Nikon D90
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday before Saturday
Time really flies so fast. Today marks the beginning of the next year for me. Just a few hours more and it is light. But it is only Friday and I am really sleepless.
Just don't quite understand why coop yourself up in a small cubicle during the day when all your colleagues are around and then come out and play when everyone is going home.
Just don't quite understand why coop yourself up in a small cubicle during the day when all your colleagues are around and then come out and play when everyone is going home.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
This morning, Helen went to visit Yen. Interestingly, I think she has been the only one who calls Yen by her other name - Elaine. Not sure why, but possibly, I could have also. But it does need some getting used to, because I think it sounds "distant", and unoriginal.
Lately, someone in another department has been jesting with me - I wonder why. MOS said that these are side-issues I shouldn't be overly concerned with. There are more pressing matters actually. For one thing, the deadlines for the 2 major assignments given to me are now just the corner. PT had advised me that whether I agree or not with the idea, my job was just to carry out writing the documents the way it has always been. Actually, I have always felt that something must have been wrong with me. Don't know why I always tend to be out-of-synch with everyone else. khong hieu .. :(
Heard Julie is getting a new Home Theatre System. Which explains why we have just inherited 2 large speakers now residing in our living room. Lydia will be fixing them up.
Lately, someone in another department has been jesting with me - I wonder why. MOS said that these are side-issues I shouldn't be overly concerned with. There are more pressing matters actually. For one thing, the deadlines for the 2 major assignments given to me are now just the corner. PT had advised me that whether I agree or not with the idea, my job was just to carry out writing the documents the way it has always been. Actually, I have always felt that something must have been wrong with me. Don't know why I always tend to be out-of-synch with everyone else. khong hieu .. :(
Heard Julie is getting a new Home Theatre System. Which explains why we have just inherited 2 large speakers now residing in our living room. Lydia will be fixing them up.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Seagull
Seagull (Hai Ou) -
Theme song of a story about a terminally-ill girl who devoted her last days to take care of some orphans in a province.
Theme song of a story about a terminally-ill girl who devoted her last days to take care of some orphans in a province.
My Tribute to Leslie
Sometimes I wonder what's the point of all these struggling and those in-fighting.
What can be more important than you?
I believe that Leslie might not have suspected how his end would be. 5 years later, he died - sad and alone. He said those words as if they would be his last...
What can be more important than you?
I believe that Leslie might not have suspected how his end would be. 5 years later, he died - sad and alone. He said those words as if they would be his last...
Friday, December 05, 2008
Wow....
You Raise Me Up
By Westlife
Love Theme
St. Elmo's Fire (1985) - Love Theme music video
Flashdance
Footloose
By Westlife
Love Theme
St. Elmo's Fire (1985) - Love Theme music video
Flashdance
Footloose
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Tory & Gabriella (High Schơl Musical)
WHEN THERE WAS ME AND YOU
WHAT I'VE BÊN LƠKING FOR (REPRISE)
START OF SOMETHING NEW
WHAT I'VE BÊN LƠKING FOR (REPRISE)
START OF SOMETHING NEW
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
I Will Be Here, baxa
Steven Curtis Chapman - I WILL BE HERE
Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love, hold my hand and have no fear
Cause I will be here
I will be here, when you feel like being quiet,
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen
I will be here when the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing & trying
We'll be together
Cause I will be here
Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the future isnt' clear
I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I, I will be here
I will be here
You can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
to watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here
I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me
(bridge) I will be here
And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I, I will be here
We'll be together
I will be here
Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love, hold my hand and have no fear
Cause I will be here
I will be here, when you feel like being quiet,
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen
I will be here when the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing & trying
We'll be together
Cause I will be here
Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the future isnt' clear
I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I, I will be here
I will be here
You can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
to watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here
I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me
(bridge) I will be here
And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I, I will be here
We'll be together
I will be here
Trumpets!!
Feel So Good - Chuck Mangione
Tijuana Brass Medley - Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass - Spanish Flea
Tijuana Brass Medley - Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass - Spanish Flea
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
If I had listened to my own heart that time, perhaps I could have achieved even far greater things. The problem is that I feared that I might regret. There was this wish inside me not to get sucked into the corporate tooth and claw arena. Even as bystander, it wasn't fun witnessing casualties of political war - written off as "natural attrition" due to "change". How lame. But how wicked the human heart that deviced the invisible knife.
So, I had told myself to stay away - a couple of times. But, as people begin to throw in the towel and share with me why they wanted to leave, I could only cheer them on to find their own happiness, for their loved ones' sake. I had learnt a lot from them. In life, there is always something someone else - regardless of age, gender or nationality - can actually teach us how to become a even better person.
However, that being said, on the pretext of offering sound advices and/or constructive feedback, there are also those who badly need to be right (all the time) as well as those who possess all the right advices. In actualy fact, they do need attention by through giving advices - solicited or uninvited - they seem to have an innate fear of being "below the 'average' line" so much so that they would naturally climb over your head and/or your backs.
This is a character flaw and it will bear fruits in adulthood. If your child has learnt this, nib it in the bud. Otherwise, you will never know whether your kid will become a person with good moral character or one who is conniving and scheming.
If a child is gullible like Eve, it is one thing
If a child has grown to become jealous and muder his own brother out of spite, that's quite another. Handled too late, a human weakness can develop into wickedness.
But if a child has learn
So, I had told myself to stay away - a couple of times. But, as people begin to throw in the towel and share with me why they wanted to leave, I could only cheer them on to find their own happiness, for their loved ones' sake. I had learnt a lot from them. In life, there is always something someone else - regardless of age, gender or nationality - can actually teach us how to become a even better person.
However, that being said, on the pretext of offering sound advices and/or constructive feedback, there are also those who badly need to be right (all the time) as well as those who possess all the right advices. In actualy fact, they do need attention by through giving advices - solicited or uninvited - they seem to have an innate fear of being "below the 'average' line" so much so that they would naturally climb over your head and/or your backs.
This is a character flaw and it will bear fruits in adulthood. If your child has learnt this, nib it in the bud. Otherwise, you will never know whether your kid will become a person with good moral character or one who is conniving and scheming.
If a child is gullible like Eve, it is one thing
If a child has grown to become jealous and muder his own brother out of spite, that's quite another. Handled too late, a human weakness can develop into wickedness.
But if a child has learn
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Goal
A corporate executive on holiday in a small Greek seacoast village was strolling by the docks and drinking in the local color. He complimented one fisherman on the quality of his catch.
“How long did it take you to get all those fish?” he wondered.
“Not very long,” answered the Greek. “An hour or two.”
“Then why didn’t you stay out longer to catch more?”
Shrugging, the Greek explained that his catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The executive asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a nap with my wife. In the evening, I go to the village to see my friends, dance a little, play the bouzouki, and sing songs. I have a full life.”
The executive said, “I have an MBA from Harvard. I can help you. You should start by fishing longer every day. You’ll catch extra fish that you can sell. With the revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring you, you can buy a second boat and a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can ship fish to markets all around the world. In time, you can then move to New York City to direct your huge enterprise.”
“How long would that take?” asked the Greek.
“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the executive.
“And after that?”
“When your business gets really big, you can sell stock and make millions!” exclaimed the executive with zeal.
“Millions? Really? And after that?”
“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a small village near the coast, sleep late, play with your grandchildren, catch a few fish, take a nap with your wife, and spend your evenings singing, dancing, and playing the bouzouki with your friends.”
“How long did it take you to get all those fish?” he wondered.
“Not very long,” answered the Greek. “An hour or two.”
