Happy Chines New Year !
Usually CNY is a busy period due to the high volume of visiting that I have to cover. To make things even better, I'm in KL, to travel back to SG for visiting takes up even more time. Travelling up and down the highway for the festive period is tiring. So little time to visit so many relatives.. not mentioning friends. Only managed to squeeze out an hour to visit Lin's family on CNY eve.
Anyway, less the hectic schedule so far it's being okay. The CNY mood seems to have tapered down significantly as you grow older. Not much hype on the Hong Bao, not much hype on the gambling that you can play. New year goodies are just as per usual, only a few nice ones. What's so special about CNY now? To me, I truly understand the use of reunion dinner.
Reunion dinner is especially meaningful for me this year as my sis n her hubby came back from HK and I came back from KL to have our meals together. When everyone is away and they make a special effort to come back and gather together, I think that's what makes it special. Prior to this, we see each other daily, have regular family meals and honestly, reunion dinner doesn't hold that much significance. Now that we're all over the place, being able to come back for a meal together makes it special. Chatting over the table, sharing what has happened in each of our individual life while savouring the tasty home-cooked meal. Yums.
This Dragon year is said to be a not so good year for the tiger. ROAR! Hear the tiger ROAR ! Tigers be wary of yourself and surroundings and don't get caught off-guard. Let's make it a fruitful and rewarding year ahead !!
HUAT ARH !!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Company training in Awana Genting
Much has happened over the past 2 weeks. Dear came over on 11th night and accompanied me till 14th. In the midst of our busy schedule, we still manage to find time for each other.. As I always say, it's all up to individual effort and what you priortise. I love you dear.. =)
On 14th night itself, there's a company trip to Awana-Genting. Drove up there and met the colleagues from SG as well. It was a nice meet up with them. It's always nice to see familar faces who you're comfortable with. Training in Awana was okay, just a little taxing as it was a full 2.5days of training. At the end of it, there was a test and we were ranked with the results being read out individually from lowest to highest. Many of the lowest scorer were kinda expected staffs on my Msia side and as expected, SG staff mostly scored much better. I got 2nd, just 1 question behind Wendy. And I think we rightfully got 1st and 2nd. She's now the NTT trainer, and I'm the Msia in-charge. It gives us much more credibility when we're required to teach other ppl/ or in my case manage them.
We did better than all the other university Audiologist, and it speaks a lot about their quality. (some were top students) Never had there be a test that we did together, and from the past till now, there has always been a feeling that they don't respect us that much because we're HCC, and they're Audiologist, who are supposed to know it better. But this test shows it all otherwise, that we can be better than them and it's all up to individual efforts. Honestly, I didn't even study for it and I barely wrote down any notes. It was purely base on listening while the trainer was giving lecture. To understand concept is more important than writing down notes but not understanding. I'm glad that I did well and in turn, got a 1 day off. haha.. what a bonus. Thinking how I will spend this bonus off day..
Anyway, there are many failures in the test and they are all the "lao jiao". To find all sorts of excuses and other blames instead of thinking how to improve their own knowledge is such a loser mentality. You fail the test, you study harder.. don't blame others.
Internal rivalry is always present and it can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing.. it can create a positive competition between those who strive for the best yet at the same time it can create jealously and gossips. a one-sided skewing of results due to the different mental capacity and they say we're lucky / bias. Come on.. why is there a need to worry about all these if you're really there. Only when you can't make the cut do you complain.
I've being in the country for a period of time and I've seen enough of their attitude. Only a portion of them are much more motivated and self driven. There's a reason to why the country isn't progressing that much. It takes a lot of effort to get things done. But that's how the system is and I've just gotta get use to it and find a way around it.. The only thing I doesn't want to be involved is under table money. That's a principle that I will not cross.. Be honest and transparent is my principle. I've still got lots to learn... It's a long journey ahead.
On 14th night itself, there's a company trip to Awana-Genting. Drove up there and met the colleagues from SG as well. It was a nice meet up with them. It's always nice to see familar faces who you're comfortable with. Training in Awana was okay, just a little taxing as it was a full 2.5days of training. At the end of it, there was a test and we were ranked with the results being read out individually from lowest to highest. Many of the lowest scorer were kinda expected staffs on my Msia side and as expected, SG staff mostly scored much better. I got 2nd, just 1 question behind Wendy. And I think we rightfully got 1st and 2nd. She's now the NTT trainer, and I'm the Msia in-charge. It gives us much more credibility when we're required to teach other ppl/ or in my case manage them.
