Adieu Adieu

I believe I have left behind me an abundance of goodwill.

I really appreciate what my head of department and director have done for me. It was them who approved my transfer to a new team/role two years ago and it was them who lent their moral support during the difficult period of estrangement with my manager. And to think, I am leaving them after all they have done and after collecting my big, fat bonus. So I decided to buy them each a gift. In return, they decided to give me a lunch treat.

I was teary when I gave my head of department a pair of gift wrapped cuff links. I believe he was surprised and touched by my gesture. The director appeared quite happy with his new shirt (a gift shared between three of my colleagues and myself), too. My bosses' boss also got a 2002 red wine from France. Not sure if he was glad or not. He did not turn up for the farewell lunch.

Besides the big shots, my nice colleagues who pooled and bought me a Coach key change pouch also each received a glitterly and elegant (at least I think so) hair clip from me. The male colleague got a Sins chocolate cookies, for being so helpful to me the whole time, despite the fact that he is someone who does not mince with words and can be quite hurtful at times. The manager and her pet got the hair clips, too, as they bought me Christmas gifts. Besides, the manager also gave me a farewell treat (on the company) and a diamond pendant (also on the company).

As for the rest of the people, I gave away more Sins chocolates, shared light hearted conversations and, exchanged warm handshakes and holiday cheers all round.

I have no regrets now. Besides, there is no looking back. The future looks bright and cheery henceforth.

Farewell

She bought me a bouquet of flowers...it was really unexpected! A colleague, who knew about the gift, asked jokingly, if I was moved to tears? I just smiled, little did she know that tears really welled up in my eyes.

She told her pet that she was going for a meeting and would like to bid her a happy new year, in case she comes back late and her pet has left for the day. Hmmm...she totally ignored me, the one who is leaving for good. I must say I was really mad at her inconsiderate behaviour and decided to exclude her in my farewell note to everyone. No chocolates were left at her table either. And she will not be expecting me to be in touch. Period.

Professionalism

After much thinking long and hard, I finally mustered up enough decisiveness to put my intent to resign on email to my superiors. I wasn't expecting much resistance from my immediate superior, but I was definitely not expecting her to say, Why did you write your resignation letter like that? The only answer that I could think of was, You mean it's not like that? How should I write it then?

She appeared to have got her priorities a little, teenie, weenie bit mixed up. The issue here is not quite why I wrote the letter in the way I did (which I thought was perfectly fine), as it is, why did I resign? And, obviously, she was not interested to ask me to stay. After the surprised query from her, she turned back to her reading of the morning newspapers. That was that, I did not hear a single squeak from her there after. Or, so I thought.

But I was wrong. I was to hear alot more from her. Not words, but actions (which speak louder than words?!). She had forwarded my email to another team's manager. How did I know? That manager had left the email exposed in his computer for all to see while he rushed off to a meeting. Later, I was to find out that they have both headed off to a meeting room to discuss my resignation?! How this other manager figure in this whole scheme of MY things? I'm still trying very, very hard to figure out. The very private & confidential letter was intended for my immediate superiors only, no more no less. How much unprofessionalism can one take in a day at the office!

And just when you thought things could not get any worse, the other team manager, after finding out that some colleagues may have chanced upon that email, approached his subordinate directly behind him and asked if she knew of my resignation. Wow, that's a really smart move! So even if she doesn't already know, she definitely knows now!

Now, slowly but surely, the whole world knows I'm leaving, even as my head of department is asking me to reconsider my options. There's no turning back now - it's no loss to me. Period.

Calm Before The Storm!?

I feel a nice, reassuring sense of calm and peace as I sit in front of my computer, doing anything but work. The same kind of feeling as when I am about to go on holiday. When the last minute work at the office is done and there is not a single care in this world except the anticipation of a fun and relaxing break.

I am at this state of equilibrium again as I sit out the lull period at the office, in the transition to join a new establishment and exit the old. The much treasured and rare period in time when the current anxieties at work can be laid to rest and the future worries have yet to knock at the door.

Aaahhh...what blissssss...if only life can be so stress-free all the time!

Wheel Of Fortune

As you take stock of the past year of events, you also wonder, in great anticipation, what the new year will bring. Well, I went and picked a card...and, what do you know, I'm the Wheel of Fotune!

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Year End

Is it too early to take stock of the year? Well, it's the tail end of Nov and, for all you know, before you can shout out 'Merry Christmas!', the New Year would be here!

Alright, here it is....2006 is a good year for me. Certainly a year of many 'first time'!

First time...

