We either make ourselves miserable or strong. The amount of work is the same.
- Carlos Castaneda
I have spent the last few weeks wallowing in self-pity and misery over the amount of data I needed to consolidate, the late hours I put in and the types of mistakes I had to tolerate and rectified. I realised such fustration and self-pity were more tiring than I expected. If I had kept my anger at myself and others in check and channelled more energy to resolving the issues, I would have spotted the mistakes and inadequacies earlier to prevent the build-up of further fustration.
Indeed, even if I temporarily forget my emotions, I would probably need to invest as much time working on the assignment. However, I would probably be able to learn more, including learning how to be stronger.
Hence, I must learn to keep my positive spirits up and face the challenges heads-on instead of wasting time sulking in a corner and be miserable.
January 31, 2008
January 30, 2008
Lull Period
The past 3 weeks were slightly nightmarish. From the second week of January, all the different departments had to submit their staff cost details to me for consolidation. This is the first year such role is undertaken by Finance. Previously, it was done by HR.
Putting aside that this was an extremely manual process where information resided in various departments and systems, the ‘lack-of-sincerity’ submissions exacerbated the consolidation. As the submission included both Finance (cost and revenue) and HR (headcounts) information, we have stated upfront that it should be a joint submission from Finance and HR. By joint submission, we did not expect separate inputs put together. By joint submission, we would expect combined efforts to put together and review the submission.
All the problems started because everyone was late in their submission. I only had a week to put together all the submissions to roll up a total Group’s view. This itself was already a tedious process as I had to do an excel consolidation of the information. Before this information could be consolidated, I had to check for any errors in submission. If the errors were in the numbers as I did not participate in each department’s budget moderation exercise. Yet, I managed to spot many errors because the errors made were simply blatantly staring in my face. These errors reflect the sloppy efforts of the preparers – total numbers across different sheets in the same file do not tie and some of the numbers within the same sheet do not add up. Once I made known the errors to the preparers, I even had to face tirade from them for ‘designing’ such a complicated spreadsheet. Then, some of the errors resurfaced even in their second or third submissions. Such to-and-fro-ing resulted in time wasted.
Needless to say, I could not roll-up the information during normal office hours and had to burn midnight and weekend oil to get the presentation pack on time for meeting with CEO and CFO.
The nightmare continued when my boss wanted more analysis. I acknowledged that her concerns and questions were valid and useful. However, being thoroughly exhausted by the whole consolidation process, I did not have time to ‘understand’ the numbers. My whole time was devoted to ensuring the numbers consolidated accurately. Hence, I felt more defeated and demoralized. At that moment of folly, I bleakly thought my boss was adding oil to fire. There were more than once when I felt like giving up and dreaded going to work to face the incessant errors in the staff cost numbers.
It was only this week when at least their second submissions did not contain so many apparent errors that I have managed to ‘enjoy’ the process more and try to analyse and understand the numbers. This is the part I like about my job.
When I was consolidating the numbers, I only felt like a number cruncher who was rolling up numbers. I am not exactly the most meticulous person in the world. When there is time constraints and high volume of numbers to consolidate, I tend to make mistakes. Being relatively new to this, I cannot even do a high-level sanity check to determine if the numbers look reasonable. Such intensive excel linking and summation also puts me off to the extent that the notion of moving on crosses my mind.
Yes, you are right. I am lousy. It is unbelievable that I get defeated by such a small set-back. Ah Peng reminded me that we cannot love all parts of our job, regardless of which job. There bound to be some aspects which we may not enjoy as much. If we take a run every time we encounter such situations then we will forever be on the move.
On hindsight and talking more openly to my boss, I tried to be more positive about this whole incident. Reflecting on what had happened, I believed I should learn from this experience.
Perhaps I should not be so harsh to myself and my boss. I knew I had tried my best. It was not as if I was doing nothing. Since this was the first attempt for such a large-scale consolidation, I should be happy with my own effort instead of only focusing on my failures.
If I were more positive and composed, I could have resolved things more effectively instead of unnerving everyone.
Although my boss spoke to me more critically in the last 3 weeks than she had for the last one year, I believed it was also because she was stressed by the whole exercise. I was partly responsible for dragging her into this ‘tornado’. My big-big-big boss ‘volunteered’ me to assist her in this exercise. Being my boss, she had stepped in to guide me and supported me. If she had not asked me to do so much, clearance with my big-big-big boss would not have been so smooth and we would have ended up doing more within a shorter period of time.
Now that I had understood some of the different requirement, I believed that I would be better prepared if I had to undertake this task again. It was not as daunting or even revolting as I first thought. Although this exercise has not come to an end, I hope I can bear in mind some of the lessons learnt and continue to improve this exercise for everyone.
Lastly, I am not an angel. I felt guilty of the bad vibes and pitfalls that I have committed over this exercise, but I hope I will not repeat them again. Sharing some of the advices that my boss has told me, some of the lull periods in work can still create learning opportunities. These learning may not necessarily be technical skills, but they could be other skills or even learning about the people you work with. Such learning will definitely be useful in making you work better in your next job.
Putting aside that this was an extremely manual process where information resided in various departments and systems, the ‘lack-of-sincerity’ submissions exacerbated the consolidation. As the submission included both Finance (cost and revenue) and HR (headcounts) information, we have stated upfront that it should be a joint submission from Finance and HR. By joint submission, we did not expect separate inputs put together. By joint submission, we would expect combined efforts to put together and review the submission.
All the problems started because everyone was late in their submission. I only had a week to put together all the submissions to roll up a total Group’s view. This itself was already a tedious process as I had to do an excel consolidation of the information. Before this information could be consolidated, I had to check for any errors in submission. If the errors were in the numbers as I did not participate in each department’s budget moderation exercise. Yet, I managed to spot many errors because the errors made were simply blatantly staring in my face. These errors reflect the sloppy efforts of the preparers – total numbers across different sheets in the same file do not tie and some of the numbers within the same sheet do not add up. Once I made known the errors to the preparers, I even had to face tirade from them for ‘designing’ such a complicated spreadsheet. Then, some of the errors resurfaced even in their second or third submissions. Such to-and-fro-ing resulted in time wasted.
Needless to say, I could not roll-up the information during normal office hours and had to burn midnight and weekend oil to get the presentation pack on time for meeting with CEO and CFO.
The nightmare continued when my boss wanted more analysis. I acknowledged that her concerns and questions were valid and useful. However, being thoroughly exhausted by the whole consolidation process, I did not have time to ‘understand’ the numbers. My whole time was devoted to ensuring the numbers consolidated accurately. Hence, I felt more defeated and demoralized. At that moment of folly, I bleakly thought my boss was adding oil to fire. There were more than once when I felt like giving up and dreaded going to work to face the incessant errors in the staff cost numbers.
It was only this week when at least their second submissions did not contain so many apparent errors that I have managed to ‘enjoy’ the process more and try to analyse and understand the numbers. This is the part I like about my job.
When I was consolidating the numbers, I only felt like a number cruncher who was rolling up numbers. I am not exactly the most meticulous person in the world. When there is time constraints and high volume of numbers to consolidate, I tend to make mistakes. Being relatively new to this, I cannot even do a high-level sanity check to determine if the numbers look reasonable. Such intensive excel linking and summation also puts me off to the extent that the notion of moving on crosses my mind.
Yes, you are right. I am lousy. It is unbelievable that I get defeated by such a small set-back. Ah Peng reminded me that we cannot love all parts of our job, regardless of which job. There bound to be some aspects which we may not enjoy as much. If we take a run every time we encounter such situations then we will forever be on the move.
