Dear Charles
How is it there? It was a shock to all of us when we got the news that you had left us. We didn't really talk much, but I'll remember you for several things: that we played poker together, we did the business case competition and that you were always talking about tomorrow and getting a job and hoping for the best.
You would have turned a year older next week, and graduated in a month's time too. And for sure, I know you would have gotten the job that you were looking for. I wish I had gone to the Great Leap Brewery if anything, just to say hi one last time to you.
We're all very much in a state of shock now, but I guess life will go on, life HAS to go on. You will live in our memories as our class representative. And in mine as the guy who carried a Crumpler bag everywhere.
Where ever you are, I hope you are doing well. Flop your monster hands my friend and take it down.
Bye
ChampionFishball
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Things I learnt
Over the past two years, I did learn a quite a bit - though mainly non-academic, and some, perhaps not really meaningful. But as I sit here and reflect on what I did over the past 2 years, I thought I would jot some things down. As I am likely to leave Beijing, and China to pursue my career, I feel a tinge of sadness, after all, Beijing has been a very enjoyable place to stay.
1. Forget that you're a foreigner - A lot of foreigners come here with a mindset that they are foreign and thus, should be treated in a "special" manner by the locals, or sometimes, they think that they are superior to the Chinese as China is still very much a developing country. If anything, that mindset would prevent you from truly being able to assimilate and adapt to the culture. It can be as simple as trying new food, or making friends, where you expect people to say/act in a certain way. That doesn't really work - come here with no expectations of how people will treat you.
2. Carry a pack of tissue with you - you really never know when you will use this. I would go into details, but let's not get too graphic or disgusting.
3. Looks and money get the girls - if you're planning to get laid, and get laid a lot, you had better either have the cash to flash or have muscles. Do take time to spend in the gym and eat sensibly, of the people I've noticed, if you're of Chinese heritage and you're tall and have muscles, it is much much easier for you to get some. There are some things that you'll never be able to change (black/blond hair, blue/black eyes, etc) but you can change whether you're in shape or not. In fact, if you're a Causasian and you're in good shape, you'll get it on even more.
However, Chinese girls are not necessarily whores. They're not all willing to jump into bed with you. Do respect them, if you want a quick lay, look for one willing to give you a quick lay, if she's not interested, move on. Don't assume that she wants to get freaky with you just because.... (I think this is applicable anywhere in the world)
4. Make good local friends - get to know a local friend, at least one very well. He/She will give you an opportunity to really explore Beijing from their perspective. As I've said before, the foreigner's Beijing and the local's Beijing can differ vastly. Also, it's an excellent way to pick up the language, if you have language partners, try to avoid sleeping with them - that messes things up and skews the relationship.
5. There's only so much clubbing that you can do - your money is better spent on traveling around Beijing and the rest of China. If anything, at least hit the major cities (including the tourist places). After a while, stumbling back at 4am after two bottles of Grey Goose gets pretty boring.
6. Don't whine about China - if you're frustrated and you feel yourself beginning to hate China, go somewhere else. Don't stay in China and be frustrated and tell people you hate it but you don't want to leave, that just doesn't make sense. Yes, admittedly China can be frustrating, but be adaptable and move along with the program.
7. Get a smart phone - whether an iPhone or Android, get one, nothing less (I don't know about Windows Mobile though, but most applications here are for either of the former operating systems). They have them really cheap here (RMB1,000 for a Xiaomi) so pick one up if you don't have one. If you don't have a smart phone, you're going to miss out on a lot of opportunities to connect and communicate with people here.
MBA Program
Don't expect anything, don't expect anything out of the academics, and don't expect anything for your career. Do your research and build your own networks. People you meet will tend to assume two things about you;
1. That you can speak Chinese
2. That you understand how to business in China
And the only way you're going to be able to do both of that is to immerse yourself thoroughly in China and experience it and work hard.
-----
Sy & Technikore - Where were you
1. Forget that you're a foreigner - A lot of foreigners come here with a mindset that they are foreign and thus, should be treated in a "special" manner by the locals, or sometimes, they think that they are superior to the Chinese as China is still very much a developing country. If anything, that mindset would prevent you from truly being able to assimilate and adapt to the culture. It can be as simple as trying new food, or making friends, where you expect people to say/act in a certain way. That doesn't really work - come here with no expectations of how people will treat you.
2. Carry a pack of tissue with you - you really never know when you will use this. I would go into details, but let's not get too graphic or disgusting.
3. Looks and money get the girls - if you're planning to get laid, and get laid a lot, you had better either have the cash to flash or have muscles. Do take time to spend in the gym and eat sensibly, of the people I've noticed, if you're of Chinese heritage and you're tall and have muscles, it is much much easier for you to get some. There are some things that you'll never be able to change (black/blond hair, blue/black eyes, etc) but you can change whether you're in shape or not. In fact, if you're a Causasian and you're in good shape, you'll get it on even more.
