It had been a long time since I updated my blog. Maybe I have lost my zest in keeping it going and partly because I have been too lazy, and busy. Too many things to update and I just can’t keep coming back online to write about all the happenings.
Work, as usual, has been hectic and I finally call it quit. Initially, I only thought of asking for a transfer. But while waiting for the response from the other depts, I got a call from an external organization asking me to attend an interview. Since the opportunity has knocked on my door, I thought, why not giving it a try?
During the first interview, I was 20mins late. Not because I arrived late, but because I had a hard time looking for the venue. When I finally arrived in front of the director, looking flustered and apologetic, he was kind enough to calm me down assuring me that “it’s ok”.
We went on to talk about my current job responsibilities and experiences, while he gave me an overview of the position that I have been shortlisted for. The meeting up was merely about 30mins and thereafter, the director was kind enough to show me some of the work places they have and told me that the HR will contact me again to arrange for a second interview before we parted along the corridor.
I waited with anticipation for the next one week and finally got a call from the HR personnel informing me of the second interview. Totally unexpected and unprepared because I was feeling unwell that day, but I encouraged myself that I have gone through this far and I should let my health affect my interview. So I met up with the panel of members and answered questions randomly from them, one after another. I felt like a movie star, taking all sorts of questions from the reporters.
I wasn’t pinning high hopes after I left the interview room because the HR head commented that they might not be able to give me the salary I have asked for, and I thought if I cannot get anything close to that, I will not take up the offer at all. But somehow, in my mind, I have this positive thought that they will offer me the job but it’s a matter of the terms whether I could accept or not.
Days passed by and I still do not hear anything from them. I thought, they must be busy interviewing other candidates again. While I was losing hopes, I got a call from them, bringing me the good news and the offer is quite a gd deal. However, I did not agree with her immediately and told her that I need a day to consider. While I was happy that my interview was a success (there were 4 candidates shortlisted for the position), I was also in a dilemma if I should really move on.
Nevertheless, it has been a week after I tender my resignation and concurrently signed on the employment letter and completed my medical examination. There are still some mix feelings in me about my currently work place and the new place. The thought of leaving everything and everyone behind, and the thought of embarking onto something new and starting all over again…there are certainly too much emotions involved. Hope everything turns out well and smooth for me….
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Energiser, the way of life
It has been many months (6 months?) since my last run. Baby and we participated the Energizer Trail Run last Sat night and truly enjoyed ourselves very much. I wasn’t really thinking when I agreed to take part in the Trail run and certainly do not expected much about the route or the terrain would be as I thought I would just walk throughout the 6k journey. Surprisingly, I changed my mind again when I reached there. A spur of energy overwhelmed me as I glanced around the venue and saw crowds among the darkness, many are avid runners.
The fan sounded and we started out with a slow jog and I keep telling myself, all I need to do is to maintain the pace. The route was full of sand or stones, uneven grounds, holes, and mud. It was pitch darkness and the only source of guide was from our head torch and some moon lightings.
Somehow, running in the dark was less stressful because I can’t really see what is ahead of me. Without the fear of falling behind (since I can’t tell how many runners are already ahead of me, I am sure I am not the last one), the rough terrain turns out to be a relaxing run for me. Although the holes in the ground have posted danger of ending the event with a twisted ankle, I was glad that I survived it.
Almost half way through the route, we were caught off guard of what is ahead of us. A steep slope (about 45 degree?) with some guiding ropes on both sides. I have not expected this. The sandy and steep ground has made me feel insecure as I cannot see well in the poorly visible surrounding. Grabbing the rope tightly with both my hands and with Baby’s hand supporting and pushing me ahead all the while, and me, occasionally shouting out “I can’t see! I can’t see!”, I finally overcome this difficult phase although I fumbled through.
The rest of the journey thereafter, was almost a breeze. Then we saw a lady who fell flat, totally flat and not moving at all for a few secs before coming back to her senses and picking herself up. Some of us rushed towards her and helped her up, and asking if she needs any attention. We were glad that she was not badly hurt after all, just some bruises. But her motionless body after the fall has indeed sent shivers down my spine. I thought she has loss her consciousness or are bleeding badly from her forehead. Thankfully, she picked herself up and is still alive.
We were all rewarded with free flow of ice creams after finishing the race and went home with a totally aching body (for me).
This race though quite a relaxing one for me, has taught me something about life.
It made me realized that life is like a long running journey through a rough terrain in total darkness. There are holes, uneven grounds, steep challenges, we may have to occasionally fumble through, be exposed to the risk of a badly sprained ankle, bad falls, or even losing our ways through the journey. But teaching us to speed up along the smooth sailing ground, or slow down on a rocky ground, leaping over the holes which pose a threat to us.
