normally I would be asleep by now since I have to wake up at 4:45am every Mon to Fri. But tomorrow I only need to be at the office by 8:00 (yeah, still have to be at the office on weekend!! arg..) so I'm indulging my staying-up-late habits, just to feel less like some one in the working class. hehe
anywho... last weekend, I got my first official salary (not a paycheck, we're not that advanced yet). Mom asked me as I was holding the money in my hands pondering "what're you gonna do with it?" Somehow the first thought that came right across my mind was "investing in the stock market" (although VNIndex is going downgrade like dropping the ball on NYEve), and the second thought was "putting it in the banks and enjoy some gains from interest rates (most VNese banks' interest rates now are almost close to 20% per year *faint*). That being said because I have no idea with that much of salary I receive every month, when am I gonna be able to afford 1 house, or even just an apartment.
Mathematically, I earned about 5 million Dong monthly (dont be misled by the "million", watch the foreign exchange US$1 = 16,500 Dong), and 1 middle-class apartment at the moment is about 3 to 4 billions each. Lets say I spent only about 2 millions monthly (which is quite a generous number, since VNinflation could reach 23%, I should be spending a lot more)... anyway, then I can save 3 millions a month. So a 3-billion apartment can be bought by me after 3,000,000,000 divided by 3,000,000 = 1,000 months = app. 83 years.
Wow, I need to work about 83 years more with this job to get an apartment.
Haha, of course I didnt take into account of rising inflations and the fact that I might get promoted and earn somemore, but those numbers I just calculated does make sense and help explaining why we are still so poor, and why some of us want to takes so many risks with the financial markets.
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Anyway, lets talk about something else.
I finally watched Mamma Mia the other day with my buddies after a week desperately trying to get some1 to go with. The trailer seemed so well-done and it prompted to watch it, and it certainly didnt disappointed. I used to listen to a lot of ABBA songs, I can still recall some of the lines, and it was so exciting watching Mamma Mia because its the movie in which you can sing a long even its the first time you see it. The music, the songs, they're all being put rightly to each scence. Love the cast too, Streep is awesome esp her voice, Pierce is still looking sharp, poor handsome Colin Firth, he turned out to be gay in the end, Amanda acted well too. Its a musical so most of the scenes appears quite dramatic, but I love it.
This is probably the best movie for this summer.
Looking forward to it when it comes out on DVD :)
9.19.2008
9.02.2008
Jobs updated...
So I guess I kinda have a job. Im not saying it officially yet because only the hiring decision was made but I havent signed any contract yet.
This job can be called translator/interpreter. It might sound easy and simple, but when I actually started doing it, it reveals a lot of interesting dynamics, thats y I decided to keep working here when the economy (everywhere) is still slumping.
What I do is that I basically have a team of 5 (up until now), we have to listen to CNBC news, which airs at 5:00am (In the FREAKING morning), and then translate that news right away, and then our company will rebroadcast CNBC news with Vietnamese voice-over-by-us for our local audiences. Theres very much pressure to it because we basically have to translate a 10 minutes news within 20-25 minutes to make sure we air ontime. However, our company, which is a media company, has not started to broadcast anything yet, so everything we do now is basically practice until NOVEMBER. And its gonna be worst in november, because by then I need to be at the office at 4:30AM .... Luckily the office is quite close to my home. Anyway, there're a couple of pros for this job that I really enjoy:
- Dress code: None (well, of course not too much revealing, but seriously though, I can dress in leggings, a baby doll tee and no one would complain. How sweet is that!!!!)
- Half-day work: I get paid as much as my friends do but I only work half-day. Well, now I work from 5:30 to 12, but once it airs, I can work from 4:30 to 10:00AM and then Im off... Not bad, huh
- Great team: My team consists of 3 girls and 1 guy. They're all young except for the guy (see the pictures for reference, although 1 of them does not belong to my team)... so we all get along so well and have so much in common, like the Japanese obsession, the Japanese style, manga, and a lot more to discover
- No traffic for me: yep, at 5:30AM, I basically have the whole road for my self. Rush-hour in Hanoi is getting crazier day by day... I am so glad I got that off my chest.
- English Practice: Since CNBC broadcasts economics news all around the world, I have actually been learning tremendously about the global economy, the stock market and also listening-to-english-news skill.... I feel a bit ashamed cuz sometimes the team members can hear a lot better than I do... hehe
- Pressure: Working under pressure is probably the best way to be productive for me. Once I stepped in the office, the work begins. I have no time for Yahoo Instant Messaging, Facebook, Forums whatsoevers... I really rather have a part-time job which I can be busy and efficent than a full-time job which I always have spair time to net-surf and not produce anything.
Anyway, thats so update about my job for now. Thanks anyone whos still stopping by :D
8.09.2008
You will never know enough about a person!
Yes, thats what I've been learning a lot. About human and how imperfect they are. I can pretty much stand any ugly characteristics such as laziness, or impatience, or greed, or inefficiency, or similar things like that but for sure I can never live with dishonest.
