Cailuan

End of exam =)

2008-05-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

10/05/2008 16:18

Exam ended last Friday, finally! The modules covered in CGA were much more than in RPP last semseter. Hope to get a good grade again this time round. The Professor who gave us the 2-day workshop told me that my feedback was the 1st one that he has received during this term. Hope there will be more feedbacks to come.. It puzzled me on why there wasn't any responses from the other candidates.. Anyway, my friend said she saw the Professor at SMU today. So coincident, coz we were at “Pick & Bite” for lunch.

Accompanied my friend on her trip back after work the other day, coz she was running a temperature. She wanted a seat in the train, but it was crowded coz it was during peak hours. As a result, we took the train at City Hall to Marina Bay, and all the way to the terminating station at Jurong East. I guess it was approximately 28 stations altogether. My friend said she was damn touched.. Haha!

My heartiest congratulation to Sheryl whose brother’s wedding is held today. Utterly surprised by the news when I SMSed her yesterday. J Believe her mom would be really happy coz she gonna have a daughter-in-law. Sheryl’s getting married in early January next year too. Much looking forward to her wedding and to Rachel’s one next month. (Rachel is my sis’ ex-superior cum my CPA senior!)

Uncle will be undergoing for a minor operation at TTSH on Wednesday, while Yu Fen jiejie and her hubby gonna depart for her trip to China. Hope everything will go smoothly and that uncle will have a speedy recovery. Hope Yu Fen jiejie will have a safe and pleasant trip too! ^.^

For privacy issues, I think I will not upload sis’ ROM pictures here.. Sorry guys..

Hmm.. Have the thought of closing this blog leh, coz I don’t really update often. Hee..

Have a nice weekend.. =)

Signing off,
Cailuan

2008-02-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

27/02/2008; 20 56

Hello people, it's so heart-warming to see your messages! I miss all of you!! =)

Didn't feel like writing posts lately, especially now that term time has started.. Even if I am no blogging, I'll nevertheless still keep YOU in mind, ok? Hee..

Anyway, my sis has ROMed on the 8th Jan @ Grand Plaza Parks Hotel. V happy for her.. Will post some pictures later..

My SM - Kathy has resigned, and the replacement (my new SM) is Cheng Lie, who happens to be known as CL like me! Wow!! She's a very pleasant Manager and I like her very much! The AM - Thiam Soon is leaving this Fri too, to join back his previous company. Sigh.. Will be less joyful without him around, and the new replacement would not be coming in that early, cos Han Leng said she there are no suitable candidates yet. Anyway, glad the other SM - Yew Khan is still here! :) I'm happy that work is so good so far and with good boss, managers and colleagues. =)

Thiam Soon's wife has delivered in late Jan. His little princess is called Chloe Lee (Ke1 Ying2). Eh, another CL like me. Very adorable. Thiam Soon just shown Chloe's pictures to us today, Chloe is so cute! Now I have two baby 1st month cake card yet to be collected..

Ms Aw has given birth to prince Benedict on 20th Feb too! She is now recuperating at home. Hope she is feeling better cos she said the 2nd one is more painful. Hope my friends and I can visit her, Mr Ong, her baby and Shandy soon! Shandy should be reaching two yrs old in May.. ^_^

Watched "Ah Long Pte Ltd" two weeks ago. The show was satisfactory - Not as good as what I have expected.. Gave a miss on "CJ7" and "Kung Fu Dunk" even though I heard they were nice. More interested to catch Li Lin and Qi Yu Wu on "The Leap Years." Hee.. Looking forward to next week to watch the movie!

Of course, apart from all the above, I was in a happy mood cos it was three of my friends' birthday this month.. Xiang Hui Jiejie on the 18th, Marcus on the 19th and Gina on the 23rd! Happy birthday to the "Shou Xin Gong and Shou Xing Po(s)." Keke..

Am also excited to going out with Sin Yen - the Accounts gal whom I have always been interacting with from SembCorp Properties Group. Met her at the EY Budget Seminar last Fri. We finally gonna go out! Yeah!

I was also busy on finding a mentor on my CPA Program after Kathy has left on early Feb. Wanna ask Cheng Lie or Yew Khan, but they were not CPAs. Luckily I have managed to get help from my ex-IRAS senior - Joleen Jiejie for help! Having her as my new mentor will be great, cos we are kinda close and she is so sweet, capable and approachable. Somemore, she is also from CPA Australia and Singapore. What's coincident is that she used to be under Han Leng when she was in PWC. Now, Han Leng is my boss.. Keke..

Ah ma (Grandma) and big uncle weren't well and were hospitalised before CNY, but we were really relieved that they could be discharged for reunion during CNY. Big uncle might have to go for a small surgery on his eyes. I hope he will be fully recovered soon.. Loved to see Juncong and Shuying too!

Currently "addicted" to Ocean's song "Wo3 shi4 ni3 de4 tian1 kong1." This is also the theme song for the 9pm drama "Yuan2 Zi1 Hui4" which has ended.. and Guang Liang's songs "Yan1 huo3" and "Bu4 hui4 fen1 li2." :)

Gonna sign off le..

Will continue another day..

Take care and have fabulous days ahead ok, my friends?

Cailuan (^_^)v

Merry X'mas!

2007-12-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

24/12/2007; 21 27

Merry X'mas, my friends! =)

Finally got well after being sick from last Wed. Had high fever and stomach flu.. Doctor said it was bacteria infection from the air.. So dreadful! While everyone were busy shopping for the festive season, I was actually "busy" eating medicine.. Felt so weak and nauseous.. Dad and mom were so worried.. Oops! Daddy and mommy, Sorry to have made the both of you worried..

Got back to work after resting at home for five days. Today's a half-day due to the public holiday tomorrow. Wow.. Received so many surprises when I went to work this morning. So many X'mas presents.. Thank you Yew Khan, Kathy, Eng Beng, Joey, Gina, Eileen, Joycelin, Shirlene and Lee Yun. I appreciate all your lovely gifts! Not to forget all the X'mas well-wishes and testimonials @ Friendster from my dearest friends! ^_^

Hee.. but I must say - The greatest X'mas gift I like is having a good result!

Met Lee Yun and Isabella after work. Had a short yet sweet gathering with both of my good friends, and met Jiejie to go Carrefour to buy some food home. Reached home at 4.15pm, when I should reach home at 1 plus.. Haha! Anyway, it was a great day!

Yeah, waiting to go rebonding this Thu and Jiejie's ROM on 08/01/2008! After that, will look forward to CNY and Ms Aw's delivery date!

Cheers!
Cailuan

V happy!

2007-12-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

08/12/2007 18:17

Got back my first CPA exam "Reporting and Professional Practice" (RPP) last evening at 6.50pm. I achieved a Distinction! Extremely unexpected, unbelievable, pleased and in unbridled joy! I thought I would only secure a Pass, 'cos all of us did not have the time to check our answers, and I really didn't have confidence in some of the MCQs which were kinda tricky.. Furthermore, the CPA course is a self-study one which we really couldn't predict what questions would come out.. I'm very, very relieved! This grade gave me the motivation to continue to work hard, not just on the course but also in my work. Kathy was also happy for me.. Thanked Themin via email yesterday too! He just came back from Xiamen.. =)

Thanks to Cindy who taught me the other way of checking, as the official website was down. I also did not receive the sms on the notification of our results (till now). Had it not been Cindy's help, I would definitely still be worried.. In fact, I started to get nervous / worried on my results when the umpteen attempts logging in proved unsuccessful. Called sis to ask if she could help me try and anxiously waited for the sms to arrive until I didn't notice a car heading towards my direction when I was about to cross the road.. What a close shave! Hee..

Currently pondering if I should take Corporate Governance Accountability (CGA) and one other elective next sem? Even though I can only get the CPA licence in Jun 2010, but at least I can complete the studying part in Dec 2009.. Or should I just concentrate solely on CGA?

Actually not just on the grade itself, I was also happy 'cos my cousin's friend has returned me part of the $3,200 which I have lent him. It's the first time I lent so much to someone whom I am not related to, to assit his family to tide through their tough period.. Pretty satisfied with my kind act.. but also hope his friend can return the remaining soon.. I really hope his family stays strong and happy always..

Oh yes, my colleague - Liang Zhang has given me the address of the blog his wife has created. It contained posts of their little gal and baby boy. Here's the link: -

http://www.wretch.cc/blog/hht772007

I enjoyed reading the posts. Hope you too, ok? :-)

Looking forward to the X'mas lunch buffet with the other activities on the 19th and our gift exchange on the 20th! .. and going to Xiuzhen's auntie place to have my hair rebonded soon.. Yeah!

Signing off,
Cailuan ^_^

Nauseous

2007-11-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

13/11/2007 11: 23

It's a Tue morning, I should be at work today.. Have been getting the "on-and-off" nauseous feeling since middle of the night.. Stepped out of house, after feeling weak and having the vomit feeling downstairs.. I headed home.. Not much appetite for food also.. Thought of going back to work after seeing the doctor, but with the "on-and-off" nauseous feeling,I don't think I can make it for the day.. Encountered migraine twice recently also..

Hope to submit SembCorp Cogen's tax return (my last tax return for the year - have completed 21) to Kathy soon, before she goes on leave. Hope to get well soon..

Signing off,

Cailuan

An enjoyable day @ Teambuilding

2007-11-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

11/11/2007; 10 29

A continuation of the previous post - Pictures taken at Teambuilding.. :)

Was carried by my colleagues during one of the games ('cos I am light), so as to gain additional points for my team. Felt so paiseh that time.. I stepped over Eng Beng and Liang Zhang's legs.. They kept saying it does not hurt, but I still felt bad about it. Oops! So sorry, Eng Beng and Liang Zhang.. I must say, I am very fortunate to get into SembCorp.. I have so many nice "kor kor(s) & jiejie(s)" by my side.. Keke..After the game, we shared our thoughts and reflections to one another.. Really happy to be able to build up rapports and strong bonds with them! Like my team best! Hee..

Cheerio,

Cailuan

Post-exam & Teambuilding on 3/9/2007

2007-11-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

10/11/2007; 20 56

Wow.. It has really been a long time since I blogged! Really don't know what I should write.. Hee..

RPP (Reporting & Professional Practice exam has ended around two weeks ago. My friends and I just went for the Mentor Program briefing at CPA office today. It was overall a good afternoon.. Realised many of the mentors were not present, not just my mentor who is also my Senior Manager, Kathy.

Oh ya, my new colleague who stepped in is Joey. Very nice and friendly gal who is few years older than me. In fact, we would drop short emails to each other during work. Really fortunate to know her. She told me she she's very happy that she has me as company. Me too! Not to forget my Gina (Si Ling jiejie - "040" jiejie) and Li Shan! :)

Gee.. I will share some of the interesting pictures (with a total of 239 pictures and a video) taken by the faciliators at the "Teambuilding" at Costal Sands - Sentosa on 3/9/2007, and introduce my Group Tax dept to all of you, ok? =D Our Group Tax dept (GTX) and Group Reporting (GTR) went together that day, and I happened to be the youngest amongst all! Keke.. Can't remember the exact names of the games here.. The pictures have been messed up. Hope you guys don't mind, ya? Hee..

"Sited" on my left was Grace - the AM from GTR, and on my left were Eng Beng - SM from GTR as well. Followed by my SM - Kathy, SVP (boss) - Han Leng and my other SM - Yew Khan. ^_^

I feel that Grace is always ready with a smile. It's always a nice thing to see her smiling at people she meets, especially in the early morning. In my opinion, she always brightens up others' day! Eng Beng is a good guy with extreme good temper, who also gets very well with everyone. We would always pass by his workstation each time.. Haha!

Kathy is my in-charge - An efficient and capable young SM who has high expectations on her subordinates. (Am stressed.. Haha!) She is my mentor for my CPA course and my role-model! I must say, Han Leng is a great boss.This is what our secretary - Joycelyn told me. She really takes care of our welfare, and is known to be a "workaholic!" (She was the one who picked me for the position immediately during the day on the interview). Really thanks to her! Following next, would be Yew Khan, the other SM in my dept. Serious at work, but have a great sense of humour off work!

The one with the grey is our AM - Thiam Soon. Pleasant guy who brings joy to everyone, especially my dept. Needless to say, the one with the back facing the camera-man is me. The one in white is Cecilia from GTR. Her 1st day of work was coming to the Teambuilding activity. Keke.. I am kinda close with her, and I like her too! Hmm.. The one in dark grey shirt is Hui Sze from GTR also, but I don't really know her well.. Hee.. My team members were telling me which route to take.. (We were prohibited to talk throughout this game - could only use "sign languages"). So funny.. Haha!

Expressions of the other team members.. Keke..

Playing a game in the morning.. Liang Zhang is the one on the left. He is sitting beside in office. The pink T-shirt lady is Tat Juan. She is the SM of GTR like Eng Beng, who reported to work on the same day as me! The one after her is Maggie - the SVP of their dept..

(To be continued)...

Cailuan =^.^=

My convo =)

2007-09-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

02/09/2007; 20 12

Thursday's Convocation was great yet memorable! Minister Lim Boon Heng was present for our Degree Conferment and Award Ceremony.. Hee, but I like Prof Margaret Gardner more cos she was very sincere when she delivered in her speech. She is the Vice-Chancellor of RMIT University. =) As graduates from BBAcc, we were the last to go on stage to collect our certs. I guess many waited until they were rather sian.. but it was our turn before we all knew it. Everyone was giving the expression 'Eh, it's our turn already? So fast?" Haha! We were relatively nervous too, even though it was only a few seconds that we would be on stage. =) Before that, I was flashing back in the day when I first went to register for the course, the semesters spent with my friends, when I got sick etc.. Finally, this is the day we have all awaited...