Not forgetting that we also have many supports from others around us, strangers, competitors or loved ones, helping us (directly or indirectly) guiding and accompanying us side by side throughout our life journey, pushing us ahead and make sure we are not left behind…
The fan sounded and we started out with a slow jog and I keep telling myself, all I need to do is to maintain the pace. The route was full of sand or stones, uneven grounds, holes, and mud. It was pitch darkness and the only source of guide was from our head torch and some moon lightings.
Somehow, running in the dark was less stressful because I can’t really see what is ahead of me. Without the fear of falling behind (since I can’t tell how many runners are already ahead of me, I am sure I am not the last one), the rough terrain turns out to be a relaxing run for me. Although the holes in the ground have posted danger of ending the event with a twisted ankle, I was glad that I survived it.
Almost half way through the route, we were caught off guard of what is ahead of us. A steep slope (about 45 degree?) with some guiding ropes on both sides. I have not expected this. The sandy and steep ground has made me feel insecure as I cannot see well in the poorly visible surrounding. Grabbing the rope tightly with both my hands and with Baby’s hand supporting and pushing me ahead all the while, and me, occasionally shouting out “I can’t see! I can’t see!”, I finally overcome this difficult phase although I fumbled through.
The rest of the journey thereafter, was almost a breeze. Then we saw a lady who fell flat, totally flat and not moving at all for a few secs before coming back to her senses and picking herself up. Some of us rushed towards her and helped her up, and asking if she needs any attention. We were glad that she was not badly hurt after all, just some bruises. But her motionless body after the fall has indeed sent shivers down my spine. I thought she has loss her consciousness or are bleeding badly from her forehead. Thankfully, she picked herself up and is still alive.
We were all rewarded with free flow of ice creams after finishing the race and went home with a totally aching body (for me).
This race though quite a relaxing one for me, has taught me something about life.
It made me realized that life is like a long running journey through a rough terrain in total darkness. There are holes, uneven grounds, steep challenges, we may have to occasionally fumble through, be exposed to the risk of a badly sprained ankle, bad falls, or even losing our ways through the journey. But teaching us to speed up along the smooth sailing ground, or slow down on a rocky ground, leaping over the holes which pose a threat to us.
Not forgetting that we also have many supports from others around us, strangers, competitors or loved ones, helping us (directly or indirectly) guiding and accompanying us side by side throughout our life journey, pushing us ahead and make sure we are not left behind…
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Today, I witnessed and experienced the classic example of “FOLLOW LAW”.
Apparently, the caterer whom I engaged his service for a mini office event, has approached the security guards for directions to our office so that he could deliver the food to us.
However, after approaching the security guards, he was not directed to our office but was held at the lobby.
Arriving at the lobby of block 1, carrying a 1 kg cake and two carriers in hands and smiling happily that the caterer has arrived at the time they have promised me, I was totally caught off guard by what is going to happen next.
The butch watch dog, holding on dearly to the caterer’s invoice and questioned me where is the catering going to be set up. I was surprised with her attitude and replied that it will be at this location as stated in the invoice since she sounded so rude towards me. The watch dog then said we cannot set up there, becos it’s an AIR CON PLACE.
Instead of setting up at level 3, she advises us to set it up at level one. I told her this is a small office event, I am not the only person organizing this, I cannot make the decision and obey her and set it up at level one and ask all my bosses to go down to level one to have a simple breakfast.
“I need to check with the office secretary” I threw this back at her and I went off and asked the caterer to follow me. The butch watch dog started to talk loudly into her walkie talkie and reported to her supervisor. “The person doesn’t want to listen”.
In swift seconds, a bouncer looking black watch dog appeared and shouted “EXCUSE ME!” right behind me. I turned around and saw his supervisor followed closely behind him who then stopped me.
Intimated by two figures slightly taller than me, suddenly I felt like a complete intruder in a dance club, (except that it was a broad day light), with colleagues from other dept walking passed me and students walking around wondering what had happened.
The “bouncer” watch dog handed out a crumpled paper and pointed his finger on it, telling me that I can only set up catering tables at these following places. “We have been practicing this all these while, anyway, if you wants to speak, I will get the secretary to speak to you” I said
“You are just making things difficult” I continued. Because the watch dogs apparently didn’t allow us (me and the caterer) to move even a step further! Even when I offer to explain, the supervisor stopped me and said “NO YOU LISTEN TO ME FIRST.”
I mean what the fuck? It’s just a catering set up. I am not intruding into a protected arena! Eh hello, I am a STAFF HERE in this campus too, you know, assholes.
I told the poor delivery guy to wait there while I will get help from the secretary. Finally they allow the caterer to set up at the venue we originally wanted. Then why the fuck making it so big hoo hah?
