For someone who was born a shy person, it had taken me many years (decades to be exact) to break out of my shell. Dancing helps....I was still pretty self-conscious during the latin days & at the earlier stages of the salsa days but as soon as I hit the clubs I learnt that (due to my petite-ness) I'll always have to put in extra effort to get the equal amount of attention that the taller girls can easily get.
So you can imagine how petrified I was when Cikgu Sam put me at the front row (albeit at the side) in a shines performance at 1Utama, in front of 300-odd shoppers & a small section of the salsa community. I'm sure he had his reasons for doing so....or it could just be one of his sadistic moments when he puts his students to the test. After 10 weeks of hard work he sent the 17 of us on stage with the message "Dance for yourselves". And I realised then....what's there to be shy about when you're doing it for yourself?
Up we went, flushed with adrenaline. And we gained mixed reactions - from the quiet polite applause of the non-salsa majority to the hoots, screams & whistles of the small salsa group. All these for baring our souls & letting our true selves shine through.
Same performance tomorrow nite....in front of an audience who knows how to dance. That equals higher expectations. I'm still at the front row, but moved to the centre. Why has a cili padi been put there, only Cikgu Sam knows.
Bring it on.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
A new Day, a new Mill
After 4 consecutive weeks of 14-hour days (went home past midnite on my last day), I've finally left my old workplace after doing all that I can do in my human capacity to make sure that my successor has little poop to clear up after me.
I've had the luxury of a week off but I'd hardly call it a break...what with 9 months of neglected junk in my room to clear & long overdue errands to run; I've now started the next phase of my working life in a new ship. Found out that I got a room that's slightly bigger than my ex-boss' one (gloat) but what makes me like my room is that it gives me a view of the outside world albeit the concrete jungle.... I've spent the last 2+ yrs of my working life holed up in the middle of a building with practically no windows & very little sunlight. I know....it sounds a lot like a Nazi concentration camp.
Spent the 1st day getting the admin stuff settled & went on a cleaning frenzy when I discovered that my predecessor left behind a huge clump of her hair (and white stuff that looks suspiciously like dandruff) at the back of my chair & cookie crumbs on the cabinet....and she had left the company 4 mths ago. The germs must've had an extended party before they got unceremoniously terminated by me.
I've been told by the HR guy that the ppl there are pretty laid back. So let's see how this one goes.
I've had the luxury of a week off but I'd hardly call it a break...what with 9 months of neglected junk in my room to clear & long overdue errands to run; I've now started the next phase of my working life in a new ship. Found out that I got a room that's slightly bigger than my ex-boss' one (gloat) but what makes me like my room is that it gives me a view of the outside world albeit the concrete jungle.... I've spent the last 2+ yrs of my working life holed up in the middle of a building with practically no windows & very little sunlight. I know....it sounds a lot like a Nazi concentration camp.
Spent the 1st day getting the admin stuff settled & went on a cleaning frenzy when I discovered that my predecessor left behind a huge clump of her hair (and white stuff that looks suspiciously like dandruff) at the back of my chair & cookie crumbs on the cabinet....and she had left the company 4 mths ago. The germs must've had an extended party before they got unceremoniously terminated by me.
I've been told by the HR guy that the ppl there are pretty laid back. So let's see how this one goes.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Life's Luxuries
I occasionally did walkabouts in my old office (just my way of telling everyone that this manager does exist). In one of those walkabouts I saw a Coach handbag on the chair of a junior staff. It's a genuine one of course. That bag definitely cost more than one grand, and that girl possibly has a take-home pay of RM2.5k....perhaps slightly over RM3k with OT. Rich parents? Maybe.
During the days when I started earning that kind of money, designer goods were something that I've never thought of having - more so when I had to save up for courses & exam fees. It did help that I'm not the shopping kind...till today retail therapy is not my kind of thing. I dread shopping for clothes & will only do so out of necessity.
I guess everyone has his/her own little luxuries - if others splurge on clothes, food, expensive hobbies etc, my weakness is skincare items.
