11/05: Some lessons learned.
With our busy 'rat-race' type schedules, it hasn't been easy trying to fit in some educational things into our timetable. Get up real early, get to work, work real late, get home, make dinner, catch an hour or so of tv whilst having it and off to bed to begin another day exactly like the one before.
The catch is - we really really enjoy our work. Jeff does weekends, but on his DOILs (Day Off In Lieu), he works from home. He enjoys it he says, because he doesn't have to log evidence and can troubleshoot problems purely for the love of it, using the powers of his inspiration inducing state of belonging to the yet-unwashed, dressing gowned, morning death breath brigade.
I love my job too - the range and variety of things I do is really interesting, from holding workshops, writing documents (I know I am a geek for loving this as well!), managing my team, organising the tasks on the projects, managing budgets and client expectations, all sorts. Both Jeff and myself can spend hours just doing our own work, not the best thing if you want to start a family, but we have had to discipline ourselves and make time for that too.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Because of our hectic schedules, I haven't been able to enhance my own education. Other than the Economist magazine that I sometimes read (I read more articles online), there hasn't been much else to broaden my horizon. So I've started listening to audio files - from Teaching Company lectures such as history lessons including Famous Romans, High Middle Ages, and Alexander and the Hellenistic Age which I am just about to finish, to Psychology, sociology and self development (by Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, Brian Clancy and the like).
I've also listened to 'The Diaries of Anne Frank' - read by Wynona Ryder, and just recently, 'My Life' - Bill Clinton's autobiography. I found it fascinating. It was read by the ex-president himself, and was very honest, brutally so, making no bones and no excuses for his behaviour and refreshingly candid about what he wanted to achieve as the president of the United States.
I really like him. I believe that he is a better man than George W Bush. And a better president as well. But that's only his side of the story, where the truth was probably heavily censored and edited to make an enjoyable read. Now that Hillary is running for President, there are many many less flattering versions of their lives - both personal and professional, that contradicts his biography.
In any case, I really enjoy listening to these audio files on my way to and from work and client offices. It's a chance for me to expand my knowledge on life, history, philosophy, psychology and all sorts of really interesting topics and ideas I would not otherwise have had a chance to explore.
What I find fascinating is that kingdoms and empires rise and fall, war, suffering and peace ebb and flow with the whims of kings and conquerers, races, cultures and traditions emerge, spread and and decay, and that there is only only thing that is constant in the history of time. Change.
Nobody lives to be immortal. Yes, there are those whose historical feats have caused seismic changes and affected many many lives, but these achievements crumble with time, people forget, and history gets mangled in the interpretation of events when told by the victor or the vanquished. The key thing to remember is that we are only passing through. In the history of the entire universe and this planet we call home, our lives is but a small paragraph in the whole story. We can make it beautiful, or we can make it ugly.
Al-qaeda will be history, superpowers will change hands, China may be the next big 'World Policeman', aliens may turn out to be our masters, humans may be replaced by intelligent robots... who knows?
What counts is how we live this life and the people we touch. I think that historians, academics, politicians and those who study human history and evolution of life on this earth from a 200m birds eye view, or those who step right back to look at 'The Big Picture' will probably feel a sense of futility - that nothing we do on this earth really matters in the long run. But I think that life is really made up of magic moments, poignant memories, snapshots of tears, laughter and beauty.
I am an devoted supporter of The Alzheimer's Society and I raise money for them on my runs, and I donate regularly. The 'Million Memories' helps raise money for them, and it made me stop to think. In my mind, I walked through my life taking snapshots of all the memories that have stayed with me, those that have touched my soul and expanded my experience.
Memories of my grandmother, of my childhood at the air force base, childhood memories growing up with my younger brother, memories of camping and hiking with my classmates, memories of coming home from Sabah to spend time with grandparents and Johleen, memories of teenhood under the watchful eyes of my parents, memories of the long friendship with my closest friends, and memories of my love with Jeff just to name a few.
When I looked at all the treasured memories I have gathered from infant to adulthood, I feel that I have an amazing life. Though that might not mean very much in the big history of time and space, it means so very much to me, to know that I have loved and been loved by so many in my life. To know that I have made a difference to a lot of people in many ways.
There's nothing like counting your blessings to make you feel like the richest person on the entire planet.
And that is indeed what I am.
Posted at 12:58 PM
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The catch is - we really really enjoy our work. Jeff does weekends, but on his DOILs (Day Off In Lieu), he works from home. He enjoys it he says, because he doesn't have to log evidence and can troubleshoot problems purely for the love of it, using the powers of his inspiration inducing state of belonging to the yet-unwashed, dressing gowned, morning death breath brigade.
I love my job too - the range and variety of things I do is really interesting, from holding workshops, writing documents (I know I am a geek for loving this as well!), managing my team, organising the tasks on the projects, managing budgets and client expectations, all sorts. Both Jeff and myself can spend hours just doing our own work, not the best thing if you want to start a family, but we have had to discipline ourselves and make time for that too.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Because of our hectic schedules, I haven't been able to enhance my own education. Other than the Economist magazine that I sometimes read (I read more articles online), there hasn't been much else to broaden my horizon. So I've started listening to audio files - from Teaching Company lectures such as history lessons including Famous Romans, High Middle Ages, and Alexander and the Hellenistic Age which I am just about to finish, to Psychology, sociology and self development (by Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, Brian Clancy and the like).
