Looking forward....

to the hotel stay this coming Sat!! Weeee.....
I have booked a room at Studio M Hotel for Matt's birthday celebration!! =P
I love their loft design!! Hopefully it will not disappoint me!
http://www.millenniumhotels.com.sg/StudioMHotel/index.html

Next happy event to look forward....We are gg Bangkok in Feb 11!! Finally!! The company has freeze all leaves in Mar and Apr for our Mechant Bank License Project much to my dismay. So I better squeeze in a vacation before all the craziness starts!! Considering another trip to Taiwan in May since Matt has gotten a free air ticket and accomodation due to some sales target hit. Wonder if he can arrange to go with me instead with his colleagues...heeee..

At least now I have something to look forward in 2011!! =)
 

Convocation on Sat!!
And I forgot to send in the confirmation slip for collection of THE GOWN!!
I am way past the deadline, tmr is the last day of collection. Shit!
Hopefully they allow last min apptmt!! Need to call them urgently first thing in the morning!
*bang my head*

Okie okie..I got tempted...Thanks to my boss!!

I got over the Prada episode..She tempted me with a Longchamp episode when I have absolute no interest in buying!! I find it way too common, almost everyone is carrying it. Nothing fantastic abt it so not really worth spending S$200+ if I rem the SG retail price correctly. But I must admit it is great for casual and travelling use.

My boss whatsapp me:
"Very popular here! (France)..those who have no intention to buy are influenced to buy coz it is so much cheaper here!!"

In the end, I succumbed to temptation, bought a medium short handle for myself and a medium long handle for my mum! Eur130 for 2 before net of tax!! She was so happy when I asked her to pick a colour for her bag! haaaaaaa...I guess seeing her excitement made it more worth it.

Next time when I go Europe for holiday, I will certainly whack their bags. =P

Matt's bday is coming up!! The hotel is booked!! Woohoo..looking forward to our staycation next month!! =)

My boss whatsapp me from France...

Eur 795 net of tax 12% = Eur 700 (less than S$1.3k) *gasps*
Retail price in SG abt S$1,960.... *tahan gal tahan!! Fight the temptation!!*

*Chanting: not worth it..not worth it.. not worth it..*

After a few days of struggling....

I have decided not to buy the Prada bag becoz it is not worth spending a thousand over for a nylon bag.
Though I am so in LOVE with it, it is a classic design and I can use it for the longest time without worrying it being outdated! However I read in the forum that becoz of our humid weather, the glue and stitches wear off easily. =( Leather for the same design costs 3k over...*gasps* I shall resist the temptations and save the $ for my holiday. =P

MAS has granted our merchant bank licence. We will be starting the new biz in Apr 11. I really need to go for a nice holiday break before any madness starts. So I shall start planning one soon. Hmmm...where shall I go??

ZW has approached me to do freelance accounting for his new company. I have been wanting to do this but no lobangs and no experience as well. Opportunity comes knocking! Great! It's good to start learning from a new start up to gain some experience. In case one day the need arises for me to stay home looking after my kids, I can still work from home and earning some income! At least I don't have to depend totally on my hubby! Cheers to independence!! Jiayou Jiayou!!

OMG!! The itch is here....

I am hungry for a PRADA BAG!! And my boss is going to Europe tmr!
Exch rate is so low now...so should I or should I not???!!
But my birthday is not coming yet.....=(
Can I buy my birthday present in advance??!! heeeeeeeee =P
Which one should I buy??? Dilemma!!! Hopefully it is within my budget!!

My Trades

I had been dilligently paper trading every now and then if I could reach home early after work which meant all the way from opening bell at 9.30pm till I was too sleepy to continue monitor the US market. So far results had been satisfying! =)

Finally opened my POEMS and CDP account. Now I can trade SG mkt! Recently Me and Matt applied for MIT IPO but did not get alloted. =( Missed out on a small profit!! arrgghh... MIT was way too popular abt 38 times oversubscribed!!! We missed out on GLP IPO as well! Both made a Big WooHa in the news due to our rich government's backing!! haaa.