Thanks to Mom (who wouldn't think twice about buying a RM500 jar of cream with her hairstylist pay - and this was like 20 yrs ago) who shortly before my 21st bday, freaked out at the sudden acne breakout that I had & dragged me to the nearest aesthetician for treatment. For the next few months I endured what was probably some of the most excruciatingly painful moments of my younger life. I was started on a skincare regime back then & 20 yrs on, I've moved from a clarifying/deep cleansing regime to a hydrating/lifting one. Nobody believed that I had a bad breakout before....so Mom had really done the right thing for me.
In fact I've now outdone Mom on the range of skincare that we each own. I wouldn't wanna put on print the amount of moolah that I've spent on skincare over the past 10 years...it's way too obscene an amount but to me, it's $$$ well spent.
My current aesthetician is probably the best advertiser I've ever met. She's touching 50 but has skin of someone hitting 30 - no kidding. It does help that she can afford to use copious amounts of her own products, and let me tell you - the tai-tai's & high flying clients of hers buy by the dozens.
The latest product that she (successfully) coaxed me into buying is this timed-release Vit C serum (we all know that Vit C is very volatile but the Japs have found a way of encapsulating it to last more than 2 yrs). Dubbed the Miracle fluid, it purportedly works up to 12 hours per application..... "increasing elasticity & firmness of skin", "lightening pigmentation", "creates a flawless skin texture", "revitalises tired skin" & possibly everything else you want your skin to look like - she claimed that it even worked on her boobs. One of her clients actually used it on her butt (????!!) and swore that it became firmer.
For something that cost me RM700 for a palm-sized 4-inch tall bottle (and I bought more than a few bottles), it had better work or else I'll sue her for product misrepresentation.
It's a miracle alright....how my credit card balance suddenly shot up by the thousands....
After a month's use I could see that those claims of flawless skin texture & revitalised skin were to a large extent true - all the 14-hour days that I've put in at work didn't make me look like an old hag.
In a society where looks are everything, could a luxury actually be a necessity?
During the days when I started earning that kind of money, designer goods were something that I've never thought of having - more so when I had to save up for courses & exam fees. It did help that I'm not the shopping kind...till today retail therapy is not my kind of thing. I dread shopping for clothes & will only do so out of necessity.
I guess everyone has his/her own little luxuries - if others splurge on clothes, food, expensive hobbies etc, my weakness is skincare items.
Thanks to Mom (who wouldn't think twice about buying a RM500 jar of cream with her hairstylist pay - and this was like 20 yrs ago) who shortly before my 21st bday, freaked out at the sudden acne breakout that I had & dragged me to the nearest aesthetician for treatment. For the next few months I endured what was probably some of the most excruciatingly painful moments of my younger life. I was started on a skincare regime back then & 20 yrs on, I've moved from a clarifying/deep cleansing regime to a hydrating/lifting one. Nobody believed that I had a bad breakout before....so Mom had really done the right thing for me.
In fact I've now outdone Mom on the range of skincare that we each own. I wouldn't wanna put on print the amount of moolah that I've spent on skincare over the past 10 years...it's way too obscene an amount but to me, it's $$$ well spent.
My current aesthetician is probably the best advertiser I've ever met. She's touching 50 but has skin of someone hitting 30 - no kidding. It does help that she can afford to use copious amounts of her own products, and let me tell you - the tai-tai's & high flying clients of hers buy by the dozens.
The latest product that she (successfully) coaxed me into buying is this timed-release Vit C serum (we all know that Vit C is very volatile but the Japs have found a way of encapsulating it to last more than 2 yrs). Dubbed the Miracle fluid, it purportedly works up to 12 hours per application..... "increasing elasticity & firmness of skin", "lightening pigmentation", "creates a flawless skin texture", "revitalises tired skin" & possibly everything else you want your skin to look like - she claimed that it even worked on her boobs. One of her clients actually used it on her butt (????!!) and swore that it became firmer.
For something that cost me RM700 for a palm-sized 4-inch tall bottle (and I bought more than a few bottles), it had better work or else I'll sue her for product misrepresentation.
