Back in Singapore

Landed in the morning of 27 Nov and was glad that I could have a day of rest before heading back to the office on Friday. Miss being away immediately because work came piling down even before I reached office.

The first day back in Singapore was spent unpacking at home, clearing emails, and trying to adjust back to the time zone and all. Felt that I have been gone forever even though it was barely for two weeks.

The first day back in the office was rather hectic. The first hour passed by quickly with me getting help from SF and Viv to move my stuff to the new cubicle. Felt funny being in a "new division" due to the re-org, because none of us seemed to know what the new division was supposed to do yet. And then there were more emails to clear, more work to follow up, and at least 4 short meetings to go to. Really trying very hard to do as much as I can!

And managed to go for a short dinner and drinks session with Viv, YC and Fai after work. Was about to give up on that cos was feeling terribly unwell but was glad to be able catch up with YC before he flies off to UK for his course. The bad thing was, after dinner, the pain was so unbearable that I had to ask the cab uncle to stop me at Raffles Hospital. Mr. Jang had to come by and accompany me home after that. Doc said it's stomach virus. :(

Heard about the Mumbai attack when I was back. Felt really sad to learn of the death of the Singaporean hostage. Perhaps it's because of the fact that I just came back from a work trip (Peru was not all that safe as well), and she was about the same age as I am, hence there is this really weird feeling that we were lucky that nothing happened in Peru and we are all back safely. It's really such a horrible thing to happen.

I pray for comfort for the family and friends of the poor girl who got caught in the crossfires of people who were blinded by extremist views.

Last Day @ Lima

I had wanted to write about every single day that I'm here in Lima, just to capture the moments and memories of my first work trip. As it turned out, there were just so much things to do here (work and non-work)... I just let myself immerse in the hectic schedule and all the fascinating things I was seeing.

I will be boarding the flight home in a few hours' time. What can I say about this country/city that I've never dreamt of visiting, and perhaps would not come back again (at least not in the near future cos it's so far away from home)?

I seriously love this country, and that is because every Peruvian I've met was warm, sincere, helpful and kind. From the event staff right down to the average taxi driver, everyone was so eager to provide that personal touch to make your day. Language was a barrier, but they went out of their way to assist and communicate. It is this genuine interest in knowing about you, your country and your needs that made the trip absolutely fantastic. The fact that our LO was a really nice lady with wonderful knowledge of all the Peruvian history and culture also made a hugh difference. The places that we've gone to i.e. Larcoma, San Francesco Church, Downtown Lima... everything is just magical.

I know I'm raving about Lima because I came as a delegate on an Internationl event, and naturally there were special attention and treatment given. But really, I'm very glad that I came.

At Lima, Peru!

I have finally landed in Lima, Peru early this morning and managed to catch an hour's sleep before heading down to meet the rest of the group. Didn't want to disturb their sleep so went down early just to try my luck. Had a good rest during the stopover at LAX and got to meet good old Len for dinner at the Cheese Cake Factory before flying off. The Godiva Chocolate Cheese Cake was absolutely sinfully delicious!

My first day at Lima was quite alright with us making a recce trip to one of the venues. It was actually quite tiring to walk around the whole place in high heels! Managed to take loads of photos but didn't get to speak to anyone dealing with the area I am interested in though.

Managed to come back to the hotel to freshen up a bit before heading out again for lunch and some souvenir hunting at the Indian Market. Bought some stuff here and there and was so exhausted by the end of it that I was literally trying to keep my eyes open and my legs walking. The hotel room, although wonderfully big and comfortable, didn't come with a electric kettle. So I was really quite dehydrated the whole day.

Was planning to join the group for dinner at the nearby mall but in the end decided against it as I was nearly falling asleep clearing emails and was thinking there was no way I could walk out of the hotel again. Hence, despite of the expensive and not too appealing menu, I ordered room service so that I could just hide in my room for the evening.

And... really wanted to post some photos but for some strange reasons, while I managed to load all my official photos on the computer, the personal ones, which I took with the better Lumix camera, just couldn't load. Hence, here's a boring photo of me at the recce venue. The better ones taken on the streets are still in the memory card. :(

On this last day of my life, I think it's wonderful to be part of all these but I also miss home a lot especially when I'm feeling super super super tired.

The simple pleasures in life

I woke up at 7am this morning to start studying again. Managed to read up on the remaining two chapters in my semi-conscious mode and then I went right back to sleep.

Also managed to finish my profile updates today (although KS will flip when he sees them coz I don't think they're up to his standards yet). In any case, I'm just glad that I got one more thing out of my way.