Anyway been eyeing a particular stock recently..done my technical analysis and check on the fundamentals as well. Seems like a good buy! Will continue to monitor till its earning release before deciding if I will make my very FIRST real trade debut!

Is this what I really want??

Often we get so caught up with everyday living and work, we tend to lose ourselves, lose sight of things that are important. I always end up working harder for others rather than for myself and doing things what others expect of me instead of what I really want. At the end of day, I got myself so tired and often ask "Is this what I want??"

It's good that occasionally I came across meaningful articles which helps to reignite that inner desire to be out of the rat race and and got me thinking what I should really do about it.

Here's something to share....

Extracts from TODAY 21 Oct 10

Australian singer/songwriter Bronnie Ware, who also worked in palliative care, wrote about five themes that surface whenever she asked her patients about their regrets in life. These are what they said:

:: I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

:: I wish I didn’t work so hard. (Many of Bronnie’s patients said they missed their children’s youth and the companionship of their partners because they had spent so much of their time on work.)

:: I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.

:: I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

:: I wish I had let myself be happier.


Social pressure and the fear of change can cause many of us to hide our true selves in order to fit in. Many of us need to learn how to really let go – to laugh loudly, act silly, express ourselves openly and free ourselves from our inhibitions.

I end with a quote from Bronnie. She said: “Life is a choice. It is your life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.”

I cannot agree with her more!

I am safe for now..phew! Review to be done 6 mths later...
I promise I will be a good girl...pls don't take me away okie.. =(

My uncle passed away on mon night....
Looking at his lifeless body at the hospital made me reflect if I have done enough for my parents, if I have shown them enough concern.....

At their age, they shouldn't be still slogging to support the family....it hurts me...
I am sorry Dad and Mum that I don't have the ability yet to let the both of you retire comfortably, but trust me I have been working hard to achieve it...However I am so afraid that both of you will be gone when that day comes...I pray that you will be healthy so that I can let you have a good life..

Recently I discovered unusual pain and discomfort, got it checked and results out later...praying hard that everything will be fine.

I don't want to be gone so soon...I don't want my loved ones to be sad...I have lotsa things yet to be fulfilled...I want to give my parents a good life...I want to travel the world...I want to grow old with Matt..I want to see my children....

My Trades

Entry on 24 Aug Tues:
Bot SQM Oct 40 Call @ 3.90, Sold @ 4.10 on Day 3
Profit = $20

Entry on 25 Aug Wed:
Bot HNZ Oct 47 Call @ 0.70, Sold @ 0.95 on Day 2
Profit = $25

I did not reach the target profit nor target price for the above trades, decided not to be greedy and so I sold them as my profits looked compromising. Resulted in small profit which is better than loss. =)

Summary for 2010:
Winning rate = 4/4

The feeling of having my own place is coming more and more real...
Just last week, we drove past fernvale and saw that they had started construction works on that plot of land.
Suddenly it just hit me..."Hey I soon own one of the units here living together with my SO!!"

I can't really explain how it feels like...it feels something like...I am no longer a kid anymore..I am a grown up adult..I am 28 and yet I feel like I am still a little girl who wants to be forever a little girl...Am I talking sense??!! In a few years time, I am gonna be a little girl taking care of her own little kids...OMG!! Is this some kind of pre-marriage symptoms?? Complicated...A moment of sweetness and blissfulness... A moment of panic and nervousness...Helpppppp!!

He said.....

"I will work very hard so that you won't need to work so hard. I promised....."

"Cos I know you are tired..and I wana make sure you are comfortable..don't want you to be stress and tired..."

These words really touched me...

Updates...

So busy after my birthday break that I can't find time to blog about my staycation or upload any photos.
It was fantastic and fun at USS and Sentosa. I really enjoy myself and appreciate the sweet gesture by Matt for organising it. However I was called back to work the very next day when I am supposed to be on leave, somehow it really spoiled my birthday mood when I saw the sms from my boss. Haiz...
Hopefully I can find some time to upload the photos and blog about it....

