I went Bangkok over the designated leave between 23 and 26 January. I finally met up with my Argentinian friend. Although I didn't get the chance to meet up with my Thai friends, I had a great time shopping and eating in Bangkok (if you disregards the horrendous experiences with AirAsia flights). The break has certainly given me a chance to really relax myself. I am eventually on the road to recovery.
I am back at work today, and started my first posting. My current seat is "strategically" right across from the GM. I think he probably noticed I was restless after lunch (with the post-lunch effect and no 'coffee of the day'). Besides the first posting, this morning we had a grand ceremony of "graduation" (from the graduate trainee program). The GM was also there to present a speech and certificates to us. In fact, today seems to be a "fateful day". I even bumped into the GM in the lift this morning. Our meeting was a little awkward. I only noticed him in the corner of the lift when I went in. There was no chance for me to exit the lift. I greeted him "morning" with an awkward tone. Then, when the lift reached the right floor, though I was standing in front of the door, I had to politely let him out of the lift first. And now I will be facing him for at least two weeks till there is available seat for me at my division.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Secrets
Everyone chose to keep his/her own secrets. I respect such decision. Yet, at the same time, I felt the distance I had with him. I'm not sure if he has told me more than the other ten. Many people would think I am the best person to console him when he feels down, even Mr. L seems to have faith in me. I don't even know if I have such faith in myself.
He has let me into a little of something that happened to him. However, he certainly didn't want to elaborate the story behind what changed him. I had a feeling that was what led to our previous conversation about "colleagues are colleagues" that happened few months ago. That feeling kept me thinking. As an inquisitive girl, I have a lot of questions for him but I knew he would only choose to answer me when he feels like it.
In addition, he might seem to have recover from the whole episode of the selection process. Likewise, I don't know what exactly happens. However, quoting his words, "in the corporate world, it's not what you know and do, it's others' perception of what you know and do, plus the people you know", I knew one word could sum up this whole story - "politics". This is how ugly politics can get.
Although at the end of the day I might take another few months to realise what has gone wrong (just like how I finally seemed to understand why the sudden phrase of "colleagues are colleagues"), I know I still treat him as a friend and sincerely hope he will eventually find joy in life.
P.S. I might not have any idea whether he treats me as friend. A friend whom he can trust with his secrets.
He has let me into a little of something that happened to him. However, he certainly didn't want to elaborate the story behind what changed him. I had a feeling that was what led to our previous conversation about "colleagues are colleagues" that happened few months ago. That feeling kept me thinking. As an inquisitive girl, I have a lot of questions for him but I knew he would only choose to answer me when he feels like it.
In addition, he might seem to have recover from the whole episode of the selection process. Likewise, I don't know what exactly happens. However, quoting his words, "in the corporate world, it's not what you know and do, it's others' perception of what you know and do, plus the people you know", I knew one word could sum up this whole story - "politics". This is how ugly politics can get.
Although at the end of the day I might take another few months to realise what has gone wrong (just like how I finally seemed to understand why the sudden phrase of "colleagues are colleagues"), I know I still treat him as a friend and sincerely hope he will eventually find joy in life.
P.S. I might not have any idea whether he treats me as friend. A friend whom he can trust with his secrets.
Numerous Consultation
My cough has not improved over the week. I went for the second consultation with the doctor on Sunday.
In the end, my right eye started giving me problem these days. It became quite red yesterday, and began giving me blur vision yesterday. I had to survive without any contact lens and spectacles this morning to provide my eyes some rest. Luckily, my degree was not too high. I managed to get to office safely. However, I decided to play safe and went for my third consultation (in the last one week plus). The doctor gave me some medications and strongly advised me to stop using make-up and contact lens for at least the next one week. I had no choice but to heed his advice for my Bangkok trip, so I will be spotted with my spectacles for the whole trip. I will try to take off my spectacles for photos though (I'm still keen to look pretty in my photos). In addition, I will have to bring along my cough syrup, as well as my medications for the eye.