On hindsight and talking more openly to my boss, I tried to be more positive about this whole incident. Reflecting on what had happened, I believed I should learn from this experience.
Perhaps I should not be so harsh to myself and my boss. I knew I had tried my best. It was not as if I was doing nothing. Since this was the first attempt for such a large-scale consolidation, I should be happy with my own effort instead of only focusing on my failures.
If I were more positive and composed, I could have resolved things more effectively instead of unnerving everyone.
Although my boss spoke to me more critically in the last 3 weeks than she had for the last one year, I believed it was also because she was stressed by the whole exercise. I was partly responsible for dragging her into this ‘tornado’. My big-big-big boss ‘volunteered’ me to assist her in this exercise. Being my boss, she had stepped in to guide me and supported me. If she had not asked me to do so much, clearance with my big-big-big boss would not have been so smooth and we would have ended up doing more within a shorter period of time.
Now that I had understood some of the different requirement, I believed that I would be better prepared if I had to undertake this task again. It was not as daunting or even revolting as I first thought. Although this exercise has not come to an end, I hope I can bear in mind some of the lessons learnt and continue to improve this exercise for everyone.
Lastly, I am not an angel. I felt guilty of the bad vibes and pitfalls that I have committed over this exercise, but I hope I will not repeat them again. Sharing some of the advices that my boss has told me, some of the lull periods in work can still create learning opportunities. These learning may not necessarily be technical skills, but they could be other skills or even learning about the people you work with. Such learning will definitely be useful in making you work better in your next job.
January 29, 2008
Public Transport Enhancements
There was a series of enhancements proposed on both MRT and buses recently to encourage the use of public transport and reduce traffic congestion. The vision shared was one that would improve comfort and efficiency of the public transport, such as increasing frequency of train and bus services, create a wider train network, remapping of the bus network, etc. To the daily commuters, this is GREAT news!
The tenets of MRT network are still not as widespread as other countries, like Hong Kong and Taiwan. Many areas in Singapore are not available by train or even buses. Some of these places are even great tourist attractions, such as the Zoo and Changi Beach.
The greater density of the estates along the north-south and east-west lines also creates over-crowdedness on the MRT servicing these places. Many shun from taking public transport because of the difficulty of boarding the train during both peak and non-peak hours. Personally, I have tried taking the trains even on Sunday and Saturday morning. Many train cabins are packed to the brim.
For the buses, waiting time is often a put-off. The long and irregular waiting makes travelling by buses an unpopular option. Moreover, many buses go through a very long-winded routes to cover as many areas as possible for one bus service. Despite the short distance between two destinations, you can spend an incredulous long travelling time because of the detours.
Some of the enhancements proposed by MOT recently are very welcoming news indeed. Increasing frequencies to prevent overcrowdedness mean that we can get to our places in a more reliable time-frame, without having to spend long time waiting or not able to board onto the bus or train because of overcrowdedness. Travelling by bus and train will also be more comfortable as greater frequency will mean that we will not be packed like sardines in the bus or train.
Greater network for both buses and trains will also mean that private cars will not have an edge for being able to reach the more outskirt places in Singapore. In future, places like Marine Parade and Tuas will not be as 'ulu'. The overlap of trains mean we can also waste less time in detouring to get to the exchanges to 'transfer' lines.
Security for the above ground stations will be enhanced to prevent train disruption. This feature is already available in Hong Kong (the Lantau Island line). I am glad that Singapore has brought this in.
However, there is another feature in Hong Kong train stations which I thought Singapore should seriously consider. To prevent overcrowdedness in the central cabins, there are train crew stationed outside the doors of the central cabins. They will direct the crowd to the tail end cabin doors before the train arrives. No one is allowed to stand outside the central cabin doors. When the train arrives, they will allow the commuters who are rushing towards the departing trains in, so that we will not encounter a situation when last-minute crowd cannot board a train because the central cabins are full and they do not have time to move to the tail-end train cabins. This will also ensure more efficient use of the train service because the train can carry more people instead since the commuters will be equally spread in all cabins unlike the emptier cabins at the tail-end for Singapore's service.
For the ladies commuters, we were often concerned about personal safety in a packed cabin. In Taiwan, there are cabins devoted solely to female passengers especially in the evening and at night. This is especially reassuring to female travellers .
In Taiwan, structured and single-filed queues outside the cabin doors are mandated. This ensures that entire width of the doors could quickly allow the outgoing passengers to quickly file out while the incoming passengers can also go in quickly there after. In Singapore, one of the most annoying situations is that the boarding and alighting process is often a bottle-neck with everyone trying to squeeze in and out at the same time.
Do you often encounter the situations of missing your stations when you cannot hear the announcements of what is the next station? In Hong Kong, such situations are reduced as when the train is approaching a station, the map with all the stations will light up that station. These maps are situated above each door and at other various spots in the cabin.
Maybe I am asking too much, but I think such good measures adopted by other countries should be implemented to further improve the efficiency, comfort and safety of the public transport. Moreover, such measures should cost us an arm or a leg to implement.
The tenets of MRT network are still not as widespread as other countries, like Hong Kong and Taiwan. Many areas in Singapore are not available by train or even buses. Some of these places are even great tourist attractions, such as the Zoo and Changi Beach.
The greater density of the estates along the north-south and east-west lines also creates over-crowdedness on the MRT servicing these places. Many shun from taking public transport because of the difficulty of boarding the train during both peak and non-peak hours. Personally, I have tried taking the trains even on Sunday and Saturday morning. Many train cabins are packed to the brim.
For the buses, waiting time is often a put-off. The long and irregular waiting makes travelling by buses an unpopular option. Moreover, many buses go through a very long-winded routes to cover as many areas as possible for one bus service. Despite the short distance between two destinations, you can spend an incredulous long travelling time because of the detours.
Some of the enhancements proposed by MOT recently are very welcoming news indeed. Increasing frequencies to prevent overcrowdedness mean that we can get to our places in a more reliable time-frame, without having to spend long time waiting or not able to board onto the bus or train because of overcrowdedness. Travelling by bus and train will also be more comfortable as greater frequency will mean that we will not be packed like sardines in the bus or train.
Greater network for both buses and trains will also mean that private cars will not have an edge for being able to reach the more outskirt places in Singapore. In future, places like Marine Parade and Tuas will not be as 'ulu'. The overlap of trains mean we can also waste less time in detouring to get to the exchanges to 'transfer' lines.
Security for the above ground stations will be enhanced to prevent train disruption. This feature is already available in Hong Kong (the Lantau Island line). I am glad that Singapore has brought this in.
However, there is another feature in Hong Kong train stations which I thought Singapore should seriously consider. To prevent overcrowdedness in the central cabins, there are train crew stationed outside the doors of the central cabins. They will direct the crowd to the tail end cabin doors before the train arrives. No one is allowed to stand outside the central cabin doors. When the train arrives, they will allow the commuters who are rushing towards the departing trains in, so that we will not encounter a situation when last-minute crowd cannot board a train because the central cabins are full and they do not have time to move to the tail-end train cabins. This will also ensure more efficient use of the train service because the train can carry more people instead since the commuters will be equally spread in all cabins unlike the emptier cabins at the tail-end for Singapore's service.
For the ladies commuters, we were often concerned about personal safety in a packed cabin. In Taiwan, there are cabins devoted solely to female passengers especially in the evening and at night. This is especially reassuring to female travellers .