Got to know the gal who sat beside me.. She is Kailin, of the same surname as me, currently working at IRAS Individual Income Tax Division. I told her I was from Corporate Tax Division. Very coincident! We even exchanged our emails, MSN, Friendster and contact number. Will definitely go look for her when I go IRAS next time!

Actually I was reading the Graduands' Handbook on Tuesday night. Had a dream that I was late for the convocation, and I was really very late, until the in-charge told me I had to attend the next session with the graduates from the other courses. Realised there were only 15 people, (Haha, don't know why). When I told this to my friends, they found it so funny. Am glad it was just a dream.. Perhaps I was very tired that night.. Haha!

Oh ya, the guy who came to deliver the sunflowers reached at 12plus. My nine other friends and me was carrying one each. Sis and Kor Kor shared to buy a bear bear specially for me too. Kor Kor even rushed over to attend when he was in a meeting previously. Frankly speaking, I am very touched.. Sis' last annual leave was meant for my convo. Kor Kor searched for the bear bear on Wednesday's night. Even though it was a last-min purchase, it was nevertheless heart-warming to me.. Like to express my heartfelt thanks to Jiejie and Kor Kor! Thank you so much, Jiejie and Kor Kor... :)

Dad couldn't attend cos he has to work. Actually I understand and did not mind at all, but I feel bad/hurt to see him kept apologizing. Attending or not is not too essential, my main concern is that I hope work is not too taxing for him.. Anyway, hope sis graduates soon, then we will be able to go take a family-photo at the studio. I have already paid part of the deposit without our parents' knowledge! Hee.. My friends wanted to go home to sleep after the ceremony. I actually intended to go visit my IRAS colleagues, but couldn't do so, cos I couldn't possibly leave sis to go home too, since she took her last annual leave cos of me. Mom went back first, and I accompanied sis to go watch <<881>>. This is the 2nd time I have watched. Kind of saddening yet touching, my eyes were wet after the show..

Following that, I bought some snacks at JP and headed to big uncle's place to visit Juncong and Shuying. They were so adorable! In fact, Yu Fen Jiejie wanted to bring aunt (whom we all addressed as "Dua Kim"). I told aunt I just came from the theatre watching the show before I came. So coincident.. Wow!!

Juncong and Shuying liked aunt's cooking so much, especially Juncong. The five-year old kid was eating so happily even though it was merely a simple meal. I couldn't stop to praise "Dua Kim" that her fried rice was great! Waited for Guang Chao gege to come fetch his kids back.. He has watched <<881>> last Tuesday and he liked the movie too! He wanted to drive me home, but I didn't want to trouble him. I took 99 home instead.. :D

It was certainly an enjoyable day for me!

Shall display some of my favourite pictures here!

Cheers!

Cailuan

Shopping for convocation =)

2007-08-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

27/08/2007; 13 29

Had a great time at Ah ma's birthday celebration last evening. Happy to see ah ma was so delighted! Thanks to big aunt's family who has helped ordered the sumptuous buffet dinner. Had a good time chatting with one another, especially Ah Hui jiejie who was telling us about her business trip at New Zealand three weeks ago. Haha!! Managed to take a few pictures with Juncong and Shuying. The way Juncong picked at one of our cars to take pictures was damn funny!! Anyway, uncle's family has three cars - all with the car-plate numbers of 7777, with one of them a Merz. So interesting!! So if anyone happens to notice one with "7777" on the road, it may happen to be my uncle's. *Wink* ;) My cousin has brought his new girlfriend along. She is Xiaopei. Very sweet and gentle lady who is also a teacher! Hmm.. Think my cousin and her looks compatible! So happy for them! Hee..

Went out with Li Ying on Sat to four places on Saturday just to get a more nicer and appropriate blouse for our convocation. We have also ordered 10 stalks of sunflowers for the 10 of us. So funny to imagine the scene whereby each of us will be holding a sunflower to take pictures as well. The florist shop at Clementi wasn't open, but we didn't really make a wasted trip, because I saw the studio shop 'Li2 Ming2" where my couisn's family (the one whom I have mentioned above) took their family cum graduation photo. Ah Hui jiejie graduated with ACCA whilst Ah En jiejie graduated from NUS Honours, with my uncle and his wife and Zhi Liang (The siblings' younger brother). Wow, they photo was being displayed: "24cm by 30cm." Perfect! Anyway, Ah Hui jiejie was saying Zhi Liang was sick that time, so if we have taken a closer look, his face was rather pale "Nian3 Qing1 Qing1" kind. Haha! Saw the family photo at their house yesterday, but it was another one. The disaplyed photo at the studio is larger. =) Maybe I should take a picture of their photo one day!! They are such a blissful family!!

Li Ying and I went to IMM, VivoCity and Tiong Bahru Plaza. We managed to get a blouse each from G2000 from the latter two places, cos the branch at IMM did not have what we wanted. The blouses cost $59, rather ex but we are pretty satisfied with it. Fortunately, Li Ying took one and I took the other. If she really happens to get the blouse I like also, I would accommodate her.. Great that it was still a "win-win solution." I wouldn't want a blouse to strain our friendship, cos it's totally not worth it. We will always be great friends - she is "Lion", while I am "Tiger." (There's actually a story behind it!) Heh.. and it has been a few years that we have addressed each other this way - but only via smses lah. Keke..

Now looking forward to convocation.. Hopefully my family and I, or my friends and I will be going out after the function. Will be great if I can meet up with my friend later as well.. Oh ya, we gonna have a 'teambuilding" event at Sentosa next Monday. Wonder what that is all about.. Looking forward to that too.. and the new gal who will be stepping in on the 19th next month!

Cheers! (^_^)v

Cailuan

"Honour & Passion"

2007-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

18/08/2007; 20 12

One of my favourite shows & songs - "Honour & Passion" on the weekdays at Channel 8, 9pm - Sung by Ping Hui. ^_^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkHA2mmWWGw&mode=related&search=

Story Synopsis:

http://ch8.mediacorptv.com/shows/drama/view/878/1/.html
http://ch8.mediacorptv.com/shows/drama/view/878/2/.html

Looking forward to...

2007-08-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

13/08/2007; 20 00

Yeah! Ah ma's birthday celebration is on the 25th, confirmed! Was just telling Ah Hui jiejie I was still thinking and writing about it in my blog on Sat. Then her sms came yesterday. She said "Haha, so coincident - Can strike Toto le." Lol..

Hmm.. Read that parents are nervous that their children would not be able to step into West Grove Primary School. It is a good school situated at Jurong West St 72. 316 school kids fighting for the 125 vacancies. Made me thought of little Juncong (Zane) and Shuying (Nichelle).. Thinking if Guang Chao gege and cousin-in-law - Qi Yan jiejie would fight for a vacancy for Juncong too. Anyway, cousin's place is just behind West Grove, and their new house is just nearby. Hope Zane Zane would be able to get in in 2008. =)

There's an important function at work tomorrow. We will be attending the "Staff Communication" at Raffles City Convention Centre, whereby our Group CEO and President will be delivering speech and announcing our quarter's results. Am glad I have the opportunity to attend. In fact, there's another "Teambuilding" event on the 27th at Sentosa too. I really look forward to that!

Something to be excited of as well - My movie date with Li Shan after work on Friday. Should be going to Marina Square GV to watch "881." Li Shan always said how nice I am, even though I think she is nicer. I believe watching movie with her should be really enjoyable! Still remember the previous week when we have managed to get seats in the train together. I saw a seat at Bugis, but she was telling me "It 's either we sit together, or we stand together." Then I told her "We should be able to get seats at City Hall station. True enough, a foreigner alighted and we managed to have the seats. Then she was saying "Cailuan, how come what you have said is so accurate? Give me one set of nos to buy for 4D." So funny.. She was chatting with her mom over the phone, whilst I was carrying all of the stuff like auntie. Then we both laughed, and only stopped laughing after a while.. Haha! Anyway, hope Gina (jiejie) can tag along too! (",)

Siok Peing jiejie asked Mingli about how I am doing well when they manned helpdesk today. I miss her so much and have been wanting to contact her. Now we can stay in touch!

Sheryl's collecting her gown on Wednesday as well. I definitely look forward to that as well! Wow.. So many things for me to look forward to... ^_^

Cheers!

Cailuan

Recent updates..? ;)

2007-08-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

11/08/2007; 20 36

Dear friends,

How are all of you going along? =)

Gee.. It has been quite sometime I last visited my blog. Miss this site and writing posts. Keke.. Anyway, I’ll not be giving it up, especially since it has been an encouragement and influence from my friends. Hee..

Read today’s ST and saw a variety of job openings in the Recruitment section. I realize how fortunate I am – to get a rewarding job with nice bosses and colleagues. SembCorp’s 2nd Quarter results are released and the performance of the organization has been relatively overwhelming. Great!! Our marine group company was one of the key sponsors of this year’s NDP. The parade was awesome!

My friend –Melvin is very thoughtful. He actually bought books on jokes and reaches office early to send us one each morning. I would always wonder what he would be sending in the morning. It’s like a little surprise to me everyday and even though it is only a simple act, I really appreciate his nice gestures.

However, in the previous email that his friend has wrote and cc to us, he actually stated “Melvin, you very free huh?” Although I have hardly been unhappy with others, I was a bit so this time, even though I was not too sure on whether he was just stating jokingly. Seeing such incident, I know this is the time I should stand up for my friend. I replied his friend politely by stating “This is not called free, we should really appreciate it, especially when he is sending you and the rest before work”, and further added “Who would be as thoughtful as Melvin?” =) I actually followed his way of sending jokes every morning and hope my friends like them as well… I think it is Melvin’s credit each time my friends said they like my jokes. Haha! =p

Hmm.. I managed to help Sheryl’s cousin’s friend to look for three sellers to sell their Master Tax Guide. Glad to have helped my three friends to earn some allowances and the other parties to save some money. I am happy to do things for people… :)

Yesterday I received an email from Mrs Chong to invite me back to the campus on the 5yr DAC Course Review on 29 Oct. I was elated yet worried -Delighted in the sense that I can help my ex-lecturer out, but on the other hand, in a dilemma as I might have utilized my leave for my CPA exam prior to that day. Hmm.. I think it’s ok, as long as I plan my leave wisely. I guess the others would not really like going back, since Mrs Chong had to even use Mr Ng’s name on the online assessment to boost up the response rate months back. Anyway, I look forward to seeing all the lecturers again. Miss Ms Ang too! Who knows – I may go back to look for my colleagues and seniors at IRAS. Wow!! Very excited le!! Keke..

Hmm.. Look forward to collecting the graduation gown at Serangoon Broadway on Wednesday evening. I hope I’ll be able to locate the way there and that my friends would be able to change their date to mine. Pray hard! Keke.. ;-)

Ah ma (grandma)’s lunar birthday coincidently falls on my graduation day. Erm.. Her birthday celebration should be in the weekend before that week. I’m very happy to see my maternal grandmother in good health and spirits, even though she’s around 90. Yeah! I also look forward to seeing my relatives and cousins, especially little Juncong and Shuying! =^.^=

Cheers!

Cailuan

Putting more effort & time in my CPA course

2007-07-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

31/07/2007: 20 06

This date makes me think of the statutory deadline for the submission of Company's income tax returns for those who have manually filed their ECI. Glad for my peers and seniors at IRAS that the peak period is over!

Sorry to my dear friends who have always been visiting my site, but I did not write any posts. I apologise for the disappointment caused to you, ok? Hope you guys don't mind, as our "mouse" is not working well and I didn't intend to upload any pictures at the moment. I think it's basically too time-consuming without the "mouse!" Haha!

Have been to the plant-tour of our subsidiaries and related companies at Jurong Island last Friday. Wow.. I can only use a word to describe, i.e. "Fantastic!" Very enlightening and enjoyable, especially when my colleagues have cracked so many jokes. I wondered if I was there "learning" or "laughing." Really couldn't be helped, 'cos they really have a great sense of humour! Thanks to Yew Khan, Thiam Soon and Liang Zhang! I'm very honoured and pleased to be a part of SCI's Group Tax! :)

I will always have lunch with my two other peers from SembCorp Utilities (SCU). They are Gina and Li Shan. The latter is my pri school friend and my degree coursemate. She's also a friend of my good friend sine kindergarten. Very coincident hor? *Wink* ^_^

I got to know Gina through Li Shan. She's two years older than me (like Ah En jiejie), and is like a sister to me! We are very close too! Love both of their companies at work and at lunch, even though I will eat out with my dept occasionally too!

By the way, I think we are prohibited to use MSN at work, but Internet can! I am comfortable with that, 'cos I do not like to chat at MSN during work (but I'm fine with chatting via emails!)

Perhaps.. perhaps.. I will not be writing on too many posts, cos I will like to put in more effort and time in my CPA course after work..
.. but friends, we can still keep in touch, ya? ^_^

Missing all of you always..

Cailuan

Starting a new job..

2007-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

23/07/2007; 12 46

Hello friends! =D

Sorry for not posting for thge past three weeks. I have just started on my new job and have many things to settle lately. Ok lah, i reached home quite early at times, but did not switch on the internet, logged in to MSN or got into my blog.. My time was spent with my family and friends outisde. =)

I'm now handling Group Tax at SembCorp. Everything is so far so good here.. Just that some of the tax returns seem more time-consuming. Anyway, I still enjoy the work and like my colleagues here! What I really like is that I am still working closely with my colleagues at IRAS - CT General & Large Corp. I do miss them especially when I come across my seniors' names in the documents on my work! Still keeping in touch with them though.. ;)

Have also been busy regarding the investment of my CPF - OA funds and I have bought a hospitalization plan. Helping my Financial Planner to get more recommendations too! .. and assisting my friend's sister to get an Engi job. Not only that, I was also occupied with my CPA stuff. Have managed to get my Senior Manager, Kathy to be my mentior for the program. She's also a CPA Australia! >_<"

Thanks to my peers and seniors at IRAS who have brought so much gifts for me and treated me lunch when I left the other day.. I have actually took pictures of my gifts and will be uploading them by this week!

