orlando and miami trip

Skipping the trip to seoul in may and the bangkok trip in sept...

The orlando trip has been planned long ago.. and when it was counting down to last one month,  I suddenly felt that there was nothing left to look forward to and there's many things to be done as well.

The itinerary was as planned.. theme parks for first week. Four disney parks and two universal parks including the long awaited harry potter land.  Love the butter beer drink and soft serve. Super yummy.

There were some slight unhappiness during the trip.. more so when my parents arrived on the second week.

Especially my father is insistent on his way so we did argue quite a bit during the second week. In any case I do realised that he's old aged so then go want things the way he thinks.

The thing I missed most abt this trip was the Christmas spirit in the states.. stores selling Xmas stuff, broadcasting the festive songs and all the sale going on.. i never knew nov is such a great period to travel in US. I had always traveled in Mar or Apr to avoid the cold..

I still can't get over the festive feel of US.. i need to immerse myself more in such places if there is in Singapore.  

Fastest decided ever trip

Today booked, tomorrow flying... 

Okinawa... Southern island in Japan... Heard that it's slightly different from mainland Japan. In terms of language, food and people. 

I had always wanted to make another Japan trip within these few months... Missed out the Seoul trip with Wendy and Winine two weeks ago because of a meeting.. So this is my compensation.. 

I hope there's nice cuisine there.. And some shopping. 

Cruelty of the corporate world

We had the AO CEP discussion with HR yesterday as a division. 

Staff are being ranked and talked about like they are commodities... Bad, good things being said abt everyone being assessed... And to imagine I used to be part of the commodities...

The things I said to support my staff were being joked abt by the senior management. The staff that I proposed a SM ranking was downgraded because she's still new.. And I can't even defend her...

I felt so yucky. Imagine how would others look at those being assessed again after that session.. Differently! 

The cruelty and reality of the corporate world have hit me badly... 

I just wanna do my work. 

Feeling of loss

I was busy preparing and planning for our division's annual get together event. The event ended last fri. There were a few hiccups but overall it went well. The staff are rather happy with the event, the games, lucky draw and food. 

Thanks to the committee for giving me a great help. After the event ended, I felt relieved but at the same time a strange feeling of loss... Haaaa weird me. 

Romantic paris

This third trip to Paris on a free and easy mode has really changed my view of the city. The past two trips on tour group were rushed and mainly to catch the major sightseeing spots. 

This time round there's time to enjoy French breakfast- croissants, coffee, orange juice. And take the subway to boutiques at rue cambon where Chanel, Hermes, ysl etc are waiting happily for you to spend money. 

I also managed to visit Versailles palace, louvre museum for Mona Lisa which I missed the last two trips. 

I didn't know I was so tired until I came back to Singapore. But it was fun and we had super lots of good food including one Michelin restaurant. The travel companions were fun and easy going too. They kept saying they will definitely be back again. 

For me, I don't mind too but US remains my fav destination anytime. 

Bonjour

In less than one week, i will be flying to Paris for holidays.. more of a free and easy trip this time but of cos will include some of the must see sights such as Seine river, Effiel tower, Versailles castle and Lourve musuem.

Most importantly, trying the michellin restaurant, loads of Macarons, crepes, truffles etc. Plus a must visit to Hermes boutique to try my luck on getting the Kelly bag..

It's a short one week break to Europe but nonetheless i am excited & looking forward to it :)

I love Japan

Yeah-- flying off tomorrow night to one of my fav countries... This time round to the southern part of Japan ie fukuoka... 

The last trip I had wasn't enjoyable due to the police chase incident but nonetheless I still look forward to this upcoming one.. 

The food, the language, the shopping, hot spring etc. 

And most importantly, the long awaited break from work :)) 

Nightmare

Last night was the second night that i had the same nightmare. It was about quiting my job and then regreting about the decision.

I am so glad when i woke up and realised it was a dream. But is it true then about what the EC person said about me "fang bu xia".

I wished i wasn't so uptied about it.

1 Jul 2013

Congrats to myself! For pulling thru the difficult times and all these would not happen with the support and encouragement from my team and fellow colleagues.

The road hasnt been easy with some ups but mostly downs esp Sept/ Oct 2012. I perservered on, looking forward to better times, almost wanting to give up but finally reached a resting point at this time. I do believe that challenges and hardships make a person emerged stronger.

More jobs were loaded on me but my mindset has always been to take things as they come. Don't think too much.

For now, quite a number of celebrations planned ahead to thank the people who have helped me along the way.

I hope the road ahead will be more smooth sailing...
 

Osaka de su

It's Osaka tomorrow night. Yeah to yummy japanese food and loads of shopping..

But to think of travelling there alone on the flight is not too exciting. Especially when it's a midnight flight.. that would be boring. Hopefully there's an empty row for me to lay down and catch some sleep :)

Lady Dior

Finally collected the Lady Dior black lambskin large bag with gold charms from Angela who went Paris. I was not as excited as before i collected the bag.

I mean the bag's great and all but the excitement seemed to have gone. Thats strange and somehow it's difficult to explain.