In Taiwan, structured and single-filed queues outside the cabin doors are mandated. This ensures that entire width of the doors could quickly allow the outgoing passengers to quickly file out while the incoming passengers can also go in quickly there after. In Singapore, one of the most annoying situations is that the boarding and alighting process is often a bottle-neck with everyone trying to squeeze in and out at the same time.
Do you often encounter the situations of missing your stations when you cannot hear the announcements of what is the next station? In Hong Kong, such situations are reduced as when the train is approaching a station, the map with all the stations will light up that station. These maps are situated above each door and at other various spots in the cabin.
Maybe I am asking too much, but I think such good measures adopted by other countries should be implemented to further improve the efficiency, comfort and safety of the public transport. Moreover, such measures should cost us an arm or a leg to implement.
January 25, 2008
Nostalgic Bubble Tea
Bubble Tea was the rage during my secondary school days. One of the 'luxuries' we enjoyed was to order the kaleidoscopic bubble teas, chew the bubbles and talk about the moon, the sun and everything under the skies in our favourite bubble tea shop along Orchard Road (nearest to school). We spent numerous afternoons in this manner. When the shop closed down to make way for the now Food Republic, we felt lost and sad.
About 5 years ago, bubble tea resurfaced as the 'fad' of the year (which was followed by rotiboy, and the now doughnuts), we suddenly saw many mini outlets sprouting all over the island including the heartlands. Many queued in front of the stalls on a hot afternoon to enjoy the sweet drinks.
Now, it is hard to find bubble teas, unless you go to Taiwan.
I never notice one in Ang Mo Kio until recently when I met a friend there. The shop brings back memories with its Chinese pop, chatter of the patrons and the bright decor. The carbon copied menu with a pencil to select your orders is all too familiar. The sweet cooling tea serve in a glass where the colour of the tea is apparent to all brings a smile to the patron. It is almost like we are back to the nineties.
I have outgrown bubble teas. They no long taste as 'heavenly' as they use to. Yet, the ambience is still welcoming and the memories freshly etched in my mind. I miss those halcyon days when all stresses and unhappiness can be quickly swept away by an afternoon idling in a bubble tea shop.
You? Have you spent some of your best times in a bubble tea shop?
About 5 years ago, bubble tea resurfaced as the 'fad' of the year (which was followed by rotiboy, and the now doughnuts), we suddenly saw many mini outlets sprouting all over the island including the heartlands. Many queued in front of the stalls on a hot afternoon to enjoy the sweet drinks.
Now, it is hard to find bubble teas, unless you go to Taiwan.
I never notice one in Ang Mo Kio until recently when I met a friend there. The shop brings back memories with its Chinese pop, chatter of the patrons and the bright decor. The carbon copied menu with a pencil to select your orders is all too familiar. The sweet cooling tea serve in a glass where the colour of the tea is apparent to all brings a smile to the patron. It is almost like we are back to the nineties.
I have outgrown bubble teas. They no long taste as 'heavenly' as they use to. Yet, the ambience is still welcoming and the memories freshly etched in my mind. I miss those halcyon days when all stresses and unhappiness can be quickly swept away by an afternoon idling in a bubble tea shop.
You? Have you spent some of your best times in a bubble tea shop?
January 24, 2008
Porridge Buffet
We have been working hard for the past 1 month, so it was time to reward ourselves. Someone suggested going for porridge buffet at Hotel Grand Court. Porridge sounded healthy for a bunch of accountants who have been burning mid-night oil and satisfied some of our essential needs for rice (so that we can feel full).
We were slightly disappointed with the spread because there was not much variety. Although the pickles and the soy-sauced tofu and tau pok whetted our appetite, we still felt that it was not as value-for-money as we thought. Many of the dishes were simple fare. The topping-up of finished dishes were not as prompt. The fried fish was slightly too oily for my liking while the curry-marinated fried chicken wings seemed abit 'out-of-sync' with porridge.
I have heard that there was a better porridge buffet at Tiong Bharu. Hmm...perhaps I can give it a try some other time.
We were slightly disappointed with the spread because there was not much variety. Although the pickles and the soy-sauced tofu and tau pok whetted our appetite, we still felt that it was not as value-for-money as we thought. Many of the dishes were simple fare. The topping-up of finished dishes were not as prompt. The fried fish was slightly too oily for my liking while the curry-marinated fried chicken wings seemed abit 'out-of-sync' with porridge.
I have heard that there was a better porridge buffet at Tiong Bharu. Hmm...perhaps I can give it a try some other time.
January 23, 2008
Time for Observing
I felt abit fustrated when I did not manage to get My Paper for my 'transit read' in the morning. It was ages since I did not have any paper with me on the way to work.
Although it was a short 15 minutes, it was an extremely restless 15 minutes because my hands suddenly felt empty and my line of sight moved constantly, not knowing where to focus. It was tough even looking at the floor because I could not see the floor with the crowd.
I decided to engage in one of my favourite past-times - observing people. I have not done so for a long time since I chose to spend my weekends at home to recuperate from the hectic week. Was this a blessing in disguise? Observing different people can be therapeutic. Somehow it reduces the solidarity that we feel when we are stressed.
So my 15 minutes did not turn up to be as free as I thought I would be.
Although it was a short 15 minutes, it was an extremely restless 15 minutes because my hands suddenly felt empty and my line of sight moved constantly, not knowing where to focus. It was tough even looking at the floor because I could not see the floor with the crowd.
I decided to engage in one of my favourite past-times - observing people. I have not done so for a long time since I chose to spend my weekends at home to recuperate from the hectic week. Was this a blessing in disguise? Observing different people can be therapeutic. Somehow it reduces the solidarity that we feel when we are stressed.
So my 15 minutes did not turn up to be as free as I thought I would be.
January 21, 2008
Coffee Prince No 1
En Can was a tomboyish girl who disguised herself as a boy to work in Coffee Prince No 1 – a café which only hired male crew. She needed the job badly as she was the sole breadwinner of the family and she was in debt. From the initial conflicts, the entire crew grew close. From the initial quarrels with her boss, they later fell in love with each other with the boss questioning his own sexual tendency before En Can made known her gender to him.
I had not managed to catch many episodes when it was broadcast on TV because this happened to my peak period. Thus, I was not home usually at that time – still slogging in office. I had to catch up on some of the episodes over Youtube during weekends when I was not working.
The more I followed En Can in her quarrels with Han Jie, the more light-hearted and distressed I became. It has been ages since there is a series that can light up my day. If you are a regular visitor of my blog, you will most likely be able to name the series which I name so fondly. Among them, Princess Hours and the Hua Yang Shao Nan Shao Nu are two of them.
Watching En Can, we get inspired for her positive outlook of her life and her openness towards her friends. Being true to her feelings endear many to her. Many around her are influenced by her. Both Han Jie and Han Xing are drawn to her because of her cheerfulness and her sincerity. Han Jie, on the other hand, appears to be frivolous and temperamental. Yet, when he sets his heart on something, he is determined to do his best. His perseverance in improving the sales of the Coffee Prince No 1 and his protectiveness towards En Can enhances his charm.
Looking at the sweetness of their relationship somehow makes one fleetingly want to fall in love. The ‘stupid’ things that they do draw smiles on your face. The devotion and compromises that they make for one another wrench your heart. It gives hope that romance is truly still alive in this world.
Aside from romantic love, family love is also being featured. Han Jie’s caring for his grandma and En Can’s responsibility towards her mother and sister also remind us the importance of family commitment. Despite quarrels and differences, at the end of the day, we must also learn to forgive, forget and compromise.
