Argh... I don't know what happened to the font in my template because I didn't change anything! I just posted it and everything got screwed up... will fix it later, somehow... argh... =p Meanwhile, you'll just have to deal with the LARGE font (driving me nuts!)

A bunch of us went to watch the movie the other day -- probably the best turnout I've seen since "Along Came Polly". Anyway, I think it's safe to say that no one was disappointed with the movie; I don't think I've read any bad reviews about it yet. I did enjoy it thoroughly!

Aside from the action thriller part of the movie, the movie does deal with issues such as

- What is justice? --> Vengeance?
- How much can one person do?
- to a lesser extent "What is balance?" [A convoluted definition of balance as the antongonistic objective...]
- and finally, "It's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you."

I know I am initiating a semi-pointless and resolutionless discussion [it's all about semantics, I know, and I'm not making any arguments, per se], but here goes... for some reason, that line really makes me uncomfortable! Perhaps it is because I have always preached about the importance of one's character; in fact, that is what God sees of every one of us. A simple tally of "good works" easily becomes hollow because man's motive is so often and easily clouded. I am reminded of my previous post about the New Pioneer Awards back in March -- I was too lazy to post my follow-up sentiments about the night. As impressive as each award winner was, I couldn't help feel that it was all about building personal empires which realistically can be "destroyed" in a night. What lasts?

On the other hand, I am reminded by the apostle James in his book, which to me, summarizes the moral of the movie:

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

- James 2:14-17

Taking it one step further, I am reminded of the Catholic Council of Trent, which essentially declared justification by the merits of good works (as opposed to the protestant position of faith). Even though this comparison is not really accurate (topic of fighting for justice vs. salvation), I just want to present the discussion about semantics... "faith" according to the Catholic church, did they mean to exclude works anyway? Not that I agree with the institutional nature of the Roman Catholic church, but their doctrine...

And not that I disagree with the line from the movie, I just don't like how it's worded even though the underlying message (although not explicitly stated) is the same...

Anyway... just a discussion of what went through my mind after the movie... that's "type C" for you.. =p

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."

There's nothing like listening to the Christmas Song at any time during the year!

Haha... anyway, an item of praise: I've finally qualifed for the CA designation after a long wait! Haha... so yes, I can officially do passports now! Haha...

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Guess it's only been two weeks since the CFA. Still, I have not started my Mandarin "classes" in preparation for a brief visit to China this August [even though it was refreshing to go to Janey's Ryerson class.] Just need to see what I need to drop over the next couple of months...

Now recruiting for my next "initiative" -- Tyndale course BIBL 0501 - Biblical Interpretation -- Tuesday nights 6:30 to 9:30 [unless anyone would consider taking it in Oakville -- that's on Thursday nights instead]. [You can probably audit the course if you don't want the credit...]

Any takers?? [See the Fall term course calendar (pdf file).]

Think I'll take a break from the CBV for now... still debating if I want to dump more money into that one.

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

The exam is over! Now, I can *really* start to enjoy my summer! Looking forward to practising mandarin, getting back in shape, catching up on my expense reports, finishing my taxes (I know... it's bad...), and really, just *rest*.

Need to slow down and think more...

Yes, I've *way* exceeded my unspoken "at least one blog per month" rule.

I guess for the past while, I've been trying to enjoy the great weather by jogging or playing Ultimate (Go team Vertigo!) I haven't been working *too* much, which has been nice. But I *am* studying for the CFA... so really, I'll continue blogging after that. =p

But Daniel, there are more letters coming... haha

I've been good this week, getting home at decent hours (before 11!)

Tonight, for some reason, I picked up the April 2005 issue of CA magazine (I don't remember the last time I did that... but I think I did it because this one wasn't shrink-wrapped -- I'm usually too lazy to open it.) Every so often the magazine features some super-accountant who pursues his or her life dream while building up a solid accounting career.

Well, this issue featured Darren Lee, whose resume features the following timeline:

2001 - obtains CA designation
2002 - becomes tax manager at KPMG
2003 - obtains CFA and CPA designations
2004 - competes at Les grands amateurs de piano, Paris, and then leaves KPMG to pursue his music career!