“Then why didn’t you stay out longer to catch more?”
Shrugging, the Greek explained that his catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The executive asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a nap with my wife. In the evening, I go to the village to see my friends, dance a little, play the bouzouki, and sing songs. I have a full life.”
The executive said, “I have an MBA from Harvard. I can help you. You should start by fishing longer every day. You’ll catch extra fish that you can sell. With the revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring you, you can buy a second boat and a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can ship fish to markets all around the world. In time, you can then move to New York City to direct your huge enterprise.”
“How long would that take?” asked the Greek.
“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the executive.
“And after that?”
“When your business gets really big, you can sell stock and make millions!” exclaimed the executive with zeal.
“Millions? Really? And after that?”
“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a small village near the coast, sleep late, play with your grandchildren, catch a few fish, take a nap with your wife, and spend your evenings singing, dancing, and playing the bouzouki with your friends.”
Focus on the Way, not the end.
(source: Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams)
A young boy traveled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.
“What do you wish from me?” the master asked.
“I wish to be your student and be the finest karateka in the land,” the boy replied. “How long must I study?”
“Ten years at least,” the master answered.
“Ten years is a long time,” said the boy. “What if I studied twice as hard as all your other students?”
“Twenty years,” replied the master.
“Twenty years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?”
“Thirty years,” was the master’s reply.
“How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?” the boy asked.
“The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the Way.”
A young boy traveled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.
“What do you wish from me?” the master asked.
“I wish to be your student and be the finest karateka in the land,” the boy replied. “How long must I study?”
“Ten years at least,” the master answered.
“Ten years is a long time,” said the boy. “What if I studied twice as hard as all your other students?”
“Twenty years,” replied the master.
“Twenty years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?”
“Thirty years,” was the master’s reply.
“How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?” the boy asked.
“The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the Way.”
Know Your Worth
A woman approached Picasso in a restaurant, asked him to scribble something on a napkin, and said she would be happy to pay whatever he felt it was worth. Picasso complied and then said, “That will be $10,000.”
“But you did that in thirty seconds,” the astonished woman replied.
“No,” Picasso said. “It has taken me forty years to do that.”
Source: What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School by Mark H. McCormack
“But you did that in thirty seconds,” the astonished woman replied.
“No,” Picasso said. “It has taken me forty years to do that.”
Source: What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School by Mark H. McCormack
Think out of the box
Got this from somewhere. It's meaningful, tho.
You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it’s raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:
An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
1. An old friend who once saved your life.
2. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
3. Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing very well that there could only be one passenger in your car?
This is a dilemma that was once used as part of a job application.
You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus youshould save her first;
* or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and thiswould be the perfect chance to ! pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.
The candidate who was hired had no trouble coming up with his answer. Guess what was his answer? He simply answered:
“I would give the car keys to my Old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.”
Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations.
You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it’s raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:
An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
1. An old friend who once saved your life.
2. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
3. Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing very well that there could only be one passenger in your car?
This is a dilemma that was once used as part of a job application.
You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus youshould save her first;
* or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and thiswould be the perfect chance to ! pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.
The candidate who was hired had no trouble coming up with his answer. Guess what was his answer? He simply answered:
“I would give the car keys to my Old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.”
Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
River drying up, P2
There was a river drying up.... and a new king has just taken over (through some ugly unscrupulous means, of course). There was an uproar among the subjects and everyone wondered who did this terrible thing - letting the river dry up. Straightaway, they found a fish at the bottom of the river... and straightaway, the king of the jungle pointed an accusing finger at the fish. "It must be you!!!" "What have you done to the river?!?!"
Look, just like us and everyone else in this jungle, they have to drink and eat also, right? There must have been too many of them now that they have destroyed our river. So, everyone blamed the fish for drying up the river. I don't know the poor fish died of fright or heartbreak.
After a few more days, the water did not return to the river and the surrounding soil around the river was starting to crack and dust filled the air. There were no more fishes to blame. The angry king started to look for the next likely creature.
"You!" He pointed his claw at the flamingoes. "It might have been you! I have seen you waddling in the pool among the fishes before it all happened!" The poor birds were thus banished from the river. This went on and on and soon, nobody dared to go near the river for fear of being blamed. Everyone was afraid of being in the sight of the lion and his royal subjects. The witch-hunt had begun and most others who had thought otherwise, were also ostracised so badly they found that they had better leave too. So, soon after the birds had left, the antelopes and the deers followed. And the beautiful gazelles, the chimps and mousedeers.
A few hundred kilometers up-river, there was a beautiful lake. In it, there were fishes, plants and colourful rocks. There was a dam which had been built by a family of beavers. This dam had trapped the water going down river.There used to be heavier rainfall and the water flew over the dam in good times. But over the last few years, there had been lesser and lesser rainfall. Soon, the little that trickled down the river were very quickly dried up.
Look, just like us and everyone else in this jungle, they have to drink and eat also, right? There must have been too many of them now that they have destroyed our river. So, everyone blamed the fish for drying up the river. I don't know the poor fish died of fright or heartbreak.
After a few more days, the water did not return to the river and the surrounding soil around the river was starting to crack and dust filled the air. There were no more fishes to blame. The angry king started to look for the next likely creature.
"You!" He pointed his claw at the flamingoes. "It might have been you! I have seen you waddling in the pool among the fishes before it all happened!" The poor birds were thus banished from the river. This went on and on and soon, nobody dared to go near the river for fear of being blamed. Everyone was afraid of being in the sight of the lion and his royal subjects. The witch-hunt had begun and most others who had thought otherwise, were also ostracised so badly they found that they had better leave too. So, soon after the birds had left, the antelopes and the deers followed. And the beautiful gazelles, the chimps and mousedeers.
A few hundred kilometers up-river, there was a beautiful lake. In it, there were fishes, plants and colourful rocks. There was a dam which had been built by a family of beavers. This dam had trapped the water going down river.There used to be heavier rainfall and the water flew over the dam in good times. But over the last few years, there had been lesser and lesser rainfall. Soon, the little that trickled down the river were very quickly dried up.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Evolutionary Management
In management, just as in life, there is this natural part of evolutionary management. A friend, who had seen the past and who had given me a glimpse of the future, his secret is actually rather simple. "History remembers its footprints".
In other words, we have cycles in life and in management. When there is plenty, there will be lack. When there is want, there will be plenty. And so, we try to correct from the past, and in the process, we evolve. When we get back to a semblance of what we used to be, we call it "retro".
Evolution goes around in spirals. When it fails to get itself lifted, it keeps going around in circles. Until it dries itself up. The new beginning in my department happens in a new season, for a new generation. Those who try to hold on to the past may become part of the casualty of change. It has happened so often. Change is a definite thing. Just as we will age, and weaken in strength.
So, my friend, the new world belongs to you. Just know that more changes will come, and they will change the way we work. Many new people who experience the change for the first time, and will probably be changed in the process. There will also be natural attrition in the process. Affecting those who less adaptable. They will be seen as counter-productive.
In other words, we have cycles in life and in management. When there is plenty, there will be lack. When there is want, there will be plenty. And so, we try to correct from the past, and in the process, we evolve. When we get back to a semblance of what we used to be, we call it "retro".
Evolution goes around in spirals. When it fails to get itself lifted, it keeps going around in circles. Until it dries itself up. The new beginning in my department happens in a new season, for a new generation. Those who try to hold on to the past may become part of the casualty of change. It has happened so often. Change is a definite thing. Just as we will age, and weaken in strength.
