Downton
I've wanted to write about Downton ever since I ever watched the the whole series, twice, in a week, earlier this year. Obviously, I'm a huge fan; the characters, the writing, the cinematography, the costumes, the acting; - they all wrap up neatly in a hugely satisfying and fascinating world in which we're happily immersed. (Not to mention, very pleasant narratives of romance that are not overly sentimental and actually shows significant restraint, though I don't make excuse for the unnecessary and heavy dose of soap opera during the second season that pandered to American audiences...) Also, when there seems to be a cultural vacuum in entertainment, this series caters to virtues long forgotten in our culture: loyalty, integrity, fairness, and just plain old good nature. There's something to be said that of a leading cast of ~20 characters, only about one and a half of them might be considered the "bad guys" (Thomas, half of O'Brien, who actually is a softie inside). Anyway, aside from these factors that define good entertainment, there could be deeper reasons for this obsession and some people have picked up on this with articles such as:
Of Noblemen and Investment Bankers; Why we can’t take our eyes off Downton Abbey, or,The Upside-Down Appeal of ‘Downton Abbey’
The backdrop of at the time of writing was the widespread "Occupy" movements against the "1%" of our societies. In the first article, Roiphe points out an anachronism - do we hate the 1% (e.g. Occupy) or do we love them (e.g. Downton and other glimpses into the rich)? In the second, Chocano points out an oft-unspoken observation: the Earl of Grantham is such a nice guy to the point of being ludicrous, and that the show's focus is not on romance but on the master-servant relationship, "a fantasy in which an enlightened overclass and a grateful underclass look deeply into each other’s eyes and realize that they need each other, that there’s a way for them to live together in perfect, symbiotic harmony." (Yes, she's cynical.)
But I don't find our fascination all that weird. Perhaps the master-servant relationship is a long-outdated illustration, but don't we all hope to find jobs where our employers are understanding, treat us with dignity and respect, and look out for us when we need help? Find any study having to do with "best employers to work for" and you'll find these factors. True, the master-servant relationship of this time didn't allow room for our age's obsession with "self-actualization", but there's something comforting and peaceful about the certainty and orderliness of this arrangement. The take home pay might not be much, but there's no need for major anxieties regarding basic needs of food and shelter. Plus, you might even get promoted if the opportunity arises.Our industries used to work something like this, and thus was born the middle class, which apparently worked quite well (I wonder how the Japanese look at Downton?).
Yet, in this day of short-term loyalty and "careerists" offering career advice as this blog, make your life more stable by changing jobs more frequently, these securities belong to the past. Of course, the nature of industry has to do with it, but the credo of "self-actualization" has exasperated the discussion into the delusion that these basic securities are insufficient; "be all that we can be," they say. So it hit me one day:
I am Thomas. As are we all; we live in a world of Thomases. The ambitious footman, the bad egg of the cast. Our competitive world and human nature propels us to claw our way up the ranks, and any shortcut to riches is too tempting. Despite the sufficiency of basic needs, we choose instead the route of anxiety as we enter the chaos of the world. But I don't mean to focus on our labour markets, instead, Thomas embodies our hearts.
This ambition of going out on our own is core to our human nature. We like our independence, to design our own destiny, and answer to no one but ourselves. Unfortunately, this self-centred worldview is very much anxiety-ridden, burdensome, and more often than not, meaningless. Playing God in our lives is actually really tough as we navigate through the chaos ourselves. In contrast, consider Jesus Christ's offer to us:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30.
Christ calls us to submit to his yoke, that is, to humble ourselves, confess our need, and live faithfully under his lordship. But he's not an oppressive master, like the symbolic Egyptians, but a kind and gentle one. As the redemptive Saviour, he's the only one who has the ability to give us rest, or peace in its truest sense; shalom. Back to Downtown, considering Lord Grantham in his role of "lordship" is obviously infinitely lacking, but his promise of basic needs and loyal care and the orderliness of the arrangement serve as a glimpse of a heavenly home for our heart. Where is yours now?
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What's "H-bomb" like?
It's like the name of Voldemort. An "H-bomb" is when one drops the name "Harvard" as if it were to cause a sensation and effect as a bomb. So we don't - instead, we study "at a higher ed institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts". At least, that's my colleagues at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which, I believe, is *completely* unlike the rest of the university. I am sure those across the street from us (Harvard Law School) and those across the river (Harvard Business School) and of course, those in the Yard (Harvard College), deliberately drop it ALL THE TIME. Thankfully, my experience at the Ed School was extremely pleasant, with a cohort of colleagues who were humble and passionate about reforming education in the United States and the world. Thinking more about it, it is little surprise - only people who truly care would care to study at this school. The unfortunate reality is that educators make a pittance in the U.S., and they'll likewise make a pittance when they graduate, unlike graduates of the other schools who will be recruited into the elite and powerful institutions of the day.
I remember our first day of orientation back in August 2010. We all gathered early in the morning in the beautiful field that is Radcliffe Yard beside the three buildings that comprise HGSE. Unfortunately, the weather that morning provided torrential rains which made for a very loud pitter-patter on the tent under which we convened. Speeches were made by the Ed school's leadership team. Some facts about our class were given: 620? Masters students (50? Doctoral students), average student age 27 (Masters), coming from X number of countries and 47 U.S. states. Typical stuff. A current doctoral student also gave an encouragement: "Yes, no mistake has been made. You are here at Harvard. Pinch yourselves - it's true." I wonder if the non-Ed school people felt this way!
What did I do? I enrolled in the "Learning and Teaching" Masters of Education program. The L&T cohort was primarily formed of 'veteran' teachers - those who had been teaching for at least 3 years, though the range of experience spanned a wide range. I chose this program because of its extreme flexibility (there are no specific required sources, you only need to choose a number of courses from a very long list) and because my educational portfolio, if you will, was more on the side of teaching, even if it was mainly professional development in a corporate setting. The rest of my courses were in Higher Education, making me a "Higher Ed wannabe" among my Higher Ed friends.
I was quite pleased with my selection of courses, which gave me a sense of the overall issues surrounding education in general (including the many issues currently plaguing the United States and their desire to be more like... Hong Kong (why???)), a little bit about curriculum development (by applying themes from cognitive science), a brief history of higher education in the US, an overview of the various departments at MIT (in a course called "Understanding MIT"), and about the economics of colleges and universities - i.e., why is higher ed so expensive in the US? (not a simple question to answer).
Overall, the workload was quite demanding mainly because there was a lot of reading, including academic articles. Of course, given my non-liberal arts background, I was not accustomed to this and felt that I could have approached my readings much more effectively. I would call the nature of the academic work to be not very academic. Actually, a couple of courses were so fluffy I couldn't believe it - good thing David didn't apply to the Ed school (he had considered) or he would have died. There were many times when I couldn't believe the class discussions, though at other times they were of sufficiently high quality.
There is much talk about the questionable quality of education especially in higher ed -- images of disheveled professors and incomprehensible lectures come to mind -- and it would be quite the hypocrisy if a SCHOOL OF EDUCATION didn't reflect upon this in its own educational delivery. Overall, I thought HGSE to be reasonably reflective and pretty pleasantly surprised with the personal aspect of education. I liked that course evaluations were taken seriously. These were no simple one pager of 10 multiple choice questions; the evaluations were quite comprehensive (of course there were some questions that were too general) and allowed the right amount of space to capture appropriate comments. They were also mandatory. And maybe it's that the people completing these out actually care, the comments gained from previous years' evaluations provided a good picture about the professor and the course. The entire set of course evaluations are available for all to see.
The personable aspect was also palpable. In fact, in two of my classes, by the end, the professors were teary-eyed in their admonishment for us to go out into the world and make a difference. For the most part, professors truly care about their students and their work and for most, it was deeply felt. Actually, for my Learning and Teaching cohort, we actually had two parties at our program director's own house, which completely and positively changes the dynamic and was effective at building community. Probably for this reason, L&T was quite the cohesive cohort, arguably moreso than the rest programs, and this despite not having any common and mandatory courses together. In another course, we also enjoyed a course-end party at our professor's house -- I suppose the Harvard community seeps into the surrounding intellectual neighbourhood.
The HGSE community was largely American (85%?). There were pockets of Chinese students and only one other student from Hong Kong whom I never ended up meeting (I was the second one -- but I"m not *really* from Hong Kong!) There were a handful of Singaporeans who were fun to be with, especially since they were also married with their spouses here. I felt that I should have spent some more time with my colleagues than at home and erred a bit on the side of caution. But this is not a major matter and I'll definitely connect with people here and there. Oh, and I did play Ultimate once in a Harvard grad school tournament so at least I can say I did!
The one year program is truly only about 8 months, which definitely flew by. Before we knew it, it was time for graduation. The day before the ceremony, Harvard Yard was transformed into the "Tercentenary Theatre" (pictured below). It was quite the experience to be amongst all Harvard graduates that morning in our very heavy gown with cap. Our diplomas were handed out back at each respective school and we came full circle to the Radcliffe Yard where we sat in our first day of orientation.
I expect to be mulling over what I learned in the year to go. And I've got more readings to do.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
It's like the name of Voldemort. An "H-bomb" is when one drops the name "Harvard" as if it were to cause a sensation and effect as a bomb. So we don't - instead, we study "at a higher ed institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts". At least, that's my colleagues at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which, I believe, is *completely* unlike the rest of the university. I am sure those across the street from us (Harvard Law School) and those across the river (Harvard Business School) and of course, those in the Yard (Harvard College), deliberately drop it ALL THE TIME. Thankfully, my experience at the Ed School was extremely pleasant, with a cohort of colleagues who were humble and passionate about reforming education in the United States and the world. Thinking more about it, it is little surprise - only people who truly care would care to study at this school. The unfortunate reality is that educators make a pittance in the U.S., and they'll likewise make a pittance when they graduate, unlike graduates of the other schools who will be recruited into the elite and powerful institutions of the day.
I remember our first day of orientation back in August 2010. We all gathered early in the morning in the beautiful field that is Radcliffe Yard beside the three buildings that comprise HGSE. Unfortunately, the weather that morning provided torrential rains which made for a very loud pitter-patter on the tent under which we convened. Speeches were made by the Ed school's leadership team. Some facts about our class were given: 620? Masters students (50? Doctoral students), average student age 27 (Masters), coming from X number of countries and 47 U.S. states. Typical stuff. A current doctoral student also gave an encouragement: "Yes, no mistake has been made. You are here at Harvard. Pinch yourselves - it's true." I wonder if the non-Ed school people felt this way!
What did I do? I enrolled in the "Learning and Teaching" Masters of Education program. The L&T cohort was primarily formed of 'veteran' teachers - those who had been teaching for at least 3 years, though the range of experience spanned a wide range. I chose this program because of its extreme flexibility (there are no specific required sources, you only need to choose a number of courses from a very long list) and because my educational portfolio, if you will, was more on the side of teaching, even if it was mainly professional development in a corporate setting. The rest of my courses were in Higher Education, making me a "Higher Ed wannabe" among my Higher Ed friends.
