To take up or not to take up

Im at a T junction where i've decided either to take the offer, or leave for better sky. Might not be a better sky but a better ground for me to be exposed and learn more.

Have spoken to a couple of people about the job offer and im glad my sis have given some insight to this offer.

She post these questions to me

1. How do you feel about the job?
2. Is this something you want to do?
3. Where will you be based?
4. What's the reporting line? Do you report to a regional manager or just the local manager?
5. Pay structure?
6. Is this aligned to what you want to do?
7. Is this company still ok to stay in?
8. Are you looking for new exposures, new industries?
9. How portable are your skills if you move to another company or industry?
10. Is the management supportive in theefforts to bring a consistent level of service?

All the above seems to just summarised the important things that i should consider. Short and sharp.

Thinking of the above, it seems that the new job scope that they are offering seems more precise and challenging.

I've spoken to MP about receiving my jobscope and the first thing she say, "i tell you its gonna be a deep shit that you need to get. There's only 3 ppl and blarblarblar"

My first thoughts, have she ever wondered what she have given me throughout the 2 years in operations? I feel that I got myself exposed to more things, get myself more involved. She once said, "Gary is not a good team leader and that to need training to lead as like 'nonsense'" but my thoughts were, "you choose Gary to be a team leader. If he DO NOT excel or if you DO NOT aid him, you are no better. Just shows how good your choice is." Soo ironic her words.

Think she has grown stagnant. She needs to move on as well. Or is she getting too comfy with us that she say such things? I always feel that to certain extent, a leader should not show her follows her weak thoughts. Not a good image.

Anyway, if her saying like that, makes me even certain that i need to move on. Either take up the offer or leave. Regardless if the sky over the other end is brighter or not. She's not offering me anything better though. Job wise.

BullSXXX.......

Now, they no longer tok about cutting staff.....all say and no action. Not that i hope they really do something, (afterall i hope my staff can stay) but it only shows how 'trustworthy' they are.....sigh

Scary power

That day, MP told me that they wants to cut staff if sales are bad these two months. Why? cos based on the productivity report, we are overstaff, under produce. Sales are short of 2 million. But seriously speaking, its not our fault. IN this travel line when the clients decide if they need to travel, we are at a passive situation.

Anyway, MP decides that if they will cut staff, first to target will be my team. And 3 names to be given.

Huh! my first reaction

What the Hxxx! Why? i understand why if i think of it top down but i felt set up. Im not given a situation where i still have to take more workload, but cut 3 staff. Why my team? cos they cannot afford to lose consultants. When biz picks up, then leaving the consultants untouched is a wiser option.

I hate the way they do this

Anyway, it just becomes very scary to me. Why? cos i can make "recommendations" who to keep and kick. The question comes as to "Should i keep people who can work but a bit attitude" or "Should i keep people who will obey me?" In both cases, when im shorthanded, always wise to keep the former to survive. That's where BW will get to stay.

But im sad at the three weakest link. They have improved but not the strongest.

I dun really enjoy doing this decision.

Anyway, since the thought was mentioned to me, till now, there's no news. So, lets just wait and see.....

A new light?

After numerous months and years of complaints, about how i dun like about the way things are done in the company, just when i've decided to move on, look around for a new job to do, MP told me yesterday that the Aussie team is targetting at me.

They wanted to poach me to be a regional IT. One that would support the one and only existing person on the job now.

My first thoughts
1. Im curious how much i can fetch
2. Im not interested in the job.
3. Why on point 2....cos its out of my character to ask more about y things are done the way they are and that's how i troubleshoot many problems.
4. Im curious on the package
5. Im secretly pleased as MP is not pleased

I message MX, HX, Sis and BC about this. They gave me different replies and opinions. MX thinks its a good opportunity that she will grab if its her. HX ask me how i feel. BC lets me tok about it. Sis told me to forget it.

All different ideas.

My thoughts
1. Im not interested as i dun like the boss
2. Im not interested in relocation
3. Im not interested as i wanted to move on. Move on my life but not move within this TMC
4. Im not interested as many of the team has left
5. Im not interested due to the bad experience with them.
6. Im interested to see wat kinda offer they will give to get a person to do regional.

Anyway, i thought, "wait till they really poach me. Things are often said without it really happening."

No point worry. Lets wait

Sis presents from Hanoi

Anyway, before i write about the third day where i bought gifts for my sis...he's the pictures of the gift i got her ........nice leh

Caught by surprise! but not me.....

Mum was due to pay her balance for her trip tonight and i went along to her agent to do so. Couple of surprises that happen

1. The itinerary included a 2 hr wait for the coach pick up. Crazy! They explained that my mum and all can take a good rest at the airport before boarding the coach to Tangalooma. I thought that was ridiculous. Never have i ever heard of passengers waiting for the coach pick up. hmmm

2. The coach will drop off at COurtyard Marriot but my mum and all were supposed to stay at Vibe Hotel. Huh? need to walk to the hotel with the luggage? They were supposed to pass us a map but no, it was missing from the documents. They gonna email me the map.

3. The trolley bag souvenir was not available at the branch. We made them deliver to us. Hahaha!

4. My mum din inform them that she is coming down to pay. So they were caught by surprise.

Service line is really tough. Not an easy task....but well, what to do if you are in the service line. Smile.....even if you meet nasty customers. In my case at work, i'll 'curse' when im off line....haha...

Presents for MX and HX to choose online

2 lazy girls requested me to post online the photos of the presents that i've bought at Hanoi so that they can order their gifts and have it passed to them the next time we meet. Anyway, here goes

This is a dragonfly decor. The trick of this decor is that it can balance on the tip of the finger easily without much effort.....

My first bag bought......cheap cheap

2nd bag I bought

Little small pouches.....

Pop Up cards

Little souveniers of vietnam woman....

Day 2 - Hanoi

It is the day to pack and prepare for check out. Couple of things to do. Check out of Jasper Hotel and check in Hilton Hanoi. We planned to visit the Ho Chi Minh Masoleum and Museum and the one pillar pagoda. We had our normal breakfast at the hotel and prepared for check out.

Requested the hotel to call a meter cab for us for fear of meeting the wrong type of cabs which will have meters running as fast as our heartbeat. It was supposedly 15 mins, the receptionist explained. Well 15 mins lead on to another 15 mins....to the extent that i was able to log on to the online msn messanger to have a short conversation with HX and sis and then had to log off. By then, it was almost 45mins. My goodness. Bad estimation of time. Anyway, we got on the cab and was looking closely at the meter running. Seems normal.....Cant remember the starting fare but the short distance cost us about SGD10?......anyway, by the time we reach there, the place was crowded with lots of tourists. But as luck runs out, the masoleum is renovating and the Museum is CLOSED!!!.....sigh....wasted our time there.....so we just took a short walk around....took photos here and there.....

Anyway, we took a walk around the big lake and reached this particular restaurant by the lake where a wedding was taken place. THe weird thing about it is that today is a Friday and it is liek lunch hour and yet there are many who turn up for the wedding. "Dun they need to work?" that's weird....hmmm....

Anyway, after a short rest, we decided to walk back to the hotel. Bought a french ice cream and BC with no skill (hehe....i insisted that he has no skill though he claims that his cone has 'melted' when passed to him) had his cone cracked and the ice cream just melted under the hot sun. We took a long walk back to the hotel and then got the hotel to call another cab for us. Was supposed to have lunch. Had thought maybe we could try those roadside stalls but not one of those stalls that we passed by gain my courage to try them. So in the end, we just took the cab to Hilton Hanoi to check in.

This hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel in Hanoi and boy, is it expensive. We checked in the room (claimed suite) and as usual, i took snapshots of the room. Every corner including the toilet. I thought its a good idea as i can show my friends the condition of the room......Being lazy, we decided to call room service to have lunch in the room. I insisted taking the traditional beef noodle. Who will believe if i say i went to Vietnam and not taken their famous beef noodles?

Afterwhich, we decided to roam the streets....as usual, we past by the lake that we went on the first day. It seems that the Hanoi is filled with lots of lakes and no matter where we roam, it is inevitable to pass a lake.....hmm....oh, before we left for the trip, i did some research and it is recommended to visit this stall call Tina Sparkles. It sells bags, some clothings and wallets. Nice stuff but expensive though.

Tired, we decided to take a light snack at Cafe Moca. Nice cheesecakes served and tourist friendly menus with English wordings. A place where many westerners hang out at.

We decided to walk right back to Jasper hotel as the streets were filled with many interesting and stuff for tourist. The road signs were rather hard to track on the roads and i guess the most irritating thing was the constant horning of the cars and motorcycles. Soo much so that a patient man like BC can feel irritated. Hmm.....bad...

k......that's all for now.....to be continued....

Anyway, here's the day two photos

Hanoi Photo Day 2

Day 1 Hanoi - part two

Apparently, we din noe where to go. Not planned. We do have a map though and hence we walk past stalls and stalls of shops selling flowers, stuff toys....

There's something im always curious about. That is the relative distance on the map and in reality. Being a tourist having a free and easy trip, armed with a map only, it is important to know what you see is what you should get in reality. For the map that we bought at the airport, its not that bad. Rather reasonable.

We walk to Dong Xuan Market where there are 3 levels of stalls. You can find all the little stalls selling all kinds of stuff ranging from shoes, handbags, local clothes and many many more. One thing i've learnt and saw was that, Vietnamese are ALWAYS counting cash. Cash is always kept in pockets with no wallets and tied up with rubber bands around it. Not sure whay they are always counting cash but, yes, that's the way they live by. We did not purchase anything from Dong Xuan market. Maybe not in the mood and maybe the corridor of the walkway is pathetically small. One will need to walk sideways or the walkway is just nice for 1 person. Luckily, the weather was ok, not warm. So not much complaints from me. Another thing i've learnt is that toilet is noted with the letters "WC" in Hanoi. Not sure what it means but yes, that's the identifier.

After Dong Xuan, we decided to walk further down to the lake. Along the way, i've bought 2 pants, wrap around ones at VND90,000 per piece. That is SGD9 bucks. I think its considered cheap.

Took photos at the lake and when round the place before going back to the hotel in the evening and had dinner at a cafe near the lake called Bun Te. Apparently, Bun means noodles in Vietnamese. We had problems ordering food as the menu did not explicitly explain the dishes. Luckily, the restaurant is well equipped with a photo menu. Got myself things that looks normal and hence manage to enjoy my food. Im rather picky with my food, in a sense, simply no vegetables will do....easy right?

Anyway, we roam the streets further before heading back to the Hotel at 8+. Both of us were a little irritated with the horning of the cars in Hanoi. Simply irritating.

One thing i realised about Hanoi's traffic is that in order to overtake a car in front or to notify that you want to overtake, you horn. And miraculously, the car in front will shun. But in old quarters, just like a big orchard road, the roads are dominated by motorcycles. Hence , they keep horning to inform you that they are there and please note and give way. Something like that. Imagine an patient man like BC can get irritated. How bad it is.

Enjoyed the bath back in the hotel. Somehow, taking a bath in hotels is real different. Different touch.

Something i need to add is that, for some reason or so, the toilet paper is placed behind the seat. So, the designer expect the sitter to turn 180 degrees to get the paper. Simply not user friendly. Wrong choice of place.

Tired....time to rest and update the days' adventure tomorrow. Koonz.....nites

Hanoi photos

Ambitious?

Told meixia today that there are 3 types of people who are ambitious

1. Truely ambitious, works towards target. Result oriented. Result - successful and gain respect
2. Ambitious, shallow. Result - failure
3. Ambitious, hollow, smoke a lot. Result - successful but depends on when the hollow centre will be exposed.

BW happens to be the 2nd. Good Luck.

Courage to downgrade

A colleague told me that she is considering to downgrade from a Assistant Operations Manager to Duty Manager. Duty Manager is just an after office hours consultant.

Reason being, she wanted to spend more time with her family, her kids. At the rate she is going, she is given a lot of responsibilities, conveniently and going home with work to do has been a norm. Something that she is getting tired of and a situation that is not improving.

I admired her courage to downgrade. For some, once you have climb to a certain level of the hierachy, its hard to move down in the same industry, needless to say, same company. The level of sacrifice, amazing.

I encouraged her. Praise her courage and support her.

Go for it. Shelby!

Secrets?

Is there such a thing call secret? I doubt so.

Secrets are always shared, with the people you are not suppose to tell. So secrets in the office will be shared at home, with your close or loved ones.

Agree?

Another Chao Geng

My current team stands at 8 inclusive of myself.

Janise - JC (30+)
Bernard - BW (39)
Linda - YL (26)
Rayve - RC (40)
Elisa - ET (21?)
Victor - VC (early 30s?)
Shirle - NS (unknown, should be late 30s)

Shirle is the last to be transfered from Finance to my team. Have heard of her working attitude prior her transfer. Actually, i was quite open to anyone coming to my team. We should give others a chance to prove their capability and i hope that the team's spirit could change somethings.

This gal on her 2nd day transfer here got my arrow. She simply and conveniently left for the day without issuing her ticket. Now the catch here is that for all reservations, there is a ticketing deadline. If no ticket number is captured in the system i.e no ticket issued, the system will auto cancel the seats and the next day, you will get hell from the client. So, this newbie, sent her booking to her mentor JC for checking prior ticket issuance and without JC's ok to issue, simply left for the day. JC highlighted to me and i reply SN,

"Please ensure that your ticket is issued prior leaving for the day. If for some reasons you need to leave early, please approach someone to handle your outstanding".

She replied "As this is my first day, please give me more time to absorb the information to issue the ticket", something like that.

Oh pls, bullshit. I've only assigned a team's invoicing and she took the whole day to issue 2 tickets? and my goodness, its not even issued!

and so i replied "Dear NS, please ensure JC provides adequate information to you for ticket issuance. For your information, VC and ET has issued the tickets on their first day in the team. You should not have much problems with it. Note that all tickets should be issued the same day consultants handover to us and if for watever reason, you did not issue the ticket without communicating with the consultant and we lost the seat and results in issuing a more expensive ticket, you will need to bear the cost. If there is a need, i will have to guide you personally"

That's the first time.

Today, she claims she has issued the ticket. Yet, my JC decide to check her work again prior leaving the day and that woman never issue AGAIN.

I'll see how she's gonna explain to me tomorrow.....

Day 1 at Hanoi - part one

We were due to depart for Hanoi on 25th Oct. Not wanting to lose too much time due to late timing of the flights, i 'psycho' BC to take SQ which is more expensive than others. He seems to find it expensive too but too late. All's done.

We reached Hanoi Noi Ba International airport at 11.30am local time. (Hanoi is one hour slower than SIN)We got a cab, a fixed charge of 150,000VND, to our hotel at Hang Cot, Jasper Hotel.