However, Chinese girls are not necessarily whores. They're not all willing to jump into bed with you. Do respect them, if you want a quick lay, look for one willing to give you a quick lay, if she's not interested, move on. Don't assume that she wants to get freaky with you just because.... (I think this is applicable anywhere in the world)
4. Make good local friends - get to know a local friend, at least one very well. He/She will give you an opportunity to really explore Beijing from their perspective. As I've said before, the foreigner's Beijing and the local's Beijing can differ vastly. Also, it's an excellent way to pick up the language, if you have language partners, try to avoid sleeping with them - that messes things up and skews the relationship.
5. There's only so much clubbing that you can do - your money is better spent on traveling around Beijing and the rest of China. If anything, at least hit the major cities (including the tourist places). After a while, stumbling back at 4am after two bottles of Grey Goose gets pretty boring.
6. Don't whine about China - if you're frustrated and you feel yourself beginning to hate China, go somewhere else. Don't stay in China and be frustrated and tell people you hate it but you don't want to leave, that just doesn't make sense. Yes, admittedly China can be frustrating, but be adaptable and move along with the program.
7. Get a smart phone - whether an iPhone or Android, get one, nothing less (I don't know about Windows Mobile though, but most applications here are for either of the former operating systems). They have them really cheap here (RMB1,000 for a Xiaomi) so pick one up if you don't have one. If you don't have a smart phone, you're going to miss out on a lot of opportunities to connect and communicate with people here.
MBA Program
Don't expect anything, don't expect anything out of the academics, and don't expect anything for your career. Do your research and build your own networks. People you meet will tend to assume two things about you;
1. That you can speak Chinese
2. That you understand how to business in China
And the only way you're going to be able to do both of that is to immerse yourself thoroughly in China and experience it and work hard.
-----
Sy & Technikore - Where were you
Friday, February 10, 2012
Why?
Last week, a very good friend of mine told me that he's planning to propose to his girlfriend. This week, yet another friend told me that he's thinking of having a long term stable relationship.
Both at MBAs, both are successful, intelligent people. But yet, they see a need to allow their happiness to depend on a third party.
The usual romance stories go, boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy, they have a relationship, things go bad, they patch up. Get married, live happily ever after. Right? Unfortunately, it's not really like that in real life. They break up, or maybe get married and have a pretty good chance of getting divorced.
But my problem is not really about people getting divorced. It's about why people get into relationships. Relationships are fun, as long as they are short term - in the long term, they get dreary and boring (regardless of how kinky you make it, after a while, it's been there done that). I think can think of several reasons of why people get into relationships:-
i) They need a dependency for their happiness, a third party that makes them happy. This is akin to my drinking a bottle of whiskey every night so I can sleep happy, well knowing that there's a pretty decent chance I'll get liver cirrhosis.
ii) They're scared of dying alone. I've heard this reasons so many times - but don't they realize? When you die, you die alone. Your partner doesn't die with you, your children don't die with you, your dog doesn't die with you. You still die alone.
iii) They want companionship. That's what clubs are for, failing that, hire a girl for the night. Sounds pretty scandalous? Not really, it's just to fulfill a basic need. You want mental stimulation? Challenge yourself, start a company, read. Don't depend on somebody else to satisfy yourself in that sense.
But of course the question is why? What's so wrong about a relationship?
i) You lose your edge. People who enter into relationships, into marriage, "settle down". Doesn't that mean they're losing their edge? It affects their abilities to take risks (in most cases). Want to quit your job and start a company? Talk to your spouse. Want to move half way around the world for a career opportunity? Talk to your spouse. Want to eat KFC for dinner? Talk to your spouse. Your life is no longer about doing what you can do to achieve what you want, suddenly you have a 50kg (if she's light) weight attached to you, impairing you from making your own decisions.
ii) Sacrifice your success. Yes, we all know that a lot of CEOs are married, but don't we also know that a lot of successful people are divorced? And if you're female, how many successful females are there with children? Do you really just want to be a home maker? What happened to your dreams? Weren't you going to be great and achieve something, weren't you going to make a difference in the world? Chances are you'll have to put that on KIV if you're getting married, and maybe especially if you're having kids.
iii) Lose yourself, lose your identity. Who are you really? Once you're married, you're no longer going to be the person you are - you're going to be somebody's spouse. Unfortunately, your life is really about you, not about your parents, or your children or your spouse. It's all about you, that's why it's your life. Why make your life about somebody else when you haven't even fully achieved living your own life?
Live is about yourself and happiness. Happiness comes from within you, not from an external source. Just like internal motivation will pull you through, you cannot depend on an external motivation (like a partner) to really make you happy. If you're not happy from within, why would you be really happy just because you have a partner?
If you want to have a partner - do it like a hobby. Because you have spare time, because you're bored and because you have extra money. Don't do it because you need it to fulfill a need. Because that's just not sustainable.