1. Car owner

2. On 2 short trips (Malacca & Kota Tinggi) in a row to Malaysia

3. New hobby - beading

4. New experiences in atypical sports - archery and wakeboarding

5. Making some $$$ at the stock market

6. 3G mobile phone owner

7. To Europe (this Dec!)

8. Headhunted (unsolicited!)

So here's a toast *waving an imaginery red wine filled glass* to an even better and more exciting 2007!!!

Bad Service

It's not Fate and I'm not jinxed like I thought I was in Fate II. It's the service that screwed up. And it's not a very small sum that I have to part with and still have to suffer the bad service!

Fate II

I thought maybe the particular restaurant is jinxed. Now, perhaps, I am the jinxed one.

It happened again. We were just not meant to meet. Or, I am not meant to meet.

On the appointed Sunday, I was in the locality half an hour early. It took me a short while before I located the restaurant. I entered it and checked my reservation. The manager, a sour faced looking ang moh, informed me that there was no reservation made and, in any case, the place is not opened for drinks in the afternoon.

I am flabbergasted. There must be some mistake...big mistake! But there was nothing I can do here. I left the place and, instead, drove to the 'jinxed' restaurant. Maybe there was really a mistake and the appointment was actually meant to be there. I was wrong. It was also not suppose to be there.

Well, Monday...that will be the day of enlightenment.

Well, Monday came. Apparently, the restaurant did not record the reservation.

As I said, maybe it's just me.

Murphy's Law

"Ok, your stock is sold. For the second lot, I would advise you, you can decide against it later if you choose to, to withdraw from the queue. The latest is that the company's quarterly results will be out soon and the stock will rise to $8.00 on the announcement," my remisier informed me over the phone.

Obviously I took the advice and withdrew. But my heart ached on this piece of news. Why is it that, when I buy, the price would nosedive and, when I sell, the price would skyrocket? I dislike Murphy. His law is at work again.

However, I can console myself that I have made at least 20% on the first kill. I am now waiting to make at least 50% on the second. Although, this will not be enough to be my first pot of gold, it will certainly be my best bet yet!

A Productive Day

My niece and I were the most productive members of the family yesterday.

Both my brother and his wife took the day off. They went cycling along the beach in East Coast, enjoying the sea breeze, while their poor daughter is slogging away at her exams in school. As for my parents, they are retirees anyway, while my younger brother has been bumping around for a while now. Just kidding lah, the boy is doing his undergraduate studies.

And boy, was I productive! During lunch, I visited the National Library at Bugis for the first time and managed to locate a couple of fasinating books on beads jewellery making. Followed by the Sistic outlet at Parco Bugis Junction, for tickets to My Fair Lady. It was not an easy task coordinating the time and budget of three people plus ensuring that the seats I select have no blocked views and do not require the assistance of binoculars. After which, I bought snacks, my daily afternoon fix of tea, withdraw money and top up my cashcard and ezylink card, all in the same breath.

And at home, I even caught up with some presentation slides from office. I am certainly pleased with myself that day. It's not everyday that I can muster up such levels of energy and concentration power, you know.

Can anyone tell me how to be highly energized and focused each and everyday? I have just started on Royal Jelly and Brand's Chicken Essence on a daily basis. I'll let you know in a month's time!

What Men Want, Really

If a guy keeps in touch with you via SMS, MSN, etc., I think he is just bored and needs to chat with someone, anyone.

If a guy contacts you constantly for clubbing and parties, I think he just needs a 'good' gang of people to make him look and feel hip and happening. And maybe you are his 'trophy' friend (being somewhat trendy and not too bad looking).

If a guy asks you out for dinner or movies, say once a fortnight or a month, I think he just needs company, the companion of a lady, to make him feel attractive as a man and to make others believe that he is not a gay.

And if a guy approaches you claiming that you possess model like qualities and if you are interested in being one, he is definitely lying and a cheat.

All of the above, have at one time or another, happened to a lady I know. Til this day, she is still wondering if any of these guys are for real. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't want to 'enlighten' her. Firstly, I may be wrong. Secondly, knowing her, she will most likely think that I am just being sour grapes. Maybe you do, too.

Fate

Do you believe in it? Well, sometimes, I do.

We were never meant to meet up today. I had a foreboding even as I looked forward and got ready for the appointment. I even left the house an hour earlier. Now how long does it take to get to Bugis? 40 mins? I thought I had ample time and will even be early, for once. A forgotten detail delayed the journey.

