:: I Can Declare His Love ::
I was in a midst of confusion and emotional status yesterday. Only that I realised I have to look at myself at who I am, but by who God has made me, and by the destiny He has laid for me.
Today, I leave it to Him. Initially I tried to be someone else, but I just couldn't. When the issue about Christianity was brought up by my colleagues, alongside with Buddhism, and the different clashes of in-laws becoz of that..I couldn't hold back anymore. I wanna SAY SOMETHING. But what?? What should I say God?? I asked for words to be put into my mouth.
Hence I was able to state my stand: If I ever would fall in love with a man who isn't a Christian, I would choose to let him go. Unequally yoke. I don't even want to put myself in the situation where I have to face the man's parents who wants me to bow to their ancestors as respect. I stated that we can respect our elders in many other ways, and bowing to ancestors isn't the only sole way. (They agreed).
When they asked why I can't bow, and what would I lose by bowing, I merely said it displeases my God; for I have no other gods before Him. I can't belive I can actually said that without thinking about rephrasing, etc. Then they asked if I bow to my God. I replied, that it's different, as it's now a relationship between me and Him, just like me and my colleagues(relationship). Hence I can communicate directly to Him without going through the acts of sacrificing a lamb, etc. However, there are times I would kneel in front of Him when I wanna draw near to Him, and in repentence. Christianity isn't another religion, but it's about my relationship with God.
I can't explain what was burning within me when I was in the midst of saying all that. But there was this push within me, that I can't help holding back sitting there and hear my colleagues continue talking. Coz one of my colleagues wasn't happy that one couple who were her relatives quarrelled heavily becoz of the matter that the christian girlfriend didn't want to bow in front of her boyfriend's parents ancestors, as instructed by the boyfriend's parents.
God, I finally found courage to say something like that in the midst of everyone. I didn't bother that the fact that I was the youngest in the department, and that I'm only an intern. I just speak. I can't believe it. Although they didn't come running to you as yet, I believed I've imparted something into their lives in partnership with You.
Thank God.
It's more or less settled. Although the finance director hasn't confirmed his going, coz he might have last-minute flights, etc. Now the headcount should be 8people or more. I'm glad I could finally accomodate as much people as possible; especially the managers-Cecilia and KC. Coz I felt it might be rude to exclude them even if they say it's okie to go ahead without them, as some dates I brought up for them to vote falls on the days where they need to do a 2-3hrs conference call to discuss and analyse the normalised P&L, etc to the big bosses overseas.
Guess what? The financial controller, KC, (after confirming with me which date he and Cecilia can make it) emailed out a LONG LONG email. He said he would be paying for the KBox session! Oh my goodness.. I didn't want anyone to treat for the outing, and I stated the cost per pax in every email to put this point across. But he was really generous.. He wrote this which really was so touching:
Grace and every one, thank very much for accommodating to Cecilia's and my schedule!
I will pay for the charges at the K-Box ... However, Grace, your discount card would still be much appreciated! ;o)
To each and every one of you, this is my way of thanking you for the dedication, support, the invaluable contribution, the hard work, the long hours and burnt weekends in making it possible for our team
- to enjoy success in the various projects undertaken like Maximo, JDE training/testing and Shortening of Monthend Closing
- to maintain a clean report-card ..... for both internal and external audit!
- to keep the "show" going, especially during those trying times when we have a shortfall in headcount!
- to help one another out in times of need ... without being told by me or Cecilia!
- making it possible for Finance Dept at 342 Jalan Boon Lay to be a wonderful, friendly, trusting, caring and conducive working environment filled with many moments of laughter and joy despite the heavy workload!
Thank you Very Much!
;o)
I am so amazed that he would write so much in the email to express his thanksgiving to everyone in the finance department. haha!! So 感动!! haha.
posted at [8:16 PM]
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:: Sometimes I just Don't Understand ::
Sometimes I just don't understand if what I've said is too much for another to take those words. I also worry that I over-react and over-do things.
This week has started alright. On Monday, Cecilia emailed me that she has a conference call on the 15th Aug together with KC, hence I might have to exclude them from the kbox session. She even came up to me personally to apologise. Then I discussed with my other colleagues, and they suggested to bring up another date that suits everyone else.
It was my mistake in the first place to organise it on a Friday. Fridays are ministry-days. Coincidentally some colleagues can't make it on Fridays. Hence I decided to make it on another weekday, say Thurs or Wed, which is cheaper as well. However, then I made the same mistake I made at organising events for cell. The mass-email red-tape, which derives confusion. Hence, I stopped emailing everyone, but go up to them personally one by one to get their voting for the appropriate dates they prefer. However, I email my managers individually, coz I don't want to go up to their room and knock on their door just to ask them for their preferred date. It would be quite silly, and might disturb their train of thoughts. As for emails, they can reply as and when they want.
In my email to Cecilia, I mentioned that Fridays are actually not good for me as I've got church vocal trainings and ministry related stuff, and hence would wanna propose other days instead. haha. Then she replied, "hahaha... sotong girl!", coz I should have mention that in the first place, that Fridays are not good. Aiyo.. Then I was like, ahhh..me? Sotong girl? I replied her, saying "Why did you call me sotong girl? Sobs sobs sobs(x3)..." haha!! Guess what was her next reply?? She replied, "Aiyo, you are just a "baby" sotong! Friends who know me well call me "Sotong Queen"! And today, I "continue" to live up that title... oops! Shhhhhhhhh......" hahahha!! alamak..she's so funny la. And I was no better, I continued to reply to the email, saying "hahahahahaha.... So funny.. Later I need to go to the toilet to laugh again.. oops..shhh..that's my top secret. But you don't appear to me as Sotong Queen leh...but as Zhang ZiYi". Faints.. And her last email goes like this, "Hahaha.... Zhang ZiYi? Later I have to run to the toilet to laugh liao....." haha!!
And I don't know how to reply already. haha. Also don't want her to feel as if I bo-zuo-gang, whole day emailing her. haha. She does look alittle like ZhangZiYi, becoz of her eyes and really black hair. I think Zhang ZiYi didn't dye her hair before rite?? I'm not sure about that. Just don't think I ever saw her in another color.