Lunchtime is going to end soon.. I am going to continue my work..

Goodbye, friends..

Keeping all of you in mind... (",)

Cheers!

Cailuan

"What a compliment!" "Ahem!" Haha!

2007-06-30T04:46:00.000-07:00

30/06/2007; 20 19

Wow.. Can't believe today's the last day of June. 2007 has actually passed for half a year. I will be going for a more challenging job with greater responsibilities, and taking taking an advanced professional course. Mingli said I will be "marrying to SembCorp" and I will sure get along well with my new colleagues. Haha! She is so humourous. ;)

My branch had a breakfast treat yesterday, 'cos the management wanna thanked us for the hard effort we put in our work. Mei Lan jiejie, Wai Fong, Sandy & Raudhah were manning helpdesk. So I quickly ate and wanted to get some food for my colleagues. My hp vibrated in my pocket and I was wondering who that might be, as both of my hands were occupied with plates of food.

The missed call and sms turned out to be from my lecturer. He has got a reminder for forgetting to file Income Tax for YA 2007. So he was asking about some stuff on "My Tax Portal." Was afraid that he might be charged with penalties, as the due date was 15 Apr.

Checked and saw the exact contents of the reminder in softcopy. Emailed him a short while later to ask if the issue was settled.

He thanked me in the mail and said he was not charged with penalties since it was a reminder. I guess he also called our Enforcement division. He added "The officer said I have been a good taxpayer," & "What a compliment! ;)" Haha! (So I replied jokingly, "ahem" "ahem," and stated "Ya, IRAS staff are very nice and polite." I feel that this is quite true.. Haha! But it seems that I was also referring to myself. I was only trying to make my lecturer laugh from my reply lah. Hehe..

We went to Concode room for an hr briefing on charging time and on further increasing service standards. Manager was saying "looks like we are really typical S'poreans" as my colleagues have all reserved seats. All of us started to laugh. After that, when another Manager mentioned about helpline & charging time, one of my senior asked"Will this be published in our website?" We all started to laugh again..

Thank you to DD who bought us two Hershey's chocolates each! Very nice! Hee..

The 4th post on my trip will be up soon!

Thank You, Geok Peng & Saras

2007-06-28T02:29:00.000-07:00

28/06/2007; 17 30

"Happy Birthday Eve" to Dear Jiejie.. Hehe..

Wa.. Today I woke up at 7am. Luckily I still managed to reach IRAS on time. (Actually I am the type who will "auto wake-up." I don't use alarm clock), but not really for this morning.. Haha!

Guess I wasn't fully awoke - Too engrossed thinking about something and nearly missed alighting at Raffles Place to transfer train. Arrived at my office at around 8.30pm. Some of my peers then told me that one of my seniors Saras was looking for me. I was surprised yet puzzled. Haha! Actually Saras was at helpdesk today and she was just curious who I am, after she saw DD's email that I am leaving.. Hee.. Actually I have manned helpdesk with her before, she's probably not very familiar on who I am since there are so many of us here! =)

Haha!! Then Mei Lan brought me over to let Geok Peng see who I am also.. I told the latter I was the one whom we have some conversation at Instant Messaging via Lotus Notes. Geok Peng congratulated and sent her well-wishes to me.. :)

Like everyone here!! (^_^)v

Thank You, Mei Lan

2007-06-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

27/06/2007; 16 26

Happy Birthday to my friend, Hui San. ^_^

Our Deputy Director (DD) has just announced about my last day to our branch. My last day will be next Thu, 5th instead of the following day. Hehe.. This means that I have three more days to rest before I start my new job at SembCorp Industries Ltd as Tax Executive, handling Group Tax. =D

My new co's website: www.sembcorp.com.sg

Received quite a number of well-wishes from my seniors. There are around 70 staff here in my branch - CT Gen. Looking forward to joining SembCorp, but at the same time, I am rather unwilling to leave my current colleagues. There are just too much fond memories throughout this two years..

My senior, Mei Lan sent me a message via "Command Prompt", i.e. Net Send messages using our INL. I told her I will miss all of them and asked for her hp no. to stay in touch.

She was very pleasant and came with a reply that made me touched and laughed. Mei Lan actually wrote that why not she gives me a picture of her so that I can put that in my wallet, so that I will remember her. Haha! Then I told her ok. She replied whether I can give her $500 for a makeover so that she will look nicer in the photo. *Lol* Then she added that she was just joking, and will pray for me that my job will be rewarding and that I will click well with my bosses and colleagues. She gave me her no. too! Moved by her words.. ;)

Wow.. She is really very nice, not to forget Siok Peing jiejie etc. Will see what I can get for them and the rest soon! =P

Our DD will be posted as Tax Director of CT-LC, and my Manager will be joining CT-LC as well from next week onwards. Really happy for them! Congratulations to my senior Yu-Ru will be taking over my Manager's position! Wow.. Yu-Ru is simply great! There will also be a few other new appointments in our division. Wishing them success in their new appointments and passion in their work always! ^_^

Reflecting my stay here, I can say I am really lucky and blessed to be appointed to Corporate Tax Division. Got to interact with so many people! Am thrilled to be a part in the division that generates the highest income in IRAS.. Like all from CT-LC, CT-FA & CT-RCPT! I will continue to specialize in Corporate Tax. =D

Joining another big family in two weeks' time! Looking forward to seeing my new sincere colleagues & bosses! ^_^

Cheers!
Cailuan

My last CT helpdesk duty

2007-06-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

25/06/2007; 17 50

(Kindly refer to the post after this on the Taiwan trip, if you will be reading, ok?) Thanks! ^_^

Today's my last day manning Corporate Tax helpdesk. Picked up 66 calls (excluding the no. of follow-ups and voicemails) for the whole day from 08 30 to 17 00. Really glad to have Lee Imm, Julia and Siok Beng with me! Quite coincident to always be on duty with Lee Imm (jiejie). Feel that she speaks like my cousin, Geok En. They happened to be of the same surname too! This is what I have told her also! Hehe.. :)

One of the TaxPayers (TP) was rather fierce. Gotta listen to her complaints also. Keke.. I believe it was 'cos the due date for submission of the co's Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) is drawing near (the co's by 30th June), and they did not want any penalties to be imposed. Generally, most TaxPayers were quite polite, especially those from the Big4s! :)

My peers said manning helpdesk (helpline) is "hell-line", and they are happy/envious that mine has came to an end. Lee Imm jiejie is happy for me; I told her I do feel "yi1 yi1 bu4 she3." I feel that it is a good exposure..

Will miss everyone in CT-Gen and those in other divisions whom I know, especially Lee Imm, Julia, Mei Lan (who is of the same name as my couisn), Mee Feon, Le Ling, Siok Peing, Peck Hua, Karin, Kwee Yan. Wai Fong, Jasmine, Su Lynn, Yu-Ru, Li Fang, Cindy, Geok Peng, Esther, Pi Ting, Peay Kiang, Danny, Alan, Robin, Sek Hoong etc.. Hope I better not get too emotional next Fri..

Enchanting Taiwan - 3rd post

2007-06-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

23/06/2007; 14 51

My 3rd post on the trip..

Oh ya, the following was our tour bus. Xiao Yang said actually this bus is a new one - only began for use for a month. The bus still had the nice smell. Keke..

After lunch at one of its restaurants, we actually visited the place where we saw "da4 li3 shi2." There were tables, chairs etc which were made of marbles/ granites? (Can't remember..) Hee.. Anyway, this place was an addition to the itinerary.. =)

Luckily we didn't go for the Chihpen Hot Spring to try experience the rustic yet refined hot spring cultural, 'cos I actually heard from my friend that the water is very smelly! *Lol*

Picture taken with my dear mom at Chihpen Toon Shing Hotel!
Sis trying out "Mango Ice!" My photography skills not bad huh? Keke..

After lunch, we visited Fo Guang Shan. It is the center of Buddhism in southern Taiwan, where hundreds of gilded Buddha images stand in line, one of the marvellous attractions of the monastery.

To be continued...

My 1st time going out at midnight ^-^

2007-06-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

22/06/2007; 08 25

Went out with my friend to catch a movie at midnight! Very enjoyable 'cos it is actually the very 1st time I have went out at such a late hour.. Even though it has been very last-minute and I have to work today, I didn't mind, and my parents were fine with the idea too, as long as I come home safe and sound. ^-^

Thanks for this friend who was so sincere - Actually located where I stay and drove to my place to fetch me up. We went to Cathay Ceinleisure and purchased two tickets on the chinese movie "Eye in the Sky." Yesterday was the 1st screening day. *How nice!* Since there was still an hour to the movie, we decided to go and have a bite. I didn't eat much, but delighted to see that my friend has enjoyed the supper. Fun when we were pondering what to eat, as we gotta choose one thing each. Chatted quite alot about ourselves, work etc. It was a good opportunity for a break after a long day of work. Had a great time! Hehe.. We were thinking if we would have the whole theatre to ourselves. *Lol* :)

We made a move to the theatre at 1.30am as the movie started 10 mins later. I wasn't tired throughout the whole night. The show was very interesting, and instead of exhausted, I was having more "jing1 sheng2" (enthusiastic) after watching. Luckily, both of us have brought our jackets along, 'cos the theatre was very cold. Gee..

Synopsis on "Eye in the Sky": http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/eyeinthesky/eyeinthesky.htm

This is the movie which I strongly recommend. In fact, I was moved by a few scenes. Nearly cried.. Hehe..

My friend drove me home when the movie ended, as there was also nowhere we could head to after 3am. He was afraid that I might be too tired at work also. We bid each other goodbye at my block. I hope he had a good sleep after he reached home at 4am.

Thank you for everything, my friend. Hope to see you again soon.. ^.^

C H E E R S !
CL

Departmental lunch & enrollment for CPA

2007-06-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

18/06/2007; 17 23

Dear friends,

Hope you are still satisfied with my previous two posts on the trip. ^_^

Will focus on the other stuff on today's post, which I am equally happy about. :)

Came across a tax return of my company's subsidiaries, and the cover letter that was signed off by our Group Vice President who is in-charge of Group Tax, Ms Goh. Yes, she is my superior in my new company, and I will be reporting to her. ^_^

Actually my official 1st day of work is 9 July, 'cos I have requested to join on that date. I was thrilled when they called me to join them for their departmental lunch at Crystal Jade Palace at Ngee Ann City last Thu afternoon. Was occupied at work on that Wed and didn't expect the call. Thinking of meeting my new colleagues the other day, I was excited yet nervous that night.

Anyway, I reached on time and had a fabulous time with my potential colleagues. There were eight of us - four gals and guys (includ me) In fact, one of my male colleagues has worked at IRAS before and known two colleagues of mine. Ms Goh was sitting beside me, and when the 1st dish came, she wanted me to start the ball rolling.. Very happy yet paiseh.. My family, cousin, lecturers and friends feel that it is a great start to a wonderful working experience. I must say - they are very sincere and I really like them very much! I am elated to be part of the big family! Realised my friend is doing Accounts in one of its subsidiaries there.. Found a good friend working with me! (but I'll be handling Group Tax at the parent company). *Wink* =p

Have enrolled for the CPA course last Sat.. This is something I have been looking forward to for quite sometime!

(My 3rd post of the trip will be up soon...)

Cailuan

Enchanting Taiwan - 2nd post

2007-06-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

17/06/2007; 10 56

Hee.. Shall continue from my 1st post..

Next, we proceed towards the filming site of ‘City of Sadness” - Chiufen to see the traditional way of life that still exists with the aura of an old mining town that still reminiscent today. As lunch was not provided that day, it was the best opportunity for us to try some famous local dish there. There was actually a long queue at the eating house. However, it was not long before we have got seats! We tasted "drunken chicken", (it costs about TW 120, equivalent to S$5.60) per plate, dried noodles and "ru3 rou4 fan4" with vege that "Xiao Yang" has recommended. I heard the fishball soup was nice too, but we didn't order that lah. Haha! Anyway, Jingmei and her husband sat with us. *Nice!* :-)

Three pictures taken at Chiufen as follows:

Following that, we visited Nantien Temple. It is not only the landmark of Nafanau, but also the center for the traditional religion of the local citizen. As our camera has ran out of batt, we did not manage to take any pictures this afternoon.. *Paiseh.*. Keke..

Had a sumptous buffet dinner at Hualien Parkview Hotel in the evening. All of us have really enjoyed the food! So many varieties.. There were also desserts - cakes & ice-creams! We ate till 8plus before we head to our five-star hotel! =P

On the next day on 28 May (Monday), sis and I took pictures of the scenery outside the hotel when we had our breakfast, at the children's playground at the lobby when we were about to check out from the hotel. ;)

We went to Taroko, after departing from the hotel. The gorge was formed by rushing river waters which have cut straight through the marble and granite to create a beautiful, narrow ravine with waterfalls and patches of misty mountains, surrounded by subtropical forests. There are several notable scenic spots in and near the gorge. *Taroko Memorial Arch Building: It's designed in Chinese style. *Changchun Temple: It's situated on the valley, with the spectacle.

As pictures speak more than a thousand words, please take a look at them as shown, ya? ^_^

My friends from the tour actually climbed up so as to view the temple. However, Meng Ting's mom was so worried about her, when she insisted going up and didn't come down.. Sis and I comforted her.. Could understand auntie's feelings at that time.. Anyway, my peers came down safe and sound after that. Sis and I did not do so, 'cos we know that is too dangerous. Hence, those parents were telling my mom how obedient both of us are. Whahahahaha...