I was quite pleased with my selection of courses, which gave me a sense of the overall issues surrounding education in general (including the many issues currently plaguing the United States and their desire to be more like... Hong Kong (why???)), a little bit about curriculum development (by applying themes from cognitive science), a brief history of higher education in the US, an overview of the various departments at MIT (in a course called "Understanding MIT"), and about the economics of colleges and universities - i.e., why is higher ed so expensive in the US? (not a simple question to answer).
Overall, the workload was quite demanding mainly because there was a lot of reading, including academic articles. Of course, given my non-liberal arts background, I was not accustomed to this and felt that I could have approached my readings much more effectively. I would call the nature of the academic work to be not very academic. Actually, a couple of courses were so fluffy I couldn't believe it - good thing David didn't apply to the Ed school (he had considered) or he would have died. There were many times when I couldn't believe the class discussions, though at other times they were of sufficiently high quality.
There is much talk about the questionable quality of education especially in higher ed -- images of disheveled professors and incomprehensible lectures come to mind -- and it would be quite the hypocrisy if a SCHOOL OF EDUCATION didn't reflect upon this in its own educational delivery. Overall, I thought HGSE to be reasonably reflective and pretty pleasantly surprised with the personal aspect of education. I liked that course evaluations were taken seriously. These were no simple one pager of 10 multiple choice questions; the evaluations were quite comprehensive (of course there were some questions that were too general) and allowed the right amount of space to capture appropriate comments. They were also mandatory. And maybe it's that the people completing these out actually care, the comments gained from previous years' evaluations provided a good picture about the professor and the course. The entire set of course evaluations are available for all to see.
The personable aspect was also palpable. In fact, in two of my classes, by the end, the professors were teary-eyed in their admonishment for us to go out into the world and make a difference. For the most part, professors truly care about their students and their work and for most, it was deeply felt. Actually, for my Learning and Teaching cohort, we actually had two parties at our program director's own house, which completely and positively changes the dynamic and was effective at building community. Probably for this reason, L&T was quite the cohesive cohort, arguably moreso than the rest programs, and this despite not having any common and mandatory courses together. In another course, we also enjoyed a course-end party at our professor's house -- I suppose the Harvard community seeps into the surrounding intellectual neighbourhood.
The HGSE community was largely American (85%?). There were pockets of Chinese students and only one other student from Hong Kong whom I never ended up meeting (I was the second one -- but I"m not *really* from Hong Kong!) There were a handful of Singaporeans who were fun to be with, especially since they were also married with their spouses here. I felt that I should have spent some more time with my colleagues than at home and erred a bit on the side of caution. But this is not a major matter and I'll definitely connect with people here and there. Oh, and I did play Ultimate once in a Harvard grad school tournament so at least I can say I did!
The one year program is truly only about 8 months, which definitely flew by. Before we knew it, it was time for graduation. The day before the ceremony, Harvard Yard was transformed into the "Tercentenary Theatre" (pictured below). It was quite the experience to be amongst all Harvard graduates that morning in our very heavy gown with cap. Our diplomas were handed out back at each respective school and we came full circle to the Radcliffe Yard where we sat in our first day of orientation.
I expect to be mulling over what I learned in the year to go. And I've got more readings to do.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Finally, setting up
We arrived in Boston on the evening of June 29, 2010 and I attended my first summer school class (with undergrads!) at Boston University on June 30. We bought our car and a bed on June 30 and moved into our apartment on July 1, when our bed arrived. We had ordered large furniture through the internet back in Hong Kong and these arrived within the first two weeks. Thankfully, Janey visited the first weekend we arrived and we had the luxury of her car to make a couple of runs to Bed, Bath, & Beyond to buy our dishes, iron, vacuum cleaner, lamps, clothes hangers... everything. So, thankfully, within about two weeks, we were efficiently set up! Of course, so we could focus on our summer school studies, ha.
Anyway, I was quite relieved. It was emotionally and psychologically comforting to feel like we had settled down somewhere for longer than a temporary sojourn. After we got married at the end of February, we moved into a 400 sq. service apartment, and then moved into a 550 sq. ft. service apartment, and then went to Toronto, Boston, back to Hong Kong, then Dalian (upon which we vacated our serviced apartment), four days in a hotel in Hong Kong, before leaving for Boston. I felt like I was living out of a suitcase for a good 3 months. So thankfully, finally, it was exciting to build our own home in this exciting new and extremely pleasant environment in Cambridge. The culture of Harvard Yard and Harvard Square is about a 10 minute walk away.
Of course, I'm writing this post as we are preparing to move again -- our lease will be up in 3 months and it is too expensive to stay here in this apartment with *wonderful* service. Alas.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
We arrived in Boston on the evening of June 29, 2010 and I attended my first summer school class (with undergrads!) at Boston University on June 30. We bought our car and a bed on June 30 and moved into our apartment on July 1, when our bed arrived. We had ordered large furniture through the internet back in Hong Kong and these arrived within the first two weeks. Thankfully, Janey visited the first weekend we arrived and we had the luxury of her car to make a couple of runs to Bed, Bath, & Beyond to buy our dishes, iron, vacuum cleaner, lamps, clothes hangers... everything. So, thankfully, within about two weeks, we were efficiently set up! Of course, so we could focus on our summer school studies, ha.
Anyway, I was quite relieved. It was emotionally and psychologically comforting to feel like we had settled down somewhere for longer than a temporary sojourn. After we got married at the end of February, we moved into a 400 sq. service apartment, and then moved into a 550 sq. ft. service apartment, and then went to Toronto, Boston, back to Hong Kong, then Dalian (upon which we vacated our serviced apartment), four days in a hotel in Hong Kong, before leaving for Boston. I felt like I was living out of a suitcase for a good 3 months. So thankfully, finally, it was exciting to build our own home in this exciting new and extremely pleasant environment in Cambridge. The culture of Harvard Yard and Harvard Square is about a 10 minute walk away.
Of course, I'm writing this post as we are preparing to move again -- our lease will be up in 3 months and it is too expensive to stay here in this apartment with *wonderful* service. Alas.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Friday, June 11, 2010
[I backdate posts for easy reference; I'll say I'm about 9 months behind to me feel a little bit better -- I've been terrible.]
Is this Canada? Or is this China?
David and I spent two weeks in Dalian, a rarely visited city in Northeast China. Considering the enormous tourism industry in China, especially marketed to Hong Kong people (really cheap sightseeing), Dalian is considered completely untouched. No other Hong Kong tourists? It was great. Notice the clear blue sky in the pictures -- I'm pretty sure nothing was shot into the sky to make this effect. The weather and environment was fantastic here, one of the relatively unscathed cities in China.
David and I came here to take some mandarin lessons and to take a look at this city. Unlike the typical historic cities like Beijing or Xian, Dalian is relatively young but unlike other young cities like Shenzhen that purely grew in the past 20 years, Dalian has significant Japanese and Russian influence, which came out in the architecture. Read the Wiki page for a short summary; the history is quite fascinating. In addition, unlike Shenzhen, Dalian has pretty good city planning - evidenced by the wonderful tree-lined roads -- quite magnificent for China, I think.
It is called the "city of squares" -- as in those squares you'd find in Boston or London -- they're actually circles. The city is clustered around a number of major roundabouts, and instead of an ugly concrete structure in the middle, there is often a lot of green grass. Dalian has the most amount of green that I've seen in any Chinese city. There are a lot of *well-kept* parks, including the massive People's Square (this site is a 360 degree view of the park; unfortunately we don't have any good pictures of it.). The bottom pictures is with our lao shi in the also massive and new Xinghai square. The structure behind us is only one half of a "gigantic book" structure (imagine that we were facing the other half of the gigantic book laid out on the ground), to commemorate the city's 100 birthday as well as the return of Hong Kong in 1997. For a Chinese city, I still can't get over how clean it was.
But of course, this is still China, so there were sites of the following around the city -- a old and demolished stadium, but not yet cleaned up. I wonder how long it was lying there. It's scary -- it looks like an earthquake hit the city, but think it was just knocked down because a new stadium was built across the street in the massive Olympic Park. Overall, I'd highly recommend going to Dalian. There are also many side trips to scenic areas to take a look, which we unfortunately were unable to do. And if you ever want a mandarin tutor, we can recommend one that is decent and not that expensive!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
New beginnings - 3 of 3
And finally, to the 'real' beginning. I will be pursuing a Masters of Education this September with the aim to equipping myself towards a new career. No, I don't intend to teach elementary school or secondary school, nor do I really want to teach Accounting to college students (though I'm open to it.) A little on my background first, though.
It's kind of funny that when I reflect on my life through this 'education lens,' I've always considered it important (after all, I've always loved school / going to school), but never thought it was for me (after all, I've always been a shy, poor public speaker.) And not that I'm going into teaching, but I must only attribute the path to God. Somehow, through entire career in Accounting -- public accounting, for that matter, and having worked in only one firm -- God paved a way for me to build up *some* case to get accepted into a great education program at HGSE. There was no way I could have imagined it during the various training events, revising curricula, or participating in university workshops. But they were there as a series of projects, days, and steps. Somehow, it all came together. So, as a first step, I hope to pursue this masters for foundational knowledge about the education industry.
Since I don't intend to teach, that will put me into the administrative areas. You may even ask -- wow, that's even more boring than accounting -- and that may be true from a day to day aspect. The pace will be slower, and in some ways, the people may be less 'competent'. But I see the next few years as minor first steps towards gaining new experience, and we'll see where God leads in the future. In a way, it goes back to the boring day to day again, just that instead of building a career based on amassing a body of accounting knowledge, I hope to somehow help, indirectly or directly, the students going through their paths in higher education.
It is all very uncertain, and so all I can do is offer up this vocation daily, with the discipline to live out each day with the faith that God has his greater plan. We'll see how I can share later on.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
And finally, to the 'real' beginning. I will be pursuing a Masters of Education this September with the aim to equipping myself towards a new career. No, I don't intend to teach elementary school or secondary school, nor do I really want to teach Accounting to college students (though I'm open to it.) A little on my background first, though.
It's kind of funny that when I reflect on my life through this 'education lens,' I've always considered it important (after all, I've always loved school / going to school), but never thought it was for me (after all, I've always been a shy, poor public speaker.) And not that I'm going into teaching, but I must only attribute the path to God. Somehow, through entire career in Accounting -- public accounting, for that matter, and having worked in only one firm -- God paved a way for me to build up *some* case to get accepted into a great education program at HGSE. There was no way I could have imagined it during the various training events, revising curricula, or participating in university workshops. But they were there as a series of projects, days, and steps. Somehow, it all came together. So, as a first step, I hope to pursue this masters for foundational knowledge about the education industry.