(By the way, this whole trip was initiated as i've won a 2 nights complimentary at the Hilton Hanoi hotel and hence, not wanting to waste the stay, i got BC to go with me)

This Jasper hotel looks a bit like a motel from its appearance. We got through the check in without much hassels. Hassel free to the extent that no credit card was required as deposit, they need no forms to be filled, they just needed to safekeep your passport. This is something that im not too comfortable but it seems like we do not have much choices. So the porter then took our luggage to room 402. Upon arriving level 4, he knocks on the room door. BC ask the reason for doing that. I guess its due to superstition but then we realised that no. It was for the fact that there are people in the room and when the door opens, it looks as though a couple of chambermaid dressed in casual clothes were taking a morning nap. We were asked to wait at the corridor while the porter went back to the reception to check things out.

After much wait, we were brought to a different room. Room 502 instead. I was slightly amazed by the look of the room. Modern, neat, clean and looks like a high end hotel minus the technology. Cool. Not bad for SGD60+ per night. As usual, i took photos of the room and BC was playing with the safe. Without much success, the so called English Menu gave him problems and for the first time in my life, the safe's alarm went off. We had to call the reception for help. The same porter and BC struggled for a long 30mins and after much repeated attempts to set the alarm, with the same porter being called to the room many times, we finally got the procedure for setting the safe's code. Phew.

We changed and headed down the streets to experience Hanoi........

Back from Hanoi!!!

Back in my little city i call home....

The 3 and a half days spend in Hanoi was enriching with the different culture (pace of life, the horning of cars, shopping, haze...)

I've seen and experienced quite a bit in Hanoi that i wanted to share with all. Be it tourist attractions, shopping, some new things that i've never done, things that amazed me and many many more. I've started to realise that on an overseas trip, shopping might not be the priority, it's the many new things and life you see and experienced that adds meaning to your life.

In this whole week, i'll share the many experiences encountered and of cos not forgetting the photos i've took......

Stay tuned...

Tired, really tired

Not sure why i feel this way these days. It is irritating, yet uncontrollable.

I sleep for a minimum 7 hours these days, more than what i used to sleep, yet im still tired. Something seems to be wrong..hmm...im not sure

Too many things, too little time, too little energy.

In addition, the human resource management is tiring. Cutting a ticket and invoice on the same day is taxing. Managing a team of 6 adds to the damage. But i chose this path. Point of no return. But i will survive. With my team, and better.

I've borrowed a book "Leading teams", hoping that it will give me more insights to my daily managing. God bless.

Probably i need a little break. Im looking forward to spending some time with BC overseas. A chance to understand each other better and explore a new place together. Memories that will belong to us only.

Hanoi, wait for me. Another week to go.....Cya soon.

Dismissal of a colleague - monetary theft

This is the third colleague who left the office. Just that there is a slight difference.

Man, a figure i thought will be strong, someone to rely on, someone who will plan ahead, take care of the main bread and butter of the house. A simple thought. Yet, many did not make it.

One of my colleague, ex colleague i should say, left the company due to monetary theft. He has been working for many years in the company, a contributor, a responsible one. Yet, after his dismissal, i change my views on him.

My fellow colleagues pity him and felt sad at his departure as afterall, he have been a good figure and one who has worked alongside with all the oldtimers for soo long. They hope for the best for him, pray that he will be able to scrape through this ordeal, but for me, i made the comment. "He should be glad or thankful if they do not put him behind bars." They might have find me cruel, but i must say, everyone has a choice to choose his/her way. They can choose to keep the damage to the minimum. Or complain through his living days and wait for a miracle to happen.

In a recent HK serial, i could remember vividly this sentence made. "if you say you will try your best, you will only try your best. If you say you can do it, then there is a higher chance of achieving your goal" There is such truth in the statement. One that all would probably know yet hard to practise. There are many ways to do this. Pick the wrong one and it could lead to a bad end, an unexpected one.

I'm sad that he ended his job in this manner. Not even a chance to say goodbye. Sad that he choose this way. (maybe he din choose, but he allow himself to slowly go through this path?)

MP briefly told us his story. A summon unpaid, laid to borrowing from loanshark and upteen unlucky things that happen to him, that resulted his theft. Mankind has their thousand and one reasons why things happen. Things happen for a reason. We could have plan better to minimise the damage. Yet, sometimes, we are blinded by our own thoughts that resulted a path that was never planned.

I sincerely hope he survived. Better. Do not step in the same footstep again.

All the best. Abu....

Dinner with Enen, Ah Biao and Adelyn

Dinner with EnEn, Ah Biao and Adelyn

Photos taken at BK in Amara.......Dun puke when you see the series of photos Ah Biao pose.....haha

KTV crazy

Was meeting Adelyn last fri for a nite out and us, being ktv crazy, wanted to go sing our hearts out with the new learned songs.

Being a friday and a PH eve, it was gonna be an expensive night. So we called to check out the prices of the various places

1. KBox - Think it was 48++ for its happy hours. That works out to about 30 per person! wah, exceed our budget. We arent willing to spend that money on that night.

2. Partyworld - It was about 48 nett for 4hours. 24 per person. but room is available only 11pm. nah...

We were undecisive. In the end, we decided to meet first. Adelyn was coming to pick me up at my office tower. 30mins from knockoff time, i had to attend to a hotel reservation request that require a room for 2 adults and 2 kids locally. Its soo hard to get rooms last minute. After much attempts, failed ones, i truthfully told the client i cant find the rooms. Phew, he accepted it and i rush off to the poor gal who was waiting for me helplessly. She have been waiting for me the day before as well for our dinner appointment. Work, can be soo unexpected.

Anyway, we finally decided to give Ten Dollar Club a shot and called to make reservations. It is located at Smith Street and we decided to pack our Mc dinner there crossing our fingers that it allows us to bring food in. Adelyn got lost while trying to make her way there as i was dropped off to buy dinner and she went to find a parking lot.

When we finally got there, to our 'shock', it had a minimum amount as well which came up to about 40+. We had 2 hours left and of cos, we left, not wanting to spend that money.

In the end, finally went back to Lucky Chinatown. Decided to give KSter a shot. We finally got a best offer at 15++ per person for a 3 hour slot.

So the two crazy woman went singing finally at K-Ster and we were glad for 1 thing. We finally manage to find Liang Jing Ru's Ye Ye Ye Ye concert version singable at K-Ster. Haha.

After KTV, Adelyn gave me a ride back home and we went for a car wash prior that. It was those manual car wash kind. That's my first experience for a manual car wash. I could remember those days when dad drove us in his cab and went for the automatic car wash, and we had to cover the edge of the windows with a cloth for fear that the water would seep through the window. Those were the days.

And when the soap foam were sprayed on the windows, i went "hey, it looks like its snowing!!!" and i did the those crazy thing. I took out my cam and took photos. Adelyn was just as excited and there, we took our photos in the car....hehe

















By the time i was home, i was tired, from work and a day's out.......zzzzzz

Farewell dinner photos for Uncle Mike and Family

Farewell Dinner at Aunt Beth's place

Had a farewell dinner at Auntie Beth's place for Uncle Mike, Aunt Margaret and Mary Rose......Guess will miss them a lot. Enjoy!

Back to the old feel

Self explanatory...isnt it....

New Look

Well,

Suddenly sick of the old look....so here's a new one...