I came from Havelock road, saw road blocks and remembered that Nicoll highway was closed for the women's Great Eastern marathon today. I turned into the road to the right and realised that I am at a loss for directions. I do not know how to reach Bugis other than by Nicoll highway. Actually, Cityhall is another option, but the problem is, how to get there? I am that bad and anxiety did not improve the situation. I pulled over, studied the street directory for over 10 mins and gave up. For some reason, I just cannot read maps today. I decided to let nature takes it's course and took a turn out into the main road. A sign in front informed that Fullerton road is closed, NOT Nicoll highway! Happily I turned back into the highway and reached Parco Bugis Junction in no time.

I was already half an hour late, as I walked towards the restaurant where lunch was to take place. I already suspected he may not be waiting there for me anymore. True enough, the lady at the restaurant told me that he had left...2 mins ago. So you can imagine what went through my mind. 2 mins? If I had not taken a wrong turn to the right and spent senseless time poring over the street directory, I may have made it to meet up with him.

If I can't blame fate, who or what can I blame? It was never meant to be.

Something similar happened in the last round, too. I was about to step out of the house when my mobile rang and the caller at the other end told me that there was a change in plans. He did not put down the appointment in his planner and had forgotten all about the appointment until he was reminded. Now, there is definitely no way to construe that it's my fault.

If this is still not fate, I don't know what it is!

Another Day Trip

Yes, another one. This time was to Malacca. It was a three hour journey by coach. We dropped by a bee farm along the way but I did not take any pictures as the place was almost nondescript. Our tour guide was quick to promote the health and beauty properties in honey and I was just as fast in making a purchase. 170 ringgit down the drain!? Hopefully not - I expect to become youthful and radiant by the time I empty those bottles!

Next stop was Jonker street - with its Chinese temples, Hainanese chicken rice balls, pineapple tarts, Aik Cheong coffee, antique shops and much more.

Here are more pictures of the sights of Jonker street.


This shot was taken inside the coach.

After the temples, it was time for a change of 'faith' and we visited a couple churches just a few streets away, both of Dutch origins.


Final stop was at a museum - in a ship!



More scenes of Malacca...

You can see the museum ship from the hill where the ruins of St. Paul church is standing.

A basker inside the same ruins. He got great vocals. Too bad I can only share the sights but not the sounds.

Some of the many colourful trishaws plying the streets of Malacca.

Living Well is the Best Revenge

Maybe not. Forget about the 'Age Old Karma' (my last post), it's payback time!

I will have to rebut her if she tries again to be 'clever' by criticising and offering more instructions on how to improve on my communication pieces. Especially when I do not think that they are really 'clever' suggestions. She will always have her own way of doing things and there is only one way - Her Way.

I will not take orders on the branded bags from her. She never remembers me in my needs but always remembers me in her needs. How convenient.

I will not be bothered with her as she has totally lost it on our very last overseas trip together and lost it again over the saga of my very important document being lost in transit.

Enough said. But hopefully not enough to kill off the rest of my good karma.

Age Old Karma

To be loved, be more loving. This is something time and age has taught me. If you want someone to smile at you, you gotta smile first. Try it and you'll see for yourself!

It all boils down to what we know as karma. What goes round, comes round. Like echo, whatever that you may utter, rest assured that they will come back to either haunt you or give you a pleasant surprise. Isn't it quite wonderful that it is really all up to you?

But having said that, sometimes there is just this streak in you that refuses to be nice. The devil in you does not wanna leave your deep, dark emotions alone. You just have to unleash it somewhat, somehow. But just remember this, it is a boomerang that you have just thrown out and it will get right back at you - mark my words!

Life's Dilemma

$1.1 million to retire on? That works out to be '$1,500 per month for 35 years', The Sunday Times article reported. For some, that may be more than enough to live on. As for me, that is almost nothing, unless I have already paid off my mortgage and car loan. Otherwise, I will be living in deficit (just like America!).

In the same article, a Ms Chong, whose husband holds a high post in an MNC, hopes to build up a retirement nest egg of $3.5 million in 15 years' time. In the meantime, they are ploughing whatever extra cash they have into savings and investments. Holiday is checking into 'a local hotel to enjoy the beach and cycle'. Home is a HDB maisonette.

Unless a simple life is what you are after, building up a nest egg that you can be comfortable with, should be achievable even if it is not in the regions of millions of dollars. However, if you wish for a more comfortable life, money may never be enough.

There are many who dream of driving a fast car, live in a private apartment and travel to exotic holiday destinations. You have not forgotten Singaporean's 5Cs (cash, credit cards, car, condo & country clubs)? If you are one of these people, how then do you expect to retire at all? Don't forget, you will need millions of dollars to feed your not-so-simple lifestyle.