-----
Sy & Al Storm feat. Meri Everitt - Lonely
And no, I don't get lonely because I choose not to let myself get lonely.
Both at MBAs, both are successful, intelligent people. But yet, they see a need to allow their happiness to depend on a third party.
The usual romance stories go, boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy, they have a relationship, things go bad, they patch up. Get married, live happily ever after. Right? Unfortunately, it's not really like that in real life. They break up, or maybe get married and have a pretty good chance of getting divorced.
But my problem is not really about people getting divorced. It's about why people get into relationships. Relationships are fun, as long as they are short term - in the long term, they get dreary and boring (regardless of how kinky you make it, after a while, it's been there done that). I think can think of several reasons of why people get into relationships:-
i) They need a dependency for their happiness, a third party that makes them happy. This is akin to my drinking a bottle of whiskey every night so I can sleep happy, well knowing that there's a pretty decent chance I'll get liver cirrhosis.
ii) They're scared of dying alone. I've heard this reasons so many times - but don't they realize? When you die, you die alone. Your partner doesn't die with you, your children don't die with you, your dog doesn't die with you. You still die alone.
iii) They want companionship. That's what clubs are for, failing that, hire a girl for the night. Sounds pretty scandalous? Not really, it's just to fulfill a basic need. You want mental stimulation? Challenge yourself, start a company, read. Don't depend on somebody else to satisfy yourself in that sense.
But of course the question is why? What's so wrong about a relationship?
i) You lose your edge. People who enter into relationships, into marriage, "settle down". Doesn't that mean they're losing their edge? It affects their abilities to take risks (in most cases). Want to quit your job and start a company? Talk to your spouse. Want to move half way around the world for a career opportunity? Talk to your spouse. Want to eat KFC for dinner? Talk to your spouse. Your life is no longer about doing what you can do to achieve what you want, suddenly you have a 50kg (if she's light) weight attached to you, impairing you from making your own decisions.
ii) Sacrifice your success. Yes, we all know that a lot of CEOs are married, but don't we also know that a lot of successful people are divorced? And if you're female, how many successful females are there with children? Do you really just want to be a home maker? What happened to your dreams? Weren't you going to be great and achieve something, weren't you going to make a difference in the world? Chances are you'll have to put that on KIV if you're getting married, and maybe especially if you're having kids.
iii) Lose yourself, lose your identity. Who are you really? Once you're married, you're no longer going to be the person you are - you're going to be somebody's spouse. Unfortunately, your life is really about you, not about your parents, or your children or your spouse. It's all about you, that's why it's your life. Why make your life about somebody else when you haven't even fully achieved living your own life?
Live is about yourself and happiness. Happiness comes from within you, not from an external source. Just like internal motivation will pull you through, you cannot depend on an external motivation (like a partner) to really make you happy. If you're not happy from within, why would you be really happy just because you have a partner?
If you want to have a partner - do it like a hobby. Because you have spare time, because you're bored and because you have extra money. Don't do it because you need it to fulfill a need. Because that's just not sustainable.
-----
Sy & Al Storm feat. Meri Everitt - Lonely
And no, I don't get lonely because I choose not to let myself get lonely.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Last few minutes
Time to go back to Beijing. About time too. See you soon.
---
Da Buzz - Let Me Love You Tonight (Noices remix)
---
Da Buzz - Let Me Love You Tonight (Noices remix)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Balling like a cog
What's an MBA internship like?
It really depends how you got the internship - did you get it through a connection or did you apply for it? But then again, how you got it doesn't translate into a good internship, although the chances are if you got it through a connection, it can be a pretty lousy experience - especially if the firm you're joining isn't used to taking MBA interns.
By and large, if you're in a structured environment, you'll probably learn a lot of new things, and have people treat you better. If you join a firm that doesn't usually take MBA interns, then you're probably just going to be a small intern cog that doesn't learn much, do much or talk much. Google chat and MSN are your best friends.
Since I did get the internship through a connection, let me run you through what I do.
7.15am Wake up
8.45am Get into office
9.00am Make coffee
9.15am Start up googlechat with my fellow cogs in other firms
10.30am Still on googlechat, and MSN now
11.30am Decide on what to have for lunch (usually nobody goes with me - maybe it's because I'm anti social
2.00pm Come back from lunch
2.15pm Back on googlechat
5.00pm Say goodbye to my cog friend that goes back early
5.30pm Go back home, or dally around the shopping complex waiting for dinner partners.
Midnight Head to bed
It can be a mind numbing experience, aside from Googlechat, you might want to look into books on Scribd.com, pretty decent selection there.
Sometimes, you get thrown a project, but usually you're thrown the project because nobody else wants to do it. In short, you're not important at all.
I hear if you join finance and consulting, the internship experience is much better - I think it's because those firms recruit MBAs, and have a structured internship in which they try to determine whether you're worth hiring. Also, they pay more, much more.
