2007 Reflections..
2007 is coming to a close. As I laze in the comfort of my room on this slack cooling day, here's a reflection of the ups and downs of the year.
I work approximately forty weeks in a year. To keep myself saint, I count down by weeks. Once a week has passed, I would gleefully strike it off the calendar. I don't hate my job. In fact, by the end of the working day, I achieve a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I sleep very well at night as I am totally exhausted by the end of each working day. Sometimes there is this mad rush of last minute things to do, but seriously, compared to the working world outside, most of the things are within one's control. The colleagues here are fun-going and really nice people which makes a big difference in whether or not I keep myself going. My clients can be difficult at times but seriously, if you think of the big picture why they are here, it's best to take things with a pinch of salt and not to be too hard on oneself. And yes, sometimes they do make me laugh. I remember on a few occasions when I went hysterical and couldn't stop laughing when they said something silly. I sense they think I am crazy but that's the way I am. The most rewarding moment was when they requested for me to be with them the next year. I think affirmative words work best with me, not to forget Winnie the Pooh and bear-related gifts.
From the year end meetings, I came to know that I am suddenly "arrowed" with more responsibilities compared to my first year's workload. On one hand, I am honoured that of so many people, I am chosen to be the one who is tasked with all these responsibilities. On the other hand, I see myself spending more time on extra-curriculum and planning work, rather than, teaching. I see it as a challenge to juggle all the different sort of work that I am given next year. Hopefully, I can manage my time well and still have time to relax.
Enough about work. December has been an activity-packed month! It started with my trip to Macau on Tiger Airways, my first budget airline flight. For the amount that I paid, it lived up to my expectations. It was pouring on the day we flew and the creeking noises produced by the plane did make me fear for my dear life but once we reached above the clouds, everything was fine. Was really excited to see The Venetian, especially the suite, after having read and seen so much about it on the internet and newspapers. Upon getting the electronic card to my room on the 33rd floor, I coudn't wait to see it! It really did not disappoint. The toilet was heavenly and there were two television sets with a living room. I could rave non-stop about the suite but I should stop here. The Venetian is themed exactly like Venice. Having not been to Venice, I loved the Gondula ride. We took the outdoor ride on a breezy night and I loved every second of it! Wanted to take the indoor ride too but decided not to be hard-core. In the end, we used the remaining money to fill up our stomachs and place our bets at the casino. I couldn't stop posing for photos throughout the whole trip. Must be the perfect weather and the hotel!
I shan't go into details about my roulette gambling experience. Was really heart-wrenching when the number 22, the original number we wanted to bet on, came out not once but twice! All I can say that gambling is really addictive. It took lots of efforts for both of us to stop throwing our money down the drain. But it was really fun watching others playing. I attain joy when I watch others lose their money. I seriously think I am a little sadistic, haha.
We left on a Saturday, thankfully. When we checked-out, bus loads of China tourists arrived. The male headed for the casinos while the women headed for the designer labels. We initially thought that the sales was pathetic based on the weekday crowd but we were wrong. It was really scary seeing so many people. Anyway, I am really excited about the opening of the integrated resorts in Singapore. Will definitely try my luck at the casino but make sure that I do not become a gambling addict.
The second week of December was spent running errands for Brother's wedding. Preparations included decorating the house with the word 'xi', ordering food from the caterer, coming up with the best seating arrangement for our side, collecting wedding gowns and suit etc. As the day approached, the mood in the house was filled with excitement. There were some inevitable "emo" moments the day before the actual day, but it went by quickly.
On the actual day dinner itself, I was one of those tasked to handle the reception area. No one recognised me due to the heavy make-up which totally transformed me. Funnily, I didn't really have the mood to enjoy the food that day. Was too caught up with the surroundings and the significance of the day to do do. Thankfully we had our stomachs filled during the food tasting session. Its ironic that it takes months of preparation for one actual day and the day just flew by. The banquet was a success with no hiccups in my opinion. To "reward" me for my hardwork and efforts, Brother booked a deluxe room for me with American breakfast the next day. The room did not disappoint!
Anyway, I am grateful for Brother's wedding. At least we can learn from experiences, do things more efficiently, and take note of 'what to do' and 'what not to do'. As my work begins next year, I'll have less time to do research. Thankfully most major stuff have been settled. Hopefully, everything will be smooth sailing throughout the whole process!