I've also listened to 'The Diaries of Anne Frank' - read by Wynona Ryder, and just recently, 'My Life' - Bill Clinton's autobiography. I found it fascinating. It was read by the ex-president himself, and was very honest, brutally so, making no bones and no excuses for his behaviour and refreshingly candid about what he wanted to achieve as the president of the United States.
I really like him. I believe that he is a better man than George W Bush. And a better president as well. But that's only his side of the story, where the truth was probably heavily censored and edited to make an enjoyable read. Now that Hillary is running for President, there are many many less flattering versions of their lives - both personal and professional, that contradicts his biography.
In any case, I really enjoy listening to these audio files on my way to and from work and client offices. It's a chance for me to expand my knowledge on life, history, philosophy, psychology and all sorts of really interesting topics and ideas I would not otherwise have had a chance to explore.
What I find fascinating is that kingdoms and empires rise and fall, war, suffering and peace ebb and flow with the whims of kings and conquerers, races, cultures and traditions emerge, spread and and decay, and that there is only only thing that is constant in the history of time. Change.
Nobody lives to be immortal. Yes, there are those whose historical feats have caused seismic changes and affected many many lives, but these achievements crumble with time, people forget, and history gets mangled in the interpretation of events when told by the victor or the vanquished. The key thing to remember is that we are only passing through. In the history of the entire universe and this planet we call home, our lives is but a small paragraph in the whole story. We can make it beautiful, or we can make it ugly.
Al-qaeda will be history, superpowers will change hands, China may be the next big 'World Policeman', aliens may turn out to be our masters, humans may be replaced by intelligent robots... who knows?
What counts is how we live this life and the people we touch. I think that historians, academics, politicians and those who study human history and evolution of life on this earth from a 200m birds eye view, or those who step right back to look at 'The Big Picture' will probably feel a sense of futility - that nothing we do on this earth really matters in the long run. But I think that life is really made up of magic moments, poignant memories, snapshots of tears, laughter and beauty.
I am an devoted supporter of The Alzheimer's Society and I raise money for them on my runs, and I donate regularly. The 'Million Memories' helps raise money for them, and it made me stop to think. In my mind, I walked through my life taking snapshots of all the memories that have stayed with me, those that have touched my soul and expanded my experience.
Memories of my grandmother, of my childhood at the air force base, childhood memories growing up with my younger brother, memories of camping and hiking with my classmates, memories of coming home from Sabah to spend time with grandparents and Johleen, memories of teenhood under the watchful eyes of my parents, memories of the long friendship with my closest friends, and memories of my love with Jeff just to name a few.
When I looked at all the treasured memories I have gathered from infant to adulthood, I feel that I have an amazing life. Though that might not mean very much in the big history of time and space, it means so very much to me, to know that I have loved and been loved by so many in my life. To know that I have made a difference to a lot of people in many ways.
There's nothing like counting your blessings to make you feel like the richest person on the entire planet.
And that is indeed what I am.
Posted at 12:58 PM
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11/12: A Magical Night.
It's been quite busy for me - a lot of errands and bits of things to do. Last Friday I had a Centennial exam (network discovery tool), which after 1 day of training last weeek with Simon and 4 hours study meant that it wasn't too big a surprise that I failed. :/ I didn't study enough because I just had too much to do... but I will now have to re-sit it on Wednesday, after another attempt by customer (the one on the Bikini Alert base) to go live tomorrow night.
Sigh. We'll see how this one goes.
Yesterday we had went to Mark and Fede's for an X'mas do, with Waz, Peter, and Frank.
Jeff's dad had dropped by unexpectedly to help us fix the bathroom (when I say unexpectedly, I mean it was unexpected for me because Jeff had not warned me about it). Which meant that we were a little bit late because Jeff had to help. What had happened was that the toilet cistern was leaking, which blew up the floorboards and leaked into the utility ceiling.
Anyway, it was a fantastic party - started with nibbles and presents for Alice (it was past her bedtime). We had got her Baby Tad, which is apparently the hot stuff both in the USA and over here. I would have been a bit scared at a big green frog that sang and talked but she seemed to like it.
She was equally hypnotised by Jeff's Santa hat bobble, which drew a more frantic and excited reaction from Blue, the dog.
Noooooo it's miiiine!
This hat is MINE now!
Dinner was superb, roast turkey with stuffing, and ham with roasted parsnip and potatoes. Yummmmm. I don't normally like English Roast but this was most excellent. The boys demolished it all, of course. We then pulled crackers and had a brilliant time, lots of jokes and laughter.
Pete looked pretty sharp that night.
Frank the "Wonder Woman" giving Blue the pooch a smooch.
Jeff, not to be outdone - had to have more Stars than Frank.
Waz: The fish was thiiiiiis big! Honest!
Mark listening skeptically to Waz's tall tale.
So was Fede. She didn't look impressed.
And for dessert: We had an authentic Italian cake
(or the biggest muffin we've ever seen).
We then opened presents after dinner. I got a "Mr & Mrs Smith" DVD from Pete, a "Lost Chronicles" book from Fede (It had spoilers in it so I can't read it yet - drat!) and a really nice picture frame from Frank. Jeff got a Little Britain Book which was quite cool. All in all it was a brilliant evening. The setting was warm and cozy, Mark and Fede did a brilliant job of decorating the Christmas mood into everything.
Good friends, good company and good food. It was indeed a magical evening.
Posted at 23:06 PM
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Sigh. We'll see how this one goes.
Yesterday we had went to Mark and Fede's for an X'mas do, with Waz, Peter, and Frank.