We did better than all the other university Audiologist, and it speaks a lot about their quality. (some were top students) Never had there be a test that we did together, and from the past till now, there has always been a feeling that they don't respect us that much because we're HCC, and they're Audiologist, who are supposed to know it better. But this test shows it all otherwise, that we can be better than them and it's all up to individual efforts. Honestly, I didn't even study for it and I barely wrote down any notes. It was purely base on listening while the trainer was giving lecture. To understand concept is more important than writing down notes but not understanding. I'm glad that I did well and in turn, got a 1 day off. haha.. what a bonus. Thinking how I will spend this bonus off day..
Anyway, there are many failures in the test and they are all the "lao jiao". To find all sorts of excuses and other blames instead of thinking how to improve their own knowledge is such a loser mentality. You fail the test, you study harder.. don't blame others.
Internal rivalry is always present and it can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing.. it can create a positive competition between those who strive for the best yet at the same time it can create jealously and gossips. a one-sided skewing of results due to the different mental capacity and they say we're lucky / bias. Come on.. why is there a need to worry about all these if you're really there. Only when you can't make the cut do you complain.
I've being in the country for a period of time and I've seen enough of their attitude. Only a portion of them are much more motivated and self driven. There's a reason to why the country isn't progressing that much. It takes a lot of effort to get things done. But that's how the system is and I've just gotta get use to it and find a way around it.. The only thing I doesn't want to be involved is under table money. That's a principle that I will not cross.. Be honest and transparent is my principle. I've still got lots to learn... It's a long journey ahead.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Another month in KL
Time flies too fast..
My Dec was too busy, too pack too fast.. I had so little time to do anything else other than travelling.
Within this short one month, I drove from
KL - Ipoh - Penang - Alor Setar - Klang - KL -> 1400km
KL - Kuantan - Terengganu - Kuantan - KL -> 1100km
KL - Ipoh - Penang -> 700km
KL - JB -> 700km
KL - SG -> 3 times.
I'm on the road EVERY other day. It's kinda tiring. So much appraisal to do, so much stuff to roll out.. So much politics to handle in the office as well. I hate office politics, if possible, I would like to eradicate it altogether but that's not possible, realistically.
Travelling is part of my job, since there are so many branches all over Malaysia. The only place I've yet to be is Kota Kinabalu. Looking forward to have a visit there, hopefully can include in a diving trip as well.
Other than the hectic work that kept me all busy throughout Dec, I was thankful that I had my Xmas in SG. That was plague by a careless me who mistook the arrival time of the flight as departure time ! lol.. made me spend another RM 351 to purchase another ticket on the spot. Expensive trip to go back to see dear.. (yes.. that trip was in-promptu and I just miss her so. )
SF made a trip to KL with her two sister and her mum. Was glad to be their host and I brought them around some places for shopping. Not sure how they have enjoyed it, cos time was rather limited and I didn't know what was their preference actually. Am very happy that SF visited me. =) Makes it much more enjoyable in KL, especially when you're alone most of the time. Visitors are welcome. Only thing was that the setting and time wasn't right. Didn't exactly have the right feel to chat with her much. Next time it shall be..
It's new year time ! Happy New Year to all.. haha.. I miss the last few weeks and I'm jumbling up everything in this post. =P
Anyway, my new year resolution for 2012 would be " To make a more deliberate decision and not always say, I'll decide later". Realise that that has been an issue for me, especially since I shifted to KL. I tend to delay on the decision. Perhaps I don't have the confidence to say on the spot because I'm rather new in this Managerial position. But that's expected of me. To have the say on the situation. I will work on that, by that I mean gain more confidence by having more knowledge of the situation.
2012 will be a better year !
My Dec was too busy, too pack too fast.. I had so little time to do anything else other than travelling.
Within this short one month, I drove from
KL - Ipoh - Penang - Alor Setar - Klang - KL -> 1400km
KL - Kuantan - Terengganu - Kuantan - KL -> 1100km
KL - Ipoh - Penang -> 700km
KL - JB -> 700km
KL - SG -> 3 times.
I'm on the road EVERY other day. It's kinda tiring. So much appraisal to do, so much stuff to roll out.. So much politics to handle in the office as well. I hate office politics, if possible, I would like to eradicate it altogether but that's not possible, realistically.
Travelling is part of my job, since there are so many branches all over Malaysia. The only place I've yet to be is Kota Kinabalu. Looking forward to have a visit there, hopefully can include in a diving trip as well.