Later meeting Alice and friends for my belated birthday celebration. =)
Cheer up gal!!! *Pat on own shoulder*

My Trades

Entry on 19 May Wed:

Bot NTAP Jun 34 Call @ 1.60, sold @ 2.80 on Post Earnings Day.
Profit = $120!

Was losing money throughout the 5 days and Earnings Day.
Kept checking on news. Good news so decided to keep the position for earnings results AMC. The price spiked with good earnings result.

Very happy though it is only paper profit..
Lesson learnt: It is important to keep checking on news for decision making, whether to cut loss immediately or keeping the position.

Summary for 2010:
Winning rate = 2/2

My Upcoming Birthday Celebration! =)

Plan to Phuket is cancelled so we execute Plan B! Staycation at Sentosa 20th to 21st May!! =)

So far in our itinerary
:: A trip to Universal Studio
:: A romantic night stay at Silosa Beach Resorts

The hotels/resorts at Sentosa are so damn ex!! Especially those at RWS!! At least $300/night!! (-_-")
Finally we settled on Silosa Beach Resorts which is the cheapest amongst them but it still cost a damn $200 per night!! (Weekday and Promo Rate somemore!) We can make use of the $100 saved for a good meal which is more worth it.

I know now Matt is very tight on his cashflow and yet he is planning all this to make me happy! I really appreciate it so much! His thoughtfulness is worth so much more than an expensive gift!! <3

Counting down.....Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Becoming a millionaire at age of 45 is not a dream

Read an interesting article on the above topic on MyPaper.

The writer achieved his first million at age of 39 and he shared with us a few of his secrets which I think that it's more realistic for most of "commoners" like us. Rather than like Adam Khoo and Merry Riana, who are the fews who achieved theirs at 26!! They are those whom I called extraordinary ones who possess great business minds and determination... =)

His secrets:
:: Saving 20% of your income.
:: Buy your house according to what you can afford. It should not exceed 35% of your income. Don't monkey see monkey do. People buy condo, you also buy condo knowing that paying the instalment is killing you.
:: Remember to have at least 6 mths expenses worth of emergency fund in cash.
:: Don't be blinded by materialism and luxury desire.
:: Lastly and most importantly, know how to invest your money. Let your money grow money. =)


I don't have that great hopes to achieve millions...haaa but it doesn't hurt to dream about it since it's FREE..but I do believe strongly in financial planning as I don't want to slog for rest of my life.

Imagine this...
One day I will get old and become expensive for employers to hire. There are many young graduates out there thirsty for knowledge and money, waiting to replace you at a cheaper price. And me, I have my old parents and children waiting for me and my husband to feed them. No matter what happened, I have to bear with all "sufferings" at work as I need the job and I know that at a middle age, either you are overexperienced and expensive to hire or you are not able to accept a much lower pay. Though you have the experience and have worked for the same company for over 20+ years, but c'mon nobody is indispensable!! When the economy is down, perhaps you be the first in the "to be retrenched" list. I may sound persimistic here. But it's a very common situation now, you can't say it is not going to happen to yourself.

Well something to ponder...at least worry now than worry when it happens one day.

Looking forward to a BREAK for my birthday!! =)

I took the whole week off on my birthday week...partly due to I have to do revision for my paper in June..but MOSTLY due to it's my birthday!! And we planning to do something!! Weeeee
No concrete plans yet though. Bangkok is OUT.. =( the situation is so baaadddd... I guess I have to hold back till 2nd half of the year. So now we are hovering between a staycation or a short vacation to...

* Universal Studio and a night stay at the one of the hotels in Sentosa, or
* Bali

I don't know if the plan will materalise as judging Matt current situation and being a thoughtful gf, I don't want him to spend too much.

But I want very much a Birthday Break...

