Has been three days since we returned to London. Xueyan is soundly asleep in her room while I am typing away and surfing the net. Yes, still suffering from jetlag. Was up at 5am yesterday and today I woke up before 7am. I thought going to sleep late i.e. 11+ would help me but I am still waking up so early!
The weather has been extremely cold and windy since we returned. Hengyi, my colleague, told me it has always been like that. Looks like we have gotten used to Singapore's hot and humid weather!
One bad news for Xueyan though. She brought loads of DVDs back from Singapore this time round BUT, given we lost our DVD remote control, the dialogues are in Cantonese which we can't really understand. So had to resort to watching I Am Not Stupid Too last night (we saw Esther!). Must hunt for a cheap DVD player now.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Back in London
Finally after 14 hours in the air and catching up on some rare flight sleep (and in the process, missed some nice movies), we are finally back in London.
No sooner have we arrived back @ Boardwalk Place, Miss Wee engaged in her favourite hobby - all hidden under the blanket and pillows! Another hour before the work day starts, time to do some unpacking.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
One more day... but not without meeting a close brother...
All good things must come to an end, never mind even if it's expected. This CNY trip has been particularly rewarding as I managed to catch up with close relatives and friends that I have not met for a long time. And rewarding for the local retail outlets as well as we must have spent a few S$k here.
Met Weifu and Merlin for lunch at Ivin's today. Jeiel (as everyone has already said) is really cute (handsome), very quiet (steady) and obedient (no crybaby). I can only wish that my kids (note the emphasis on the "s") will turn out to be like him. Weifu and Merlin shared that they have been praying for the unborn Jeiel at the start of the pregnancy and it's truly amazing to see how God works in the life of this baby boy. I then had the chance to meet up with Pastor Roland and Chun Mei and blimey, have they not looked a day older. Pastor Roland is indeed the "lao hero"! Roland and Chun Mei, along with Andy, have been instrumental in bringing me back to church. Seeing them and sharing with them about my time in London and various prayer needs reminded me of the good old days in CFCC. Weifu topped it by praying for me just before I left them.
For many of us who know Weifu/Merlin at the onset of their courtship, to their wedding (I was the driver!) and now seeing them as proud parents of a healthy boy, we can only give thanks to God for the many amazing things that happened and will happen in their lives. Their lives have impacted me and I am sure many can testify how their's have impacted the many.
It's 23 hours to departure and how fast the 14 nights have gone. Will really miss seeing my parents and sister and my relatives. I have never missed my parents so much and this time away has actually brought me closer to them and wanting the best for them. Xueyan no doubt will feel the same with her family. Hearing my mum say "it's good for your career to stay in London for a few more years" is especially touching since my sister shared that my mum misses me a lot while I was away. Putting my career above her personal feelings. Indeed the best mother in the world and I will not exchange this mother-son relationship for anything.
Will not be blogging until I reach London as I intend to share more time with my family. The next few months will pass by very fast and, God-willing, we will be back before the next CNY!
Friday, February 23, 2007
I went, hoping for a chance to talk...
... but, as the wise man says, opportunity doesn't come by twice.
Surprise them!
I was looking at Eliza's blog when I chanced upon http://jonoandsandra.multiply.com/, Jono and Sandra's blog. Interesting read! This further proves that blogs are not just for "kids". Sandra also has her own food blog (http://gagamama.multiply.com/).
Go, leave your mark and surprise them!
Go, leave your mark and surprise them!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Counting down the days...
It has been more than a week since we returned to Singapore. I remembered counting down the number of nights I will get to sleep on my comfortable Four Stars bed when I was back in Singapore last Oct. And as of tonight, it's five. A sad, miserable five.
This trip has been a different experience to the last as it's 1) longer 2) CNY and 3) not being away for a long time (only 4 months since we last returned). Other than seeing relatives and collecting ang pows, time was spent catching up with childhood friends (i.e more than 10 years which implies I am either old or we have known one another for a long time.
Interestingly, the topic has now shifted to buying/renovating a flat as compared to which football player is better, location and housing loan amount as compared to the latest movie. I have a group of close mates from VS/VJC (about 12-13) and half are already married with 2-3 more getting married in the next one year. Guess time is calling on us and I can't help but feel my singlehood is entering the sunset industry stage.