Other than the hectic work that kept me all busy throughout Dec, I was thankful that I had my Xmas in SG. That was plague by a careless me who mistook the arrival time of the flight as departure time ! lol.. made me spend another RM 351 to purchase another ticket on the spot. Expensive trip to go back to see dear.. (yes.. that trip was in-promptu and I just miss her so. )
SF made a trip to KL with her two sister and her mum. Was glad to be their host and I brought them around some places for shopping. Not sure how they have enjoyed it, cos time was rather limited and I didn't know what was their preference actually. Am very happy that SF visited me. =) Makes it much more enjoyable in KL, especially when you're alone most of the time. Visitors are welcome. Only thing was that the setting and time wasn't right. Didn't exactly have the right feel to chat with her much. Next time it shall be..
It's new year time ! Happy New Year to all.. haha.. I miss the last few weeks and I'm jumbling up everything in this post. =P
Anyway, my new year resolution for 2012 would be " To make a more deliberate decision and not always say, I'll decide later". Realise that that has been an issue for me, especially since I shifted to KL. I tend to delay on the decision. Perhaps I don't have the confidence to say on the spot because I'm rather new in this Managerial position. But that's expected of me. To have the say on the situation. I will work on that, by that I mean gain more confidence by having more knowledge of the situation.
2012 will be a better year !
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011
Yet another week has past. I'm here officially for 1 month. How have things changed? More work, more more and more work. I've arranged my own desk yet not fully personalised to what I like totally. Still don't feel perfectly comfortable to do everything I like, there is still some reservation.
My desk.
Saw some interesting booth while having lunch the other day. Some dispenser that sells Reverse Osmosis water (RO water). I have yet to try it though, don't have any intend to anyway. hahha.. Just thought it was interesting.
Had our first marathon together =) SCMS 2011. Where we started and ended together.
Before the marathon...
After the marathon
Like no diff hor.. A relaxing run/walk in the early morning. haha..
I wonder how many more runs we'll join together.. hmm.. I'll looking at KL stand chart next June, or Gold Coast next Aug. Shall see which one is more economically feasible.. haha..
My desk.
Saw some interesting booth while having lunch the other day. Some dispenser that sells Reverse Osmosis water (RO water). I have yet to try it though, don't have any intend to anyway. hahha.. Just thought it was interesting.
Had our first marathon together =) SCMS 2011. Where we started and ended together.
Before the marathon...
After the marathon
Like no diff hor.. A relaxing run/walk in the early morning. haha..
I wonder how many more runs we'll join together.. hmm.. I'll looking at KL stand chart next June, or Gold Coast next Aug. Shall see which one is more economically feasible.. haha..
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Another week in KL
Another week in KL.. and this are some of the places that I've been to for the past week. Some a bit older, just got the time to post it now.
First up.. Went to Marco Polo Restaurant, at Wisma Lim Foo Yong. An award winning restaurant which offers dim sum on weekends morning. Tried out many of the dishes, and a little too many.. can't finish all.. hahah... Out of the dishes we tried, I think the scallop dumpling is the best. The prawn dumpling had a very nice and chewy taste.
To be honest, the food is decent only. Not as good as what I would expect for an award winning restaurant + the price is ex. For those dishes, 2 of us paid RM 103. Would only go back there if there's a need to bring parents to a more comfy place or showing client around.
Next up, went to Seremban to get their famed Seremban Siew Pow. Tried it on the spot, and it's GOOD. A factory that caters to large tour group by the side of the NS highway. For a price of RM 1.30 each, you can eat till you drop. Eat it while it's hot..
As we were there, we went to try out their " Mince meat Lao shu fen " at Restoran Yi Poh.
In Malaysia, as long as you move out of KL, it becomes very affordable. This bowl of Lao shu fen cost RM 3. Full of minced meat coupled with a specially made sauce, it has an unique taste. The softness of the Lao shu fen is just nice, but it's not really that good that I'll want to go back again.
At night, we went to Petaling St ( China Town in KL ) to grab a bite. So many imitation goods, non that interest me. We went straight to grab a bite. The Lok-Lok caught our attention and it has 2 different types of preparing. The normal way of boiling it and the other one to BBQ it. I prefer the BBQ one though. Plus, they will BBQ it for you ! just sit back and enjoy. lol..
First up.. Went to Marco Polo Restaurant, at Wisma Lim Foo Yong. An award winning restaurant which offers dim sum on weekends morning. Tried out many of the dishes, and a little too many.. can't finish all.. hahah... Out of the dishes we tried, I think the scallop dumpling is the best. The prawn dumpling had a very nice and chewy taste.