There are reasons to why a person react in a certain manner. Am I really affected by how others joke carelessly? On the outward appearance, I looked calm and not offended. However, when I get home, I get irritated by the slightest thing, and making me fly into rage. It's time to address the cause. What am I supposed to say to the person?
posted at [6:55 PM]
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:: Esther's Song ::
Esther sang this song which involved all of our characters, though I missed out MinMin's and Rachael's, but there's still Ellen, myself, Waikay and John.
posted at [9:53 PM]
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Pae Yong-Jun!!!!
I like the first 4mins of this clip, of how Pae Yong-Jun embrace her in his arms. He initially would look really cold towards her, but he loves her deeply within him.
posted at [9:05 PM]
:: I Can't Believe ::
I can't believe I'm going for ktv with my colleagues and managers. It was initially a mere passing remark, where Ivy asked me to organize one with the entire Finance department, which I dragged it for a long long time. 3weeks later, then I started raising it up in front of my colleagues, and they shared that they used to go for ktv sessions in the past, and some wanted to go again. So I took up courage to organize it on the last day of my internship, 15th Aug. Before doing so, I went up to most of them to ask if 15th Aug was okay for them, and that it doesn't crash with the "closing" period or any events. Confirmed. Then I had to email them to inform my finance manager, financial controller and finance director, and the rest too; so that it's black and white. I took SO LONG to type that email because I was overly-causcious at my use of words. Verna kept asking, "So have you sent?". I was like, "No...not yet. I need to edit and rephrase again and again. Very scared to even type the email!". haha. Then Verna replied, "ya ya, check first check first before you send" haha. When I finally am done, I asked out loud, "I send now ah?". Everyone said, "Yes....Grace. Just send" haha... When I really really had sent it, I screamed out "OH NO!!!! I just SENT!!". hahaha. Everyone was like, "Haiyo..This little girl ah, it's just an email la". Ivy was like saying, "Later you'll receive alot of feedback when everyone receives the email". ahhhh...haha.
Yes I did. Cecilia (finance manager) replied, and I was amazed that her reply was pretty informal. haha.
Cecilia's reply:
Hi Grace,
This is so SWEET of you! Yes, I will be going, please include me, thanks!
Group photo? Sure..............................................
Regards,
Cecilia
Haha..Noticed her "Sure................................." hahahha!! Coz I requested to take a group photo of the entire department on my last day at ADM Cocoa. Aww..So touched. Yay! Soon I can have an upclose and personal picture with everyone.
Even the finance director replied!! Aww..I'm so touched. He's coming too. AHhh... I must really work hard for the coming weeks to not throw face on that day of the ktv. haha. I'm so excited yet so so afraid about it. Why why? I'm so touched that everyone replied that they're coming, except for KC, the financial controller (FC) who's abroad now, hence I received his "Out-Of-Office" reply. haha. I heard from Verna and TingTing that he sings really well. Can't wait to hear!!!! hahahhah... Coz I always hear him singing in his office, which is just beside my desk (I sit right outside his room); but can't really hear his voice coz it's not as if he sing OUT LOUD. haha!!
Can't wait to hear how Cecilia sings too. haha!! Only heard her humming 隐形的翅膀 by Angela Zhang in her room when I entered to receive her teachings and instructions. haha! None of her humming notes sounded flat at all!!! Perfect pitching. Can't wait to hear her actually sing. Actually when I heard the humming in her room, I initially didn't know it was her. I thought someone out of her room was humming. (surrounded voice). haha!! It's only when the humming stopped as she started talking then I realised it was her. haha!!
I also can't wait to hear Felicia and PeiPei sing that cantonese song 朋友, haha!! Sounds familiar? YES! My cell sang it for ZiYu's birthday. And guess what? Bcoz I still kept the crumpled lyrics in mt file and carry it with me to work as well, and my colleagues came across that lyrics one day. Hence, they have been internalising that song the past two days. hahah!! I didn't ask them to, they just wanted to get the pronounciation and song right. Felicia said PeiPei is gonna sing it to me on that day. wahhahha!! OKie sure, no problem. Go for it!!
I heard our department has 歌王歌后. Oh dear..it's good but at the same time it stresses me. haha. Cecilia should have a soprano key range, judging for her humming to that song. KC must be a tenor, judging from his everyday-in-house-office-singing. hahah!! Oops. That was meant to be a secret. haha. THen judging from the rest, by their tone of speech, Verna, TingTing are in the soprano range; BeeLeng, PeiPei, Felicia & Ivy are in the alto range. PK (finance director), should be in the tenor range. haha!! Sounds like I'm too free to put the people in my department into S.A.T.B(s). haha..
Verna said lets sing till our voice crack..ahhh..cannot ah. I still need my voice to serve on Sundays. Actually if we sing correctly, our voice will not crack, but our diaphragm and back will ache alot. haha!! Beware!! Maybe I can share with her on how we do warm-up in church, ahhaha!! THen from there I can have a C.C.I.(3rd), hahah!! THen slowly will have my 4th, 5th, etc. haha.
Alan Sim and Jasmine gave really good tips this morning. They shared what songs they use to sing when they go for ktv sessions previously. "Smoke went into my eyes" and "Pretty Boy", "Gan Lan Shu" and Joi Chua songs. haha. Jasmine has a very sweet yet strong voice!! But she can't join us for the 10th Aug ktv session. If not it would be a good chance to hear her sweet voice. Coz I don't want to sing songs that are too "gee-na" for my colleagues and managers are at least 30years of age. So I went to dig out my Love Medley file, which we sang for The Father's Love. ahha!! Those oldies songs. Then I realised they are mainly english songs. haha!! I must listen to 97.2FM these days, to get a hold of other older chinese songs. I've got now 13 current songs in hand to practice. I need more of those ex-ante songs. I'll ask my colleagues what they usually sing whenever they go for ktv in the past. haha. THat means I've got to internalise more more songs. Cry....cry..
posted at [7:50 PM]
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:: Blessed is His princess ::
Sometimes after talking to Cecilia, I would be very worried and start to ponder and ask and myself, "Did I just asked a very silly question?"... I'm overly self-conscious. Sometimes I'll double check with my colleague, Ivy, before approach Cecilia; like whether now is the right time to ask her, is she busy at the moment, or how to ask her, etc. I'm glad she was open to help me, and don't mind me approaching her.