Watching Coffee Prince No 1 has taken away many of the work worries and create great relaxation for the stresses I endure over the week. Too bad, the series is coming to an end. I think I will miss it miserably.
I had not managed to catch many episodes when it was broadcast on TV because this happened to my peak period. Thus, I was not home usually at that time – still slogging in office. I had to catch up on some of the episodes over Youtube during weekends when I was not working.
The more I followed En Can in her quarrels with Han Jie, the more light-hearted and distressed I became. It has been ages since there is a series that can light up my day. If you are a regular visitor of my blog, you will most likely be able to name the series which I name so fondly. Among them, Princess Hours and the Hua Yang Shao Nan Shao Nu are two of them.
Watching En Can, we get inspired for her positive outlook of her life and her openness towards her friends. Being true to her feelings endear many to her. Many around her are influenced by her. Both Han Jie and Han Xing are drawn to her because of her cheerfulness and her sincerity. Han Jie, on the other hand, appears to be frivolous and temperamental. Yet, when he sets his heart on something, he is determined to do his best. His perseverance in improving the sales of the Coffee Prince No 1 and his protectiveness towards En Can enhances his charm.
Looking at the sweetness of their relationship somehow makes one fleetingly want to fall in love. The ‘stupid’ things that they do draw smiles on your face. The devotion and compromises that they make for one another wrench your heart. It gives hope that romance is truly still alive in this world.
Aside from romantic love, family love is also being featured. Han Jie’s caring for his grandma and En Can’s responsibility towards her mother and sister also remind us the importance of family commitment. Despite quarrels and differences, at the end of the day, we must also learn to forgive, forget and compromise.
Watching Coffee Prince No 1 has taken away many of the work worries and create great relaxation for the stresses I endure over the week. Too bad, the series is coming to an end. I think I will miss it miserably.
January 19, 2008
Yoga – Better Appreciation
When I first enrolled in yoga lessons, I entered the classroom with trepidation and unease. I can almost rank myself as an idiot when it comes to any sports. Moreover, when it comes to flexibility, I will definitely flunk big-time. A lot of apprehension floats through my mind – what if I hurt myself or what if I become the laughingstock of my class.
Fortunately, the coach shares a lot of his own experiences and encouragement during the lessons. The apprehension gradually recedes and replaces by enjoyment. I start to fear not able to achieve certain poses but rather focus more on improving myself at my own pace. This is the beginning of my appreciation of yoga practices. I begin to look forward to attending classes.
I enjoy myself so that I sign up for the classes again after the first series end. I am not progressing to the intermediate but rather continuing with elementary. I guess I better improve more on my elementary before trying to attain more difficult poses. Moreover, going to the class weekly will instill more discipline for regular practices than if I were to do it on my own at home.
Indeed, on those times when we have to stop classes for public holidays, I never practice except to do the chant pose. I do chant pose more to ease digestion after a heavy meal while I watch the television. Furthermore, if I never do any other exercise, yoga is at least a form of exercise. According to my coach, if you do sun salutation or kneeling sun salutation consecutively for about 20 sets, it is as good as running 10 kilometers. It may sound incredulous. However, if you try the sun salutation, I am sure you will believe him. Usually, doing it slowly in a series of 3 sets (2 sets of left-leg once and right-leg once), I will be perspiring profusely and panting rapidly as if I have been on the treadmill for 15 minutes.
In the first lesson of the second series, I become more confident as I am more aware of the different poses. This is also when I can focus on perfecting each pose and synchronizing with the breathing to achieve the exercising of the different muscles. In the first series of the class, I was more often preoccupied with following the coach for each pose than to really think through and enjoy the stretches. Hence, it is not surprising that at the end of the first lesson, I find myself aching all over from the stretching of the muscles that we normally hardly notice, especially my triceps because of the kneeling sun salutation. The aches are more widespread than the first series of lessons.
Yet, I think my improvement in flexibility is still at a baby step stage until I have the time to practice more frequently. Nevertheless, I look forward to my Saturday morning workout and stretch even though it remains the minimum that I practise for the time being.
Fortunately, the coach shares a lot of his own experiences and encouragement during the lessons. The apprehension gradually recedes and replaces by enjoyment. I start to fear not able to achieve certain poses but rather focus more on improving myself at my own pace. This is the beginning of my appreciation of yoga practices. I begin to look forward to attending classes.
I enjoy myself so that I sign up for the classes again after the first series end. I am not progressing to the intermediate but rather continuing with elementary. I guess I better improve more on my elementary before trying to attain more difficult poses. Moreover, going to the class weekly will instill more discipline for regular practices than if I were to do it on my own at home.
Indeed, on those times when we have to stop classes for public holidays, I never practice except to do the chant pose. I do chant pose more to ease digestion after a heavy meal while I watch the television. Furthermore, if I never do any other exercise, yoga is at least a form of exercise. According to my coach, if you do sun salutation or kneeling sun salutation consecutively for about 20 sets, it is as good as running 10 kilometers. It may sound incredulous. However, if you try the sun salutation, I am sure you will believe him. Usually, doing it slowly in a series of 3 sets (2 sets of left-leg once and right-leg once), I will be perspiring profusely and panting rapidly as if I have been on the treadmill for 15 minutes.
In the first lesson of the second series, I become more confident as I am more aware of the different poses. This is also when I can focus on perfecting each pose and synchronizing with the breathing to achieve the exercising of the different muscles. In the first series of the class, I was more often preoccupied with following the coach for each pose than to really think through and enjoy the stretches. Hence, it is not surprising that at the end of the first lesson, I find myself aching all over from the stretching of the muscles that we normally hardly notice, especially my triceps because of the kneeling sun salutation. The aches are more widespread than the first series of lessons.
Yet, I think my improvement in flexibility is still at a baby step stage until I have the time to practice more frequently. Nevertheless, I look forward to my Saturday morning workout and stretch even though it remains the minimum that I practise for the time being.
January 17, 2008
Giving Up or Trying Your Luck?
I am not advocating gambling here. I am never one who has the luck of windfall, so I hardly even buy 4D or Toto. Anyway, on those rare occasions when I try my luck, all I can say is I contribute towards the charities that Singapore Pools sponsor.
Recently, a principal was featured in the news for encouraging students to drop certain subjects and opt for education in ITE instead. This drew uproar from some parents. Actually, teachers gave advice about dropping subjects was not unheard of even during my school days. In fact, there were rumours that certain schools or teachers would encourage students to drop subjects to concentrate on fewer subjects. Some were well-intentioned with fear of students overstressing themselves while others had the bigger goal of maintaining a healthy passing rate of the school.
Disregarding the intention behind such advice, do you think it is appropriate for teachers to encourage students dropping subjects? Personally, I am caught in a dilemma. I think for students who have been working hard and still have difficulty catching up, dropping subject which they are not as good in may allow them more time to focus and do well in the remaining subjects. It is better than if they spend time studying for so many subjects that they end up having mediocre subjects for all. After all, entry into tertiary institutions only requires 3 subjects from A Levels.
On the other hand, there are late developers who may spend time in other activities. These students may be able to catch up eventually and be able to do well. Dropping subjects prematurely stump their potential and will demoralize them.
Then what should the educators do? It is not easy to judge when the students are overstretched or that their lackluster performance is temporarily. Well, I believe giving such advices may still be necessary but decisions should lie in the hands of the students. They will know themselves best. In addition, making their own decisions means that they own the decisions and will work towards the desired outcome of their decisions. At age 17 and 18, it is time that they learn to take responsibilities for themselves. Don’t you think so?
