The Mistress

Dear collected his Integra on Tuesday! He came to pick me up for dinner after he settled the car stuff. I am quite satisfied with the new mistress. (Most guys refer to their cars as their wives. He refers to his as his mistress because it is secondary to me. =P) It is very spacious. Lotsa leg room for me and lotsa space in the back seat for my shopping bags! Muahahaha~! It also has a sun roof. I love sun roof! Can enjoy the sunshine while I sit comfortably in the air-conditioned car. Hee~ We will be going to town to get his car key holder from Braun Buffel this weekend. =D

The new mistress

Saw his ex-mistress in an advertisement on sgcarmart.com with a nice "new" mileage. He had completed ~123,000 KM before selling the car. The "new" mileage featured in the advertisement is 59,800 KM. Dishonest dealer. Fortunately dear didn't buy his car from him.

Hello Kitty's little book of big ideas

Bought the Hello Kitty's little book of big ideas while I was shopping with dear at Harbourfront last Sunday.

It is really a little book of big ideas where Hello Kitty teaches you how to be a girl everybody loves. It is full of girly suggestions like how to organise a slumber party and how to be a great friend in school. There are even simple kitty meal recipes in the book! Love its cute and vibrant illustrations. =P

Though the book is written for children, I strongly recommend adults who love Hello Kitty to get this book.

It is not easy to find the book. Tried Popular, Kinokuniya and MPH but didn't find it. For those who are interested, I got my copy at the Big Bookshop in Harbourfront Centre for S$10.90.

Have fun!

Mystery Google. Trick or treat? =P

Read an article about Mystery Google this morning and decided to try it out. The verdict? It is damn cool and fun! LoL!

Those seeking adventure and surprises should try it. It is not the typical search engine you expect it to be. =P

As the name suggests, the site is a mystery. I shall not spoil the fun for you.

For those who insists on knowing more about the site before you visit it, you can read more about Mystery Google on http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/News/Story/A1Story20091015-173718.html.

Have fun! =)

Disappointment.

Kenneth just called me to tell me that he is going to buy the Honda Integra he went to see last night. He has asked the dealer for a quote for the current car he is driving and if the deal goes through, he will have no car to drive this weekend.

From the way things are, I think our Melaka trip is "postponed". =(

Wedding bells are ringing.

Daphne told me that Rena registered her marriage with her fiance last September and she is holding her customary wedding next month.

I saw photographs from Yiying's wedding on facebook last night.

Before them were Hui Shan and Kai Lin.

Hui Shan got married two years ago on 070707.

Kai Lin got married early last year and her son is already a year old!

No, I am not upset that I was not invited to their wedding. We are not really close friends so I am fine without the invitation.

In fact, I am happy for them. They all seem to emit an indescribable glow from within them.

I am perhaps a little envious of their marital bliss. Makes me wanna get married immediately! Geez, I wonder when will he finally give up and propose properly. =/

So many of my ex-classmates are either married or getting married soon. Thank goodness we don't have alumni dinners and get-together parties anymore, else I will be so OUT when everybody starts talking about their husband and children and maybe even in-laws! I am glad I don't hang out much with many of my ex-classmates anymore.

A simple business e-mail I sent at work.

The bank recently launched a new AMEX card. In an effort to improve the take up rate of the new addition, all of us at the branches are "encouraged" to promote the new card to our customers.

Alan, the other personal banker at my branch was very helpful to come up with a brilliant idea to help all of us to meet our targets. He proposed that all of us send an e-mail to our colleagues in other departments and ask them to sign up for the new card. As all staff enjoy perpetual card fee waivers, it is not difficult to ask for their support. Out of those I asked, Kim Liong and Hwee were very kind to extend their support by offerring to help me to ask their personal friends and business associates.

In one of his replies to me, Kim Liong who is also my cousin-in-law wrote this at the end of the e-mail:

p/s: read about your branch changing episode on a contact website. Is JWC your new base?

I was a little blur when I read this. I thought he was asking me about changes to branches so I told him I am not aware of the changes and I will find out about it before I get back to him. However, after I stupidly went to find out if there are any changes to branches, it suddenly struck me that he might have seen my facebook status updates on Plaxo and was asking me about my transfer to a new branch. I didn't expect him to be concerned about such small matters as he is a busy man. Awww... I didn't know I have such a sweet brother-in-law. Shall give him a treat to coffee when I do drop by our head office. =)

Kim Liong is the same age as my dad but he is a really cool brother-in-law to me. On the first day I join our bank, he called and gave me a business lead. He is always asking me to call on him for coffee/lunch when I am in town. Such is the care and concern he has for his wife's cousin and I really appreciate it. =)

Other than Kim Liong, I also sent an e-mail to another cousin of mine who works at the same bank, Eileen. Eileen on the other hand did not even reply to my e-mail. =(

I am surprised how a simple business e-mail can tell me so much about a person. =/

From Jurong Point to Admiralty.

