A brief update for record sake

Between my updates in Nov and Sept, there are a couple of things that happened that I believe are noteworthy.

1) The trip home.

This trip home has been a great one, as usual. Where my last trip home, my focus was on food and friends. I was so bent on getting as much, both quantity and quality, down my throat that I felt so bloated for most of the 10 days I was in Singapore (my dearie can testify to that). This time round, I guess we have settled into Houston so well, I did not have the urge to gorge every local delicacies that was within my sight. It felt good.

Last year, I was also focused on meeting as many friends as I could. This time round, I went with the attitude of.... everyone is busy, and I may not be high on their priority list. Unlike many who returns home from abroad, I did not try to pack my schedules with meeting up different friends well before I return. I told whoever that asked that I will be back, and if someone wanted to make an effort to meet me, I gladly set aside time for them. For others who were busy (most people are, I know), I would meet up if they are able to find time in their schedule.

My main focus this year has been my family, and I am glad I made this decision. My brother's wedding was on the 2nd weekend that I was back. It was a joyous occassion.... I got to meet up with many of my relatives whom I wanted to meet the previous time, but was unable. I got to talk to my dad and mum more. I felt bad not being there for everyone while I was away, to show my care and concern. So during the 16 days that I was back home, I was trying to do as much as I could in terms of offering help at home. It was real quality time that I spent with my family. And of course, I saw my niece (not through the internet) for the first time. She's so cute! I love her..... and really wanted to do more as an uncle who was never around. Attaching a picture to show what I am talking about.

2) Work
As some of you may know, I moved to a new group within the firm, Transaction Advisory Services. It has been a great change for me. I am happy to be learning something new after 4 years in audit.

My first 2 months in the group epitomises the way the group operates, in terms of intensity. For the 1st 2 weeks before I went on vacation, I was waiting on the bench, with nothing available. Then I got on a project and we had a slow start. And before I got into the thick of things, I went off on my vacation.

When I returned, I found out that I have missed the fun of grinding out work, and clocking the hours. I was put on another project, and we were putting in some good hours. In fact, I was just telling some people, it is like a training for me before I go back to Singapore. haha!

During the 4th week, we worked till 1am and 2am..... for consecutive days, which is unheard of in my audit life here. But all is good, I like the work I am doing, and I do not mind being worked hard.

Oh... and yes.. .I am loboing right now again.

3) NFL
Recently, I have caught the craze about the national sports of the Americans, FOOTBALL (or better known as American Football). Being in a sea of Americans in my group makes me want to take effort to be inclusive.... rather... to be included. Being an avid sports fan, I already followed a number of different American sports. NFL has been something that I always wanted to know more, but yet, due to various reasons, was unable to.

This year, for whatever reasons, I was able to get to know the game more, beyond the "move 10 yards in 4 plays". I was able to understand a little more about the tactics, and some calls....

So I decided to jio my dearie to watch a game. And looking at the calendar, the only game that she is able to make would be the game against the New Orleans Saints, on Nov 18, Sunday. We were in New Orleans during the last New Year's day, and knew how fierce the support was for the Saints in New Orleans. We knew it was going to be a great game... sold out as usual.

When I looked on craig's list, the tickets were going for in excess of $100 each. While it was a little steep, we were willing to take the plunge when the right price comes along. On Friday, two days before the game, I saw on Craig's list that a pair was going for $140. I sent the chap an email, and within hours, got a response from him.

Chap: "Hey, are you interested in the tickets?"
Me: "Yeah! You still have them?"
Chap: "Yes I do. Wait a minute, I need to ask you a question, Are you a saints fan?"
Me: "I live in Houston, so I support the Texans of course!"
Chap: "You sure you are not a saints fan? I will only sell the ticket to you if u are not a saints fan."
Me: "Deal."

As it turned out, there are alot of Saints fan living in Houston. Games with the saints have always been big due to the close proximity of the two cities (only 5 hours drive away), and the fact that many people from New Orleans still live in Houston. And for the chap was a huge Texans fan. He told me that during the entire week, Saints fans were the only ones enquiring about the tickets, and he wasnt about to sell them to his rival fans!

We went for the game slightly after noon, and we already missed a TOUCH DOWN by the Texans! We knew it is going to be a great game.

As it turned out, the Texans had one of their best games ever, and beat the Saints in a close battle till late in the 4th quarter. And Houston's number 1 draft, Mario Williams, had one of his better games against Saints' Reggie Bush, the guy whom they were supposed to draft.

I truly could understand the passion Americans have for this great sports. The excitement of each play, the fast motion, the tactics, the anticipation with each play is just phenomenal. Many times I found myself jumping out of excitement for my home team. It was a great great game.

We both thoroughly enjoyed the game. And once I got back, I jioed Sharon and Tim to get tickets for the next home game that I was available to watch.... Texans vs Broncos... Dec 13, Thursday..... We are still in with a shout for the playoffs.... I hope I will watch another classic battle in Reliant Stadium tomorrow night.

That's it for now.... already 622am. I fell asleep at 1030pm, and woke up at 5am, hence the blog.