Jeff's dad had dropped by unexpectedly to help us fix the bathroom (when I say unexpectedly, I mean it was unexpected for me because Jeff had not warned me about it). Which meant that we were a little bit late because Jeff had to help. What had happened was that the toilet cistern was leaking, which blew up the floorboards and leaked into the utility ceiling.
Anyway, it was a fantastic party - started with nibbles and presents for Alice (it was past her bedtime). We had got her Baby Tad, which is apparently the hot stuff both in the USA and over here. I would have been a bit scared at a big green frog that sang and talked but she seemed to like it.
She was equally hypnotised by Jeff's Santa hat bobble, which drew a more frantic and excited reaction from Blue, the dog.
Noooooo it's miiiine!
This hat is MINE now!
Dinner was superb, roast turkey with stuffing, and ham with roasted parsnip and potatoes. Yummmmm. I don't normally like English Roast but this was most excellent. The boys demolished it all, of course. We then pulled crackers and had a brilliant time, lots of jokes and laughter.
Pete looked pretty sharp that night.
Frank the "Wonder Woman" giving Blue the pooch a smooch.
Jeff, not to be outdone - had to have more Stars than Frank.
Waz: The fish was thiiiiiis big! Honest!
Mark listening skeptically to Waz's tall tale.
So was Fede. She didn't look impressed.
And for dessert: We had an authentic Italian cake
(or the biggest muffin we've ever seen).
We then opened presents after dinner. I got a "Mr & Mrs Smith" DVD from Pete, a "Lost Chronicles" book from Fede (It had spoilers in it so I can't read it yet - drat!) and a really nice picture frame from Frank. Jeff got a Little Britain Book which was quite cool. All in all it was a brilliant evening. The setting was warm and cozy, Mark and Fede did a brilliant job of decorating the Christmas mood into everything.
Good friends, good company and good food. It was indeed a magical evening.
Posted at 23:06 PM
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Here I was, studying very studiously for my SQL exam when I get a phone call from my office (which I haven't started work at yet). Apparently, after my first day (induction), I will be visiting client site with my line manager on-site way yonder in Chelmsford Essex. And for the next two weeks, I will be jetting off to Amsterdam for the intensive boot camp training!
That came as a small shock, as I had expected to be trained down in Surrey some where. And they are letting me come home on the weekend, how cool is that?? Most companies would rather let you stay over the weekend (if it is a two week engagement) just so they can save up on flight. But perhaps it costs more for the extra two nights stay.
However I would prefer to believe that they are considerate that way, and want to let me come home to my hunny. Besides, they have already called me up last week to get Jeff to book 3 days off in Dec and get his name as on the passport so they can fly the whole company (all 7 of us) and our spouses somewhere for X'mas. How unbelievably cool is that??
I am already liking this company 
. Well, after the Amsterdam training I have to do two weeks shadowing on-site, but at least that's in central London. Then after that we are off home for a further two weeks in Malaysia. Unfortunately we are going back at the height of the haze season which isn't very fun. Perhaps we will take a few days off and go to Pulau Redang - an island off the north east coast of the peninsula and do some diving.
And then, we get back here.. just in time for fall to properly kick start winter. Not looking forward to that. It has been a gorgeous day, at 29C, I stayed in our bedroom with the windows wide open to let the sunshine and air in whilst I studied (cough - and lounged) on the bed. Have done my sunning yesterday already, and I think I had a bit too much sun. It is also beautiful in our garden, that's the one thing I love about this house, despite all its flaws (i.e. far from any tube stations, etc etc).
I so love summer in England.
Posted at 17:57 PM
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That came as a small shock, as I had expected to be trained down in Surrey some where. And they are letting me come home on the weekend, how cool is that?? Most companies would rather let you stay over the weekend (if it is a two week engagement) just so they can save up on flight. But perhaps it costs more for the extra two nights stay.
However I would prefer to believe that they are considerate that way, and want to let me come home to my hunny. Besides, they have already called me up last week to get Jeff to book 3 days off in Dec and get his name as on the passport so they can fly the whole company (all 7 of us) and our spouses somewhere for X'mas. How unbelievably cool is that??
I am already liking this company . Well, after the Amsterdam training I have to do two weeks shadowing on-site, but at least that's in central London. Then after that we are off home for a further two weeks in Malaysia. Unfortunately we are going back at the height of the haze season which isn't very fun. Perhaps we will take a few days off and go to Pulau Redang - an island off the north east coast of the peninsula and do some diving.And then, we get back here.. just in time for fall to properly kick start winter. Not looking forward to that. It has been a gorgeous day, at 29C, I stayed in our bedroom with the windows wide open to let the sunshine and air in whilst I studied (cough - and lounged) on the bed. Have done my sunning yesterday already, and I think I had a bit too much sun. It is also beautiful in our garden, that's the one thing I love about this house, despite all its flaws (i.e. far from any tube stations, etc etc).
I so love summer in England.
Posted at 17:57 PM
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I was in Hemel Hempstead this morning for an assessment day at a large software company providing e-goverment services to public services. As the Gubmint is pursuing getting onto the e-platform and that all civil sectors must at least get started on their strategy by the end of this year.
Methinks this company will do extremely well. I had a long interview, and then did a presentation on my LineOne implementation. Then we had the "In-Tray" exercise, where we had to prioritise and action on items for a manager we were taking over for a few weeks. We also had a "Fast-Track" exercise, spotting patterns and filling in the blanks so to speak. I think I messed one up - it's either you konw the answer or you don't. NO guessing.