I hope I will still enjoy my Bangkok trip before I return for my new work, which will commence on Monday.
P.S. I will be in Bangkok from 23-25 Jan.
In the end, my right eye started giving me problem these days. It became quite red yesterday, and began giving me blur vision yesterday. I had to survive without any contact lens and spectacles this morning to provide my eyes some rest. Luckily, my degree was not too high. I managed to get to office safely. However, I decided to play safe and went for my third consultation (in the last one week plus). The doctor gave me some medications and strongly advised me to stop using make-up and contact lens for at least the next one week. I had no choice but to heed his advice for my Bangkok trip, so I will be spotted with my spectacles for the whole trip. I will try to take off my spectacles for photos though (I'm still keen to look pretty in my photos). In addition, I will have to bring along my cough syrup, as well as my medications for the eye.
I hope I will still enjoy my Bangkok trip before I return for my new work, which will commence on Monday.
P.S. I will be in Bangkok from 23-25 Jan.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Trade
Synopsis:
TRADE provides a compassionate look at an ugly world. In Mexico City, men kidnap13-year-old Adriana (Paulina Gaitan) with the intent of selling her virginity to the highest bidder.
Young Polish beauty Veronica (Alicja Bachleda) is held captive by the same men, and they threaten her young son across the ocean. As the criminals mistreat their victims, Veronica is Adrianas only solace as she is taken farther and farther away from home. Meanwhile, Adrianas older brother, Jorge (Cesar Ramos), begins to track his sister across the Mexican border into Texas and through the United States. On his mission, he runs into a Texas cop named Ray (Kevin Kline) who agrees to help him without ever really saying why.
Opinions:
The movie was a reflection of reality, discussing issues like human trafficking, drugs, corruption and street crimes etc. which are still common problems in Latin America, or rather around the world.
Human trafficking, a global issue that happens in every continent, from Asia to Latin America. The sad truth is that such things happened every day in our world, where many girls and boys are being kidnapped, and forced into being sex slaves.
In the movie, a boy was drugged, and sold to a pedophile. Another pretty young lady (Veronica) was cheated into the sex trade, when she ventured to Mexico in the hope of sending his son to U.S. When she realised her son was snatched away from home by the syndicate, and she chose to end her life in front of Manuel, one of the kidnappers. That was probably how true how life of these victimes eventually ended up in reality too.
Although Jorge eventually managed to save his sister from the clutch of those kidnappers, the show ended off with the child of kidnappers calling out "Dad!" after seeing his dad lying dead on the ground (he was stabbed by Jorge). That left me with such great impact. I am impressed with the director and scriptwriter of the movie by that last scene, which depicts how in real life, people involved in these crimes might also have their families, but for survival or for money, they might just choose such "occupation". This was similar to what Jorge did at the beginning of the movie - cheating tourists at the plaza and then robbing them at some deserted alley. There are probably many people out there on the streets of developing countries like those in Latin America, who chose to commit crimes for the sake of money.
A sad movie that has very profound meaning. Yet, the movie is simple to understand, with an interesting plot. The director has purposely left out not explaining explicitly if Ray eventually finds his daughter, and has chosen to leave it as a mystery till the end. However, the expression in Ray seemed to hint that the kidnapper could likely be his daughter, which indicates a deeper meaning to it...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friends
I am certainly feeling much better now. Or rather I finally regained my calmness. Perhaps I was recovering slightly from my cough and running nose too.
In fact, I didn't quite finish my story that day. I was grateful that I had friends around me when I needed them most that day. They accompanied me at different point in time of the day to console me. Although their methods of consolation vary, I really appreciate the little effort and time they put in for me.
Ms. S sat down with me, and listened to me as I started crying again. She was probably the second person that day to see me breaking down. Occasionally, she would give me a pat on the back to give me encouragement. I am sure if I have allowed her, she would have given me a hug too. I guess a hug can mean a lot to a friend, and nothing can be more realistic than such interaction between friends.