"Xiao Yang" actually told us to go experience the spring water. Really very cooling and refreshing!!

Memorable photos taken - Peisi, sis, me & Jialun.. and Jingmei & her husband, sis & me!

Luckily, we didn't go for the rustic yet refined hot spring cultural at night, 'cos I heard from my friend that it was rather smelly. Haha!

To be continued...

Enchanting Taiwan - 1st post

2007-06-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

13/06/2007; 21 18

Hi friends, sorry for the delay in writing this post, 'cos I have been busy with my stuff when I returned back from Taiwan. I wanted to get everything organized first before I log in into my blog. :)

Reached home from the Taiwan trip at night on 1st June at 8.40pm. Overall, the tour was an enriching and enjoyable one. Of course, it was even more fun and memorable traveling by SQ, and taking picture with the air-stewardesses from my flight back on SQ 871. Not too sure on SQ 871, but SQ 872 happens to be a larger plane - very spacious and comfortable! I have got souvenirs such as playing cards, post cards, a pen and toy from my flight! I love it! =)

Our SQ 871 airplane taken from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport..

Itinerary: http://www.namho.com.sg/country.phptour_countryid=16&tour_id=70 _countryid=16&tour_id=70 =16&tour_id=70 ntryid=16&tour_id=70 id=16&tour_id=70

Our tour group actually consisted 13 of us - the smallest one as compared to my previous trips.. Haha! (Standing from L to R) are Meng Ting and her mom; follwed by Peisi's (the gal in the green top) parents, and her friend Jialun on the extreme left in the 1st row. Next, the couple is my cousin's friend Yaoru and her boyfriend. (Yaoru happens to be my cousin's friend from NUS who is also in NIE now - going to teach). So coincident to see her! Actually my mom was hiding away 'cos she did not really like taking pictures. Sigh.. Haha! The one in pink is our tour-guide whom we addressed as "Xiao Yang." The middle couple on the front row is Jingmei and her husband from M'sia; my sis & me.

We arrived in Taipei at 2 plus on the Saturday afternoon, 26th May. Shopped at "Xi1 Men2 Ding1" till evening after we have unpacked our luggage at Taipei Riverview Hotel. Tried their "Ah Zhong Mian4 XIan4." There was a crowd and no seats available. So we followed the rest to stand and eat. Haha! The stall is established since 1978 (I think). There was this singer (Not very sure of his name) when we went. After that, we also bought some local cuisine such as chicken cutlets and "ru3 rou4 fan4" back for dinner in the hotel. The food was quite nice! =)

We have traveled around Taiwan during the 7days tour - from Taipei to Yehliu, Chiufen, Hualien, Kaoshuiung, Taichung and finally back to Taipei. Kaoshiung is actually much hotter than in Taipei. Throughout the six nights, we have stayed in five different hotels - three four-stars and five-stars. The first night and the last night was the same hotel. =)

We woke up at around 5 to 5.30am during the seven days, as the sun rises very early in Taiwan. Really can't imagine - 7am in Singapore is like 5plus in the morning in Taiwan.. It was kinda funny when we thought we have woke up late, cos the sun was already shinning brightly when I looked out from the window. (Wrong Perception).. *Lol* Anyway, there was morning call to "save" us, (just in case).. Ok, "Xiao Yang" purposely did not tell us about the early sunrise 'cos he believed we wouldn't be convinced - He wanted us to experience that ourselves, before he mentioned. Haha!

The following picture was taken at Hualien Parkview Hotel - one of the five-stars hotel we have stayed during the 2nd night. This is the one which I specifically like most! Suddenly made me recalled back to my childhood memories. I like the rainbow as my name happens to have the word "cai3" :p

Here, I shall highlight some of the attractive places of interest which we have visited..

On the 2nd day morning (27th May), we visited Yangmingshan National Park. Yangming Lake, Lotus Pool and the Flower Clock are the favorite spots in this National Park, and it's one of the most important places for admiring the beauty of flower because of the blooming season. Being so accessible and close to Taipei City, the park attracts a very large number of visitors every year.

That's my dear mom & sister! Hee..

Next, we visited Yehliu, which has an amazing array of artistic creation sculpted by erosion and other natural forces. Here, we got to see the most spectacular and famous “Queen’s Head” Rock, together with ‘Fairy Shoes” and “Candlestick Rock.”

To be continued...

Pictures @ Auckland - New Zealand

2007-05-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

25/05/2007 12 49

Will be boarding SQ 872 in less than 24 hours' time.. It has been around six years that I have last traveled on a plane (by SQ).. Have to quickly pack my luggage when I get home this evening! Will post when I come back from the trip.. Meanwhile, my friends, please stay cheerful and take good care of yourself ok? :)

Here, let me share a few pictures that my senior, Yee Mien has sent to me during her stay at Auckland, New Zealand. =)

I have got a job offer!

2007-05-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

19/05/2007; 17 05

Luckily my Manager has approved my leave to Taiwan.. Yeah, we can fly on SQ 872 & 871 in seven days' time.. but don't know why, I am still not too excited for the trip, probably 'cos dad isn't going with us as he is not very keen on traveling, and that there are a few more issues in my mind.. Keke.. Anyway, it will be a short time and we will be back on 1st Jun. =)

I have got a good job offer working as a Tax Executive at a public-listed company at CityHall. I am not sensitive to salary wise issues, but due to confidentiality reasons, I think it is better I do not disclose the company here, unless my friends ask me personally). Working in the Tax field is an interest to me.. My job scope involves tax compliance for the group including preparation of income tax returns and computation, and drafting responses for tax queries..

The working environment and staff seem pleasant. I am extremely pleased with the attractive salary package also, and my basic salary will be much more than I have expected! It was even a coincident when Mr Ng told me my ex-senior from SP has worked in the company before. My position is a new one (not a replacement) due to some expansion. Hope everything turns out fine when I start work and take up the CPA course in July.. *wink* ;)

CHEERS!
Cailuan

Chalet Pictures II

2007-05-19T01:51:00.000-07:00

19/05/2007; 16 52

My 2nd post for the chalet a month ago.. :-)

Sambal fish - Thanks to our "Abang", the food master of the highlight!

Live crabs which was brought over by my big uncle! :)

Hee.. My cousin-in-law, Qi Yan Jiejie marinating the chicken wings.. Getting hungry ah? Keke..

Qi Yan Jiejie is always so helpful! Really happy to have her as our cousin-in-law!

Yu Fen Jiejie & Abang! See how loving and close they are! :-)

Pictures taken with my favourite cousin, Yu Fen Jiejie and our "Abang!"

"Abang" holding a crab and taking picture with me.. *Wink* ;)

Chalet's Pictures!

2007-05-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

12/05/2007; 12 33

Chalet's Pic!

Picture 1 is Guang Chao gege, Yu Fen jiejie and Yu Hui jiejie taken at the BBQ pit.. They are the main organizers of the highlight. Guang Chao gege is our eldest male cousin, while Yu Fen jiejie who is his older sister, is also our eldest female cousin. Ah Hui jiejie is our 2nd oldest cousin after Yu Fen jiejie. See how close they are! =)

Yes, that was my big cousin, sis and Eric kor kor in Picture 2.. ^_^

Eh, Ah En jiejie is looking up and smiling to the photographer.. The one in orange is Wei Yang (Ah En jiejie's boyfriend), and the dark blue colour shirt guy is my other couisn, Quang Qing gege.. All of them were having a sumptuous meal - the fried beehoon, curry and BBQ food! *Grin* :D Of course, the one with the back facing the photographer is my dearest mom! :D

Haha! Following next, I think Ah En jiejie was not paying attention to Wei Yang. She seemed to be more keen and engrossed on photo-taking. *wink* ;)

Wonder what was little Jun Cong looking at? Hee.. Hee.. ;-)

Zhi Ling with the two toddlers.. Jun Cong is looking innocently cute! See the Winnie the Pooh which Shu Yang is holding to ? That was my gift for her.. Gee.. =^.^=

Gee.. That was my relatives singing birthday songs to us! ^_^

Yes, that was Shu Ying celebrating her 3rd birthday with her "Hello Kitty"that Ah Hui jiejie has bought for her. See how delighted she is! Both her dad and her, together with me are from "Taurus!" >p

Our get-together chalet on 20 - 22 Apr

2007-05-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

05/05/2007; 22 30

Gee.. Finally can write a post on the chalet tonight. Will upload more pictures than jiejie's.. Hee.. Overall, the chalet on the above dates had been a success, thanks to Yu Fen jiejie & Abang, Guang Chao gege and Ah Hui jiejie. I could not go on that Fri evening 'cos I was in the midst of preparing my exams, and was sick with a temperature of 39 degree celsius previously. In the end, my family and I went on the Sat afternoon (my birthday!).

Haha! Reached the place to find that they had went for bowling nearby. Jiejie and Eric Kor Kor immediately went to get the access card from our cousins, whilst we explored the place. Guang Chao gege has booked one of the "bungalow-chalets." *Very nice!!* In spite of the upcoming exams, I was totally elated for being able to celebrate my birthday with my relatives.. ^_^

When they came back from the activity, little Shu Ying refused to have lunch and nearly wanted to cry. Worried to see her in tears soon, I took out the Winnie Pooh bear which I have bought it for her, despite having the intention to pass it to her when we celebrate our birthdays at night. Shu Ying was thrilled the next instant. Thankfully, she managed to have her meal and Guang Chao gege & Qi Yan jiejie shown appreciation to me sincerely. Keke.. =)

Gee.. After that, it was time for sandwich competition. Only Yu Fen jiejie and us have prepared our ingredients. Jiejie realized that she has forgotten to bring the margarine along, which we required for making sandwiches. In fact before that, I have actually fried some fish fillets and hams as our ingredients at home. Very "guai1" hor? Haha.. but jiejie seems to be more interested with Yu Fen jiejie's tuna and margarine, and had a hard time pleasing the latter in order to "steal" her ingredients. Keke.. Initially, Yu Fen jiejie replied "no" jokingly, but her mind was melted with our consistent pleasing and persistence. Haha! Not bad lah, the food was rather nice.. Since there were only two groups, our eldest cousin became the ultimate winner! *Wink* ;)

What's next? Yes, we got ready for our food for the BBQ! My Abang was actually the food master of this highlight - the main in-charge of the marinating/ barbecuing of chicken wings, sambal fish and sting rays, crabs, satays, hotdogs, prawns, otahs, mushrooms etc. (Yup, mushrooms NOT marshmallows.. can imagine?) *Lol* The taste was excellent! Me? I did not eat much, 'cos I was too engrossed serving food to Jun Cong & Shu Ying. In fact, most of my time was spent time playing with the toddlers, and have neglected others. Haha! Qi Yan's jiejie's sister and her family came. Qi Yan jiejie's niece, who is around eight years old fell down while running. Seeing the little girl crying as her knees was bleeding, I gave the plaster in my wallet and comforted her.. Really felt sorry and heartpain for the child, even though it has been a minor cut. On the contrary, I was relieved that Jun Cong and Shu Ying were unhurt..

Ok, I think Ah En jiejie & her boyfriend, Wei Yang reached shortly after together with uncle, aunt and our grandmother. YuanTing and her family arrived subsequently too.. I was not aware and did not manage to take much pictures 'cos I was with the kids upstairs. However, jiejie was the photographer of the event. She has taken many pictures and forwarded that to us.. Nevertheless, I still had an enjoyable time chatting with my cousins at the BBQ pit. The five- year-old Jun Cong was so obedient as he sat beside the drinking, offering fruit pouch to us. How adorable!! I have also purchased the Winnie Pooh mug set for him, apart from the gift I have bought for his little sister.. :D

My relatives sang birthday song to me, Guang Chao gege and Shu Ying. Ah Hui jeijie has bought a "Hello Kitty" cake specially for Shu Ying from Polar, whilst jiejie bought an enormous $45; 2.4kg chocolate banana cake from Secret Recipe for me. Having come this far, it is the very 1st time I had such a grand birthday celebration, surrounded by so many people. Having being one of the main leads, the event was an extremely one for me. In spite of the slight disappointment and heartpain as the small side of my cake has been ruined, 'cos of my fault of placing the box of fillets above it, I was, nevertheless, very contented for the entire event.

Guang Chao gege and his family left as he was unwell, followed by Ah En jiejie's family. I could see the sad expression on Jun Cong's expression. He looked as if he wanted to cry, 'cos he was much unwilling to leave. Before that, he was rejected by Guang Chao gege for another piece of cake, 'cos his dad was afraid that he might start throwing up if he is overly-full. I thought he would be staying for the night and have wanted to reserve a piece for him for the next day. Poor Zane.. but luckily, he felt asleep soon after Qi Yan jiejie carried him.. Actually, I have not played enough with the both of them.. Too addicted le!! *Lol*

Hee.. I studied a bit and the younger generations watched hours of movies and DVDs till 2.30am. Sleeping at the chalet was a good experience; but obviously, not a nice feeling for me, 'cos we had to share pillows, as our parents occupied the rooms upstairs. I must say, I was awoke for the whole night, as my neck got uncomfortable. Eventually, I was the 1st to woke up the next morning (Guang Chao gege's birthday) at 6.40am. We had instant noodles, bread with curry, my remaining cake and tidbits for breakfast and departed at 10.15am..

Although the schedules have not been carried out accordingly to the discussion we had over at Guang Chao gege's place on the 15th evening, it was still a tremendous enjoyable event for all of us! Yeah, we are going to have an annual chalet from next year onwards! ^_^

C H E E R S !

Cailuan

Jun Cong & Shu Ying

2007-05-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

03/05/2007; 21 55

My 2nd psot for tonight..