Of course, I have a baller cog friend who parties until 5am (you know who you are) and goes to work at 8.30. Pretty impressive, I wonder whether that friend actually was able to walk back home after work....
-----
Sometimes, when you tell me your stories, I cry a little inside for you.
-----
Fuquavision - Damn it Feels Good to be a Banker
Probably the oldest and still the best song about being a banker...
Tell me why you want to be a trader
I want to work at Goldman Sachs
So you want to go to business school
It really depends how you got the internship - did you get it through a connection or did you apply for it? But then again, how you got it doesn't translate into a good internship, although the chances are if you got it through a connection, it can be a pretty lousy experience - especially if the firm you're joining isn't used to taking MBA interns.
By and large, if you're in a structured environment, you'll probably learn a lot of new things, and have people treat you better. If you join a firm that doesn't usually take MBA interns, then you're probably just going to be a small intern cog that doesn't learn much, do much or talk much. Google chat and MSN are your best friends.
Since I did get the internship through a connection, let me run you through what I do.
7.15am Wake up
8.45am Get into office
9.00am Make coffee
9.15am Start up googlechat with my fellow cogs in other firms
10.30am Still on googlechat, and MSN now
11.30am Decide on what to have for lunch (usually nobody goes with me - maybe it's because I'm anti social
2.00pm Come back from lunch
2.15pm Back on googlechat
5.00pm Say goodbye to my cog friend that goes back early
5.30pm Go back home, or dally around the shopping complex waiting for dinner partners.
Midnight Head to bed
It can be a mind numbing experience, aside from Googlechat, you might want to look into books on Scribd.com, pretty decent selection there.
Sometimes, you get thrown a project, but usually you're thrown the project because nobody else wants to do it. In short, you're not important at all.
I hear if you join finance and consulting, the internship experience is much better - I think it's because those firms recruit MBAs, and have a structured internship in which they try to determine whether you're worth hiring. Also, they pay more, much more.
Of course, I have a baller cog friend who parties until 5am (you know who you are) and goes to work at 8.30. Pretty impressive, I wonder whether that friend actually was able to walk back home after work....
-----
Sometimes, when you tell me your stories, I cry a little inside for you.
-----
Fuquavision - Damn it Feels Good to be a Banker
Probably the oldest and still the best song about being a banker...
Tell me why you want to be a trader
I want to work at Goldman Sachs
So you want to go to business school
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Noisy Mouse
I guess I should have known that I would blog about you sooner or later. It was interesting how we met so randomly, and how you've affected me so much. What's more interesting is that you'll never ever read this - not now, not tomorrow, not ever. I hope that one day though, you will be able to understand what I write.
At this point in time, you want something else, you want what I can't provide. As much as I strive to accept that, I cannot feel but a pang in my heart to know that sooner or later we will drift apart as we have started to do so. You say you're busy with work, and I know that I'm no longer in Beijing now, but it's hard to feel assured when we're in such a complicated relationship. That when I know there is a long line of men waiting to win your hand.
I don't know what you want from me, maybe just a friendship. Then again, I don't know what I really want from you - except that I would like to be next to you, holding you tight.
Noisy Mouse. It was good while it lasted, you made me laugh, you opened my eyes - I can only miss you now. I hope that one day, we'll be able to understand each other, that perhaps, we might be at least, good friends, if not more than just friends.
I hope, that maybe one day, you will be able to read this, but I know you will never be able to read it.
晚安嘈老鼠，好梦，我想念你。。
----
Bang - Shooting Star (Storm & Euphony remix)
Like a shooting star, across the midnight sky
Gonna to fly, just to be with you tonight
I really need you here to hold
Keep me warm when nights are cold
I wish I had you here to keep
Left me cryin in my sleep
I dont care how far I take a plane tonight
Just tell me where you are and everythings gonna be alright
----
It's warm here, but so lonely. I wonder whether I'll see you again....
At this point in time, you want something else, you want what I can't provide. As much as I strive to accept that, I cannot feel but a pang in my heart to know that sooner or later we will drift apart as we have started to do so. You say you're busy with work, and I know that I'm no longer in Beijing now, but it's hard to feel assured when we're in such a complicated relationship. That when I know there is a long line of men waiting to win your hand.
I don't know what you want from me, maybe just a friendship. Then again, I don't know what I really want from you - except that I would like to be next to you, holding you tight.
Noisy Mouse. It was good while it lasted, you made me laugh, you opened my eyes - I can only miss you now. I hope that one day, we'll be able to understand each other, that perhaps, we might be at least, good friends, if not more than just friends.
I hope, that maybe one day, you will be able to read this, but I know you will never be able to read it.
晚安嘈老鼠，好梦，我想念你。。
----
Bang - Shooting Star (Storm & Euphony remix)
Like a shooting star, across the midnight sky
Gonna to fly, just to be with you tonight
I really need you here to hold
Keep me warm when nights are cold
I wish I had you here to keep
Left me cryin in my sleep
I dont care how far I take a plane tonight
Just tell me where you are and everythings gonna be alright
----
It's warm here, but so lonely. I wonder whether I'll see you again....