不能说的.秘密.....赞！

Just back from the show at Vivocity. A 2 hour romantic show that captures the heart of the viewer. Was thinking, it's Jay Chou's first movie as a director, Script writer and Main actor. For a first timer, Brilliant. I like the storyline and especially the twist of events at the end of the story. It explains the full's stop in the title. Unrevealed, secret. Secret is the name of a score, a powerful one that can bring the pianist playing the tune on the old piano back 20years old ago or 20years later, depending on the speed of the pianist playing. I was rather amazed by the chemistry the main cast have and of course, Jay Chou's piano skills. Amazing. Definitely a show you do not want to miss.

Enjoy as the movie brings you back to school days, those pure love.....

http://www.sonypictures.com.tw/movie/secret/home.htm

New Duet! Lee Hom and Selina 你是我心内的一首歌

Old photos - Just for Laughs

Was packing my stuff and came across these photos.....enjoy!!! (note that the dates on the photos corresponds to the date i use the camera to take the actual hardcopy photos)




This is taken in 1995 (i think) during prefects camp in St John's Island...soo young....



















Huixian and one of the junior.....can't remember his name
















Meixia and me in Sentosa....Can't remember year....soo young and slim....haiz












Ryan and Joshua. Isnt Josh soo cute when he is young....?















Last but not least, its Me in the different stages of my life...

Uncle Larry

Just had a gathering in Cousin Nicholas's place during National Day with Uncle Larry and the whole Lee family. Could vividly remember how loving was he with Auntie Lucy when he was faithfully waiting for Auntie Lucy to go shopping with us. Sweet. Hope that my husband will be the same when we are old...(envy..)

It was 13th August when Godma called my house at 6+ in the morning. Uncle Larry has passed away. It came as a shock as 12th August, Sunday, my mum was just talking about leaving a piece of Jeannette's bday cake for him and the next thing we know, he has gone to another world. We did not want to ask too much about his death for fear of upsetting Pam and Jean further and so we went down to the wake the same day after work to find out more and help out.

Uncle Larry died of Hypertensive Heart Disease. He couldnt be revived at the hospital after suspected internal bleeding as he was vomiting blood. He left us that morning.

I remember Uncle Larry as a jovial man who drinks and blushed. One who jokes and always seems happy. This came too sudden. We were worried for Auntie Lucy who is very close to Uncle Larry. Maybe the blow hasnt sink in. I think Friday will be a tough morning when Uncle Larry is cremated. God Bless his family to be strong.

To Uncle Larry, may you rest in peace and we'll be strong and help to look after Auntie Lucy.

Tau Pok Udon???

We had dinner at a japanese restaurant, a little celebration for my sis in Paragon. I ordered Kitsune Udon with the waitress, pronouncing the word clearly, Ki-Tsu-Ne. As though making sure of my order, the waitress repeated, "the one with tau pok?" Stunned when i heard that, i said yah. When my UDon was finally served, not to be forgotten, she repeated "Your taupok Udon miss." Faint. Taupok Udon? that's soo funny. She makes it soo localise and least expected in a Japanese restaurant. Oh my goodness....This reminded me of another incident at another Japanese restaurant where i ordered Ocha (green tea) for my beverage. I took almost 10mins to explain to her what Ocha is. I guess, in a Japanese restaurant, i've expected the staff to know the names of food and beverages in Japanese. The least basic. Disappointed and amazed, this island needs to brush up on Service......

Uncle Chan.....please take care

Saw Uncle Chan's photo in the papers today.....OMG!

There was a blast at one old folk's place in Jalan Bukit Merah Block 105. I heard and saw the news 2 days back and was thinking if it was near to Sarah. Sarah is a senior activities centre which offers the old folks a place to gather for game and assistance. In my years in NTU, i was involved in a project, Rolling good times which has given me the opportunity to know the old folks, teach them to play games, communicate with them and spend time with them. I could remember vividly that Uncle Chan as the uncle who would cook green bean soup for the folks and us volunteers, to distribute. He is a abled uncle who could look after himself. Living opposite is Auntie Chan. Auntie can speak little Mandarin and i've tried to use my little Cantonese to converse with her. As she have weak knees and need help walking, i was following her everywhere during the event. She treated me like her god daughter.

And now, Uncle Chan has left and Auntie Chan is still in the ICU. I can't believe that someone who i used to spend time with suffered such injuries. A tragedy.

Tears flow down my face as i expressed my sadness. Goodbye Uncle Chan, please take care and hope your journey to heaven is smooth.

Auntie Chan, allow me to silently give you my support and strength to fight the battle of survival. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Thank you both for giving me such wonderful memories. God bless you.

Happy Birthday Amelie and Kathleen

Happy Birthday to both my nieces...



I like mei mei's Expression...so innocent and cute...always a dreamy look....

Jie Jie is more lively....but nowadays more cranky...

Hope the two of you be healthy and let me carry soon!!

Meixia's birthday....

Every year, 26th July will be a headache for both huixian and myself. This is the DAY, a day where our five star friend is born and grows older.

Her thoughtfulness spent in each of our birthday, makes both of us seem bo sim. We have to do something special this year in order to show our 'gratitude' to this friend.

I remembered i was on the phone with Huixian cracking our brains for her gift and somehow, after much effort and thoughts, we have decided to give her many gifts. As many as 12!

At first, we wanted 14. 14 years of friendship. However, its really hard to buy 14 lah....so, we have to make do with twelve.

So, we decided to give her the following

A bouquet of flowers - cant remember when was her last bouquet, but, yah. we decided to send her flowers a day earlier to her office to surprise her.

Sunflower seeds - the idea revolved around giving her flowers for many years but considering the fact that it is costly, we decided to give her seeds to plant and grow her flowers so that she can have flowers all year round....later, the seeds evolved to real sunflower seeds, those seeds that are edible. Y? cos we strongly believe that she wun plant and it is more logical to give her something edible

Corn - She love corn. So we bought 2 raw corn for her to cook and eat herself.

Hello Panda chocolate biscuits - She's always getting Huixian to buy from her office

Cake - Standard birthday item.

5 Star Friend Award Certificate - to acknowledge her effort and reward her..

Don't be late, Clara voucher - well, we are sacrificing ourselves. With the thought that we are always late, we decided to give her such a voucher to produce and DEMAND that we are not late on whichever occasion she produce the voucher

Dont' be late, Joey voucher - same reason as above

Free KTV session voucher - cos we love KTV, and we are treating her a free session when she produce the voucher

Disc - disc of songs

Exclusive dinner with Joey and Clara - of cos, at MX's expense..haha

Can't remember what's the twelve present but yah, its fun.....something special and most personalised this year.

Hope she likes our special present this year......HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAL!

方大同 薛凯琪 - 四人游

Another nice song....

开车- 阿桑

很喜欢这首歌的词， 慢慢欣赏吧！

开车- 阿桑
上 上一次的快乐是多久了
你 你走了我的计算变差了
微笑在我脸上有被藏住了
那是第几次又说起你了

开 一个人开车是最寂寞的
但是别 别扭开收音机来听听歌
因为有些歌曲是很伤人的
太容易就会想起你了

如果那天病了 约会换了
我们就不遇上了
或许就能微笑 幸福靠着
比你更好的另一个
有时爱像开车 危险又快乐
遇上红灯就停了
勉强是不对的 我们都知道的
差别的是谁会先下车

伤 再伤的伤口都会痊愈的
难 再难的难过也能走过的
一个人的下午也是美好的
只是聊天的人又少了一个

Raindrops keep falling on my head......

