Friday 30 January 2009

see.you.again!

Have you ever felt that you wished you had done something when you had the chance to do so?

It was Robert's last day.

He was the very first Project Manager I worked with. He was a good and patient teacher, often provided opportunities for me to learn, brought me along to sites to see the project, to learn more about my project, to provide an understanding of the numbers - the value of my projecet.

We explored the realms of project commercial management. And no matter how busy Robert was, he often have time for me - whether it was work or just about life in general.

Our little outing to sites, provided many opportunities for us to get to know each other - our lives, families, background, etc.

Like how active he was with the Boys Brigade, or that he and his pal swapped a suit outside of a company for the same interview and then returned the suit back to Marks & Spencer.

How he meets his sister once a year in Aberdeen for Christmas shopping, presents wrapping, exchange and she onto the ferry back to Shetland, and he into the car back to Glasgow.

How he explained to my why houses in the UK has a name and how they are used, just like another member of the family.

How he is the first person who told me that it is possible for a car to have 'cleavage'.

When Robert left his role as Project Manager back to the contractor side as Quality manager, we don't speak as much as we used to. Much less when he moved desk to the bottom of the room.

We still chat. Often, I do make a point to make time to have a chat to catch up.

I'll not forget once Robert said a lot of good things about my work performance. It was great getting good feedback - but I wasn't sure did the alcohol played a part in it or not.

Whichever way, it seems so suddent that Robert was leaving for pastures new. I suppose for one who is a big fan of attention, he didn't make big announcements. That is the kind of humble man that he is.

Looking back to earlier today, I wished I had given Robert a hug, rahter than a handshake.

A hug for being a good listener, the misunderstanding we had about 'red' and 'rape'.

A hug for being a patient teacher, and more importantly a friend.

Robert didn't have a farewell party / drinks or provided cakes to widen our already wide waistlines, instead he was really kind to make a donation to Water Aid for the amount he would have spent as a parting gift.

I thought that was more meaningful.

Although I did say what I wanted to say, my wishes and thanks to him; I wished I did get hiim a farewell / good luck card.

I wished I had given him my contact details.

But the industry is not as large as we imagine, so I'm sure we will cross paths again.

In the meantime, Robert, good luck and thanks for all the great times we had, for being a patient teacher who is generous in your time and knowledge. More importantly, thanks for being a great friend.

All the best, you'll be surely missed!

Friday 23 January 2009

UK.recession

"UK is now officially in recession"

The newscaster announced, as if it is a good thing.

Bah!

BBC: UK in Recession.

heinz.deli.mayo

I know. I love my ads and I've been watching some or wanting to blog some for a while.

So here is one by Heinz, their new deli mayo ad. I think it is quite nice. Although it is a bit wrong. Just a bit...

Wednesday 21 January 2009

grow.grow.grow.

Really cute Royal Mail ad. Very smart.

you.gotta.fall.when.you.gotta

Brighter days are coming soon.

Well, at least it was much brighter this morning. But it was really cold and icy.

Luckily I wasn't running late. It's so icy that even if you want to run, you don't dare to.

The roads and pavements were not gritted. I think nobody expected it to be so icy.

Unfortuntately, this morning, yours truly had to slip and fall just after crossing a very busy main road. I haven't even step on the pavement yet, and fell on my right knee. I quickly got up and kept walking, don't even dare look at the cars in a queue behind me. At least, they were on the other side and there was no cars on my side of the road.

How embarrassing! Luckily there wasn't anything else on show since I was wearing a skirt.

But, man was it painful!

I suppose, if you are going to fall, you just have to fall.

Oh well... Nice day today but not going to be nice weather from tomorrow onwards.

Come on drier days!

Tuesday 20 January 2009

the.time.of.change.has.come

Today is the day the world will change.

This is the day, where the first African-American President of the United States of America takes office (or taken office by this time).

Today, a Barack H Obama created history.

All eyes will be on President Obama. All his electoral promises will be kept in close scrutiny as President Obama fulfill those promises one by one.

