Relight My Fire

Hi! It's been awhile. The amount of reading plus work due is unbelievable! But still manageable, so far. I have three group coursework to be finish by end of November this term and since it's a final year project, it's pretty tough. For Financial Analysis, we have to analyze Delta PLC, a chemical company that I'd never heard of. And for Auditing Governance and Scandal we are doing some research on the Parmalat scandal. I am sick of uni!

Job applications are pretty much completed, and most firms I applied for will contact me at the end of November. Yet to finish the application for BDO Stoy Hayward and Reeves + Neylan. And yet to finish the online verbal and numerical psychometric tests for Smith and Williamson. Keep putting it off since Monday. Will definitely complete it this weekend. Going to keep my options open and not only focus on the Big Four. As long as they offer ACA, I'm okay with that. Oh, before I forgot. I have an interview with PriceWaterhouseCoopers on the 6th of November. Pray for me please, thanks.

I had been busy juggling time between job applications, attending careers presentation, visiting the university' career centre, group meetings, staying at the computer lab doing research for my projects and netball training for Nottingham Malaysian Games. I hate final year! Everyday life revolves around the same topic of conversation; who succeeded to the final round of interview, which firm did you apply, where is it located, what qualifications will you pursue, what to do upon graduation, etc. It is just so frustrating keeping up with everyone in the class!

Okay, let's talk about happy thoughts. Yesterday I went to Corner House to watch Saw 4 with some friends and it was a totally disgusting and gory movie. Watch it before eating anything cause you might throw up in the cinema. Anyway, winter holiday is just around the corner. Looking forward for my Malta trip. And both Sara and Amir are coming here for winter holiday. Yaiy! Can't wait to spend time with them. Miss both of them dearly and good luck to Amir for his UPSR results.

As for now, I better work hard and give it my all. Another 8 more months of studying and I'm done with uni. Hurrah!

Lastly, before I go missing in action again, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Hope it's not too late to ask forgiveness from everyone I have done wrong, be it in the past or maybe recently. Sorry. Time to relight my fire.

Family Affairs

Five days in the UK and I'd already miss these people.

It doesn't feel right being here without you guys. But too bad, life goes on!

Rock the Boat

Yes, I am officially twenty one on the 6th of August. A big thank you to those who wished me through phone calls, texts, emails, Friendster and Facebook. And also thanks for the celebrations and gifts. Gee, reality check. I'm twenty one! Does that means anything? Maybe more responsibilities, more decisions to make and more effort to achieve my goals.

On a totally unrelated note, I went to two weddings a few weeks back. One was at Dewan Perdana Felda and one was at Sheraton Subang. Both were really posh and grandiose. And I bet it cost a bomb! I just hope the couples do not have to fork out their savings, take out a loan and borrow from their parents in order to feed a hall full of people they barely know.

To tell you the truth, I do not see the purpose of having a so-called "big, flashy bling bling" wedding. I believe that it's society that puts a big emphasis on the ceremony. The brides, especially, competes among each other who has the best flowers, three or four gowns for the photo session, eight tiers of cake, matching dresses for the flower girls and the bridesmaid, etc. So couples are pressured into spending a lot of money. Sure, it's an important occasion, a once in a lifetime experience (maybe twice, you never know) but going into debt over it does not seem like a smart move.

The main aspect of the day itself should be love and sharing it with family and friends. At a wedding, fun is more important than luxury. And the saddest part? Sometimes the wedding debts lasted longer than the marriage. It's about you being happy, not making other people happy.

Though it's still early for me to even think about it, I could not help wonder how I would like my wedding to be like (whoever the bridegroom is). My ideal wedding will be a small reception for family and close friends. Then maybe a small after-party at a garden or something. (Notice the emphasis on the word small)No personal wedding assistant, I'll do my own make up and hair, and also no boxed gifts. Just money and shopping vouchers, thank you. I do not want to have ten toasters or ten blenders. I don't even cook for crying out loud. Money saved will be used to pay my honeymoon in Mauritius. Haha, I wish!

Ohmigod. Is this what a twenty one year old girl will start to think about? Nah, it's a long way to go. Let's rock the boat people!