That day I didn't want to venture out for lunch with the rest, as I was still recovering from my illness. I briefly told Mr. T what happened in the morning. I guess he was concern so he came to check on me during lunch after finding out that I was eating in. We ate at L9 together. As I repeat the story to him over my lunch, my tears uncontrollably welled up in my eyes, and they began to stream down my face. He was totally stunned that I actually started crying. I quickly wiped off my tears. Luckily, I did it fast enough before Ms. C came along, and then the rest also discovered that I was at L9 too. I really didn't want to let too many people know that I broke down in front of Ms. K, the HR personnel that morning, but I believed Mr. T has somehow let Ms. C know about it, and that's why she came to look for me at L9.
I think I worked till 7pm that day, then Mr. L who kept me occupy with the to and fro emails asked me to go dinner together. We left for dinner at Amoy. He did not probe into the matter until he made sure we have our food in front of us, and after I started eating. Ultimately, I was quite prepared to tell him the storey, as he has always been giving me advices like a big brother. As usual, he gave me his words of encouragement too.
I must say it's quite an "achievement" by itself to tear in front of three different people at different point in time of a single day. That is so unlike the recent me, who appears so assertive and to possess very strong characters. Quoting the words of one of them, "everyone has their weakest points life." At the end of the day, I had no idea why I was so overwhelmed by the emotions. I was still feeling the tears coming into my eyes when I reached home. However, I am still grateful for three friends who have accompanied me when I needed them.
Now how I wish I could do the same thing for them (or rather all my friends) too...like Mr. T.
I know he is devastated with everything from the company to the first posting that he might choose to leave the company. As a guy, he certainly won't tear in front of others. However, crying is considered an avenue to let out all feelings. It's better than bottoming up till your body cannot cope. Though what I did may seem a little dumb too.
At this present moment, I have no idea how to encourage him. I could only offer him a listening ear, but ultimately there's very little I can do. He probably will choose to keep everything to himself. That's his character. Yet, everyone could tell that he has been rather moody these days. As a friend, I really like to do something to give him some encouragement, and hope he will stay on at least for half a year before moving on. I learnt my lesson the hard way. I guess having worked at least a year in a company before transiting to another environment would be better, or risk having to explain to the prospective employer(s).
How I wish I could do something for him now...
In fact, I didn't quite finish my story that day. I was grateful that I had friends around me when I needed them most that day. They accompanied me at different point in time of the day to console me. Although their methods of consolation vary, I really appreciate the little effort and time they put in for me.
Ms. S sat down with me, and listened to me as I started crying again. She was probably the second person that day to see me breaking down. Occasionally, she would give me a pat on the back to give me encouragement. I am sure if I have allowed her, she would have given me a hug too. I guess a hug can mean a lot to a friend, and nothing can be more realistic than such interaction between friends.
That day I didn't want to venture out for lunch with the rest, as I was still recovering from my illness. I briefly told Mr. T what happened in the morning. I guess he was concern so he came to check on me during lunch after finding out that I was eating in. We ate at L9 together. As I repeat the story to him over my lunch, my tears uncontrollably welled up in my eyes, and they began to stream down my face. He was totally stunned that I actually started crying. I quickly wiped off my tears. Luckily, I did it fast enough before Ms. C came along, and then the rest also discovered that I was at L9 too. I really didn't want to let too many people know that I broke down in front of Ms. K, the HR personnel that morning, but I believed Mr. T has somehow let Ms. C know about it, and that's why she came to look for me at L9.
I think I worked till 7pm that day, then Mr. L who kept me occupy with the to and fro emails asked me to go dinner together. We left for dinner at Amoy. He did not probe into the matter until he made sure we have our food in front of us, and after I started eating. Ultimately, I was quite prepared to tell him the storey, as he has always been giving me advices like a big brother. As usual, he gave me his words of encouragement too.