The next few days look busy as I look forward to catching up with former KPMG colleagues (can't wait to catch up with Shoops/Peter/PP/Serene/Winston/Amy etc). I know the 5 nights are going to go by like a breeze. I am already planning our next trip back in the second half of 2007. Looks like Andy's marriage in early October provides a good excuse!
This trip has been a different experience to the last as it's 1) longer 2) CNY and 3) not being away for a long time (only 4 months since we last returned). Other than seeing relatives and collecting ang pows, time was spent catching up with childhood friends (i.e more than 10 years which implies I am either old or we have known one another for a long time.
Interestingly, the topic has now shifted to buying/renovating a flat as compared to which football player is better, location and housing loan amount as compared to the latest movie. I have a group of close mates from VS/VJC (about 12-13) and half are already married with 2-3 more getting married in the next one year. Guess time is calling on us and I can't help but feel my singlehood is entering the sunset industry stage.
The next few days look busy as I look forward to catching up with former KPMG colleagues (can't wait to catch up with Shoops/Peter/PP/Serene/Winston/Amy etc). I know the 5 nights are going to go by like a breeze. I am already planning our next trip back in the second half of 2007. Looks like Andy's marriage in early October provides a good excuse!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
It did snow!
Amazing and this time worse than the snowing 2 weeks back. A mate's flight from Stansted to Rome got cancelled. Enjoy the pictures. Freezing!
The marina outside our estate
At the carpark
Xueyan outside our apartment
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Will we see snow tomorrow?
For most who have seen snowfall before, this is hardly exciting. Then again, London hardly experienced snow and it is actually quite thrilling to see that on way to work. It's close to freezing temperature today and the forecast is -2 degrees tomorrow.
Since I am not going to work until 10am, guess I will open up the curtain, make myself a hot cup of milo and enjoy the falling flakes.
England braced for heavy snowfall
Snow fell across the South East, including Brighton, during January. England is bracing itself for wintry weather with a blanket of snow forecast to fall across much of the country.
The North East experienced light snowfall on Wednesday morning, but up to 6ins (15cm) of snow was expected to fall later in a number of regions.
The worst-hit areas are expected to be hilly parts of the Midlands, such as the Cotswolds, with East Anglia and the south of England also expecting snow.
The Highways Agency said it had 400 salt-spreading vehicles on standby.
It said England's motorways and major A-roads would be treated with salt before the snow arrived, while work to treat and clear the roads would continue throughout the cold snap.
Racing off
Early snow in the North East was worst in coastal areas, with a light coating in Newcastle.
Horse racing meetings at Carlisle and Ludlow were called off because of frost.
Bob Davies, clerk of the course at Ludlow, said: "It went down to -10C (14F) and we have got frost an inch-and-a-half (3.8cm) into the ground."
The Met Office issued a warning of heavy snow spreading north east across England on Wednesday night, extending across the Midlands, London, the South East and East Anglia during Thursday morning.
Driving warning
While people in the Midlands were warned to expect up to 6ins (15cm) of snow, the Met Office said London and the South East could see up to 2ins (5cm) by Thursday morning's rush hour.
The Highways Agency has warned against driving in the snow unless a journey is essential and urged drivers to listen to travel bulletins while on the road and make sure they are prepared with items such as warm clothes, food, water, boots, de-icer, a torch and a spade.
Network Rail said railway lines in Kent and Sussex were most vulnerable to snow and ice because they take their power from the rails rather than overhead lines.
The South East and parts of northern and eastern England were hit by snow in mid-January.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes has offered odds of 6/1 that snow will fall in London on Valentine's Day - next Wednesday.
BBC
Since I am not going to work until 10am, guess I will open up the curtain, make myself a hot cup of milo and enjoy the falling flakes.
England braced for heavy snowfall
Snow fell across the South East, including Brighton, during January. England is bracing itself for wintry weather with a blanket of snow forecast to fall across much of the country.
The North East experienced light snowfall on Wednesday morning, but up to 6ins (15cm) of snow was expected to fall later in a number of regions.
