Paul's Fulfilling Life

Received an sms while I was on my way up to office from my long-time net friend, Alexandra that she had given birth to a baby girl yesterday morning. After some thought, I decided to pay her a visit after work. I got her chicken essence as she was complaining before the child birth that the baby was grossly underweight. People who know me well will know that I am not the type of person who goes to a friend's happy occassion empty-handed. Took a bus there, and took some time to find the place. I was quite stunned to find Alex to have ballooned so much, which I think was due to the weight of carrying the baby and the water retention in her body that made up the additional weight. I managed to see her husband as well. He seems well at ease with the baby girl. The baby stopped crying once he was carried by him. I was telling Alex that the husband was going to have a hard time if the baby gets used to being carried. The baby looks pretty small and fragile, maybe due to Alex's lack ...

I hate to be at home even on weekends nowadays. Why I say that? Mum was asking me she was planning to ask one of my friends to be her god-daughter, since she can't be her daughter in-law. I just told her that I feel that this person is not suited to be one as she choose to appear or disappear whenever she likes. So I am not sure if this person would fit the bill. For me, I feel that she doesn't as I felt that my mum was making a judgement just after seeing her once. Fortunately, I didn't tell her that I met up with some new net friends, otherwise she will be hinting for me to chase them again.

After a stressful work week that made me lay stumped by my boss' questions as he came back from his Europe trip on Thursday, it made me look forward to today. Intitally had no plans today, but brother was complaining his E700A handphone was giving him problem. Since the handphone was going to be 3 years. Guess that it was time to change a new handphone for him. Went to Singtel Comcentre and got the Samsung E730 for him. It came complete with a new number as well, as we were quite disappointed with the service provider that we previously had. It used to be good, but it got worse as the years went by. My brother was so happy with his new toy. Let's hope he treasures this handphone that my mum & I gave to him.

After I kept highlighting to my boss & LB that the auditors and/ or typists kept making mistakes on the company registration no or tax reference no. Logic will tell you that if the number is wrong, ACRA or IRAS may not accept the set of financial statements. How my bosses acted today? Mr Yee wrote on my working paper " What is happening?" and threw it on the typist table and got her to amend the error. LB scolded the prawn & the rest of the audit team, by saying " Why is this happening? The tax dept keep pointing out that there is error in company's registration no. Can you all check carefully? This kind of thing can't go wrong unless you are talking about the newly incotrporated companies in 2003, 2004 or 2005. That one I can understand. Are you all sleeping & checking your work at the same time? The prawn tried to push the responsibility to the typist. I was there thinking, how could you push the blame to someone who has no basic accounting knowl...

This was my Award Winning picture that I took at Revenue House that day, when I won the award. I just received the picture by post today. Hmmm. ..... How do I look?

I was running through The New Paper during my lunch break when I saw this piece of news that attracted me. Student shout vuglarities at teacher Teacher demands student to publish an apology in The Straits Times I was personally quite stunned when I saw this. The story continues that the school principal had already discplined him, and the child's parents were not able to raise the money for the apology in the newspaper. The principal has since said that it was a misunderstanding. The article goes on to share another student who had been punished to go without food by the teacher. The teacher hails from a reputed school. I just wonder what has become of the world these days. Has it gone upside down?

Beautiful Love This song by Tanya is a great.

Favourite Song of The Moment

I am In Dancing Mood!!!

I was being put off to sleep yesterday afternoon by the person who conducted the tax forum. In the end, I have to help myself to the refreshment and a cup of black coffee to keep myself awake for the second half of the course. It was supposed to have ended at 5pm, but the conductor extended his time to 5.30pm. I was really put to sleep by him. This was the first time I was put to sleep by a lecturer. The thing was he made some errors in the presentation. I was kind enough to point out to him, as I used to study them in my Advanced Tax Paper not too long ago, but he was damn proud, didn't admit his mistakes and he kept boasting about his achievements. I was thinking, how he dared called himself a certified ACCA tax lecturer? The good part about the course was that I was able to finally update my ACCA training record book for this course and it was free as LB paid for me. After the course ended, I walked to the bus stop at the Singapore Badminton Hall to take a bus to Heereen to meet...

I was at the Singapore Post Office at Serangoon Garden just now to collect a registered article for my dad. I was quite put off by the service staff as she didn't even check carefully for the registered article and just passed to me a similar letter addressed to another person. Fortunately, I was wide awake already, if not I won't have spotted it and would have just come home with it. I wonder what is Singpost doing nowadays?