Sigh... what am I doing with my life?? But wow, just imagine the possibilities! The article is funny -- and I do agree with him how music is analytical and technical details are worked out int he same thorough manner as in accounting. Hahahaha...

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

All done -- At least for the time being! The next one is June 4th... But I'll worry about that after a short break. =) Good thing th CFA is all multiple choice because I'm afraid any more case type exams just will not be legible! Usually, at least the first question is neatly written. Today, it was chicken scratch all the way through... So much for any attempts to try and improve my penmanship.

I wrote the Law and Tax exam today--it's towards the CBV designation (Chartered Business Valuator), something that I kind highly doubt I will get. I don't know, I don't really know *what* I want to do with my career... I should probably settle down soon though.

Anyway, I got home tonight and had nothing urgent to do! It was nice to just tidy my room, change my sheets, etc. And of course, the Yam family's newest pasttime, Taiko Drum Master!





Haha...

Exciting times at First Canadian Place...



Bad picture, I know... my friend and I were geeks and took pictures from our phones. His is much better though!

It's George from the Apprentice, signing his new book! Haha..

I am slowly going crazy, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch!

Crazy going slow am I, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, switch!

All right, I'm procrastinating. At least I'm getting *some* studying done... I'm done my second pass of Advanced. Now onto Law & Tax, for which I am still finishing up my first pass.

I'm going crazy because my desk is all cluttered up and I don't want to spend the time to clean it up! And on my desk are the following two *cute* cars... I couldn't resist doing this... haha.

I love my Mini Cleaner.. it's so cute! As much as my mini Mini Cooper, although I realize the mini Mini Cooper isn't as functional as the Mini Cleaner, haha.







All right, back to studying, kind of... Hm, can anyone guess the functionality of the Mini Cleaner, actually? =) I suppose it's not that obvious at first glance.

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

[thoughts from last night]

An opportunity came up tonight to attend the New Pioneer Awards. This event is hosted by "Skills For Change", an organization that offers programs to new immigrants to integrate into the Canadian workforce. The event recognizes immigrants or refugees who have made successfully overcome the many barriers faced by them. There were six awards in various categories: Graduate of Skills for Change, Youth, Entrepreneurship, Science & Technology, Social Services, and Art. Each award winner was remarkable, most notably the winner of the Youth award; at the young age of 19, after being in Canada for only four years, she not only became fluent in English from scratch, but has accumulated a huge number of accomplishments, including many initiatives to better communities of Toronto. Just like any other eligible candidate for Medical school, I suppose!

The night was inspirational and reminded me of what it meant to pursue excellence... not that I have lost that goal completely [and I shudder at the possibility of losing that drive for excellence, which carried me for so many years], but upon honest reflection, I have in many ways gone the corporate way, if you will -- just aiming to meet deadlines as they come due. Hopefully, this is merely a rut in which I am not being challenged to the most of my capacity at work [and concluding that I am not really an auditor -- whether this is a fair assessment, I don't know], which will hopefully end soon as I transition out of a senior role, coupled with the meaningless of studying towards designations that I don't really care for.. (yes, yes, I know...)

I thank God for this reminder; the night was truly inspirational. It was also nice to have the opportunity to chat with a senior manager in the professional practice group, a group that I have considered pursuing as to future options and what I'd like to do.

On a less serious note, the dinner was held at the Westin Harbor -- the meal was the same as the CA ball. I have to find out the price for hosting a table, to see whether it would surpass the $125 x 10 price tag of the CA ball! Not that the food was *good*, at any rate.

Like many business functions, (including CA convocation, haha) media personalities are brought in to emcee the night. tonight we had Merella Fernandez, one of the anchors for CityPulse. I couldn't stop laughing every time she went up because she has *such* a journalist and TV voice. I do wonder whether journalism students have to practise a distinctive character of speech; I guess I'll have to find mine in preparation for my emcee stint -- in Chinese nonetheless, haha.

