Well nothing much as usual. Just work again and celebrated Eric's birthday yesterday. I thought I would be dreading the start of work but actually its been quite good so far.

My department has to handle alot of agreements and fee schedules because the product managers deal with the nitty gritties of each deal. So to be honest it's not easy and it's hard to deal with so many documents especially if you don't know the processes behind them.

I was super discouraged at the start because there's just so many things to handle at one go, and I didn't know how to deal with so much work. But you know after giving my best shot, coming in earlier and leaving later than most of the people on my floor, I feel like I've earned my spot on the team.

I really take pride in my work, and I think I'm doing a pretty good job at being efficient and meticulous now. I really enjoy the work because I know that my work facilitates the deals. I think alot of people would be like FUCK so much paperwork. But you can't really escape that when you work in a big organization.

I think now I just need to keep on keeping on and to build up my confidence and familiarity with the work. There are times I feel like "how the eff am I going to do all this today??" but then somehow it just works.

It feels very different now from when I first started at Citi. I used to just do my job and hope to be able to knock off at 6 sharp, but now I am proud of my work and I really feel like I am part of the team. One way to know that you are enjoying your work is that you feel energized even right after work, just like with my time at Tangs, and that's something I feel with my my work now.

That something that's really important to me because after work is where life begins, and if your work drains you out, then you don't get to enjoy the other things in life. I'm glad things have progressed naturally without forcing, and this makes me more confident about my career choices.

Went to see David Tao in concert last night. That was fun. My parents and their friends went to Uncle Kheng Long's birthday and apparently they hit it off well with David and so they got invited to his concert. The seats were great. Second row behind the David Tao Singapore fanclub. *fan girl scream*. Auntie Ting Ting brought us backstage and we got to see what it's like behind the scenes. It was a fun performance except it was weird seeing all these uncles and aunties who I've known since I was 0 dancing up and down. Uncle Leslie takes the cake with his florescent green Zegna jeans. Talk about putting on your party pants. Go uncle les haha.


In less exciting news I ran out of facewash so I decided to try the new loreal men expert range. I'm normally not inclined to bother with anything but the facewash but this time I got a toner and some anti-oil gel to see if they work. And after 2 days of trying them I have to say the stuff really works. And they're cheap. Visit www.lorealmen.com The stuff is great.

Tomorrow is the first day of work after a 2 week break. Shucks. I haven't had the time to just relax because of the poetry assignment, but I hope I will be able to catch up on rest eventually.

Uncle Norm says I might have to work in Toronto for Nov and Dec which may mean I can't follow Jase they all to the rockies shucks. See how it goes. It will be fun going when it's snowing, but I guess we'll have to see how templeton wants to fix the dates around. I am just super grateful to be going to Canada at this point. Everyone will be away and this will be my exchange.

The Warrior

My name is Warrior Kwok,
And I belong to School Bus B.
I come from the land of Holland Road,
And I bring great news with me.

Our people have chosen me to lead,
And we’ve planned some nasty things.
So listen carefully to my words
Before the recess bell rings.

My ancestors have taught me well,
I am training in the art of hiding,
I can evade my fate of detention or canning
That my form teacher is now deciding.

Her leader is fierce, he is formidable,
And he goes by the name of Lee.
He canes offenders by their bums
For all in school to see.

What warrior with any self-respect
Would do this dirty deed?
So I ask for your loyalty to the end.
With honor I will lead.

Ian Kwok

Been writing poetry like mad today. It's not easy trying to force 12 poems in one day but I have to submit them soon and they make up 50% of my grade. Alot of them are retarded or funny or wierd but none overly emo. Emo is abit 2006, and our prof hates the emos. I did this cock one based on the stories the prof told us about him and his wife arguing all the time. Here goes:


Wanton Mee

Our love,
Like a soggy wanton mee,
Maybe sitting out too long,
But it tastes alright to me.

Our love,
Like a Tiger Beer gone flat,
Maybe should have drank it earlier,
But where’s the fun in that?

Our love,
Like a chendol that has melted,
Maybe doesn’t look so nice.
But that’s the way nature intended.

Our love,
Like jackfruit overdue,
Maybe doesn’t smell too good,
But I don’t care if I’ve got you.

Just got back from supper. Haven't written anything much in awhile because there hasn't been much to write about. No work for 2 weeks while exams are on. No internship matters to be sorted out. No more ice cream shop to worry about since mom and bap are back. Just a little peace and alot of headache from exams.

Just want to thank all my friends for making my birthday special. You know this term has probably been the most testing term for me so I am very grateful for every single one of you. I always think I live a privileged life and its only because I got my family and every one of my friends. I think doing well in school or work probably doesn't mean anything if you haven't got the people you love around you and I definitely can't ask for anything more. Thanks Dave and Mike for your wishes and Mom and Bap for the headphones!

For those of you who've taken this crazy 3 year journey with me in school I thank you for your friendship. We see each other day in day out in the libs or along the corridor until xians2000 but you have no idea how much I appreciate your friendship. You know when we meet up and you tell me the exciting things you're doing over summer or the places you're going for exchange I get really excited. It makes me happy to know all of us are going places. So thanks for being onboard this rollercoaster we've been riding together.

I really love birthdays because its the best excuse to see all your friends (even in the middle of exams!) and that's way better than any present.

So thanks everyone. Good luck for exams! and pizza party / movie marathon after our papers confirm!