The worst-hit areas are expected to be hilly parts of the Midlands, such as the Cotswolds, with East Anglia and the south of England also expecting snow.
The Highways Agency said it had 400 salt-spreading vehicles on standby.
It said England's motorways and major A-roads would be treated with salt before the snow arrived, while work to treat and clear the roads would continue throughout the cold snap.
Racing off
Early snow in the North East was worst in coastal areas, with a light coating in Newcastle.
Horse racing meetings at Carlisle and Ludlow were called off because of frost.
Bob Davies, clerk of the course at Ludlow, said: "It went down to -10C (14F) and we have got frost an inch-and-a-half (3.8cm) into the ground."
The Met Office issued a warning of heavy snow spreading north east across England on Wednesday night, extending across the Midlands, London, the South East and East Anglia during Thursday morning.
Driving warning
While people in the Midlands were warned to expect up to 6ins (15cm) of snow, the Met Office said London and the South East could see up to 2ins (5cm) by Thursday morning's rush hour.
The Highways Agency has warned against driving in the snow unless a journey is essential and urged drivers to listen to travel bulletins while on the road and make sure they are prepared with items such as warm clothes, food, water, boots, de-icer, a torch and a spade.
Network Rail said railway lines in Kent and Sussex were most vulnerable to snow and ice because they take their power from the rails rather than overhead lines.
The South East and parts of northern and eastern England were hit by snow in mid-January.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes has offered odds of 6/1 that snow will fall in London on Valentine's Day - next Wednesday.
BBC
Price of studying
"The benefits of studying are limitless and priceless", that's what my parents used to say. Well, now you can put a value to it. In a certain sense.
Degree adds 160,000 pounds to lifetime earnings
LONDON - A university degree adds an average 160,000 pounds to an individual's lifetime earnings compared to people whose education finished at A-level, a study said on Wednesday.
Medical graduates can expect the largest boost to their income, earning an additional 340,000 pounds before tax over their career, said the report conducted for the vice-chancellors' body Universities UK.
Graduates in engineering, sciences and maths enjoy the next highest increase, of around 240,000 pounds, said the study, prepared by accountants PriceWaterhouseCoopers and consultancy London Economics.
Men from lower socio-economic groups who earn degrees gain the greatest financial benefit compared to men from similar backgrounds who do not attend university.
The study also found that the massive expansion in university students over the past 15 years had not eroded the so-called "graduate premium".
It said this was because demand for people with university qualifications had increased in line with the supply of graduates.
"Higher education is still clearly a worthwhile investment for the individual," said Universities UK Chief Executive Diana Warwick.
The study challenges concerns that rises in student fees in England have reduced the financial benefit of a degree.
It calculated that students were actually slightly better off, in part because they no longer have to pay tuition fees up front. (Reuters, 7 Feb)
While £160,000 (S$480,000) looks significant, an average worker's career lifespan approximates 35 to 40 years. On that note, having a degree adds less than £400 to one's monthly salary. Premium of having a degree?
Most people have degrees nowadays and, I think, no longer gives an edge over non-graduates. Ever since I started working in the banking market, I could see that it's MBAs that are a lot more valuable as the MBA graduates tend to get hired in Front Office (where the moolah is).
My MSc course at Imperial College costs £22,000 (excluding books). Investing that in a fixed deposit at 6% a year will get me £120,000. That means I only get a net £40k benefit over 35 years. Worth it? It has been more than 3 months since I stopped studying. Maybe it is time to dust off the covers and start "burning the midnight oil" again.
Degree adds 160,000 pounds to lifetime earnings
LONDON - A university degree adds an average 160,000 pounds to an individual's lifetime earnings compared to people whose education finished at A-level, a study said on Wednesday.
Medical graduates can expect the largest boost to their income, earning an additional 340,000 pounds before tax over their career, said the report conducted for the vice-chancellors' body Universities UK.
Graduates in engineering, sciences and maths enjoy the next highest increase, of around 240,000 pounds, said the study, prepared by accountants PriceWaterhouseCoopers and consultancy London Economics.