Its pouring now in Singapore and i hope it goes on the whole night so that all of us can have a good night sleep.....

Mary Rose is back!

This little cousin of mine belongs to my youngest auntie, that is Auntie Margaret and her husband Mike Pringles. She's soo cute and yes, she's 5 years old now.

It's always interesting to have an "ang mo" cousin. The interest starts all the way when she was still in Ah yee's tummy (we call aunt margaret, ah yee), we were soo curious about whether will she look more "ang mo" or chinese but as you can see, more"ang mo"......

Now that she's back, we can have more fun with her....

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Jianwei, Francis and Huikai! All three happen to be same age and same birthday! Scary ah...

And well, 23rd is my birthday and im not too excited about it. Guess it happens when one hits a certain age and birthdays are simply reminding you that you are older.

Rather, im more excited about what my friends are gonna do for me than my BF. My "star" friends will prepare little surprises and crazier things for me. Like they actually made me certificates of achievement for "Best DJ" when i was partiming as a DJ, "Best Newcomer" when i was learning singing and bought me a guitar and etc. Thinking back, little things done are always sweet. It's always fortunate to have such friends. Soo sweet.

As for my BF, he's thoughtful and spends effort but guess its a different feeling. Can't compare.

Anyway, i'll look forward to spending every quality time with my friends on my bday celebration. And thanks to all for making time for me and spending effort and thoughts.

Downgrade

Finally Dad pop the question, "Shall we downgrade?"

This was the first week after seeing the article on someone selling their 5 room flat in our district on the papers last weekend for 720k.

Someone actually preampt me that this might be coming and true enough, it only takes a few days before this expectation was realised.

I din like the idea of moving simple because its rather ridiculous. I somehow do not think that they will stay together long when i marry (that is when i marry) so why should we even bother to change?

Somehow, i ponder a lot on such questions, "why are they still together when obviously, they dun tok? Can't they move on individually with their own lives separately?" And the more i think about it, the more i do not want to be the spark that starts the separation.

Maybe, just maybe, i think too much. Should have let it go but how to when im in this house as well?

Then i thought about getting married. But im not certain that i want to settle down with him. Not sure its because i do not want to marry or he's not the one i want to marry? When soo many uncertainties are pondering me, i can't make a choice.

Hate it when i get myself in such a situation. I simply think too much. Yet i can't control my thoughts. How?

Help....

Jac's wedding photo

This is a group photo with Jacqueline and Junius.

This is Alvin, Jeremy and Amy Kong. Don't Alvin look as though he is a star?

Last but not least, Xiao Mei and me. Isn't she pretty?

Weddings are actually one very interesting event to go to. More of a discovery event today for me cos this is one of the event where you get to see your colleagues dressed formally and this is the first wedding i've been to with soo many colleagues. The gals become prettier, guys dressed smarter and where all people gather in the same table to understand each other better in a casual environment.

All in all, i kinda enjoyed myself tonight. Look forward to the next one next Sat.

楊宗緯

was surfing for anything interesting and happen to come across this guy....special voice......super impressed!!!

Hearing his singing gives me goosebumps.....enjoy!!! Here's him singing one of my favourite song from Ah Mei - 讓每個人都心碎

After event thoughts on b's incident

Went to fling last week and it was the first time that i've seen the gang since the email. I've manage to curb my urge to complain about work, intentionally and prolly because im not working on that day.

Anyway, fern was very interested to know my after event thoughts of b's email. My conclusion. It's good i complain less but nevertheless, the only thing that has not changed is, i still do not think that the way it is brought across to me is appreciated or tactful although i do not think much of it now. Thanks but no thanks. We all have to be tactful in how we voice out out thoughts to others. In the way i've complained about work, yes, too negative. But in trying to bring your goodwill opinions to others require tactfulness as well. Needs to match the person's character.

But i've learnt a lesson and understand my frens' character better now. Wz and B belongs to a gang. Fern and B belongs to another gang. Me? Question mark.......

IQ questions

Met Weizhen, Fernie and the juniors for dinner and Weizhen gave us IQ questions to guess. Have fun guessing the below


1. There are 10 bags of coins. In each bag, there are 10 coins each weighing 1g. However, there is one bag of coins with each coin weighing 1.1g. Given a digital weighing scale, how can one deduce which is the bag that contains the 1.1g coins if you are given just one chance to weigh?


2. There are 3 lightbulbs on level 2 of a building. There are 3 switches on level 1 of the same building. How is one able to deduce which is the correct switch for the lightbulbs if you are given only a chance to go up to level 2 once?


3. There is a bridge that is able to take exactly one tonne of load. A lorry weighing exactly one tonne is on its way to the bridge when a "pile" of birdshit falls on the lorry just before it crosses the bridge. Why is the lorry able to cross the bridge without the bridge collapsing?


4. Stupid question one


If this hand is a bean, what does the action represent? Guess a type of bean

5. Stupid question two


If the above hand is power, what does the action represent? Guess a type of power



Ready for the answers???

Here goes.....
1. Label each bag from 1 to 10. Take a coin from bag one and 2 coins from bag 2 and so on and so forth. Put all the coins on the weighing machine. The decimal shows the bag that coins 1.1g coins...Did you get this correct? tough man...

2. On the first switch for 1 min. Off the switch. On the 2nd switch and go to level 2. The bulb lighted connects to the second switch. The unlighted but feels warm bulb connects to the first switch.

3. When the lorry is travelling, it burns up the fuel and by the time it reaches the bridge, it weighs one tonne minus the fuel plus the birdshit. Assuming the fuel burnt is heavier than the birdshit, the lorry is able to safely drive across the bridge.

4. Soya Bean. 手压bean!!!

5. Solar Power 手拉power!!!

A day at Haw Par Villa

went to Haw Par Villa today for a Seminar conducted by one of the airlines. Felt weird to have a seminar to be conducted there as my memories of Haw Par Villa was more of a Chinese historical tour, a place filled with statues and myths but never a seminar place. Nevertheless, we went there on a bus, just like those school days where we went for an excursion.

The place still looks the same as i've remembered. The long walkway in, the statues, the same entrance...

The main seminar was held at Hua Song Museum in a little audio visual room.

We had a little guided tour about this museum, had a look at Mr Lee's village house, the condition of the ship that coolies that squeezed in, in search for better jobs and a graphical representation of how the Manchus had to cut their queues etc. History has always been an interesting subject but not one that i'm able to get the facts into my head, sad to say......

This seminar had been an interesting one simply because of the following reasons

1. It was held at Haw Par Villa
2. The guided tour refreshed our memories of history
3. The food was nice. (trust me. it is special. Food was served by restaurant Made in China)
4. I've gain more knowledge on airline's products. (although this is the main reason i'm at Haw Par, it's the least interesting)

I would certainly hope to pay another visit to Haw Par Villa. It's always interesting to visit places that bring back memories.

Julian Beever and his 3D painting is in SIN

Hey, he's the one who draws amazing 3D drawings on the pavement and i happen to catch him in SIN.

Alvin's wedding...

Just went to Alvin's wedding today. HX was commenting why has it got to be a Monday when people are rushing from work and has to work the following day....no idea.

Anyway, it was held at a restaurant. First moment i reached there, saw Shufen. She's my Chinese Orchestra senior, same as Alvin's batch, the gal who used to have a crush on Alvin. The other person that i know is Zhongming. Also from Orchestra, my senior.

First impression of the restaurant, squeezy. Can't move the seats.....secondly, a lot of pillars. can't see the stage no matter how. Sigh...