Recently, a principal was featured in the news for encouraging students to drop certain subjects and opt for education in ITE instead. This drew uproar from some parents. Actually, teachers gave advice about dropping subjects was not unheard of even during my school days. In fact, there were rumours that certain schools or teachers would encourage students to drop subjects to concentrate on fewer subjects. Some were well-intentioned with fear of students overstressing themselves while others had the bigger goal of maintaining a healthy passing rate of the school.
Disregarding the intention behind such advice, do you think it is appropriate for teachers to encourage students dropping subjects? Personally, I am caught in a dilemma. I think for students who have been working hard and still have difficulty catching up, dropping subject which they are not as good in may allow them more time to focus and do well in the remaining subjects. It is better than if they spend time studying for so many subjects that they end up having mediocre subjects for all. After all, entry into tertiary institutions only requires 3 subjects from A Levels.
On the other hand, there are late developers who may spend time in other activities. These students may be able to catch up eventually and be able to do well. Dropping subjects prematurely stump their potential and will demoralize them.
Then what should the educators do? It is not easy to judge when the students are overstretched or that their lackluster performance is temporarily. Well, I believe giving such advices may still be necessary but decisions should lie in the hands of the students. They will know themselves best. In addition, making their own decisions means that they own the decisions and will work towards the desired outcome of their decisions. At age 17 and 18, it is time that they learn to take responsibilities for themselves. Don’t you think so?
January 13, 2008
SMS - A Way of Life
Singapore is one of the countries with the highest number of SMSes sent and received. SMS has taken over email and phonecall as THE mode of communication among many people. I, for one, am a strong advocate of SMS. It represents a quick and non-intrusive way of communication.
SMS has always been slammed as one of the primary 'suspects' of contributing to a deteriorating language standard. In fact, many youngsters have gradually unable to distinguish SMS language from its formal counterpart. Many have thought "thru" is the official spelling for "through" where we see more and more "thru" being used in emails and even policy papers.
Despite some of the adverse 'side-effects' of SMS, we can no longer stop its rapid progress to become THE most popular mode of communication among Singaporeans, especially the younger generation.
SMS adds to the 'spice' of life where I can out-right complain about something that irks us without the culprits ever knowing I am talking about them, unlike a phone call which will broadcast my complaints to the whole wide world unless my friend and I have established a cryptic code. The excitement of talking bad of the person in front of the person provides immediate gratification without hurting relationships.
SMS has also become one of the key activities for killing time. While I am en-route home or waiting in the queue, I will 'talk' about the trivialities of the day. Yet, some 'conversations' can be carried out at the convenience and leisure of both parties' time. Conversations need not require two parties to commit the same time and interval. I do not have to face rejections that the person whom I want to talk to at the moment cannot talk to me in return. We can still carry out a conversation, albeit a lengthier one with slower responses. Similarly, I do not need to dish out rejections to my friends if they call me during meetings as well. (My meetings can happen from 7 pm to 10 pm).
SMS can also be non-intrusive for getting quick answers and solutions from colleagues, especially when they or I am in meeting and need to validate something urgently. I can continue with my presentation while firing a quick SMS to my colleagues and then immediately answer management on their queries.
SMS is also a convenient way of saying something which we may lack the courage to say face-to-face. Perhaps it is a sign of cowardice, but it can be awkward to say it point-blank to another person.
SMS, with its emoticons, can also be a more interesting way of communicating, especially for tone-deaf person like me. It is difficult to discern if a person is joking, angry, or serious through their voices solely. It is also difficult to convey my feelings when I can be monotonously loud and brusque over the phone. Emoticons help to ease any tension and prevent any misunderstanding from my toneless voice.
Yet, sometimes I can suffer from SMS fatigue, where suddenly I abandon all wishes to reply any SMS and wish to be uncontactable for a while, uncontactable even from SMS. Shhh... please respect my hermit behaviour during those times. *Do not disturb*
SMS has always been slammed as one of the primary 'suspects' of contributing to a deteriorating language standard. In fact, many youngsters have gradually unable to distinguish SMS language from its formal counterpart. Many have thought "thru" is the official spelling for "through" where we see more and more "thru" being used in emails and even policy papers.
Despite some of the adverse 'side-effects' of SMS, we can no longer stop its rapid progress to become THE most popular mode of communication among Singaporeans, especially the younger generation.
SMS adds to the 'spice' of life where I can out-right complain about something that irks us without the culprits ever knowing I am talking about them, unlike a phone call which will broadcast my complaints to the whole wide world unless my friend and I have established a cryptic code. The excitement of talking bad of the person in front of the person provides immediate gratification without hurting relationships.
SMS has also become one of the key activities for killing time. While I am en-route home or waiting in the queue, I will 'talk' about the trivialities of the day. Yet, some 'conversations' can be carried out at the convenience and leisure of both parties' time. Conversations need not require two parties to commit the same time and interval. I do not have to face rejections that the person whom I want to talk to at the moment cannot talk to me in return. We can still carry out a conversation, albeit a lengthier one with slower responses. Similarly, I do not need to dish out rejections to my friends if they call me during meetings as well. (My meetings can happen from 7 pm to 10 pm).
SMS can also be non-intrusive for getting quick answers and solutions from colleagues, especially when they or I am in meeting and need to validate something urgently. I can continue with my presentation while firing a quick SMS to my colleagues and then immediately answer management on their queries.
SMS is also a convenient way of saying something which we may lack the courage to say face-to-face. Perhaps it is a sign of cowardice, but it can be awkward to say it point-blank to another person.
SMS, with its emoticons, can also be a more interesting way of communicating, especially for tone-deaf person like me. It is difficult to discern if a person is joking, angry, or serious through their voices solely. It is also difficult to convey my feelings when I can be monotonously loud and brusque over the phone. Emoticons help to ease any tension and prevent any misunderstanding from my toneless voice.
Yet, sometimes I can suffer from SMS fatigue, where suddenly I abandon all wishes to reply any SMS and wish to be uncontactable for a while, uncontactable even from SMS. Shhh... please respect my hermit behaviour during those times. *Do not disturb*
January 11, 2008
Finer Things in Life
When I asked CY why she would want to buy a car when she lived in a central location which was only 15 min from office by train, she told me it was because she wanted to go home in the comfort of her car after a long day. She added that it could be due to age, since she could currently afford herself with the finer things in life to pamper herself. Avoid having to squeeze with and be overwhelmed by the sweat of the train crowd, she bought a car even though it now took her 30 min to reach home.
Do you notice? As we age, we often thought of indulging ourselves in luxuries more. How often we thought of eating in a nicer ambience restaurant instead of getting ourselves drenched in the oily smell of the hawker centre? How often we welcome the thought of travelling by a full-fledged commercial flight instead of taking a budget air, especially for long-hauled travels? How often do we try to catch a movie on weekend instead of rushing to the cinema after work on a weekday to save $2?
Perhaps this is why many associate less adaptability with the more matured folks. The older we become, the more easily we succumb to the greater comforts in life. Although such indulgences may be correlated to greater financial independence, it is not solely due to this. Finer things need not be more expensive things. Pardon me for citing examples above where the finer things seem to be the more expensive things. Finer things can also refer to a less mundane aspect of life.