Moreover, they could just simply just allow us this time since the caterer is already here and we will be starting the event in say, the next 20mins. They could have told us that in future, do not set up at the place they prohibited us. And there is really no need for such intimidating, rigid and authoritative behavior!
I am so damn pissed with these rigid minded people who does not seems to understand why certain rulings were set up in the lst place. Yes, we cannot set up buffet tables at certain places (eg corridors) of the plaza and from what I gather was because of fire safety reasons, the walkway is narrow, sometimes it look unsightly with visitors coming into the campus. But I am setting it at an upper level, at a quiet and ‘private” lift lobby right outside our office for just like 1.5hrs. Cant there be any flexibility be practiced?
Another classic example was, the watch dog on duty would CHASE (not even asking politely, especially towards the taxi drivers) private cars waiting at the lobby with their rude attitude.
As long as they see a car resting there, they will start to approach it and ask the driver to move.
These watch dogs simply do not understand why cars cannot wait too long at driveway.
In the past, during the peak hours (eg when the chartered staff bus arrives in the morning and after work), the drive way will be very congested. Hence the guards are told to ask any private car drivers to move off quickly to make ways for the buses. But they apparently started to THESE DRIVERS OFF EVERY SINGLE MIN!
And to think I always pack nicely those leftovers good food and bring it to them to eat. PUI! Next time I shall spat on those foods before bringing it to them. No, I shall feed them with bones!
However, after approaching the security guards, he was not directed to our office but was held at the lobby.
Arriving at the lobby of block 1, carrying a 1 kg cake and two carriers in hands and smiling happily that the caterer has arrived at the time they have promised me, I was totally caught off guard by what is going to happen next.
The butch watch dog, holding on dearly to the caterer’s invoice and questioned me where is the catering going to be set up. I was surprised with her attitude and replied that it will be at this location as stated in the invoice since she sounded so rude towards me. The watch dog then said we cannot set up there, becos it’s an AIR CON PLACE.
Instead of setting up at level 3, she advises us to set it up at level one. I told her this is a small office event, I am not the only person organizing this, I cannot make the decision and obey her and set it up at level one and ask all my bosses to go down to level one to have a simple breakfast.
“I need to check with the office secretary” I threw this back at her and I went off and asked the caterer to follow me. The butch watch dog started to talk loudly into her walkie talkie and reported to her supervisor. “The person doesn’t want to listen”.
In swift seconds, a bouncer looking black watch dog appeared and shouted “EXCUSE ME!” right behind me. I turned around and saw his supervisor followed closely behind him who then stopped me.
Intimated by two figures slightly taller than me, suddenly I felt like a complete intruder in a dance club, (except that it was a broad day light), with colleagues from other dept walking passed me and students walking around wondering what had happened.
The “bouncer” watch dog handed out a crumpled paper and pointed his finger on it, telling me that I can only set up catering tables at these following places. “We have been practicing this all these while, anyway, if you wants to speak, I will get the secretary to speak to you” I said
“You are just making things difficult” I continued. Because the watch dogs apparently didn’t allow us (me and the caterer) to move even a step further! Even when I offer to explain, the supervisor stopped me and said “NO YOU LISTEN TO ME FIRST.”
I mean what the fuck? It’s just a catering set up. I am not intruding into a protected arena! Eh hello, I am a STAFF HERE in this campus too, you know, assholes.
I told the poor delivery guy to wait there while I will get help from the secretary. Finally they allow the caterer to set up at the venue we originally wanted. Then why the fuck making it so big hoo hah?
Moreover, they could just simply just allow us this time since the caterer is already here and we will be starting the event in say, the next 20mins. They could have told us that in future, do not set up at the place they prohibited us. And there is really no need for such intimidating, rigid and authoritative behavior!
I am so damn pissed with these rigid minded people who does not seems to understand why certain rulings were set up in the lst place. Yes, we cannot set up buffet tables at certain places (eg corridors) of the plaza and from what I gather was because of fire safety reasons, the walkway is narrow, sometimes it look unsightly with visitors coming into the campus. But I am setting it at an upper level, at a quiet and ‘private” lift lobby right outside our office for just like 1.5hrs. Cant there be any flexibility be practiced?
Another classic example was, the watch dog on duty would CHASE (not even asking politely, especially towards the taxi drivers) private cars waiting at the lobby with their rude attitude.
As long as they see a car resting there, they will start to approach it and ask the driver to move.
These watch dogs simply do not understand why cars cannot wait too long at driveway.