Well, you could struck gold with a successful business venture (a small group of graduates just earned billions of dollars from a successful dot.com company that they sold off to SPH), as a popular singer (Stefanie Sun just signed off a record deal that added millions to her kitty), by owning lots of shares that have risen in value many folds (blue chips are now looking very bright with the rise in the stock index), or simply holding a winning lottery ticket!

Otherwise, you will just have to work your butt off for the rest of your life whilst enjoying a great lifestyle. Or else, lead a life of austerity, have a big, fat bank account for retirement, at a time when you have least energy to live life to the fullest.

Life's one big dilemma or what!

Beads & Pieces

Megan's Craft - isn't this the stuff that dreams are made of?

My very first set of tools (in zebra print!) to kick start my first project.


This is my first project...and very proud of it!


My second project and an easy one. You can wear it anyway you want.


The third's especially for my niece, in sweet pink and with a star pendant.



My niece is so sweet. After I gave her the necklace, she told me I can set up my own shop now. Now that's definitely a thought, if not for the fact that there are many enthusiasts like me out there sharing the same thought, or better still, started their own shops.

Star Gazing Days

Call me what you will but what will my days be like without these gorgeous hunks to add some glitter.

Ahn Jae Wook & Ji Seong (Korea)







Jerry Yan & Alec Su (Taiwan)






Wong Hei (Hong Kong)




Some of them may not be the current craze but I like them all the same.

Gentlemanly Behaviour...Or Not

We met for the first time yesterday and he assigned himself my road guardian angel. As we were chatting along a busy street, he invaded my personal space, abruptly grabbed my left arm and pulled me onto the pavement. Okay, I am keeping my cool. He probably sensed some great danger and tried to save me from it. Then as we were going by another part of the road. He did it again. This time, I pulled my arm away.

Can someone tell me what was he thinking? Does he think that I am even remotely interested in him? Or, that for all the years of my life I have not been walking or crossing the roads unassisted?

So you must be thinking... What does a Singaporean guy have to do to prove that he is a gentleman? Didn't the girls complain that they never pull chairs or open doors?

Ok, so I'm being paranoid...forgive me for thinking out loud?!

Day Trip

Here are some photos to share on my day trip to Kota Tinggi. It was a Firefly touring trip. Certainly an eye opener and a most refreshing experience for city folks like us.

Put on a life jacket and off we go!

Finally, as light turns to dark, we saw what we came for. They were like fairy lights on a Christmas tree, hovering and resting on the trees overhanging the river banks. I did not take a picture of the breathtaking scene as were told not to use flash. Without flash, it's just a picture of darkness. However, here is a shot of a poor firefly caught by our fellow travellers. We were actually advised not to catch them. So what happened to the submissive, law abiding Singaporeans that we are known for!? Or, are we more famous for being the ugly Singaporeans? I am confused.

Finally, something else we saw as we float down the river. Can you guess?



Birds' nests under the bridge!!!

Don't mind me, I am just a city dweller untainted by nature...

Red Hot Chilli Pepper

I have finally got my own set of wheels. Now, it is so easy to get around. It used to be that I have to drag myself out of the house on Sat and would refuse to go out on a Sun. Now, I'm out every chance I get. I have been to the gym and yoga classes more than ever before.

Every weekend, you'll probably see me zipping around in this nifty, red outfit!

Eat and Shop

Eat and shop, eat and shop...goes the TV jiggle. Indeed that was exactly what I did 2 months ago. I had a fantastic time in HK. Finally, some photos to share.

Our first meal in HK. It was at a 'tea restaurant' (loosely translated from 'cha chang tang' in cantonese) just across the street from the hotel we were putting up.

Then it was desserts. It was a daily love affair...with mangos!

What is most memorable about HK? It is the food...and the people! Yes, PEOPLE, you saw that right. The service level there is unprecedented. From the hotel staff to the waiters working in small eateries, everyone's got a smile for us. Thumbs up to the service sector in HK!

First Steps

Why is it that day in and day out, I am forever and hopelessly stuck in the office in front of my PC?

Everyday, at work, as I crunch those numbers and make those analyses, I believe the world to be passing me by. Experts talk about life balance and I wonder if it will ever happen in my life time.

I want to rest whenever I am tired and wake up when I am totally recharged. The beck and call of time to the office hours is a dreary living.

I want to work at my own pace and place, and not have my boss breathing down my neck. The temperaments of the supervisor is a frustrating force to be reckoned with.

I want to have the time and money to go for my facials, do my nails and take care of my hair. And put myself in a better shape. The signs of aging are taking its toil.

I want to be FREE...of chains and shackles...and LIVE LIFE to the FULLEST...of love and friendships...of patience and tolerance...of discipline and consistency!

I will start with small steps today...with lots of hope and optimism...may I win big tomorrow!