When we are younger, our needs are more basic. We progress up the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as we age. We start to want greater intrinsic well-being – such as leisure time cultivating our hobbies, smelling the roses on our way home, etc. We want to be able to take time to finish the morning papers before stepping out to work. We want to be able to take a long shower / bath after a hard day at work. We become less tolerant of an uncomfortable seat in the cinema or having to start our day without proper breakfast. We shy from places where there is not aircon (unless it is the park) or where the crowd gets too pushy. We want more quality out of life.
Such is hard with problems and long working hours. There is constant pressure both from rising inflation and the lagging salary increments. Where possible, such simple pleasures help to keep us sane. We should treat ourselves better. After working so hard, if we still deny ourselves of the finer things in life, it defeats the purpose of working hard. Don’t you think so?
Do you notice? As we age, we often thought of indulging ourselves in luxuries more. How often we thought of eating in a nicer ambience restaurant instead of getting ourselves drenched in the oily smell of the hawker centre? How often we welcome the thought of travelling by a full-fledged commercial flight instead of taking a budget air, especially for long-hauled travels? How often do we try to catch a movie on weekend instead of rushing to the cinema after work on a weekday to save $2?
Perhaps this is why many associate less adaptability with the more matured folks. The older we become, the more easily we succumb to the greater comforts in life. Although such indulgences may be correlated to greater financial independence, it is not solely due to this. Finer things need not be more expensive things. Pardon me for citing examples above where the finer things seem to be the more expensive things. Finer things can also refer to a less mundane aspect of life.
When we are younger, our needs are more basic. We progress up the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as we age. We start to want greater intrinsic well-being – such as leisure time cultivating our hobbies, smelling the roses on our way home, etc. We want to be able to take time to finish the morning papers before stepping out to work. We want to be able to take a long shower / bath after a hard day at work. We become less tolerant of an uncomfortable seat in the cinema or having to start our day without proper breakfast. We shy from places where there is not aircon (unless it is the park) or where the crowd gets too pushy. We want more quality out of life.
Such is hard with problems and long working hours. There is constant pressure both from rising inflation and the lagging salary increments. Where possible, such simple pleasures help to keep us sane. We should treat ourselves better. After working so hard, if we still deny ourselves of the finer things in life, it defeats the purpose of working hard. Don’t you think so?
January 10, 2008
Language - Efficiency or Emotional?
I came across this interesting article from My Paper about Singaporeans being multi-lingual instead of bi-lingual and her personal experiences with respect to speaking English and Mandarin. Her views struck a cord and I wanted to shout " Yes! Yes! This is how I feel" as I read each para.
Her first statement of how Singaporeans should consider themselves multi-lingual instead of bilingual already caught my attention. By her definition, bilinguists referred to individuals who could effectively speak 2 languages at all times and who could translate between the 2 languages. Most Singaporeans often were not competent in the latter. Hence, we should consider ourselves multilinguist instead. Indeed, if you asked me to translate balance sheet, income statement, cost of capital to Chinese, I would probably need the help of the English-Chinese dictionary.
She further commented that we spoke English more for efficiency but fell back on Mandarin due to the emotional ties. To write an email or to send an SMS, English was the primary choice. However, we often watched Chinese TV programs and listened to Chinese pop.
Indeed, although I did not speak impeccable English, I would still use English for professional reasons. Yet, sometimes to establish a sense (I hoped it was not a false sense) of camaraderie, I would engage my colleagues in Mandarin or even Hokkien. It was as if we were immediately on the same side, in the same boat and fought the same battle when we discussed our problems in Chinese. Carrying out an entire conversation in English sounded too distant and often reserved for talking to external parties or management.
What about you? Do you engage in a 'rojak' languages at work, with friends and at home? Perhaps, such rojak use of langauges have already become a signature of Singapore culture.
Her first statement of how Singaporeans should consider themselves multi-lingual instead of bilingual already caught my attention. By her definition, bilinguists referred to individuals who could effectively speak 2 languages at all times and who could translate between the 2 languages. Most Singaporeans often were not competent in the latter. Hence, we should consider ourselves multilinguist instead. Indeed, if you asked me to translate balance sheet, income statement, cost of capital to Chinese, I would probably need the help of the English-Chinese dictionary.
She further commented that we spoke English more for efficiency but fell back on Mandarin due to the emotional ties. To write an email or to send an SMS, English was the primary choice. However, we often watched Chinese TV programs and listened to Chinese pop.
Indeed, although I did not speak impeccable English, I would still use English for professional reasons. Yet, sometimes to establish a sense (I hoped it was not a false sense) of camaraderie, I would engage my colleagues in Mandarin or even Hokkien. It was as if we were immediately on the same side, in the same boat and fought the same battle when we discussed our problems in Chinese. Carrying out an entire conversation in English sounded too distant and often reserved for talking to external parties or management.
What about you? Do you engage in a 'rojak' languages at work, with friends and at home? Perhaps, such rojak use of langauges have already become a signature of Singapore culture.
January 08, 2008
New Version of My Paper
For regular readers of My Paper, you would know that there is a going to be a revamped version which will be a bilingual paper.
My Paper has positioned itself as a trendier free paper than Today with its more heartland features and easier to read write-up (lower fog index). In fact, it reminds me of the Friday Weekly which is THE weekly Chinese paper to read if you want to improve Chinese. Friday Weekly then was a paper which targeted the students with the topics discussed closer to the hearts of the youngsters. It also contained little "dictionaries" to explain the meanings of the more difficult Chinese words and phrases in English. The same function can also be found in My Paper.
I like My Paper not only because it is an easy and entertaining read, it is also succint in the reporting of international and latest news.
I) For people who are on the go, time spent in commuting to work can be better utilised by keeping updated about the latest political developments in US (Hillary and Obama) or our hospitalisation subsidy (mean income test).
II) Simultaneously, we are also more cognisant of the latest heartland issues which we may be oblivious to, for eg the passionate taxi driver who always send emails to the town councils whenever certain public infrastructures break down.
III) The weekly editorials from freelance writers also provide different perspectives to those working abroad, for eg the intern reporter who is in Taiwan, the writer who observes more of Hong Kong than the hustle and bustle and the writer who often travels to Cambodia.
IV) Special tips on travel, skin care and even food provides useful grooming and social alternatives.
V) To have a better EQ at work, Ms Shenton is our saviour.
Notwithstanding the revamped version contains more information with different stories each in the Chinese and English section, I still prefer to the pre-revamped My Paper.
1) With it being more comprehensive in all stories, the paper loses its original positioning and becomes more like Today, but with a Chinese section. Previously, it was clearly distinct from Today.
2) It is too thick and heavy to carry around and for reading while in a train cabin. This defeats its original purpose of catering to the morning crowd to read while travelling to work or school. The pages keep slipping down while I am holding it because of its weight. As I am reading it while standing in a crowded train, it is difficult to keep rearranging the paper. Hence, by the time, I reach the third page, the paper is already in a big mess.
3) With so much information, it is difficult to focus on all important stories and to finish the paper before I step into my office. This heightens fustration. Moreover, the wordy and less colourful pages (probably to cut cost from having to print more pages) are not as reader-friendly as before.
I miss the old version with very focused messages, distinct and unique features on each day of the week and myriad readers' inputs and freelance editorials. This is the first time I hope a paper has never revamped. :-(
My Paper has positioned itself as a trendier free paper than Today with its more heartland features and easier to read write-up (lower fog index). In fact, it reminds me of the Friday Weekly which is THE weekly Chinese paper to read if you want to improve Chinese. Friday Weekly then was a paper which targeted the students with the topics discussed closer to the hearts of the youngsters. It also contained little "dictionaries" to explain the meanings of the more difficult Chinese words and phrases in English. The same function can also be found in My Paper.