It's a miracle alright....how my credit card balance suddenly shot up by the thousands....After a month's use I could see that those claims of flawless skin texture & revitalised skin were to a large extent true - all the 14-hour days that I've put in at work didn't make me look like an old hag.
In a society where looks are everything, could a luxury actually be a necessity?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Dedicated to All 41-year-olds :)
Betcha that the salsa posse at Little Havana will be none too pleased with my decision to stay home tonite as it will be the 3rd yr in a row that I'll escape the traditional bday ragging by them. I think it's good to veg out once in a while n have a conversation with...just myself. Not a sign of me going cuckoo but it's good to touch base with your inner self once in a while...even more significant when I reflect on my life for the past 41 yrs.
The last 20 yrs hasn't been entirely kind to me....I've had my fair share of bad bosses, glass ceiling jobs, bad relationships, bad exam results, misjudgements, family crisis, accidents, injuries n illnesses...but I've always believed that the Big-Boss-Up-There is fair - in return he gave me a strong mind, supportive parents, good friends & a wallet that is not always full but never empty.
Sometimes I feel that my fortunes are changing for the better - life works in cycles n when things can't go down any further, the only way they go is up. A few yrs ago I met a guy who studied Indian astrology. He told me that a person's life is already charted in the planets from the day he is born. He is destined to go thru different cycles/phases in life....by the mere movement n alignment of planets his fortunes will change. I'm beginning to see some logic in this concept.
There's no denying that age has a way of reminding me of its presence - particularly in the physical dept. Wrinkles, sags, cellulite, stretch marks, wobbly knees, bunions - but there's nothing that boosting creams, push-up bras n a good reflexologist can't help with :p. In return I've gained wisdom n confidence.
If I were to be asked what my recipe is for remaining sane after all these years, I guess it'll look something like the following :-
Spring clean your life every now n then
Remove bad friends, crappy bosses, ill-fitting clothes, worn-out shoes, mouldy relationships from your closet. If they didn't help you look or feel good in the past chances are they won't in the future. Out of a sense of insecurity n guilt it is not always easy to let go but you need space in your life for stocking up new (and better) things.
Never bear a grudge...for too long
This one is never easy. I used to be a very emotional person n find it hard to detach a situation from a person. But I later realise that I have put way too much baggage on myself.
It's normal human reaction to be angry.....but life is too short for carrying a burden for too long.
Take care of your health...and it will take care of you
It doesn't matter how u do it - exercise, dance, housework, a roll in the hay ;) ...your body n mind are the first things that came with you into this world n the last you'll leave behind. So do not abuse them for too long.
Have a hobby
Be it throwing a jab at an imaginary person in the gym, dancing till your legs cramp, warbling your lungs out in the karaoke, shutterbugging everyone n everything with your RM10k DSLR, learning how to bake, making your own mugs, busting your credit at the shopping malls (not adviseable though), going to the spa....all of us need a bit of diversion to recharge our batteries.
Always give of your best
Never ever compromise yourself as you will only be cheating yourself. I remember a Sixth Form teacher who used to say "Give to the world of your best, and the best will come back to you". It was a really big statement back then but now I realise that she could be talking about good karma n good vibes. Wise words indeed.
Be true to yourself
To some ppl, being in denial is sometimes the easier way out of situations or circumstances. You may be able to put on an act now, but you won't be able to do so for the rest of your life.
Help others whenever, wherever n however you can
Don't ask me why I do it....I'm no angel but it's always in my nature to help others. Of course when I grew older I became wary of certain people who claim they need my help - it can be a big bad world out there - you just gotta trust your instincts on this.
Each of us have our individual talents n abilities, so there are many ways that we can extend help to those who need it. Just think of it as buying materials to build a bigger n better heart.
Accept the fact that life is unfair
Ok I may have copied this shamelessly from Richard Carlson but there is profound truth in this. Some ppl spend too much time n energy whining n stressing themselves out about how tough things are but life does not come without its challenges. Acceptance is the key.
See the positive in everything that you do
When life throws you lemons (like it or not, it always does), go make lemonade. This has helped me tremendously when I was faced with crappy situations. It helps build self-respect.