I was touched when I saw PeiPei's mailbox from my sideview when I approached her this morning. Something caught my eye. I saw my name in the email Cecilia sent her. It goes, "It would be good to give Grace the template and let her see the trend of the treasury charges". She's giving me another opportunity to explore. Cool. Those are bank charges from overseas IDT companies. Our subsidiaries; (H-S). I kinda saw how charges fluctuates and which currency contributes mostly to the charges, but cannot write here la..coz I don't even know if they are insider's info or not. But I'm glad that Cecilia has been assigning stuff to me so that I can explore more into what the finance department handles. Heard from Kenneth that Cecilia mentioned to him that she had interned at ADM Cocoa before she entered, and she's now the Finance manager. Cool isn't it?
The amazing thing is that the people in the department aren't selfish and they don't hold back information. They don't refuse my queries when I wanna know more about something. In fact they're really willing to answer. Cecilia even mentioned this, "Next time if you've got any queries to handle a set of datas given by ur boss in ur future company, you can call up PeiPei, etc. And use whatever you've learnt from ADM Cocoa over at ur company. Maybe you were taught another method at ur company, and remember that you did something like this before at ADM and is faster, then you can also apply it there".
The only reasons I can deduce is that firstly, it's GOd's favor He placed with me at my workplace. Next, Cecilia and the rest are confident; therefore they need not worry that by teaching me or giving me information I would become better than them or take over their position in future.
That's so so important. Having confidence of who you are in Christ.
Another issue: I guess it's my lack of exposure of meeting people that has made me speak inappropriately and sometimes incorrectly. I should meet more people, especially working adults. Clare has been really helpful. She's another 女强人! She was from an engineering background, but switched to banking. She worked and study at the same time, and got her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level1. She's now working in JP Morgan Chase, and has been promoted to a VP position in her department. Cool!! That's tough man, but I'm amazed of how those actually make it. There's lots to learn from them man. My finance manager, Cecilia, is another example. 半工半读 and got her degree. Felicia made a remark on our way back home, "你以为我们以前有像你这么好命meh?". That's true. The previous batch of generation (those who are now 30 and above), probably don't exactly do their degree first-hand. Most worked first and went back to study, or they do them concurrently. This reminds me that I should thank God for His provision, to attain a degree without the pressure of my school fees and the stress from work. Thank You God!
My generation (the 20-odd), take degrees for granted. That's because it has become so common. Almost everyone has it or is doing it. Until they lose focus on their purpose in life. What do they really wanna do in life after attaining their degree? Some friends take their degree for the sake of having a degree. Similarly, some people do their CFA, ACCA, PA, etc for the sake of having another cert that many others have. They do it because others have it, so they must have it too. But is that what they really want? Some friends choose to do a rejected or a dumping ground course so that they can be in that particular school. But is that what they are passionate about? I was encouraged to do so when I finished my A Levels with so-so results. The courses I'm interested are very competitive for entrance. I was advised to select a nobody-want-to-do course so that I can be accepted into the uni. I tried doing so, but God has greater plans. He didn't let me enter, despite how hard I tried to appeal to engineering and teaching.
Then came Krystel who told me she has started school in SIM. I was like huh? Everyone else are busying applying and appealing but you have started school? That was when I was introduced to SIM. When I went down to the school to look at their courses, BSc Accounting & Finance jumped to my sight. I wasn't even interested in the rest of the other schools and their courses, but accounting seems to be a revival. Although it was partly because of past-glory from O Levels, (coz A Levels didn't offer Accounting), but there seem to be a measurable level of interest. However, my mum didn't like me choosing accounting, bcoz she went through the crazy motion of the accounting lifestyle. That's because she didn't went far. She perhaps did her LCCI and remained under the AP section of the Finance department (similar to what PeiPei is doing from the way she describe to me), and quitted after 3years or so. If she had stayed longer, she would be offered opportunities to upgrade and perhaps be at a higher position by now; maybe Beeleng's or Verna's level.
I wonder how is it possible for women to work and have children at the same time. I don't know how am I gonna do so in future. Student care? I believe that communication between parents and children should not be negligible. "Communication is like a phone number. If one number is missing, you can't get through to the other party"-McGraw Hill. Adeline resigned from teaching and is a full-time housewife and mother to Emma. LiHong has 2sons but has her business on, without any maid or in-law to handle them, but she's still doing so well. I wonder how Cecilia does so too. She has a son, and a daughter I think, from the pictures displayed around her desk. Yet she can work succesfully as a manager, and has to stay late at work till 11pm during closing. How does she do it? Firstly, we need to have helpful and willing in-laws and parents to help out in taking care of the children on a part-time basis (bcoz it's not their entire duty to take care of our children, as it's primarily the direct-parent's duty to do so). Secondly, we need to have the correct career path and industry; we need good bosses that are not "niao" on the issue of taking-leaves and leaving earlier or coming later for work. Lastly, we need a good spouse that is willing to share the burden and he/she has the correct work setting and good bosses too.
posted at [8:26 PM]
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:: On Discovery ::
It was perhaps that I've heard wrongly from KC that Cecilia has been in the co. for 3years, and him 15years. This afternoon, I came across a file for Foreign Currency which says July 1999, and I saw the attachment of the many emails to and fro, CC and Bcc. I saw Cecilia Yeo, BeeLeng and Verna's name. Wow! That was a 9years-ago document leh! She has been in ADM Cocoa for so long? When I went to ask my other colleagues, they said she has been in the company for over 10years, together with BeeLeng and Verna. Cecilia should have been in ADM Cocoa for 13years. THat's long!!