Men from lower socio-economic groups who earn degrees gain the greatest financial benefit compared to men from similar backgrounds who do not attend university.
The study also found that the massive expansion in university students over the past 15 years had not eroded the so-called "graduate premium".
It said this was because demand for people with university qualifications had increased in line with the supply of graduates.
"Higher education is still clearly a worthwhile investment for the individual," said Universities UK Chief Executive Diana Warwick.
The study challenges concerns that rises in student fees in England have reduced the financial benefit of a degree.
It calculated that students were actually slightly better off, in part because they no longer have to pay tuition fees up front. (Reuters, 7 Feb)
While £160,000 (S$480,000) looks significant, an average worker's career lifespan approximates 35 to 40 years. On that note, having a degree adds less than £400 to one's monthly salary. Premium of having a degree?
Most people have degrees nowadays and, I think, no longer gives an edge over non-graduates. Ever since I started working in the banking market, I could see that it's MBAs that are a lot more valuable as the MBA graduates tend to get hired in Front Office (where the moolah is).
My MSc course at Imperial College costs £22,000 (excluding books). Investing that in a fixed deposit at 6% a year will get me £120,000. That means I only get a net £40k benefit over 35 years. Worth it? It has been more than 3 months since I stopped studying. Maybe it is time to dust off the covers and start "burning the midnight oil" again.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Back from Hamburg/Lubeck
What a tiring trip. Just got back 30 minutes ago and Xueyan obviously got a cold from the wintry weather in Hamburg/Lubeck. Quite a nice town for a weekend getaway. A pity the sun wasn't around to meet us.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Remembering NS after 10 years...
I was looking for the theme song of former NS brigade when I came across the following ads (not exactly) which had me in stitches. My British colleagues obviously couldn't quite understand why I was laughing with tears. It has been 10 years since I went into the army and blimey it was certainly an interesting adventure. In retrospect very funny. And totally a waste of time.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Crooked Cashley Cole
I do not believe in karma but I can't help but felt some of it in Mr Cashley Cole.
Cole's season not over despite knee injury
Chelsea expect Ashley Cole to play again this season after the England international defender was diagnosed with posterior cruciate ligament damage.
The left-back was injured during last night's Barclays Premiership clash with Blackburn when he twisted his left knee - and it was feared he may be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
However, a scan has revealed the 26-year-old does not require surgery - and the club's official website tonight said he is expected to feature again this season for the Blues.
However, the player is almost certainly out of the England squad for next week's international with Spain at Old Trafford.
Cole was carried off on a stretcher during the second half of Chelsea's 3-0 victory last night.
The former Arsenal defender trapped his studs in the turf as he attempted to control the ball and went down in agony clutching his left knee.
Cashley Cole was one of my favourite Arsenal (now ex) players until he moved across the city to join the Russian revolution - Chelski. Whether it's for money or motivation, I no longer care cos it's history and he's history. I dun feel at all sad for him and I know how terrible knee injuries can be, more so a professional (since I have had knee reconstruction surgeries on BOTH knees). Is this case of posterior knee ligament injury some justice for Gooners?
Cole's season not over despite knee injury
Chelsea expect Ashley Cole to play again this season after the England international defender was diagnosed with posterior cruciate ligament damage.
The left-back was injured during last night's Barclays Premiership clash with Blackburn when he twisted his left knee - and it was feared he may be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
However, a scan has revealed the 26-year-old does not require surgery - and the club's official website tonight said he is expected to feature again this season for the Blues.
However, the player is almost certainly out of the England squad for next week's international with Spain at Old Trafford.
Cole was carried off on a stretcher during the second half of Chelsea's 3-0 victory last night.
The former Arsenal defender trapped his studs in the turf as he attempted to control the ball and went down in agony clutching his left knee.
Cashley Cole was one of my favourite Arsenal (now ex) players until he moved across the city to join the Russian revolution - Chelski. Whether it's for money or motivation, I no longer care cos it's history and he's history. I dun feel at all sad for him and I know how terrible knee injuries can be, more so a professional (since I have had knee reconstruction surgeries on BOTH knees). Is this case of posterior knee ligament injury some justice for Gooners?
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