So, my friend, the new world belongs to you. Just know that more changes will come, and they will change the way we work. Many new people who experience the change for the first time, and will probably be changed in the process. There will also be natural attrition in the process. Affecting those who less adaptable. They will be seen as counter-productive.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Alone in Bangkok
Hi everyone, I am now in Bangkok, like I was a few years ago. Same as before except that I did not lose my hp. I got stuck here basically becos of a miscommunication. Supposed to have come on Thursday morning, depart back to Sgp on Fri.
Anyhow, got into some misunderstanding with Yen also - I think. She seemed displeased because I failed to pick up her call when she called. Sigh.... I have a terrible time alone in Bangkok because I can hardly understand what people are all talking about. But Thai sounds like a very beautiful language tho. "Sawathee Khar...", "mai Peng Rai Khrap" .. hehe. Reminds me of my friend Ronnie. He speaks Thai. He looks like a Thai Chinese.
The consolation I have when I am alone in Bangkok now is that I am able to move around freely on my own, anywhere I want to go. I did a lot of IT-shopping at Pantip. Great place for looking around, for things like CDs, notebook bags, etc. I got myself a rain-jacket for my D200, and a copycat version (I think) of Gary Fong's soft diffuser for my SB600. With the exchange rate, I only paid $33 for it. Not bad huh?
Walking around in Bangkok, shopping like a treasure-hunter. And taking pictures (my only pastime). What else you expect an old man like me to do ?? Last time when I was here, I went to the grand temple and took some shots. But the initial experience in Bangkok back then was a still rather "fresh". Nowadays, I don't have to take so many shots of temple idols, sculptures etc. I have since moved to portraitures and people going about their ordinary lives.
Anyway, wished I had brought my D200 also. So I could venture into the more exotic places and palaces to snap. Didn't want to waste time with a compact.
Ok, gota go. Chatuchak! BTW, another reason why I am here blogging is .... hehe.. I am using the USB ports to charge up my hp!! It's only 66% but guess I shan't stay too long like this. Waste of time when I have no ready pictures to upload yet!
Anyhow, got into some misunderstanding with Yen also - I think. She seemed displeased because I failed to pick up her call when she called. Sigh.... I have a terrible time alone in Bangkok because I can hardly understand what people are all talking about. But Thai sounds like a very beautiful language tho. "Sawathee Khar...", "mai Peng Rai Khrap" .. hehe. Reminds me of my friend Ronnie. He speaks Thai. He looks like a Thai Chinese.
The consolation I have when I am alone in Bangkok now is that I am able to move around freely on my own, anywhere I want to go. I did a lot of IT-shopping at Pantip. Great place for looking around, for things like CDs, notebook bags, etc. I got myself a rain-jacket for my D200, and a copycat version (I think) of Gary Fong's soft diffuser for my SB600. With the exchange rate, I only paid $33 for it. Not bad huh?
Walking around in Bangkok, shopping like a treasure-hunter. And taking pictures (my only pastime). What else you expect an old man like me to do ?? Last time when I was here, I went to the grand temple and took some shots. But the initial experience in Bangkok back then was a still rather "fresh". Nowadays, I don't have to take so many shots of temple idols, sculptures etc. I have since moved to portraitures and people going about their ordinary lives.
Anyway, wished I had brought my D200 also. So I could venture into the more exotic places and palaces to snap. Didn't want to waste time with a compact.
Ok, gota go. Chatuchak! BTW, another reason why I am here blogging is .... hehe.. I am using the USB ports to charge up my hp!! It's only 66% but guess I shan't stay too long like this. Waste of time when I have no ready pictures to upload yet!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
My version: Father & Son with Cats in The Cradle
I was once like you are now,
and I know it is not easy
when you find something going on.
Take your time, Think alot.
Life's often full of flaws
And the things you've been taught
Might not be right anymore.
and I know it is not easy
when you find something going on.
Take your time, Think alot.
Life's often full of flaws
And the things you've been taught
Might not be right anymore.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Sony Cybershot H10
Bought myself a Sony Cybershot H10 recently. Not easy lugging the D200 and lenses along everywhere I go. It is small and lightweight.
I got a teleconverter (0.5X). With some accessories, it should work as fine as the dslr for most of the routine pictures.
For one thing, I particularly enjoy holding it high over people's heads. I can do that with my D200. The high ISO is also good for evening shots without flash. Might be hard for a dslr. Good for travelogues.
I got a teleconverter (0.5X). With some accessories, it should work as fine as the dslr for most of the routine pictures.
For one thing, I particularly enjoy holding it high over people's heads. I can do that with my D200. The high ISO is also good for evening shots without flash. Might be hard for a dslr. Good for travelogues.
Interesting quotes
You are surrounded by miracles, if you take the time to look and feel their presence.
Find yourself by being nobody but yourself.
Everybody wants to be somebody, but few people have the patience to be themselves.
Some people go through a forest and see no firewood.
When you judge others, you don't define them, you define yourself.
Haste always seems to pursue those things which seem to be profitable for ourselves; pausing and saying "no" to this busyness enables us to understand what is best for the general good.
Find yourself by being nobody but yourself.
Everybody wants to be somebody, but few people have the patience to be themselves.
Some people go through a forest and see no firewood.
When you judge others, you don't define them, you define yourself.
Haste always seems to pursue those things which seem to be profitable for ourselves; pausing and saying "no" to this busyness enables us to understand what is best for the general good.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Quote from a friend I haven't met
Hi friends,
One Step Further, One Step Closer
Do more than exist: live.
Do more than touch: feel.
Do more than look: observe.
Do more than read: absorb.
Do more than hear: listen.
Do more than listen: understand.
Do more than think: reflect.
Do more than just talk: say something.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
5 Challenges at workplace
According to an article, there are bullies and gossips at your new workplace, just as there probably were at your former school. And the good news is that "the same approaches you took then to overcome those obstacles can still come in handy today."
Here are some of the "common challenges" that we faced during school days and may be facing still at our workplace also:
Challenge No. 1: Bullies exist in the workplace, too. ("Though the actions are subtler, the effect is still the same: frustration and damage to your self-confidence.") Personally, I would include those snobs and bigots who "brow-beat" and also those "smart alecks" who readily pounce on a mistake that others make. We have been branded "stupid", underachievers, weaklings, lame ..... ".
Challenge No. 2: Gossipers have a very good nose for newsy matters and often rake up issues either personally, or through those with that same weakness in their character. In school, we normally would not think they could be that bad. After all, after graduation, most of us would have thought we probably won't meet them again. But, after having read this article, interesting why I did not realise, the gossip monger at my workplace today probably had been the class amateur from another school. Whether these evolve into highly intelligent political beings or vile "mess-comm" professionals, I only wish that my company could rid of these finally.
For my friends who have been unconsciously entangled into those webs that he has been spinning, I wish they would read the next passage.
"Gossiping about co-workers can damage relationships and harm your professional reputation. So try to stay above the fray. Instead of joining a conversation about an inappropriate topic, avoid it by excusing yourself. And if you happen to overhear some "juicy" information, keep it to yourself."
My advice: Don't get played. Seek your develop your own strengths without getting over the backs of some others to gain your altitude in life. To me, there are 2 types of gossipers: those who are weak and those who are wicked. Political animals do have a personal motive or a deep desire to feel belonged. In their everyday conversation, they need to have things to discuss. Policies, People, Practices, Procedures, Personal stuffs of people. They derive satisfaction when people listen or are really affected by what they hear. They get more kicks when people's ears itch for more.
The bible says " Out from the abundance of his heart, the mouth speaks." And so, the chest from a thief will spew out stolen treasures. So, we have to learn to bridle our tongues.