Step out of your comfort zone...sometimes
You will never know your true capabilities until you try. Sure, some situations may make you look like a complete jackass but you'll never lose the lessons learnt.
Never lose your capacity to love
Be it love for your family, partner, God, friends, colleagues, animals, the earth...even if you came from an emotionless family, suffered bad relationships n shitty ppl....we are all still capable of love n being loved.
I was never too crazy abt bday celebrations....but I think it's time that I acknowledge my existence in this wonderful journey called Life.
The last 20 yrs hasn't been entirely kind to me....I've had my fair share of bad bosses, glass ceiling jobs, bad relationships, bad exam results, misjudgements, family crisis, accidents, injuries n illnesses...but I've always believed that the Big-Boss-Up-There is fair - in return he gave me a strong mind, supportive parents, good friends & a wallet that is not always full but never empty.
Sometimes I feel that my fortunes are changing for the better - life works in cycles n when things can't go down any further, the only way they go is up. A few yrs ago I met a guy who studied Indian astrology. He told me that a person's life is already charted in the planets from the day he is born. He is destined to go thru different cycles/phases in life....by the mere movement n alignment of planets his fortunes will change. I'm beginning to see some logic in this concept.
There's no denying that age has a way of reminding me of its presence - particularly in the physical dept. Wrinkles, sags, cellulite, stretch marks, wobbly knees, bunions - but there's nothing that boosting creams, push-up bras n a good reflexologist can't help with :p. In return I've gained wisdom n confidence.
If I were to be asked what my recipe is for remaining sane after all these years, I guess it'll look something like the following :-
Spring clean your life every now n then
Remove bad friends, crappy bosses, ill-fitting clothes, worn-out shoes, mouldy relationships from your closet. If they didn't help you look or feel good in the past chances are they won't in the future. Out of a sense of insecurity n guilt it is not always easy to let go but you need space in your life for stocking up new (and better) things.
Never bear a grudge...for too long
This one is never easy. I used to be a very emotional person n find it hard to detach a situation from a person. But I later realise that I have put way too much baggage on myself.
It's normal human reaction to be angry.....but life is too short for carrying a burden for too long.
Take care of your health...and it will take care of you
It doesn't matter how u do it - exercise, dance, housework, a roll in the hay ;) ...your body n mind are the first things that came with you into this world n the last you'll leave behind. So do not abuse them for too long.
Have a hobby
Be it throwing a jab at an imaginary person in the gym, dancing till your legs cramp, warbling your lungs out in the karaoke, shutterbugging everyone n everything with your RM10k DSLR, learning how to bake, making your own mugs, busting your credit at the shopping malls (not adviseable though), going to the spa....all of us need a bit of diversion to recharge our batteries.
Always give of your best
Never ever compromise yourself as you will only be cheating yourself. I remember a Sixth Form teacher who used to say "Give to the world of your best, and the best will come back to you". It was a really big statement back then but now I realise that she could be talking about good karma n good vibes. Wise words indeed.
Be true to yourself
To some ppl, being in denial is sometimes the easier way out of situations or circumstances. You may be able to put on an act now, but you won't be able to do so for the rest of your life.
Help others whenever, wherever n however you can
Don't ask me why I do it....I'm no angel but it's always in my nature to help others. Of course when I grew older I became wary of certain people who claim they need my help - it can be a big bad world out there - you just gotta trust your instincts on this.
Each of us have our individual talents n abilities, so there are many ways that we can extend help to those who need it. Just think of it as buying materials to build a bigger n better heart.
Accept the fact that life is unfair
Ok I may have copied this shamelessly from Richard Carlson but there is profound truth in this. Some ppl spend too much time n energy whining n stressing themselves out about how tough things are but life does not come without its challenges. Acceptance is the key.
See the positive in everything that you do
When life throws you lemons (like it or not, it always does), go make lemonade. This has helped me tremendously when I was faced with crappy situations. It helps build self-respect.
Step out of your comfort zone...sometimes
You will never know your true capabilities until you try. Sure, some situations may make you look like a complete jackass but you'll never lose the lessons learnt.