I like My Paper not only because it is an easy and entertaining read, it is also succint in the reporting of international and latest news.
I) For people who are on the go, time spent in commuting to work can be better utilised by keeping updated about the latest political developments in US (Hillary and Obama) or our hospitalisation subsidy (mean income test).
II) Simultaneously, we are also more cognisant of the latest heartland issues which we may be oblivious to, for eg the passionate taxi driver who always send emails to the town councils whenever certain public infrastructures break down.
III) The weekly editorials from freelance writers also provide different perspectives to those working abroad, for eg the intern reporter who is in Taiwan, the writer who observes more of Hong Kong than the hustle and bustle and the writer who often travels to Cambodia.
IV) Special tips on travel, skin care and even food provides useful grooming and social alternatives.
V) To have a better EQ at work, Ms Shenton is our saviour.
Notwithstanding the revamped version contains more information with different stories each in the Chinese and English section, I still prefer to the pre-revamped My Paper.
1) With it being more comprehensive in all stories, the paper loses its original positioning and becomes more like Today, but with a Chinese section. Previously, it was clearly distinct from Today.
2) It is too thick and heavy to carry around and for reading while in a train cabin. This defeats its original purpose of catering to the morning crowd to read while travelling to work or school. The pages keep slipping down while I am holding it because of its weight. As I am reading it while standing in a crowded train, it is difficult to keep rearranging the paper. Hence, by the time, I reach the third page, the paper is already in a big mess.
3) With so much information, it is difficult to focus on all important stories and to finish the paper before I step into my office. This heightens fustration. Moreover, the wordy and less colourful pages (probably to cut cost from having to print more pages) are not as reader-friendly as before.
I miss the old version with very focused messages, distinct and unique features on each day of the week and myriad readers' inputs and freelance editorials. This is the first time I hope a paper has never revamped. :-(
January 07, 2008
Self-Pampering Treat
I decided to give myself a massage treat since I have a credit card promotion which will end in February. Instead of letting the promotion gone to waste again, I decided to fully utilise it. Moreover, this time round, the promotion was extended to a friend unlike the others where only the card holder is entitled for the privilege. Thus, I decided to bring my mum along because she dared not go alone for spas. This would be a good chance to introduce her to luxury of massages and to allay all her fears. It was a Swedish massage – one of the mildest in pain ‘billboard’ relative to other options such as Thai or Sports massage.
Once we have completed the particular form and declared our health conditions, we were shown to our rooms by our masseurs. This time the experience was a more pleasant because it was not as painful. In addition, the masseur was a quieter person so I could truly relax under the contemporary instrumental music in the background. Some of the masseurs might be friendly and candid about the various flaws of my body. It could prevent relaxation as I grew more self-conscious and having to maintain a friendly conversation instead of retiring to slumber. It was certainly a relief when I did not hear remarks such as there were a lot of knots of lactic acids. The only hint I got that there were still lactic acid knots around was when the masseur asked if I jogged often. I replied in the affirmative while secretly I thought once a week or less was not exactly considered often.
I was not the only one who enjoyed the experience. I was glad my mum enjoyed her ‘maiden’ massage too. I was initially worried that if it were too painful an experience for her, it would put her off massage totally. Both of us were feeling sleepy the entire day after the massage. It certainly relaxed us.
January 06, 2008
Seaside and Seafood
East Coast boosts one of the most well-known seafood belts in Singapore. Yet, it has been ages since I have been there for seafood. Normally, I will only go to the hawker centre instead. The last time I have been there for seafood was many, many years ago.
There seems to be many more new seafood restaurants which sprouted along the coast. Some of the seafood restaurants are well-known names, such as Jumbo, Long Beach and No Sign Board, which has many outlets all over Singapore. Many families stroll and take photos after their meals along the picturesque sunset sea view.
Surprisingly, the No Sign Board restaurant is not as crowded as the one in Geylang. At the Geylang outlet, queues are common unless you arrive at the restaurant early. Despite the East Coast outlet not being very crowded, the tables facing the sea outside the restaurant have all been taken up or reserved. We ask one of the assistants to open up their second floor section as it offers a better view than the first floor.
The crabs certainly live up to the expectation. The steamed fish is also good. The other dishes are average. Although it has been one of the most satisfying meals for a long time, the ‘kick’ is still missing. Usually, I get more ‘kick’ from eating the seafood at the Geylang outlet. However, the satisfaction shortfall from the food is definitely made up by the better view. (At the Geylang outlet, there is no view – only shophouses across the street and the motorvehicles zooming past the road as you eat along the roadside.)
Given another choice, I think I still prefer to satisfy my seafood craving at the Geylang outlet.
There seems to be many more new seafood restaurants which sprouted along the coast. Some of the seafood restaurants are well-known names, such as Jumbo, Long Beach and No Sign Board, which has many outlets all over Singapore. Many families stroll and take photos after their meals along the picturesque sunset sea view.
Surprisingly, the No Sign Board restaurant is not as crowded as the one in Geylang. At the Geylang outlet, queues are common unless you arrive at the restaurant early. Despite the East Coast outlet not being very crowded, the tables facing the sea outside the restaurant have all been taken up or reserved. We ask one of the assistants to open up their second floor section as it offers a better view than the first floor.
The crabs certainly live up to the expectation. The steamed fish is also good. The other dishes are average. Although it has been one of the most satisfying meals for a long time, the ‘kick’ is still missing. Usually, I get more ‘kick’ from eating the seafood at the Geylang outlet. However, the satisfaction shortfall from the food is definitely made up by the better view. (At the Geylang outlet, there is no view – only shophouses across the street and the motorvehicles zooming past the road as you eat along the roadside.)
Given another choice, I think I still prefer to satisfy my seafood craving at the Geylang outlet.
January 05, 2008
'Intoxicated' with Western Food
We have lunch time meetings quite often. When I first started, I truly enjoyed the free lunches. As time goes by, the novelty wears off and I dread the loss of that 1-hour break to catch up on work or to lunch with colleagues.
The lunch catered is often from our canteen. Although it is canteen food, it is still good food because our canteen is one of the best in town. Many from other companies around the area will come to our canteen for their lunch. Some of the stalls have even been featured in the papers. Most of the time, it would either be chicken rice or economy rice. Rarely do we get Korean or Western food.
For the past 2 days, I have 2 lunch meetings. Both lunches catered are Western food - chicken chop, so I ended up having chicken chops for 2 consecutive days. Now I am slightly put off chicken chop. At least for the next week or so, I hope I do not need to have any more chicken chops.
The lunch catered is often from our canteen. Although it is canteen food, it is still good food because our canteen is one of the best in town. Many from other companies around the area will come to our canteen for their lunch. Some of the stalls have even been featured in the papers. Most of the time, it would either be chicken rice or economy rice. Rarely do we get Korean or Western food.
For the past 2 days, I have 2 lunch meetings. Both lunches catered are Western food - chicken chop, so I ended up having chicken chops for 2 consecutive days. Now I am slightly put off chicken chop. At least for the next week or so, I hope I do not need to have any more chicken chops.
"To Live"
Veronika was a young talented and beautiful girl in Slovenia. Despite leading a peaceful life, she felt that her life was meaningless. At the tender age of 24, she committed suicide and was admitted to the mental hospital – Villete. She did not pass away immediately but was told that she only had a week to live because the suicide attempt had left irreparable damage to her heart.