Challenge No. 3: Making friends. Why is it such a challenge, probably greater than that encountered during schooldays? Could it becos as youngsters, we are more "forgiving" as well as more naive? Having been betrayed, finding a trustworthy friend who will stand by me despite all the silly mistakes I have made, and someone's whose friendship is not manipulative is a challenge alright.
Challenge No. 4: Finding a mentor. Mentors are invaluable guides not only at work, but in life as well. Depending on what kind of a mentor you are seeking, he or she must be, first of all, someone you can trust to mould you.
Challenge No. 5: Participating in extracurricular activities. ( I shall cut and paste wholesale the rest of the article here.)
"To balance the time spent in the classroom or at home huddled over a book, you may joined a club, played a sport or participated in a performing art. Keep in mind that maintaining a balance between your personal and professional obligations is still important. Continuously working long hours or taking projects home can cause burnout and lower your satisfaction for your job. "
"Devoting time to outside hobbies or interests can not only prevent this but also enhance your skill set. For instance, doing improvisational comedy on the side can help you think on your feet. And by exploring varied activities, you'll bring unique perspectives and ideas to the workplace. "
"If your workplace begins to remind you of your high school, remember the strategies you used in school to overcome challenges and excel. Chances are the lessons you learned during those four formative years will still serve you well today."
Here are some of the "common challenges" that we faced during school days and may be facing still at our workplace also:
Challenge No. 1: Bullies exist in the workplace, too. ("Though the actions are subtler, the effect is still the same: frustration and damage to your self-confidence.") Personally, I would include those snobs and bigots who "brow-beat" and also those "smart alecks" who readily pounce on a mistake that others make. We have been branded "stupid", underachievers, weaklings, lame ..... ".
Challenge No. 2: Gossipers have a very good nose for newsy matters and often rake up issues either personally, or through those with that same weakness in their character. In school, we normally would not think they could be that bad. After all, after graduation, most of us would have thought we probably won't meet them again. But, after having read this article, interesting why I did not realise, the gossip monger at my workplace today probably had been the class amateur from another school. Whether these evolve into highly intelligent political beings or vile "mess-comm" professionals, I only wish that my company could rid of these finally.
For my friends who have been unconsciously entangled into those webs that he has been spinning, I wish they would read the next passage.
"Gossiping about co-workers can damage relationships and harm your professional reputation. So try to stay above the fray. Instead of joining a conversation about an inappropriate topic, avoid it by excusing yourself. And if you happen to overhear some "juicy" information, keep it to yourself."
My advice: Don't get played. Seek your develop your own strengths without getting over the backs of some others to gain your altitude in life. To me, there are 2 types of gossipers: those who are weak and those who are wicked. Political animals do have a personal motive or a deep desire to feel belonged. In their everyday conversation, they need to have things to discuss. Policies, People, Practices, Procedures, Personal stuffs of people. They derive satisfaction when people listen or are really affected by what they hear. They get more kicks when people's ears itch for more.
The bible says " Out from the abundance of his heart, the mouth speaks." And so, the chest from a thief will spew out stolen treasures. So, we have to learn to bridle our tongues.
Challenge No. 3: Making friends. Why is it such a challenge, probably greater than that encountered during schooldays? Could it becos as youngsters, we are more "forgiving" as well as more naive? Having been betrayed, finding a trustworthy friend who will stand by me despite all the silly mistakes I have made, and someone's whose friendship is not manipulative is a challenge alright.
Challenge No. 4: Finding a mentor. Mentors are invaluable guides not only at work, but in life as well. Depending on what kind of a mentor you are seeking, he or she must be, first of all, someone you can trust to mould you.
Challenge No. 5: Participating in extracurricular activities. ( I shall cut and paste wholesale the rest of the article here.)
"To balance the time spent in the classroom or at home huddled over a book, you may joined a club, played a sport or participated in a performing art. Keep in mind that maintaining a balance between your personal and professional obligations is still important. Continuously working long hours or taking projects home can cause burnout and lower your satisfaction for your job. "
"Devoting time to outside hobbies or interests can not only prevent this but also enhance your skill set. For instance, doing improvisational comedy on the side can help you think on your feet. And by exploring varied activities, you'll bring unique perspectives and ideas to the workplace. "
"If your workplace begins to remind you of your high school, remember the strategies you used in school to overcome challenges and excel. Chances are the lessons you learned during those four formative years will still serve you well today."
Brilliant Stupidity
"Practical Passion. Questioning Answers. Volatile Stability. Singular Integration. Grounded Reach. Simple Complexity." These is the vision of the mighty Goldman Sachs. It is posted on its website for all to see under the title 'Unrelenting Thinking'.
~ Lucy Kellaway, in Sense & Nonsense in the Office (Prentice Hall)
This article is interesting. Actually, it had not confused me. Not because I undersood it completely but because it passed right through me! I had to read it again and think I finally got a bit enlightened only while being confused by what she was trying to mean when she described Goldman Sach's vision as "brilliant stupidity".
You see, some articles are meant to enlighten or edify. Most would also try to entertain as they educate. (Wonder why most text books writers are not learning from those DIYs or those "for Dummies" writers tho.) Anyway, this article is "unusual" because if you had understood it at first read, you would have been confused at first. Think about it. The pairs contradict each other. The author understood what Goldman Sachs meant and finally described what she read as "Brilliant Stupidity".
This finally makes a lot of sense to what we have been trying to do, at work and at home. Sometimes, in order to achieve stability, one has to stay "fluid". Have you every tried staying balanced in the moving bus without holding on to anything else? You must not lock your knees. But rather, loosen your knees, keep them bent at all times and just "go with the flow".
Sometimes in order to clean up the room, one has to beat up the dust from the mattress.
Interesting?
~ Lucy Kellaway, in Sense & Nonsense in the Office (Prentice Hall)
This article is interesting. Actually, it had not confused me. Not because I undersood it completely but because it passed right through me! I had to read it again and think I finally got a bit enlightened only while being confused by what she was trying to mean when she described Goldman Sach's vision as "brilliant stupidity".
You see, some articles are meant to enlighten or edify. Most would also try to entertain as they educate. (Wonder why most text books writers are not learning from those DIYs or those "for Dummies" writers tho.) Anyway, this article is "unusual" because if you had understood it at first read, you would have been confused at first. Think about it. The pairs contradict each other. The author understood what Goldman Sachs meant and finally described what she read as "Brilliant Stupidity".
This finally makes a lot of sense to what we have been trying to do, at work and at home. Sometimes, in order to achieve stability, one has to stay "fluid". Have you every tried staying balanced in the moving bus without holding on to anything else? You must not lock your knees. But rather, loosen your knees, keep them bent at all times and just "go with the flow".
Sometimes in order to clean up the room, one has to beat up the dust from the mattress.
Interesting?
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
5Cs (Copied from somewhere)
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
--Andrew Carnegie
Running a company, even if it is a small business, needs a team of committed and capable employees who can get the job done. But a team is not something that happens by itself. The process of team-building takes time and effort. The end result is to create a work environment in which every person feels like his or her contribution is a vital and valued part of the organization’s success.
We have put together a list of 5 Cs of effective team-building to help you on your way:
1. Clear expectations:
One of the key characteristics of a successful team is clear role delineation of every team member - every person has to know the role he or she is expected to play in the company as well as the roles of the other team members. As the business owner, you have to ensure that every employee in your organization clearly understands how and where he/she fits in the organizational structure. Use organizational charts and staff meetings to facilitate this understanding.