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Love, in China
Ever wondered what it's like to date a Chinese girl? Well, in general, Chinese girls are pretty intelligent, relatively pretty and know what they want.
What do they want? Simple.
1. A good life.
2. Money which gives a good life.
3. More money, because that doesn't hurt.
It would be unfair to say that all Chinese girls are just out to get money, but a good number of them, maybe in the high 80% or even low 90%s are looking to have a good life, which means having a good life. Having said that, I guess most girls when looking for a partner are looking for for somebody who can support them and afford them a comfortable life and lifestyle.
I think, given the environment that China is, where money trumps all, it's understandable that there's a certain mentality where money becomes a priority. But the question is, most Chinese girls want a life where they don't have to work for the money - where they are able to have a relaxed life while the husband brings home the bacon.
The usual equation that I've come across is,
Giving me stuff + Time + Potential career success = Love
If you're missing out on one of them, then it's not really love. It's a serious concern if you do not have a lot of money, or actually believe, in true love and an equal partnership. However, if you're able to dig down and bring in the money, then it's relatively easy to find love.
But what if they're correct? What if love and life is about money...
Relook part relationships and apply, what if you had a lot more money, would the relationship have failed?
-----
Nathelie & Technikal - Big Sky (Grammer remix)
What do they want? Simple.
1. A good life.
2. Money which gives a good life.
3. More money, because that doesn't hurt.
It would be unfair to say that all Chinese girls are just out to get money, but a good number of them, maybe in the high 80% or even low 90%s are looking to have a good life, which means having a good life. Having said that, I guess most girls when looking for a partner are looking for for somebody who can support them and afford them a comfortable life and lifestyle.
I think, given the environment that China is, where money trumps all, it's understandable that there's a certain mentality where money becomes a priority. But the question is, most Chinese girls want a life where they don't have to work for the money - where they are able to have a relaxed life while the husband brings home the bacon.
The usual equation that I've come across is,
Giving me stuff + Time + Potential career success = Love
If you're missing out on one of them, then it's not really love. It's a serious concern if you do not have a lot of money, or actually believe, in true love and an equal partnership. However, if you're able to dig down and bring in the money, then it's relatively easy to find love.
But what if they're correct? What if love and life is about money...
Relook part relationships and apply, what if you had a lot more money, would the relationship have failed?
-----
Nathelie & Technikal - Big Sky (Grammer remix)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What's life like?
Life is pretty simple in terms of what it's like. Assuming that we all die at about 70, we all have the same amount of chips. 70 years of life, or maybe, 52 (when you're 18) - 624 months - approx. 18 985 days of living.
Some of us start with good cards, holding Aces, maybe AceKing, maybe pairs. That's the luck factor that you have. Maybe you're smart, good looking, or maybe your family has money, etc.
Then you bet, maybe you bet a year at college, then another year or two. Sometimes, you drop out, sometimes you stay on and see if your bet works out.
The flop comes, you graduate - do you get a good job? Do you hit your set? maybe top pair? If yes, you might bet a little bit more, maybe 5 more years... if not, you fold and reshuffle again. Spend another year looking for that dream job. Maybe you do an MBA - if it doesn't pay off, then you fold.
Maybe the turn brings a love, or maybe a promotion. Bet a little bit more, a couple more years. You get married, you bet more. Sometimes you don't feel good about it, so you reshuffle and redeal again. If you feel good, you bet more.
The turn comes, so you've got the job, you've got the girl. She wants a divorce, you lose that pot. Time to reshuffle and start again.
But remember, you only have 70 years. Everytime you reshuffle, you lose those years. Everytime you bet into the pot, your stack goes down...
At some point, you hopefully make it big. But you don't get the pot back in years, you get it back in other ways... money, love, satisfaction, children. Some people don't make it big... they spend their life looking for something that doesn't pay off. Some get paid off in ways they could never imagine...
And all this time, your stack goes down.
-----
Sean Pollo & Peryton - Invade
Some of us start with good cards, holding Aces, maybe AceKing, maybe pairs. That's the luck factor that you have. Maybe you're smart, good looking, or maybe your family has money, etc.
Then you bet, maybe you bet a year at college, then another year or two. Sometimes, you drop out, sometimes you stay on and see if your bet works out.
The flop comes, you graduate - do you get a good job? Do you hit your set? maybe top pair? If yes, you might bet a little bit more, maybe 5 more years... if not, you fold and reshuffle again. Spend another year looking for that dream job. Maybe you do an MBA - if it doesn't pay off, then you fold.
Maybe the turn brings a love, or maybe a promotion. Bet a little bit more, a couple more years. You get married, you bet more. Sometimes you don't feel good about it, so you reshuffle and redeal again. If you feel good, you bet more.