Then we had a verbal reasoning test, which was fairly easy.. and then lunch. By that time, I was beat. Really drained. Got into my car and listened to my voicemail.
Two days ago I had an interview with the MD and Sales Director of a small company which was a Magic (McAfee) Helpdesk Partner in HIgh Wycombe. Yesterday I had a second interview - with the principle consultant no less. It was quite a short conversation, maybe 12 minutes, and the remaining 7-8 minutes we talked about Paintballing because I found out that he was into that the day before.
And today I hear they have put together an offer for me. I was hoping for more, but maybe I can wheedle more holidays from them. We shall see. Besides, I am waiting for the result of today's assessment.
Also have written to FR (The company I really wnated to work for - the one that's around the corner from Jeff's) to ask if I could intern within the company.
So I have options... bu the important thing is, somebody actually wants me! That really gave me a much needed confidence boost. There will be quite a bit of travelling, but I think that I can do it - and it will be fun for awhile. Also, there is opportunity to try and shape the direction of the company.
Hmmmm. Very very tempted. Let's see what they say about the holidays...
Posted at 21:39 PM
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Methinks this company will do extremely well. I had a long interview, and then did a presentation on my LineOne implementation. Then we had the "In-Tray" exercise, where we had to prioritise and action on items for a manager we were taking over for a few weeks. We also had a "Fast-Track" exercise, spotting patterns and filling in the blanks so to speak. I think I messed one up - it's either you konw the answer or you don't. NO guessing.
Then we had a verbal reasoning test, which was fairly easy.. and then lunch. By that time, I was beat. Really drained. Got into my car and listened to my voicemail.
Two days ago I had an interview with the MD and Sales Director of a small company which was a Magic (McAfee) Helpdesk Partner in HIgh Wycombe. Yesterday I had a second interview - with the principle consultant no less. It was quite a short conversation, maybe 12 minutes, and the remaining 7-8 minutes we talked about Paintballing because I found out that he was into that the day before.
And today I hear they have put together an offer for me. I was hoping for more, but maybe I can wheedle more holidays from them. We shall see. Besides, I am waiting for the result of today's assessment.
Also have written to FR (The company I really wnated to work for - the one that's around the corner from Jeff's) to ask if I could intern within the company.
So I have options... bu the important thing is, somebody actually wants me! That really gave me a much needed confidence boost. There will be quite a bit of travelling, but I think that I can do it - and it will be fun for awhile. Also, there is opportunity to try and shape the direction of the company.
Hmmmm. Very very tempted. Let's see what they say about the holidays...
Posted at 21:39 PM
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Had an interview with a recruitment agent in Leicester Square at 10.30am, so had to go in. Contrary to what I thought:
1. Nobody looked scared/paniky
2. I wasn't scared shitless that I thought.
Maybe I am just a "brave woman" who has decided to defy terror by boldly strutting my stuff onto a decrepit transport system that could easily be used to carry a bomb payload, which might terrify the common man - but which holds no fear for me, for I am SUPER COURAGEOUS WOMAN THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND and sticking two fingers at the terrorists!
Ok, maybe not quite true. But I didn't feel very much, apart from the usual mild annoyance when my Jubilee line train got delayed, and I couldn't take the Picadilly Line from Picadilly Circus to get to Leicester Sq (ok ok I know it's only a 400m walk, but I was having a lazy day so there). Besides, I was in a suit - BLACK mind you, in the extreme heat of the English desert sun (koff) beating down relentlesslly at me, with its umm 24C powered rays.
God I am such a wimp. Back in Malaysia, when I was just a wee girlie, I used to stay in the 33C sun for hours and hours on end marching up and down and practising for sports day. I used to get real black like a native aborigine and would carry on running, marching, jumping and doing stuff under the hot humid sun with narry a whimper.
England has made me soft. ANYway, I digress. Quite simply, I was not afraid. And apparently, neither is a whole buncha other people, as can be seen on the werenotafraid.com website. Check out some of the cool pictures on that site. Even BBC reported on it.
The crowd (well, more like a scattering of passengers) in the train didn't exhibit any post-bomb/post-traumatic behaviour. But then again, this crowd is different than the morning commuter crowd. THIS crowd is made up of students, tourists, housewives, people who aren't currently in gainful employment (me included) and other riff-raff with time on their hands, and no urgency to get to anywhere. I don't think this crowd felt any affinity to the morning commuter crowd, whom we affectionally call "sheep".
They dress in black, talk the same, walk the same, make the same noises, tihnk the same and work for the same people. Ok I exaggerate, but I was for awhile, "working" with the same crowd during my consultancy project at Deutsche Bank, having to suit up and go with the crowd to Liverpool St day in and day out.
I can now "baaa" along with the best of em.
ANYhoo, I digress again. Didn't feel very much. Though I did notice a distinct lack of "crowdiness" in Leicester Sq and Chinatown. But then again, very few people go into Chinatown during the day time - most of the shops/restaurants were stocking up.
Yes, the crowd is a bit thinner. Much like a nit on the head of Sir Roy Meadow who was struck off the medical register for giving misleading evidence in the cot death trial of Sally Clark.
But lack of "afraidness". Or actually anything else. Same ole sort of bored apathetic glances around. Maybe because the crowd was the tourist/student/housewives/riff-raff category who don't feel as much camarederie as the morning commuting Sheeps.
Am I being overly-dramatic? Probably. But this is my party and I can whinge/rant/drama queen if I want to.