2. Channels of communication:
Create and maintain open channels of communication with your employees. This must not only be between you and your employees, but also among the staff. Create a working atmosphere such that your employees know that you are always available to listen to their concerns. Also encourage them to discuss genuine issues amongst themselves. Without free and unfettered communication, team-building is only a distant dream.
3. Conflict resolution:
Getting a group of people to work together is not a bed of roses. There will invariably be times when the going gets rough and differences come out in the open. Develop conflict-resolution skills among your employees and create a mechanism for grievance redressal, if they can’t resolve their problems on their own. If necessary, arrange for professionals to conduct workshops on this subject.
4. Consequences:
Make members feel responsible and accountable for team achievements. Enable them to understand that each individual contribution is a vital piece in the whole picture. At the same time, encourage individual creativity to blossom by instituting a system of rewards and recognition.
5. Celebrating achievements as a team:
Give your team-building efforts a fillip by celebrating successes as a group. Since every employee plays an important part in the success or failure of your business, it only makes sense to celebrate your achievements as a team. Depending on the size of the achievement, your celebration can be as simple as a pizza party or as spectacular as a company trip to Hawaii.
Use these tips to ensure that the people who make up your small business work together as a team towards the same goal. By empowering and instilling a sense of belonging in your employees, you will have created a successful team that works hard to achieve the best results for you.
--Andrew Carnegie
Running a company, even if it is a small business, needs a team of committed and capable employees who can get the job done. But a team is not something that happens by itself. The process of team-building takes time and effort. The end result is to create a work environment in which every person feels like his or her contribution is a vital and valued part of the organization’s success.
We have put together a list of 5 Cs of effective team-building to help you on your way:
1. Clear expectations:
One of the key characteristics of a successful team is clear role delineation of every team member - every person has to know the role he or she is expected to play in the company as well as the roles of the other team members. As the business owner, you have to ensure that every employee in your organization clearly understands how and where he/she fits in the organizational structure. Use organizational charts and staff meetings to facilitate this understanding.
2. Channels of communication:
Create and maintain open channels of communication with your employees. This must not only be between you and your employees, but also among the staff. Create a working atmosphere such that your employees know that you are always available to listen to their concerns. Also encourage them to discuss genuine issues amongst themselves. Without free and unfettered communication, team-building is only a distant dream.
3. Conflict resolution:
Getting a group of people to work together is not a bed of roses. There will invariably be times when the going gets rough and differences come out in the open. Develop conflict-resolution skills among your employees and create a mechanism for grievance redressal, if they can’t resolve their problems on their own. If necessary, arrange for professionals to conduct workshops on this subject.
4. Consequences:
Make members feel responsible and accountable for team achievements. Enable them to understand that each individual contribution is a vital piece in the whole picture. At the same time, encourage individual creativity to blossom by instituting a system of rewards and recognition.
5. Celebrating achievements as a team:
Give your team-building efforts a fillip by celebrating successes as a group. Since every employee plays an important part in the success or failure of your business, it only makes sense to celebrate your achievements as a team. Depending on the size of the achievement, your celebration can be as simple as a pizza party or as spectacular as a company trip to Hawaii.
Use these tips to ensure that the people who make up your small business work together as a team towards the same goal. By empowering and instilling a sense of belonging in your employees, you will have created a successful team that works hard to achieve the best results for you.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Quote of the Week 32 - 2008 (from Elena Goh)
Hi, this is from a lady friend I have never met.
"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change
rather than allowing it to master you"
~ Brian Tracy
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Sometimes, it takes just a change of situation that turns everything upside down. When you least expected it. This is how it is, in my life, and my family.
I was one of those fools who had planned in his heart, "Tomorrow we shall do this and this.... " but the tomorrow I have been yearning for, now seems like it gaining distance from my reach. I asked God many times, why brought me here, and then let me suffer. I also watch the people I care about suffer. Sadder because I feel they suffer more because of me. Life is like a sick joke, sometimes. Humans can be happy when they see a newborn baby cast its first smile. But how short the happiness is. Everything is but vanity. Why does God allow people to populate the earth so that in the end, they could murder one another? Even at work, they made friends, and then backstabbed one another?
Beware of the devil. He is more beutiful than you can imagine. His words are very convincing and they are always ready to devour you. Our hearts are proud and egoistic. This makes it easier for it to control us. For a start, learn to bridle our tongues - for it has the power to destroy. Next, do not let your heart be filled with disappointments, and frustration. When the heart is uncomfortable, so it will lash its tongue about and spill its venom. So, always keep your focus on the ultimate goal of your life. Ignore the rest.
I was one of those fools who had planned in his heart, "Tomorrow we shall do this and this.... " but the tomorrow I have been yearning for, now seems like it gaining distance from my reach. I asked God many times, why brought me here, and then let me suffer. I also watch the people I care about suffer. Sadder because I feel they suffer more because of me. Life is like a sick joke, sometimes. Humans can be happy when they see a newborn baby cast its first smile. But how short the happiness is. Everything is but vanity. Why does God allow people to populate the earth so that in the end, they could murder one another? Even at work, they made friends, and then backstabbed one another?
Beware of the devil. He is more beutiful than you can imagine. His words are very convincing and they are always ready to devour you. Our hearts are proud and egoistic. This makes it easier for it to control us. For a start, learn to bridle our tongues - for it has the power to destroy. Next, do not let your heart be filled with disappointments, and frustration. When the heart is uncomfortable, so it will lash its tongue about and spill its venom. So, always keep your focus on the ultimate goal of your life. Ignore the rest.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Joke from a Singaporean
There was once a very good barber in NEW YORK , he givesFree Haircut to everybody who comes into his shop to have their haircuts. One day a florist goes to him for a haircut. After the cut, he goes to pay the barber and the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.' The Florist is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen roses waiting at his door .
A policeman goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barberafter the cut. But the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.'
The cop is happy and leaves the shop.The next morning the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen donuts waiting at his door ..
A Singaporean software engineer goes for a haircut and he also goes topay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.'
The Singaporean software engineer is very happy and leaves. The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, guess what he finds there............
Can you guess?
Come on, think like a Singaporean....
have you got the answer ........... ?
....................................................... a dozen Singaporeans waiting for a free haircut!
The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen roses waiting at his door .
A policeman goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barberafter the cut. But the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.'
The cop is happy and leaves the shop.The next morning the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen donuts waiting at his door ..
A Singaporean software engineer goes for a haircut and he also goes topay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies:'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.'
The Singaporean software engineer is very happy and leaves. The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, guess what he finds there............
Can you guess?
Come on, think like a Singaporean....
have you got the answer ........... ?
....................................................... a dozen Singaporeans waiting for a free haircut!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
From Elena Goh, again
"Five years from now, you’ll be the same person you are today
except for the people you meet and the books you read."
~ Charlie Jones
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am feeling very tired & drained lately, especially during this period in my life.
Post-JCI and I don't think I will be able to celebrate.
except for the people you meet and the books you read."
~ Charlie Jones
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am feeling very tired & drained lately, especially during this period in my life.
Post-JCI and I don't think I will be able to celebrate.
Got this joke from a friend ..
Once PVNR (PV Narasimha Rao), L.K.Advani and Laloo Prasad Yadav were travelling in an autorickshaw. They met with an accident and all three of them died. Yama Raja was waiting for this moment at the doorstep of death. He asks PVNR and Advani to go to HEAVEN.But, for Laloo, Yama had already decided that he should be sent to HELL. Laloo is not at all happy with this decision. He asks Yama as to why this discrimination is being made.
All the three of them had served the public. Similarly, all took bribes, all misused public positions, etc. Then why the differential treatment?
