At last... an update!

It's been a month since I last wrote. :) What have I done since then?

1) Went Europe for a fantastic holiday.
2) Got myself engaged! (in Paris)
3) Came back to a pile of work
4) Started semester 2 at the university

I recalled that when I first started this blog, I was feeling rather depressed because I felt that I had lost myself. No sense of direction; no sense of purpose.

This year, I'm feeling strangely motivated. There are still tons of work to deal with everyday, school work is hectic, and I still find myself working late and bringing work home. But I feel better about it. Like, there is some kinda energy inside me.

I think the trip to Europe did me good. A strong wake up call for me to love myself, slow down, and just take time to enjoy life. So I try to look at things the way I would when I'm on a holiday i.e. with the attitude that everything I see is new and interesting. I sit at Bread Talk to have proper breakfast (sandwich and coffee) before heading to the office. I (try my best to) sleep early and at least have 8 hours of rest everyday.

So far the plan worked (well, at least most of the time!) and I'm really quite happy. :)

I think really, people should make time for life.

Europe!

Am flying off to Hong Kong in another 2 hours and then it's to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Rome! A total of 18 days of holidays... it was almost worth the hard work I've put in for the past 12 months. :)

Very excited!

6th dating anniversary

Yesterday (6 Dec 08) was the date of Mr. Jang and I's "6th year anniversary". How time flies and how much our lives have changed over the years. Oh well, at least now the both of us are working and we have more budget to look for nice places.

Anyway, we spent dinner at a really good Japanese Restaurant at the old Meridien Hotel (now called Concorde Hotel) near Plaza Singapura. I think it was called "青chan" yakinikutei and they served mainly beef (and other meat). You have to BBQ the meat yourself and the beef is especially tender and yummy with mayonese and chinese lettuce. It's almost like Kobe beef but much cheaper.

Was deciding between going to Holland Village for desserts or Dempsy for ice-cream after that. In the end we settled for Mount Faber. Surprise, surprise! When we got there we discovered that they were have a promotion where we only have to pay 4 bucks each for seeing the Christmas light up, experiencing fake snow and...... going on a round trip on the cable car! Everything was just magical because of the festive atmosphere and I really had a good time.

I think this year's celebration is the best I've had so far. Beats last year's where we went to Equinox (where the food and atmosphere were really nice) but we ended up quarrelling. Ha. :p

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.

One word: Suay!

I had a great day telecommuting today. I thought everything was going fine. I managed to finish my minutes of meeting after lunch (a 9-page long essay). The amount of incoming emails weren't huge.

I was happily starting out on my portion of the term paper. I had all the data at hand. I was already writing half way. I stopped to take a sip of water. A drop of water slipped from the mug and landed on the keyboard. I wiped it away with a piece of tissue.

The next time I know, my keyboard was not working properly. And stupid me went to shut it down thinking that when I switch it on again things would be OK.

Bad move. Why?

Because I couldn't type in my password properly and after 3 failed attempts I was locked out of the system. *Bang head against the wall*

The IT lady said that I'd have to take the key to the security company to reset in on Monday. And because it might be a hardware problem, I'd have to take my laptop to the IT dept for check up next Monday.

I would have no problem with next Monday. Except that I had saved my work on the desktop and not on my thumb, which means that I had to redo all my stuff. ARRRRRRRRRGH!

And so I 自暴自弃. Bought a box of 20-piece nuggets, a double cheeseburger and big fries from Mac and finished it together with Mr. Jang for dinner.

Best thing is, when I tried to start work again on my home laptop. It died... this time due to battery error. *Bang head against the wall again*

So I gave up and borrowed Mr. Jang's laptop. I hope I will be able to churn out something in time for the meeting with S and J tomorrow.

On this last day of my life, I think I have reached the suay-est point in my life and I actually find it quite funny.

The good and the bad

Basically, my day is summed up like this:

The good stuff - Mr. Jang is here again, this time to help me plot charts. And I have a present - a brand new Logitech mouse! At least I feel slightly better doing work with my new mouse.

The bad stuff - I had to endure a 4-hour long meeting this afternoon WHERE I WAS THE SECRETARIAT AND NOW I HAVE TO WRITE THE MINUTES! HELP!

The stuff that I don't know if it's good or bad - DD told me that during the short dept meeting this afternoon, Boss and Big Boss said most of us will be moving to another Div due to the re-org. I am now faced with a dilema. Which path should I take?

I feel a little lost, on this last day.

Sustainable grace

It was a mad day running around the office bugging my colleagues to give me the slides for tomorrow's meeting. Argh. It's like a food chain: Directors chased PAs -> PAs chased me -> I chased my colleagues -> my colleagues chased the agencies. What a day.

In the midst of it, I finally managed to come up with a draft itinerary (or rather, the to-do list) for my Nov work trip.

Met the girls for our Wednesday lunch gathering again. F just came back from Israel and had loads of interesting stories to share. Felt slightly better at the end of it. J also sent an email of encouragement after that. Thanks for the sweet gesture. Really needed that.

Outsource my data mining task to Mr. Jang again in the evening. Thank God he knows how to run data tables etc. I'd probably have to spend hours doing it manually if not for him.

Once again, I realised that there are lots of people around helping me, and I give thanks for that.