The turn comes, so you've got the job, you've got the girl. She wants a divorce, you lose that pot. Time to reshuffle and start again.
But remember, you only have 70 years. Everytime you reshuffle, you lose those years. Everytime you bet into the pot, your stack goes down...
At some point, you hopefully make it big. But you don't get the pot back in years, you get it back in other ways... money, love, satisfaction, children. Some people don't make it big... they spend their life looking for something that doesn't pay off. Some get paid off in ways they could never imagine...
And all this time, your stack goes down.
-----
Sean Pollo & Peryton - Invade
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Down
Down on everything
But maybe a simpler life is the key....
Klubbdriver - Move Your Feet (Pulsedriver remix)
But maybe a simpler life is the key....
Klubbdriver - Move Your Feet (Pulsedriver remix)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Numa Numa
So yeah, it's 3.15am, the week is going well. What a difference a week makes sometimes, you can change your perspective and start looking differently at things.
Don't ask about the music choices I made tonight! :D
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (Chinese Hardcore Remix)
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (DJ Splash Trance Remix)
Don't ask about the music choices I made tonight! :D
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (Chinese Hardcore Remix)
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (DJ Splash Trance Remix)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Slow and steady... rush...
Something someone sent to me, I guess it's true, slow down and enjoy the moment...
-----
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids, on a merry go round?
Or listened to the rain, slapping on the ground?
Ever follow a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Do you go through each day, on the fly?
When you ask, "How are you", do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in bed
With the next hundred chores, running through your head?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow"
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time, to call and say "Hi"
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there
When you worry and hurry through your day
It's like an unopened gift.... thrown away
Life is not a race
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over....
----
DHT - Listen to Your Heart (Rob Mayth remix)
-----
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids, on a merry go round?
Or listened to the rain, slapping on the ground?
Ever follow a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Do you go through each day, on the fly?
When you ask, "How are you", do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in bed
With the next hundred chores, running through your head?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow"
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time, to call and say "Hi"
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there
When you worry and hurry through your day
It's like an unopened gift.... thrown away
Life is not a race
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over....
----
DHT - Listen to Your Heart (Rob Mayth remix)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Rock You Softly
I heard this song, and it reminded me of you. Time does fly, I wonder how you're doing tonight. It's getting cold here... sometimes, it gets lonely. Where ever you are, what ever you're doing, I hope you're having a good time and that you're well.
----
Hey Michelle, how's life, are you ok?
I wonder if you ever think of me....
It's been 9 years since that kiss,
I can't help but reminince
Hey Michelle do you remember?
You were my first and worst love...
And so it could only go right
But ain't that just the way you learn?
Hey Michelle, I just wanted to let you know...
Scott Brown - Rock You Softly
----
Hey Michelle, how's life, are you ok?
I wonder if you ever think of me....
It's been 9 years since that kiss,
I can't help but reminince
Hey Michelle do you remember?
You were my first and worst love...
And so it could only go right
But ain't that just the way you learn?
Hey Michelle, I just wanted to let you know...
Scott Brown - Rock You Softly
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
4 days more
It's been pretty hectic getting things together, bags packed and saying good-bye. At the moment, I've packed about 85% and am about 90% ready to go - all that's left is arranging for accommodation when I'm there.
I wonder what the future holds..
I wonder what the future holds..
Sunday, August 1, 2010
London is calling
London is really a lovely place. You don't get the feeling that it's going to be the next big thing, but you get the feeling that it's already there. It's no wonder that London is one of the top cities of the world.
Just as long as you don't convert the pound and don't have to pay for accomodation, it's very livable and enjoyable. Had a wonderful time here, met up with some contacts and friends, spent a night out with really interesting people who showed me what London was all about.
I didn't do the regular visits to Tate Museum, Kew Gardens or even Harrod's. I spent time around Picadilly circus and with my friends - I ended up walking around London at 2am looking for something to eat with my friends. Drinks at a pub are incredibly cheap, dollar for dollar. Taxi fare, is on the high side. If you're earning a decent living (maybe 80k - 90k), you could definitely enjoy London.
The most memorable time I had? Having lunch at le Renais de Venise, excellent steak, excellent chips, excellent dessert and most of all, excellent company that enjoyed the food with me! Would I stay here for 2 years? I would if I had the money and opportunity.
On another note, I realized that I don't think I could work for Goldman Sachs. One of my friends, had to head back to office at 2.30am to finish up more work on a Saturday night. Apparently, it's a normal occurences - as in, he's been doing it just about every weekend. 18 hours a day, or about 110 hours a week. The money is good, really good - but the hours and lifestyle, that's just hardcore.
3 more weeks to Beijing. I'm looking forward to that.
It's like a dream, no end and no beginning...
Bass D & King Matthew - Like a Dream (Darwin remix)
Just as long as you don't convert the pound and don't have to pay for accomodation, it's very livable and enjoyable. Had a wonderful time here, met up with some contacts and friends, spent a night out with really interesting people who showed me what London was all about.