He felt that there should be a formal test or an objective evaluation before a decision is made; and should not be just based on opinion or pre-conceived notions.
Yama agrees to this and asks all the three of them to appear for an English test.
PVNR is asked to spell 'INDIA' and he does it correctly.
Advani is asked to spell 'ENGLAND' and he too passes.
It is Laloo's turn and he is asked to spell 'CZECHOSLOVAKIA'.
Laloo protests that he doesn't know English. He says this is not fair and that he was given a tough question and thus forced to fail with false intent.
Yama then agrees to conduct a written test in Hindi (to give another chance assuming that Laloo should at least feel that Hindi would provide an equal platform for all three).
PVNR is asked to write 'KUTTA BOLA BHOW BHOW'. He writes it easily and passes.
Advani is asked to write 'BILLY BOLI MYAUN MYAUN'. He too passes.
Laloo is asked to write 'BANDAR BOLA GURRRRRR.... .'
Tough one.. He fails again. Laloo is extremely unhappy. Having been a student of history (which the other two weren't), he now requested for all the 3 to be subjected to a test in history. Yama says OK but this would be the last chance and that he would not take any more tests.
PVNR is asked: 'When did India get Independence ?'.
He replied '1947' and passed.
Advani is asked 'How many people died during the independence struggle?'.
He gets nervous. Yama asked him to choose from 3 options:
100,000 or 200,000 or 300,000.
Advani catches it and says 200,000 and passes.
It's Laloo's turn now.
Yama asks him to give the Name and Address of each of the 200,000 who died in the struggle. Laloo accepts defeat and agrees to go to HELL.
Moral of the story:
IF YOUR MANAGEMENT HAS DECIDED TO SCREW YOU, THERE IS NO ESCAPE.
All the three of them had served the public. Similarly, all took bribes, all misused public positions, etc. Then why the differential treatment?
He felt that there should be a formal test or an objective evaluation before a decision is made; and should not be just based on opinion or pre-conceived notions.
Yama agrees to this and asks all the three of them to appear for an English test.
PVNR is asked to spell 'INDIA' and he does it correctly.
Advani is asked to spell 'ENGLAND' and he too passes.
It is Laloo's turn and he is asked to spell 'CZECHOSLOVAKIA'.
Laloo protests that he doesn't know English. He says this is not fair and that he was given a tough question and thus forced to fail with false intent.
Yama then agrees to conduct a written test in Hindi (to give another chance assuming that Laloo should at least feel that Hindi would provide an equal platform for all three).
PVNR is asked to write 'KUTTA BOLA BHOW BHOW'. He writes it easily and passes.
Advani is asked to write 'BILLY BOLI MYAUN MYAUN'. He too passes.
Laloo is asked to write 'BANDAR BOLA GURRRRRR.... .'
Tough one.. He fails again. Laloo is extremely unhappy. Having been a student of history (which the other two weren't), he now requested for all the 3 to be subjected to a test in history. Yama says OK but this would be the last chance and that he would not take any more tests.
PVNR is asked: 'When did India get Independence ?'.
He replied '1947' and passed.
Advani is asked 'How many people died during the independence struggle?'.
He gets nervous. Yama asked him to choose from 3 options:
100,000 or 200,000 or 300,000.
Advani catches it and says 200,000 and passes.
It's Laloo's turn now.
Yama asks him to give the Name and Address of each of the 200,000 who died in the struggle. Laloo accepts defeat and agrees to go to HELL.
Moral of the story:
IF YOUR MANAGEMENT HAS DECIDED TO SCREW YOU, THERE IS NO ESCAPE.
Friday, July 18, 2008
I appreciate my boss for buying us all pizza as we worked through the late evening yesterday.
Auditors should have bought toto and 4Ds.
Of all forms, they had to pick up THAT ONE that had a missing page! Someone slipped. But as usual, everyone will kena. We do not know who, except that something's got to give - one way or another.
Looking back, everyone slipped big time. Probably, everyone will have a couple of turns at the Wailing Wall.
I wish JCI isn't meant for pointing fingers or for shaking heads. I somehow feel many (if not most) of the pains and fright have been a little over-dramatic and probably self-inflicted. Perhaps that's the price we have to pay for wanting to be the top. In the end, I think if we receive the award, everyone deserves it. But I do wish that we do not accuse people of having slipped and still in the end, congratulate him/her for "everything".
We were probably all doing things we have thought to be 'right" until the standards and requirements were updated. Sometimes, a simple answer might have been better than trying to correct history at the last minute. Sometimes, there isn't only ONE right way to do things. There may be BEST PRACTICES, but certainly we can't straightaway treat anything that is different as being "wrong". They have been done that particular way still with the best intentions. Altho different from how you would opine, but they may not be as terrible as you make it sound to be.
I heard "Come on lah, how you could do things like this?!" And there have also been so many "You should haves ... " and "How could yous ... ".
"I had spent much of my waking hours working out how things could be run. Sometimes I wonder why, just a few months ago, I had thought everything was in place. I guessed people don't like to read emails and documents which I had painstakingly phrased and typed so that they could all understand. I stayed back and spent whole evenings just to try envision how certain workflows should run .... typed out the process and asked for opinions. As usual, nobody answered, except 1. In the end, everyone acted as if all the game rules came from me!"
"Hey, did you come up with the program?!" "Who made it run this way? This is stupid lah!!!" "Who gave you the right to ... ?" "Why you all do things like that???" "Why you never checked ?"
Still, I really wish I had stuck to fixing broken chairs and tidying up cables under the office tables. Life would have been so much simpler. I probably could have more fun during my precious remaining days on earth. Or just let me do simple errands, so that I could at least focus on my yoga, music and movies that I've been missing ..... I need to break away from this unnecessary game driving people nuts. Trying to make sure things are done right isn't a hard thing actually, except when you are dealing with others who believe everyone should contribute but there is only one - ONE - right way to do things. Strange, what had been right before, suddenly became the stupidest thing I have done.
Anyway, I should be learning to bake next. By a certain time, I would have been able to cook, bake, and make all sorts of yogurt shakes !!! Not much time left for me actually. Maybe that explains my sleepless nights and while in the day, I feel like a zombie. And my friends are probably looking towards clearing their annual leaves, go holiday, or learning a modality, or expecting a promotion.
This afternoon, while I was rushing through an explanation for a complaint letter, someone "K" came and talked to me. She is going to embark on another career path, and I really feel happy for her. She is good, and smart. She doesn't need to drive through more blind alleys and unmarked humps. I think we are in a hazardous occupation. Come JCI, having best practices listed in the Hall of Excellence is good, but all the more, having just ONE RIGHT WAY tends to keep us all too rooted to only one mindset. Whether that mindset is right or not, probably depends on one feels about the next JCI.
Auditors should have bought toto and 4Ds.
Of all forms, they had to pick up THAT ONE that had a missing page! Someone slipped. But as usual, everyone will kena. We do not know who, except that something's got to give - one way or another.
Looking back, everyone slipped big time. Probably, everyone will have a couple of turns at the Wailing Wall.
I wish JCI isn't meant for pointing fingers or for shaking heads. I somehow feel many (if not most) of the pains and fright have been a little over-dramatic and probably self-inflicted. Perhaps that's the price we have to pay for wanting to be the top. In the end, I think if we receive the award, everyone deserves it. But I do wish that we do not accuse people of having slipped and still in the end, congratulate him/her for "everything".
We were probably all doing things we have thought to be 'right" until the standards and requirements were updated. Sometimes, a simple answer might have been better than trying to correct history at the last minute. Sometimes, there isn't only ONE right way to do things. There may be BEST PRACTICES, but certainly we can't straightaway treat anything that is different as being "wrong". They have been done that particular way still with the best intentions. Altho different from how you would opine, but they may not be as terrible as you make it sound to be.