Since I don't intend to teach, that will put me into the administrative areas. You may even ask -- wow, that's even more boring than accounting -- and that may be true from a day to day aspect. The pace will be slower, and in some ways, the people may be less 'competent'. But I see the next few years as minor first steps towards gaining new experience, and we'll see where God leads in the future. In a way, it goes back to the boring day to day again, just that instead of building a career based on amassing a body of accounting knowledge, I hope to somehow help, indirectly or directly, the students going through their paths in higher education.
It is all very uncertain, and so all I can do is offer up this vocation daily, with the discipline to live out each day with the faith that God has his greater plan. We'll see how I can share later on.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, March 01, 2010
New beginnings - 2 of 3
Actually, this is more of an ending, but the post was meant to fits within the general theme of change; I wanted to share about my reflections on the end of my first career -- of being an accountant. To be sure, I'm one of the later retirees from the accounting/auditing world, and as much as people think I'm a "lifer"-type, to me, this departure was inevitable. Many of my colleagues think it is a waste for me to leave now, since I am *so good* at explaining accounting concepts and working out accounting solutions. :p Well, I have certainly spent enough years of my youth in this mundane field, but I've no regrets and can happily look back and be thankful for it.
Now that I've gone through a couple of rounds of 'farewells' in Hong Kong, I think I can summarize my reflections on my life @ E&Y as thus:
1. Unexpected community culture - For all of us involved, we would likely attest that the E&Y TCE group in Toronto is a "special" one. To be sure, certain aspects of specialness will be different to different people, but very generally, there is an undoubted camaraderie that has grown from this otherwise typical BIg 4 audit group. To me, the specialness commences from Waterloo CCF, as a number of CCF graduates first started in the group, and in a way, pioneered a certain culture.
This culture starts with the work ethic of any responsible Canadian-Chinese, setting a pervasive feeling and observation that the partners could count on the Chinese staff will take care of the job, setting a sort of ideal as a 'good testimony through work'. Of course, uncurtailed, this culture quickly grows into workaholism, a very constant and persistent struggle. Then, beyond the on-the-job testimony, the community participated in gatherings for deeper spiritual reflections, Bible studies, and times of prayer, as we all shared in our lives for many hours in the day. We have our homes and our own church lives, and in a way, I thought this was almost the best next step outside of a university campus. I count it a blessing to consider so many friends from E&Y as part of my spiritual community.
2. Exposure - It was not easy to leave the culture in Toronto, but I came to Hong Kong with a view for exposure to more of the world, and I felt I did much of this. While I failed to go on any further MSI trips to China, I travelled quite a bit to the China (and other Asian) offices and engaged with many of those colleagues. I saw how small of a market Canada was, and realized how chaotic China is! I was exposed to a level of 'technical accounting' that I never thought I would get such opportunity. There are many mixed feelings in the above. From the people perspective, I think it is wonderful how China is quickly developing and the discrimination of Chinese colleagues is rapidly diminishing. With respect to accounting, it is all so geeky, but I am happy to have been exposed to the detailed intricacies ... for me to make the assessment that it is meaningless. Practically, I could practically envision myself in a lucrative accounting policy role at some bank, but now, being part of the 0.01% of the population that can explain the roadmap of accounting for derivatives under FAS 133, I have no more desire to pursue this path. I don't really care to be part of the esoteric group that can understand such jargon. And lastly, as a very technical point, I think the principles-based development of IFRS is a good idea but now way too abstract -- I think the application of IFRS 9 in its future full form will render financial statements meaningless! (Though, there will be significant revisions to the extant Exposure Drafts concerning financial instruments for them to be passed. :p)
3. Preparation for the next career - This is my last point -- looking back, God had his plan in preparing me for my next career in Education (the new beginning 3/3!) While my entire career-to-date has been in the accounting firm, I was able to profile myself from an educational standpoint for my application to Education school. I always felt strongly about the emphasis placed upon training in E&Y, and involved myself in such teaching activities in Toronto and in Hong Kong. In Toronto, I got to audit U of T for three years. And further, in Hong Kong, as a recruiting measure, E&Y sponsored two seminar courses at the University of Hong Kong and the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, where I got the opportunity to design those courses. All in all, looking back, I must see the preparation that God has given me towards my application, and I look forward to new studies and seeing what opportunities the new career holds.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Actually, this is more of an ending, but the post was meant to fits within the general theme of change; I wanted to share about my reflections on the end of my first career -- of being an accountant. To be sure, I'm one of the later retirees from the accounting/auditing world, and as much as people think I'm a "lifer"-type, to me, this departure was inevitable. Many of my colleagues think it is a waste for me to leave now, since I am *so good* at explaining accounting concepts and working out accounting solutions. :p Well, I have certainly spent enough years of my youth in this mundane field, but I've no regrets and can happily look back and be thankful for it.
Now that I've gone through a couple of rounds of 'farewells' in Hong Kong, I think I can summarize my reflections on my life @ E&Y as thus:
1. Unexpected community culture - For all of us involved, we would likely attest that the E&Y TCE group in Toronto is a "special" one. To be sure, certain aspects of specialness will be different to different people, but very generally, there is an undoubted camaraderie that has grown from this otherwise typical BIg 4 audit group. To me, the specialness commences from Waterloo CCF, as a number of CCF graduates first started in the group, and in a way, pioneered a certain culture.
This culture starts with the work ethic of any responsible Canadian-Chinese, setting a pervasive feeling and observation that the partners could count on the Chinese staff will take care of the job, setting a sort of ideal as a 'good testimony through work'. Of course, uncurtailed, this culture quickly grows into workaholism, a very constant and persistent struggle. Then, beyond the on-the-job testimony, the community participated in gatherings for deeper spiritual reflections, Bible studies, and times of prayer, as we all shared in our lives for many hours in the day. We have our homes and our own church lives, and in a way, I thought this was almost the best next step outside of a university campus. I count it a blessing to consider so many friends from E&Y as part of my spiritual community.
2. Exposure - It was not easy to leave the culture in Toronto, but I came to Hong Kong with a view for exposure to more of the world, and I felt I did much of this. While I failed to go on any further MSI trips to China, I travelled quite a bit to the China (and other Asian) offices and engaged with many of those colleagues. I saw how small of a market Canada was, and realized how chaotic China is! I was exposed to a level of 'technical accounting' that I never thought I would get such opportunity. There are many mixed feelings in the above. From the people perspective, I think it is wonderful how China is quickly developing and the discrimination of Chinese colleagues is rapidly diminishing. With respect to accounting, it is all so geeky, but I am happy to have been exposed to the detailed intricacies ... for me to make the assessment that it is meaningless. Practically, I could practically envision myself in a lucrative accounting policy role at some bank, but now, being part of the 0.01% of the population that can explain the roadmap of accounting for derivatives under FAS 133, I have no more desire to pursue this path. I don't really care to be part of the esoteric group that can understand such jargon. And lastly, as a very technical point, I think the principles-based development of IFRS is a good idea but now way too abstract -- I think the application of IFRS 9 in its future full form will render financial statements meaningless! (Though, there will be significant revisions to the extant Exposure Drafts concerning financial instruments for them to be passed. :p)
3. Preparation for the next career - This is my last point -- looking back, God had his plan in preparing me for my next career in Education (the new beginning 3/3!) While my entire career-to-date has been in the accounting firm, I was able to profile myself from an educational standpoint for my application to Education school. I always felt strongly about the emphasis placed upon training in E&Y, and involved myself in such teaching activities in Toronto and in Hong Kong. In Toronto, I got to audit U of T for three years. And further, in Hong Kong, as a recruiting measure, E&Y sponsored two seminar courses at the University of Hong Kong and the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, where I got the opportunity to design those courses. All in all, looking back, I must see the preparation that God has given me towards my application, and I look forward to new studies and seeing what opportunities the new career holds.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
New Beginnings - 1 of 3
After all the designs, symbols, and preparations, February 27, 2010 marked a new day and a new status for me. After months of laid-back preparation, the ceremony and banquet came and went. Both were eventful, and I was very happy to have my Tyndale professor, Barbara Leung Lai, perform half of the exhortation, while David's professor, Carver Yu, did the second half. Too bad we forgot to record it... regardless, the enthusiastic and joyful recount of BLL's version of our story will remain my memory, as will CY's encouragement as we pursue our coupled journey in the search for visio dei, wrapped around many reminders to learn mutual submission. BLL brought a smile to my face while I was standing on the stage as she emphasized the importance to 'stand on mountains' -- as He raises us up to more that we can be. The banquet was an extraordinarily grand affair, quite a contrast from David and my mode of living. Yet, it was a smooth night, even if the food was served very slowly. All in all, the two days came and went, and afterwards, we were married. There is a surreal feeling, since I didn't feel like there was a difference in our relationship. But that is where David and I are on the same page, for our relationship started and was maintained on a daily basis, and we hope to continue this after our wedding.
I want to share an excerpt of David's banquet speech, which embodies our happy, yet humble sentiments:
As I am standing here on the stage at this very moment, I am trying to get a better feeling of the atmosphere tonight, with so many guests coming here to celebrate, to celebrate for us. We feel very, very lucky, and I realize that it is truly a grand celebration that you've so generously given us, yet a grand celebration to a very humble beginning, of this new chapter of our relationship. That is to say, within a few days if not tomorrow, Gladys and I will be fully immersed into the mundane realities of living together. You know what I mean: we need to share a washroom, and we need to clean the kitchen sink together. I will unlikely be wearing this tuxedo while doing the daily chores, and after a hard day's work communications may just tend to become kind of routine, won't it? Regardless of how 'special' the bride and groom are supposed to be this evening, very soon and in many ways, we won't be different from anyone else, practising the repetitions of an ordinary life.
But this we shall promise all of you, and only by making this promise, shall we be worthy of what you've all given us here. We promise that we shall make our togetherness, a lively, and life-long devotion; that we shall participate in the same mundane activities, but discover joy therein; and that we shall lay our lives' foundation upon the Truth; and truthfully, and routinely, commit to each other day after day, year after year. We would even promise you that soon we'll begin taking things a bit for granted, but then we shall again learn to appreciate each other; that we are going to fight (not literally of course!), but then, we shall learn to reconcile. There are much more than what I can cover her, as seasoned couples among our guests know very well. But our commitment to the days ahead, we believe, is the only way that we may express our gratitude to you all. Thank you very much.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
After all the designs, symbols, and preparations, February 27, 2010 marked a new day and a new status for me. After months of laid-back preparation, the ceremony and banquet came and went. Both were eventful, and I was very happy to have my Tyndale professor, Barbara Leung Lai, perform half of the exhortation, while David's professor, Carver Yu, did the second half. Too bad we forgot to record it... regardless, the enthusiastic and joyful recount of BLL's version of our story will remain my memory, as will CY's encouragement as we pursue our coupled journey in the search for visio dei, wrapped around many reminders to learn mutual submission. BLL brought a smile to my face while I was standing on the stage as she emphasized the importance to 'stand on mountains' -- as He raises us up to more that we can be. The banquet was an extraordinarily grand affair, quite a contrast from David and my mode of living. Yet, it was a smooth night, even if the food was served very slowly. All in all, the two days came and went, and afterwards, we were married. There is a surreal feeling, since I didn't feel like there was a difference in our relationship. But that is where David and I are on the same page, for our relationship started and was maintained on a daily basis, and we hope to continue this after our wedding.