I didn't do the regular visits to Tate Museum, Kew Gardens or even Harrod's. I spent time around Picadilly circus and with my friends - I ended up walking around London at 2am looking for something to eat with my friends. Drinks at a pub are incredibly cheap, dollar for dollar. Taxi fare, is on the high side. If you're earning a decent living (maybe 80k - 90k), you could definitely enjoy London.
The most memorable time I had? Having lunch at le Renais de Venise, excellent steak, excellent chips, excellent dessert and most of all, excellent company that enjoyed the food with me! Would I stay here for 2 years? I would if I had the money and opportunity.
On another note, I realized that I don't think I could work for Goldman Sachs. One of my friends, had to head back to office at 2.30am to finish up more work on a Saturday night. Apparently, it's a normal occurences - as in, he's been doing it just about every weekend. 18 hours a day, or about 110 hours a week. The money is good, really good - but the hours and lifestyle, that's just hardcore.
3 more weeks to Beijing. I'm looking forward to that.
It's like a dream, no end and no beginning...
Bass D & King Matthew - Like a Dream (Darwin remix)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Listen to your heart....
We've just finished talking.... it's going to come to an end... you know it.. and I do..
But let's just pretend.. for a little while longer....
I glanced at the window.. the sun is setting and the reflection on the building opposite makes everything look so lonely... the night has come.. and you've leaving...
----
I know there's something in the wake of your smile
I get a notion from the look in your eyes
You've built to love but that love falls apart
A little piece of heaven turns to dust
Listen to your heart, when he's calling for you
Listen to your heart, there's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going, and I don't know why
Listen to your heart, before you tell him good bye...
DHT - Listen to Your Heart (Rob Mayth remix)
But let's just pretend.. for a little while longer....
I glanced at the window.. the sun is setting and the reflection on the building opposite makes everything look so lonely... the night has come.. and you've leaving...
----
I know there's something in the wake of your smile
I get a notion from the look in your eyes
You've built to love but that love falls apart
A little piece of heaven turns to dust
Listen to your heart, when he's calling for you
Listen to your heart, there's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going, and I don't know why
Listen to your heart, before you tell him good bye...
DHT - Listen to Your Heart (Rob Mayth remix)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Another night
Just another night alone in the hotel room. The girls in Kiev are simply gorgeous. However, like any other place, they come with a price - here, love can be bought for USD250 - although I've been told by the business partner than you can negotitate it down to USD100. I haven't bothered to try.
Plenty of business opportunities here though - I think if you know the right kind of people, you could easily make a lot of money, and I mean a lot. It's cheaper than the USA, but more expensive than Asia - puts it into a nice little position.
Alcohol can be a bit pricy here - a bottle of Jack runs up to the low USD100. Food is pretty good, it's got a really rich flavor because of the ingredients - heavy cream and pork lard! Can't go wrong with that!
Tomorrow is a rest day because I'm waiting for some costings to come in from home base while the partners here prepare some information for me. I'll probably take a walk around town, it's very scenic and relaxing though. The sun sets at 9pm because it's summer and apparently it's pretty safe until midnight or so (better than expected). I'm out of money on PokerStars as I've happily donked it away on tournaments - hoping to get a reload tomorrow though....
Am charging the laptop before I head down to the bar - while it's full of lonely men looking for love, and women who are selling love, it beats sitting in the hotel room alone. At least I'll be able to sip a nice latte while watching yet another DVD. Didn't feel like hitting the clubs as I did that yesterday and will probably do it tomorrow - club music here is pretty enjoyable, less on the remixed pop and more on the dance/house/trance. Either that or they're playing remixed Ukrainian pop songs... which I can't differentiate from dance music. :)
P/s - it took 41 hours from home to the hotel room!
Plenty of business opportunities here though - I think if you know the right kind of people, you could easily make a lot of money, and I mean a lot. It's cheaper than the USA, but more expensive than Asia - puts it into a nice little position.
Alcohol can be a bit pricy here - a bottle of Jack runs up to the low USD100. Food is pretty good, it's got a really rich flavor because of the ingredients - heavy cream and pork lard! Can't go wrong with that!
Tomorrow is a rest day because I'm waiting for some costings to come in from home base while the partners here prepare some information for me. I'll probably take a walk around town, it's very scenic and relaxing though. The sun sets at 9pm because it's summer and apparently it's pretty safe until midnight or so (better than expected). I'm out of money on PokerStars as I've happily donked it away on tournaments - hoping to get a reload tomorrow though....
Am charging the laptop before I head down to the bar - while it's full of lonely men looking for love, and women who are selling love, it beats sitting in the hotel room alone. At least I'll be able to sip a nice latte while watching yet another DVD. Didn't feel like hitting the clubs as I did that yesterday and will probably do it tomorrow - club music here is pretty enjoyable, less on the remixed pop and more on the dance/house/trance. Either that or they're playing remixed Ukrainian pop songs... which I can't differentiate from dance music. :)
P/s - it took 41 hours from home to the hotel room!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said.. it would be this hard..