Pictures of Jun Cong (Zane) & Shu Ying (Nichelle) at Guang Chao gege's place on 15 Apr - discussion on our get-together chalet.. Had a good time at cousin's house that evening.. :)

"Addicted" to the toddlers like what Ah Hui jiejie has said. *Lol* =)

I think Jun Cong & Shu Ying are sweetly cute! Really love them! ^_^

.. and seeing their pictures as wallpapers on my laptop and hp is a happiness to me!

Cheers!

Cailuan

(Will write a post and upload the pcitures on the chalet soon).. You may refer to my jiejie's blog, ya? :D)

Exams over; waiting for graduation..

2007-05-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

03/05/2007; 21 40

Happy Birthday to Little Shu Ying! Hope she likes the Winnie the Pooh I have bought for her.. =)

It has been quite sometime that I have not logged in to this blog after the last post that was published three weeks ago..

Can't imagine exams have ended, and we will be graduating.. Everything seem to be happening so fast.. I hope I will pass well and fulfill my wish of moving on to the CPA course.. :)

I laid in bed on Monday night - on the day of the last exam, doing a reflection on the two-year course. Still remember vividly on the Saturday noon when I went to register the BBACC course with jiejie & Eric kor kor. My eyes were slightly wet, perhaps due to the thought of being unable to attend lessons with my friends anymore. (Oh dear, I am so sentimental/ emotional)...

Our OB group project got a Credit. I am kind of disappointed and feel that this is partly yet indirectly my fault, even though jiejie did not think so. Additionally, there are a few worries I have currently, which one of them is the hope of getting a rewarding job. I am rather unwilling to part with my colleagues at IRAS too..

Ok.. Back to my reflection on my course.. I know I will miss Meiyi and Sheryl the most, especially the former. Meiyi and I have known each other for 16 years, since Pri 1 and we have been great friends at that time. Lost contact for so many years, and I have never reckoned that we would have the opportunity to study together again. (I think it is all fate - "yuan2 fen4", and I really feel that knowing Meiyi is one of the greatest gift to me from heaven.) Our friendship bonds is so strong, and being a month's older than myself, Meiyi is like a sister to me! I hope I will be able to bring her in to IRAS soon.. On the other hand, I love Sheryl's company's too! .. and everyone else! *Smile* =D

Hmm.. Even though I did encounter much gastric pains, headaches/ migraines on my side throughout and was even referred to the Specialist at NUH's University Digestive Centre (UDC) ; I must say, the joy of studying together with my close friends is endless.. One of the things that I have enjoyed was the serving of beverage & snacks to my lecturers during tea-breaks.. but it was only occasionally, 'cos I am afraid that my cohort would have the impression that I am curry-favouring our lecturers.. Keke.. Lecturers were indeed very friendly and dedicated, but I do have a few that I really preferred! :)

In spite of the mad rush to lessons after work - to arrive at SIM within an hour's time each time, i consider all those knowledge from my course relatively valuable. Although the staying up late and utilising my lunch-breaks to do assignments/ projects can be taxing at times, I feel that it all came worthwhile.. My parents showered concern too - In fact, mom would always call and "instruct" me to eat something before I go for lessons.. Always feel the warmth within me.. =P

Oh ya, Ai Li - the young and sweet lady who is the in-charge of our BBACC course. I always have a wonderful impression of her. Maybe the last time I will get to see her is on the graduation day itself.. Feel like keeping in touch with her.. Hee..

Guess everyone is all looking forward to the graduation day.. Me too...

Cheers!

Cailuan

Very Happy!! ^-^

2007-04-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

11/04/2007 14 25

Hee.. Just thought of something to write, and decided for another post until my exams end..

Today is my last lesson for the course.. Doing the last consolidation on our project before we submit everything in tomorrow. Time flies and it is kind of unbelievable this will be the last project I had with my friends. Thanks Sheryl, Meiyi, Joanna & Keith, you guys are great, and I have truly enjoyed doing assignments with all of you till late night... Now is the decretion of the lecturer on whether we would deserve a good grade for all our effort. (Haha!!) Not to forget my other close friends whereby we would discuss project details via MSN.

Have been a busy day yesterday when I slept at 1.30am. Was doing work, project and sending emails to the in-charge regarding information on CPA Australia. Managed to get the relevant data.. Will miss all the lecturers who have taught me, and attending lessons with all my friends. (Sob.. Sob..) However, the thought of enrolling for this course with my friends makes do make me look forward. Have dropped a mail to my lecturer, Mr Thanh from RMIT who is currently working at Saigon - Vietnam. Mr Thanh even told me if I will be visiting the place, he might be a handy guide. Mr Thanh is so approachable. I feel so lucky to be under him last year. ^-^

My senior, Jasmine also makes my day. I received a mail from her stating my emails never failed to brighten her day. I was thrilled! =P

Gonna meet Yu Fen jiejie and the rest of the cousin at McD IMM this Sunday at 6pm to discuss on the chalet programme. Cousins have prepared so many activities for us. Can't wait to see Yu Fen jiejie (Ivy), Guang Chao gege, Guang Qing gege, Ah Hui jiejie, Ah En jiejie, Chengrong, Yuanting, Wei Jun, Wei Sheng, Chengfeng, Zhi Liang, Juncong (Zane) & Shuying (Nichelle). =^.^=

Looking forward to the end of the exams; my birthday; arrival of Ms Tan's twin girls; Taiwan Trip etc.. :)

Cailuan

RMIT University

2007-04-08T06:50:00.001-07:00

08/04/2007; 21 55

This post will be the last one until the end of my exams.. Gonna take time to post, in case my friends think how come I have gone missing.. *Lol* ;)

Received an email from Joleen jiejie on Friday. I was thrilled to see her at MSN tonight, especially when I just added her this afternoon. Joleen jiejie has also helped me took pictures of RMIT University at Melbourne. Jiejie is so nice and thoughtful! Yeah, now that I have got her hp number, we can continue to stay in touch even more via hp, MSN & emails! =D

In her email, Joleen jiejie wrote:

Hi Cailuan

Nice to hear from you.. Hope you will be able to receive those pictures this time. Anyway, I sent to your personal email account as well :)

We are fine here. It is autumn now and the day is getting shorter. The sun sets at 6pm compared to 8pm in Summer. It is colder, ave temp is 15-20 degrees. The leaves are changing colour too and people are putting on more warm clothings. I love the weather and the experience of staying in a country with 4 seasons.

Actually we went back to Sg last month for 2 weeks. I just returned to mel 2 days ago. It was great to be back home. Miss my family and the Singapore food :)

Today is Good Friday. We just came back from the city. We went there for brunch. The city was so dead compared to Orchard Rd on a public holiday.

You take care and do well for your exams.. Thanks for keeping me updated on the happenings in IRAS. Enjoy your family trip in May!

Keep in touch,

joleen :)

Will miss this jiejie so much.. I must say, I am so blessed to have her as my senior. =P

Hope jiejie and her husband have a good time in Australia.. ^-^

V happy with the grade

2007-04-01T22:41:00.001-07:00

02/04/2007; 13 42

Having lunch at my workstation now. There were a lot of phonecalls at the helpdesk, and I have picked up 43 calls from 08 30 till 13 00. Thinking that it will be a busy again for me with many follow-ups and IPs to do, I realised the grade of the individual proj has been released. Very satisfied and never expected to have achieved a dist. Relieved that the effort put in and the trip to the library to find reference books came worthwhile.. Thank you, lecturer.. =)

Exams is approaching in 23 days' time, I hope to stay at home to study soon.. ;)

Cailuan

Shandy & Ms Aw's Church Music Drama

2007-03-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

01/04/2007; 12 01

Today's April Fool Day. Just received a sms on that from a gd friend, but I was not fooled lah. *Grin* =)

Ms Aw's Church is going to have a music drama this Fri and Sat - Easter Day. (6th & 7th April). Can't wait to see her and to vist her church at Adam Rd, 'cos I have not went before, as I have missed the opportunity on going a few years back. Will be going with Xiang Hui, Wendy & Hui Shan on Friday. :)

Mr Ong (Lestin) & Ms Aw's baby girl - Shandy is going to reach a year old in 7th May. She has sent me a picture of the daughter last week. Shandy is so sdorable.. Looking forward to seeing my two teachers and their princess! =D

Juncong & Shuying

2007-03-30T08:04:00.001-07:00

More pictures of Juncong & Shuying

Hope to take more pictures of Juncong & Meimei and my relatives at the get-together chalet! Love them lots! =)

"7 Days Enchanting Taiwan" with SQ 872 & 871

2007-03-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

25/03/2007; 21 46

Gee.. My 2nd and last post for today... :)

Taiwan - Singapore Airlines

The long-awaited dream's gonna be fulfilled! We are finally going for an overseas trip, after the previous one to Bangkok & Pattaya in the year 2001. Never expect this wish to be realizing soon. Mom, jiejie and me are going for "7 days Enchanting Taiwan", departing on 26/05/2007 boarding on SQ 872 and returning on SQ 871. Dad isn't too keen on traveling abroad, even though we really wish he could go with us. A week trip should be appropriate (I think), cos in this way, we will be able to fly back soon to reunite with our beloved dad; and I know I will start missing him when I am in the plane..

Jiejie and I have made a trip down to NATAS Fair to sign up for the tour package in the late afternoon. We signed up with Nam Ho Travel Services, as jiejie's close friend, Jing Da's aunt is the Manager of the travel agency. Jiejie said Nam Ho is the 2nd most popular travel agency for Taiwan packages. Jing Da was very polite in entertaining us. Err.. Jiejie and I will be sharing the cost of the trip.. I/we feel that as long as mom enjoys the trip, I am fine with paying, irrespective of the amount. *Wink* ;D

Really coincident when my ex-classmates (guys) are going Taiwan at that time and flying back on 31/05/2007. Maybe we will bump to one another?? *Lol* ;)

My ex-classmate, Hui San (Xiao San) is from Taiwan. Gee.. I can't imagine I will be visiting her hometown soon.. :)

Hehe.. Whilst missing daddy lots; I can't wait to board SQ 872 on 26/05/2007 @ 08 00 with mommy and jiejie! =P

Our itinerary: http://www.namho.com.sg/video/taiwan_enchanting_7days_06.asp

Cheers!

Cailuan

五月天 (Mayday)'s doing their part for charity

2007-03-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

25/03/2007; 21 35

Read the following article in the papers about Mayday few days ago and decided to place it in my blog. It is actually about "Ah Xin" and "Guan You" doing their part for charity, by designing on T-shirts.

I always feel that Mayday is a great band and composer. Really ike their song <<天使>> so much... Hope their careers will scale to greater heights, and gaining support worldwide! :)

If only I can grant more IPs..

2007-03-23T00:40:00.000-07:00

23/03/2007; 17 59

Bumped into my cousin in the train today! Pure coincident 'cos I came out from house slightly late. Thinking that I still have time, I did not want to rush for the train which was approaching in a minute time. Took out my notes to read in the train; and surprisingly, Yuanting patted me from behind.. Haha!! Had I not walked towards the middle cabin, I would not have met her. I guess it was fated that we would see each other! In fact, before that, I was thinking of my blog and Chengfeng who has done such a nice blog for me, and his sister appeared. *Grin* :D

Helpdesk was taxing yesterday cos it is peak period, and majority of the companies whose year-end is 31 Dec would file ECI now. Total calls I received and follow-ups were around 85. Additionally, there were a few installment plans to do.

One of the TaxPayers - Christina was extremely pleasant. In fact, I did follow-ups - called her and from strangers, we had a good time chatting together on the installment issue. Christina was very pleasant yet polite and it was a joy to speak to her. However, because she did not call in to apply for the installment plan last month, we could only grant six installments, although she has e-filed for her company within the stipulated period. I do understand her company's situation of having "the more installments the better" as her company is newly-incorporated and might be financially tight, and when tax payable was approximately $14,000. How I really wish I can give Christina more installments...

Had project consultation with our lecturer last night and reached home at 11.10pm. Saw Keith looking completely worn-out when he arrived. I really sympathize with him and my other friends who are working at the Bi4s. Seeing them this way make me kinda heartpain. I hope peak period ends soon and my friends to have more time to rest..

Hmm.. I am going home to do projects le..
Goodbye, my friends.. :)

Exams on 25th & 30th April

2007-03-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

20/03/2007; 12 24

Hee.. Today is Meiyi's birthday. Gonna pass my gift to her this evening. Hope my close friend will have a wonderful day! (",)

Have been waiting for the exam timetable to be released, and it has been out this morning. My exams are on 25th and 30th Apr. it is a 2-day exam this time round, as the other module is CA-Project based, and hence, not examinable. Having more time to concentrate on the two modules is good! =)

Looking forward to the birthday cum get-together chalet which will be a month later. Hope the idea of relaxing and studying there is appropriate. :D

Watched "Just Follow Law" with jiejie last evening. Didn't have the chance to catch it previously, but my friend has strongly encouraged me to watch the movie soon as he feels that it's a stress-reliever. True enough, it is. =P

Thinking of how our parents' money are not easy to earn, I hope to be able to save as much as possible. Really hope dad and mom's work are not too taxing or hectic.. Dad, mom and sis, I'll like to say - I love all of you forever! ;-)

Cailuan =D

Visiting lecturers @ SP

2007-03-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

16/03/2007; 11 18

Really like to thank my cousin, Chengfeng for putting up a nice background for me in my blog. After much search we had, I decided and he agreed we share the the same background. Oh ya, he even helped me added Mayday's "Tian Shi." Full of praise for this cousin of mine! =P

Yesterday's trip back to visit my lecturers was great! Saw Ms Renee Tan, Mrs Michelle Chong, Ms Jasmine Ang & Mr George Teo. Actually my objective was more of visiting Ms Tan, who will be delivering next month. *Lol*

Hee.. I bought snacks for my lecturers; lunch and two bottles of birdnest for Ms Tan. Actually I have bought the eight bottles package, and wanted to give it to her with Clement when she delivers. Really appreciate Clement's kind gesture of sharing, and hence I have managed to add two more bottles myself. Ms Tan was thrilled, so was I. We chatted a lot about myself and my jiejie, my classmates and her family. Seeing her little girl's picture together with her husband, it makes me feel how blissful her family is!