Spent sometime in the afternoon walking around Bedok Interchange with Mr. Jang. I've always been a heartland kind of person and I love hawker food more than anything else (greasy and unhealthy as they may be). I love poking my head into shops that sell cheap stuff and walking past those traditional medicine stalls with the fragrant 茶叶蛋s. Not that I don't like Orchard/City area or fanicer restaurants. Heartlands just make me feel cosy and nostalgic. Maybe being in those areas just make me feel more at home and less self-conscious of whether I'm behaving in a lady like manner, especially when I get frequent head lock attacks by Mr. Jang.

I have already started packing for the trip - basically threw everything I'd need into Sis' Godzilla, clothes and all (yes, I like to prepare early!) I've already identified the shoes I need (altogether 5 pairs... heh). I know I'm starting to behave like a silly primary school kid going on her first school trip. But then it's not everyday that I get to observe such big events in an ulu country, so it's forgiveable! :(

On this last day of my life, I'm starting to feel that my life is getting back to normal... and back on track.

Hi, I'm your buddy!

Was supposed to complete our profiles update by today but only managed to do one in the end. We have a new colleague who just came in and I was supposed to be her buddy, so spent a while briefing her on the division structure in the morning. XY (and the rest of the not-so-new newbies) just found out that I was supposed to be their buddy as well... that is, on her last day in the division, four months after she came in... Aha! I think they were all wondering how come I didn't tell them earlier and made them wonder who on earth their buddy was.

Spent the entire afternoon at a long meeting (again). Was hoping that I could do some work while hiding at the back of the meeting room. No wireless network unfortunately (or fortunately?)

Went for a brief teh tarik session with YC before heading home... and coming out again to meet Mr. Jang to settle some stuff for my trip. Bought quite a bit of "essentials" so that I'll be well-equipped for the trip.

Am supposed to finish the last two chapters for my paper next Wednesday but my eyes are getting heavier and heavier...

On this last day of my life, I want to be both responsible to the organisation (and study hard so that I won't waste their money) and to myself (and sleep early so that my health won't suffer). Maybe a compromise between the two? :(

Faith

Woke up rather early in the morning to take a final look at the term paper that S helped put together. Perhaps it's because we are reaching the end of the term, I am in the kind of "just want to get it over and done with quickly" kind of mood. In any case, the Tue presentation went relatively well and Prof din have much questions for us. So we just needed to make sure that the paper flows overall.

I have been trying to develop the habit of having proper breakfast, because apparently your brain works slower and you will get easily tired if you don't eat in the morning. I didn't have the habit of eating because I always get stomaches if I eat too early. Nowadays, I try... which brings me to the point - that I tried to make porridge this morning and it was really disgusting! I finished it nonetheless coz didn't want to waste food. :(

Spent the entire day at home studying and clearing emails occasionally. Really need to sit down and prepare for the trip next week because I don't want to miss anything out. It's barely six days away and I still want to clear a couple of items before I go.

On this last day of my life, I know I just need to stay calm, not worry too much, and leave the rest to God.

Exams are coming!

The past two days were mad, mad, mad. Wanted to clear my stuff before going off to study for my exams and was rushing things out like a crazy woman. Was doing work until 1am this morning because I had a last minute email from Boss and she wanted the thing ready by this morning.

The worst thing was, after I rushed it out, she said KIV it because somebody else said they are already doing it. Er... -_-!!!

Started on my revision today although the progress was slow. Kept being interrupted (voluntarily or involuntarily) by work. But then again, it's been a long time since I've felt this sense of peace. On this day, I was allowed to manage my own time, within my own space, with my own methods.

Exams will be coming in a week's time. I'm only about 1/4 done with the notes (still gotta catch up on the readings). I better buck up! :)

Exercise... or is it?

Felt much better today and so I thought I'd head to East Coast to do some exercise with Sis.

It rained barely 20 minutes after we've parked our car and put on our blades. It was as if the sky was telling us to head back home. But not before we have our ice-creams!

At least on this last day of my life, I took the step to relax and have some fun, even if it's only for the short 20 mins.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

The morning started out rather peacefully with no more laptops dying on me halfway through my work. Managed to get something out for the discussion with S and J in the late afternoon. Sweet H msged a word of encouragement all the way from Aussie and Chick said she's got chocs for me from her trip! Yeah!

My mood was still terrible though, because I know I'd have to continue working on the project on Sunday. Needed someone to talk to and who better than my long time therapist Mr TJY. As usual, he put up with my grumbling, growling, kicking and whining all through the ride to the dinner place. Wanted to head to Marina Barrage to see see look look but it was too jammed so we went to Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant instead. I felt like I was brought back to the 70's with all those decors and setting. The food was not bad and the aunties serving our table were quite warm actually.

By the end of the dinner, I was 1) reminded that it's not the end of the world, 2) determined to stay zen, and 3) not going to be too hard on myself. I was also totally full from the dinner.

So again on this last day, I express serious, sincere appreciation and gratitude to my very supportive friends. They made life bearable and it won't be the same without them.