Balding, elfin-eared Francois (Bernard Campan) enters a hooker-in-the-window joint in Paris’ Pigalle district to meet the woman who has become his obsession – the voluptuous Daniela (Monica Bellucci). Her attention can be had for 150 Euros and an extravagant bottle of champagne. Francois doesn’t balk at the cost. Instead, he reveals that he has just won a fortune in the lottery and offers Daniela 100,000 Euros a month to live with him until the money runs out. Daniela accepts and appears to cheerfully transform herself into the highly sexed domestic goddess of every man’s dreams. But Francois has a debilitating heart condition and Daniela’s unnerving gangster boyfriend Charly (Gérard Depardieu) is not ready to let her go without a fight. Went to watch this show alone at Cineleisure Orchard. I must say it was a good show, even though it is in French as it is actually quite true that some women will just do anything because of money. This is a story about how a sickly man found true lov...

Name 20 people you can think of right now. Don't read the question(s) until you've named the 20 people.At the end of this; choose five people to do this. Jason Richard Kelvin Rebecca Caifeng Huiyu Darling Krys Stella Wendy Joey Sally Yvonne Alfred Collin Malcolm Susan Florence Choon Bee Yishan 1. How did you get to meet #14? During my NS stint at Sembawang Air Base 2. what if #9 and #20 dated? I don’t think is possible. Both are gals!!! 3. would #6 and #17 make a good couple? I don’t think is possible. Both are gals!!! 4. describe #3 ? Small sized, but very fit. Friendly chap. 5. is #8 attractive? She is a person who knows how to doll herself up. I must say she is attractive. 6. describe #7? A good confidante, despite the short time we know each other. A friendly gal. 7. do you know any of #12 family member? No. 8.What would you do if #18 confess he likes you? I don’t think it is possible, she is attached and its been a while since we last contacted each other. 9. what language...

I was quite shocked when I read about this article in The New Paper today. I didn't expect the teacher of a primary school to do such a thing. I think the teacher must be upset / angry that the student did not do his homework, but I felt that she was wrong to order the group bashing. Given that how protective Singapore parents have become as to corporal punishment nowadays, this is certainly something that has gone beyond the limit. If I were the teacher, I would have make him stay behind after class and do repeated copyings of the homework set. In this way, it will make him remember to do his homework. At the same time, I would tell him not to do it again. What do you think?

Today was K's last day at the office. I got a surprise parting gift from her. I guess it was for the good relationship or rapport that we have builit during her course in working here. She worked there for about 1.5 years, which is shorter than me. The gift was a stationery set of stapler, penknife & pen holder. I wished her all the best and hope to stay in touch. Was asked by LB to attend this forum. Will be attending as she will be paying for me. But I guess I will not like the speaker, as I went to his firm for an interview before. The pay he offerred me sux. Dear Students/Members, The Association of Taxation Technicians Singapore (ATTS) in conjunctionwith the Singapore Accountancy Academy (SAA) presents: Tax Forum: One Tier Taxation & Group Relief Losses Date: 22 July 2006, SaturdayTime: 2:00 - 5:00pm Venue: CPA House, 20 Aljunied Road Singapore 389805 Speaker: Mr Robin Chia Fee:S$10.00 (for Students/Members) or S$15.00 (for Non-members) Extended Registration Closing Da...

I was quite surprised by the verdict handed out by the Italian soccer Federation about the match-fixing scandal. Was reading the newspaper just now, and found the following:- AC Millan - deducted 15 points and explusion from the Champions League Juventus - Relegated to Serie B, deducted 30 points and titles stripped Florentina - Relegated to Serie B, deducted 7 points Lazio - Relegated to Serie B, deducted 12 points I thought that the soccer federation will be more compassionate as the national team had just won the World Cup and the bulk of the players came from these clubs. I believe Juventus will be hardest hit. It is so sad. :(

Friday Was not surprised when I heard from K during our farewell treat for her that the bitch actually told her to pass her audit jobs over to P, a new gal taking over from her. K was smart in saying that LB did not ask her to pass to P any audit jobs, as her title is Senior Accounts Assistant & not cum Audit Assistant. Feel that the bitch was trying to abuse her authority again, acting like LB when she is not even one. She still have the cheek to leave on the dot when this is the peak period and LB had just given our salary increment. Felt that she didn't deserve it after all. She can tell LB that her child has ear infection, but she is always nasty to colleagues, backstabbing us whenever she feel that we crossed the line. Just feel that she doesn't deserve any sympathy. Received news from a client that she plans to terminate our professional services. She told me that the past two auditors sent to her are pretty unprofessional & rude in their services. The client did ...