Never lose your capacity to love
Be it love for your family, partner, God, friends, colleagues, animals, the earth...even if you came from an emotionless family, suffered bad relationships n shitty ppl....we are all still capable of love n being loved.
I was never too crazy abt bday celebrations....but I think it's time that I acknowledge my existence in this wonderful journey called Life.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ignorance IS Bliss
Sometimes not knowing anything is less painful than knowing something.
Life has a way of reminding us of the past - as human beings we'll inevitably take a look backwards but we can't dwell in the past & need to move ahead.
It's time to realize that we owe ourselves new opportunities & leases on life.
Life has a way of reminding us of the past - as human beings we'll inevitably take a look backwards but we can't dwell in the past & need to move ahead.
It's time to realize that we owe ourselves new opportunities & leases on life.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Fate's Hand
Sometimes Life has its ways...after sitting in a low-paying job for 2 yrs (for all the things I've done, believe me....I've been friggin' cheap labour) & being despaired with less-than-favorable job offers twice in 3 months, I got a promotion in Aug (with a fat increment to boot) & it suddenly made my profile a lot more attractive to headhunters.
2 job offers immediately fell on my lap - each with its own plusses but I'd like to think that Fate has chosen the job for me. For better or for worse, I'll be off to a new adventure soon.
Now I wonder how other aspects of my life will fare. I've been trying to change myself....after many incidences & disappointments I finally realize that others are only mirroring the person that I am....my words, attitudes & temperament. Perhaps it is for this reason that Fate has decided to give me a break.
As much as I wish for or desire something, I've learnt to accept the fact that things will quietly but surely fall where they should belong. That is Destiny.
2 job offers immediately fell on my lap - each with its own plusses but I'd like to think that Fate has chosen the job for me. For better or for worse, I'll be off to a new adventure soon.
Now I wonder how other aspects of my life will fare. I've been trying to change myself....after many incidences & disappointments I finally realize that others are only mirroring the person that I am....my words, attitudes & temperament. Perhaps it is for this reason that Fate has decided to give me a break.
As much as I wish for or desire something, I've learnt to accept the fact that things will quietly but surely fall where they should belong. That is Destiny.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
When Diana Comes A-Calling
I've had a long history of bad bosses. My current boss is a nice person, well-liked by his junior staff but when it comes to grooming his managers - we are like plants in a badly tended garden.
Luckily for me, I get calls from recruitment consultants (or headhunters as they're normally known)....and the calls are getting more & more frequent. Resignation of a peer at work has given me a promotion opportunity (not to mention a nice pay jump) but if the soil has been left unturned, the plant will be stunted...
Diana (the Roman goddess of hunting) must have been manifesting herself in the many forms of headhunters who have been calling me lately. These are the people whom I have befriended & helped over the years. Who knows - I may be on my way to something worthwhile soon.
Diana...i beseech thee....save my poor shrivelling soulllll........
In the meantime, this shrivelling plant is working towards leaving behind a legacy that she can be proud of :)
Luckily for me, I get calls from recruitment consultants (or headhunters as they're normally known)....and the calls are getting more & more frequent. Resignation of a peer at work has given me a promotion opportunity (not to mention a nice pay jump) but if the soil has been left unturned, the plant will be stunted...
Diana...i beseech thee....save my poor shrivelling soulllll........In the meantime, this shrivelling plant is working towards leaving behind a legacy that she can be proud of :)
Now for the REAL work....
After 5 months of inactivity, another 5 months of dismay at my juniors' attitude in class & 1 harrowing evening of assessments, I finally made it to the performance class.
Things are certainly looking up as I'm back in class with a dozen of my best salsa buddies. But with the reunion comes a price - an obligation on our part to perform when called upon.
It's time to see what this 40-year-old body is really capable of :-D
Things are certainly looking up as I'm back in class with a dozen of my best salsa buddies. But with the reunion comes a price - an obligation on our part to perform when called upon.