The night also showcased the many services that Skills for Change provides for new immigrants to Canada. Actually, the night was very much "rah rah Canada!" "Canada is the best place to live on earth!" I realize that I cynically smirked multiple times at such exclamations. I guess it's just cheesy to say those things, although I do love this country, and it is refreshing to know that there are many good people out there who are putting much back into the community. Also, it's nice to know that Canada has given these people those opportunities in the first place, although not without much, much hard work. I do wonder how I got onto the diversity committee at work; my experience and background is 100% Canadian. Compared to many, I've had everything so easy.

Finally, the last award winner of the night was Chan Hon Goh, a principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, and the first Chinese to hold that position in the history of the troupe. Unbeknowst of this award at the time, I had the opportunity to see her perform Desir and Madama Butterfly at the Hummingbird two weeks ago and see her in her forte. It was a nice closing of the night, as she gently and soothingly gave for thanks and inspirations, in a tone expected of any ballerina. She held the audience in her gentle voice; everyone was in a dreamlike state listening to her, (certainly contrary to the teachings of most speech courses.) [That is, until Merella officially closed off the night.] Now if I only had a more feminine voice... haha.

Anyway, I guess I haven't been touched by much in the past while... it is a blessing to encounter and be reminded of humanity once in a while.

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Yes!! I passed my Advanced Business Valuations case study! *Phew*! I was pretty worried about that one; praise God for that! Hopefully I passed my Law & Tax assignment too..

Now, the cramming cycle returns for the final examinations at the end of the month, here we go again..

Until next time (probably after March 31!), this is Gladys Yam.

Neutral faces...

I've got a ton of stuff to do, but of course, the most useless things come first... =p

Finally, we went to the much anticipated Aviv String Quartet, which graced the audience with some lovely pieces:

Beethoven - String Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6 [early Beethoven: opened lightly, then contrasting pathos against a scherzo dance]

Prokofiev - String Quartet No. 2 in F Major [*very* Prokofiev; very contemporary Russian -- and always pleasing]

Sir Ernest MacMillan - Two sketches for string quartet [based on two Canadian folksongs, the style kind of reminded me of a contemporary Stravinsky-type.. despite being Canadian, I really enjoyed this one. =p]

Tchaikovsky - String Quartet No. 3 in E-flat minor, Op. 30 [rich Romantic flavour -- a great finale]

I was extremely tonight this because this was my first Music Toronto concert; I have missed three of them because of (blasted) business trips! Oh well, it was great tonight...

...*except* that I find it slightly upsetting to enjoy live music when the performers look SOO BORED! If I had a comment card, I would have definitely told the cellist to "Smile more!!" [I don't think that would have caused trouble... ;)] Yes, I understand that people may naturally have the "neutral face", but you're still a performer, for goodness sake! The MacMillan and the Tchaikovsky weren't too bad, but as for the Beethoven, I could not feel the pathos!

Haha, all in all though, not a bad performance... definitely great value!

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Finally, a continuation from my Christmas Eve post...

Let me clarify, the rest of my extended family did go to Shenzhen; only my siblings, my mom and I did not. Those crazy "chois", crossing the border at 1am... and then going directly to the foot massage parlour until 3am. Hahahaha... my aunt and uncle own a flat in Shenzhen, away from the border so the area is not as bad as one usually thinks...

Anyway, it was a good call to stay in Hong Kong because we had a real treat in store for us on Christmas Day. This day was a "Yam" day.

In the morning, we all attended Christmas service with my aunt (with whom we're staying). Unfortunately, the service was in Chinese, which was definitely not helpful for my siblings... a couple of my cousins and their kids [my aunt is about 20 years older than my parents..., and my cousins are actually "Yans"] also went too. The service was pretty good. I find Chinese speakers quite engaging; I think it's from their seminary background because many Chinese pastors have a similar way of preaching. It's slightly more forceful, but I find it effective -- like our senior Chinese pastor in Toronto. ;) The church actually has a huge sanctuary, even more so for Hong Kong. The kids sang a song, which was really cute [recommend download the video first, if you really want to see it..]:

kids...

