Perth.

It's been 1.5 YEARS since I've blogged. It took me xxxxx attempts, coupled with lots of whining, to finally log into this account. Phew! Saves me the trouble of having to start a new blog.

I've since 'left' my old employer, home and country. I treasured the opportunities presented to me by the old employer but circumstances led me to leave the country. Husband calls it my overwhelming desire to slack which I beg to differ. So here I am now, in Perth, being a student once more.

The things that I've done here can be counted using the fingers of my hands. Study, cook, perform household chores, play bejeweled blitz, fetch husband, supermarket shopping, weekly outings (a grand total of 3 shopping centres) and watching Master Chef. How exciting! The fact there there's nothing much to do here makes me enjoy life. Husband says this feeling of mine won't last long. Only time will tell.

I love my current rented place and the community that I'm living in. It's only 7 minute drive to the city, 7 minute drive to school, has a direct bus to school, has 3 supermarkets and 1 vegetable/fruit market. Moreover, it's supposedly a 'hip' place to live in here in Perth. The initial days in Perth was adventurous. Picking up the keys, buying almost all the cheapest furniture from Ikea, building up the furniture ( I do not claim credit for this), cleaning up the place (Me!), stocking up the kitchen etc. The apartment really looks neat and cosy with everything up.

I did have an unwelcome visitor a couple of months later and it really freaked me out. A possum! It made a huge roar sound one night and I actually thought it crashed spectacularly into the bedroom. I lost sleep over it for the next week or so as I could hear hissing sounds in the middle of the night. It seems to have disappeared now that it's winter, or either that, I can't hear it since my windows are closed during the night. I hope it has found a nice, warm place which it can permanently call it home and just hibernate there! I did see it one night though playing on the tree. It looked like a combination of a rat and a squirrel. Welcome to Australia!

Today marks the start of the last week of school for this semester but there's still one group assignment which is due this Friday. If there is anything that hasn't changed about me, it's my disdain for assignments, especially group ones. I should thank my lucky stars that my current group consists of a bunch of nice and hardworking people, so I shouldn't be complaining much. It will be perfect if we could finish it asap!

Work Updates..

It's been a loooooooooong time since I blogged. Working has made it impossibe to do so. Working isn't that bad actually. Whatever extra time I've is reserved for sleeping so that I feel refreshed the next day to handle my clients and perform my job to my best ability.

It's been more than 1.5 years since I stepped into this company. I am grateful for the the opportunities presented to me this year as I have learnt a lot in the first 3 months compared to the whole of last year. Things that I learnt included planning, working with colleagues, time management skills, learning to prioritize, writing reports, observing and mentoring my juniors etc. Funnily, none of them has to do with my core business and ironically I did enjoy the whole process despite my numerous grumblings and complaints. I basically take pride in my job and when asked if I could improve on any aspect of what I've done, my answer is 'nothing' because whatever I am tasked to do, I've thought through it thoroughly before embarking on my task. In the midst of doing all the tasks which are not anything to do with my core business, it did set me thinking whether I was in the right profession. But after the whole major event was over and when it was back to 100% to my core business, I actually missed my clients and felt that I should have done more for them. I really loved being with them and assisting them when they needed help. Basically, I love it when they gave me notes of appreciation. Judging by the notes and presents received this year, I can say that I have definitely improved as a person and in my job.

As the year comes to an end, I have been presented a major responsibility. Initially I was excited upon the opportunity presented and was secretly pleased. It goes to show that the managment does recognise my potential and my capability. But as time goes by, I realise this responsibility is seriously too huge for me to carry. I think I would prefer to hone up my skills first in my core business before taking up other roles. My first three months have taught me that working with my clients are definitely much easier than dealing with adults and I am seriously not experienced and mature enough to handle the latter.

The Big Day is just approximately a couple of months away. Most of the major details have been more or less settled. The Significant Other is glad that my job has been keeping me busy from rushing the external vendors and obsessing over the minor details.

Ok, back to work. Just needed a place to rant about my job and to practice my writing skills!

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 :)

Holiday Post..

Rog lost yet again to Nadal. Rog's only chance for a Grand Slam is Nadal's absence from the French. Poor Rog. Stupid Nadal. Rog's manager cum girlfriend is putting on too much weight. She seems to balloon each time I see her. It's perhaps a timely reminder for me to eat less and exercise more for fear that I may end up like her.

The month long holiday is coming to an abrupt end. It actual fact it is only a two week holiday in which I was down with a cold/sore throat for a week. So in my boredom at home, my laptop became my best friend. I actually felt weird staying at home on weekdays. For the past half a year, I've only been home on average at 5plus. Was initially not used to hearing Granny's naggings and complaints but after a while I got accustomed to them.