To be honest, the food is decent only. Not as good as what I would expect for an award winning restaurant + the price is ex. For those dishes, 2 of us paid RM 103. Would only go back there if there's a need to bring parents to a more comfy place or showing client around.
Next up, went to Seremban to get their famed Seremban Siew Pow. Tried it on the spot, and it's GOOD. A factory that caters to large tour group by the side of the NS highway. For a price of RM 1.30 each, you can eat till you drop. Eat it while it's hot..
As we were there, we went to try out their " Mince meat Lao shu fen " at Restoran Yi Poh.
In Malaysia, as long as you move out of KL, it becomes very affordable. This bowl of Lao shu fen cost RM 3. Full of minced meat coupled with a specially made sauce, it has an unique taste. The softness of the Lao shu fen is just nice, but it's not really that good that I'll want to go back again.
At night, we went to Petaling St ( China Town in KL ) to grab a bite. So many imitation goods, non that interest me. We went straight to grab a bite. The Lok-Lok caught our attention and it has 2 different types of preparing. The normal way of boiling it and the other one to BBQ it. I prefer the BBQ one though. Plus, they will BBQ it for you ! just sit back and enjoy. lol..
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Penang Marathon 2011
Did my first Overseas Marathon =)
First came up with this idea a couple of years ago.. initially wanted to go with Mindy de. But so far it has not happened, due to time and some other issues here and there. Anyway, I enjoyed my run in Penang.
The run starts an unearthly hour of 3am. @_@ so that means I needa wake up at 1am to prepare myself. Whose body in the right mind will be at top condition for a marathon? Seriously .. lol. The run was cooling, very cooling at that wee hours, and that's the good thing. Terrain of it was all on tarmac, and gentle upslopes that can go on for 2km. The 2km upslope up penang bridge was tiring actually. It was gentle, yet so long it tires the calf muscles.
Shot taken at Penang bridge..
The Malaysian runners aren't exactly a fast bunch. Or perhaps not that many elite/ serious runners join it. I was running at a very comfy pace of 2hr and I think I'm in one of the faster pack. With a pace of 1hr 40, i think can claim a top 10 position.
Anyway, I think overseas race is a fun experience. Especially because the route is totally new to you, and there's no boredom while running as every step you take is something that you've not seen before. Furthermore, you get to pig-out after the race with new and interesting food !
In the end, had to preserve my leg due to the recurring ITB that has never managed to heal. Last race was 2 weeks ago, Newton 30km. HAHHA... lin keeps asking me to let it rest before going for next run. And the next run is next weekend, Standard Marathon =D Woohoo..
Adding another medal to my Finisher's medal collection. =)
I just enjoy the feeling of passing the finishing line.
Penang is a place that I've been to so many times yet there are still food that I want to try. This time I went to the famous Ayer Hitam Penang Laksa stall. By the Ayer Itam Market. For a price of RM 3.30, you get to enjoy a bowl of sumptious Penang Laksa. I've tried many different Penang Laksa in Penang, and I would say this is one of the better ones. =)
The soup was sour and spicy at the correct proportion, Sour enough to make you want to drink more yet not that spicy that you will perspire. The noodle was of the correct softness too; A little QQ. Overall, I would recommend one to try this stall if you are in Penang.
I'll be going around many many parts of Malaysia, in fact all the different states in Malaysia. And I'll be blogging about all the nice food that I try along the way. Can't wait to embark on the food journey... (While on work trips )
First came up with this idea a couple of years ago.. initially wanted to go with Mindy de. But so far it has not happened, due to time and some other issues here and there. Anyway, I enjoyed my run in Penang.
The run starts an unearthly hour of 3am. @_@ so that means I needa wake up at 1am to prepare myself. Whose body in the right mind will be at top condition for a marathon? Seriously .. lol. The run was cooling, very cooling at that wee hours, and that's the good thing. Terrain of it was all on tarmac, and gentle upslopes that can go on for 2km. The 2km upslope up penang bridge was tiring actually. It was gentle, yet so long it tires the calf muscles.
Shot taken at Penang bridge..
The Malaysian runners aren't exactly a fast bunch. Or perhaps not that many elite/ serious runners join it. I was running at a very comfy pace of 2hr and I think I'm in one of the faster pack. With a pace of 1hr 40, i think can claim a top 10 position.
Anyway, I think overseas race is a fun experience. Especially because the route is totally new to you, and there's no boredom while running as every step you take is something that you've not seen before. Furthermore, you get to pig-out after the race with new and interesting food !