I now understand what she meant when she was talking about the foundations along the way before getting to see the big picture. She must have went through all those foundations, from AP and AR, and now as a Finance Manager, she's very equiped with many skills and understanding. Cool! She must have entered the company at a pretty young age, like my age (21yrs++). No wonder she can relate to many people in the company, and many people in the company knows Cecilia. Cool! I call that internal goodwill. haha!! Please hor..no impairment for internal goodwill. Hearing from KC that Cecilia initially didn't enter ADM Cocoa with a degree in Accounting. But along the way, she got her degree, I think Part-time study and working at the same time. Wahseh.. That's tough man I tell you.. But she really started from scratch and work her way up, and now she's the finance manager. I take my hat off.
As for KC, I heard he perhaps have been in the company for 6years, and is now the Financial Controller. But that's bcoz he came from a different route. He graduated from NUS Accountancy and went to PWC for 3years, and now at ADM Cocoa. When exactly KC became the CFO and when Cecilia was promoted to become the Finance Manager, that I didn't find out. It would be interesting to do so.
This shows that the company offers internal opportunities on the basis of merits and capabilities, in both technical & social skills, and in experience.
Haha. Cecilia always treats the department with cakes, etc. This morning, she came with Apple Pie. When she came over to my desk, BeeLeng shouted "Must give Grace 2slices! If not she'll complain of hunger again after every 2 hours!". haha! Then I took 2slices. ANd within a few minutes, they were GONE. haha! Yes, I was hungry. It seems that there's a certain timing to my internal system. Every morning, around 9-10am, I would head for the toilet to write-off bad debts & disposing obsolete non-current assets haha (clear my bowels la). Then after doing so, I became really hungry. Cecilia's apple pie came on time! Just after I finished writing off bad debts and disposal of non-current assets. The apple pie is really good. Wonder where she got them from. The crust is firm, and yet not hard. The apple used is very fresh, and you can tell that when you taste a bite of it. The sauce used is quite sweet, but the texture isn't that thick, hence you won't get tired of it after having the first slice. haha..I sound as if I'm doing a variety show on Food Festive. haha.
I'm still thinking of what to give to everyone in my department before I leave. I'll miss the place man. Rachael & MinMin said on my last day I would probably hold on tight to my chair and refuse to leave. haha!!
posted at [8:36 PM]
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:: Nao Qing Xu ::
The crazy thing PMS does to me is that I don't get angry but I get emotional. I cry alot alot. haha. Sounds ridiculous. When I told my colleagues that, they were also in disbelief. haha. I was pretty upset this morning because everyone else were going for LCE except me. When Clare asked this so subtlely, I didn't know what to answer, "Kevin and I are also going for LCE. How come you are not?". I just replied, "I'm not yet commissioned. It's a long story. I'll go back home then". Clare then mentioned this, "Oh..Kevin and I are also not commissioned. But Pastor asked us to come this afternoon to attend the LCE". I was like, "huh? Really?". Alright. What should I say? I just went home then.
It was then I began to realise what John has said to me about SP is pretty true. It has been a long time (2years) since Pastor spoke to me about it. And too long a period would result in me perhaps thinking whether I'm not good enough, and confused, etc. At that point of time I felt that I perhaps wouldn't even think of that. BUt..it's only this afternoon I really began to feel so. I began to question why Pastor hasn't said anything till now. Why did he choose Clare so easily? Is it because she's 4years older than me? As what Nicky said previously, "Even the DL have Junior SP". So what's there to say about me, perhaps being one of the youngest in CM. I went into a series of disillusion. What's wrong with me? Am I not meant to have any success in life? Does promotion goes to the others and never me? Has SP ceased to exist in my life? AM I not called to do greater things?
I started crying on the bus home. It was a long ride, 2hrs, from PL to Boon Lay. I'm glad I didn't cry throughout the 2hrs. Terrible for eyes. I never thought I would feel so about this SP issue. It reminds me of the past. Communication between an employer and an employee is so so important. How much more important is that between a pastor and a disciple. I don't want to see it as a breach of contract. I believe there might be something I don't understand from him yet. I'm waiting to find out. I have to speak now. I don't want to sit back and wait for things to happen. I MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Cecilia said this many times, "If you ask, you might be able to get it. If you don't ask, you'll get nothing." Therefore, it's time I speak up. Pastor Peter, it's time to see that Grace is not just another little girl. She can speak!!
Thank God for what He has done for me. Last Friday, our Finance department had another lunch outing! Hooray. haha. Not only becoz I get to have a good treat. More importantly that I look forward for such outings is that I get to interact with everyone else in a non-office manner. In other words, I can talk very casually to my managers, Cecilia and KC and also to the Finance Director, PK. Although they often tease me at such occasions, but I enjoy talking with them. I was so embarrassed and shocked when Cecilia make a remark to me, saying "So now you don't have to go to the toilet to laugh already right?". haha!! My first response was, "Huh? How did she know?". OH MY GOODNESS. Her immediate reply was, "Why do I not know?". hahahha. OH DEAR.... How did my rumors get to her man... Coz in the past when I still wasn't comfortable interacting with the rest, whenever I came across something being said or done in the office that was so funny, I didn't dare laugh out loud in front of them, so I hold it and went to the toilet to laugh. hahah!! It was only a few weeks back then I told my colleagues about it, when I'm already comfortable with them. Oh dear...and Cecilia actually already knows about it. Ivy was saying, "Hey..our department very small only leh. MEssages pass down very fast. Then later can even pass down to 2nd level to the commercial department". Ahhhh, my immediate reaction was, "Cannot cannot! Cannot pass down to 2nd level. Super embarrassing la..". BUt KC didn't know..haha. When Cecilia explained to him, I felt that I wanna hide my head immediately la. Oh my goodness. She said, "Everytime she wanna laugh but dare not laugh, she'll cover her mouth and run to the toilet to laugh it out", then she shake her head and laugh. Alamak. KC then started micmicking me, as he covers his mouth. Argh...oh dear. And he said, now she don't need to go to the toilet, she can laugh like that (covering his mouth) at her desk. hahaha. Then I explained to Cecilia why I did that, bcoz I don't want to laugh in front of those who speak in the manner that makes me wanna laugh, for fear I would offend them ma. Then she replied, "Huh? Who will be offended? You let me know". haha! Da Jie Da leh..