Happy Birthday Mom

Dear Mom,

Learnt a lot from you,
You gave me guidance to face the challenging world out there,
Sometimes you are my friend, sharing stories and secrets,
But at times, you are my mother, being firm yet understanding,
Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today,
You inspired me, you are my idol,
I love you.

Mom's birthday dinner at TGIF, Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Forever young

Went to Chamang with the gang last weekend. Too bad Fahzan and Dilah couldn't join us but it was fun nevertheless. I seriously can't remember the last time I went to a waterfall. We stayed at Dusun Eco Resort and played poker all night long. This is going to be our last outing together as Izani is going back to Sydney soon and Afi is going to KYUEM this Tuesday. One by one, the gang has taken their own route in life.

It's funny how we had known each other since we were in diapers and now we are already old enough to share ups and downs and do things together without the presence of our parents like we used to do back when we were teenagers. I wish we are forever young. Love you all to bits.

Outing #1 : Hartamas.

Outing #2 : Chamang.

Rollercoaster

Results are out. Was surprise to get a Second class upper. Soaring through cloud nine! I was expecting my results to be in the range of 55 - 63. But getting higher than that, I'm speechless. Will definitely work harder in my final year to get First class. But will be satisfied to just get a 2.1 for my overall degree. Out of 12 modules, I got 7 first class modules. Not bad for a lazy bum like me.

Anyway, flight back to Malaysia is tomorrow night, 10.15pm and will reach KLIA at 11.25pm on Sunday. Feeling a bit sad leaving the UK this summer for some reasons I rather keep to myself. But one thing for sure, life is going to be different. Life is a rollercoaster, I just have to ride it.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Updates. Exams are over. My last paper today was Financial Reporting. Though my bloody consolidated cash flow account does not balance, I couldn't care less. Ordered take aways for dinner with the girls and ate like a pig through Desperate Housewives Season Finale. Ate FOUR slices of pizza and SEVEN chicken wings. Beat that! Went back to my room feeling so sluggish. Wanted to clean the kitchen with Mas but again, procrastinating comes in the way. Tried to start packing and just realized that I have more than 20 pair of shoes to be stored during summer. Darn. Emptied my wardrobe. Sorted out my notes. Piling everything on the bed is a big no-no as now I am so sleepy but my bed is a mess so I end up writing this blog entry after so long while listening to Light and Easy online. I miss oldies songs. Listening to the original version of "Leaving on a Jet Plane" sung by Peter Paul & Mary. Been listening to too many British songs lately. Not good for the soul.

Anyway, exams are over. Woohoo! Okay, I'm repeating myself again.I'm just overjoyed by the fact that I'd finished my second year. And next year is going to be my final year. Time goes by so fast without me actually realizing it.

Summer plans. Going backpacking this Sunday and have yet to tell Mom about it.

Destination : Budapest-Vienna-Munich-Prague. I need a break. Might be going to Dublin and Brussels after that as I'd bought really cheap flight tickets from RyanAir. Only 1p including tax. Lucky me.

Flight back to Malaysia is on the 16th June by Emirates. Going to buy some pistachios at Dubai Airport. Really cheap. Heading straight to my father's house to meet him as soon as I reach Malaysia. Something unfortunate happened to him during Easter, but I can't disclose it here. But we, as a family, as a strong unit, managed to overcome it.

Meeting up with friends is a must. Hanging out at mamak. Enjoying the hot sun. Might be going for a short holiday with my childhood friends but it is yet to be confirmed. I miss the GJB's. Used to go fishing, playing cards and charade together. We seldom hang out but in times of emergency, they are always there for me. That's what's unique about our friendship.

On the 2nd July, I'm going to start my internship with KPMG. Looking forward to work with one of the strongest auditing firm in the world. This will be my first working experience and I hope it will prepare me for my future. But first and foremost, I must shop for proper working attire. Will do so in Malaysia as I have two weeks before I start working.

Still haven't bought my ticket back to the UK. Will decide later. You know what, I hate growing up. I wish I can be a baby. Whatever foolish things you do, people will never judge you. In fact,people will think that you are cute. Ironic, really. Anyhow, it's exciting to face new challenges that lay ahead. Maybe that's the best part of growing up. It teach us to be a better person.