I have taken back my resignation letter from my GSM on the condition that he transfers me to a branch of my choice. He agreed to my request and transferred me to Admiralty branch.

Many were suprised by my decision to transfer to a small branch like Admiralty. I have my reasons for doing so:

It is only a stone throw away from my home. Takes me only 5 minutes to walk here. =)

Admiralty branch opens 930AM to 5PM on weekdays and 9AM to 1230PM on Saturdays. Normal working hours means that I have enough time to rest, more time to myself and more time to spend with my loved ones. =)

A smaller branch has less headcount compared to bigger ones like Jurong Point branch. Less people means less conflict. =)

My new direct supervisor does not practise micro management. He lets me do what I deem fit as long as I give him what he wants at the end of the month.

AND...

The best thing is, I closed more deals than I did when I was at Jurong Point! Isn't that great?! =P

So far, I am loving it here. Not much complaints for now. =)

"It is for your own good." Sounds familiar?

An Australian woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for starving her 7 year old autistic daughter to death. (see Aussie mom gets life in jail for starving daughter)

Parents always say whatever they do is for their children's own good but is what they do 'for their children's own good' always right?

Take my mom as an example. She is a secretary by training and had been an accounts assistant for a short period of time before she married my dad. Never in her life has she worked in a bank before yet she is always "teaching" me how to be a banker and she thinks she is doing me a favour by doing so. I think it will be better if she just mind home affairs and leave me alone.

Stop testing my patience.

I can never have a peaceful conversation with my mother. I cannot believe that she is so self-centered that she can sacrifice everything, including my happiness for her own interest.

We just quarreled again for the n-th time this month. She was telling me what she expects for my wedding. She did not even ask for my opinion. It was as if it is her own wedding she is planning. I was irritated and flared up at her, told her it is my wedding and I want it to be done my way, not hers.

I am sobbing alone in my room now. There is nothing else I can do since I can never change the fact that she is my mother. I feel so pathetic and helpless. ='(

Resigned, again.

I tendered my resignation yesterday. Got a call from my group sales manager shortly after I sent out the e-mail. He called me to arrange a meeting on Thursday morning so that he can try to convince me to stay. He will try to offer me something again tomorrow. I promised to hear him out first before making my final decision. We will see how it goes.

Went for the Cohen-Brown Proactive Relationship Banking training session at LOD Tampines today. It was deadly boring. The only thing I enjoyed was the company of my colleagues who joined the bank same time I did. They were all very encouraging when I broke the news to them. Spencer was especially kind to offer to refer me to his ex-supervisor at a foreign bank if I can't find a suitable job after I leave the bank. I really appreciate that. =)

Finally got to chat with Joanne again on MSN last night after so long. Miss her so much. Can't wait for Chinese New Year to come soon so that I can see her again because she won't be coming back home till then and I doubt I will be traveling to Perth anytime soon. =/

Winnie came to meet me at the branch yesterday. We went to have lunch together and had a good chat. It has been some time since we did and I definitely enjoyed my lunch break yesterday. Met up with Robin for a while before we left Jurong Point. He is so much fatter than he was when we last saw him a month ago! HaHa~

Accompanied Winnie to town after we met Robin. I went to Takashimaya after she left for lesson. While I was shopping, dear called to say that he was going to play golf at Bishan after dis-arming an alarm at Ang Mo Kio so I met him for dinner after he was done with his 50 golf balls. While I was leaving Orchard, I bumped into Gary and his new girlfriend. It was the second time I bumped into him there. I figured I should avoid going to town alone next time so that even if I bump into Gary there again, I will look better off without him. =/ Felt damn guilty when I met dear after that. We bumped into dear's colleagues too while we were having our dinner at Long House in Thomson.

Suddenly miss my dear now. Another two days to our long weekend. Wish time passes faster.

another sleepless night

I am suffering from insomnia again. =/ To top it off, I have branch duty later at 1030AM. Yes, I have to work on a SUNDAY morning.

As you can tell by now, bankers have no life. Our lives revolves around our work all the time, which explains why I am awake at this hour. The amount of stress I am under is so great that it has taken a toll on my health. I have a serious case of migraine which gives me a swollen eye each time it strikes. SoBz~

In view of my ailing health, I have decided to resign. There are, of course, other reasons for my resignation but due to the sensitivity of the issue, these shall not be discussed in my blog.