Visited Mrs Chong next. Yes, she is the one who has asked me to assist in doing the graduates' survey. Enjoyed the long conversation we had. I have also helped to circulate the email around. Mrs Chong even used Mr Ng's name as the subject title, 'cos she believes this will boost the responses among the five cohorts. (Mr Ng is our Personal Tutor, i.e. Form Teacher) - Very dedicated and caring, and thus amiable by every of us especially as he is a great counsellor. His room is filled with token of appreciation and greeting cards from students. Keke.. Anyway, he was on leave when I went. I heard that there were students who have set up a blog for him too. Haha!! So interesting.. (",)

Ms Ang has a new hairstyle, but I think she is attractive in any way. She is also one of my favourite lecturers, and chatting to her is like chatting to a friends. Her baby boy is so adorable! Ms Ang touched my hair and said it is very smooth. She said she likes it. Keke.. Pleasantly surprised when she told me she knows my close seniors - Peay Kiang & Mui Choo. Have told my seniors and am glad they can stay in touch again! :D

Mr Teo, the roommate of Ms Ang, was in too. He is another one who has won much popularity among students. He was very friendly to me even though I was never taught by him. =)

I feel that it is all worth it and a joy to take 1/2 day off to visit the lecturers, even though I didn't have much leave left and my friends were uninterested to go. I am glad it came as a meaningful trip which made my lecturers and myself very happy. I definitely wouldn't mind rushing off to buy stuff for my teachers and not having much for lunch. Hee.. ;)

The next visit should be in May after my exams end and visiting Ms Tan when she delivers. Looking forward again.. ^-^

Pictures with my lecturers...

五月天 <<天使>>

2007-03-11T01:18:00.000-08:00

11/03/2007; 17 18
Here is the lyrics of one favourite song I really like: Mayday's - 五月天 <<天使>> It is also the theme song for the local drama <<奇迹>> "Making Miracles."

你就是我的天使
保护著我的天使
从此我再没有忧伤
你就是我的天使
给我快乐的天使
甚至我学会了飞翔
飞过人间的无常
才懂爱才是宝藏
不管世界变得怎黱样
只要有你就会是天堂
像孩子依赖著肩膀
像眼泪依赖著脸庞
你就像天使一样给我依赖给我力量
像诗人依赖著月亮
像海豚依赖海洋
你是天使你是天使

你是我最初和最后的天堂

Meaningful Sentences

2007-03-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

07/03/2007; 13 10

Dear friends,
Like to share this interesting email, i.e. meaningful words with you. Hope you like this.. ^-^

"When I was born I was so surprised. I didn't talk for a year and a half"- Gracie Allien
"The only thing worth stealing is a kiss froma sleeping child" - Joe Houldsworth
"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for. Perfection is God's business" - Michael J Fox
"When you are content to be simply yourself and don;t compare or compete, everybody will respect you." - Lao Tsu
"There's no point in grown up if you can't be childish sometimes" - Peter Wtn
"You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing" - Michael Pritchard

The following is extracted from the email "The Fern and the Bamboo."

"Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.
Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!"

Cailuan ^_^

21st Apr & 22nd Apr - Our Bday; Our Chalet

2007-03-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

06/03/2007; 13 37
Dear friends,

How are all of you? Hope that you people are getting on fine. =)
Like to express my sincere apologies to those who have frequent my blog, when I have not posted anything for the prior three weeks, 'cos I have been busy, Hope you don't mind, ya? Like to express my special thanks to Huishan too! =D
Today, my branch had a buffet lunch treat at our cafeteria. Had a good meal and each of us were being distributed with a packet of small jellies, i.e. gummy sweets. Guess the treat was 'cos of budget remaining we had in our division. Haha!!
It has definitely been a great gathering with my relatives and immersing in all the fun we had during CNY. My cousin has actually taken some candid shots and I will be uploading these pictures later.. Hee.. ;)
Erm.. For the past few weeks, we were worried for my uncle as he was unable to eat well previously even though he is ok.. Uncle is fine now and I could see that he was very touched when I brought birdnest over for him a fortnight ago. I was also worried and sympathized with two friends' family issues. I hope everyone around me stay happy and optimistic always, 'cos each time they are depressed/ worried over something, my heart will sink with them...
Whilst revising last night, sis and I received a sms from my cousin. (Cousin's smses would always be on something good). I had a glance and saw "21st Apr" - Guang Chao gege has booked a chalet on the 20th & 21st Apr. That's my birthday and Guang Chao gege's on 22nd Apr.

I have never imagine to be able to have the celebrate this day in a chalet together with my cousin(s). Even though the exams might be stepping nearer by then, and that I will be bringing my notes over to study, I believe it will still be a memorable birthday for me.. In addition, I do look forward to see Ms Tan's and her babygirls as her date of delivery approaches. Going to look for her next Thu. Both of us are equally excited to seeing each other.. (",)

Hope the colours of the rainbow here will add sparks to your day, ok? :-)

Cailuan (^.^)v

Love CNY (III) - Happy New Year! :D

2007-02-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

16/02/2007; 13 21
2 more days to CNY!!

Happy New Year!

Really happy to receive so many new yr greetings from all in IRAS, my trs and frens.

This pic @ Chinatown Pt, is a new yr greetings sent by Yoke Lee, a Tax Specialist from CT-LC. Hope my friends would like the emails I have shared with them!

Great to see everyone in new year mood, and when greetings pop up in my inbox when I do wrk, and coincident when the one I sent was the same as my DD's. =)

Lkg fwd to seeing Chen Wei this evening and sendg my greetings at 12am tml! =P

Wish to watch "Just Follow Law." ^-^

Cailuan :)

Joleen (jiejie) 's emails (III)

2007-02-12T22:42:00.000-08:00

13/02/2007; 17;32

It makes my day to see Joleen jiejie's email this afternoon.. :)

Hi Cailuan

how are you? I am fine.

recently, quite busy 'cos our friends from sg came to visit us ... coincidentally they came one after another.. 2 guys came here for business trips and a couple (husband and wife) came here for holidays. it was fun having visitors.

i'm picking up japanese now. Elementary course but interesting :)

how's everything in office and how's your studies coming along?

I am eating well.... think i will put on weight if i carry on at this rate. No good news from me yet. :p

But i do walk alot as well so hope will burn away the extra fats i am putting on.

i have yet to sort out my photos.. not uploaded to my pc yet. There are not much of me 'cos most of the time, i'm the photographer.... i will try to take a photo of RMIT in the city and share with you next time.

Take care
joleen

Looking forward to Joleen jiejie's pictures soon, especially the one on RMIT University! Joleen jiejie is so nice! =D

Both Ms Tan and Mee Feon makes my day too! It was really nice of Mee Feon to greet me first when we met each other at the pantry. She asked how my CNY preparations was going on..

When I sent my well-wishes to her for CNY via email, she replied and added colours to the mail. She also said it is humble of me to think good of others, and wanted to learn form me. Mee Feon is a great senior (role-model) and I should be the one learning from her. I like her so much. Hee.. =)

It seems that I like everyone in CT-Gen, and a number from the other branches. Am glad the list always goes on.. *Grin* ^_^

Ms Tan has sent alot of well-wishes and invited me to her place for CNY. I am really happy!! Although I wish to go visit her, I rejected her invitation, 'cos I know she may want to give a hongbao to me. Keke.. Hope I can go look for her in school soon.. Thinking of buying bird nest for her when she delivers... I am not willing to buy it for myself though, but I find that is so worth it to buy for someone like Ms Tan. When I told this to my friend, she said "Cailuan, I also like bird nest. *Lol* (",)

Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends out there who are attached. Hope all of you have a wonderful time with your boyfriend/girlfriend tomorrow. For those who are still single, hope you will have a nice time with your friends and family, ok? =P

Cheers!
Cailuan

Living Statue @ Chinatown

2007-02-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

10/02/2007; 11 35
The "Living Statue" we have seen @ Chinatown

Really admire the guy and the lady who can stand still for long hours as their part for charity, giving passers-by the perception that they are not real people. Both of them will smile politely and make a bow to those who have kindly offered to made a donation. Everyone, including me were amazed by their act. It brightened my day when they were smiling at mom, as well as the others, for their generosity. =)

Extremely proud of them!! Keke.. :D

Cheers! (",)
Cailuan

Love CNY (II)

2007-02-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

10/02/2007; 10 52
More pictures taken @ Chinatown...

Wishing you & your family a Happy & Prosperous New Year. Keep smiling and may all your dreams be fulfilled. Hope all of you get more hongbaos, ya? Gong Xi, Gong Xi! ^-^

Love CNY (I)

2007-02-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

07/02/2007; 20 24

Chinese New Year @ Chinatown!

The following pictures are taken with my hp on Sunday. Hope all of you enjoy them , ok? =)

08/02/2007; 13 30

Went for the Chinese New Year Bazaar held for today and tomorrow at the 5th floor Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH) at IRAS. We will always have such bazars for occasions like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day and Christmas etc. So the staff would go during lunchtime to walk around, taste some samples products (If any) and to purchase anything we have in mind. There's "Xiang Wei" Barbecued Pork, Pineapple Tarts, Egg Rolls (Love Letters), Cuttlefish in Tins, Chocolates, Kuek Lapis, Shrimp Rolls with new Seaweed and Chicken Floss Flavours, delicacies like Abalones, Chicken Essence, Bird Nests, Dried Fish Maw and Mushrooms etc. Sometimes, even though we are kinda full when the vendors will offer the sample products to us, it is quite fun when everyone tries together.. I wish to get the Barbecued Pork and the Chicken Floss Rolls for my family tomorrow. Hee.. Hee.. :)

*Happy Birthday to Xiang Hui jiejie on CNY!* :)

Glad to hear from my teachers ^-^

2007-02-07T00:35:00.000-08:00

05/02/2007; 16 00

Been to Chinatown yesterday afternoon with my family. I simply love CNY! Will upload the pictures which I have taken in my next post. *Smile* =)

Have told Joanna about the textbook thingie. She did not mind, and we had a pleasant time sending smses to each other on Saturday night. Joanna told her mom how nice I am, when I was telling jiejie how great she is! She also said she wanna learn to be cheerful and sweet like me. (No, I think I should be the one learning from her). She said I made her day and she could not sleep.. Me too! Joanna's joining our group for project. ;)

I have also received an email-reply from my FP lecturer, Mr Joseph Stephan (Joe), from Australia. He was happy that I was responsive by nodding my head during his lessons and told me my email is the nicest he has ever received from his student. My friend said he has reached early for his teaching preparation for the previous lessons Not curry-favouring him, but he is really dedicated. I didn't know a simple mail of mine would have made him so happy, especially when I heard about his dad's condition, it suddenly made me feel relieved to have done the right thing, I feel that he is so noble when I see him travelling around to teach, and to come up with an interesting lesson for all of us when his dad is unwell. Hope my lecturer will not be overly-worried and tire himself out. Hope his father will get well...

Received another nice email from my ex-form teacher, Mr Sim, who is currently teaching Chemistry at AC. Mr Sim - I should describe him as a 100% well-liked and respected teacher by every student. Always been thankful to him from the bottom of my heart for have placed so much trust on me and being so caring to everyone. He nominated me to be the rep for committee in class and wanted me to assist my friend (from China) who joined our class. Mr Sim made an effort to use red, green, blue and black trans. pens on his notes, and my friends and I would follow when we write. It all goes to his credit when my lecturers were impressed by my effort on tutorial presentations.

In his email, Mr Sim mentioned about how observant I am and that I have always been a model student. Actually I feel that my teacher has complimented too much about me. Anyway, am really glad that my teacher(s) have such good impression on me. Frankly speaking, it is the teachers who are nice to me and everyone, not me. Keke.. I'm really happy that my teachers are getting on well and that I can keep in touch with them. =P

Hope my friends will not mind..

2007-02-03T04:19:00.000-08:00

03/02/2007; 21 16

Finally got the texts sold off today. Hope Joanna would not mind that I did not manage to sell her text for her..

It all happened like this: -

Cindy asked us if we have Ethics texts to sell a fortnight ago. I had, and I remembered to bring for her, even though she was really nice to send us reminders on bringing last Thursday. As she needed two more copies, she asked if my friends' side had books to sell. I was trying to help my friends to sell, whilst helping Cindy's friends to get second-hand books, as it was cheaper this way.

Meiyi has lent her book to her friend, while Sheryl has to reserve her text for her cousin. So I approached my other good friend, Keith and a friend of my good friend's, Elaine. Cindy reminded me to ask them to bring, and I did. Keith was absent from the lesson as he needed to work. So I had to explain to Cindy and promised her that I would ask the former to bring on the next lesson. On the other hand, I discovered Elaine has brought her two binded photocopied texts and did not inform me previously, and she wanted to sell for $25. It was a headache for me - I know Cindy's friend would not want a photocopied text, when we were all selling originals. In addition, she insisted a higher price when we were all selling at $20. I was not aware of her texts because it should be implied that we had original copies from last semester.

As a result, I had to ask around for Ethics books to sell.. but no, many have not taken the module and would only be taking this semester, as they have repeated Auditing. Luckily I managed to ask Keith's friend, Joanna. I did not want to put Cindy in a fixed position, so I reminded Keith to ask the latter to bring her text on Thursday. Keith sounded slightly unhappy as he was thinking we were helping my friend. If Cindy's friend(s) have not given us the money, why were they rushing for the books? I understand how he felt. He was saying, "Cailuan, I am doing this all because of you." When I see Keith feeling that way, I feel bad too. I wanted a "win-win solution", i.e. helping Cindy a favour and her friend to save on new texts, while helping my friends to earn some allowances. I really did not want to see my either friend angry. Fortunately, Joanna brought the book, but Cindy was not present. I brought the book home ultimately, intending to give her today. Happily, Cindy and I thought everything was settled...