I must say it's quite an "achievement" by itself to tear in front of three different people at different point in time of a single day. That is so unlike the recent me, who appears so assertive and to possess very strong characters. Quoting the words of one of them, "everyone has their weakest points life." At the end of the day, I had no idea why I was so overwhelmed by the emotions. I was still feeling the tears coming into my eyes when I reached home. However, I am still grateful for three friends who have accompanied me when I needed them.
Now how I wish I could do the same thing for them (or rather all my friends) too...like Mr. T.
I know he is devastated with everything from the company to the first posting that he might choose to leave the company. As a guy, he certainly won't tear in front of others. However, crying is considered an avenue to let out all feelings. It's better than bottoming up till your body cannot cope. Though what I did may seem a little dumb too.
At this present moment, I have no idea how to encourage him. I could only offer him a listening ear, but ultimately there's very little I can do. He probably will choose to keep everything to himself. That's his character. Yet, everyone could tell that he has been rather moody these days. As a friend, I really like to do something to give him some encouragement, and hope he will stay on at least for half a year before moving on. I learnt my lesson the hard way. I guess having worked at least a year in a company before transiting to another environment would be better, or risk having to explain to the prospective employer(s).
How I wish I could do something for him now...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Totally Not Myself Today...
I was totally not myself today...
I was already sweating profusely since early morning. I felt that my whole body temperature dropping. I was not sure if it was all due to the illness, which I have yet to recovered from.
I met my senior buddy at the ladies. She heard about my choices, and told me that I should talk to the senior in my department, who is in the division that I put as first choice. I could sense that she was warning me about something. In fact, she has told me that the department head at that division is very strict with timing.
Then I received a call from Ms. K, the HR personnel. She told me that the department head of my first choice (for my first posting) wants to see me. I decided to reconfirm what my senior buddy has told me earlier. I approached the senior and affirmed that he was really leaving. Previously, I have already heard from someone else he's leaving the company but I was not sure since I have never heard from him. He also told me that the department head is indeed a tough character to handle. I would be stuck in that division, and she does not easily allow for leave to be taken. His words came short and straight to the point. He told me enough to tell me that if I put that as my first choice, I would never attain what I want eventually - to get back to the current division I am in, where my interest truly lies. Although my current division and the division I chose as first choice belong to the same department, the heads who are in-charge are totally different characters. I got all the information I want in just 15 minutes.
I had to make my decision in 5 min. The deadline was 9am. I decided to shift up my choices to place my stakes on one department, which is my second choice. It might seem a dumb choice.
I went up to Ms. K after submitting my choices. I had a one-to-one talk with her. I told her my rationale and my worst case scenario was to get into the compliance team. She tried to probe for my second worst case scenario. I told her blatantly my true feelings was I felt that there was no other department I rather go into. As I talked to her, I started breaking down and began to tear. It was just too short a time to make the decision after getting the information in one morning, or rather in less than half an hour (given the chaotic email checking the moment I reached office after a day of sick leave).
I was already sweating profusely since early morning. I felt that my whole body temperature dropping. I was not sure if it was all due to the illness, which I have yet to recovered from.
I met my senior buddy at the ladies. She heard about my choices, and told me that I should talk to the senior in my department, who is in the division that I put as first choice. I could sense that she was warning me about something. In fact, she has told me that the department head at that division is very strict with timing.
Then I received a call from Ms. K, the HR personnel. She told me that the department head of my first choice (for my first posting) wants to see me. I decided to reconfirm what my senior buddy has told me earlier. I approached the senior and affirmed that he was really leaving. Previously, I have already heard from someone else he's leaving the company but I was not sure since I have never heard from him. He also told me that the department head is indeed a tough character to handle. I would be stuck in that division, and she does not easily allow for leave to be taken. His words came short and straight to the point. He told me enough to tell me that if I put that as my first choice, I would never attain what I want eventually - to get back to the current division I am in, where my interest truly lies. Although my current division and the division I chose as first choice belong to the same department, the heads who are in-charge are totally different characters. I got all the information I want in just 15 minutes.