Posted at 17:42 PM
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1. Nobody looked scared/paniky
2. I wasn't scared shitless that I thought.
Maybe I am just a "brave woman" who has decided to defy terror by boldly strutting my stuff onto a decrepit transport system that could easily be used to carry a bomb payload, which might terrify the common man - but which holds no fear for me, for I am SUPER COURAGEOUS WOMAN THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND and sticking two fingers at the terrorists!
Ok, maybe not quite true. But I didn't feel very much, apart from the usual mild annoyance when my Jubilee line train got delayed, and I couldn't take the Picadilly Line from Picadilly Circus to get to Leicester Sq (ok ok I know it's only a 400m walk, but I was having a lazy day so there). Besides, I was in a suit - BLACK mind you, in the extreme heat of the English desert sun (koff) beating down relentlesslly at me, with its umm 24C powered rays.
God I am such a wimp. Back in Malaysia, when I was just a wee girlie, I used to stay in the 33C sun for hours and hours on end marching up and down and practising for sports day. I used to get real black like a native aborigine and would carry on running, marching, jumping and doing stuff under the hot humid sun with narry a whimper.
England has made me soft. ANYway, I digress. Quite simply, I was not afraid. And apparently, neither is a whole buncha other people, as can be seen on the werenotafraid.com website. Check out some of the cool pictures on that site. Even BBC reported on it.
The crowd (well, more like a scattering of passengers) in the train didn't exhibit any post-bomb/post-traumatic behaviour. But then again, this crowd is different than the morning commuter crowd. THIS crowd is made up of students, tourists, housewives, people who aren't currently in gainful employment (me included) and other riff-raff with time on their hands, and no urgency to get to anywhere. I don't think this crowd felt any affinity to the morning commuter crowd, whom we affectionally call "sheep".
They dress in black, talk the same, walk the same, make the same noises, tihnk the same and work for the same people. Ok I exaggerate, but I was for awhile, "working" with the same crowd during my consultancy project at Deutsche Bank, having to suit up and go with the crowd to Liverpool St day in and day out.
I can now "baaa" along with the best of em.
ANYhoo, I digress again. Didn't feel very much. Though I did notice a distinct lack of "crowdiness" in Leicester Sq and Chinatown. But then again, very few people go into Chinatown during the day time - most of the shops/restaurants were stocking up.
Yes, the crowd is a bit thinner. Much like a nit on the head of Sir Roy Meadow who was struck off the medical register for giving misleading evidence in the cot death trial of Sally Clark.But lack of "afraidness". Or actually anything else. Same ole sort of bored apathetic glances around. Maybe because the crowd was the tourist/student/housewives/riff-raff category who don't feel as much camarederie as the morning commuting Sheeps.
Am I being overly-dramatic? Probably. But this is my party and I can whinge/rant/drama queen if I want to.
Posted at 17:42 PM
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19/06: Too damn hot I say!
Jenny moved in. Have to adjust to having my sister-in-law in the house. Not quite the same as having a lodger I can yell at (such as poor Wassim, Will and Frank whom I have had under my thumb until they moved out 
).
Otherwise, I think my mum-in-law will have something to say to me about that. Given a chance, I bet she could whoop my ass in two secs, so I better not annoy her!
. ANYway, in-laws are here helping her move in, and its been a bit hot. So been not very productive... no energy... all sapped.. very droopy..yyy..yyyyyy..
OOOooooo BIG NEWS! STOP PRESSES! Jeff is now a Godfather!! He now wears a ring and has big fat cheeks and says things like "I will make you an offer you can't refuse." in a fake Sicilian voice whilst brandishing a horse head.
No, actually it's a bit more exciting than that. Yesterday we went to Alice's Christening (Mark and Federica's little bambino). It was very hot, and I had made fried rice and potato/egg salad which was in cooler boxes in the boot, sans ice ... so had Jeff and Frank go ice hunting around the church before the christening.
Mark cornered me and said, "We need to ask Jeff a favour - where is he?"
"Ice-hunting. Why?"
"We'd like to ask him to be Godfather."
My jaw dropped. What an absolutely exciting thing to happen! I ran into the newsagents and told him hurriedly to get his ass out there so he can be prepped.
Only thing was - he has never been baptized! So he's worried that he lied when the Father asked if he believed in Jesus Christ our saviour, he had to bite his lip and lie through his teeth. I do hope he will not burn in hell for this!
But it was a lovely ceremony, and I am very honoured that our family is linked to the Walshes in such an intimate manner. Now Jeff has more responsibilities, to make sure that this little girl has the support of a godfather, and that means lots of pressies and stuff.
What a lucky little girl!
Health Diary: Didn't run cos its just too damn hot. Breakfast - slimfast. Lunch - Humous salad sandwich on Sunny toast. Dinner - Salmon, stir fry fine beans, mushroom and courgettes and some roasted parsnips and sweet potatoes.
Posted at 23:43 PM
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).Otherwise, I think my mum-in-law will have something to say to me about that. Given a chance, I bet she could whoop my ass in two secs, so I better not annoy her!
. ANYway, in-laws are here helping her move in, and its been a bit hot. So been not very productive... no energy... all sapped.. very droopy..yyy..yyyyyy..OOOooooo BIG NEWS! STOP PRESSES! Jeff is now a Godfather!! He now wears a ring and has big fat cheeks and says things like "I will make you an offer you can't refuse." in a fake Sicilian voice whilst brandishing a horse head.No, actually it's a bit more exciting than that. Yesterday we went to Alice's Christening (Mark and Federica's little bambino). It was very hot, and I had made fried rice and potato/egg salad which was in cooler boxes in the boot, sans ice ... so had Jeff and Frank go ice hunting around the church before the christening.