... until CIndy's friend told her that she has found her source from another friend last night. Cindy and I was quite pissed off with her irresponsibility, when she should have notified Cindy. Now, I had to return the text to Joanna and apologize to her. On the other hand, Keith thought I was angry with him, but I was definitely not. In fact, I thought otherwise. On the other hand, Meiyi thought he has scolded me and half-jokingly/ seriously (??) wanted to use rubber bad to shoot him. How then should I react? Keke.. ;)

Apart from the above, I managed to help Meiyi's friend, Valerie to buy a second-hand Tax Workbook from Cindy's friend. When Valerie did not bring the exact $26, I wanted to help her ask if Cindy's friend was fine with $24. The latter was replying" Huh, thought it was $26?" Finally, I helped Valerie to pay the additional $2 to Cindy's friend first..

Erm.. Really feel sorry to Joanna, as it made me felt that it was my fault. I have made her brought the book and now I had to return and apologize to her. I do feel paiseh for not being able to help Elaine sell her book also. I hope Keith is not angry too.. Jiejie said I should not be too helpful to people, if not, they might take me for granted.. Hee.. but no, I will continue to do my best to help people.. =)

Btw, I am refering to another Cindy here. Keke..

I have 3 friends called Cindy; 2 friends Keith, Joyce and Wendy, Hui San & Hui Shan, and 2 Li Ying. Coincidently, either one is a "Tan." Haha!!

Cartoon-Makers ^-^

2007-01-31T21:42:00.000-08:00

01/02/2007; 13 43

Was just clearing emails when I saw one that caught my attention. This was the avatar - cartoon-makers, that my friend cum colleague, Cindy, in IRAS, has created specially for us last year.. (Thank you so much, Cindy), I really love it and have been keeping the email as a memento, and had the intention to post it for some quite sometime, but I did not have a blog previously. . My friends, I shall share it with you now, ya? Hehe.. I shall go by alphabetical order, according to our surnames; from left to right. So they will be: -

Sandy, Cailuan, Doris, Sherlin, Jinni, Raymond, Cindy, Huifen

.. Yes, and the picture follows is our "family photo", i.e. "Quan Jia Fu." :-)

Our news hit the headlines!

2007-01-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

30/01/2007; 16 00

Our news got in the papers!

The following mail was what sis has written to Kai Li, the reporter of Shin Min Daily News.

Mom was walking along the pavement last Friday, on January 19, outside TradeHub 21, when she saw tens of caterpillars thriving on a small tree.

Last Saturday on the January 26, she saw the same tree again, but now almost half of the branches are bare and are hanging more than 50 caterpillars. The caterpillars have eaten almost all the leaves and are growing bigger and greener. She then decided to report this to Shin Min. That’s why I accompanied my mum to the place this morning and took some pictures. As I have sensitive skin, I felt itchy the moment I stood near the tree. I had goosebumps all over too!

That is the only tree alongside the pavement with so many caterpillars.

What’s scarier is that she also found three centipedes, one big and two small ones on the pavement near the tree.

TradeHub21 is a new office building cum shopping mall, along 8 Boon Lay Way with new pavements and even small trees planted by the side. The trees are still supported by long wooden sticks.

We have never seen so many caterpillars thriving on just a small tree before, hence we would like to share this piece of interesting news together with the pictures to all the Shin Min readers.

To our delight, Kai Li called my sis and exclaimed they were very interested with the news. Without much hesitation, she; together with her colleagues went to the scene to experience for themselves and took some pictures. Yes, our news hit the headline yesterday!

Keke.. We were elated when Kai Li called sis to say that they will publish it.. and coincidently, I saw the lady who sat next to me in the train reading the news when I went to work this morning. I had the same papers with me to show my friends too.. Guess I even had the urge to tell her "Eh, you are reading our news." Haha!! When mom went to see the tree this morning, the leaves have all been eaten up.. Hope you guys don't find the pictures below too disgusting, ok? =P

Thank you for your kind attention, Kai Li (",)

Hmm.. Think we will continue to share any interesting news with Shin Min readers should we come across them again... ;)

Joleen (jiejie) 's emails (II)

2007-01-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

29/01/2007; 13 35

Erm.. My replies to Joleen's jiejie were delayed as I have been busy; so as a result, I have only received her mails this morning. I should put all things aside and give her a spontaneous email from today onwards.. =)

Guys, I will like to share her emails and pictures taken from Melbourne to you, ya?

The 3rd email sent from Joleen jiejie this morning :

Hi hi I am good, thank you. How are you?

It;s ok.. i don't read my email everyday too... try to read like once a week 'cos i can take up one whole day to read email and do msn with my friends... :)

glad that you are doing fine with your helpline duty. You do have a sweet voice, don't be shy about it. :) I didn't watch the project superstar in sg..not my cup of tea.Not a great TV fan , watch occasionally only. I'm a very boring person, i think. You must have burnt a hole in your pocket supporting the stars :p.

Thanks for the update on the staff movements.

I;m having a great time here but also watching my budget.. Some things are exp here like newspaper, cinema movies, etc. Public transport is quite accessible and affordable though... can get a weekly ticket for $27 for unlimited rides. I do more see see look look stuff (cos it's FOC, ha ha)...

Work hard for your course &
talk to you again, take care
Joleen :)

The 4rd email sent from Joleen jiejie this morning :

Hi

How are you? I am fine.

The weather is getting colder now, think summer is abt over.

Went to the Brighton beach which is very near our apt. Nice sandy beach and got to see those colourful bathing boxes. There is no water or electricity facility inside. They are owned for storage of personal stuff and changing purposes.

Oz believes in recycling. At home, they have different types of bins to cater for recyclable and non-recyclable rubbish. The city council got a timetable for the different types of rubbish collection. Eg if this week is collection of recyclable waste, the residents will push out the rubbish bin for recyclable waste. The residents got to remember the type of rubbish collection every week. Cool, huh?

And I learnt this quote which is very meaningful, "one thing you can't recycle is wasted time"... so ensure you fulfil your resolution this year :)

Share some photos with you.

Take care & G'day mate
Joleen :)

The attached pictures were taken by Joleen jiejie in Melbourne. From left to right: -
1. Joleen's Apartment in Melbourne
2. Brighton Beach
3. Bathing Boxes
4. Sunset Balcony
5. University of Melbourne (I)
6. University of Melbourne (II)

Hope all of you enjoy the pictures, ok? ;)

Joleen jiejie, I will miss YOU always.. Again, I will look forward to all your emails and pictures.. ^_^

Lots of love,
Cailuan

Joleen (jiejie) 's emails (I)

2007-01-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

24/01/2007; 11 29

As promised, the following are the emails from Joleen. Really glad to be able to hear from her and receiving her long emails. Shall keep her mails.. Hehe..

The 1st (earlier) email on 17/01/2007:

Hi friends,

Happy New Year!

How are you? I am good.

I left sg last thurs and now i am in melbourne. my husband is being posted here so i applied 6mths' of no pay leave to accompany him. I wanted to spend more time with my family and settle my errands before i came so i couldn't find time to inform all of u... Sorry about it.

My laptop was down after the travelling..think it got homesick :) Thank God, my husband managed to repair it.

Now is mel 2.30am but i am still living in sg time 11.30pm. My husband is fast sleeping. For the past few days, I couldn't sleep early. The sun sets very late at 9pm. It makes me feel that the night is still young.

I enjoyed my stay here except yesterday. The weather was cooling 15-20 degrees but suddenly it turned so hot yesterday. 39 degrees. The sun was scorching and the heat wave was really terrible... i thought i was in hell 'cos it's like living in the furnance. I never sweat so much in my entire life .. I was in the city and so happy to see my tram coming... But I couldn't believe it, the tram has no air-con.....Really appreciate our MRT and SBS service :)

Anyway, hope everyone is healthy at home

Keep in touch...

God bless
Joleen

The 2nd (latter) email on 18/01/2007:

Hi Cailuan

Ya, i enjoy my life here and very reluctant to go back :)
I miss the friends in the company but not the work. :p

RMIT is in the city.. I roughly know where it is. Will you be coming here? I got a friend who studied in RMIT in sg and he came here for his project presentation. If you are here, contact me so we can catch up in the foreign land. :) This is your final year in school right?

Thanks for treating me as your big jiejie... :)

Be cool when you do your helpline duty. It takes a while. i was very worried when i first started doing the helpline calls. Dunno what difficult qns they will ask. But after a while, you got more experienced and it'll be fine. I believe you can do it. Keep it up :)

I do a lot of cooking here. Still not good at it but trying out new dishes everyday. The fresh food & fruits in the supermarket are quite reasonably priced or even cheaper than in sg. Anyway, eating out is very expensive 'cos they don't have as many food courts as sg. Eating out for simple food can cost like AUD10 per person per meal. I'm on NPL, no $ to spend so got to be thrifty and cook myself :)

Keep in touch & take care
Joleen

Looking forward to the next email and all emails from Joleen jiejie...

Cailuan =)

Hope Nat (Kern Bai) & Carrie will win!

2007-01-17T21:28:00.000-08:00

18/01/2006; 13 29

Today's our marathon lesson will be starting.. Lessons for today and the whole of next week, except Sunday. Looking forward but it's gonna be more busy for me this semester. Keke.. Hmm.. Really cannot believe that it will be my last semester.. I enjoy attending lessons with all my close friends and doing projects together.. =D

It will be the finals for the male contestants tonight for PSS. Carrie's performance was great yesterday. Actually I have no preference for Diya and Carrie, 'cos I used to like them both, but I think I still prefer Carrie. (Same as jiejie!) As for the guys, I support Nat (Kern Bai) and hope he will win.

Really glad that I am able to drop my message to Nat in his forum at the PSS website. Have seldom, or should I say, never voted on called-in competitions before. I guess it will be an exception tonight.. I think Nat is great, and it is kinda rude of Daren's fans and/or the others to post unfavourable remarks at Nat's page.. Well, I think the objective of the PSS webpage should be - specially catered to the public for them to drop encouragements to the contestants they favour, but not adding criticisms. Guess it will be kinda memorable in the future, when I reflect back to being able to vote for someone who really need our support and my 1st time of leaving some inspiring words to a contestant who really has the potential to go far. *Smile* =D

Yeah! Joleen jiejie has safely reached Melbourne. That is also where the RMIT University is located. Really happy to receive her emails and that we can keep in touch this way. Going to copy her emails to my next post... *Grin* ;-)

Picked up 83 phonecalls at Helpdesk on Monday, with some follow-ups to make. Yee Mien jiejie told me that she has received a call from a TaxPayer, who is the wife of a Director of a company. She wanted to look for me regarding some filling of Income Tax Return, but she has forgotten my name and was asking Yee Mien jiejie on wanting to find the officer with the most sweetest voice.. I didn't know that she was referring to me. Even though I do feel jittery the night before my helpdesk duty - afraid that these callers would ask difficult questions which I do not know how to handle.. Erm.. I have always enjoyed the conversations with these TaxPayers and TaxAgents over the phone. Hope to maintain this form of phonecall etiquettes, as this means I am representing IRAS; not just here, but with the others as well. =)

Cheers!
Cailuan (^-^)v

Congratulations to Ms Tan!! I am overjoyed!

2007-01-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

12/01/2007; 13 11

Really enjoy doing work whilst listening to music - 933FM & MP3 whenever possible
.. and I like the sense of satisfaction in working hard towards achieving my own target each day. ;)

Yeah.. Overjoyed that Nat (Kern Bai) has made it to the finals in "Project Superstar." I think his name is very nice - Kern Bai, i.e. getting full marks in whatever he does.. Keke.. and the short form of his Christian name Nat is his surname "Tan..." So interesting!! His performance was great!! The songs have been touching.. Believe my lecturer must have been really delighted too, 'cos he also supported Kern Bai. The judges, especially "Fang Lao Shi" was indeed humourous last night. Haha!!

Received a wonderful piece of news just now - Ms Tan is expecting again and I am overjoyed!! I still remember her coming back from maternity leave when she taught us CSB when we were in Year 3 at SP, and when she came back from London last July. Mrs Chong told me she has twin girls who is now at the university, and now to hear that Ms Tan is expecting with twin girls and delivering in April. (Gee.. it's my birthday month).. Hope her twin girls' birthdays' fall near to mine, or even better - on 21st April. Haha!! I still remember counting down with Ms Aw when the date of her delivery stepped nearer last year and got to be the 1st one in class to be informed of her expecting news. The thought of making a trip to Mt Alvernia Hospital to see Ms Tan and her her little princesses and maybe carrying her babies makes me look forward!! I love babies and children. Ms Tan told me she is afraid of the bringing up of children, but we find babies' sweetly cute and funny is indescribable. Missing Ms Tan always.. I hope I will be able to take leave next month to go look for her! soon! Ms Tan said I can carry her babies.. Yeah! ^-^

Yeah!! 37 days more to Chinese New Year! (Hee.. The feeling is great to see the shops up with new year decorations and playing new year songs.. keke.. but my friend Mingli does not like it. When I told her 933FM was playing new year songs, she said "Luckily, I have not switched it on." *Lol* .. and when I told Doris I saw the decorations and the new year delicacies at FairPrice, she said "Cailuan, you and your supermarkets.." Whahahahahaha... Going out with Li Ying tomorrow and with Hui Min on Monday... (",)

Hmm.. Went home right after work last evening and while waiting for the lift with a guy standing behind me, mom called out "LuanLuan" softly from behind. I was thinking who that was. Keke.. So funny.. I love dad; I love mom; I love sis! =D

Our MP and her team from Town Council, HDB and from the RC came to visit us - my blk and my friend's who is staying at next blk, (the last two blks of Zone 7) on Tuesday night. Utterly surprised and mom invited them into our house. They also complimented my mom for being passionate and pleasant, 'cos there were residents who have been ignorant. Ms Fu sent her regards to my family. We chatted with them for a while and I even left my email with them. The MP actually made a trip to visit all the residents from St 13 all the way to St 24, and I thought it should have been an honour to have the MP and her team to come all the way to visit us. Anyway, I think my mom's approach of welcoming them was right.. Hee.. :)

Cheers!
Cailuan

My little snacks & notes to my seniors

2007-01-09T02:51:00.000-08:00

09/01/2007; 18 53

Going back from home from work shortly. It has been a good day for me.. Happily doing work and to have bought snacks for Yee Mien jiejie, Carmen, Bee Kuan, Sastro, Zaidah, Ismayati and Mr Ang. Keke.. Very nervous when I passed my little snack and note to them individually, and even more paiseh when they began thanking me. Hmm.. Really appreciated their friendliness towards me when I was sitting at the CT-FA/RCPT side, and many colleagues who were asking about me when I went "missing." *Lol*..