Anyway, alvin still looks the same. boyish. But his wife does looks older. Maybe its the contrast compared to Alvin.

The dinner was ok. I was mainly talking to Shufen as she was beside me. It's really gal's talk.....We tok about the past, how we were then, who were in Orchestra then, how's everyone and all.....

By the end of the dinner, couple of unforgetables

1. The dinner did not include noodles or rice. Good



2. First time i have a bowl of sharkfin's with nothing but sharkfin



3. The toilet squat cubicle is amazingly high. Literally had to Climb up to squat. Almost knee level



4. This decor. Curious about what it is made of

1. Im right in front of the stage. Just that there's a pillar right in front of me



2. The Yam Seng a bit Salah...bad

Im always feel touched when i attend weddings. This one is an exception. Not sure y. Could be the ambience. Nothing special. No Video, Can't see anything anyway. We were clapping blindly

But still, im happy for him. Congrats.

New 'Toy'

Have been rather engrossed with guitar nowadays. Always picking it up and playing in the morning prior to preparing to go to work or even while watching tv. The fingertips do not feel the pain as much as the skin has been harder.

Guitar has given me an opportunity to be closer to music. I've always enjoyed Singing, playing the keyboard to some tunes that i like and now with another instrument added to my list, i feel happier. Plus the fact that lessons has been interesting and fun with adelyn and laoshi, i feel kind of sad when the day comes when we decide to stop taking lessons.

This feeling is different when i decided to stop taking classes at TB. At TB, i learnt how to sing better, has a chance to perform, had praises and scolding and many happenings. When i decided to stop then, it was a relief. No more long nights and star dreaming.

But now, when both of us are enjoying the classes, makes us wonder when we should stop. It's hard as there's always a ending to something and yet, when you are enjoying the classes, you have to stop one day when you have learn 'enuff' and should move on yourself. Hmm....think i'll be sad when that day comes.

Anyway, i came across a stall at harbourfront and found this. Decided to buy and assemble myself. This is the raw version of it. Hopefully, i'll be able to glue it together and add some color to it one day....

A wedding invitation

Received an sms from Alvin to invite me to his wedding. His wedding happens to be on a Monday and it clashes with my guitar class. Had mixed feelings about going as i was wondering why he would invite me as we were not really in contact other than bumping into him late last year once at Harbourfront foodcourt.

Anyway, after much tots, thought it will be good to go. It's always interesting to attend wedding dinners, meet up with frens and have an expensive dinner. So no guitar class that day.

巨蟹座的情人发飙时该怎么摆平？

最好不要在巨蟹座的情人面前，做每次都犯同一样错误的事，让他老为同样事生气，表面不坑声并不代表事情过去，当他有一天受够了伤害，决定不要你时，那种坚定的意念足够让你大吃一惊！一但说出分手时，那是真正的再见吾爱，请问你有这样的准备吗？试着以柔情化解他的怒气，记住沈思者的怒气表面看不出，全都装在肚子里。



我觉得以上所写的，真的好象我。而且我特别喜欢这一句"试着以柔情化解他的怒气"。BINGO!!!

its the b....word again

I'm still revolving around the tots that the person b's email brought to me.

The past 2 days, i have spoken to fern and wz about b's email. we talk a lot. I cried, knowingly to one, might be ignorant to the other. I guess, i suddenly felt i lost confidence.

I've always make it a point to go for lindy even though i finish work at 9+. My colleagues call me crazy. I told them that although im tired, going lindy makes me happy. I've been spending 10bucks every nite i've gone down just on cab alone and be there with the gang for slightly more than an hour. And imagine for that 1+ hour, from fling, till we walk to the bus stop, till we walk to supper, till we decided to go home, I've gotten myself in a little unhappiness. What i've thought could destress myself, have causes negative energy around my frens and now in turn, have caused me to be a little stressed. Im not too sure of but i can say and what not.

I've heard a lot, thought about it, and decided that i should give myself a pat on the shoulder and gave some time to myself. Before i think about what i want to do in future, when im still not clear about how i should handle my job, i just want support from my close ones and not anything that is stressful to me and do things that makes me happy. Having say much, most importantly, i want to take a break from Lindy.

Maybe, from the late hours, i've always been tired when im there in lindy and i tend to complain a lot. I don't know. But one thing i'm sure of, since i can't change my job for the time being or i'm having the fear of saying the wrong thing, i've decided to take a break from it. It's my time to take a break from it.

What b say is not wrong. Wz say that it's being frank on his part. He is telling me what he does not like to hear. Similarly, i din like the way it came across. But i would never tell me friend that. (If i remember clearly) I thought it's rude. But it's ok. We certainly can't stop what others want to say. What's more, there is certain truth in his words. I shouldnt complain too much.

Having made this decision, i believe i should have more time. More time to rest, and to think, and be happier.

Another B...day

Words beginning with the letter "B" means a lot of different things. But on Wednesday 18Apr, it started with Brian, then i thought it will be a Bad day, but eventually, at the end of the day, i felt that it was a better and brighter day.

Brian emailed me and the contents disturbed me

He said

"also i have decided that last thurs was the last time i will tune in to your complaints abt your work and stuff. the next time you begin complaining, i am sorry but i will tune out - its not that i m not concerned abt you or ur life, but i m really not interested in hearing abt such unhappy stuff, and i honestly have no sympathy or empathy or the way u feel, due to certain beliefs i currently hold. no malice here, just letting you know. if u have genuine probs i am of course available to listen. but not to those complaints i hear every other week when we meet at fling or dinner. "

At that point of time, i went point blank and just replied : " k i expected it....zipped..."

After thinking about it the following day, i tear on the way to work. A few minutes of self pity. A few minutes of sadness. Why is he doing this again. A bad start

The previous time, i was snapped at for a remark i made and ignored for a month? We were back on talking terms when he decided to talk to me. And now?

Do frens do such things to you? I wonder......

Something pop into my mind when i was thinking about this fren of mine. He said that me and WZ were not making effort to buy fernie her bday present when we went empty handed to fernie's little celebration. BAck at my head, i was feeling bad but thinking more of "you din especially buy anything for me as well on my bday." I know how our friendship is. Not that close till he will buy an individual gift for me. But i've never said anything cos i know where i stand as his friend. But this sentence definitely din make me feel good cos i din feel he deserved to say that.

As a fren, he never really understand me. Other than him knowing i grumbled a lot, he knows nothing else.

He sort of reprimand me once for always laughing and not making effort to learn a technique he was teaching. He ignored me when i appeared for a training in school.

I certainly do not deserve all this treatment. Not for someone you consider as a fren.

He chose to be my fren when im happy and not complaining. It seems based on his email.

He said he will listen to me if i have a genuine problem. Does this means i never have a genuine problem? WHat exactly is a genuine problem? When i want to die? For goodness sake.

I've decided to give myself a break this week from fling, from him. I'd rather meet my boyfriend and go pat tor. Im definitely much more happy and my presence is more appreciated.

I met MX and HX yesterday and we talk about many things and i din complain as much. I realise that Brian and I had probably no topics to talk about. Im not soo engrossed about Lindy as him, i noe nuts about Yoga and whatever. And hence, topics with him revolved around my work related complaints. On second thoughts, No, i wasnt really talking to him when i complain. I was talking to Fern and he is there.

So what's the problem?

I worried for him when he message he had a tiff with his dad and leave home. I worried for him when he mentioned his knee was painful. I treat him as a fren sincerely.