It's time to see what this 40-year-old body is really capable of :-D
How I Wish
I recently had an ice-lolly which I thot nobody would ever sell anymore. Too bad I couldn't take a pic to show ('twas a hot day, and the ice was melting mighty fast LOL). It's made from a concoction of coconut water, sugar syrup & red bean(or sweetcorn) poured into little jelly moulds, and left to set in the freezer with a stick dipped into the liquid. The result - nothing near to Ben & Jerry's standards but it really brought back warm & fuzzy memories of those days when life used to be simple - sweet, honest & uncomplicated.
How I wish things had remained that way.
How I wish things had remained that way.
4 months later...
Dad's now able to trot around with his walking stick....and uses his condition as a carte blanche to demand for weekend dinner treats and snacks ranging from Baskin Robbins Rum Raisin ice-cream, donuts (I said a big NO initially but on 2nd thought....he's getting old anyway, so the odd donut or two won't hurt) & asam (???!). The only thing I put my foot down on are stuff with santan in them, but he seems to have lost his craving for such foods.
He's lost loads of weight, and together with that - his round belly which he didn't seem to miss as it's a lot easier for him to walk about.
He's lost loads of weight, and together with that - his round belly which he didn't seem to miss as it's a lot easier for him to walk about.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Dad's 1% Theory
Dad can now lift his left foot up when he walks, as well as lifting his upper arm. He still isn't able to move his fingers, and says he'll come home when he is able to do so.
Apart from his new obsession with tissue paper (he freaks out when the tissue box is out of his reach) & his sudden dislike of air conditioning, he's very much back to his old self - reading his daily papers & demanding for his fishing magazine...even started hinting about ordering fried kuey teow from the hospital menu....
He says he's improving at a rate of 1% everyday, which means he'll be fully recovered in about 3 months - probably after his soon-to-arrive grand daughter's full moon. How's that for optimism :)
Apart from his new obsession with tissue paper (he freaks out when the tissue box is out of his reach) & his sudden dislike of air conditioning, he's very much back to his old self - reading his daily papers & demanding for his fishing magazine...even started hinting about ordering fried kuey teow from the hospital menu....
He says he's improving at a rate of 1% everyday, which means he'll be fully recovered in about 3 months - probably after his soon-to-arrive grand daughter's full moon. How's that for optimism :)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Wake Up Calls
Dad suffered a minor stroke 2 weeks ago, right at the eve of my trip to Bali. It threw the family's routine upside down but we've gotten thru crises of bigger proportions.
My dad's family has a history of hypertension and he has been on medication for years as a preventive measure. It so happens that his current dosage is not sufficient to keep his BP at normal levels but the family doctor made the mistake of not increasing it immediately.
On that day, he went on his weekly site visit to Seremban when he felt his entire left side going numb as he approached the Nilai exit. Immediately suspecting a stroke, he took a gamble & drove himself all the way to the nearest hospital in Seremban. He even managed to park his car in front of the E&A ward & flagged for help. The Gods have indeed protected him.
He got transferred back to KL....further checks revealed that 2 of his minor arteries in his right brain got clogged. They're not operable & the only course of action is prevention...meaning he'll be on medication for the rest of his life.
Dad opted to stay in Tung Shin hospital where he now undergoes daily physio & acupuncture therapy sessions. His speech is relatively unaffected & he's still his usual grumpy self. His instruction to the family is to get on with life as usual.
My grandma (ie his mom) suffered a stroke for 8 years before she passed on. She was showing progress during her therapy but gave up halfway through. I know Dad has chosen not to walk the same path as his mother. Being the trooper that he is, I know he's gonna walk again soon, and may even try to sneak in the odd char kuey teow or two... that is, if he can get past my mom & I.
My dad's family has a history of hypertension and he has been on medication for years as a preventive measure. It so happens that his current dosage is not sufficient to keep his BP at normal levels but the family doctor made the mistake of not increasing it immediately.
On that day, he went on his weekly site visit to Seremban when he felt his entire left side going numb as he approached the Nilai exit. Immediately suspecting a stroke, he took a gamble & drove himself all the way to the nearest hospital in Seremban. He even managed to park his car in front of the E&A ward & flagged for help. The Gods have indeed protected him.