I heard "Come on lah, how you could do things like this?!" And there have also been so many "You should haves ... " and "How could yous ... ".
"I had spent much of my waking hours working out how things could be run. Sometimes I wonder why, just a few months ago, I had thought everything was in place. I guessed people don't like to read emails and documents which I had painstakingly phrased and typed so that they could all understand. I stayed back and spent whole evenings just to try envision how certain workflows should run .... typed out the process and asked for opinions. As usual, nobody answered, except 1. In the end, everyone acted as if all the game rules came from me!"
"Hey, did you come up with the program?!" "Who made it run this way? This is stupid lah!!!" "Who gave you the right to ... ?" "Why you all do things like that???" "Why you never checked ?"
Still, I really wish I had stuck to fixing broken chairs and tidying up cables under the office tables. Life would have been so much simpler. I probably could have more fun during my precious remaining days on earth. Or just let me do simple errands, so that I could at least focus on my yoga, music and movies that I've been missing ..... I need to break away from this unnecessary game driving people nuts. Trying to make sure things are done right isn't a hard thing actually, except when you are dealing with others who believe everyone should contribute but there is only one - ONE - right way to do things. Strange, what had been right before, suddenly became the stupidest thing I have done.
Anyway, I should be learning to bake next. By a certain time, I would have been able to cook, bake, and make all sorts of yogurt shakes !!! Not much time left for me actually. Maybe that explains my sleepless nights and while in the day, I feel like a zombie. And my friends are probably looking towards clearing their annual leaves, go holiday, or learning a modality, or expecting a promotion.
This afternoon, while I was rushing through an explanation for a complaint letter, someone "K" came and talked to me. She is going to embark on another career path, and I really feel happy for her. She is good, and smart. She doesn't need to drive through more blind alleys and unmarked humps. I think we are in a hazardous occupation. Come JCI, having best practices listed in the Hall of Excellence is good, but all the more, having just ONE RIGHT WAY tends to keep us all too rooted to only one mindset. Whether that mindset is right or not, probably depends on one feels about the next JCI.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Hope
"Even in the worst forest fire there is usually some form of life left that will help to bring life out of the ashes. "
Friday, July 11, 2008
There was this policeman. One day he shot dead a young man by mistake. For some reasons, he was not fully responsible for his death but he resigned from the force anyway. However, he felt so full of guilt that he felt he needed to find out what happened to the dead man's family. To his horror, he found that the dead man had left behind a younger sister who was still schooling at that time. Even before meeting her, his informers have already given him some info regarding the sister and how she had been coping without her only sibling. this man felt sorry for having killed her brother, and so decided he had to be close to that girl and be her guardian angel, just as much as her brother had been to her before he was killed.
This younger sister was brought into the home of an aunt who made her work at her cafe after coming back from school. There had to be some reasons why the relatives did not seem comfortable. She really hated the murderer and had been set on trying to find out how her brother was killed in what she had thought to be an accident. Yet, although it had been finally decided as an accident, the sister had refused to forgive the man who killed her brother.
But little did she know that her brother too, had actually joined the gang to rob the bank. He was new but becos he had needed more money, his bad friends pressurised him into joining them. Unfortunately, the attempt was foiled and within minutes of his first encounter with the police, the brother was shot while trying to help his friend.
This younger sister was brought into the home of an aunt who made her work at her cafe after coming back from school. There had to be some reasons why the relatives did not seem comfortable. She really hated the murderer and had been set on trying to find out how her brother was killed in what she had thought to be an accident. Yet, although it had been finally decided as an accident, the sister had refused to forgive the man who killed her brother.
But little did she know that her brother too, had actually joined the gang to rob the bank. He was new but becos he had needed more money, his bad friends pressurised him into joining them. Unfortunately, the attempt was foiled and within minutes of his first encounter with the police, the brother was shot while trying to help his friend.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Although the hammer is a great tool, it cannot be used in every situation.
Sometimes, you would have walked too far into the thick before you realise your blade is blunt or discover that you have wasted precious time.
Therefore, it is always good to pause a moment before embarking on any pre-set plan of actions.
Sometimes, you would have walked too far into the thick before you realise your blade is blunt or discover that you have wasted precious time.
Therefore, it is always good to pause a moment before embarking on any pre-set plan of actions.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Another quote from Elena (thank you)
"Any fool can make things bigger,
more complex, and more violent.
It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage –
to move in the opposite direction."
~ Albert Einstein
more complex, and more violent.
It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage –
to move in the opposite direction."
~ Albert Einstein
Sunday, July 06, 2008
home decor
Found this huge fish tank on display at a fish shop.
Imagine a really huge one down the side of the hall!!
This reminds me of my trip to the Mekong recently.
I hope our home painting should be of padi fields, neighbour kids, birds and buffaloes and a light shower ... wouldn't it be nice?
hmm.. Wonder if they have such a painting.
Think it will be cooling too.
Imagine a really huge one down the side of the hall!!This reminds me of my trip to the Mekong recently.
I hope our home painting should be of padi fields, neighbour kids, birds and buffaloes and a light shower ... wouldn't it be nice?
hmm.. Wonder if they have such a painting.
Think it will be cooling too.
My dream home
Nice or not? Wish this were my home. There will a thin "ultraviolet" line running along the edges ... and maybe up the stairs also.Every evening, for a few hours when the lights are dimmer, the place will look nice also.
Satay recipe
I'm not going to guarantee this will work for your tastebuds.
Ingredients for meat (meat not included)
a. Serai + Lengkuas => normal blend
b. Jintan Halus and kasar + ketumbah => dry blend
c. sugar
d. salt
Marinate
Add 3 tblspn of (a) and (b) each.
Add 8 tblspn of (c)
1 tspn (d)
Mix well and marinate. leave for 7 hrs
Ingredients for sauce
a. as for (a)
b. fried peanuts = > coarse blend
c Chilli powder
d. oil
e. salt
f. ajinomoto (optional)
g. sugar
Method
1. 2 tblsp of (a) + 1 small bowl of (b) + 1tspn of chilli powder + 1 tblspn cooking oil + 3/4 bowl of water + 1 tspn of Salt + 5 tblspn of sugar + a pinch of ajinomoto (optional)
2. Stir well
3. Bring to boil in slow fire
4. stir until cooked
5. Can add a little pineapple (grazed + grounded)
Ingredients for meat (meat not included)
a. Serai + Lengkuas => normal blend
b. Jintan Halus and kasar + ketumbah => dry blend
c. sugar
d. salt
Marinate
Add 3 tblspn of (a) and (b) each.
Add 8 tblspn of (c)
1 tspn (d)
Mix well and marinate. leave for 7 hrs
Ingredients for sauce
a. as for (a)
b. fried peanuts = > coarse blend
c Chilli powder
d. oil
e. salt
f. ajinomoto (optional)
g. sugar
Method
1. 2 tblsp of (a) + 1 small bowl of (b) + 1tspn of chilli powder + 1 tblspn cooking oil + 3/4 bowl of water + 1 tspn of Salt + 5 tblspn of sugar + a pinch of ajinomoto (optional)
2. Stir well
3. Bring to boil in slow fire
4. stir until cooked
5. Can add a little pineapple (grazed + grounded)
Yarn Yard
My company is going to be sucked into the JCI whirlpool soon. In the new economy, companies splurge millions and pay some others who could certify them as the #1.