I guess, it's time to let go of this so call close fren. A fren that decides to share my happiness. A hole made in the fence can never be mended. Thanks for all you have done. Maybe i did hurt you. but.......our friendship will never be the same....not for now

Hope all is well...

My xiaomei is down for almost 2days plus the following week. She's been on MC.

Had to recall BW back to office and rescedule his leave.

One must really learn to take care of their self as we never know when we will be down. Precautions better than cure. Words easier said than done.

Hope she's fine and good health to all the rest.

big head?

a colleague of mine RT has been promoted to Team Manager overnight simply because, the newly employed team manager who is employed to looked after this account, seems not up to par or couldnt perform her duties in a new environment for this newly won business. Hence, they decided to bring her back to the HQ and swopped a team leader over to take over her duties.

For the fact that the client was promised to have a team manager for the account, RT was promoted to be Team Manager.

To me, its ridiculous. For the fact that the Managers did not really think he is good, MP simply promoted him just like that. Lame reason. Simply no respect earned for that.

And now he is having the same designation as KS.

We were given 2 weeks to save this account. Our reputation is at stake and KS, SK were asked by GJ to do something in MP's absence. RT din seem to like the idea of the help KS SK proposed, that is to send me down there to teach the consultants the easier and faster way of doing things so as to cut down their processing time and spend more time managing the reservations. He claims he knows what he is doing. Then why the complains from clients?

Some people just don't know the limits. Big Head.

I must never be like that.

V.O.T.

Adelyn's msg came that night

"lets form a support group call VOT, victims of TB...."

I like that idea!!! And i simply named Ah biao as the chairman. Simply because he's the longest survivor. Kudos to his perserverance (i think i spelled it wrongly) or stupidness?

Anyway, we are all out of it. I'm glad.

Had a gathering with the pioneer batch of the Special course people. One of them mentioned that she will ignore laoshi if she met him on the streets. Imagine the extent of the damage he's brought to us. Certain truths and lies.....

As long as he doesn't approach me, i'll ignore him. But i'll still call him laoshi. Simply because he has taught us before. Nothing else.

To leave or not to leave....

Been asked by close friends of mine if im still looking for a job. Well the answer is, action wise, nothing has been done. Thinking wise, i think i should go and learn and brave through more skies. Still young.

I've been feeling lost in this job, simply due to too many factors that its hard to explain. One can say that it is an excuse for not moving on because im used to the environment. I dunno...

There is too many things in my life that i've left it there in its status quo state and not doing anything. Simply telling myself that i should consider carefully prior to making any decisions for fear of regrets.

Someone told me the other day that marriage requires courage. Courage for the guy to propose, courage from the girls to trust her life on her proposer.

I guess, i lack courage. To a certain degree. In certain aspects of life, i have to courage to try. In others, i lack the confidence.

So, the decision is still, c how lah....sigh

Bad Start..Friday the 13th? No leh

Felt soo suay that i had to blog in the office early in the morning.

Today's month end. Thousands of things for me to complete and rush out.

1. New and bad system that resulted in lots of information not captured. Because of MP's promise, originally had 4 person to do. In the end, left me to complete. Empty promises....

2. BW never have the habit of staying late to complete his work. Yesterday, stayed till 7+ and 8+ and today, an sms came "i m not feeling well. Going to see doc. Will advise status later". Guess what, he's on leave on Monday. Suspicious.

3. Went to the bank to withdraw 50 bucks. Stupid machine deducted my account without dispensing my cash. Had to make a report and they told me will revert tomorrow morning.

What a bad start....

New Earrings

Bought eight pair of earrings from Francis today. All of which are done by her girlfriend and for sale. Cheap! i got every pair for 2 bucks.....

Cute and Cuter

Here's some updated photos of the two.....Li Chun at the top and Li Han....Aren't they adorable!!!

Counting down....

Today is 29March07.

Talking about counting down. I've never felt soo 'eager' to count down to a special day. But this time, it's different. It's counting down to regaining my freedom from my bond....31st March07. That's the official day.

This month end has two reasons to celebrate. Firstly, congratulations to my Sis for officially being declared as jobless or in another way, freedom from a job that she dreads. (freedom = no money) Secondly, my freedom!!!

I've decided to add in a third reason. Pay day!!!

Meaningful song 可乐戒指

Song from Fish Leong's album

Verse 1
星星在天上写诗 浪漫到放肆
嘴角的吻还微湿 我害羞掩饰
我调整了我坐姿 假装更矜持
你的紧张 你的攻势 就像个孩子

Pre Chorus
你把 我喝完的可乐 拉环当作戒指 轻轻套上了我小指
你问 能不能一辈子 那一秒突然爱上了你傻傻的固执

Chorus
我不要你解释 我不要你发誓
我只要你记得此刻 你眼里我的样子
爱我不要解释 爱我不要发誓
这一刻到世界末日 让我们一起把爱
当作最美最美的钻石

Verse 2
你把平凡的日子 当作纪念日
永恒变成未来是 男孩变王子
我不要有大房子 也不要大宝石
我会珍惜 可乐戒指 永恒的小事

Pre Chorus 2
你用 吃完的糖果纸 那是你的方式 默默地写下你发誓
你说 保护我一辈子 那一秒突然 看到了你背后的双翅

Joke

SK asked, "what's the word to use for describing Mr n Mrs? Something that starts with M......"

RT replied, "M? Marital Status? you asking about their marital status?

Overheard the conversation, i added, "are you asking about MR, Mrs and including Mstr and Miss? Those? I think it is something like salutation. Not Marital Status lah. That is saying Single, Divorced, etc.....Let me call my expert..."

SK, "no lah....i think yah, its marital status..."

Me, "Hundred percent not lah.....i'll go find..."

And the conversation temporary ended....

Guess what i did next? i went to dictionary.com, type in the word marital status, paste the link to SK and RT and went to find an online form and cut out the word to prove my point

Marital Status: noun : the condition of being married or unmarried

after receiving this message, RT replied, "wow steady, university student really is different"

i was thinking, "i'm sure everyone has filled in forms and know that the word is definitely not Marital Status."

Speaking of learning good english....my english is getting bad.....

Dancing, an Art

Went to attend NTU's CAC joint concert at SCGs auditorium last weekend. It was a showcase of the different dance club's cheoreo and dancers and i was excited.

The theme was around the world, with the emcees dressed as an air stewardess and captain of the flight bringing all the passengers on board to different countries to have a look at their local dances. The joint concert had items from the Chinese dance, Salsa, modern dance, Lindy, Contemporary and breakdance, not forgetting the guest performance. Putting the guest performances aside, im impressed by the Chinese dance team. The technique is there for each move, the energy, facial expression, all in a package. My juniors in Lindy were kinda disappointing. But i guess, Lindy is hard. At least its hard to be a good Lindy dancer.

At the end of the concert, i think dancing is really a tough hobby. Every little move you make counts, every energy you put in shows and not forgetting the facial expressions.

For those who is looking at dancing seriously and have made a little name for themselves, salute! Keep up the good work!

updates on the migration

3 weeks have passed since migration and my working hours are more normal. In the sense that im not clocking 16hours but 12hours (it's really rather normal). I guess we are more or less familiarised with the bad system and yes, i've survived.

I've seen myself working more productively or efficiently. As usual, i've offered help to the needy at work, took time to set up manuals to give consultants an idea how documents are to be generated from the system etc. I guess, from the many help that i've offered to fix things up or provided solutions to work around the problem, everyone is not as lost.

