
This entire week's filled with so many appointments with ppl. haha. I like that alot!! I like meeting ppl!! But must be careful..not to become dependent on ppl. Had a great chat with MinMin. She's a woman of wisdom! We're able to chat into HIGH LEVEL topics, from our lives to spiritual realm. haha. Amen.
posted at [9:47 PM]
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:: Arrival of the Day: My Liberty ::
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I wonder why is that it. I longed for this day to arrive, my freedom as my papers end. However, like what ZiYu says, when the day arrives...somehow the excitement died. It doesn't seem as exciting as I've anticipated. It just like another day. Nothing special. I wonder why. Can someone tell me why? Is this human nature or...is there an underlying meaning or issue?
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After the entire examination, I feel the draining of physical strength. I feel so tired. I can't do much shopping as I went out with my sis this afternoon. After an hour, I need to find a bench to have a seat. I felt like a "senior citizen". Usually those who were found at the benches in shopping centres, especially those at town, are usually: the pregnant, the senior citizens, the mother with child. Oh my!! Why am I also seated???
It's time to exercise, Grace!! Gotta go for runs tomorrow. Bearing in mind my 21km half-marathon in December. ahh...Start training training. I guess for a start I'll be complaining of muscle aches like Clare and Kevin after their badminton matches. wahahah. I must catch up!! Otherwise I'll lose to them. haha. oops.
I plan to sms at least 1msg of blessing to someone everyday. It just makes me happy to make someone's day. It's important, coz I know how it's like to have someone to make your day, you see?
I wonder if anyone observed this when they arrived at PL to serve early in the morning.
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Can't believe it when Paul told me yesterday that I actually had sent him the wrong video. haha! I sent him the video of John finding his car!! Oh my.. I must be confused with the number labellings of the video. Wonder why I chose Video001...instead of Video000. haha. He must have had a GOOD LAUGH seeing that video, together with my retarded voice saying "Where's the car?" and "I think I saw a black car downstairs leh" and with ZiYu's head popping in again and again, and all of us who rejoiced upon hearing the car signal much clearer. haha! Actually to be exact, we went from Deck4B to Deck2A. haha, if you've observed clearly in the video. haha. Paul must be thinking: why send me a video of finding cars on my birthday? hahahah.
posted at [11:03 PM]
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