Due to my recent bad experience in my current employment, I have decided to seek career opportunities in industries other than banking and finance. So far, I have received a few calls but nothing has been set in cast yet. I shall keep my fingers crossed. Silkair is recruiting flight stewardess on 25 and 26 September. I may just give it try. Let's hope I find a job soon. Don't wanna live on instant noodles for too long. =P

Kenneth has been very supportive during this difficult period. Though he will nag a little some times, I know he will support my decision no matter what it is. Take for an instance, when I moved on to my current job, he bought me a new blazer for work though he always complains that I buy too many clothes when I already have two wardrobes of them. HeE~ He will be bringing me to Melaka again at the end of the month to unwind. We will also go to Bangkok during my birthday in October if I am still available by then. My dear is so sweet! I love my dear. =D

Talking to Joey Ong on MSN now. I can always count on him to entertain me whenever I can't sleep because he is always online during the wee hours! HaHa~ He is a pilot with SIA and he was kind enough to share some tips with me for the flight stewardess interview. =P

It is 5AM. Craving for char kway. Shall try to get some sleep then go grab a good breakfast before going to the branch.

Back from my Perth-fect holiday

Just came back from Perth two days ago. It was the most relaxing vacation I ever had. Jo and Wilson had been wonderful hosts. I experienced the life of locals thanks to them. Thank you my friends. =)

I am too lazy to update about my trip in words. Shall let the photographs do the story telling. Enjoy the slide show!

Dear just left for Bali this morning. He will be there for seven days. Already miss him. I don't know how I am going to survive the next six days without him and my best friend. Suffering from serious partner withdrawal symptoms now.

Missing you...

Kenneth has been very busy with work recently and is unable to spend much time with me. I totally understand that work is more important than going to the movies or a stroll at the beach but I will still feel uneasy if we remain apart for too long. I need to be constantly reminded that he loves me to make myself feel better. I will start blogging about the sweet little things he has done for me thus far so that I can read them whenever I start to feel neglected, to remind myself how much he loves and wants me.

***
To my dearest,

We had our very first date because I was craving for the coconut ice-cream dessert from Tung Lok Signatures. You offered to come and pick me up from my place though you have absolutely no idea where it is. Nevertheless, you made it here, all the way from Hougang, and we set out to Vivo City together. You knew that it is much cheaper to park at Harbourfront Centre which is connected to Vivo City but you chose to park at Vivo City's carpark instead because you did not want to have me walk too far. When we got there, the restaurant has closed for lunch but you insisted that we wait for it to re-open for dinner to satisfy my craving. It was supposed to be a short dessert date but we ended up spending the whole day together at the mall. It was freezing cold in the shopping area and I can see you shivering but you stayed with me anyway.

What you have done to please me that day had allowed me to gain a better understanding of you. Thank you for making the first move. Had you not, I would still be a lonely soul now. I wish you are here with me now so that you can give me a goodnight kiss before I go to bed. You are probably at the site now though. Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you.

***

Back by popular demand.

Many of my dear friends have been asking me why I stopped blogging. The truth is, I am always too tired to blog after a day at work. Though I do not work long hours like many other professionals do, nor do I need to perform manual labour, I am usually mentally, psychologically and emotionally tortured while I am at work. After work, I just wanna chill and do nothing. =(

Some of you may have noticed in Facebook that I am currently in a relationship and are curious who the lucky/unlucky guy is. Thank you for your concern and well wishes. The man is Kenneth, a 31 year old (yes, he is 8 years my senior) executive electrical engineer (and yes, another engineer). I love him and I know he loves me too. He always have my interests in mind and tries to please me whenever possible. I always feel safe in his arms. =) Though we have not officially met each other's family, my dad likes him a lot. It is the first time my dad is so full of praises for my boyfriend. I have a good feeling that this relationship will work out well and we will live happily ever after. =)

Will be meeting the ex-UOBankers on Wednesday to celebrate Wei Lin's 22nd and Kenny's 26th birthday. It has been a year since we last gathered. I am sure this will be fun. =) A note to Kenny and Hwee: We MAY become colleagues again. Won't be the same department though. Keep your fingers crossed. ;)

In an attempt to clear my annual leave, I have applied for block leave from 22 -30 June. I will be visiting Joanne in Perth during this period of time. I miss my BFF. We haven't talked much recently due to career commitments. There are so many things I wanna tell her and so many things I wanna do with her!! Can't wait for 20 June to come. I am so excited! =D

Now I know.

If Lokun Chu = Hospital,
Lokun = Doctor,
and Chu = House,
then Hospital = Doctor's House.

No wonder he stays there most of the time.

Konichiwa! Watashi wa Irene desu!