Met up with my nie buddies and was quite surprised to hear that one of them had broken her bond and has since started a new job. Another was highly stressed while the other two are still hanging on pretty well. I guess it really depends on one's character and mindset. Anyway ktv was a semi-disaster for me as I could hardly breathe properly and still nursing a sore throat coupled with occasional sneezes, singing was almost impossible. The only consolation was that it was ladies night so the charges were much cheaper. I don't know why but suddenly ktv seems boring. It might be due to the fact that I've not been keeping up with latest songs so I end up singing the same few songs till I'm sick of them. Another factor perhaps is the company or my reluctance to open up to them and vice versa. I get bored easily if I'm with people whom I'm not close to.

The recent HK drama serials are finally of high standard. Lawyer show is funny yet touching. I look forward to it every weekday night. 9pm show is too not bad but I'll make do with watching the repeat telecasts. Local drama serials still can't compete with HK dramas. All the new actresses look similar and the shows aren't funny at all. Not sure whether it's because Singaporeans lack humour or they are too sensitive to take sarcasm.

Now that my cold/sore throat has finally recovered, I'm going out with a vengeance. GSS has started a month back but I've not contributed to the Singapore economy. But I suspect in the end I'll just window-shop and come home empty-handed as always. I'm more than willing to splurge on food and accomodation but stinge on tangible goods. I'll rather spend on buying experience than branded goods which do not value-add my life.

In other news, property prices keep escalating. At the current rate, I can only afford a slum. Brother is lucky to have gotten his unit last year just before the property craze started. His new place is almost ready with most of the furniture and electronics already up. It's amazing what renovations can do to a place. When he bought over the unit, it was lifeless and dull. Now it seems almost brand new and I'm absolutely in love with his tv and toilet. Yes, I'm obsessed with toilets which is the main reason why I love posh hotels.

That's all for now. Though work is starting, I'm still in a holiday mood. Wonder how I'm going to get out of it.

Long Post..

Much has happened since the last time I blogged. Since this blog is used for complaints, the fact that I haven't written signifies that most things are going on smoothly so far. I have nothing much to whine about in terms of my job and anyway, it's pretty unwise to do so in here. On the whole, there are days where I get upset with a certain group of clients but there are other groups that keep me saint. It's just a matter of balance. I admit I still haven't mastered the art of winning them over but everyday is a learning experience for me.

Six months into joining this company and it's easy to see who are the efficient, kind-hearted, law-abiding, responsible, lazy, bo-chap, MC kings and queens, shrink responsible, all-talk-but-no-action workers. I like the majority of the colleagues who sits in the same office as me. Perhaps it's due to the fact that our age gap is not very big. Eating, mahjong and gossiping sessions help to keep us close and make life less miserable at times. But on the whole, everyone is friendly with one another except at times, a certain someone can be too sociable and irritating which disturbs me from doing my work peacefully.

The past month of so have been spent doing mostly administrative work and attending courses. Most people in my job loathe doing the former but I seem to enjoy it. I only dislike it when my "senior" throws me last minute work to do when he realises he has no time for it. I do not mind doing it if he tells me blatantly right from the start that he doesn't even intend to get started on it. Maybe next time I should just kindly volunteer my services. But then again, in this dog-eat-dog world, most people would only take advantage of your kindness or stupidity and even put the blame on you if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this happened to a colleague of mine and it was witnessed by many of us. It just taught her and also us a lesson not to be too nice. More importantly, we learnt to be wary of a certain someone.

The deployment schedule is out and I'm surprised that there is no change to my workload. The only adjustment is an additional hour with my favourite class for a new module and I'm working together with my senior mentor. The colleagues that joined in together with me all have increased workloads. Perhaps the time-table committee considered the fact that I have 4 hours per week with the NT stream which is extremely exhausting for a BT. All in all, I'm pleased that I'll still be with the same groups of clients. A new group would mean building rapport and setting rules and regulations all over again.

Before embarking on this journey, the institution gave us a word of advice: Avoid workplace romance. Imagine my surprise when I gradually found out that there are 5 couples in my company. It shouldn't be much of a surprise actually given that 80% of us are aged 35 and below. And the quality in here is definitely much better than SDU (though I've never been to any SDU outings, I'm making this statement based on hearsay). The couples in here are quite compatible but personally, I find it weird if my significant other sits opposite me in the office, and we have to act professional in front of our clients and fellow colleagues. More importantly, I wouldn't be able to concentrate. Anyhow, I'm still making speculations on which couple would get hitched first.