Mark cornered me and said, "We need to ask Jeff a favour - where is he?"
"Ice-hunting. Why?"
"We'd like to ask him to be Godfather."
My jaw dropped. What an absolutely exciting thing to happen! I ran into the newsagents and told him hurriedly to get his ass out there so he can be prepped.Only thing was - he has never been baptized! So he's worried that he lied when the Father asked if he believed in Jesus Christ our saviour, he had to bite his lip and lie through his teeth. I do hope he will not burn in hell for this!
But it was a lovely ceremony, and I am very honoured that our family is linked to the Walshes in such an intimate manner. Now Jeff has more responsibilities, to make sure that this little girl has the support of a godfather, and that means lots of pressies and stuff.
What a lucky little girl!
Health Diary: Didn't run cos its just too damn hot. Breakfast - slimfast. Lunch - Humous salad sandwich on Sunny toast. Dinner - Salmon, stir fry fine beans, mushroom and courgettes and some roasted parsnips and sweet potatoes.
Posted at 23:43 PM
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12/06: Reason for Blogging #2
... also titled, "Why I am not studying - Excuse # 654"
Should be studying, but am taking a break
. Woke up at 10 today, and did 5 mile @ 58:38. Not good at all, but at least I am not getting as winded.
Then we went out for dim sum lunch with Waz and Magda at Oriental City. I wasn't hugely keen on going out but Waz had invited us out for dinner/movie yesterday which I had to decline quite vigorously (mainly cos I had faffed about so much I needed to knuckle down and study). Had a good lunch - not only did I not stuff myself (I am normally a pig!
) but enjoyed the company as well.
Unfortunately it took too long, and it was only 4pm when we got back and I could get down to completing some of the test questions. Am in the middle of DHCP at the moment (yawn) and decided to take a short break.
And read some cartoons... which frees my brain to be more (ahem) responsive and (insert bullshit here) for my revision.
Posted at 18:11 PM
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Should be studying, but am taking a break
. Woke up at 10 today, and did 5 mile @ 58:38. Not good at all, but at least I am not getting as winded.Then we went out for dim sum lunch with Waz and Magda at Oriental City. I wasn't hugely keen on going out but Waz had invited us out for dinner/movie yesterday which I had to decline quite vigorously (mainly cos I had faffed about so much I needed to knuckle down and study). Had a good lunch - not only did I not stuff myself (I am normally a pig!
) but enjoyed the company as well.Unfortunately it took too long, and it was only 4pm when we got back and I could get down to completing some of the test questions. Am in the middle of DHCP at the moment (yawn) and decided to take a short break.
And read some cartoons... which frees my brain to be more (ahem) responsive and (insert bullshit here) for my revision.
Posted at 18:11 PM
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27/05: Of highs and lows...
Yesterday we saw only the first half of the match. Jeff was disheartened and we didn't finish watching it (sometimes I wonder if he is really English, as he isn't into football or pubs) and we could hear cries of despair coming from the pub next door.and we only heard about the results this morning at 6am when the alarm radio blared the results. I can imagine the depths of hopelessness and anguish that the Liverpool players must have felt at half time - 3 nil!
But they soon turned it around into a triumphant victory, equalling in 6 minutes and then winning on penalty. Now I am not a football fan, but by all accounts - this was an amazing game.
My thoughts were - how many people, in their daily lives doing their job, ekeing out their existance - ever come across such passion, the exhilirating heights of ecstacy (without the drug) or the depths of pain. I think most of us just exist, living a ho-hum life, and being contented with what life throws at them.
I want to make sure that my life is well lived, experiencing every beautiful nuance of what mother nature has brought. Though it isn't easy (life has a habit of getting in the way), I will choose to do so. I hadn't realized that I reserved a spot in the British 10k, and so that is what I am going to work towards. My victory at finishing will be another day well lived :)
Health diary: Up at 6.30 - did 2.5 miles in 27.35 min (utterly crap). Breakfast - Vegefruit juice (2 celery stalks, 1 carrot, 1 red pepper, 2 granny green apples and 1 red braeburn apple). Lunch - avocado on wholemeal sesame toast YUM!! I am trying out this new Hovis Sunny bread. Problem is - its 117calories per slice, although it makes a wicked wicked humous salad samwich. mmmm. Dinner - warm grilled chicken with salad... and a small serving of apple crumble with evap milk.
Posted at 00:09 AM
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23/05: On being fat and skinny...
Summer's coming around, and I'm starting to think about what most girls do at this time... how I am going to look in t-shirts and shorts.
Ok, I would say that I am normally very confident, and I have a good sense of self-esteem, but like most other females in our species - we tend to want to be just a tad thinner.
Now, at 59kg and 5'2 I belong in the S and "petite" range. In commercials such as Special K and Slim Fast, I look like the girls who are in the "after" shots. I am the smallest in terms of size, in the group of girls I mix with.
Two of my most wonderful friends, Madeline and Gayle have beautiful and large personalities, and are bigger in size than I. Gayle's been on the Lighter Life (food replacement diet) for a few months and lost a tremendous amount of weight, and is now thinner than when she got married. She enjoyed the extra attention and the renewed self-confidence (well, its a great excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe!)
I feel comfortable here, in the UK - where the average size is larger than me. I take comfort in knowing that there are more women out there who are more unhappy about their size than I am (I guess it's the those suffering more than I makes me feel better syndrom). That should mean that I am happy with myself.