After a nice buffet lunch, we had a real treat.

First, some brief background about my family... my grandfather opened a printing company in Hong Kong. This company was passed down to the eldest son (i.e., my uncle). *His* songs (i.e., my cousins) run the company now. Since my dad is the youngest son out of all of his siblings, the age gap is quite significant (i.e., 20 years!), and he is more around the age of my cousins, whereas my siblings and I are around the age of my cousins' kids; there is this juxtaposition in generations, if you will.

Anyway, running a pretty successful company is quite lucrative, so my cousins (4 guys), like any guys who have money will buy toys. And bigger toys. So beyond the nice cars, they've taken up flying, and the eldest of the brothers is now the president of the Hong Kong Aviation Club. [At least 3 of the brothers fly, and teach or spend time with the Hong Kong Air Cadets. The president is the only one who teaches helicopter piloting.]

So it turned out that it was a good choice not to go to Shenzhen, because we got helicopter tours around Hong Kong, piloted by my cousin [not the president, but that's just details...]. Since this was my siblings' first time to Hong Kong, a necessary tourist spot is the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. Well we didn't have enough time to go to Lantau Island... but they did get to see the aerial view. It was great.

Helicopter takeoff [also recommend downloading it!]







In the evening, we had a nice sit-down dinner at the Aviation Club... it's nice to have a nice steak once in a while, even though the Chinese food that we have everyday was so good. =)

To finish off a not-that-brief explanation of my family... my aunt (my cousin the pilot's mother) is an amazing woman. She is obviously not an original Yam (or Yan..), but she is the whole reason the entire Yam clan sticks together. No one really knows what happened to my uncle (he is the eldest son of my grandfather -- in fact, I think their marriage broke down.) But my aunt has stuck by the family and has gained respect by everyone. At the same time, at the age of 74, she still goes to many Publishing Association functions and is active at church, knowing that all the blessings that she has experienced in her lifetime are from God.

Since all her sons have their own families, they bought their dear mother a flat, which is where we stayed in Hong Kong. Of course, it is a nice flat... I was so fortunate as to sleep in my own bedroom (in Hong Kong!) for a few days before my siblings arrived. [We were also fortunate to have been chauffeured directly from the airport... heehee.] It has been my blessing to have her impart bits of wisdom to me throughout various encounters.

And I know that this is not really a typical experience for Hong Kong... it just came with the name. ;) Until next time,.... Yam.

OK, *in case* anyone thought I was an anti-relationships, bitter girl -- I'm not! Far from it, actually! I just think that song is *hilarious* -- you really have to listen to it! Haha...

On another note, it's been really nice to be in Toronto. Finally, I showed my face to my Ultimate frisbee team; I need to get back in shape! Great to be at home again.. to drive my car again ;) and to be in the office again!

It's very sad, I know, but I enjoy the office very much! A sense of security, I suppose. In any case, I'm not *completely* career-oriented as many may think... I qualify for the CA soon, so the opportunity is now, that I can figure out what I *want* in the future, to figure out what is the *best* choice to make. Not that I want to leave EY just yet; I do enjoy it there very much. I don't know!

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

This song is for my "Valentine's Day... woo...hoo..." friends. ;) The song is another fun Michael Buble song... especially funny because it's so upbeat despite the lyrics. Haha..

real | windows media

Down with love - Michael Buble (featuring Holly Palmer)

Down with love
The flowers and rice and shoe
Down with love
The root of all midnight blues
Down with things that give you that well known pain
Take that moon, wrap it in cellophane

Down with love
Let's liquidate all its friends
The moon, the June, the roses and rainbow's ends
Down with songs that moan about night and day
Down with love
Yes, take it away, away

Take it away
Take it away
Give it back to the birds and the bees and the Viennese

Down with eyes, romantic and stupid
Down with sighs and down with Cupid
Brother let's stuff that dove
Down with love

Ah, let's go!