Anyway i have only carried it for two days to work and maybe i will grow to like it more and more as i carry. Let's see.

Vancouver

As mentioned in my earlier post, i did not have great expectations for my Canada/ US tour. But it turned out to be so good:

1. The scenary in Vancouver in particular Rockies and Lake Louise is unbeatable.
2. The tax free shopping in Portland is exhilarating.
3. Just having simple americano at Starbucks in Seattle, its hometown just feels good.
4. Best of all, being with my parents on a two weeks getaway from work and the usual routine make me jump for joy.

I will be back in the US soon.

Dream yesterday, reality today

I dreamt last night that both myself and my uncle each bought a condo unit.

Today my dad first went down to the condo, Urban Vista to view the showflats. He called when he was there asking whether i want to go down and see the units as well. I was reluctant as i was clearing my emails before my long leave starts.

After dinner, my mum again asked if i wanna go down to the showflats. I was again lazy but since my two nieces are going as well and i need to pick up the US GPS maps from Foong May, i thought just go down on the way to take a look.

Never in my mind did i know it was the first step towards a big decision in my life. All these people helped me in this major step forward. It was truly a quick decision, i hope it wasn't an impulse one. I do like the location at Tanah Merah, i liked the finishes and it was a relatively high floor facing the two pools.

My mum even had to call my auntie at 10pm to bring down her cheque for the downpayment of SGD 15,000 as my dad will need some time to transfer the money to his current account.

And the best part is the 15% additional payment upon signing of S&P is almost the exact amount i had in my CPF to be utilised for this purpose. You see how everything fits together?

In any case, after the purchase and signing off pages and pages of terms, i suddenly felt like i had an objective in life. There is fear definitely of coping with the monthly installment but the proud feeling of being a house owner is really indescripable.

Let's put myself together and look forward after this big investment decision!

Seattle & Vancouver Mar 2013

The long awaited holidays... not so much excited about visiting new places but more of getting away from office and someone i dread.

The funny thing is that i am more fearful of the days when i am back from the holidays.. i still gonna face her for the rest of the year and next year and if she stays further.. the coming few years...

That's really terrible and i dont know how i can survive that thoughts always on me.

In any case, i will be flying off in four days' time and maybe i should just let go. Things will still move without me in the office. I will just not think about it and be good to myself, even if it's only for two weeks. That's at least two weeks without the irritating her.

除夕 2013

It was good to take a day's leave to "prepare" for CNY and the reunion dinner. Even though i wasnt of much help in terms of housework. But did spent some time taking Andrea out for a walk around the mall.

Just before the lunar new year, there have been several changes in work procedures, unexpected ones.. which would mean more bureacracy for the team, additional approvals etc. BJS project is still a headche with the other section telling us no time, no time... to complete the move.

Relationship with the new VP is still unstable, depending on her mood :( There seemed more uncertainties this year compared to Dragon. In any case, i just hope to keep a low profile and sail smoothly thru the snake year!

Gong xi fa cai and shun shun li li to all!
 

Happy 2013

2012 has been a year full of ups and downs for me in terms of work. Beginning of the year has been alright but coming end of year becos of various changes, it has been a hair pulling experience... Stressed.

Family and personal travelling have been kind to me... Addition of my cute younger niece and travelling quite a bit for holidays to NYC, Bangkok etc.

I am looking forward to a better 2013... A new year means a new beginning and good luck to all!

Relationship at work

If you're looking for ways to create a stronger partnership with your workplace superiors, forget brown-nosing and don't worry about finding some elaborate gift. Instead, focus on these simple strategies:

1. Go the extra mile. Remember that your job description outlines the basic tasks and duties required to maintain employment. But doing the bare minimum is no way to impress your boss. Make it a habit to go over and beyond from time to time. Exceeding expectations is always a pleasant surprise, whether you're delivering a project ahead of schedule or volunteering to take on new responsibilities.

2. Anticipate needs. Don't wait to be told what to do. Engage your brain and be proactive. Look for predictable patterns in the workplace and take action early. Knowing you're on top of things helps make life easier and less stressful for your boss—he doesn't have to crack the whip to know you're getting the work done. When your boss asks you to put together a report, there's no better response than handing it over immediately and saying, "I thought you'd want that so I already did it." Bonus: You look like a mind reader.

3. Make improvements. The status quo doesn't always represent the best, most effective way of doing business. Put on your critical thinking cap and see if there are small improvements you can make that will have a big impact on your team or the organization as a whole. If you can tweak a process so it improves quality, reduces costs, or increases efficiency, your value will skyrocket—and you'll make your boss look good in the process.

4. Stay positive. Who needs another Negative Nancy around? No one. Most workplaces have too many as is. A positive, optimistic person can be like a ray of sunshine in a high-pressure environment. You don't have to go overboard here; even just a simple smile can help ease the tension. Soon, people will associate you with feeling good—and that's helpful for any relationship.