I want to share an excerpt of David's banquet speech, which embodies our happy, yet humble sentiments:
As I am standing here on the stage at this very moment, I am trying to get a better feeling of the atmosphere tonight, with so many guests coming here to celebrate, to celebrate for us. We feel very, very lucky, and I realize that it is truly a grand celebration that you've so generously given us, yet a grand celebration to a very humble beginning, of this new chapter of our relationship. That is to say, within a few days if not tomorrow, Gladys and I will be fully immersed into the mundane realities of living together. You know what I mean: we need to share a washroom, and we need to clean the kitchen sink together. I will unlikely be wearing this tuxedo while doing the daily chores, and after a hard day's work communications may just tend to become kind of routine, won't it? Regardless of how 'special' the bride and groom are supposed to be this evening, very soon and in many ways, we won't be different from anyone else, practising the repetitions of an ordinary life.
But this we shall promise all of you, and only by making this promise, shall we be worthy of what you've all given us here. We promise that we shall make our togetherness, a lively, and life-long devotion; that we shall participate in the same mundane activities, but discover joy therein; and that we shall lay our lives' foundation upon the Truth; and truthfully, and routinely, commit to each other day after day, year after year. We would even promise you that soon we'll begin taking things a bit for granted, but then we shall again learn to appreciate each other; that we are going to fight (not literally of course!), but then, we shall learn to reconcile. There are much more than what I can cover her, as seasoned couples among our guests know very well. But our commitment to the days ahead, we believe, is the only way that we may express our gratitude to you all. Thank you very much.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Busy with work and personal...
At work, I've been busy with helping out with an IPO which has been a tiring process. At least, I can enjoy pockets of fresh air between scheduled SEC filing dates, and by now, we've gone through the most difficult parts of the process. Personally, I'm supposed to be busy with wedding planning, which unfortunately has taken a back seat due to busyness at work. Plus, David and I greatly value the meaning behind a wedding, being the future path of marriage, we are not people who gain great satisfaction in the meticulous planning of this event. Nonetheless, gradual progress has been made though I should spend a lot more time on it.
But, in my geeky worldview, I can't help but to notice the parallels between the IPO and wedding planning. After all, the bottom line is that they are both projects to manage.
1. Kick off meeting and all parties meetings
2. Draft the project timeline and budget
3. Clarify requirements with the lawyers
4. Liaise with the printers and submit change pages on the printers proof
Haha -- ok, enough. Anyway, I am happy that my IPO is priced and trading, so now I can focus more attention on the *other* project. :p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Addendum -- I'm hoping I pulled my last all-nighter for 2009 and possibly, my ________ ________.
At work, I've been busy with helping out with an IPO which has been a tiring process. At least, I can enjoy pockets of fresh air between scheduled SEC filing dates, and by now, we've gone through the most difficult parts of the process. Personally, I'm supposed to be busy with wedding planning, which unfortunately has taken a back seat due to busyness at work. Plus, David and I greatly value the meaning behind a wedding, being the future path of marriage, we are not people who gain great satisfaction in the meticulous planning of this event. Nonetheless, gradual progress has been made though I should spend a lot more time on it.
But, in my geeky worldview, I can't help but to notice the parallels between the IPO and wedding planning. After all, the bottom line is that they are both projects to manage.
1. Kick off meeting and all parties meetings
2. Draft the project timeline and budget
3. Clarify requirements with the lawyers
4. Liaise with the printers and submit change pages on the printers proof
Haha -- ok, enough. Anyway, I am happy that my IPO is priced and trading, so now I can focus more attention on the *other* project. :p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Addendum -- I'm hoping I pulled my last all-nighter for 2009 and possibly, my ________ ________.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Happy belated
A little coincidental that finally, on the 60th anniversary of the PRC (Oct 1 -- this post is backdated for easy searching), I have some space and time to write this long-awaited reflection for my own anniversary of half as many years. As I say every year, I don't place much intrinsic value on the day (I think I worked until 9pm that day); rather, it is simply a convenient milestone to gauge the progress in our lifetime. Though that's a misnomer since I ultimately defer to God's progress in my life, for any progression that I appear to exhibit can only be attributed to his guidance and carry. No doubt, my entire journey is a most blessed one: growing up in a loving family having learned healthy values, enjoying a joyful education in various healthy social environments, reflecting on the realities of this world as grounded in a healthy spiritual foundation -- health -- the new virtuous goal of the developed world (i.e., more virtuous than the goal of money) is something human effort can only manage so much but is ultimately outside our control. And usually, people only contemplate physical health, let alone the health of the holistic person, or even further, the health of a community, society, or the world (which, I would unfortunately describe as 'cancerous'). To be sure, I would not see this aspect of my blessings were it not for David, who experiences less than ideal health on a daily basis, though through it all, he maintains a spiritual perseverance that is affecting.
So, while such many blessings are to be appreciated and enjoyed, God demands a response, and many of us respond with good intentions in varying degrees. I confess my response has often been made inferior as I knowingly constrict it within practical and rationalized limits. A recent bout of busyness at work was a poignant reminder of my personal weakness to actively maintain the status quo or to deliver superficial achievements to the neglect of true personal freedom. While it is commendable to be a responsible and competent employee, it is not everything.* Plus, having generally enjoyed a very comfortable three years thus far in Hong Kong (exactly to the day!), I know I have exhibited an unacceptable level of mental laziness that I know needs to change. Last year, I alluded to certain impending changes and this year, this birthday marks a turning point in my understanding of that freedom -- true freedom in faith.
As a first try, I left a comfort zone in Toronto, and unexpectedly jumped into an even bigger comfort zone in Hong Kong. Next, I came to terms with stepping out of the comfort zone that is "the Firm". Having 'grown up' in the Firm, the very thought of leaving it brought me mental stress and anxiety last year. I have accepted (and embraced!) that now, but there is yet another step of leaving the industry. This thought still frightens me to tears, which I know is an attack on faith that draws out many underlying psychological fears. That manifestation is a little scary, and even scarier when I realize how much I claw to hold on to my so-far past life, meanwhile not regarding a hopeful future in possibly a handful more decades. While I work through this, David provides much motivation and support to progress along this long journey. Yes, we plan to study full time together next year. I will apply for programs in Education and will see what roles God provides me.
And so, such change -- of family status, of career, of location -- is spiritually, mentally, and emotionally very scary, but infinitely exciting at the same time. Only God can provide peace that transcends our understanding to enable the strength required to live a free and healthy life amidst the uncertainties, discomforts, and chaos of this world. Further, I think faith to live in God's freedom is part and parcel of our personal identity in Christ, another one of my recurring themes. To be sure of my identity in Christ is to believe his death on the cross not only (abstractly) released my soul from the grip of sin, but also released my soul from the very tangible constrictions that compartment our lives. With this new understanding of freedom, this year marks the undertaking of a new, long, difficult, exciting, gracious, and hopefully fruitful journey...
“They were a free people, free to live in faith before a merciful, saving God. But a free life of faith, lived in the vast and gracious mysteries of God, is a large, demanding life—it is far easier to live small, reduced to the visible and tangible requirements of petty gods and tyrant kings.” -- Eugene H. Peterson, "First and Second Samuel", p. 56, in commentary of 1 Samuel 8:4-18, where the Israelites rejected God's kingship and demanded a human and tangible king, like the other nations.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
* One of the best leadership books that I have read discusses leadership as a similar challenge through the release of your own identity in the course of leadership: "Building the Bridge as You Walk on It" - Robert E. Quinn.
A little coincidental that finally, on the 60th anniversary of the PRC (Oct 1 -- this post is backdated for easy searching), I have some space and time to write this long-awaited reflection for my own anniversary of half as many years. As I say every year, I don't place much intrinsic value on the day (I think I worked until 9pm that day); rather, it is simply a convenient milestone to gauge the progress in our lifetime. Though that's a misnomer since I ultimately defer to God's progress in my life, for any progression that I appear to exhibit can only be attributed to his guidance and carry. No doubt, my entire journey is a most blessed one: growing up in a loving family having learned healthy values, enjoying a joyful education in various healthy social environments, reflecting on the realities of this world as grounded in a healthy spiritual foundation -- health -- the new virtuous goal of the developed world (i.e., more virtuous than the goal of money) is something human effort can only manage so much but is ultimately outside our control. And usually, people only contemplate physical health, let alone the health of the holistic person, or even further, the health of a community, society, or the world (which, I would unfortunately describe as 'cancerous'). To be sure, I would not see this aspect of my blessings were it not for David, who experiences less than ideal health on a daily basis, though through it all, he maintains a spiritual perseverance that is affecting.
So, while such many blessings are to be appreciated and enjoyed, God demands a response, and many of us respond with good intentions in varying degrees. I confess my response has often been made inferior as I knowingly constrict it within practical and rationalized limits. A recent bout of busyness at work was a poignant reminder of my personal weakness to actively maintain the status quo or to deliver superficial achievements to the neglect of true personal freedom. While it is commendable to be a responsible and competent employee, it is not everything.* Plus, having generally enjoyed a very comfortable three years thus far in Hong Kong (exactly to the day!), I know I have exhibited an unacceptable level of mental laziness that I know needs to change. Last year, I alluded to certain impending changes and this year, this birthday marks a turning point in my understanding of that freedom -- true freedom in faith.
As a first try, I left a comfort zone in Toronto, and unexpectedly jumped into an even bigger comfort zone in Hong Kong. Next, I came to terms with stepping out of the comfort zone that is "the Firm". Having 'grown up' in the Firm, the very thought of leaving it brought me mental stress and anxiety last year. I have accepted (and embraced!) that now, but there is yet another step of leaving the industry. This thought still frightens me to tears, which I know is an attack on faith that draws out many underlying psychological fears. That manifestation is a little scary, and even scarier when I realize how much I claw to hold on to my so-far past life, meanwhile not regarding a hopeful future in possibly a handful more decades. While I work through this, David provides much motivation and support to progress along this long journey. Yes, we plan to study full time together next year. I will apply for programs in Education and will see what roles God provides me.