Coz the lunch was at Kushimbo, a Japanese restaurant, a buffet system..we must eat finish all we took within one hour to have the promotion price of $20.79 per pax. KC then commented, "Grace ah, I expect you to eat more than the rest!". Alamak.. I replied that he doesn't have to worry, if I can't finish I'll pass it to him. Then both KC and Cecilia replied, "No! Cannot, you must finish". Wahseh.. KC said, "We must make her put on till 45kg, from her current weight 40kg. Make her gain 5kg before she leaves." hahah!! Impossible la.. Btw, I'm now 43kg already!! Yay!!! Hopefully I can really become 45kg by August. Then I'll miss all of them.. boohoo. Bcoz the Jap restaurant was at Jurong Point, KC asked, "So Grace, later after lunch you'll be going home to sleep ah?". haha!! I replied, "No..I'm going back with you guys to the office. Don't wanna go home..so boring at home. NObody's home to laugh with me. haha". Cecilia then said, "Oh, so here's better ah?". haha!! I replied, "yes..coz go home very boring ah". haha. THen KC said, "So I pushed you to talk to the rest is good right? Now you get to know more people right?". I just nodded my head and giggled. Yahh..in the past it was so pressurizing man. Whenever he's around, I felt so bad to let him see that I'm not talking to the rest again. Now it's resolved. haha!
On our way to JP, I pointed to them where I stay, coz it's so near that I can see my flat. Then BeeLeng suddenly mentioned about going for karaoke at my place after lunch. I was like..huh? "But..I don't have microphone at home leh..". KC and Cecilia immediately replied, "Don't have mic very easy one. Later we can always buy..". huh??? Serious meh? KTV at my place? No la. They're just joking la.
During lunch, KC suddenly mentioned something, "So how? You must be bored with the mandane-everyday tasks. You want something more challenging?". Haha!! I replied, "I'm okie with the mandane stuff (I don't detest doing them). But I don't mind have more challenging stuff. haha!!". Sounds like I'm asking for trouble. Aiya..but if don't have challenges how can you learn more, Grace.. KC then said that they wanna expose me to more things. SO he mentioned to me about going for the next mth's stocktake, and he asked if I've already learnt from TingTing how to do the Provision for doubtful debts (yes! so glad I did).
When one hour's almost up, Ivy and I were still getting our ice-cream. Bcoz it was self-service buffet, we have to press down our own ice-cream. There were 3 openings to the ice-cream pusher, then when I pressed the first pusher, Ivy suddenly was pretty confused where the ice cream would fall out from..then we put our cup here and there and here then to find that the particular pusher would bring out the ice-cream under where that pusher is..haha!! So funny la. Later we laugh like mad. Then to realise that 1hour is up!! We just brought out our ice cream, since it is disposable cup, but we didn't know if we were allowed to. haha! But we still brought it out!!! haha! But.....we got NO SPOON for the ice-cream. Everyone else were laughing at us, bringing the ice-cream out and don't know how to consume it. Then we went to take the SweetTalk's bubble tea's straw to scoop and eat our ice-cream. hahahah!! People were staring at us la... Ivy was saying, "this can be the latest trend of eating ice-cream with bubble tea straw. we start it first, then others will follow.". hahah!!! Sounds familiar man. John also said we start it from our cell first (in prayer and in many examples).
Since it was only 1pm, Cecilia and KC gave us all the greenlight to go and shop around Jurong Point and be back at the carpark by 1.30pm. THe last one to be back will have to settle the taxi-fare, ahhha!! Coz PK went off after lunch, so only left with Cecilia who's driving. Therefore some of us have to take cab.
When we were in Cecilia's car, haha, I got Ivy to take a pic of me with Cecilia's bear. haha!! It's Mr. Bean's bear. Felicia threw the bear to me from the back seat on our way back to office, and said "Nah..Your favorite la.". hahah!! Cecilia then said, "Ya..we got a baby in front." alamak. I'm not a baby la..
posted at [7:23 PM]
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:: Still Blessed ::
I went for Jane's dance performance on Saturday night at the Victoria Theatre. I'm glad I have the opportunity to do so. It was an eye-opening session, to see a performance live and in a posh theatre.
Here are some pics: Jane and me.
Sern Yong, Jane and me.
These are some notices I've been noticing them at Ivy's (my colleague) desk. Bcoz they were really meaningful, I decided to snap them for keeps.
This is her water bottle. haha. It's cute isn't it? Rachael would definitely agree..right Rachael?
This is my new jacket from Vicky!! She has been blessing me with many clothes, facial cream, etc. It's time I'll be blessing her soon, when I get to meet her daughter to provide her with an overview of my job scope and my degree-informational interview.
This jacket can be used for dance too! haha. Hip-hop...
Thank God for all He has done. Kenneth, who came down from SIM yesterday is a Christian. I sent him a thank-you note this morning, in appreciation of his visit last afternoon. He gave Godly advises and word of blessing. Thank God. Thank God also that Cecilia (my manager) has given me an opportunity to join the rest of my colleagues for the Advanced Excel Training under the IT manager, Raymond. haha. Although the lesson is pretty tedious and complicated..I believe He will bless me with wisdom to overcome. My colleagues and I had a hard time laughing on our way back up to our finance department, because Raymond's hong kong accent is very cute. haha. Initially, I really misunderstood his words, then to realise he meant "non-blank cells" and "click the column", instead of "nong-bank cells" and "KICK the column". haha. At least we could still understand him. He's very helpful and patient. He don't mind coming over to individuals to guide each of us one by one after one another. That's great, if not I think I'll be lost in the "CountA" and "Offset".
I'm so appalled to see the formula bar saying: "=OFFSET(PdtType!$A$2,0,0,COUNTA(PdtType!$A:$A)-2,1)".