We are promised skies when the AU team introduced this new change, however, from the way i've seen it, they have simply added more checks and procedures to the way the system receive the data and simply added MASSIVE workload to the consultants. Hence in this new workflow, it prevents a lot of rubbish into the system and overall, when all are in place, yes, it takes lesser time from the time of reservation to generate an invoice. However, LOTS are NOT in place. Sigh....yet the team that handles this migration states that we are the only country that recovered the fastest....toking about claiming credit...pengz..

The thought of moving on is there, but with the support i get from my superior and KS, i felt i have to help them out at least for the time being. And GM has told me they are gonna do something to my pay.

We'll see.....

System Migration...BAD!!!!

three words to describe

1. Bad timing
2. Bad planning
3. Stubborn people

sigh, this system migration is taking a toll of everyone. we are encountering a major system migration right from the front end to the back end. And it is hectic. I'm clocking almost 16hours everyday.....no proper dinner, not enough sleep, i can almost hear the pimples popping.....

This big project was badly managed and we had to hold on to each other and lend each and everyone a helping hand, to pull each one up, to lend a shoulder to cry on....wonder how many have tendered or cried due to the enormous stress and helplessness.....

Sorry my frens if i've missed all the appointments as i really need to help out in the office.......will catch up with all when situation is more stable....

GANBATTE!!!

Sea Jam 2007

This year was a special year where we decided not to attend the actual camp itself and have just private classes with the teachers Mattias and Hana and attend the night parties.

We took a group class with the two and boy, was it fun yet tiring. I was excited to meet Mattias again as he's really cute and handsome. Hehe....Flower eating again.....(hua chi...)

Had dinner together with all at SIn Hoi San at Tiong Bahru. Although we waited a long time for the food, the food was good. Good food worth the wait? well depends...i would not always do this as i find it a waste of time at times. but it really depends on occasion. All in all, we had a great time

Valentine's Day

Judith commented that it was ironic. Why should there be a special day to say "I love you" to someone you really like and spend all the money on flowers and gifts when you can express your love to someone on any other day? Hmm....no solution to that...although i agree to certain extent, but i would still like to celebrate this day with my special one....



We went to dinner at Clarke Quay at Fish Tales....The Valentine's day menu came with an appetiser, soup, main course, dessert, coffee or tea and a glass of champagne....not too bad

I like the dessert. It has sweet strawberries, sour raspberry and bitter wine. a good mixture...heavenly...

After dinner, we took the bumboat ride along Singapore River. I've never taken the Singapore River bumboat ride and it is an interesting experience. I have always kept my life busy and probably due to this, i've never taken a real good look at the night scene in Singapore. Definitely a recommended ride!

All in all, i've enjoyed my night. Cheers to all the lovers.....

Interchange

My Interchange Buddy.....Judith....

Judith is my partner from Germany and is here on an interchange programme. This programme allows participant an experience of the local culture, an eye opener to how things work in the interchange country and its local flavor.

Im designated as her buddy and that is to look after her.

She's an interesting gal but can be temperamental at times.....as in, when she is not feeling well, she can be really REALLY grouchy....or quiet.....i learnt a lot from her, about Germany, her thinking and how they work back in Germany.

The first few weeks is tough as she has no designated workstation and had to hop from station to station...that's bad...plus no sign- in for any of the system....so i had to find her all the resources. But the timing was bad...a new account has started and due to the shortage of manpower, i had to juggle between teaching her, coaching her, my team and helping out the new team and not forgetting my new work. I tot the disorganisation and not much support is taxing on me. In the end, im tired almost everyday.....

She's almost going back and i'm somehow glad for myself and her.....there are things that i think could have been done better with more support but guess, timing is bad. no direction on this interchange is bad too. Tired of this whole thing.

I hope that i have given her the best that i could with my limits......take care gal.....

Lawrence's Wedding

Neo Tiew Crescent, the place where the solemnisation is held....hmm....where exactly is this place? The street directory showed a big empty land....sound soo mysterious...

not knowing exactly where it is, i took a cab and pick up huixian and went straight to the venue.....

we passed by the Lim Chu Kang's cemeteries, and went straight along the road.....it seems like an airport runway. Straight and with no traffic lights, it was a boring journey...as the taxi meter went clicking away, the face of the woman beside me started to turn grouchy, angry....

We went into Neo Tiew Road and boy, the first thought was, i'm in those suburbs that surrounded the road with grass....it was ulu.....

finally, we reached at the destinated place....the cab meter stopped at $24.50. Boy, the first time taking a cab with no midnight charge and it hit this amount. expensive....

I'm curious of why lawrence picked this super ulu place....upon arriving i understand.....

This place has nice music, nice ambience and has the wedding setup in the garden......you'll probably only see this in the movies or in the foreign country. Nice......

However, i think the con would definitely be the location. Probably, one can have the same setting in Botanic Garden or Fort Canning?.....

Anyway, when the solemnisation started with the music, the couple stroll in and completed the vows. Im always touched at such point, tears welling in my eyes. BC say i'm 'stupid', but this is simply touching mah....hehe....i know the same will happen to me when i get married....touched..

我要的舞台

刚刚看完了绝对Superstar总决赛，感触很多。以前的我，为了要练好歌唱， 参加了老师的艺人训练班。也因为参加了训练班，有了表演的机会。当时因为还不是很了解唱歌，所以并不能领悟到老师所说的一些技巧， 所以不能发挥到我认为我能做到的。

每当看完了这些比赛，就会想象我在哪一天，才能找到自己的舞台。

在我心里深处，也很想有一个自己的舞台，一个我能发挥我的表演欲望的舞台。希望在未来的日子， 我能实现梦想。

把梦想变现时。

A sweet gesture from a client

it was a sunny monday when i heard Nora, our receptionist ping me...."you have something from K and R at the Keppel Room, please come and collect." hmm? something from K n R? both of them are a CEO and his wife that is planning a trip to Cambodia. I was busy trying to help both of them to handle their visa application and somehow, the application form is wrong, had to rearrange for courier to send the form over to refill in the form and they were worried about their passport might get lost and many many.....has to reassure them many a times and finally when their application was successful and all is well, they send us bouquets of flowers for helping to plan the vacation.

This bouquet is mine and boy is it heavy......

This bouquet was given to my colleague.....

Isnt it sweet of them?......a little thought means soo much at times.....

extremely frustrated with a colleague

was asked a thousand questions today at almost the end of the day by my regional sales support lady just for arranging to pick up her boss's passport from home to submit for a visa application....pengz...

had told her what are the standards we use to arrange for pick up of passports from home and afterwhich submit directly to the visa officers for embassies' submission.

In the end, i was bombarded with thousand and one questions of why why why. why this, why that. can't this be done and why not. Tell me that her expectations are high and she have to manage her boss and her time...blarblarblar...

argh.....can't stand her. for such a simple thing as making an arrangement, i had to practically tell her grandfather story about how we collect the passport, who will collect the passport, what happens after the passport is collected and many many more.....even had the cheek to tell me that sorta because im her internal client, she don't really get clients' treatment. oh pls....

In the first place, if she's my client
1. I wouldnt help her answer some of the questions that are not relevant to me
2. I wouldnt entertain her call after working hours
3. I would just tell her that procedures are set and meant to be follow

If her expectations are high and i cant meet, ask somebody else to entertain her. See if they will help her do as much....

grouchy and irritated damsel in destress....