And so, such change -- of family status, of career, of location -- is spiritually, mentally, and emotionally very scary, but infinitely exciting at the same time. Only God can provide peace that transcends our understanding to enable the strength required to live a free and healthy life amidst the uncertainties, discomforts, and chaos of this world. Further, I think faith to live in God's freedom is part and parcel of our personal identity in Christ, another one of my recurring themes. To be sure of my identity in Christ is to believe his death on the cross not only (abstractly) released my soul from the grip of sin, but also released my soul from the very tangible constrictions that compartment our lives. With this new understanding of freedom, this year marks the undertaking of a new, long, difficult, exciting, gracious, and hopefully fruitful journey...
“They were a free people, free to live in faith before a merciful, saving God. But a free life of faith, lived in the vast and gracious mysteries of God, is a large, demanding life—it is far easier to live small, reduced to the visible and tangible requirements of petty gods and tyrant kings.” -- Eugene H. Peterson, "First and Second Samuel", p. 56, in commentary of 1 Samuel 8:4-18, where the Israelites rejected God's kingship and demanded a human and tangible king, like the other nations.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
* One of the best leadership books that I have read discusses leadership as a similar challenge through the release of your own identity in the course of leadership: "Building the Bridge as You Walk on It" - Robert E. Quinn.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tiens! Tiens! Tiens!
C’était depuis longtemps que j’ai utilisé un petit peu de français. La première fois après ma graduation d’école secondaire était peut-être deux ans et demi avant que j’ai rencontré une dame française en la province de Yunnan en Chine. Je me souviens que j’ai oublié le mot pour «cow» - vache – c’est triste hein? En écrire cet «blog», j’ai remarqué que je ne connais pas les «shortcuts» pour les letters avec des accents, un peu frustrant!
En tout cas, pourquoi la motivation? J’ai attendée une presentation de «小王子» - le petit prince (en chinois). C’était une musicale typicallement en style de Hong Kong ; les gens dans la spectacle étaient un peu ennuyeux que j’étais peur que la musicale va ruiner pour moi l’histoire du petit prince. Alors, celle nuit, j’ai trouvé l’histoire du petit prince, et puisque l’originale est en français, j’ai decidé à essayer la lire en langue originale.
Et je comprends! Au moins, je pense que je comprends la majorité de l’histoire. Après tout, c’est une histoire pour les enfants et l’auteur a été l’écrivé en une style simple. Je suis joyeuse alors, j’imagine si je peux écrire un «blog» en français. Alors, je peux, mais ce procès prend assez longtemps!! Mais, j’ai absolument besoin de réapprendre un niveau de français, je pense que c’est possible, avec beaucoup de temps! Peut-être je vais trouvé ma copie de «le petit Robert dictionnaire» chez moi en Toronto, mais maintenant, nous avons l’internet et on peut facilement utiliser beaucoup d’outils pour la traduction, spécialement «Google Translator»!
C’était depuis longtemps que j’ai utilisé un petit peu de français. La première fois après ma graduation d’école secondaire était peut-être deux ans et demi avant que j’ai rencontré une dame française en la province de Yunnan en Chine. Je me souviens que j’ai oublié le mot pour «cow» - vache – c’est triste hein? En écrire cet «blog», j’ai remarqué que je ne connais pas les «shortcuts» pour les letters avec des accents, un peu frustrant!
En tout cas, pourquoi la motivation? J’ai attendée une presentation de «小王子» - le petit prince (en chinois). C’était une musicale typicallement en style de Hong Kong ; les gens dans la spectacle étaient un peu ennuyeux que j’étais peur que la musicale va ruiner pour moi l’histoire du petit prince. Alors, celle nuit, j’ai trouvé l’histoire du petit prince, et puisque l’originale est en français, j’ai decidé à essayer la lire en langue originale.
Et je comprends! Au moins, je pense que je comprends la majorité de l’histoire. Après tout, c’est une histoire pour les enfants et l’auteur a été l’écrivé en une style simple. Je suis joyeuse alors, j’imagine si je peux écrire un «blog» en français. Alors, je peux, mais ce procès prend assez longtemps!! Mais, j’ai absolument besoin de réapprendre un niveau de français, je pense que c’est possible, avec beaucoup de temps! Peut-être je vais trouvé ma copie de «le petit Robert dictionnaire» chez moi en Toronto, mais maintenant, nous avons l’internet et on peut facilement utiliser beaucoup d’outils pour la traduction, spécialement «Google Translator»!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The name of the game: "No jetlag!"
The objective of game: "No jetlag!"
I'm back in Hong Kong and have started to catch up on work (IPO activity has palpably picked up), church (preparing for fellowship EM), Tyndale course (two final papers due in the next couple of weeks), and also hanging out a bit with my brother who came over right after I left last June (can you please go to sham shui po and help me pick up a router?)
No jetlag!
Thankfully, I have been able to get generally adequate rest at night, though I was hoping for more rest by the excuse of a typhoon -- an excuse that didn't pan out since it hit on Saturday night and was clear by 6am on Sunday morning. However, I still need to instill discipline to control my ever-erratic sleeping patterns on a continuing basis.
I also had a wonderful trip (pictures on Facebook, of course) with some of the following experiences:
Outdoor wedding (Toronto) - If you receive an invitation to an outdoor wedding, ensure to go early, lest you end up in the overflow seats outside the tent under the strongest rays of the beating sun (at high noon, no less). So much for trying not to tan (I slightly burned.) It was a beautiful wedding though, with wonderful weather!
Preston and Bolton, Lancashire, UK - Two recondite cities I am sure most people would never visit during their lifetime. It was worthwhile to explore these two tiny cities in advance of actually moving here (chances are slim now, if any) because while David and I believe there are aspects of the monastic spirit that are worth emulating, we don't agree on extreme asceticism.
Boston, MA, USA - Did you ever notice that the outdoor 'office shot' of Cage, Fish and Associates actually showed the faint name of the actual Boston building chosen taken as their office? The name is Congregational House and is located on 14 Beacon Street. If all goes well, perhaps I may become more acquainted with this city as I search my soul since there is so much more to life... though I am not referring to what love has to bring.
The Rockies, AB, Canada - The first and only time I came here on a cross-country family road trip when I was about 14. At that time, it was fun to step foot in tourist hotspots but without the appropriate appreciation one ought to have for the mountains (and lakes and glaciers) and their designed and created beauty.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him? -- Psalm 8:3-5
London, UK - This city is unique its cosmopolitanism though built upon a strong British history and culture. Despite having no outstanding indigenous cuisine, we thank God for Wagamama -- count: 4. (And once in Boston!)
Toronto, ON, Canada - Of course, as my hometown, it is a deep joy that I express in catching up with old friends as we encourage each other in the race. Swiss Chalet count: 2, Marche count: 3, Tim Hortons count: too many to count! (Unfortunately I did not stumble on any lemon-filled timbits.)
GRE - I completed it with a decent quant score and a passable verbal score; writing assessment score to come. As usual for standardized American examinations, I found the exam tedious and archaic - could they at least update the software from a monochrome interface found in computers manufactured by AST, a company that disappeared from the market over 10 years ago? (Though somehow a specimen of their computers remains in our basement at home in Toronto.)
While I don't believe in their testing strategy, I must admit the little vocabulary studying I have done has been beneficial in my general reading, especially of older books such as Richard Yates Revolutionary Road (if you're not one to read, go watch the movie -- it's good!) as well as assisting with everyone's favourite pastime, the Times Spelling Bee.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
The objective of game: "No jetlag!"
I'm back in Hong Kong and have started to catch up on work (IPO activity has palpably picked up), church (preparing for fellowship EM), Tyndale course (two final papers due in the next couple of weeks), and also hanging out a bit with my brother who came over right after I left last June (can you please go to sham shui po and help me pick up a router?)
No jetlag!
Thankfully, I have been able to get generally adequate rest at night, though I was hoping for more rest by the excuse of a typhoon -- an excuse that didn't pan out since it hit on Saturday night and was clear by 6am on Sunday morning. However, I still need to instill discipline to control my ever-erratic sleeping patterns on a continuing basis.
I also had a wonderful trip (pictures on Facebook, of course) with some of the following experiences:
Outdoor wedding (Toronto) - If you receive an invitation to an outdoor wedding, ensure to go early, lest you end up in the overflow seats outside the tent under the strongest rays of the beating sun (at high noon, no less). So much for trying not to tan (I slightly burned.) It was a beautiful wedding though, with wonderful weather!
Preston and Bolton, Lancashire, UK - Two recondite cities I am sure most people would never visit during their lifetime. It was worthwhile to explore these two tiny cities in advance of actually moving here (chances are slim now, if any) because while David and I believe there are aspects of the monastic spirit that are worth emulating, we don't agree on extreme asceticism.
Boston, MA, USA - Did you ever notice that the outdoor 'office shot' of Cage, Fish and Associates actually showed the faint name of the actual Boston building chosen taken as their office? The name is Congregational House and is located on 14 Beacon Street. If all goes well, perhaps I may become more acquainted with this city as I search my soul since there is so much more to life... though I am not referring to what love has to bring.
The Rockies, AB, Canada - The first and only time I came here on a cross-country family road trip when I was about 14. At that time, it was fun to step foot in tourist hotspots but without the appropriate appreciation one ought to have for the mountains (and lakes and glaciers) and their designed and created beauty.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him? -- Psalm 8:3-5
London, UK - This city is unique its cosmopolitanism though built upon a strong British history and culture. Despite having no outstanding indigenous cuisine, we thank God for Wagamama -- count: 4. (And once in Boston!)
Toronto, ON, Canada - Of course, as my hometown, it is a deep joy that I express in catching up with old friends as we encourage each other in the race. Swiss Chalet count: 2, Marche count: 3, Tim Hortons count: too many to count! (Unfortunately I did not stumble on any lemon-filled timbits.)
GRE - I completed it with a decent quant score and a passable verbal score; writing assessment score to come. As usual for standardized American examinations, I found the exam tedious and archaic - could they at least update the software from a monochrome interface found in computers manufactured by AST, a company that disappeared from the market over 10 years ago? (Though somehow a specimen of their computers remains in our basement at home in Toronto.)
While I don't believe in their testing strategy, I must admit the little vocabulary studying I have done has been beneficial in my general reading, especially of older books such as Richard Yates Revolutionary Road (if you're not one to read, go watch the movie -- it's good!) as well as assisting with everyone's favourite pastime, the Times Spelling Bee.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
I'm pseudo- studying for the GRE. I applied NOT because I was reverting into old examination-taking habits, but figured it could be useful for future applications. And mainly, for some reason, the GRE is essentially only offered once a year in Hong Kong in a two-part exam, as compared with year-round computerized sessions around the globe. [I plan to take it in Toronto.] In preparation, I've combed the internet to gather the gamut of word lists. I need some work in this area, especially given the insane and arcane words on the lists, so the best way to remember definitions is to use them in sentences. Please join me in my studies!