Bee Kuan actually came to my new workstation to thank me, as she was not at her desk when I went over. Always have a wonderful impression of her from the beginning - Extremely pleasant Tax Specialist who is amiable and sweet towards TA/TP etc on the phone.

^-^ Bee Kuan said: -

No problem, I should thank you for the compliments and the curry puff, which I'm eating now. BTW, I'm not so nice all the time, I can be tough with unreasonable tax agents. Then, you won't see me smiling:(
Anyway, hope that you will have nice and friendly colleagues around your new workstation.

Rgds

I think Bee Kuan is a wonderful role-model to all; she never fails to make everyone around her happy. She even told me to inform her when I leave IRAS, 'cos she will like to get something for me. Hmm.. but I shall not make her spend on me. (",)

Next, Carmen was saying that I should not have gone to that expense. We chatted a while.. She also added on by saying to invite her when I get married. Haha!

What was funny was when my senior, Siok Peing told me that I can probably reach out my hands to collect my document(s) from the printer which was just beside me. cos this was what she has done when she sat here previously. *Lol*..

Really happy to have so many caring seniors here... *Grin* =D

Moving to a new workstation - more thoughts; more feelings..

2007-01-07T21:37:00.001-08:00

08/01/2007; 13 38

I Love IRAS; I Love Tax

I have shifted to a new workstation.. Hee.. Still adjusting; but quite pleased with the current working environment.. Erm.. Actually the previous workstation belongs to CT-FA and should have been a temporary sitting arrangement from last May to July. Missing those sitting around me and my "neighbours", i.e. especially Yee Mien jiejie, Carmen, Bee Kuan and Mr Ang, . ^_^

It has been a joy to be sitting at the CT-FA side for the past few months. Very honoured, 'cos I have never expected to have the opportunity to interact with the professionals from the other branch.

^-^ Received a very friendly email-reply from the Manager, Mr Ang from CT-RCPT

Hi Cailuan,

Thanks for informing me of your move. Although we are no longer "neighbours", we will still bump into each other every now and then. It's also nice that you think favourably of me even though we have not crossed paths while working. I also feel that you are a dedicated officer and hope that you will be happy at IRAS and find the work fulfilling. Here's wishing you the very best in your job ;)

Cheers
SL

^-^ Yee Mien jiejie's email follows:-

Hi hi... it's been nice having you around too! =)
Continue to "jia you" at your new place... quite a good location as far as photocopy machine, fax and printer are concerned. =)

Lunch was good... met up with Joleen... before she flies off.

Received another email from one of my seniors - Joleen, who will be going on long leave, 'cos her husband has been posted overseas for a year. I was caught by surprise when I saw that I was the only junior whom she has addressed her mail to. Very touched at that moment when I first read it.. Hope Joleen jiejie will have a safe and enjoyable trip. Overjoyed when she has left her email address to me.. Shall keep in touch with her; will miss her.. :D

^-^ Joleen's jiejie email stated..

Dear all

Thank you very much for all your help, encouragement and guidance during my stay in CT-Gen.

I send my best wishes to all of you, all the best in the coming year with good health and abundant blessings.

Till we meet again, take good care of yourself & keep in touch.

Warmest Regards
Joleen Aw

Keke.. Really fortunate for getting to know so many nice colleagues at IRAS. Will cherish my stay, my work and everyone here... =P

Accompanied my close friend to her Taxation lecture last Friday, 'cos her appeal has not been successful. Another guy friend who returned back from overseas came for the lecture too. I was sitting between the two and busily copying notes for them. It hurts when I see my close friend (on my left) gotta take the module again when she shouldn't be, whilst my guy friend (on my right) looking down with his eyes closed for a moment - I believe he was quite exhausted after a long day of work. I actually went for the lecture 'cos I did not wish to see my close friend attending it alone, hoping that both friends can get to know each another better and then doing projects together.. If time permits, I shall attend lessons with them again soon. I hope my friends stay cheerful and optimistic always...

Got another news that a good friend of mine has officially closed his blog for the time-being. Erm.. Shocked and a bit disappointed, 'cos his blog is one of the nicest I have came across - with an attractive background and interesting topics to share. I believe his friends feel the same way as me too. We enjoy reading his blog.. Hope this friend will start up a new one soon..

Cailuan

25 Hours Watch

2007-01-07T01:49:00.000-08:00

07/01/2007: 17 49

The most treasured gift from a good friend.. =^-^=

Jun Cong & Shu Ying

2007-01-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

07/01/2007; 16 21

Jun Cong & Shu Ying

At grandma's birthday last year.. ;)

2007-01-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

06/01/2007; 11 34

The following pictures were taken on Ah Ma's birthday celebration at LongBeach, Marina. The "Orange" blissful family, i.e. Guang Chao gege, Qi Yan jiejie, Jun Cong & Shu Ying. =)

My fav contestants from "Project Superstar"

2007-01-03T00:39:00.000-08:00

03/01/2007; 16 40

If I have to choose whom I like from the top eight contestants from "Project Superstar", they should be: -
陈铿百 (Nathaniel Tan Kern Bai) and 陈迪雅 (Lydia Tan Di Ya). ^_^
Coincident that both of them are of the same surname as me - Tan!
Hope they will win.. Keke.. =P

Planning for an overseas trip soon? :)

2007-01-02T21:16:00.003-08:00

03/01/2007; 13 17

It's lunch break for me now.. Intending to write up a post whist having lunch here at my workstation. :D

Returning back to work after the four consecutive days of holiday. it is a great start for me for 2007!

Realised that Jun Cong is starting K1, while meimei - Shu Ying is starting Nursery today. Keke.. Believe my cousin, Guang Chao gege and "biao3 sao3", Qi Yan jiejie must have had a busy time getting everything ready for the two toddlers for school today.

Time flies.. Jun Cong will be turning five while his sister will be turning three this year. Still remember what my cousin has told me.. When Jun Cong was asked to practice writing a few weeks ago, he replied "My pen is tired" to my cousin. So my cousin was asking him: "Jun Cong, did your pen tell you that it is tired?" *Lol*

Shu Ying has an adorable side of her too. This was observed by my big aunt and when my mom told us. When Jun Cong snatched her doll and threw to the sofa, Shu Ying exclaimed "What do you mean?" in Mandarin. Pleasantly surprised by how meimei can say such a sentence at her age. Haha!! Guess this siblings will grow to be as outstanding as our Manager cousin, Guang Chao gege in the future.

01/01/2007
Went with mom to Changi Airport on Monday - the 1st day of the year. *So nice!!* Hmm.. Just a thought to head there to view planes, and that we have also shopped around.. It has been quite sometime since we last went. More food outlets opened too.. Even though we did not get to view much planes 'cos it was kind of blocked when we looked out the windows at the Viewing Mall, it was still an enjoyable trip. (Of course ya?.. Especially it was with mom!) Took a few pictures on the way with my hp and saw two air-stewardess from SIA and boarded the skytrain. It has been six years since our last trip to Bangkok & Pattaya. We have only been to Malaysia, Beijing and Thailand. Saw SQ 65 and SQ 811 departing to Bangkok and to Beijing at 16 30 and 16 50 respectively. Keke.. Made me reflected back on travelling with SIA - SQ 812, SQ 801 (to and from Beijing); SQ 66 and SQ 679 (to and from Bangkok) eight and six years ago. Hope to fulfill mom's wish of travelling to maybe Taiwan or Korea this year. Yeah!!

Double Rainbows on the West Side on 01/01/2007!

2007-01-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

02/01/2007; 20 43

Happy New Year to my friends. Hope you guys had a great time last weekend. =)

Wow.. Great to see Ah En jiejie in my Friendster list. She is my cousin, Geok En, who has brought so much honour to the family. Saw her twice in the Straits Times with the PM. So proud of Ah En jiejie! Looking at her primary photo - so innocent, so cute. Hee.. :)

Keke.. Saw the news on the "Double Rainbow" in the papers just now. Thanks to jiejie who told me that there was a rainbow opposite our house last evening. Managed to take three pictures from my hp at 6.40pm. Hmm.. The last time I saw a rainbow was the time I was in Malaysia. Like seeing rainbow - "Caihong" 'cos it makes me think of my name - Cailuan. Haha!! It is a nice feeling to see rainbow on the 1st day of the year. ^_^

Erm.. Hope the pictures have been well captured. This is the scenery outside my house. My close friend just stays at the opposite block. Keke.. For the 3rd shot, I actually tried to take it when the train passed by. Hee.. (",)

Cheers! (^_^)v
Cailuan

Bid 2006 Goodbye; Welcoming 2007 Soon!

2006-12-29T18:50:00.003-08:00

30/12/2006; 12.06

An advanced Happy New Year to all! :)

Yeah, I have found a template that I like for my blog. (Smething simple and light, which I really desire). Trying to link my friends and cousins' blogs to mine, but I have not went to figure out how this should be done.. Hehe..

Time flies.. Can't imagine yesterday has been the last working day for 2006. Many have been on leave and going on vacations, including my Manager and my cousin, who is now in Spain.. *How Nice*.. Keke..

Received two new year greetings from my seniors, Vijaya and Cindy. ^_^ Then I heard those staff from the CT-RCPT (Corp Tax- Rulings, Charities, Private Lotteries and Trust) branch wishing happy new year to one another. My workstation is near the RCPT side, really feel "wo1 xin1" listening to their well-wishes. Haha!! =) At IRAS, we actually have a spacious workstation with a high partition. Glad to have Yee Mien jiejie's company as she is sitting next to me, and the RCPT Manager who will bid me goodbye after work everyday. Hmm.. I think he is a good Manager who has won much respect from his subordinates. Sending/receiving my new year to each other too! ;)

Met my Manager from another team when I went to work - heading to Chinese Garden station yesterday. She told me that I could go ahead first. Feeling bad 'cos I did not wait for her, I dropped a short message and apology to her via email. She was so nice when she sent a positive reply and sent her well-wishes to my family and me for the new year. Keke.. I guess many of us were having the holiday mood.. Haha!! Managers', seniors' and my friends' emails have brightened up my day. =D

Overall, 2006 has been a relatively fruitful yet rewarding year for me. Erm.. Enjoyed work and studying; glad to keep in touch with my lecturers; friends and ex-colleagues; delighted to see that my relatives esp my grandmother in the pink of health; got to know new friends when a nice friend brought me to his campus at NUS; 1st time sitting at the staircase at the crowded Orchard eating ice-cream with my friend; 1st visit to Gleneages Hospital to see my teacher's new born baby girl; attended my cousin's wedding solemnization; brought an ideal N6280 hp with my gratuity and dad striked lottery 1st prize with my number after three weeks; winning a prize at my 1st attended D&D, 1st time going for an autograph session on Jun Yang, 1st trip to Batam etc. I believe all these will bring fond memories to me when I reflect back on 2006. :-)

Can't wait to see you tomorrow, Doris

2006-12-27T22:11:00.001-08:00

28/12/2006; 14.56

Hee... Glad my work is completing (should be able to finish up most of it by the end of today), and so I am using my "in-between time" whilst waiting for the page to get refreshed to write up this short post.

Yeah!! Gonna meet up with one of my close friends to VivoCity after work tomorrow with my friend/colleague tomorrow. Doris Chen, Chen Mingli and Chen Cailuan. (Btw, my family surname is "Tan"). Can't wait to see Doris tomorrow, since we last met after my exams few weeks ago. Really enjoy the emails sent/received to one another during work. Not only does these emails strengthen our friendship, they make me more relaxed at work; but I will only write when I am less busy. Of course, work is still my 1st priority.. Haha!! Have got my limits as I will not neglect my work by these conversations. ;)

A new Japanese restaurant, beside our cafeteria at level 2 has been opened in 06/12/2006. It is known as "Ri4 Ben3 Chun1" in Chinese - Similar to Sakae Sushi, where they have good sushi on the conveyor belt. Keke.. I am basically one who usually eat Chinese food (very traditional type), but I do like having that once in a while. =) I heard it has been advertised in the papers from my friend too!

I think it is because of the promotion period, 'cos it is $0.99 for any plate. Erm.. Really affordable. The ambience is nice and the service is good too. My friends out there, if you like, you can drop by Revenue House (55 Newton Rd) to try this out, ya? =P

Hope all of you take good care of yourself 'cos it has been a wet yet cold weather lately.

Cailuan is going to log off to continue her work now. =D

Goodbye, my friends... ^_^