In the end, had to preserve my leg due to the recurring ITB that has never managed to heal. Last race was 2 weeks ago, Newton 30km. HAHHA... lin keeps asking me to let it rest before going for next run. And the next run is next weekend, Standard Marathon =D Woohoo..
Adding another medal to my Finisher's medal collection. =)
I just enjoy the feeling of passing the finishing line.
Penang is a place that I've been to so many times yet there are still food that I want to try. This time I went to the famous Ayer Hitam Penang Laksa stall. By the Ayer Itam Market. For a price of RM 3.30, you get to enjoy a bowl of sumptious Penang Laksa. I've tried many different Penang Laksa in Penang, and I would say this is one of the better ones. =)
The soup was sour and spicy at the correct proportion, Sour enough to make you want to drink more yet not that spicy that you will perspire. The noodle was of the correct softness too; A little QQ. Overall, I would recommend one to try this stall if you are in Penang.
I'll be going around many many parts of Malaysia, in fact all the different states in Malaysia. And I'll be blogging about all the nice food that I try along the way. Can't wait to embark on the food journey... (While on work trips )
Monday, November 14, 2011
busy busy busy
One week in KL.
It's been so busy and packed everyday at work that I don't have much time to go around exploring. Non-stop working is draining and that results in me not wanting to look at the com once I'm home.
For the past few days, I come home to watch DragonBall Anime. Trying to learn Canto from it. haha.. but limited progress with my limited understanding. Thankfully it's a show that I enjoy watching since young, it's much more enjoyable learning through this.
Living alone has it's pros and cons. Doing everything alone isn't exactly that bad. Just have to take some time to do it. Especially when at the end of the day, you are the one looking at what you have clean up, it feels good to see everything neat and clean and back in it's position. Have been looking forward to living in my own space for some time, didn't expect it to come so fast actually.
Finally have my own table at work, no longer being a nomad le. Being able to settle down at a table allows you to focus better without the need to reacclimatize. Now the work is in full swing, I've got to speed up my work rate. The "wait and see how " attitude here is bad. many things are always being left in that situation and gets delayed till the very last minute. That shall not happen to me. I'm going to pester them till they do it and get things done.
Managing 10 outlets here is a challenge. Such a major change in my job scope from before. It's totally different, surely an exciting challenge. Without any marketing background, less 1 MKT 1003 module, it is a little difficult to do some things. Thankfully I have a handy Marketing manager under me. Been learning a lot of things from her. Kinda fun actually. I enjoy marketing, a dynamic part of the market which constantly changes. You never know what you do really suits the market a not and you just got to try it.
In the next 2 months, I have a super pack agenda and targets to hit. 31st Dec is my dateline for many of my activities and I'll see by then how much I've achieved. Sure hope I can hit each and everyone of it. 6 weeks to go, time is short. Gotta act fast.
Jia you ba.. =)
Zee
It's been so busy and packed everyday at work that I don't have much time to go around exploring. Non-stop working is draining and that results in me not wanting to look at the com once I'm home.
For the past few days, I come home to watch DragonBall Anime. Trying to learn Canto from it. haha.. but limited progress with my limited understanding. Thankfully it's a show that I enjoy watching since young, it's much more enjoyable learning through this.
Living alone has it's pros and cons. Doing everything alone isn't exactly that bad. Just have to take some time to do it. Especially when at the end of the day, you are the one looking at what you have clean up, it feels good to see everything neat and clean and back in it's position. Have been looking forward to living in my own space for some time, didn't expect it to come so fast actually.
Finally have my own table at work, no longer being a nomad le. Being able to settle down at a table allows you to focus better without the need to reacclimatize. Now the work is in full swing, I've got to speed up my work rate. The "wait and see how " attitude here is bad. many things are always being left in that situation and gets delayed till the very last minute. That shall not happen to me. I'm going to pester them till they do it and get things done.
Managing 10 outlets here is a challenge. Such a major change in my job scope from before. It's totally different, surely an exciting challenge. Without any marketing background, less 1 MKT 1003 module, it is a little difficult to do some things. Thankfully I have a handy Marketing manager under me. Been learning a lot of things from her. Kinda fun actually. I enjoy marketing, a dynamic part of the market which constantly changes. You never know what you do really suits the market a not and you just got to try it.
In the next 2 months, I have a super pack agenda and targets to hit. 31st Dec is my dateline for many of my activities and I'll see by then how much I've achieved. Sure hope I can hit each and everyone of it. 6 weeks to go, time is short. Gotta act fast.
Jia you ba.. =)
Zee
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