A new good internet friend is now etymology.com to help me understand the origins of words and to assist with neologisms. But confuse that not with entomology.com, lest you be confronted with creepy crawlies that are mottled, hirsute, refulgent *and* pellucid -- and may cause a paroxysm of fright from some visceral fears. Though that site might have sections where apiarists expatiate on their science, perhaps to help others with agrarian interests. For those with a predilection for anything equine, bovine, or ursine, I recommend zoology.com.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam. :)
A new good internet friend is now etymology.com to help me understand the origins of words and to assist with neologisms. But confuse that not with entomology.com, lest you be confronted with creepy crawlies that are mottled, hirsute, refulgent *and* pellucid -- and may cause a paroxysm of fright from some visceral fears. Though that site might have sections where apiarists expatiate on their science, perhaps to help others with agrarian interests. For those with a predilection for anything equine, bovine, or ursine, I recommend zoology.com.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam. :)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Poughkeepsie
No offense meant to the new Treasury Secretary of the United States -- I know how difficult a job he has dealing with the economic crisis as it is while balancing through the politics. But unfortunately, every single time I look at Geithner's face, I think of Peter MacNicol. Of course, to me, I think of Peter MacNicol a la Ally McBeal's John Cage. I realize he's done quite a few shows since then, but that character sticks in my mind. Which means that when I look at Geithner, I think he will get the job done in the end as long as the jury pleases him. And maybe he'll use some quirky antics here and there, but hey, as weird as they are, they'll be effective.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
No offense meant to the new Treasury Secretary of the United States -- I know how difficult a job he has dealing with the economic crisis as it is while balancing through the politics. But unfortunately, every single time I look at Geithner's face, I think of Peter MacNicol. Of course, to me, I think of Peter MacNicol a la Ally McBeal's John Cage. I realize he's done quite a few shows since then, but that character sticks in my mind. Which means that when I look at Geithner, I think he will get the job done in the end as long as the jury pleases him. And maybe he'll use some quirky antics here and there, but hey, as weird as they are, they'll be effective.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, April 06, 2009
O-hi-o!
No, not the midwest American state -- Japanese for hello! The title was meant for a draft post that I meant to post last month after watching two good Japanese movies, but since I've passed my one month mark, the title is still apt as a long-awaited greeting! The movie reviews are at the bottom.
Spring break
I've got time to blog because I completed Systematic Theology and also another Bible study that I finished leading today. That leaves me with two weeks of relatively 'free' time before I start my next course in May, plus another series of Sunday school lessons to teach... which basically takes me to pre- long vacation. My schedule is busy, but manageable. Looking back, this term was probably busier than the upcoming month, and yet, things thankfully work out without much stress. Periodic 'monastic sessions' with David have been fundamental to maintaining a stable pace of life (sounds elaborate but it's just a time of silence/spiritual reading/prayer).
Mediation of Christ
It turned out designedly fitting that our Easter four-day weekend was the week before my final assignment was due, and the assignment was to read T.F. Torrance's "The Mediation of Christ" and write a book review on it. The book takes patience to get through, but I recommend the time if you have not the time to read other theology books. His book expands on the role of Christ as mediator between God and man and presents how Christians should view the effects of his atonement on the cross. The book provided me with a more deeply meaningful Easter this year, and for that I am thankful.
Susan Boyle
It is a general habit for me to check Google News now, and so I inevitably came across Susan Boyle. As some articles say, "You must live under a rock if you have not heard..." Well, the funny thing is, I lived under a rock for two years because I did not hear of Paul Potts. :p I must admit I've been somewhat obsessed with watching their clips over the past two days and do find them uplifting. Perhaps, to me, it is a simple encouragement to see her perform just as she would at her church. I pray that she will not lose the genuineness of humanity that she possesses. The mass response to Susan Boyle has been incredible and interesting. For one, it remains to be seen whether people will truly change their cynical ways from this wake-up call. And unfortunately, the inspiration that she provides only directs people towards their individual desires and dreams and not as much towards, say, spending many years caring for an elderly relative.
Movie 1 - Departures
This movie is probably more widely distributed ever since it won the Oscar. This movie deals with death, and as typical, brings people into raw emotions of human vulnerability with one thing that we can't avoid. There are a few moments of amusing wit and many (unnecessary?) tearjerking moments. Definitely, a feel good film, but a good one, leaving you with the feeling of appreciation for life and love, as well as a feeling of peace, if death provides that for you.
Movie 2 - K-20:Legend of the Mask
I'm not sure how widely distributed this movie is, but I HIGHLY recommend it! Essentially, it's a Japanese version of a Batman-like persona (it's actually about a 'super-villain', not a 'superhero'), set in a fictional city (like Gotham) in a post-war period. Plus, the star is Takeshi Kaneshiro (ah!!!) Haha. Ok, I think he is stylish ('ying'), though not outstanding as an actor. The story is funny, keeps on moving, and keeps you guessing. It's also not as dark as the American Batman, so it enjoys a good degree of levity, and of course, many 'Japanese-y' elements that are very delightful, and as usual with Japanese imagination, sets that are 'way cool'. In a word, this movie is entertaining -- go watch it, you'll like it!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam. :)
No, not the midwest American state -- Japanese for hello! The title was meant for a draft post that I meant to post last month after watching two good Japanese movies, but since I've passed my one month mark, the title is still apt as a long-awaited greeting! The movie reviews are at the bottom.
Spring break
I've got time to blog because I completed Systematic Theology and also another Bible study that I finished leading today. That leaves me with two weeks of relatively 'free' time before I start my next course in May, plus another series of Sunday school lessons to teach... which basically takes me to pre- long vacation. My schedule is busy, but manageable. Looking back, this term was probably busier than the upcoming month, and yet, things thankfully work out without much stress. Periodic 'monastic sessions' with David have been fundamental to maintaining a stable pace of life (sounds elaborate but it's just a time of silence/spiritual reading/prayer).
Mediation of Christ
It turned out designedly fitting that our Easter four-day weekend was the week before my final assignment was due, and the assignment was to read T.F. Torrance's "The Mediation of Christ" and write a book review on it. The book takes patience to get through, but I recommend the time if you have not the time to read other theology books. His book expands on the role of Christ as mediator between God and man and presents how Christians should view the effects of his atonement on the cross. The book provided me with a more deeply meaningful Easter this year, and for that I am thankful.
Susan Boyle
It is a general habit for me to check Google News now, and so I inevitably came across Susan Boyle. As some articles say, "You must live under a rock if you have not heard..." Well, the funny thing is, I lived under a rock for two years because I did not hear of Paul Potts. :p I must admit I've been somewhat obsessed with watching their clips over the past two days and do find them uplifting. Perhaps, to me, it is a simple encouragement to see her perform just as she would at her church. I pray that she will not lose the genuineness of humanity that she possesses. The mass response to Susan Boyle has been incredible and interesting. For one, it remains to be seen whether people will truly change their cynical ways from this wake-up call. And unfortunately, the inspiration that she provides only directs people towards their individual desires and dreams and not as much towards, say, spending many years caring for an elderly relative.
Movie 1 - Departures
This movie is probably more widely distributed ever since it won the Oscar. This movie deals with death, and as typical, brings people into raw emotions of human vulnerability with one thing that we can't avoid. There are a few moments of amusing wit and many (unnecessary?) tearjerking moments. Definitely, a feel good film, but a good one, leaving you with the feeling of appreciation for life and love, as well as a feeling of peace, if death provides that for you.
Movie 2 - K-20:Legend of the Mask
I'm not sure how widely distributed this movie is, but I HIGHLY recommend it! Essentially, it's a Japanese version of a Batman-like persona (it's actually about a 'super-villain', not a 'superhero'), set in a fictional city (like Gotham) in a post-war period. Plus, the star is Takeshi Kaneshiro (ah!!!) Haha. Ok, I think he is stylish ('ying'), though not outstanding as an actor. The story is funny, keeps on moving, and keeps you guessing. It's also not as dark as the American Batman, so it enjoys a good degree of levity, and of course, many 'Japanese-y' elements that are very delightful, and as usual with Japanese imagination, sets that are 'way cool'. In a word, this movie is entertaining -- go watch it, you'll like it!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam. :)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Speak, O Lord
I've been preparing for Bible study and listening to lectures to write a paper for my coursework. Spiritually, it has been enriching. Just want to share a song that is quickly rising among the ranks... I think the lyrics are deeply penetrating. :)
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.
Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility;
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of pow'r that can never fail—
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.
Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us—
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we'll stand on Your promises,
And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory.
I've been preparing for Bible study and listening to lectures to write a paper for my coursework. Spiritually, it has been enriching. Just want to share a song that is quickly rising among the ranks... I think the lyrics are deeply penetrating. :)
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.
Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility;
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of pow'r that can never fail—
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.
Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us—
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we'll stand on Your promises,
And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Run.HK
The Standard Chartered marathon is the equivalent of Nike's RunTO in TO... a big corporate-sponsored marathon with the aim to unite the whole city with the joys of running ["The race that unites Hong Kong".] Unfortunately I didn't run RunTO so I can't directly compare. Instead, I ran the Don River Run for Recovery which was a way smaller run in comparison, with a total of 152 runners, but probably much more enjoyable!
The Standard Chartered marathon (I only ran 10K) was ridiculously huge, with 55,000 applications, of which 33,000 are for the 10km race. However, who knows how many people actually turned up on the day of the race and nobody has reported estimated numbers. Still, there were SO MANY FREAKING PEOPLE.
To control the flow of so many runners, there had to be many pedestrian flow control mechanisms. Plus, because it is not like Toronto where you can just lock away your few valuables in your car and run with your car keys. The event headquarters was in Victoria Park in Hong Kong [route map], and included a huge baggage storage area before you are channelled into the starting area. It was very organized overall.
The 10K is all run on highway road, the Hong Kong Eastern corridor, with the starting point ON the highway. From the bag check area to the finish line is a good 15 minute walk from the park to the road entrance to the (elevated) Eastern Corridor [imagine the starting point being on the Gardiner Expressway, where you had to walk up the ramp from the Don Valley so that the starting point is above Lake Shore Blvd], up the car ramp to the starting line, all within a huge crowd. This was at 5:30am to prep for the 6:00am start. They staggered the 10K races (the 'challenge' one started at 5:15am); the 6:00am start was the third race but probably the most populous. I didn't have a choice and had to run this race since E&Y sponsored my entry [And I got an E&Y T-shirt, yeah!!! Actually, it's a pretty nice shirt!] The race runs east to ShauKeiWan (essentially running from Causeway Bay to a little past my house), and then turning around onto the highway of the opposite traffic direction to end up back in Victoria Park.
There were so many people that my official start time as clocked from the timing device tied to my shoe was 3 minutes into the race.