I had to make my decision in 5 min. The deadline was 9am. I decided to shift up my choices to place my stakes on one department, which is my second choice. It might seem a dumb choice.
I went up to Ms. K after submitting my choices. I had a one-to-one talk with her. I told her my rationale and my worst case scenario was to get into the compliance team. She tried to probe for my second worst case scenario. I told her blatantly my true feelings was I felt that there was no other department I rather go into. As I talked to her, I started breaking down and began to tear. It was just too short a time to make the decision after getting the information in one morning, or rather in less than half an hour (given the chaotic email checking the moment I reached office after a day of sick leave).
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Old & New Friends
I like the feeling of meeting up friends, whom you haven't met up for ages. And it's always nice to make new friends, who are fun loving.
Yesterday I met up some university friends and got to know their friends at Minds Cafe. Then we went to a club near Jumbo Seafood at Boat Quay area. The club has quite a young crowd, and you will see a lot of couples who were busy making out rather than enjoying the music and the dance. I must admit I am not really a clubber. I actually prefer to chill out with friends. Hence, I enjoyed sitting on the sofa, sipping my vodka-lime while most of my friends were on the dance floor. I also managed to have a long one-to-one session with one of my friends, who is also one of my best travelmates. However, I am now suffering from a bad throat after talking at the top of my music against the music. After clubbing, we went to a Bak Kut Teh place at Circular Road. Initially we wanted to go to the famous one across from Central, but we realised it was closed. Hence, we headed for the one at Circular Road. The soup was filled with pepper. I guess I didn't quite like it. I must really try the famous one the next time I go there.
The plan for today is to laze around the pool with a good friend at One George Street. Forget about guys. Forget about work. Let's enjoy life on the first day of the weekend!!!
I should be meeting more friends at night too! That will be an absolutely awesome way to end off Saturday!
Yesterday I met up some university friends and got to know their friends at Minds Cafe. Then we went to a club near Jumbo Seafood at Boat Quay area. The club has quite a young crowd, and you will see a lot of couples who were busy making out rather than enjoying the music and the dance. I must admit I am not really a clubber. I actually prefer to chill out with friends. Hence, I enjoyed sitting on the sofa, sipping my vodka-lime while most of my friends were on the dance floor. I also managed to have a long one-to-one session with one of my friends, who is also one of my best travelmates. However, I am now suffering from a bad throat after talking at the top of my music against the music. After clubbing, we went to a Bak Kut Teh place at Circular Road. Initially we wanted to go to the famous one across from Central, but we realised it was closed. Hence, we headed for the one at Circular Road. The soup was filled with pepper. I guess I didn't quite like it. I must really try the famous one the next time I go there.
The plan for today is to laze around the pool with a good friend at One George Street. Forget about guys. Forget about work. Let's enjoy life on the first day of the weekend!!!
I should be meeting more friends at night too! That will be an absolutely awesome way to end off Saturday!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Three Guy Friends
I just feel like blogging about the three guy friends, namely Mr. K, Mr. L and Mr. T (these initials are different from the rest of my entries) that have appeared or re-appeared in my life these days.
1) Mr. K
We used to be very close friends. We haven't been in contact for quite some time, till recently we started chatting on msn. We met up over a movie once. Then we tried to meet up over quite a number of movies. However, eventually the plans fell through due to various "unforeseen circumstances".
There was one day I felt really upset over some news at work. I happened to see him online and started chatting with him. Not only did he act as my listening ear, but he also told me that I could call him anytime if I needed to talk to someone. That was so sweet of him.
Realising that I was looking for a weekend plan that day, he even asked if I want to join him and his friends for Mahjong and basketball sessions. In the end, I arranged for other plan, but in the evening he came over to my area and asked me out for dinner/supper. We chatted over the food. I really feel like I was back in school whenever I am around him. Life seems so much more simple.