Oh my goodness..This is chim. Glad I'm learning this at my intern. Can't believe my future boss to expect me to do something like that when I know nuts. haha. If I get the chance to work under Cecilia again, then I need not fear anything. Coz she's very patient, even with staff who has been working there for many years. She's willing to teach you!
Thank God.
posted at [8:17 PM]
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:: I'm Blessed ::
Thank God for my internship. I'm really very fortunate. When the student care manager from SIM, Kenneth, came down to ADM Cocoa to speak to my manager, Cecilia and to me, he commented that Cecilia is a very sister-ly figure. I totally agree!! She's my ROLE MODEL!! She and KC protects and care for the staff in our department very well.
I was really nervous when I heard Cecilia received a call from HR that Kenneth has arrived. Since I was already in her room, she told me that my "lecturer" is here. I guess many polytechnics have their lecturers to come down on their internship. I told her Kenneth is not a lecturer but a manager from student care customer services. Then as we were waiting, she took out her lipstick and started to do her make-up. haha!! It's a form of respect ma..to be groomed before meeting anyone, especially in the coporate world. I was so nervous, kept fidgeting in her room. haha. So obvious, till she told me not to worry. haha. She was very friendly, and gave a warm smile to Kenneth, although he looked quite fierce at first. haha. Later on I felt he was like Adrain Pang. haha!!! Coz he's a joker. haha. When both of them exchanged name cards, I felt empty. I've got NO name card..boohooohooo. Kenneth spoke to Cecilia first before speaking to me. And I heard him saying that Cecilia gave very good comments on me. Cool. haha..so touched.
On the other hand I also gave her high gradings.
Later on, when I went back to her room, it lasted close to an hour. Not exactly on the BV Contracts she tasked me, but on the job, annual report, normalised P&L, etc. haha!! She's a smart and experienced manager. She tells me the tactics to handle datas, and to analyse, etc. She even shared how we can learn from gossips. haha! I gave her my shock look, then she say "you don't believe ah?". Then she gave me an example. For instance, if we know that the plant isn't doing well, perhaps the accounts department have to accrue for more this month. That sorta thing. I can't exactly understand that yet, but I guess it's more of informational disclosure than gossip. Since it's within the same firm, why is sharing information called gossip? I always classify gossip as to talking bad about someone. Is there another kind?
She also encouraged me to network. haha! To keep in contact with PeiPei, TingTing, etc. She mentioned that I could also acquire methods used here at my future workplace. wow, cool man. I never expect her to be so open and generous about it. I thought my internship would be one that is just packing, photocopying, filing, cutting everyday. Coz I've heard that from many people who had done their intern elsewhere. So I came in with the mindset of "nothing much". That was why I was so amazed when Cecilia actually went the extra mile to explain how this and that worked and even draw diagrams, etc. It's as if she became my lecturer. haha!! KC, the financial controller was also very warm and friendly. He spoke to me on the first week, and also drew diagrams! haha. Reminds me of Mark Haris. I wanted to keep all those diagrams KC and Cecilia draw, but didn't dare to ask. haha. I was expecting the financial controller to be very stuck-up and unfriendly, but KC was the opposite. He is willing to offer internal opportunities too. I heard his performance evaluation with Ivy, etc. As usual, he's very loud, so I can hear every single word he says.. He always says "Keep your options open".
My colleagues also advised me to be more outspoken. Coz when I eventually worked after I graduate, I'll be in a higher position. Hence i'll need to question others for perhaps the data provided, and for information to be given. That's something I gotta work on. And I can't afford to be slow at warming -up, which I always do. I'm not able to straight away talk comfortably and openly to someone I met only 2minutes ago. I'm so amazed how Cecilia and KC does that. They can speak to anyone!! I've got lots to learn from them man. Although Cecilia has commented to me this afternoon that I'm sharper now, and smile more and talk more now. haha. But that's not enough ah. Got lots to improve ah.
Ahh...I will miss this place when I have to leave. Makes me feel like staying there forever. haha. I must start saving to buy gifts and cards for everyone there. But I always have this problem, I wanna bless others but always paiseh to give. What's wrong with me?? Just give la. So paiseh meh? Cecilia always personally come to everyone to give out cakes she bought. Learn Grace learn!!
posted at [6:27 PM]
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:: Hong Kong Accent ::
Recently it has been me being crazy at work which made everyone laughed. haha! On Tuesday, my company had a Safety Talk, held at the conference room at level 2. They explained the correlation between risky behaviors and unsafe conditions. haha. The IT manager, Raymond, presented the talk alongside with another engineer. He has a strong accent. The Hong Kong English accent. Hence, on our way back up to my department, I began to imitate his accent..and my colleagues can't help laughing. haha!!
Cecilia is so sweet. She gave me a set of JV entries to settle, and she also gave me a yellow post-it sticker which says 2.68849. Then she said, "That's today's rate". I was blurred, coz I thought I never needed a rate to do any of the JV entries. BUt after taking a second glance at it, I came to realised it's the Sterling Pounds rate. haha! Becoz I've asked her for her opinion on the Sterling Pounds, whether she would think it would rise or fall, so I can determine to pay my fees earlier or later. haha. Then she asked, "Is it closer to your expectation?". haha!! Definitely it's much better than last weeks', which were over 2.7++. Glad it has came down to 2.68. Then she asked, "You wanna wait until 2.65 ah?". hahah. But she said since my payment deadline is October, I can still hold on to it. hahha.
Everytime Cecilia phones KC or otherwise, KC puts her on loudspeaker. Hence, from my desk I could here her very clearly. And I had to laugh, becoz she was funny.
KC (rang her up): "Aiya..I still got my han ji pheng",
coz Cecilia just passed to him a custard puff and everyone else too.
Cecilia: "Good lor. 吃到圆一点. 圆得好看".
(which means eat more till you become rounder. Looking round is good).
KC: "Since you say 圆得好看, then I shall keep it for you then."
Cecilia: "No no no. 我不要. 他没有讲我圆好看. 他直讲你圆好看."