On this last day of my life, I feel that I'm "sustainable grace" because of them.

:'(

On this last day of my life - I don't want to talk.

A doggy morning

grrrr.... sooooo hot! pant pant...

my name is 阿呆...

so tired... zzzz...

It was the kind of "guilty parent" thinking that got me out of bed at 9 plus this morning. Sis and her friends were going to bring the dogs out to East Coast for a doggy gathering and I figured I should play my role as a co-owner as well. Almonn hasn't been out to East Coast for ages (bad me!) and I wanted to take loads of photos of him since he is already 8 years old.

The day turned out to be fun although it felt as if we were all badly burnt by the end of it. Needless to say, Almonn was the one with the biggest attitude problem, barking at children/passers-by/fellow dogs. Drift was the loveliest and a fave with children because he is just so sweet! I have nicknamed him 阿呆 because he just likes to 发呆. Cody was just as hyper as a puppy can get. He went bouncing and jumping at everyone and P could hardly restrain him. I think he must have grown 5 times his size since the last time I saw him.

Glad that I went for the morning "work out" although I'm still itching like crazy from the sun.

The afternoon was spent doing report (again!) and watching movies on the HBO channel. Started out early because I really wanted to make the effort to go for S' housewarming although she is really more of Mr. Jang's friend. Didn't make it though because I spent longer than I imagined on the report, what with Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix on TV followed by Meet Joe Black. Argh. I just looooove watching movies/TV and Brad Pitt looked really cute in MJB. Lucky Angelina Jolie!

And so, dinner was just marcaroni soup for me. Found some leftover Ben and Jerry's ice cream in the freezer and finished it while watching Mission Impossible 2. Heaven...

On this last day of my life, I wish life can stop just right here.

A simple Sunday

During church today the pastor announced that a family of four will be going to East Timor (!) for missionary work. I seriously admire their bravery because that region is known to be extremely volatile. God bless their lives there. It will not be an easy path but we will be praying hard for them.

Came back home after lunch and wanted to start work again. It must have been the weather. Felt terribly sleepy and went to nap instead.

Woke up in time to meet Mr. Jang and his mum for dinner at Soup Spoon Bugis. Shopped around a bit after dinner then came back home to have this yummy chocolate kiwi cheesecake made by Sis' BF' brother.

It was really this simple, on this last day of my life.

Feeling better

The three things I remembered about yesterday were:

1) My new shoes broke. First it was the sole, then it was the strap. Luckily I had a spare pair of shoes in the office.

2) Lunch with A at the fish and chips place, and the crash course on buying HDB flats and using (or rather the locking in of) CPF monies. And then it was a heated debate on gay rights. Yes, he emphasised that he is not gay.

3) Drinks with YC in the evening @ Majestic Bar. 2.5 martinis later, I found myself getting really sleepy. I recalled going to Vivo to collect my camera, discovering that the service centre was closed, taking a bus, reaching home, collapsing on the sofa, waking up 3 hours later, washing up, and went right back to sleep. Hmmm... the fact that I remembered all these meant that I was not drunk. Was thinking of sms-ing YC to make sure that he got home safely as well (since he had 3.5 martinis!), butI decided that I shan't insult his level of alcohol tolerance.

Woke up before the alarm clock rang this morning. Went to look at some gowns with Sis and settled the Dec trip train tickets with Mr. Jang at STA.

And then it was flag day! Stood for 3.5 hours near Lavendar MRT under the hot sun and kept bugging people "Hi, would you like to donate to the elderly and people with special needs please?" The cute thing was, even the elderly donated although a few murmured "I also elderly!" or "I also need help." Sis got a couple of nasty ones who snapped "Asked LKY's son to donate lah!!!" or "I lost all my money already lah! STILL ask me to donate!!!??" Anyway, we managed to get a decent amount at the end of the day (at least both Sis and my bags weighed sufficiently heavy). The bad thing was, we got a parking summon for not putting enough coupons. Argh.

Dinner was then once again home cooked fried rice. It was actually a strategic move because I need to set a trap for Mr. Jang to come so that I can outsource my data entry work to him. Hee.

On this last day of my life, I feel extremely exhausted from having participated in the flag day but am glad that I did a small part for the needy. Am also very grateful towards the people who made me feel that they are always there for me. Thanks.

Wedding preparations

Had an OK day at work today although I had to sit through a 3-hour meeting. Took lots of notes in case Boss wants an update and also for my own learning points in preparation for the trip. Was actually quite glad that I don't have to go for the second meeting even though I'm supposed to be the LO for that. Erm... Think I'm quite redundant anyway cos there are already a couple of people handling that.

And I think it's a sign of aging - am finding it hard to concentrate lately and my eyes are also getting more and more dry and watery... (gulp)

Sis is already in the midst of finding her ROM dress and has been looking at some bridal magazines. Am already starting to feel amused about the amount of things she has to consider: venue, date, timing, dress, who to invite etc. I'll also be helping her keep a look out for gown designs and accessories during my trips. She said that tiaras may be too common, so I half-jokingly replied "why not you do the SJP thing in Sex and the City and plant a bird in your hair?" Aha. I am a meanie. ^ ^

On this last day of my life, I understand that Sis won't be around for me to poke fun at after she moves out but I'm sure there will still be other channels to disturb her.