However, we just like to remain as friends for now no matter whether he still has a litte liking for me (as he used to like me). I chose to give myself some time. Yet the feelings towards him have always been very complex. I have no idea how I should express, but many things have happened and the many people that have come into our lives during these years that we did not really contact each other.
2) Mr. L
I've been chatting with him via emails more often than with the rest of my trainee friends. Although most of the time we spent time talking crap, we kept each other "entertained" with the emails that go to and fro, which kept me awake during my self-reading and browsing through pages of google hits (while waiting for the slow PCs and internet to download the various pdf documents).
Occasionally, we will even "sneak out" together at 5pm for dinner at Amoy. The day before his birthday the two of us even went for lunch at Maxwell without notifying the rest. I think he does not seem to make a huge affair out of his birthday. As a friend, I respect his wishes and only treat him to a simple lunch. The lunch only cost $5, but I hope he can appreciate my sincerity.
He really makes a good friend, giving me advices whenever I feel down. The rest of the trainee friends probably have no idea that we've got so close as friends lately. I think we also prefer to keep our friendship "an underground affair" so as not to invite too much unnecessary gossips at workplace.
3) Mr. T
He seemed to have isolated himself from the rest of us, including me previously. Recently, he began to make more frequent visits to my department, where one of my other trainee friends and I are attached to for the internship. He will come by to talk to us.
A few days' ago, we went out lunch together. He was the only one from the trainee program who did not join us. After lunch, I was cheekily trying to ask him where did he go for his lunch date. He readily admitted he went on a "date". I was quite shocked initially, but I decided to play along and finally found out who he went lunch with.
The next day he finally joined us for lunch. When he found out that I had a blog, he wanted to know the url, which I wouldn't give him this current one that has too much information on my workplace. He actually said something like he treated me as friend, and told me a "secret" and I should in return be willing to share my "secret" - my blog's url. I was shocked and happy upon hearing that because he was the one who told me that "colleagues are colleagues" and ruled out that I was a friend of him few months ago. I was still thinking previously if he ever treated me as a friend. Now the mystery is finally solved.
I am glad he is treating me as a friend the way I treated him as one. I really hope this friendship will last. Although I must admit I don't know this friend well enough (he kept too many things to himself), I know there is a part of me that is willing to sacrifice for this friend because he is worth keeping as a friend.
1) Mr. K
We used to be very close friends. We haven't been in contact for quite some time, till recently we started chatting on msn. We met up over a movie once. Then we tried to meet up over quite a number of movies. However, eventually the plans fell through due to various "unforeseen circumstances".
There was one day I felt really upset over some news at work. I happened to see him online and started chatting with him. Not only did he act as my listening ear, but he also told me that I could call him anytime if I needed to talk to someone. That was so sweet of him.
Realising that I was looking for a weekend plan that day, he even asked if I want to join him and his friends for Mahjong and basketball sessions. In the end, I arranged for other plan, but in the evening he came over to my area and asked me out for dinner/supper. We chatted over the food. I really feel like I was back in school whenever I am around him. Life seems so much more simple.
However, we just like to remain as friends for now no matter whether he still has a litte liking for me (as he used to like me). I chose to give myself some time. Yet the feelings towards him have always been very complex. I have no idea how I should express, but many things have happened and the many people that have come into our lives during these years that we did not really contact each other.
2) Mr. L
I've been chatting with him via emails more often than with the rest of my trainee friends. Although most of the time we spent time talking crap, we kept each other "entertained" with the emails that go to and fro, which kept me awake during my self-reading and browsing through pages of google hits (while waiting for the slow PCs and internet to download the various pdf documents).
Occasionally, we will even "sneak out" together at 5pm for dinner at Amoy. The day before his birthday the two of us even went for lunch at Maxwell without notifying the rest. I think he does not seem to make a huge affair out of his birthday. As a friend, I respect his wishes and only treat him to a simple lunch. The lunch only cost $5, but I hope he can appreciate my sincerity.