KC: "No no..现在你吃圆一点他可能也会讲你好看. haha.
Cecilia: "haha..No ah."
KC: "haha. You don't have to come to collect, I'll 轻手deliver to you at your door. Okie?"
Cecilia: "我不要, 不要, 不要, 不要. haha.. keep it for yourself."
hahaha..I can't help but to laugh throughout the entire conversation. hahha!! So funny.. Both of them are in the managerial posts. THey can become SUPER SERIOUS and also become SUPER FUNNY. Sometimes, Cecilia would say something very funny to me in the midst of her explanation, and I dunno whether to laugh. haha!! She's one of those who can joke with you and don't laugh first until you laugh. alamak. There was once I couldn't help but just burst into laughter. Then she also laughed. hahaha.
Our department has been taking turns to bring their wedding photo albums to the office for all of us to view. haha!! Had a great time of "slacking" (oops..hope neither Cecilia nor KC discover this blog ever..especially when I'm saying slac-king), and laughing. Hopefully we can see Cecilia's too, hahahha!! Then I made a remark in the midst of viewing, "When is it my turn??" haha, and they all laughed. They said I can show them my "single" photos. So funny.. I told them they're always on the net, on blogs, facebook, etc. haha..
I want to take a BIG PICTURE with my department, on my last day with them or perhaps last week with them, just in case some would go on leave. haha!! I also want an upclose and personal pictures with each individual, besides group photo, especially with my manager-Cecilia. haha.
I'm pretty afraid now. Coz SIM rang me up to tell me that Kenneth would come down next Tuesday to interview me and my supervisor. Cecilia also informed me this morning. She exaggerated it by saying "they'll be coming to see if you've been a good girl". haha!! And I stared blankly, and Cecilia laughed..hahahha!! I'm scared.....I'm preparing "model answers" for the interview. haha. NO lah.. It's a very free flow interview. NO stress la..(I supposed?)..haha.
posted at [6:29 PM]
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:: More FUN at Work!! ::
I'm so glad that God has blessed me with this internship. Even my dad says so. Not just becoz meals there are 80% subsidised; which means I spend only 50cents everyday on meals. And not just becoz I can cut down on transport, and it only takes me 7mins to walk to the office. haha!! COOL!!
I'm blessed with a good department with good managers-Cecilia, the accounts manager, and KC, the financial controller. After Thursday's incident of me asking for the annual report, on Friday, Cecilia gave me MORE STUFF to read on and meddle. haha. She said I can get her thumbdrive, which has alot of documents, datas, statements, schedules which I can "play about" with. haha!! She really said "play about"! Those were her exact words. haha. And I had my entire afternoon looking through an entire sea of numbers. hahahhahah!! Till my eyes were exhausted. Must brush up on my eye-relaxation knowledge. haha. It was so fun to see what an accounts manager does. hahah!! She also let me try to check some datas, and she said this, "What you're doing now is actually what I'm doing you know? haha". At that point I wanna reply, "Cecilia..you make me feel stress ah". hahaha.
But it was indeed fun to try looking for details and numbers don't just appear, you've to find and sometimes compute to find. haha. I had a 30-min session (or more) with her yesterday morning, in her room, where she did not just told me what to do, but told me the entire sequence of how this and that works, and even DREW diagrams. ahhaha!!! Reminds me of Mark Harris. haha. Before I left the room to work on those she gave me, she said this "Happy trying..!". hahaha!!! And I replied "Thank you" to that. hahahah!! After I was "done" with the stack of documents and hand it over to her (was already 5pm), she asked "So how? Easy to check or not?". haha!! I wanted to say.."I've finally found the numbers..phew". But I replied, "Not too bad afterall". Then she asked, "So now you know how these works?". I replied, "eh... Roughly understand..". And she laughed. Fun to see the entries and process of the Inventories, a current asset in the balance sheet, under IAS 2. wahhaa.
She gave me some advises which I felt was pretty important. The finance department would often receive ALOT of information, payment invoices. The question is, do you accept ALL information and do you pay for ALL that's billed to you? It depends.. She said, the finance department should have the ability to challenge the information given. For instance, the stock take quantity, you question the warehouse what makes them so sure it's that amount? During stock take, one of the staff from the finance department will be around the warehouse to witness the warehouse men doing their counting (if not they might just slack and give an estimated amount..). Sometimes we count random sections or pallets. Prudence. As for bills payment, it will be good if we can isolate some payments. We need not pay for everything. That makes good sense. More importantly, how do we isolate some payments? haha..
Thank God!! Her advises are SOLID man... She's so helpful. I mean for interns, some co. would just bo-chap you know? But this co. doesn't. My managers are there to help willingly and generously. But the thing is that you must show them your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Coz they don't spoonfeed, but wants you to take the initiative to learn and ask. That's why Cecilia emphasised again on Friday, that if I asked, I'll get to learn and know more. haha. I now understand. You cannot sit there waiting whole day..you must take the initiative. haha.
posted at [3:35 PM]
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:: Hooray!! ::
I've been praying after speaking to the Financial svcs director, Joel Tan, about two Tues ago. I've praying and pondering on what do I really want to do in life. Nobility. Joel talked about being the highest tithe giver, and building schools, etc.
I was rather taken aback by him. I've definitely not thought that far. When I settled to ponder... these desires surfaces. I want to bring joy to the people at my workplaces. I want to bring people OUT of the rat-race. I want people to see Him at work, and work unto Him and not unto men. Do they sound much more simpler than Joel's? I'm not comparing, but do they constitute to the question of what do I want to accomplish in life? I guess it is. But that's not gonna be easy!!
At the rate I'm going at work..so quiet..don't talk much. How to?????? I dreaded going for CPM last night initially, but decided to go. Don't want to use work, or tiredness, or my insecurity as "reasons" to why I don't go for CPM. I was richly blessed. It's a re-identification of who I am in Christ. I am His PRINCESS!!!!!!!! So I just ask boldy!!