But I am not, because I WANT to be thinner. Back home (in Malaysia), I am considered the + size range. Sometimes I cannot get the clothes I like (like in the Giodarno fashion store), or if I do, they are in XXL size. In slimming commercials, I am in the "before" shots.
My size is larger than the average size there, and although I know I should not be affected by others, it still bothers me. Also, my cholesterol is way high (at 7.2 at my last check-up in Feb) so I have to keep my weight down and exercise any way.
I had the priviledge of training a few employees from Total Fina Elf - Nigerial, two lovely ladies by the name of Oto and Tonye on two different occasions. Oto is a lovely girl, about my size, whilst Tonye was a few voluptious size larger. Tonye was commenting about how anorexic Oto was, and that she should think about putting on more weight just so her "fiance has something to grab onto".
I guess it's all about the perception of yourself, and how they get formed by the culture and society around you.
I was so upset when I could not fit into the dress I had bought for my brother's wedding, and my best friend Anthonia had to do some serious searching for something I could wear that wouldn't make me look like a big fat cow amongst all the thin and skinny guests.
Was speaking to Gayle this morning about this topic as I was looking to get on the food replacement diet as a quick fix to get thin for the summer, and I was upset when she said she did not think I needed it, and that it would impair my health. And I have been dwelling on it all day (when I should be studying for the MS Active Dir exam tomorrow!)
I do realize that she is right though, and I just need to be more disciplined about myself - food intake and exercise regime. For instance, I have been snacking far too much during my studying, and my running has been quite sporadic (and short too - I only do 2.5miles each time). What happened to my resolve to do it daily?
I think I do that food/exercise journal she suggested, and I will begin tomorrow and log it all here. So now I have no excuse, as I will use this as my leverage. Besides, I have to get in shape for the British 10k in July.
No more excuses...
Posted at 01:01 AM
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Ok, I would say that I am normally very confident, and I have a good sense of self-esteem, but like most other females in our species - we tend to want to be just a tad thinner.
Now, at 59kg and 5'2 I belong in the S and "petite" range. In commercials such as Special K and Slim Fast, I look like the girls who are in the "after" shots. I am the smallest in terms of size, in the group of girls I mix with.
Two of my most wonderful friends, Madeline and Gayle have beautiful and large personalities, and are bigger in size than I. Gayle's been on the Lighter Life (food replacement diet) for a few months and lost a tremendous amount of weight, and is now thinner than when she got married. She enjoyed the extra attention and the renewed self-confidence (well, its a great excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe!)
I feel comfortable here, in the UK - where the average size is larger than me. I take comfort in knowing that there are more women out there who are more unhappy about their size than I am (I guess it's the those suffering more than I makes me feel better syndrom). That should mean that I am happy with myself.
But I am not, because I WANT to be thinner. Back home (in Malaysia), I am considered the + size range. Sometimes I cannot get the clothes I like (like in the Giodarno fashion store), or if I do, they are in XXL size. In slimming commercials, I am in the "before" shots.
My size is larger than the average size there, and although I know I should not be affected by others, it still bothers me. Also, my cholesterol is way high (at 7.2 at my last check-up in Feb) so I have to keep my weight down and exercise any way.
I had the priviledge of training a few employees from Total Fina Elf - Nigerial, two lovely ladies by the name of Oto and Tonye on two different occasions. Oto is a lovely girl, about my size, whilst Tonye was a few voluptious size larger. Tonye was commenting about how anorexic Oto was, and that she should think about putting on more weight just so her "fiance has something to grab onto".
I guess it's all about the perception of yourself, and how they get formed by the culture and society around you.
I was so upset when I could not fit into the dress I had bought for my brother's wedding, and my best friend Anthonia had to do some serious searching for something I could wear that wouldn't make me look like a big fat cow amongst all the thin and skinny guests.
Was speaking to Gayle this morning about this topic as I was looking to get on the food replacement diet as a quick fix to get thin for the summer, and I was upset when she said she did not think I needed it, and that it would impair my health. And I have been dwelling on it all day (when I should be studying for the MS Active Dir exam tomorrow!)
I do realize that she is right though, and I just need to be more disciplined about myself - food intake and exercise regime. For instance, I have been snacking far too much during my studying, and my running has been quite sporadic (and short too - I only do 2.5miles each time). What happened to my resolve to do it daily?
I think I do that food/exercise journal she suggested, and I will begin tomorrow and log it all here. So now I have no excuse, as I will use this as my leverage. Besides, I have to get in shape for the British 10k in July.
No more excuses...
Posted at 01:01 AM
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20/05: Stepping up to a new level..
When I first decided to wind down my company and go full-time, I must admit that I was beset by doubts. For the last two years I have surrounded myself with people who own their own businesses, entrepreneurs and small companies. People from Ecademy and the like.
Every time I meet these people at networking events, I am inspired by their passion for their work, their single-mindedness, their dedication and hard work. Most have left corporate life after being dis-illusioned, having had their fill of working for someone else.
Starting your own business signalled courage, the fact that you are putting your own destiny in your own hands. Being the master of your own soul, the captain of your ship and all that. Almost none of them would go back to work even if they were offered more money.
My thoughts:
Own your own business = good, i.e. you are a risk taker, thumbing your nose at the Establishment and forging your own path.
Working for someone else = bad, i.e. you are a coward, preferring the security of a job, being given instructions on what to do, and have your movement controlled and monitored.