The fact that what seemed impossible in the past, just shows that nothing is impossible.

This is an encouragement to all, that we can do what we want as long as we believe, stay focused and pour determintation into our goals, then all things are possible.

And as the man himself said,
'if you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress'.

This is definitely a great message of hope in grim times like this.

I do hope that the inauguration of President Obama will not only change history as him being the first black President of the United States of America, but also this change will improve the economy and world peace.

We shall just have to wait with much anticipation.

The first black man in the white house.

President Barack Obama.

Who would have thought?

Congratulations President Obama!

Monday 19 January 2009

i.passed.i.passed.i.passed!!

I passed my driving test today! *beams*

*More beams*

Yes, you can imagine my joy.

Interestingly enough, besides the initially beaming, it just seemed... normal.

I’m not trying to be ungrateful, unemotional. I guess it is just me.

Meaning, it’s not much fun celebrating it alone, does it?

But, the amazing TOH will be taking us out for dinner to celebrate this weekend. And it is double celebration - me being a qualified driver and us, eighteen months together.

Back to my driving test...

Yes, I was nervous.

I had to remind myself not to think so much of the past, not to overanalyse all the things I should and should not do.

Heck, I have at least 10 years driving experience! But all this getting back to basics has really waver my confidence.

Luckily I did some driving when I was back in KL. In fact, a lot of driving. I’m not complaining, as it did make a significant difference.

I was really lucky today.

When I was going to work this morning, it was wet, grey and miserable. All I could think of is ‘I hope it will be dry and brighter’ and ‘no stress this morning’. I even had camomile tea for good measure!

Thankfully, by test time, it was dry, bright and I even caught some sunlight in my eyes.

Even luckier is that it snowed an hour after I reached home. Of which, if either rain or snow during my test would have meant I will need to reschedule my test!

Also, I had a really good examiner. He was kind, friendly and helpful. Put me at ease, especially the usual pressure you put on yourself to pass. He passed on good advice. Bless the man!

Bear in mind, I’m sure all of them are really nice.

Anyways...

I took longer than I should on the reverse parking. But I did it!

I received a minor point for speeding. Interestingly enough, my instructor always had to shout out for me to ‘ACCELERATE!’. When I realised to correct, it was a little too late. But I did it!

Whatever it was, I’m just so glad to have passed my exams!

One thing for sure, I won’t miss forking out lots of money to pay for my own lessons and tests. Where I learn it must have been not easy for mom to pay for the three of us to obtain our driving license in the past.

Thanks so much mom! xx

I know for sure I will miss my driving instructor, Jenny.

I remember the first time we met, she kinda barked at all my mistakes.

I suppose it was just me, not wanting to accept that I can be improved, that I’m that bad.

That evening and many evenings, I learnt a lot - not only about proper driving but also the many pointers that work the same for life too.

And as time passed by, Jenny did only what any nurturing teacher would do, wanting the best for their students.

And for that I’m always grateful. And her friendship as well.

So whilst I wait for the driving license to come through the post, I’ll just have to smile proudly and broadly at my Practical Driving Test Pass Certificate!

*beams!*

Thursday 15 January 2009

unbox.the.box

Ad with cute line animation transforming a box.

Oh yes, and it has a really good tune: 'Take Me Riding'.

Friday 9 January 2009

so.called.scottish.poetry

See how much of it can you understand?

Wee man fae Dundee:
There wis a wee man fae Dundee
Got stung on the leg wi a wasp
When said did it hurt
He said no really
It can dae it again if it likes

To a mouse:
Hickory dickory dock
A coo run up the clock
The clock collapsed

To a coo:
On yonder hill there stands a coo
Its no there noo
It must have shifted


Have a good weekend!

Thursday 8 January 2009

normality

Saw SM off this morning at the airport. So that is the lot all away home now.

This is it, the sign of life back or getting back to normal.

In some ways I don’t want life back to normal. I don’t know how long more I have to wait until I see them again. But I’m really glad we all managed to meet up and spent Christmas and New Year together as a family. Hopefully we don't have to wait another eight years.