Today, at work, I bucked up courage to approach my accounts manager (finally) for the annual report to my internship co. COOL!! She didn't even probed into the reasons of why I wanted to look at them. Coz I merely wanted to know more, and how those daily work actually end up there. And I wonder to explain that. She even said something which I felt was revelation to me! God's revelation to me. She said, "If you ask, you'll get it. If you don't ask, you'll get nothing". Can you believe it???? I think she's not Christian, coz I do see displays in her room. But God can just use anyone to give you His revelation. SO ASK BOLDLY from the Father.
Last evening, I asked that I could be more opened at my workplace, and to bring them joy, and I had Vicky to agree and pray along with me. The very next day, today-Thursday, I was talking to almost everyone. BIG CHANGE man.. I wondered how did my words & actions actually made everyone laughed. Maybe I'm pretty comical....hahaha. And they also shared with me on how they think I am at now, and how I can improve. PeiPei said something really true, that I'll be disadvantaged if I keep to myself and don't ask for more and ask to know more. She said she was surprised why I didn't have any questions for her so far. haha. So I began asking more today.. and I realised things are not that simple. Especially the GST taxation..with INland Revenue. I even got the chance to ask Cecilia about the Sterling pounds, on her opinion on whether she would think that it would drop or rise over the next few months. haha. She's very helpful. She don't give me an answer "yes" or "no", etc. She explained a whole lot of stuff which I can understand perhaps 40% at most. haha!! And she's even willing to get me help to monitor the pounds. Coz I'm paying my school fees in pounds..haha. So I wanna pay when it's low. You know?
haha!! I'm so blessed. Thank You GOD!!!!!! Work is fun afterall..it isn't just about task fulfillment and meeting deadlines. The relationships within the office is highly important. KC's right. haha.
posted at [7:35 PM]
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:: HeadLine News ::
I'm very encouraged by my cell!!! I'm deeply touched by all of them!!!! Everyone actually settled down to listen to my song!! Oh my goodness. Till I almost freaked out, and dare not sing and play the guitar. Not just that they listened, there wasn't like pockets of talking among themselves at the corner, and only listening physically but not totally. This was totally different. ALL were listening completely. HEnce, there was solid feedback.
1. The key- change from Gmajor to Emajor.
2. The lyrics
3. The genre of the song-ministry based, and cater better for productions
4. To include things like the bridge to have a Climax to the song.
Cool!! The cell has uprising song-writers, Nicky and Esther, which I've not heard their songs before (i only heard John's song). haha. I know ZiYu writes song too, but didn't hear his either. Cool... Soon, we'll release the album, "AC Godly Dedicated Songs"; AC refers to Awfully Chocolate cell. haha.
I also feel blessed to be in the co. I am at now. I didn't realise the goodness of it untill I'm there. I didn't know THE WORLD's into COMMODITIES until I'm in it. Even Pats Francis understands that. haha! I felt she sounded very much like P.Bea and I thought I heard wrongly initially. haha.. Thank God that my manager isn't the bossy, picky, fussy kind. I can't imagine to have people like that in my department. The entire department is just so friendly.
When I first saw Cecilia coming into the lobby together with KC, they looked intimidating. I thought I was in for han-tum. When LiLian, from the HR, introduced me to them, I just did the obligated "professional" gesture of handshake and self-introduction. And I turned away immediately. OH MAN.... Then as Cecilia called me into her room to speak to me, I felt that she was really friendly yet there was authority in her words. I can't explain that. It's just like P.Pete. He's very friendly, but speaks with authority. Sometimes I felt that she's just like an elder sister. haha!! Cecilia buys cakes, puffs, etc for the department occasionally. haha. And she even gave me a share. I thought I'm just an intern.
There was one incident which I remembered..coz it was so amusing. Bcoz of my soft-spoken tone..Cecilia ended up talking to me in a softer tone then her usual, and one point she had to whisper coz it was too soft and low tone for her. hahahahhaha!!! I wanted to laugh but had to withheld that laughter. Especially when a phone call came for her in the midst of explaining stuff to me, she suddenly changed tone and spoke so loudly (not becoz she's angry, but that's her normal volume). Major change. ahhah! I must have been to soft man..
But KC doesn't exactly lower his volume. He's always loud, and forever LOUD. ahhahah. Oops. I hope he will never discover my blog. haha. BUt i'm not talking bad about him anyway. I feel that his looks resembles Alan Sim, but he speaks the way like how P.Pete does. Loud and very funny. HE laughs the way like P.Pete too! hahaha. Sometimes I just wanna laugh whenever he laughes. Sometimes when he speaks over the phone, and his door is open and my desk was right outside his door, I felt that I don't even need to strain my ears and I could hear every single word he says. ahha. There was one occasion when he told the other party over the phone, the formula to NPV under IRR method. And I felt that hey..doesn't that sound familiar? Then I whispered the formula at the same time as he was telling over the phone: the formula is one divided by one plus interest rate. BINGO!!!!!!! I'm correct!!! And I had a little silent celebration at my desk, and laughed to myself. hahah!! At least I didn't forget year 1's work. haha.
HEnce, I would feel that if the office doesn't have Cecilia and KC, it would be VERY BORING. Coz they are the ones who create most of the atmosphere at times. haha. KC always jokes, with Cecilia and the rest as well. And I could hear the jokes, even if he was talking at Cecilia's room instead. Coz he's just to loud. hahah!! Sometimes I just wanna laugh myself off the chair. But I had to control...till I can't control..I'll go to the toilet and laugh. ahahhahaha. I did that before!! Coz it was simply so funny. I also feel that BeeLeng is very cute..the way she talk & laugh over the phone or at her desk, sounds so funny. haha!! Sometimes I just had to lower my head to laugh, cannot control already. I guess I'm the only one always laughing at everything that's going on. haha... If my internship was longer than 10weeks, they would see the other side of me..other than the "quiet and gentle" side which I'm faking coz I dare not present my true self yet. IF they see the other side, they would probably be shocked. They would question, "Is Grace alright?".."what happened to her?", or "I don't understand what's she laughing about". ahhahaha.
posted at [7:36 PM]
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