He really makes a good friend, giving me advices whenever I feel down. The rest of the trainee friends probably have no idea that we've got so close as friends lately. I think we also prefer to keep our friendship "an underground affair" so as not to invite too much unnecessary gossips at workplace.
3) Mr. T
He seemed to have isolated himself from the rest of us, including me previously. Recently, he began to make more frequent visits to my department, where one of my other trainee friends and I are attached to for the internship. He will come by to talk to us.
A few days' ago, we went out lunch together. He was the only one from the trainee program who did not join us. After lunch, I was cheekily trying to ask him where did he go for his lunch date. He readily admitted he went on a "date". I was quite shocked initially, but I decided to play along and finally found out who he went lunch with.
The next day he finally joined us for lunch. When he found out that I had a blog, he wanted to know the url, which I wouldn't give him this current one that has too much information on my workplace. He actually said something like he treated me as friend, and told me a "secret" and I should in return be willing to share my "secret" - my blog's url. I was shocked and happy upon hearing that because he was the one who told me that "colleagues are colleagues" and ruled out that I was a friend of him few months ago. I was still thinking previously if he ever treated me as a friend. Now the mystery is finally solved.
I am glad he is treating me as a friend the way I treated him as one. I really hope this friendship will last. Although I must admit I don't know this friend well enough (he kept too many things to himself), I know there is a part of me that is willing to sacrifice for this friend because he is worth keeping as a friend.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Priorities in Life
I managed to get some life beyond work these days. I've been going out with friends lately. At the same time, I feel that life is getting more complex too. Perhaps as you grow older, your intuition works better or rather you become more sensitive to things around you. However, I really don't want to give any false hopes to anyone. At this moment, work is my foremost priority in life. In addition, I've been through too much guessing work last year. I guess now I just want to sit back and enjoy life first. There are just too much complexity to consider in a relationship. Of course, I don't want fate to slip again after so many years. However, I also don't want to jump into something I am not ready for.
Last Internship
It's like the 4th week into my last internship. I still have no idea much about my division. Once again my boss(es) sit behind me. Or rather my boss sits at the furthest end from me, while my big boss sits directly behind me. I am in fact closer to the other divisions within my department.
After weeks of self-reading, I am finally given some assignments to do. These assignments kept me slightly more motivated at work. Reading is essential to gain knowledge on the concepts and terminologies of the department, but it can get a little dry without doing some value-adding tasks. Most people would probably dread the idea of staying back late in office. On the contrary, I am glad that I have work to do. I don't mind staying on to finish up the research given to me. However, I can't stay beyond 8 pm. My boss tries chasing me back home yesterday, which signals that I probably won't get any dinner allowance even if I stayed on. Hence, it would be better for me to leave before that. I will still try to finish up the assignments given to me by the deadline, and hopefully I have done a good job on them too. Well, I just hope everything turns out well at work...
After weeks of self-reading, I am finally given some assignments to do. These assignments kept me slightly more motivated at work. Reading is essential to gain knowledge on the concepts and terminologies of the department, but it can get a little dry without doing some value-adding tasks. Most people would probably dread the idea of staying back late in office. On the contrary, I am glad that I have work to do. I don't mind staying on to finish up the research given to me. However, I can't stay beyond 8 pm. My boss tries chasing me back home yesterday, which signals that I probably won't get any dinner allowance even if I stayed on. Hence, it would be better for me to leave before that. I will still try to finish up the assignments given to me by the deadline, and hopefully I have done a good job on them too. Well, I just hope everything turns out well at work...
Friday, January 4, 2008
No Smoke Without Fire
I heard rumors that there won't be enough vacancies for the graduate trainees. Most departments are not opening up during this period, probably due to head count issues (i.e. budget). The worst thing is I also heard that my current division is also not recruiting at the moment. When you finally thought you found your direction in life, you realised you can't fulfil that dream and achieve your goal. I was totally upset after hearing the 'rumors'. At this point in time, we have no evidence to verify the source of the news. However, there's no smoke without fire. I just hope that when my big boss returns from his holiday, he will bring back some good news for me.