My Trades

I decided to post all my trades in my blog in order to keep track of my progress, also to serve as a reminder that I have to keep practising.

Entry on 20 Apr Thurs:
Bot AFL Jun 55 call @ 2.05, Sold @ 2.13 on Day 2
Profit=$13

Summary for Q2:
Winning Rate: 1/1

Not bad for my first 5DPEG Paper Trade.

After 6 months of looking for jobs, attending interviews again and again, getting no responses from the companies...Matt gets really disheartened and demoralised. This is probably the first time I am seeing his frail side. It can really crash one's confidence. It pains me too..

No choice but he has to go with Plan B. Decided that he can't go on forever like this without income, it is draining his savings, pushing back our wedding plans and feeling bad towards me that he has no plans for us yet at this moment until when he has a stable income.

He is now a financial advisor with Advisor's Clique under Great Eastern. He is trying very hard to learn and overcome the obstacles of approaching people. He told me it is really tough, especially for someone like him with no sales experience and can't do sales talk. Poor Dear.... =( He says he just have keep pushing himself and possessing a positive attitude. Jiayou Jiayou my dear!!!!

********************************************************************************

Dear Friends,

If you or any of your close ones/friends need any advices with regards to any insurance for your needs, or even just requiring someone to review your current policies. Pls feel free to approach me!! Appreciate your support!! Thanks!! =)

Merry Riana

Merry Riana first caught my eye as one of the contestants in MyPaper Executive Look 2010. She has this really sweet and pleasant look in the photo published in the MyPaper that I never fail to read every morning. Then what really caught my attention was her accomplishments at such a young age, she is only 2 years older than me and yet she has achieved her 1st million by age 26!! Nope she doesn't come from a rich background, she achieved this purely through her hardwork. Her success is truly inspiring. Kudos to this lady.

I always have this GOAL of achieving Financial Freedom in mind, wanting to give myself and family a good life is the reason behind to motivate myself. However actions taken to achieve it is minimal. I have been working hard and saving to build my capital and looking out for ways to invest it. No way am I keeping it with the banks for pathetic interests and for the inflation to erode the value of my hard earned. I have to stop my laziness and procastination, else my GOAL is drifting further and further away......

Jiayou Jiayou Jiayou.....

My Parcel is HERE!! Wooohoooo...

I made a BIG BLUNDER!!!

Yes!! a BIG one! I ordered the wrong size of my KS bag!! Great!! What a stupid mistake that cost me USD 35 to return it back. Haaa...Oh well I learned my lesson. I wanted to place an order for the correct one, but it was not on the website anymore. =( Picked another one. Heee... I shld have verified the size again in the store. Blame myself for my assumption. =P

I received flowers today from Matt for Yuan Xiao Jie aka Chinese Valentine's Day which falls on Sunday!! Happy Happy!! Never expect it since this year Vday falls on CNY!! <3

I didn't make it again.. =(
Feeling very depressed earlier.. cried a little and wondered what went wrong?
Have I not study enough? or where did I apply wrongly?.. Just so angry with myself.
Bad thing abt it.. we are not given back our paper and so unable to tell where we have done wrong. Sigh.
I tell myself I can only be depressed today, after today I got to regain my form, try again and never give up.
Matt said not passing the paper will not impact me greatly..perhaps it will delay my promotion if there is and wasting my time and money again...Just have to work harder and one day I will make it! I still have my job, monthly income and life goes on... =) Buck up, buck up!! *knock my own head*

On a happier note, I bought a gift for my upcoming 28th birthday. =)
A Kate Spade Bag as promised, US is having sale now. KS usually have great discount during their sales so I seize the opport, bought it online thru Borderlinx and by just a click, my order is placed. =P Waiting for my item to be shipped. Hoping that the total damage plus shipping is within my budget. That somehow made my day a little. I actually wanted to give up buying it since I did not do well for my paper and save that few hundred. But thinking that I have always been very disciplined with my own expense and contributing to the household, I shouldn't be so hard on myself coz it serves as a reward for my hard work in the past year....
And there it goes..... now I will religiously check the status of the shipment everyday. =P