Once the race started, the crowd thinned out and I could generally run pretty freely. But because no race etiquette was laid out prior to the race (i.e., stick to the right or the left to allow for passing), the first 10 minutes were very much like dodging an obstacle course. This made it hard for me to find my own pace because I'm not good at that in the first place, and I don't know how to *not* 'continuously pass' people. [I know this comes from driving -- if someone is in front of you, pass! Even if they are not overly slow!] Though I didn't think my passing was overly fast that I would completely tire myself out in the first half.
Along the race, it was evident that many people signed up for the heck of (a) getting a chance to run/walk on the highway, or (b) taking pictures. After all, we are in Hong Kong.
The first water station was 4 km into the race. Right after the water station is a pile of huge paper cups -- quite amusing sight, isn't it? --> take a picture!! Then, at every km mark thereafter, there were many "V" signs. And of course, doesn't everyone bring their mobile phone (to talk) to run a 10K race?
The race had a some ups and downs, essentially running down the exit ramp, doing a quick U-turn to run up the opposite direction entrance ramp back onto the highway. At 9km into the race, this was a little painful! Plus, because the highway is built for cars, at various curved points (most prolonged bout Tin Hau before Causeway Bay), the road was not level which made for weird balance control.
The reason why the race is so early in the morning is because it is impossible to shut the roads for so long. So by then time I was on the return leg on the Eastern Corridor back near Tin Hau/Causeway Bay about 7-8km into the race, they had already opened up the highway on which we ran the first leg. If you ran off course, you would get run over. It was also quite a memorable "Oh.. HK" moment when a bus drove by and I breathed in its exhaust. Yummy!
The final stretch was down an exit ramp (though technically from a 'car' perspective, it could have been an entrance ramp and I wouldn't have known the difference) to take the local road back into Victoria Park to the finish line. I had used much of my 'boost' energy passing people on the up ramp that I didn't overly sprint to the finish, but it was a good race! After the finish line, the people traffic control started again and it was another 10-15 min walk back to the bag check area. There is no room to collapse if you are dead tired!!
Since I have been exercising relatively regularly for half a year now, I felt quite ok for this run. Definitely much better than the "Run for Recovery" in Toronto when I had a sore knee for the whole race which was likely a result of the ultimate frisbee tournament that I played in the day before. All of those two was on no training in general. :p
My time was 1:00:03. I'm relatively happy with my time since 60 mins was my target. But I *so* could have been under an hour... I blame it on the people because continuous dodging, often lateral dodging, is tiring. :p My time at Run for Recovery was 1:03, which put me in the 75 percentile range for females. My time here, given the # of runners in general and the # of non-serious runners, my "overall position" was 552 and "gender position" was 60. I have no idea what that means, though I'm guessing that's the ranking for the "Run 2 race" meant for people with best achievement times listed as below -- which means it is not meaningful a ranking. :p I would have run in the Challenge if it weren't for E&Y sponsorship.
Anyway, probably no more 10Ks for another few years... not sure if I want to try to fight the HK crowds again, either... and finally, I enjoyed the race because the spiritual parallel from Paul is an apt encouragement:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. -- Phil 3:12-14
No matter my physical ability, God's strength sustained me for the race, as he does in this continuous marathon of life.
To the next race then, this is Gladys Yam.
[Aside] When filling out the Race application, you are 'recommended' to participate in a race based on your previous achieved times:
Challenge races - Under 1:10:00
Run 1 - 1:10 - 1:25
Run 2 - 1:25 - 1:40
Run 3 - Over 1: 40
To anyone who has run, you will realize that these times are slow. But now I realize they could be adjusted for a "crowd factor", haha. The times also remind me of a warning from the Red Cross blood donor clinic: people whose weight is under 90lbs are not recommended to donate blood. It tells you something about the (unhealthy?) 'benchmarks' of the population! [In contrast, Canada's warning is at 110 lbs -- though I'm not sure which is more unhealthy.] The discrepancy makes me wonder whether the warning is truly related to safety or simply a statistical cutoff.
The Standard Chartered marathon is the equivalent of Nike's RunTO in TO... a big corporate-sponsored marathon with the aim to unite the whole city with the joys of running ["The race that unites Hong Kong".] Unfortunately I didn't run RunTO so I can't directly compare. Instead, I ran the Don River Run for Recovery which was a way smaller run in comparison, with a total of 152 runners, but probably much more enjoyable!
The Standard Chartered marathon (I only ran 10K) was ridiculously huge, with 55,000 applications, of which 33,000 are for the 10km race. However, who knows how many people actually turned up on the day of the race and nobody has reported estimated numbers. Still, there were SO MANY FREAKING PEOPLE.
To control the flow of so many runners, there had to be many pedestrian flow control mechanisms. Plus, because it is not like Toronto where you can just lock away your few valuables in your car and run with your car keys. The event headquarters was in Victoria Park in Hong Kong [route map], and included a huge baggage storage area before you are channelled into the starting area. It was very organized overall.
The 10K is all run on highway road, the Hong Kong Eastern corridor, with the starting point ON the highway. From the bag check area to the finish line is a good 15 minute walk from the park to the road entrance to the (elevated) Eastern Corridor [imagine the starting point being on the Gardiner Expressway, where you had to walk up the ramp from the Don Valley so that the starting point is above Lake Shore Blvd], up the car ramp to the starting line, all within a huge crowd. This was at 5:30am to prep for the 6:00am start. They staggered the 10K races (the 'challenge' one started at 5:15am); the 6:00am start was the third race but probably the most populous. I didn't have a choice and had to run this race since E&Y sponsored my entry [And I got an E&Y T-shirt, yeah!!! Actually, it's a pretty nice shirt!] The race runs east to ShauKeiWan (essentially running from Causeway Bay to a little past my house), and then turning around onto the highway of the opposite traffic direction to end up back in Victoria Park.
There were so many people that my official start time as clocked from the timing device tied to my shoe was 3 minutes into the race.
Once the race started, the crowd thinned out and I could generally run pretty freely. But because no race etiquette was laid out prior to the race (i.e., stick to the right or the left to allow for passing), the first 10 minutes were very much like dodging an obstacle course. This made it hard for me to find my own pace because I'm not good at that in the first place, and I don't know how to *not* 'continuously pass' people. [I know this comes from driving -- if someone is in front of you, pass! Even if they are not overly slow!] Though I didn't think my passing was overly fast that I would completely tire myself out in the first half.
Along the race, it was evident that many people signed up for the heck of (a) getting a chance to run/walk on the highway, or (b) taking pictures. After all, we are in Hong Kong.
The first water station was 4 km into the race. Right after the water station is a pile of huge paper cups -- quite amusing sight, isn't it? --> take a picture!! Then, at every km mark thereafter, there were many "V" signs. And of course, doesn't everyone bring their mobile phone (to talk) to run a 10K race?
The race had a some ups and downs, essentially running down the exit ramp, doing a quick U-turn to run up the opposite direction entrance ramp back onto the highway. At 9km into the race, this was a little painful! Plus, because the highway is built for cars, at various curved points (most prolonged bout Tin Hau before Causeway Bay), the road was not level which made for weird balance control.
The reason why the race is so early in the morning is because it is impossible to shut the roads for so long. So by then time I was on the return leg on the Eastern Corridor back near Tin Hau/Causeway Bay about 7-8km into the race, they had already opened up the highway on which we ran the first leg. If you ran off course, you would get run over. It was also quite a memorable "Oh.. HK" moment when a bus drove by and I breathed in its exhaust. Yummy!
The final stretch was down an exit ramp (though technically from a 'car' perspective, it could have been an entrance ramp and I wouldn't have known the difference) to take the local road back into Victoria Park to the finish line. I had used much of my 'boost' energy passing people on the up ramp that I didn't overly sprint to the finish, but it was a good race! After the finish line, the people traffic control started again and it was another 10-15 min walk back to the bag check area. There is no room to collapse if you are dead tired!!
Since I have been exercising relatively regularly for half a year now, I felt quite ok for this run. Definitely much better than the "Run for Recovery" in Toronto when I had a sore knee for the whole race which was likely a result of the ultimate frisbee tournament that I played in the day before. All of those two was on no training in general. :p
My time was 1:00:03. I'm relatively happy with my time since 60 mins was my target. But I *so* could have been under an hour... I blame it on the people because continuous dodging, often lateral dodging, is tiring. :p My time at Run for Recovery was 1:03, which put me in the 75 percentile range for females. My time here, given the # of runners in general and the # of non-serious runners, my "overall position" was 552 and "gender position" was 60. I have no idea what that means, though I'm guessing that's the ranking for the "Run 2 race" meant for people with best achievement times listed as below -- which means it is not meaningful a ranking. :p I would have run in the Challenge if it weren't for E&Y sponsorship.
Anyway, probably no more 10Ks for another few years... not sure if I want to try to fight the HK crowds again, either... and finally, I enjoyed the race because the spiritual parallel from Paul is an apt encouragement:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. -- Phil 3:12-14
No matter my physical ability, God's strength sustained me for the race, as he does in this continuous marathon of life.
To the next race then, this is Gladys Yam.
[Aside] When filling out the Race application, you are 'recommended' to participate in a race based on your previous achieved times:
Challenge races - Under 1:10:00
Run 1 - 1:10 - 1:25
Run 2 - 1:25 - 1:40
Run 3 - Over 1: 40
To anyone who has run, you will realize that these times are slow. But now I realize they could be adjusted for a "crowd factor", haha. The times also remind me of a warning from the Red Cross blood donor clinic: people whose weight is under 90lbs are not recommended to donate blood. It tells you something about the (unhealthy?) 'benchmarks' of the population! [In contrast, Canada's warning is at 110 lbs -- though I'm not sure which is more unhealthy.] The discrepancy makes me wonder whether the warning is truly related to safety or simply a statistical cutoff.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Learning learning learning
First off, Happy Chinese New Year! I enjoyed three days of holiday last week which turned out to be good (extended) family time (my parents are here until March), resting, working out (I am running a 10K next week), doing some homework, spending time with David... now all refreshed for work again. Since I got promoted at work, this year was my first 'big blood bath' for red pockets. Ack!
Learning. So everyone knows I'm a geek and love to learn. I think I get it from my mom, but the funny thing is, I'm nothing compared to David! Haha..
A few years ago, one of my old co-workers introduced me to this website of courses. The Teaching Company has developed a whole selection of personal interest courses which anyone can buy for their own personal learning. Back then, the website wasn't important because that coworker found some forums that had ripped a whole bunch of courses to mp3 which he downloaded, and then we engaged in a major 'burning' operation (CDs at that time) so I've got a whole slew of courses... I *did* listen to a two or three of them -- sped up by 25-40% using the Winamp Pacemaker plug-in.