Oh, I have a new hobby - looking at hotel ballrooms and function rooms for actual wedding set-ups! Not sure how many white lies we have told in order to do that :)
I work approximately forty weeks in a year. To keep myself saint, I count down by weeks. Once a week has passed, I would gleefully strike it off the calendar. I don't hate my job. In fact, by the end of the working day, I achieve a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I sleep very well at night as I am totally exhausted by the end of each working day. Sometimes there is this mad rush of last minute things to do, but seriously, compared to the working world outside, most of the things are within one's control. The colleagues here are fun-going and really nice people which makes a big difference in whether or not I keep myself going. My clients can be difficult at times but seriously, if you think of the big picture why they are here, it's best to take things with a pinch of salt and not to be too hard on oneself. And yes, sometimes they do make me laugh. I remember on a few occasions when I went hysterical and couldn't stop laughing when they said something silly. I sense they think I am crazy but that's the way I am. The most rewarding moment was when they requested for me to be with them the next year. I think affirmative words work best with me, not to forget Winnie the Pooh and bear-related gifts.
From the year end meetings, I came to know that I am suddenly "arrowed" with more responsibilities compared to my first year's workload. On one hand, I am honoured that of so many people, I am chosen to be the one who is tasked with all these responsibilities. On the other hand, I see myself spending more time on extra-curriculum and planning work, rather than, teaching. I see it as a challenge to juggle all the different sort of work that I am given next year. Hopefully, I can manage my time well and still have time to relax.
Enough about work. December has been an activity-packed month! It started with my trip to Macau on Tiger Airways, my first budget airline flight. For the amount that I paid, it lived up to my expectations. It was pouring on the day we flew and the creeking noises produced by the plane did make me fear for my dear life but once we reached above the clouds, everything was fine. Was really excited to see The Venetian, especially the suite, after having read and seen so much about it on the internet and newspapers. Upon getting the electronic card to my room on the 33rd floor, I coudn't wait to see it! It really did not disappoint. The toilet was heavenly and there were two television sets with a living room. I could rave non-stop about the suite but I should stop here. The Venetian is themed exactly like Venice. Having not been to Venice, I loved the Gondula ride. We took the outdoor ride on a breezy night and I loved every second of it! Wanted to take the indoor ride too but decided not to be hard-core. In the end, we used the remaining money to fill up our stomachs and place our bets at the casino. I couldn't stop posing for photos throughout the whole trip. Must be the perfect weather and the hotel!
I shan't go into details about my roulette gambling experience. Was really heart-wrenching when the number 22, the original number we wanted to bet on, came out not once but twice! All I can say that gambling is really addictive. It took lots of efforts for both of us to stop throwing our money down the drain. But it was really fun watching others playing. I attain joy when I watch others lose their money. I seriously think I am a little sadistic, haha.
We left on a Saturday, thankfully. When we checked-out, bus loads of China tourists arrived. The male headed for the casinos while the women headed for the designer labels. We initially thought that the sales was pathetic based on the weekday crowd but we were wrong. It was really scary seeing so many people. Anyway, I am really excited about the opening of the integrated resorts in Singapore. Will definitely try my luck at the casino but make sure that I do not become a gambling addict.
The second week of December was spent running errands for Brother's wedding. Preparations included decorating the house with the word 'xi', ordering food from the caterer, coming up with the best seating arrangement for our side, collecting wedding gowns and suit etc. As the day approached, the mood in the house was filled with excitement. There were some inevitable "emo" moments the day before the actual day, but it went by quickly.
On the actual day dinner itself, I was one of those tasked to handle the reception area. No one recognised me due to the heavy make-up which totally transformed me. Funnily, I didn't really have the mood to enjoy the food that day. Was too caught up with the surroundings and the significance of the day to do do. Thankfully we had our stomachs filled during the food tasting session. Its ironic that it takes months of preparation for one actual day and the day just flew by. The banquet was a success with no hiccups in my opinion. To "reward" me for my hardwork and efforts, Brother booked a deluxe room for me with American breakfast the next day. The room did not disappoint!
Anyway, I am grateful for Brother's wedding. At least we can learn from experiences, do things more efficiently, and take note of 'what to do' and 'what not to do'. As my work begins next year, I'll have less time to do research. Thankfully most major stuff have been settled. Hopefully, everything will be smooth sailing throughout the whole process!
Oh, I have a new hobby - looking at hotel ballrooms and function rooms for actual wedding set-ups! Not sure how many white lies we have told in order to do that :)
posted by The Aspiring Chef @ 6:00 PM
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