From the initial resistance to her continual survival to the final regret of her suicide attempt, she was moved and had moved several inmates of Villete, from Zedka who suffered depression because of a heartless lover and a loving husband, to schizophrenic Eduard who could not live up to the expectations of his ambassador parents and to Mari whose suffering from panic attacks cost her her marriage and her lawyer career. Each of them thought they had finally found their haven in Villete where they could do whatever they want in their own reality without worrying about others. When they faced with the dying Veronika and her fighting for survival, they were shaken out of their make-believe serenity. Her will-power provided them the courage to face the real world again and to pursue their dreams.
Talking to Zedka, Mari and Eduard allowed Veronika to seek understanding of her feelings – such as the oppression from her parents’ love and her self-protection mechanism. With little time left and in a mental hospital, she was suddenly freed of all inhibitions to feel what she should be feeling and do what she always wanted to do. She lived for the day as she was unsure when it would be her last breathing minute or even second.
It was yet another philosophical view on life, dreams and madness where Paulo Coelho explored the paradoxical life and death, love and hatred and madness and sanity. Many often did not face up to life until they were faced with death. Only when one allowed the overflowing of hate could love fill up the void left behind. The public often distinguished the mad as those who failed to conform to the protocols. Those non-conformers, on the other hand, viewed those who betray their needs and abandoned their dreams as mad. No one could tell who was mad and who was sane.
It was indeed a heavy topic for those who wished to understand more about life from the eyes of a philosopher. The fundamental of philosophy was not the pursuit of right or wrong and fact or myth but generally the seeking of a better understanding of our environment and our experiences. This will start you thinking of our forgotten dreams, the meaning of our mundane lives and a general understanding of “To Live”. To live is not just to breathe and carry on life, but to generally live out the meaning of life and embark on your dreams without worrying about others' expectations.
Before Veronika died, she came to love herself, her dreams (of becoming a pianist) and Eduard. She escaped Villete with Eduard when she thought she had only 24 hours to live so that when she died she would die at the places where she had never visited and in the company of her lover. She escaped before the doctor who treated her had a chance to tell her that there was actually no problem with her heart and she would in fact live for a very long time. Although the doctor felt guilty about lying to her, he was glad that it had cured Veronika of her bitterness. As Veronika would think she would die any moment, every day would be a miracle to her.
From the initial resistance to her continual survival to the final regret of her suicide attempt, she was moved and had moved several inmates of Villete, from Zedka who suffered depression because of a heartless lover and a loving husband, to schizophrenic Eduard who could not live up to the expectations of his ambassador parents and to Mari whose suffering from panic attacks cost her her marriage and her lawyer career. Each of them thought they had finally found their haven in Villete where they could do whatever they want in their own reality without worrying about others. When they faced with the dying Veronika and her fighting for survival, they were shaken out of their make-believe serenity. Her will-power provided them the courage to face the real world again and to pursue their dreams.
Talking to Zedka, Mari and Eduard allowed Veronika to seek understanding of her feelings – such as the oppression from her parents’ love and her self-protection mechanism. With little time left and in a mental hospital, she was suddenly freed of all inhibitions to feel what she should be feeling and do what she always wanted to do. She lived for the day as she was unsure when it would be her last breathing minute or even second.
It was yet another philosophical view on life, dreams and madness where Paulo Coelho explored the paradoxical life and death, love and hatred and madness and sanity. Many often did not face up to life until they were faced with death. Only when one allowed the overflowing of hate could love fill up the void left behind. The public often distinguished the mad as those who failed to conform to the protocols. Those non-conformers, on the other hand, viewed those who betray their needs and abandoned their dreams as mad. No one could tell who was mad and who was sane.
It was indeed a heavy topic for those who wished to understand more about life from the eyes of a philosopher. The fundamental of philosophy was not the pursuit of right or wrong and fact or myth but generally the seeking of a better understanding of our environment and our experiences. This will start you thinking of our forgotten dreams, the meaning of our mundane lives and a general understanding of “To Live”. To live is not just to breathe and carry on life, but to generally live out the meaning of life and embark on your dreams without worrying about others' expectations.
Before Veronika died, she came to love herself, her dreams (of becoming a pianist) and Eduard. She escaped Villete with Eduard when she thought she had only 24 hours to live so that when she died she would die at the places where she had never visited and in the company of her lover. She escaped before the doctor who treated her had a chance to tell her that there was actually no problem with her heart and she would in fact live for a very long time. Although the doctor felt guilty about lying to her, he was glad that it had cured Veronika of her bitterness. As Veronika would think she would die any moment, every day would be a miracle to her.
January 02, 2008
First Day of the Work Year
By right, we should be roaring with energy and ready to take up new challenges. Yet, we were still floating around in holiday mood. The holidays passed too quickly.
By right, our body and mind should be rested after the holidays. Yet, we were craving for more rest. Was this sign of habitual laziness? Rationale told us we should shake off this lethargy before it started to grow like a parasite.
By right, last year's short of achieving our resolutions should have been a painful reminder to work harder this year. Yet, procrastination took over and we continued to lead a lobo and aimless life once again.
2nd Jan, there were still 364 days to the end of the year. Yet, it would never too soon to start working hard. Afterall, hard work also required the build-up of momentum.
How have you spent your first work day?
By right, our body and mind should be rested after the holidays. Yet, we were craving for more rest. Was this sign of habitual laziness? Rationale told us we should shake off this lethargy before it started to grow like a parasite.
By right, last year's short of achieving our resolutions should have been a painful reminder to work harder this year. Yet, procrastination took over and we continued to lead a lobo and aimless life once again.
2nd Jan, there were still 364 days to the end of the year. Yet, it would never too soon to start working hard. Afterall, hard work also required the build-up of momentum.
How have you spent your first work day?
January 01, 2008
Happy 2008
It's another new year!
Are you suffering from hangover today from the partying last night? Well, it's time you nurse your headache and be prepared for the challenges of the year.
Are you busy drafting your new year resolutions and taking stock of how many unfulfilled tasks which are brought forward? Good luck for your resolutions this year!
As one grows older, the thought of partying all night on the last day of the year is not as appealing. Spending new year's eve quietly at the comfort of my own sofa or bed is more welcoming. As one grows older, the thought of sitting down and making resolutions is becoming more depressing when we seem to be constantly plagued by failures to achieve anything.
Well, let's try to spend a year based on spontaneous and flexible resolutions that get amended throughout the year. Who says resolutions must be fixed? Needs can change. Who knows, I will end up with more resolutions being met this year instead? Hey, sometimes, we need a booster to our confidence once in a while......
Let me be wilful for this year!
Happy 2008. :-)
Are you suffering from hangover today from the partying last night? Well, it's time you nurse your headache and be prepared for the challenges of the year.
Are you busy drafting your new year resolutions and taking stock of how many unfulfilled tasks which are brought forward? Good luck for your resolutions this year!
As one grows older, the thought of partying all night on the last day of the year is not as appealing. Spending new year's eve quietly at the comfort of my own sofa or bed is more welcoming. As one grows older, the thought of sitting down and making resolutions is becoming more depressing when we seem to be constantly plagued by failures to achieve anything.
Well, let's try to spend a year based on spontaneous and flexible resolutions that get amended throughout the year. Who says resolutions must be fixed? Needs can change. Who knows, I will end up with more resolutions being met this year instead? Hey, sometimes, we need a booster to our confidence once in a while......
Let me be wilful for this year!
Happy 2008. :-)
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