Human have sins. All my friends have flaws. I need to learn how to deal with them. But this friend of mine whom I just met a year ago lied to me about her life, her exes that she dated and made it seem like they were all bastards, when in fact she was the one that cheated on them and lied to them about her past. There is this one thing, but I should not say it out loud, just cos its little private for her. But its unbelievable that she even lied about it, so everyone can look at her like an innocent girl.
I actually realized we did not get along and stopped hanging out with her. Now more of the truth is being revealed... I guess its time I ended things.
I sound kinda mean, but I really dont believe much in changing people...
Now I know why my sister was right. Eventually the friends back in those days of junior high or high school will be the one will understand, love and be honest to us no matter what happens, or whoever we have become.
Human have sins. All my friends have flaws. I need to learn how to deal with them. But this friend of mine whom I just met a year ago lied to me about her life, her exes that she dated and made it seem like they were all bastards, when in fact she was the one that cheated on them and lied to them about her past. There is this one thing, but I should not say it out loud, just cos its little private for her. But its unbelievable that she even lied about it, so everyone can look at her like an innocent girl.
I actually realized we did not get along and stopped hanging out with her. Now more of the truth is being revealed... I guess its time I ended things.
I sound kinda mean, but I really dont believe much in changing people...
Now I know why my sister was right. Eventually the friends back in those days of junior high or high school will be the one will understand, love and be honest to us no matter what happens, or whoever we have become.
8.08.2008
A little bit about health care in Vietnam
The intention of this article is not generalization!
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So, as I was preparing documents to apply for jobs in Vietnam, it is required that I had to go to see a doctor for a general health examination. There's a form of list of things that a doctor needs to check with me to make sure I'm fit enough to work for the company.
To make things faster, I decided to go to this private clinic which I always spotted on the way for my designing class. I went in to talk to the receptionist about my work situation and the form I need to be filled. They understood immediately and asked me for 50,000 VND (about US$3). I was stunt so I just gave them the money, then got directed to go upstair for a doctor.
There I was upstair, greeted by another receptionist. He took my form and told me to sit and wait outside. Exactly 5 minutes later, a nurse came out and gave me my form. It was nicely filled with the doctor's handwriting, saying I was normal. Wow, he did not even see me for 1 second and he could totally write about my physical conditions. Anyway, I couldn't be more bothered with a 3-buck examination. He made my business go easier, what more could I ask?
I walked out of the clinic, wondering if thats what service or treatment other patients are receiving.
----
So, as I was preparing documents to apply for jobs in Vietnam, it is required that I had to go to see a doctor for a general health examination. There's a form of list of things that a doctor needs to check with me to make sure I'm fit enough to work for the company.
To make things faster, I decided to go to this private clinic which I always spotted on the way for my designing class. I went in to talk to the receptionist about my work situation and the form I need to be filled. They understood immediately and asked me for 50,000 VND (about US$3). I was stunt so I just gave them the money, then got directed to go upstair for a doctor.
There I was upstair, greeted by another receptionist. He took my form and told me to sit and wait outside. Exactly 5 minutes later, a nurse came out and gave me my form. It was nicely filled with the doctor's handwriting, saying I was normal. Wow, he did not even see me for 1 second and he could totally write about my physical conditions. Anyway, I couldn't be more bothered with a 3-buck examination. He made my business go easier, what more could I ask?
I walked out of the clinic, wondering if thats what service or treatment other patients are receiving.
8.06.2008
My Bday - Aug 1, 08
It was the second time I was surprised at my Bday.Luckily Waka came over to visit so I got to party with her until 4am, which never happens when Im home, LOL. It was so much fun!!!
Happy 22!!!!
7.16.2008
Ernst & Young in Vietnam --- not so professional
Ok, so I guess I got turned down from E&Y VN.
I think I was a bit cocky and too confident to take the aptitude test... well I did alright for a couple of few pages on accounting, but then gradually I sucked at audit, tax, business knowledge, and most of all, I hated myself for failing so many questions on the logic tests, aka IQ. Damn it, my brain is becoming slower and dumber everyday. I wrote some stupid answers and when I asked my sis for confirmation, she proved me wrong... how nice! I really need to work harder on math and need to read more books to prevent my brain from retarding!
Anyway, my point is... it has been a month since I took a test, and I have heard from my friends that they called a few candidates for an interview. Since I applied for the tax position, they said I might get called later. So I waited, waited, and shit, I called them to double check and all they said was "yeah, we're kinda done with recruiting for this season", I was like "why havent you guys send out any emails for the unselected candidates?", you know, cuz thats all the other 3 of the big 4 in Vietnam did.. they simply returned "oh, well, because this time there are too many"... Jeez, too many my ass. this is so unprofessional. They should try to inform the candidates as much as they can. Its not that they're freaking FOREIGN company then it gives them a chance to make us wait... damn it... yeah well, i was kinda upset with the decision too, so I maybe overreacted.
I guess now I dont want to work for E&Y VN any more... :P I thought a foreign company in VN would be different, but I was wrong.