I was quite shocked to have received emails from OCBC Bank & Citibank Singapore on Monday. I knew that it was phishing by some hackers. Lucky I had Norton Anti Spam to fliter these e-mails. Anyway I do not think I was going to be tricked by that, as I don't have an account with either of them. In case, for those who didn't know, please read this media release . I wish to compliment a Transcab taxi driver of SHB 9680, who drove me to work yesterday. In my haste to leave the cab, I dropped my handphone accidentally. Lucky I noticed it early and called to my handphone. The cabby was quite kind to return my handphone. I had wanted to give him extra cash to compensate for the trip he made to return my handphone, but he refused to accept. I wanted to do that as I knew he did not charge me the peak period on call fee, but charged me the off peak one instead. I felt so bad. Kudos to Transcab for having such a good cabby.

I was quite surprised what K told me at work. She told me about the things that I had suspected all along since she was given the additional task to do audit by the b***. She even told me that LB tried to make her change her mind a few days back, when she gave all of us a 10% pay raise. The way K put it was like, it was because she was leaving, then LB decided to give all of us a pay raise. Maybe to prevent an exodus. I shared with K my work related problems. She understands my predicament having to deal with all the taiji masters, whereas I cannot play any, as I am the most junior there. I told her if not for the latest pay raise, I could be going off. Because even my bosses have been good to me, the taiji masters are practising different strokes of taiji now & then that I am suffering.

I am sad to announce that the planned Kukop trip on 5 Aug & 6 Aug has been shelved due to poor response. It could be due to everyone has their work commitments to attend to. It is ok. There is always another chance.

Pictures courtesy from Soccernet . I went to bed at about 9.30pm yesterday and woke up at 1.50am to catch the World Cup Final between Italy & France. Italy has been one of my favourite national teams since I started watching World Cup since 1990. I knew in my heart that my favourite team was going to win last nite, so confident that I placed a small wager on them at Singapore Pools for them to win the championship & drawing the game at full time. The reason for the confidence was that France was too dependent on the golden oldies of Zidane, Makelele & Thuram. I felt that their wins against Brazil & Portgual were flukes. Italy had a shrewd tactican in former Juventus manager, Marcello Lippi. I knew he had something up his sleeves when Italy fought back with a goal & closed shop. Although, I admit, I was a bit nervous when it came to the penalty shootout as Italy had been always unlucky in penalties. I only opened my eyes when Italy scored the fourth one through Del P...

As requested by our friend, Darling, she wishes to have a planned gathering with the blogger network of friends. I hope the people listed below are able to attend this gathering, with the tentative date fixed on 22 July 2006(Sat) evening at about 6.30pm. The place should be Suntec City or Marina Square. Wendy (Specially requested by Darling & Rebecca to attend) Jolene ( You may bring Mr Foon if u wish) Richard Darling Rebecca Paul ( I am the chief planner, can say no???) Please confirm your attendance via sms,e-mail or comment box. Ms Darling, anyone else you want to call?

I saw Elaine's question on the tagboard with regards to my name, Bing Fong. I feel that it will be interesting to share how I got this name. I came to this world on 18 Dec 1979, about 2 months earlier than expected. I was given this name 冰峰 by my dad. However, as I was born with a swelling in the brain, which very nearly required an operation on my brain a few days after I was born, my mum went to a famous gemoancer, who have since passed away, to help me 算命. He told my mum that the name given by my dad was not good for my life, as I will go through many tribulations, with no hope of overcoming them，as the strokes were not good for my life. He suggested that my name should be changed it to 彬逢, which will make it better for me to overcome my tribulations & difficuities. My mum is glad that she made the change as:- I did not go for the brain operation later. I was able to lead a normal lifestyle despite my disability. However, I still remember that my dad was unhappy when I had ...

My cousin, Jolene has returned me the wedding gift that I gave her the last time, Although I told her to keep it, since my parents did not help to pay for it. But I guess she wanted to save me from further naggings from my mum, who has been nagging non-stop from the day since I bought the gift for her. I told my mum that since Jolene returm the gift, I told her the gift will be her birthday gift since her birthday will be in this month. I expected her to say some nasty stuff, like why she return the gift after so long, why she returned it? I felt like telling her she was the cause of all this. If she hadn't said about 2 wedding gifts, I am sure Jolene will be upset. Sometimes I just wonder what is the point of putting up a lavish wedding dinner, for the sake of pleasing our relatives and parents. I would rather use the money on the renovations or honeymoon. It is at least more worthwhile.