Friday went over to Alvin's house for CNY gathering, rarely all 6 couples were present. Great time with them. The usual steamboat, card games, drinks, and majong session. Had fun! =) We left at 4.30am, a record that I managed to stay awake. =P
And yesterday it's Alice's house for CNY, and the usual eat, games and make merry. Really enjoy such gathering. =)

Updates:
Our 4 rooms are all taken up!! =)
With 3 units left for 5 rooms and on-going selection process for 3 rooms, it seems that our flats are set to be constructed! Yeah!! Looking forward to my new home in 4 years time.

Visited Ann's new house in AMK last Friday. Me and Matt got alot of reno tips from her and Benson, not only from them but also from friends who got their new house. I believe more tips are coming up over the years. =) Feeling excited about it!! Hopefully HDB will take less than 4 yrs to construct.

More good news!! I have gotten my bonus and increment letter!! Weeeee... was pretty satisfied about it given the current economy conditions. After setting aside amount for savings, parents, insurance...I still have a good amount to reward myself!! =) Time to eye another ahem *cough*.....Birthday Present = BAG for myself. heeeee..I am eyeing a Kate Spade!! LV speedy is also in my consideration list but I have gotten 2 LVs for the last 2 birthdays..time for a change...

Presenting......

The Proud Owner of Unit #21-XXX!!! if nothing goes wrong.... =P

Now hoping that the take up rate will be good, so HDB will proceed with the construction. And hopefully our HDB loan will be approved as well. We will be notified within 4 months time and to be invited down again to sign the Agreement for lease plus paying the downpayment. *pray hard*

Things took a change late last night when we drove down to the site to explore the environment so to confirm our unit selection!! A very quiet and peaceful environment plus the wind is good, perhaps due to the area is still developing and kinda empty. We discovered a 24 hrs small NTUC nearby just opened few days back and a 24 hrs coffeeshop! Perfect!! We went up to the block opposite the unit that we select, and discovered that there is actually a door leading to every staircase which is uncommon in mature estates. The moment we opened it, a unit was just right beside the door...hmmmmm...this is a huge discovery which make us rethink our decision as the unit we want is the last unit leading to the staircase and thinking that it will have no door but an open space. We studied the floor plan again, which seemed to have the similar layout. Matt felt very uncomfortable thinking that bad guy might hide behind the exit door, and who knows he might dash into our house when we open it. To play safe we chose the last 2nd unit which will give us time to react if such things happen. Glad we make that trip! =)

Now guess we have to wait for good news again!
   

Met up with my beloved ex colleagues on friday!! It's been more than half a year since the full attendance of the whole team. As usual we are full of laughter and fun!!! I LOVE THEM TO BITS!! They are such wonderful workmates that I look forward to work back then. No politics at all, just TEAMWORK!! We help one another, regardless of whether it is within our scope. If not for the management change, I would have stay on though they pay peanuts!! =P Hope to meet them up soon!!

Tmr I am on leave for the most important appointment!! My flat selection!! Weeee.... been checking up the HDB website everyday to make sure our preferred units are not selected. =P High chance!! They are still available! PERRRRFFFFEEECCCTTT. Considering myself lucky!! Everything was smooth for first timer like us!! =) A great start! Gotta work harder and save more $$ for our renovation as we roughly have some idea of what theme we want. Now our source of inspiration is Bai Jia Le. After each episode, we will discuss our opinions on the decor and design. I love BRYAN so much. He is really so talented!!

*Pat own shoulder* Jiayou Yan!!

I got my appointment date!! Weeeeeee!!

Finally after waiting for so long, we got the LETTER!! =)
Don't know why but i feel very excited and nervous...maybe because it's a BIG committment I guess.
Hope I can get my desired unit!! *cross finger* And it will become our perfect 4th anniversary gift! =)