I came home after work still feeling the impact of the news. Luckily, two good friends cheered me up a little. One of them was sweet enough to tell me I could always give him a ring if I need a listening ear...
I came home after work still feeling the impact of the news. Luckily, two good friends cheered me up a little. One of them was sweet enough to tell me I could always give him a ring if I need a listening ear...
The Angel & Devil
I came across this at a friend's blog. I thought it is quite interesting, and decided to share with those who read my blog too.
每个男孩都曾是地狱的恶魔，当遇到自己喜欢的女孩时，便会动心，于是变为凡人。 所以女孩一定不要辜负男孩，不然男孩又要回到地狱。每个女孩都曾是无泪的天使，当遇到自己喜欢的男孩时，便会流泪，于是变成凡人。所以男孩一定不要辜负女孩，因为女孩为你放弃了整个天堂!
每个男孩都曾是地狱的恶魔，当遇到自己喜欢的女孩时，便会动心，于是变为凡人。 所以女孩一定不要辜负男孩，不然男孩又要回到地狱。每个女孩都曾是无泪的天使，当遇到自己喜欢的男孩时，便会流泪，于是变成凡人。所以男孩一定不要辜负女孩，因为女孩为你放弃了整个天堂!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
D-Day Is Coming
D-Day = Decision Day or is it Doom Day?!
The HR personnel has sent out the email to all graduate trainees, informing us that she's waiting for the final confirmation of vacancies from the JGM / department heads. Meanwhile, she wants us to reply her with our decisions (stating our top three choices for the final posting).
I will probably put Project Finance - Advisory & Finance as my first choice. That's where I am now. Although I still have no idea how real work is going to be like in the department, I think that's the closest to where I like to venture into in the future (to where I belong). Those friends who know me well enough will know "where" I am talking about - the other side of the world. I finally made up my mind, especially after talking to the guy on exchange (from JBIC). I heard from my other colleague that he will be posted to Latin America soon. No wonder he told me that perhaps there will be a chance we might meet in Latin America. How I wish my Spanish could match his (he took 6 months of the language in Salamanca)! Hopefully, I will get my opportunity soon. At least I found my direction.
Of course, not everyone has such a clear idea of where they want to be in. I was talking to a colleague, whom I know hasn't been quite happy with the job positions he has been given so far. He probably still does not know what he really wants in life. I feel sad for him. At the same time, I hope he will find himself a direction soon. I also hope the rest of the trainees could get their choices this time.
I think all the reflections done last year had done me good. My thoughts are much clearer these days. I have my plans laid out for 2008. I become more optimistic, hoping that I will achieve the goals I had set for this year.
The HR personnel has sent out the email to all graduate trainees, informing us that she's waiting for the final confirmation of vacancies from the JGM / department heads. Meanwhile, she wants us to reply her with our decisions (stating our top three choices for the final posting).
I will probably put Project Finance - Advisory & Finance as my first choice. That's where I am now. Although I still have no idea how real work is going to be like in the department, I think that's the closest to where I like to venture into in the future (to where I belong). Those friends who know me well enough will know "where" I am talking about - the other side of the world. I finally made up my mind, especially after talking to the guy on exchange (from JBIC). I heard from my other colleague that he will be posted to Latin America soon. No wonder he told me that perhaps there will be a chance we might meet in Latin America. How I wish my Spanish could match his (he took 6 months of the language in Salamanca)! Hopefully, I will get my opportunity soon. At least I found my direction.
Of course, not everyone has such a clear idea of where they want to be in. I was talking to a colleague, whom I know hasn't been quite happy with the job positions he has been given so far. He probably still does not know what he really wants in life. I feel sad for him. At the same time, I hope he will find himself a direction soon. I also hope the rest of the trainees could get their choices this time.
I think all the reflections done last year had done me good. My thoughts are much clearer these days. I have my plans laid out for 2008. I become more optimistic, hoping that I will achieve the goals I had set for this year.
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