He got transferred back to KL....further checks revealed that 2 of his minor arteries in his right brain got clogged. They're not operable & the only course of action is prevention...meaning he'll be on medication for the rest of his life.
Dad opted to stay in Tung Shin hospital where he now undergoes daily physio & acupuncture therapy sessions. His speech is relatively unaffected & he's still his usual grumpy self. His instruction to the family is to get on with life as usual.
My grandma (ie his mom) suffered a stroke for 8 years before she passed on. She was showing progress during her therapy but gave up halfway through. I know Dad has chosen not to walk the same path as his mother. Being the trooper that he is, I know he's gonna walk again soon, and may even try to sneak in the odd char kuey teow or two... that is, if he can get past my mom & I.
My New Friend
I've recently became a proud sponsor of a Myanmar girl thru Worldvision. It was something which I wanted to do for a long time but never really knew how to go about doing it.
We weren't allowed to choose the gender of the sponsored child, but I hoped for a girl & I got one. I chose Myanmar because it is close to home which will give me more opportunity to visit her in the future. Her name's Tin Tin Oo (thank gawd it's not a mouthful), she's a 9 year-old who lives with her parents & 2 siblings. I was so pleasantly surprised when I got a handwritten note from her.
Life is tough in her part of the world and I hope my mere RM50 monthly support will help her keep healthy, finish school & be a respectable person.
I'll definitely write to her...snail mail style.
We weren't allowed to choose the gender of the sponsored child, but I hoped for a girl & I got one. I chose Myanmar because it is close to home which will give me more opportunity to visit her in the future. Her name's Tin Tin Oo (thank gawd it's not a mouthful), she's a 9 year-old who lives with her parents & 2 siblings. I was so pleasantly surprised when I got a handwritten note from her.
Life is tough in her part of the world and I hope my mere RM50 monthly support will help her keep healthy, finish school & be a respectable person.
I'll definitely write to her...snail mail style.
What's With All the **#!@!! Spins....
Back on the dance floor after 5 months, ankle not tested, feet super rusty...and the guys made me do 3 consecutive triple spins!!! Shimmy Steven, Evil Martin, Spin-Ash......
What have gotten into them??!!!
What have gotten into them??!!!
To Thine Own Self Be True
How time flies....
It has been months since my last entry. And what a 3 months it has been.
I've finally given up hope that things at the work front will ever change. It's hard to work in a company that doesn't quite recognise efforts put behind the scenes. Everything is about visibility...it's a culture where it's ok to take short cuts as long as you have the glossy results to show. Nevermind if the actions you take & decisions you make will pose long-lasting negative effects to others. It surprises me to the point of appallment that only a mere handful are truly interested in leaving behind a legacy that they can be truly proud of.
I was raised to believe that hard work & dedication (laced with smart marketing skills) build character. I slogged thru my early corporate life to build a strong foundation & good work practices & make sure my staff learn the same values. But I'm working at a place that doesn't seem to care.
Headhunters are already knocking at my door. At the nick of time. Boy am I thankful for the friendships I've built thru my working years.
A fellow manager once told me if I wanted to stay on, I'll just have to accept the culture like he did. I will not compromise good practices for anything. A girl has to be true to herself.
It has been months since my last entry. And what a 3 months it has been.
I've finally given up hope that things at the work front will ever change. It's hard to work in a company that doesn't quite recognise efforts put behind the scenes. Everything is about visibility...it's a culture where it's ok to take short cuts as long as you have the glossy results to show. Nevermind if the actions you take & decisions you make will pose long-lasting negative effects to others. It surprises me to the point of appallment that only a mere handful are truly interested in leaving behind a legacy that they can be truly proud of.
I was raised to believe that hard work & dedication (laced with smart marketing skills) build character. I slogged thru my early corporate life to build a strong foundation & good work practices & make sure my staff learn the same values. But I'm working at a place that doesn't seem to care.
Headhunters are already knocking at my door. At the nick of time. Boy am I thankful for the friendships I've built thru my working years.
A fellow manager once told me if I wanted to stay on, I'll just have to accept the culture like he did. I will not compromise good practices for anything. A girl has to be true to herself.
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