I think I was a bit cocky and too confident to take the aptitude test... well I did alright for a couple of few pages on accounting, but then gradually I sucked at audit, tax, business knowledge, and most of all, I hated myself for failing so many questions on the logic tests, aka IQ. Damn it, my brain is becoming slower and dumber everyday. I wrote some stupid answers and when I asked my sis for confirmation, she proved me wrong... how nice! I really need to work harder on math and need to read more books to prevent my brain from retarding!
Anyway, my point is... it has been a month since I took a test, and I have heard from my friends that they called a few candidates for an interview. Since I applied for the tax position, they said I might get called later. So I waited, waited, and shit, I called them to double check and all they said was "yeah, we're kinda done with recruiting for this season", I was like "why havent you guys send out any emails for the unselected candidates?", you know, cuz thats all the other 3 of the big 4 in Vietnam did.. they simply returned "oh, well, because this time there are too many"... Jeez, too many my ass. this is so unprofessional. They should try to inform the candidates as much as they can. Its not that they're freaking FOREIGN company then it gives them a chance to make us wait... damn it... yeah well, i was kinda upset with the decision too, so I maybe overreacted.
I guess now I dont want to work for E&Y VN any more... :P I thought a foreign company in VN would be different, but I was wrong.
7.07.2008
Friendship
Lately I've been thinking a lot about friendship.
When I was little, friendship was such a simple thing. We just kinda went to school, studied together, play some games when there was break time... It was sweet, fun and simple. No one really upset any one, cuz life was quite simple as well, every body pretty much had the same values and ways of living.
I also used to have a best friend. Used to be very sure that we could have been best friends forever, like other best friends we saw on TV. Then comes high school we parted. Then comes studying abroad and college we parted again. And each time I came home for a visit, I realized a gap has already been built between us. The gap was named "awkwardness", "misunderstanding", "not-so-sharing", .... so we became casual friends, or acquaintances or ex-bestfriends.
I moved on and found a couple of new friends. It was so hard at this age to have a best friend, really, because now every one is one grow up individual with complex needs and wants. Therefore, each one will have different friends to meet their own needs and wants. Like I would have my tennis/sport friends, but then I dont go out drinking partying with them, instead I would have party buddies,... or sometimes, I would have studying partners. In the end, i guess I am myself's best friend.
Anyway, since friendship is just like one kind of relationships, and relationship is quite drama and hard to break up... How would you break up with a friend?
You met this really cool girl (well, first impression), then you started hanging out a lot. After a while you realize you can't really be friend with her, especially for the long term... Although she is totally nice, she makes you feel so uncomfortable sometimes and it hurts your self-esteem to be around her... what would you do? How would you "break up" with her?
I am a person of principles. Only just a little thing that upset me, I usually would think that that little thing was a thin-slice of a big picture (not generalizing). Therefore, maybe thats why I don't really have a lot of friends, because I take a long time to get to know them, I dont want to call them friends right away to establish the casual friendship. Instead I go slowly in getting to know their true self, so that if something happens, and if they violates my "principles", I can "break up" with them and say... yeah I dont hang out with her/him anymore without being too awkward...
Anyway, this is a pretty shitty entry... Im just having a lot in my mind that I need somewhere to throw it out. So sorry I have not been updating. More productive posts will be coming soon.
When I was little, friendship was such a simple thing. We just kinda went to school, studied together, play some games when there was break time... It was sweet, fun and simple. No one really upset any one, cuz life was quite simple as well, every body pretty much had the same values and ways of living.
I also used to have a best friend. Used to be very sure that we could have been best friends forever, like other best friends we saw on TV. Then comes high school we parted. Then comes studying abroad and college we parted again. And each time I came home for a visit, I realized a gap has already been built between us. The gap was named "awkwardness", "misunderstanding", "not-so-sharing", .... so we became casual friends, or acquaintances or ex-bestfriends.
I moved on and found a couple of new friends. It was so hard at this age to have a best friend, really, because now every one is one grow up individual with complex needs and wants. Therefore, each one will have different friends to meet their own needs and wants. Like I would have my tennis/sport friends, but then I dont go out drinking partying with them, instead I would have party buddies,... or sometimes, I would have studying partners. In the end, i guess I am myself's best friend.
Anyway, since friendship is just like one kind of relationships, and relationship is quite drama and hard to break up... How would you break up with a friend?
You met this really cool girl (well, first impression), then you started hanging out a lot. After a while you realize you can't really be friend with her, especially for the long term... Although she is totally nice, she makes you feel so uncomfortable sometimes and it hurts your self-esteem to be around her... what would you do? How would you "break up" with her?
I am a person of principles. Only just a little thing that upset me, I usually would think that that little thing was a thin-slice of a big picture (not generalizing). Therefore, maybe thats why I don't really have a lot of friends, because I take a long time to get to know them, I dont want to call them friends right away to establish the casual friendship. Instead I go slowly in getting to know their true self, so that if something happens, and if they violates my "principles", I can "break up" with them and say... yeah I dont hang out with her/him anymore without being too awkward...
Anyway, this is a pretty shitty entry... Im just having a lot in my mind that I need somewhere to throw it out. So sorry I have not been updating. More productive posts will be coming soon.
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