So I have been struggling with this, feeling that I am "copping out" by going back to full-time work. Well, part of the reason is financial - I have not been contributing to our household expenses, nor have I sent any money to my parents though they have never asked for it.
By the way (digressing slightly), people in the East, specially chinese - we are expected to give money to our parents even if it is a token sum - as a way to say thank you for all the things you have done bringing us up in the world. I have always given my parents money ever since I left university up until I went back to university to do my MBA (and of course after that I started the business - which, *cough* didn't leave me with much spare cash).
Hubby doesn't do that though, perhaps because of the Inheritance Laws in the UK. My in-laws certainly don't want any money from us... but I have felt very un-filial since I stopped sending any money over. Besides, my parents still have a lot of expenses, what with looking after the surviving grandparents (money for carers, caterers, utility bills, medical & hospitalisation bills... they all add up) so I have come to realize that it is my duty to contribute.
So I have been job hunting. After about 3 years out of the industry, I don't really know the status - what kind of jobs I can do and what I am worth. Part of the challenges I faced were comments about me being "Over-qualified" (with my MBA, MCSE and MCDBA certs) or "Under-experienced" (not having been active in the industry with recent experience).
I do know however, I have gained valuable experience running KBS, and that I have really good people skills. Running AWP and mentoring several women in business has given a lot of confidence, and if I have earned anything - it's good karma. Pity good karma doesn't pay the bills.
Anyway, been looking at all the jobs out there - and I realize that I had been applying for jobs which paid poorly, for positions that would have set me back 4-5 years which would have been an insult to my parents who have helped put me through university. That made me realize that I had lowered my standards when I clearly know that I am not only Management material, it would not take me long to rise up to Board level.
That gave me power. I might not be cut out to be an entrepreneur, but I know where my strengths are now. I am an excellent at executing projects, with attention to detail and good at team work.
I have decided that I am not an entrepreneur, although I enjoy the challenges and the freedom of choice that it brings me. However, I found that my strengths lies in my ability to execute projects, and I have the skills to lead and manage large teams. My weakness is that I cannot manage myself, and that is what a good business owner needs to be. Besides, I miss working in a team environment, such as I did during the MBA.
So whilst I am studying to upgrade to MCSE 2003 and MS CRM (2 down, 8 to go) I am quite happy in that I have discovered my worth and am quite confident that I will secure That Job.
I am waiting to hear from one though (cross fingers). Will update on the PeiRoll when it happens...
Posted at 22:17 PM
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Every time I meet these people at networking events, I am inspired by their passion for their work, their single-mindedness, their dedication and hard work. Most have left corporate life after being dis-illusioned, having had their fill of working for someone else.
Starting your own business signalled courage, the fact that you are putting your own destiny in your own hands. Being the master of your own soul, the captain of your ship and all that. Almost none of them would go back to work even if they were offered more money.
My thoughts:
Own your own business = good, i.e. you are a risk taker, thumbing your nose at the Establishment and forging your own path.
Working for someone else = bad, i.e. you are a coward, preferring the security of a job, being given instructions on what to do, and have your movement controlled and monitored.
So I have been struggling with this, feeling that I am "copping out" by going back to full-time work. Well, part of the reason is financial - I have not been contributing to our household expenses, nor have I sent any money to my parents though they have never asked for it.
By the way (digressing slightly), people in the East, specially chinese - we are expected to give money to our parents even if it is a token sum - as a way to say thank you for all the things you have done bringing us up in the world. I have always given my parents money ever since I left university up until I went back to university to do my MBA (and of course after that I started the business - which, *cough* didn't leave me with much spare cash).
Hubby doesn't do that though, perhaps because of the Inheritance Laws in the UK. My in-laws certainly don't want any money from us... but I have felt very un-filial since I stopped sending any money over. Besides, my parents still have a lot of expenses, what with looking after the surviving grandparents (money for carers, caterers, utility bills, medical & hospitalisation bills... they all add up) so I have come to realize that it is my duty to contribute.
So I have been job hunting. After about 3 years out of the industry, I don't really know the status - what kind of jobs I can do and what I am worth. Part of the challenges I faced were comments about me being "Over-qualified" (with my MBA, MCSE and MCDBA certs) or "Under-experienced" (not having been active in the industry with recent experience).
I do know however, I have gained valuable experience running KBS, and that I have really good people skills. Running AWP and mentoring several women in business has given a lot of confidence, and if I have earned anything - it's good karma. Pity good karma doesn't pay the bills.
Anyway, been looking at all the jobs out there - and I realize that I had been applying for jobs which paid poorly, for positions that would have set me back 4-5 years which would have been an insult to my parents who have helped put me through university. That made me realize that I had lowered my standards when I clearly know that I am not only Management material, it would not take me long to rise up to Board level.
That gave me power. I might not be cut out to be an entrepreneur, but I know where my strengths are now. I am an excellent at executing projects, with attention to detail and good at team work.
I have decided that I am not an entrepreneur, although I enjoy the challenges and the freedom of choice that it brings me. However, I found that my strengths lies in my ability to execute projects, and I have the skills to lead and manage large teams. My weakness is that I cannot manage myself, and that is what a good business owner needs to be. Besides, I miss working in a team environment, such as I did during the MBA.
So whilst I am studying to upgrade to MCSE 2003 and MS CRM (2 down, 8 to go) I am quite happy in that I have discovered my worth and am quite confident that I will secure That Job.
I am waiting to hear from one though (cross fingers). Will update on the PeiRoll when it happens...
Posted at 22:17 PM
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