In the past, during the peak hours (eg when the chartered staff bus arrives in the morning and after work), the drive way will be very congested. Hence the guards are told to ask any private car drivers to move off quickly to make ways for the buses. But they apparently started to THESE DRIVERS OFF EVERY SINGLE MIN!
And to think I always pack nicely those leftovers good food and bring it to them to eat. PUI! Next time I shall spat on those foods before bringing it to them. No, I shall feed them with bones!
Monday, December 06, 2010
Utterly Disappointed
I am utterly disappointed in human beings time and time again. I just received a call this morning while typing away at work, thinking if I should pick up the call but the name that appears seems familiar hence after some hesitation, I answered. The reason why I picked up the call was also due to a recent discussion with Baby, about friends who whom received invite cards but don’t turn up on wedding banquet. To prove my theory right, I answered this call from this long time no contact friend.
And so I answered. And his opening line is “no lah, call you up cause long time no contact mah, so thought of doing some catching up with you. so how’s life? Still working n XXX?” I briefly answered and asked what he is doing now (although, I sort of have a hunch of his occupation). I am with AIA. Bingo, if only I could predict the recent 4D lottery numbers so accurately too.
And knowing his intention, I quickly updated him that I have recently done a review and I have myself covered thoroughly already. And he went “AIYAH! I SHOULD HAVE CALLED YOU EARLIER!!!!!” (Repeated a few times) Exposing his intention nakedly over the phone. So it’s not so much as to catch up with me (and who knows, to the rest of the friends he has in his long list of contacts).
And knowing that he will not be able to meet his objective by this call, he went on to talk about my life, getting married, buying house etc, and briefly updated me about other ex SIM course mates. Then he invited me and my beau to his new home at Duxton. Then he went “Ah! YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE TOO RIGHT? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MORTGAGE INSURANCE?” I nearly slam down the phone but decided to stay cool and say it will be too early to decide now since the flat (which I have already mentioned) will be ready only in 5 years time. And he went “Some couples bought the mortgage insurance way before the house is ready!” and I replied “huh?...ok” and rolled my eye which he didn’t get to see.
Then after some dilly dally, trying to sound nice to me that he is glad to hear that I am doing well now (what’s so well when things are still the same?!), we finally hang up the phone with me making some courtesy remarks to compliment him (I learnt this from the Caucasians) that he very wu sim to call us and make effort to keep in contact with us after so long. Then he sheepishingly laughed and say “No lah, we all friends, and friendships meant to keep mah”. Then I thought to myself “Yah right….after say 1.5 or 2 years later?” and rolled my eyes again.
And so I answered. And his opening line is “no lah, call you up cause long time no contact mah, so thought of doing some catching up with you. so how’s life? Still working n XXX?” I briefly answered and asked what he is doing now (although, I sort of have a hunch of his occupation). I am with AIA. Bingo, if only I could predict the recent 4D lottery numbers so accurately too.
And knowing his intention, I quickly updated him that I have recently done a review and I have myself covered thoroughly already. And he went “AIYAH! I SHOULD HAVE CALLED YOU EARLIER!!!!!” (Repeated a few times) Exposing his intention nakedly over the phone. So it’s not so much as to catch up with me (and who knows, to the rest of the friends he has in his long list of contacts).
And knowing that he will not be able to meet his objective by this call, he went on to talk about my life, getting married, buying house etc, and briefly updated me about other ex SIM course mates. Then he invited me and my beau to his new home at Duxton. Then he went “Ah! YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE TOO RIGHT? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MORTGAGE INSURANCE?” I nearly slam down the phone but decided to stay cool and say it will be too early to decide now since the flat (which I have already mentioned) will be ready only in 5 years time. And he went “Some couples bought the mortgage insurance way before the house is ready!” and I replied “huh?...ok” and rolled my eye which he didn’t get to see.
Then after some dilly dally, trying to sound nice to me that he is glad to hear that I am doing well now (what’s so well when things are still the same?!), we finally hang up the phone with me making some courtesy remarks to compliment him (I learnt this from the Caucasians) that he very wu sim to call us and make effort to keep in contact with us after so long. Then he sheepishingly laughed and say “No lah, we all friends, and friendships meant to keep mah”. Then I thought to myself “Yah right….after say 1.5 or 2 years later?” and rolled my eyes again.
This is a typical classical example of 无事不登三宝殿
And perhaps he just striked me off from his long list of telemarketing list and moved on to catch up with another friend.
Disgusted!!
Disgusted!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Are we grown ups? Really?
senior citizens, followers.
a complete body and they are so close to having a peaceful death. Imagine those who just underwent the worst financial crisis and lost all their money, lost their job, loved ones, or became paralysed, and now, have to run for their lives….
to suffer losses at the end of the day, and slowly down the recovery process, dragging
the whole world down.
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