I’m sure all of us gained weight. I know I did. What with the food in Malaysia and then the eating over the seasonal holidays plus the bumming around at home. It’s not rocket science that we put on weight.

But hey ho, January is the month of diet, or when everyone consciously moan about going on a diet.

I’ll start mine next week. You heard it here. I will need to lose 10kg by end of the year. So let’s see if I manage to shift 5kg by mid year.

It was great having a busy flat for a month, even though there had been quite a bit of compromising.

I do hope to see the gang soon. In the meantime, I will enjoy what remains of those yummy Reese’s Mini Peanut Cups (so so bad I tell ya!) and I have SM’s note for the memories.


And mind you, that note is really bad as all I had today were cravings of all sorts of food!

Diet? What Diet?!

Monday 5 January 2009

grim.grim.grim

Before the end of 2008, at least five retail companies have announced that they were going into administration.

The high street old timer, Woolworths will close all of their stores after 99 years on close of play Tuesday, 6th January 2009.

I’m sure each one of us have been into a Woolies at one point or another in our lives – browsing, games / toys, sweets and chocolates, home ware, gardening items, Christmas, etc.

I was at their store just before Christmas, and a wave of sadness come over me. Although I don’t frequent Woolies as often as some, it is really sad to see a business of 99 years to just wrap up and go. The shelves bare from bargain hunters, the soul of the store just sucked all out.

The closure of 807 stores see the lost of 27,000 jobs.

Others who called in the administrator include:
Adams: Children / baby fashion
USC: Fashion
MFI: Furniture
Whittard: Tea and coffee shop
Zavvi: Music and games
The Officer’s Club: Fashion

A variety of businesses from other industries has also called in the administrators.

And today, the prestigious Waterford Wedgwood, china and ceramics firm, has announced that they are going into administration. This means that 10 companies within the group will go bust.

The Pound is really weak. With the Euros almost one to one with the Pounds.

On the high street, sales started before Christmas, traditionally saved for after Boxing Day.

Perhaps the only company enjoying this difficult time are the administrators.

Hopefully this will all end soon. We just need a miracle.

first.day.of.work.2009

I’ve been struggling since morning. *Yawn yawn*.

Thankfully, I managed to get up and be at work around 8am, half an hour earlier than usual. But I had been yawning since I get in and all I feel is just lethargy.

Now, a bit of headache.

Psychological? Maybe.

Laziness? Definitely!

I know I know... I should be thankful.

I did get to work in one piece and safely. No train delays for me compared to some.

And more importantly, I have a job to go to. The grim economy and job market news throughout the holidays haven’t been at all encouraging.

So yes, I should be thankful for everything.

There's even the lovely blue sky out there, even though it is seriously cold.

Anyways, to those of you, like me has just got back to work, hang in there, it’s not long till home time.

Saturday 3 January 2009

we.did.it!

Yes, indeed we did it!

What? You say?

We completed sixty 40-minutes episodes of the Chinese series - The Drive of Life!!!


Probably in record time. At least, in our record time.

Interestingly, the series made so many references that you can learn a lot of things in life from manufacturing, to business, to even a pair of shoes!

Anyways, we spent nights watching episodes after episodes of the series just trying to complete it before mom and SA return to Malaysia.

I admit that it is not everyone's cup of tea and there can be so many other better stuff to do. Instead the main thing here is that we did it all together. Us crazy bunch of people.

I've done ten episodes (on Marriage of Inconvenience) on my own, and it is waaaaaaay more fun doing it with others.

We had a common goal.

Of course, the living room became a temporary sleeping ground. At one point there wasn't a reason to clear the temporary 'beds'.

Having to watch each CD (ten 40-minutes episodes), there were six CDs altogther in this series, from the night before until 7am the next day is not an easy feat.

In the end, it was a different way of spending time together. Now, we just have to find a super long series for our next family meet.

Thanks for the company y'all! xxx