Down with things that give you that well known pain
Take that moon and wrap it in cellophane

Down with songs that moan about night and day
Down with love
Take it away, away

Take it away
Take it away
Give it back to the birds and the bees and the Viennese

Down with eyes, romantic and stupid
Down with sighs and down with Cupid
Brother let's stuff that dove

Brother let's stuff that dove
Brother let's stuff that dove
Down with love
Down with love
Down with love

Down with love

There's no place like home... There's no place like home...

I am SO sick of travelling. Of course, travelling for leisure is completely different, but I am really looking forward to no more business trips in the near future! At least, nothing longer than a week...

It doesn't help that there is absolutely nothing in Bridgewater, New Jersey...

I was kind of upset for having to work last weekend in the States, at the same time missing a whole bunch of plans that I had that weekend. So to make the stay worthwhile I was able to visit Ina and relax in New York. It was a nice and relaxing Sunday... service at Trinity Baptist Church, brunch by the Rockefeller Center, Museum of Modern Art, and high tea... Guess it was what I needed before a really long work week.

Sigh... need to find time to sleep!!

But anyway, just really glad to be home. If I'm like this now, could I ever go away?? I don't know...

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother's child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you.

Ahh... I love that song. OK, Christmas is well over [can you believe it's already February!] but it's such a nice song -- so very smooth and relaxing -- no matter what time of year it is. And what do you know... Michael Buble has a wonderful version -- I love his style. =p

I'm still in New Jersey... this should be my last week here, thank goodness. Sigh, I can't wait to go home.

So until then, Merry Christmas to you. =)

So while we were supposed to return to Toronto the evening of the 5th, we were among the over 500 American Airlines flight cancellations at Chicago O’Hare that night and ended up staying the night after an evening of frustrating lines and chaos.

But, at least we got a relatively good night’s sleep at a hotel (*not* paid by American Airlines, but at least at a reduced rate) since our morning flight was further delayed until the afternoon. So last night, we arrived safe and sound, and not too tired – no jetlag! =)

Unfortunately, after I returned last night, I felt really gross in my stomach, and my body basically rejected everything I had eaten in the past day – so I didn’t know what caused it since I pretty much ate with my family for the entire vacation. Except for the sushi bar at lunch when I lost everyone before meeting to go to the Tokyo airport… it could have been any of the raw oyster, octopus, sea urchin, or fish that lunch… yuck. =P

However, there is always a greater plan, and I was able to rest up (didn’t go to work as I intended to) and finish my two assignments due today (well, yesterday – the 7th)! I had two assignments due for the CBV designation… one of which, I pretty much completed on the plane from Hong Kong; I just had to type it out. The other, I couldn’t start until this afternoon when I had to buy the replacement textbook … I left my first one on the train in Tokyo on the way to the airport.

When I realized my stupid, stupid mistake, the exact point when I misplaced my book on the train, up to the airport check-in platform completely flashed in front of my eyes. Sigh. So stupid – and a waste of time… which felt much worse with much idle time in Chicago.

Sigh, but, they’re all done and sent (half an hour past the deadline – hopefully it’s okay), so that my entire family can go to yet another Yam family gathering. My aunt and her sons (my indirect nephews) are going to London, England, whereas my sister is also returning back to Montreal tomorrow. So somehow, everything works out.

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Can you believe it, three weeks have flown by just like that.

We are now trying to fit everything into our suitcases in preparation for our departure for Tokyo tomorrow morning.

A brief rundown of my HK trip this year:

December
13 to 17 - arrival and shopping, some sights
18 - cousin's wedding
19 to 23 - Fuk-kien
24 - Choi day
25 - Yam day
26 - Choi day
27 - meet up with friends
28 - meet up with friends
29 - Macau
30 - Shenzhen
31 - Shenzhen and Choi night
1 - last minute shopping!
2 to 5 - Tokyo, return home!

So yes... I will blog about various things!!

As for our return home, we will be returning to Toronto on January 5 on the following flights:

Tokyo -> Chicago O'Hare on AA 154, departing 7:20pm and arriving 3:55pm

Chicago -> Toronto on AA 1952, departing 5:35pm and arriving 8:06pm

Be back soon!