Since there can't be so many #1s in this world, there's another very clever invention to justify even more millions into it:- BEST PRACTICE.
Can't be helped now. It's a whirlpool. Everyone is paying everyone else and it spirals upwards. Rising costs explains more intensified competitions, which in turn fuels this need to rise to the top and gain more visibility. In such an economy, millions are justified for any service that can help companies move up the next rung. This where tertiary industries come in.
It's either a cyclone which gets one sucked up, or a whirlpool which goes the other way. Either into greater debts (borrowings), or greater revenue. These companies probably don't care a dime where the money comes from. In the end, it's always the last layer of ordinary folks down the "food chain" that gets to pay up. There is no revenue for these folks. Only needs that are met. But nowadays, beyond basic needs, these folks have been educated they need better services, and better qualities of things they probably would need only for a short moment. If you don't know what I mean, just look at the TV monitors and carpeted flooring in the hospitals.
I really wish life could be simpler. We have since walked so far from that garden, populated the earth and desecrated all that is in it. We have done the abominable, and raise killers, thieves and cheats. We have ransacked from the earth more than we can consume, from earth to food; from food to trash and from trash to earth. Until we start having to recycle trash. Nowadays, there are already what seems to be good trash and maybe some places, some people have already started eating trash. As for the industries that made tons of money helping others make money, they sometimes need to recycle some of their ex-products & services, just so much like those in the fashion industries. You can recognise a bell-bottom or a sarong whatever the era. Just that in diffierent countries, they name it differently. Someone could have first brought it out from a 3rd-world country and sold it for more in another country just by sticking a few alphabets onto it. This "value-addedness" in a literate economy costs much less if you live in another country.
Since there can't be so many #1s in this world, there's another very clever invention to justify even more millions into it:- BEST PRACTICE.
Can't be helped now. It's a whirlpool. Everyone is paying everyone else and it spirals upwards. Rising costs explains more intensified competitions, which in turn fuels this need to rise to the top and gain more visibility. In such an economy, millions are justified for any service that can help companies move up the next rung. This where tertiary industries come in.
It's either a cyclone which gets one sucked up, or a whirlpool which goes the other way. Either into greater debts (borrowings), or greater revenue. These companies probably don't care a dime where the money comes from. In the end, it's always the last layer of ordinary folks down the "food chain" that gets to pay up. There is no revenue for these folks. Only needs that are met. But nowadays, beyond basic needs, these folks have been educated they need better services, and better qualities of things they probably would need only for a short moment. If you don't know what I mean, just look at the TV monitors and carpeted flooring in the hospitals.
I really wish life could be simpler. We have since walked so far from that garden, populated the earth and desecrated all that is in it. We have done the abominable, and raise killers, thieves and cheats. We have ransacked from the earth more than we can consume, from earth to food; from food to trash and from trash to earth. Until we start having to recycle trash. Nowadays, there are already what seems to be good trash and maybe some places, some people have already started eating trash. As for the industries that made tons of money helping others make money, they sometimes need to recycle some of their ex-products & services, just so much like those in the fashion industries. You can recognise a bell-bottom or a sarong whatever the era. Just that in diffierent countries, they name it differently. Someone could have first brought it out from a 3rd-world country and sold it for more in another country just by sticking a few alphabets onto it. This "value-addedness" in a literate economy costs much less if you live in another country.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Time-Out
My recent trip to the Mekong Delta.
Reminds me of the old house I used to live in (Charlton Lane).
It's no longer there of course. But during those days, there were also rambutans, franjipanies (?spellos), bananas, Jackfruits and other trees.
It's no longer there of course. But during those days, there were also rambutans, franjipanies (?spellos), bananas, Jackfruits and other trees.
I really miss the care-free days. I notice that children seem to be less concerned about their appearances, mosquitoe-bites, or however filthy the pet is. This is a good thing.
Nowadays, or when we become adults, we become more sensitive about the clothes we wear at work, the cosmetics, the "professional image" we project ("FACIE"), the way we talk and the amount of "environmental noises" that we encounter at our workplaces.
I really hate dealing with coffee-shop politicians. No matter how many layers of lead they surround themselves with. Or even if they are currently not near my CO2. The buzzing in the air can be irksome sometimes and it doesn't matter whether it is coming at you or not. People who tell you that or think this is a small thing obviously has never been bitten by a mosquito.
Smart-alecs and people who, for some reasons, believe they should be better than others, belong together as far as I am concerned. I classify them in the same genus as mossies becos if you are not careful, and by the time you get the itch, its virus has already gotten you into your bloodstream.
Anyway, this is not about these people and thank God, I don't get to encounter these lately. I just want this blog to be about how I wish to live life:- to the fullest and hopefully as little mossie bites as possible. I wish to be like these children, who seemed not to be the least bothered.
Before my cousin and I went there, we had covered ourselves with longs on top of a layer of repellent. tsk. tsk. But I see that the children playing with us were having fun more completely.
How nice to run around barefooted also. It seems we will do that for foot reflexology sake only.
The dirt didn't bother them.
The mossies also did not bother them.
Must really learn to be like them.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Guess what it means
Not sure if anyone understands what this babbling is all about. In the first place, you have chosen to read. Now that you have finished reading, you have to choose your belief.
The human spirit is haughty. If he continues to walk, he will surely trip and fall.
The human spirit is haughty. If he continues to walk, he will surely trip and fall.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Personal Growth
Manage Your Time More Effectively
How often do you take on more than you can possibly handle? Unfortunately,
this seems to be the "norm" in our world today. Attempting to do more
tasks than you have the time or ability to handle can lead to missed
deadlines, less-polished or sloppy work, and missed opportunities.
Missed deadlines – When you take on more than you can handle, you
will miss deadlines on a regular basis. Missed deadlines and
less-polished or sloppy work can adversely affect your service image
with your clients and prospects. They will lose faith in your
ability to deliver the level of service and communication they
require.
Missed opportunities – When you live your life always on overload, it
doesn't allow you to take advantage of opportunities that arise in
life and business. You might be given the opportunity to meet and/or
network with someone important in your business – but if your
schedule has no "give" to it, you could miss out! When scheduling
your day, allow some extra time for each appointment. If you don't
need the extra time with that client/prospect, it becomes bonus time
you can use to brainstorm possible new ideas!
We are all given only so much time each day – be sure you are investing
yours wisely!
by Elena Goh
How often do you take on more than you can possibly handle? Unfortunately,
this seems to be the "norm" in our world today. Attempting to do more
tasks than you have the time or ability to handle can lead to missed
deadlines, less-polished or sloppy work, and missed opportunities.
Missed deadlines – When you take on more than you can handle, you
will miss deadlines on a regular basis. Missed deadlines and
less-polished or sloppy work can adversely affect your service image
with your clients and prospects. They will lose faith in your
ability to deliver the level of service and communication they
require.
Missed opportunities – When you live your life always on overload, it
doesn't allow you to take advantage of opportunities that arise in
life and business. You might be given the opportunity to meet and/or
network with someone important in your business – but if your
schedule has no "give" to it, you could miss out! When scheduling
your day, allow some extra time for each appointment. If you don't
need the extra time with that client/prospect, it becomes bonus time
you can use to brainstorm possible new ideas!
We are all given only so much time each day – be sure you are investing
yours wisely!
by Elena Goh
Collected Quotes
"Ability is what you're capable of,
Motivation determines what you do,
Attitude determines how well you do it."
~ Lou Holtz
We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence,
then, is not an act, but a habit."
~ Aristotle
Judge a man by his questions
rather than by his answers."
~ Voltaire, French Philosopher and Writer
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