5. Bring solutions. Problems are unavoidable in most work environments and, yes, your boss is there to help you sort them out. But don't put all the work on his shoulders. When you encounter a challenge, take ownership of the situation and brainstorm solutions on your own before engaging your boss. If and when you do require his assistance, outline the options you've considered and be specific about what help you need from him. Remember, the easier you make life for your boss, the easier your life will be.

6. Get (a little) personal. The workplace doesn't have to be 100 percent professional 100 percent of the time. A little appropriate personal interaction reminds everyone that we're not just robots; we all have lives outside of work too. You and your boss probably have more in common than you even realize. Perhaps you share a favorite pastime or sports team. Maybe you have children in the same grade at school. Connecting on this kind of personal level strengthens the relationship and creates a deeper sense of authenticity. Just remember to commit important information to memory (like the name of his spouse and kids, for example) and keep the conversation light. Politics, religion, and sex remain off-limits.

7. Protect his time. Your boss is probably a pretty busy person. Don't waste his time and help prevent others from doing so as well. If you have a question, search for the answers on your own first. If you have the authority to make a decision, use your best judgment and make it. Don't pass things off to your boss if you have the ability to handle them. The more independent you can be—and the more you can prevent unproductive, unnecessary interruptions—the more useful you are.

8. Don't make him mediate. No boss likes to play mediator between his employees. If you're having an issue with a co-worker, do your best to handle it on your own. You're an adult, after all. Don't get your boss involved if you can help it. Little co-worker disputes can make all parties appear childish and petty, and baby sitting isn't a good use of your boss's time.

When you take the time to develop a strong relationship with your boss, your chances of getting that raise or landing the key role on that exciting new project go up exponentially. Your boss will see you as a prized asset to his team, and you'll enjoy all the rewards that go along with it.

Travelling alone

Advantages of travelling alone:

1. Me time

Spending a few days by yourself (and for yourself) in a foreign city where no one knows you is probably one of the best ways to focus on yourself and enjoy what life has in store for you. We got too caught up in our busy daily routines sometimes that we neglect on treating ourselves well. Travelling solo is a good way to have some “me time” to treat yourself with the new environment, atmosphere, food, and vibe.

2. Flexibility

When you are travelling alone, you can afford to be very flexible with your own schedule. You can go to anywhere at anytime you want, or make any last minute changes to your itinerary if there is a need to without being concerned if your friends would mind. Happen to pass by that cute little café down the corner of the street on the way to the museum? Just stop by, walk in, and try it.

3. Courage and independence

One of the greatest takeaways from travelling solo is probably learning on how to get out of our little comfort zones to just be out there in new places. Finding your way around the city by yourself, trying hard to speak a new language, meeting with new people along the way, and the list goes on. I guess it’s also fair to say that you will find courage from all these and take these little steps to learn to be more independent – at least in a foreign land.

 

Tips for travelling alone:

1. Be “thick skinned”

Definitely the most important tip – I find that we have to “thicken” our skins when we are travelling by ourselves. If you want your photo to be taken in front of that historical landmark, you have to ask other people to help you (be careful though, to make sure that they do not run away with your camera). When you’re eating alone at the bar, do not think that other people are looking at you; just think and look as if you’re a food critic so that’s why you’re eating there by yourself. When you make mistakes while trying to speak the foreign language, do not be afraid! At the end of the day, you’ll just laugh it off and have fun with it.

2. Be wise

By being wise here, I mean that you can choose to go to places that are more suitable for solo travellers. Join a group walking tour of the city to get a lively introduction of your new surroundings and meet with other solo travelers. Or view exhibitions at the museum since you have no one to distract you now while immersing yourself in those art pieces. Choose to dine at restaurants with bar seating where they are tailored for solo diners.

3. Smile

And always be friendly to the locals. People are generally nice at the core, so if you’re nice to them, they’ll be happy to talk to you too and help you if you need directions or recommendations. Remember to smile as and when you can. And you can never go wrong.

While travelling in general gives you new experiences and touches the soul, travelling solo additionally allows you to meet more new people along the way, which has got to be one of the ultimate joys of the journey. And it’s up to you to make the connections on route. You are traveling solo, but definitely not alone.

Dec 2012

December 2012 passes in a breeze. We are already half way over the month. With two duty travels plus the festival and birthday celebrations, i really have no time for much thoughts.

The first duty travel went thru with completing three Aust states' inspections in 5 days. And within the 5 days, its almost flying everyday, international and domestic travels. That is an experience.

Coming up soon is the BJS office inspection- I am stressed in a way the bosses will be joining in the site tour. Furthermore, the minus zero degrees temperature would not be favourable to me.

Local work still got to be managed as well. Let's hope things goes well. And we can welcome a wonderful 2013!

Nov 2012

November has been a much better month. Work and projects still going on but not as stressful as previously.

The only irritating thing is still the new VP. She is simply too kah poh, wanting to know too much... from wearing jacket, to tying my hair, to my nail colour, my foundation and whether i am attached.

And i hate the way she ask you questions like she don't trust you. Irritating woman. I prefer male bosses... bring back the male boss please!!