I nearly was late for the ceremony today as I was too tired last night after ending work late & I slept late. Took a cab to IRAS to receive the award , " Outstanding Volunteer Award". The E-Club Manager who nominated me did not attend the ceremony. I hope he is doing fine. I managed to see my Ngee Ann Polytechnic Tax Lecturer, Ms Cindy Yuen. I was quite surprised that she was still able to recognise me after 6 years. She was pleased that I got the award, and we took some photos and did some catch up. Got to know that Richard & my first year mentor, Mrs Linda Seah has been promoted to be the Academic Manager of the School of Business & Accountancy and Mrs Tiew Hui Leng has given birth to another baby. Ms Yuen wanted me to share my expriences as a tax assistant at the school with the students and my feelings about getting this "Outstanding Volunteer Award" so that she can put it up in the ACC Magazine or BA website. I have e-mailed to her that I will be...

Wednesday I was awoken by my brother's chirpy voice at 5.40am. He told me that my favourite team, the Azurris had won the semi final match against the Germans in extra time by 2 quick goals in succession. I was the only one to predict that my beloved team would beat the Germans on their home ground as the Italian team manager, Marcello Lippi has better tactical acumen than Jurgen Klismann. I hope they can win the World Cup this Sunday. I am sure the French goalkeeper, Barthez will be clowning around again and handing out gift goals to Pirlo, Gilardino, Totti & company again. Got hold of better news in the afternoon. LB handed out a letter to each of us. The letter states the following: Dear Bing Fong, The firm is giving a pay increment of 10% to all staff of the firm/ Company with effect from July. We thank you for your continued support. Before giving me the letter, LB was asking if I was happy that Gernany got knocked out. I told her I was and I expected the Italians to win. ...

Stepped into a sleazy, dirty shopping centre in the Orchard shopping belt for a job interview after work. The last time I was there, was 3 years back, when I was there for a job interview. At that time the shopping centre was filled with massage parlours with those special services. I was stopped once, where the China girl asked me in Mandarin in a sexy voice if I wanted the special services. Back to the interview, the job scope was similar to the one that I am holding now, but the benefits are not really comparable with what I am getting now and there is a need to work on Sat. Having started my working life on a 5 day work week, I would very much want to continue it this way, so that my weekends can be spent with my friends & family. Although he was alright with what I have written as renumeration, I think it will be basically to cover the benefits & the Saturday that I will be working, although the promise of a full month's bonus did entice me, but the thought of working ...

Dear friends I just got the latest info of the planned trip from the tour agent. Here are the details. Kukop Trip Trip Date - 5 Aug 2006 (Sat) - 6 Aug (Sun). Time of departure should be 7am. Pickup point to be confirmed. Please let me know your preference if u wish to go via Tuas or Woodlands Checkpoint. 5 meals will be provided - 2 lunches, 1 BBQ dinner, 1 tea break & 1 breakfast. The breakfast on 5 Aug 2006 is on self expense. After the BBQ dinner, is free time activity. You may wish to bring ur own VCDs & DVDs for singing KTV. Other activities like card playing or ice breaker games may be planned. The departure time should be after lunch on 6 Aug 2006. Please let me know your preferred time of departure. The cost of the trip inclusive of the boat ticket is $85. I hope all of u can make it & you are welcome to bring your friends along if u wish. My brother should be coming along Please let me have your response by 11 July 2006

I guess u guys must be waiting for this update for quite a while now. I am sorry for not being able to do it earlier as I fell sick and my work was pouring in since I headed back to work after that. The latest update that I can give u all ( for those of u that are planning to join me ) is that I am still awaiting confirmation from my dad's friend, who is a tour agent to help me see to the arrangement. Unfortunately, he has not given me a reply as to the cost for each person as yet, even though I have been pestering him for the past two weeks. Shall give you all the details in full when I have it. I am hoping that I have at least 10 people, as I think the tour agent will only cater a bus if there is only 10 people.

Wednesday I was asked by Q if I had gone for an interview the day before. I told her that she was very kaypoh & told her to mind her own business and she is free to assume as she wish as this is my personal matter. She retorted by saying that you are getting less friends in the office. I was thinking, all of you the aunties think that I work like I want to snatch your rice bowl, when I am only handling what I am supposed to do. Maybe to all of you, I may seem that I dabble into everything, but I guess that is what being in a small firm is all about. One person/dept's output is another person/dept's input. If any part of the process is wrong, there must be someone to correct it, otherwise the bottom line & the firm's reputation will be affected. I hope you all can please wake up to this reality, if not I won't be surprised if my boss carry out the sacking measures again. Thursday Met up with a group of ex colleagues from my ex firm as one of them, Soo is going to...