Moving out of the workplace to other matters. The past 9 months have been an enjoyable journey for me. Thanks to my Significant Other, I had the opportunities to experience new stuff: watch Arsenal play, eat at different places ranging from Bedok Market to Morton's, window-shop at heartland malls, hang around Esplanade area, take photos, watch plays/shows, fix jigsaw puzzles, play sudoku (nerds), play playstation (yes, I'm childhood deprived, the closest thing to playstation that I played is Super Mario on the Nintendo donkey years ago), learn new English words, squeeze and jostle with the crowd at PC shows, drive around different parts of Singapore, play racket games and many others.

What I experienced in the past 9 months was probably more than what I experienced in my last 9 years. I never knew certain things existed and I never knew what the typical life of a Singaporean was. I am not lamenting about my family lifestyle or trying to sound like a snob but I remember once asking my parents why they didn't bring my brother and I to eat at hawker centres. Do not get mistaken. This doesn't mean that I dine in posh restaurants everyday. The fact is my family seldom steps out of the house to have our meals, or rather, go out as a family. It's really an eye-opener when I discover how other families eat at hawker centres, what Sengkang flats look like, the fact that many Singaporeans actually go to Sentosa and youths are getting more liberal these days. I finally feel like a normal Singaporean. Of course, it's not just experiencing new things that made my life more interesting. Most importantly, it is the person who goes through all these with me. Even doing mundane things like strolling around the neighbourhood or watching the last episode of a particular Channel 8 show starring Pierre Png can be enjoyable (when we start poking fun and laughing hilariously at the poor guy's acting and his Mandarin slang which is a 100 times worse than mine).

I know you are reading this, you-know-who-you are. I may appear quite unfeeling and expressionless at times but it's really not like that. I really want you to know that I'm appreciative of what you have done for me, especially tolerating my irrational grouchiness. A big Thank You to you : )

Extremely Drained..

Feeling terribly drained. Energy level is at rock-bottom. Thank goodness the past couple of weeks have been spent on revision where my creative juices are not needed. Feel like I've been going through the motions.

The next 1.5 weeks will be doing mostly invigilation, marking and administrative work. I get highly irritated when I'm being called up at the last minute to do something, totally spoiling my actual plan to get work done. I wish I could be left alone to complete my tasks but with the high number of MC cases, it is virtually impossible.

Rapport with certain classes are slowly improving. Not sure why my form class is getting a bit noisy. Their behaviour is getting a bit disappointing. Too much praise is not such a good thing after all. They obviously don't see the importance of their examinations. To be fair, the majority are studious. However, the same can't be said about the other 30%. They are generally harmless but just a little mischievous. Even my favourite class is getting a little restless. Not sure if it is because exams are coming.

Looking forward to the June holidays. Desperately need a break to re-charge my energies.

Incoherent Entry..

It has been one month since I've started my job. I've been lucky (or unlucky?) to be given the opportunity to teach all 3 streams: Express, Normal Academic and Normal Technical. Funnily, I'm beginning to prefer teaching English. Reason being that I'm not confined to the syllabus and there are abundance of materials and interesting activities out there which has to do with language. I'm finding it difficult to teach Mathematics as I've to stricty adhere to the scheme of work and it doesn't help that the students come in with mixed abilities. There are topics which they are supposed to have learnt in Primary school but the majority have obviously forgotten. Having to re-teach these topics would mean that I would be lagging behind the scheme of work and I would not be able to complete the syllabus. I get frustrated when they get the sums wrong even though I've told them repeatedly the rules and formulae. Sad to say, I'm the co-form teacher of my Maths class and ironically, my rapport with this class is the weakest because the only things that I talk to them about are Mathematics which they strongly detest and ya, nagging at them to bring their consent forms. Oh well.

I'm a nursing a terrible sore throat which has been going on for a couple of weeks. The flu virus has been spreading round the staff room and it doesn't help that Barb and Granny are down with sore throats too. I've to resort to buying a microphone and using it to teach even though I would rather much prefer to do without it. Barb will be forcing me to visit the doctor's tomorrow.

Cousin's wedding was a rather cosy affair. The only thing that irritated me was that it was held on a Sunday, which strongly deprived me of a good night's sleep in preparation for the week ahead. I became grouchy and sleepy a couple of times during the week and I slept more than 10 hours on two weekdays. I'm really sleep deprived. Times like this make me wish that we have a four day work week or that the public holiday would come faster.

It has been a rather incoherent entry. I'm going to sleep now despite the tonnes of marking and lesson planning to be done.