Well, last week, Teach12 came back to my attention because they took out a page advertisement in the Economist, and I thought I may as well give them some money after all. I bought Building Great Sentences: Exploring the Writer's Craft. I listened to the first lecture last night (sped up, of course!) The lecturer is quite American and a little repetitive, but I will try to get through it, and hopefully it will bear some fruit. My priority is still Tyndale, after all.
But a funny thing is that almost simultaneously, David bought a book for himself, Figures of speech: 60 ways to turn a phrase. Given the short length of the book, I like his purchase better; plus, I did a flip through and it's quite amusing while educational. :p
Anyway, yes, geeky. [That's an asyndeton, by the way.] But this is the real part of the post: I will soon do away with these little ad hoc learning endeavours and finally dive into developing a serious learning plan over the few years. I already gave up the prospect of earning any more accounting-related designations last year. Now, turning outside the world of accounting, there is an overwhelming vastness of knowledge and insight which I look forward to absorbing just a small part...
Not sure if this will amount to a serious career change in the future, but, I m finally excited (more than scared) to see how it will turn out! In the uncertainty, there is MUCH to pray about.
First off, Happy Chinese New Year! I enjoyed three days of holiday last week which turned out to be good (extended) family time (my parents are here until March), resting, working out (I am running a 10K next week), doing some homework, spending time with David... now all refreshed for work again. Since I got promoted at work, this year was my first 'big blood bath' for red pockets. Ack!
Learning. So everyone knows I'm a geek and love to learn. I think I get it from my mom, but the funny thing is, I'm nothing compared to David! Haha..
A few years ago, one of my old co-workers introduced me to this website of courses. The Teaching Company has developed a whole selection of personal interest courses which anyone can buy for their own personal learning. Back then, the website wasn't important because that coworker found some forums that had ripped a whole bunch of courses to mp3 which he downloaded, and then we engaged in a major 'burning' operation (CDs at that time) so I've got a whole slew of courses... I *did* listen to a two or three of them -- sped up by 25-40% using the Winamp Pacemaker plug-in.
Well, last week, Teach12 came back to my attention because they took out a page advertisement in the Economist, and I thought I may as well give them some money after all. I bought Building Great Sentences: Exploring the Writer's Craft. I listened to the first lecture last night (sped up, of course!) The lecturer is quite American and a little repetitive, but I will try to get through it, and hopefully it will bear some fruit. My priority is still Tyndale, after all.
But a funny thing is that almost simultaneously, David bought a book for himself, Figures of speech: 60 ways to turn a phrase. Given the short length of the book, I like his purchase better; plus, I did a flip through and it's quite amusing while educational. :p
Anyway, yes, geeky. [That's an asyndeton, by the way.] But this is the real part of the post: I will soon do away with these little ad hoc learning endeavours and finally dive into developing a serious learning plan over the few years. I already gave up the prospect of earning any more accounting-related designations last year. Now, turning outside the world of accounting, there is an overwhelming vastness of knowledge and insight which I look forward to absorbing just a small part...
Not sure if this will amount to a serious career change in the future, but, I m finally excited (more than scared) to see how it will turn out! In the uncertainty, there is MUCH to pray about.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Update
I'm still alive. I'm behind on the blogging of three vacations actually... Silk Road, Taiwan, and Japan. All right, don't mean to brag. Next vacation won't be for a few months as I go through busy season... perhaps I will pop up in Toronto sometime soon. :) All very preliminary so far. Please also don't wish me congratulations. :p
It has been a whirlwind with family visits from my brother.. + mom... - brother... + dad... then going through the Christmas/New Year season, and then prepping for the Japan trip. On the last day in Japan, I caught the flu. Good thing I was able to sleep through the flight and the flu only came full out after a day or two in Hong Kong. I haven't gotten really sick in probably at least a year and a half to two years, so this one felt quite strong. Thankfully, I am about fully recovered now!
Tonight, I just returned home from Rosalyn and Duncan's wedding. The two of them, plus their families, all exude Christ's love, so it was a very blessed day and night to participate in their celebration. I am confident that God will continue to lead and bless their lives in amazing ways!
I am taking a Tyndale course again, so my discipline needs to step it up [especially since I'm taking systematic theology]. No more playing the Times Spelling Bee [stupid British accents!] :p
Finally, a reflection. Yes, again, it is on the passing by of a year. Last December was a ridiculously stressful for me because I had to deal with a certain 'lil sis'. It was a tumultuous two weeks involving police, hospital, landlords... a displaced and lost soul. I knew the responsibility to take care of her ultimately rested on her own shoulders, so despite a few months of turmoil at the beginning of last year and through my unfortunate continual neglect [yes, sudden 'change of attention'], the 'lil sis' has again come to a point that indicates the desire to settle down. Of course, it is yet another step in a very long journey, but it is a testament that prayers are never in vain. I have always been sure that God has unrelentingly pursued her, as well as sure that her heart is not as hard as she often portrays. It is an encouraging affirmation to continue persevering through prayer, for in some and many things, we must let God do his work, and wait for our time to take an active part. And further, it is a reminder of God's unrelenting pursuit of each one of us... only then can we truly start to engage in an intimate relationship with Him and be able to know Him.
Praise God for all the things he has done.
I'm still alive. I'm behind on the blogging of three vacations actually... Silk Road, Taiwan, and Japan. All right, don't mean to brag. Next vacation won't be for a few months as I go through busy season... perhaps I will pop up in Toronto sometime soon. :) All very preliminary so far. Please also don't wish me congratulations. :p
It has been a whirlwind with family visits from my brother.. + mom... - brother... + dad... then going through the Christmas/New Year season, and then prepping for the Japan trip. On the last day in Japan, I caught the flu. Good thing I was able to sleep through the flight and the flu only came full out after a day or two in Hong Kong. I haven't gotten really sick in probably at least a year and a half to two years, so this one felt quite strong. Thankfully, I am about fully recovered now!
Tonight, I just returned home from Rosalyn and Duncan's wedding. The two of them, plus their families, all exude Christ's love, so it was a very blessed day and night to participate in their celebration. I am confident that God will continue to lead and bless their lives in amazing ways!
I am taking a Tyndale course again, so my discipline needs to step it up [especially since I'm taking systematic theology]. No more playing the Times Spelling Bee [stupid British accents!] :p
Finally, a reflection. Yes, again, it is on the passing by of a year. Last December was a ridiculously stressful for me because I had to deal with a certain 'lil sis'. It was a tumultuous two weeks involving police, hospital, landlords... a displaced and lost soul. I knew the responsibility to take care of her ultimately rested on her own shoulders, so despite a few months of turmoil at the beginning of last year and through my unfortunate continual neglect [yes, sudden 'change of attention'], the 'lil sis' has again come to a point that indicates the desire to settle down. Of course, it is yet another step in a very long journey, but it is a testament that prayers are never in vain. I have always been sure that God has unrelentingly pursued her, as well as sure that her heart is not as hard as she often portrays. It is an encouraging affirmation to continue persevering through prayer, for in some and many things, we must let God do his work, and wait for our time to take an active part. And further, it is a reminder of God's unrelenting pursuit of each one of us... only then can we truly start to engage in an intimate relationship with Him and be able to know Him.
Praise God for all the things he has done.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wish you a Merry Christmas!
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-- Isaiah 9:6
I felt like I kind of missed over the "Christmas feeling" this year... for the most part, the Christmas feeling in Hong Kong means being overwhelmed by huge Christmas lights that are displayed on the sides of buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, as well as getting the feeling from the huge Christmas displays inside all of Hong Kong's malls. IFC Mall topped their amazing hanging Christmas tree last year with the first indoor ferris wheel:
Anyway, the main reason why I missed the Christmas feeling is because my office moved from Central to beside my house in Quarry Bay. :p Not a huge complaint from me. :p
But all in all, that is probably a good thing (missing the Christmas feeling) because that is pretty much all that it's about here in Hong Kong. However, despite the huge emphasis on shopping, Hong Kong, being a much more open place to Christianity, has thousands of groups of carollers in every MTR station, mall corner, street behind a mall, parks within residential estates, inside office buildings turned malls... HK has 1400 churches... they're everywhere. :p But it adds to the more meaningful side of Christmas, and carolling is quite an integral part of the Christmas culture here.
I missed the ramp-up to Christmas because I was in Taiwan, as it happened, there was a huge (Waterloo) reunion there this year. It was a great time to catch up a bit, enjoy 'normal Taiwanese life' there (morning markets, night markets), and go to Ali Shan (Ali Mountain), where Teresa and I experienced our age and the gasping of thin air 2200m high. :P
We also woke up early to catch the dawn of a new day -- which reminded me of the old grade 10 band song of that name with a decent trumpet part and solos, which I often screwed up. :p Teresa and I concluded that we preferred sunsets to sunrises, not only because of the timing.
So, Christmas was not too eventful for me here, though that is nice to just slow down and hang out with loved ones. [We didn't have Christmas Eve or Christmas service either... which peeved me.] But nevertheless... Merry Christmas! This end of December rounds up an eventful year on all fronts; hopefully 2009 will turn up from this one. :p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-- Isaiah 9:6
I felt like I kind of missed over the "Christmas feeling" this year... for the most part, the Christmas feeling in Hong Kong means being overwhelmed by huge Christmas lights that are displayed on the sides of buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, as well as getting the feeling from the huge Christmas displays inside all of Hong Kong's malls. IFC Mall topped their amazing hanging Christmas tree last year with the first indoor ferris wheel:
Anyway, the main reason why I missed the Christmas feeling is because my office moved from Central to beside my house in Quarry Bay. :p Not a huge complaint from me. :p
But all in all, that is probably a good thing (missing the Christmas feeling) because that is pretty much all that it's about here in Hong Kong. However, despite the huge emphasis on shopping, Hong Kong, being a much more open place to Christianity, has thousands of groups of carollers in every MTR station, mall corner, street behind a mall, parks within residential estates, inside office buildings turned malls... HK has 1400 churches... they're everywhere. :p But it adds to the more meaningful side of Christmas, and carolling is quite an integral part of the Christmas culture here.
I missed the ramp-up to Christmas because I was in Taiwan, as it happened, there was a huge (Waterloo) reunion there this year. It was a great time to catch up a bit, enjoy 'normal Taiwanese life' there (morning markets, night markets), and go to Ali Shan (Ali Mountain), where Teresa and I experienced our age and the gasping of thin air 2200m high. :P
We also woke up early to catch the dawn of a new day -- which reminded me of the old grade 10 band song of that name with a decent trumpet part and solos, which I often screwed up. :p Teresa and I concluded that we preferred sunsets to sunrises, not only because of the timing.
So, Christmas was not too eventful for me here, though that is nice to just slow down and hang out with loved ones. [We didn't have Christmas Eve or Christmas service either... which peeved me.] But nevertheless... Merry Christmas! This end of December rounds up an eventful year on all fronts; hopefully 2009 will turn up from this one. :p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
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