Oh take me back to the start...
Evil Activities - Nobody Said It Would Be Easy
---
Sitting here, sipping my coffee while waiting for the time to pass before I get on the plane again. Plenty of thoughts have passed through my mind - my fears of what happens after the MBA seem to feature prominently.
Truth be told, China is the wild wild east. A 100 years ago, the gold rush was in California, Alaska etc. Now, the gold rush is in Beijing and Shanghai. Once again, those with a dream of a better life pack their bags and head out to where the gold is.
But is it that easy? Probably not.
So, I'm just wondering what happens after the MBA. But for the time being, I'm going to try to sit back, relax and just enjoy the trip.
This time, I'm heading to the Ukraine... it should be a fairly interesting trip, however, the biggest hurdle I've got is language and a 12 hour transit at Heathrow. Yotel.com is fully booked up and I'm landing at 10pm. If I were landing at 10am, I would be pretty happy - a trip up to the city would be good, but I don't think there's much to do at 1am on a Tuesday night.
Oh take me back to the start...
Evil Activities - Nobody Said It Would Be Easy
---
Sitting here, sipping my coffee while waiting for the time to pass before I get on the plane again. Plenty of thoughts have passed through my mind - my fears of what happens after the MBA seem to feature prominently.
Truth be told, China is the wild wild east. A 100 years ago, the gold rush was in California, Alaska etc. Now, the gold rush is in Beijing and Shanghai. Once again, those with a dream of a better life pack their bags and head out to where the gold is.
But is it that easy? Probably not.
So, I'm just wondering what happens after the MBA. But for the time being, I'm going to try to sit back, relax and just enjoy the trip.
This time, I'm heading to the Ukraine... it should be a fairly interesting trip, however, the biggest hurdle I've got is language and a 12 hour transit at Heathrow. Yotel.com is fully booked up and I'm landing at 10pm. If I were landing at 10am, I would be pretty happy - a trip up to the city would be good, but I don't think there's much to do at 1am on a Tuesday night.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A New Chapter
It's come down to this, 5 more weeks before I head off to Tsinghua SEM for my MBA program.
3 years of applications to Top 10 business schools that results in countless waitlists - I was good, but missing the magic factor. No tears, I learnt a lot and met some wonderful people. Although, I would have done things differently if I were to relive the past 3 years again, it has been a good time.
What would I have done differently? I would have taken on a job that I love and excelled at it. Instead of putting my nose to the grind for a job I had little passion for - investment banking.
With regret and sadness, I resigned last Wednesday (14 july). I've had the pleasure of working with such energetic people in a role that allowed me to contribute where ever I could. Never did I imagine (as recently as a year ago) that working for a local manufacturing company would give me such satisfaction.
I don't know whether I'll be back, there are talks, but nobody can see 2 years in the future. Some say I'm silly to give up a job that sends me all over the world - maybe I am, but I know if I come back, I will have that option all over again. It's not so much the traveling that I will miss, but it's the people, the team work that I savor and will miss. I hope, that if I come back, things will be even better.
---
The house has been sold, another regret. I've lived there my whole life - I remember everything so clearly. The rooms, the laughter, Saturday cooking for lunch, the baking days... it's all so fresh in my mind. My old bed, the computer, the pets... but now, everybody has gone away and so will I. For the past several years, I stayed with the ghosts of the past in the house, maybe in some way, it's easier to sell the house and move onward to the future.
3 years of applications to Top 10 business schools that results in countless waitlists - I was good, but missing the magic factor. No tears, I learnt a lot and met some wonderful people. Although, I would have done things differently if I were to relive the past 3 years again, it has been a good time.
What would I have done differently? I would have taken on a job that I love and excelled at it. Instead of putting my nose to the grind for a job I had little passion for - investment banking.
With regret and sadness, I resigned last Wednesday (14 july). I've had the pleasure of working with such energetic people in a role that allowed me to contribute where ever I could. Never did I imagine (as recently as a year ago) that working for a local manufacturing company would give me such satisfaction.
I don't know whether I'll be back, there are talks, but nobody can see 2 years in the future. Some say I'm silly to give up a job that sends me all over the world - maybe I am, but I know if I come back, I will have that option all over again. It's not so much the traveling that I will miss, but it's the people, the team work that I savor and will miss. I hope, that if I come back, things will be even better.
---
The house has been sold, another regret. I've lived there my whole life - I remember everything so clearly. The rooms, the laughter, Saturday cooking for lunch, the baking days... it's all so fresh in my mind. My old bed, the computer, the pets... but now, everybody has gone away and so will I. For the past several years, I stayed with the ghosts of the past in the house, maybe in some way, it's easier to sell the house and move onward to the future.
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