Ryo called me while I was napping this afternoon. He asked me if I would like to join him and his Japanese friend for dinner. Initially, I turned down his invitation because I was tired. After I ended the call with him, I realised I couldn't sleep anymore, so I called him back and said I will go. I am so fickle. =P

I quickly took a bath, changed and rushed out of the house. I reached Clarke Quay at 730PM but only found China One at 8PM because Ryo told me it is beside TCC when it is actually on top of TCC. -__-

The boys played Pool while I drink and cheer for them. We had a good time chatting and playing together. These Japanese boys are really fun to hang out with. =)

Ryo wanted to bring me to a Japanese restaurant at Central mall to eat delicious Japanese noodles but it was already closed by the time we reached there. We ended up eating at Manhattan Fish Market instead because it was the only restaurant that was still open at 10PM.

Something funny happened while we were having supper. Ryo's friend, Teppei can't speak the English language very well and I can't speak a lot of Japanese. Thinking that I do not understand any Japanese at all, Teppei said that I am kawaii. I thanked him for his compliment and he got a raw shock. He became very shy after that. HaHa~!

I went home after supper while the guys went on to St. James. I can't wait to meet up with them again soon. =)

My bad.

I have been craving for him since we said our goodnights that evening. Serves me right for turning down his invitation. It was one of the rare occasions when he is free and so full of vigour. I ought to slap myself.

Not my day.

Lost a fairly big deal to a rival bank today because we could not make a better offer to the customer. Didn't get enough support from Wealth Management. If not for the vouchers, I would have closed the deal already.

Supposed to meet Ben from Wealth Management for a drink this evening but I was so disappointed with his department today that I decided not to go in the end. Not that he has any say in the matter but I will probably end up pouring all my grouses out to him if I do see him tonight. I shall spare him from the flood of complaints.

It was a bad day for me today. As if losing the deal was not bad enough, my phone had to fail me today. It was working perfectly fine until this morning when my customer called. The touchscreen was unable to respond to my touch. It is only 2 months old! Sigh~! I will have to send it to the service centre for them to inspect the phone and do the necessary tomorrow.

The branch will be extending its opening hours by 1 hour starting next Tuesday for one week due to the latest Growth Dividend payout. All of us will have to report for work at 730AM. So early!!! I don't feel like going to work anymore... ...

My horrible experience with New York Skin Solutions.

Did five hours of OT today but I won't be paid for that. Had to meet a client after opening hours to sign some documents. By the time I was done with all the paperwork, I was already late for tuition. Since tuition was cancelled, I decided to have lunch with my client to build a better relationship with her and her daughter.

Went to New York Skin Solutions with Hui Jun after the lunch date with my client. Our appointment was at 5PM but we only got to do our facial at 730PM. They made us wait for two and a half hours! Before that, they tried to make us sign a package, which Hui Jun did. I was there for a trial which was supposed to help me to decide if their service and products are suitable for me and if it is worthwhile signing a package with them. It makes no sense for me to sign up for anything even before I try their service.

After the facial, I decided that it just wasn't worth the price. Hui Jun mentioned her difficulties as a student so the consultant quoted us student price: $300 for 5 sessions. It is even cheaper than the previous package I had with Body Contours.

Here are some of the reasons why I think it is not worth it though it is so cheap:

1. They stressed that they do customized treatment facials but they used the same products on both Hui Jun and I.
2. Other than the extraction, which was extremely painful, I can do everything else she did on my own at home.
3. They always portray themselves as a high end salon but there was no private room. FYI, I always had a private room when my facial was done at Body Contours.
4. I feel that the therapists were not professional at all.

When I rejected their offer, they kept asking me if it was out of my budget. How can a banker not be able to afford something even a student can afford? I thought that was a humiliation to me and my bank.

I hold no grudges against them. These are just my honest and humble opinions. Those who do not believe me are encouraged to try it themselves.

Another training session.

Was back at HQ for training today. Got a SMS from my boss to inform me that a new tranche of SD is launched today. Out of courtesy, I replied to thank him for the information. He replied shortly after I did, telling me to pay attention in class because he has a loan for me to key into the system tomorrow. Stressed. =X

Had a great time in class today. Having been separated for a month, we had a lot of catching up to do. Had our lunch at Mac's today. In case you do not know this yet, they are having a promotion. On weekdays, between 12PM to 2PM, you can buy EVMs at a special price starting from $4.50.

Samantha, Benny, Kok Sen, Geraldine and I went to collect our uniform at Dick's Beaumonde after training. While trying our uniform, Samantha commented that my jacket fits me nicely while hers was a bit loose. The tailor overheard us and said that it is because I am fuller on top. He regretted saying that almost immediately after doing so and apologised. HaHa~!

Had dinner together at Pepper Lunch after that. Wanted to watch Death Race after dinner but Lido didn't have it. Cineleisure was still showing the movie but the only time slot they have is at 2AM. Too late for us so we ended up eating dessert at Xin Wang instead. It was only 8PM when we were done with desserts but all of us were so tired that we had to disperse from there.

Geraldine and I @ Pepper Lunch.

I think the next time we will meet again will be in October at our annual dinner and dance. Sad. =(