Heart Space #15: Short Ramblings.
A quick post to summarise what has happened in my life in recent weeks, besides the usual Faith stuffs. :P This blog is still mine, just in case we all have forgotten.
The 10 things that deserve a mention (in no particular order except item 1).
1. Top of the list, it has to be the birthday gift of an Iphone from a friend, although he calls it "friendship and everything" gift. Nonetheless... awesome, shocked and out of this world crazy pretty sums it all up.
2. Wife wanted to buy the same thing for me as well off my "lobang". So end up the monies will be used to upgrade my seriously "much needed" wardrobe. Still haven't got round to doing it yet. Still feel that tailored shirts are expensive, but I guess at some point, I just have to do it.
3. I really want to be a taxi driver for a day. Drive around Singapore, go to the airport, be on the road the whole day, and really experience first hand how much a taxi driver can make in a day. Some of the people should do this, before they make passing remarks (good or bad) about them, unless they experience it themselves.
4. Saw an accident that was reported on the news. The passenger car squashed between a car in front and a truck behind. According to the news, he has already slowed down, but the truck came along and totally sandwiched his car. He died on the spot. It made me think that it could jolly well be just a normal day for him, going to work; going home or whatever. But that's the last that anyone could see him alive. :( Make you really think about life and how unpredictable it is.
5. My colleague has been sick for the longest stretch of time. He had an extensive variety of viruses that struck him, and his array of medications did not cure him. He told me he was looking for a holistic approach to medication and diagnosis of his illness. As of writing, he slowly returning to normal routine, which is excellent news.
6. Been more watching about the food on my plate. Based from last experience, learnt that not everything on my plate should and can be eaten. I have begun eating slower and making sure I don't eat anything that my body will strongly object. Oh, on a separate note, I have been feeling more hungry than usual.
7. Realised I have less of 3 things in my life. 1. Sleep, 2. Time and 3. Money. Must really think about how to make more money. It's draining so much faster than I earn. I guess for the first 2, I just have to make do.
8. Work has been really bad. I mean, we are constantly being held ransom by our subcontractors. In my working world, I am constantly caught in a 3 way tussle; my management, my subcon and the clients. Everyone thinks a few sweet conversations, pat on the backs, will make everything go away. In fact, nothing moves without me applying the grease while trying desperate to crank the wheels into motion. They only probably realised when there's no one applying the grease or turning the wheel. These few episodes of trying to save dollars for my department, getting squeezed from all angles had made me considered moving out. I have a great boss, (which I think now is boss's boss), but that alone, will not be enough to entice me to stay.
9. We are all eagerly waiting for April to come, because that's when the bonus will be paid out. The company had made record earnings and going by that yardstick alone, we should be given quite a handout. According to the CEO, he said the bonus pool is doubled. Let's just hope some of that really dribble down and make all our wishes come true, and whatever I was promised, will be given.
10. I guess item 10 would be something of an emotional run. It has been a rollercoaster ride these days, with so much weighing on my mind. Sometimes, we have to be more spiritual than practical to make things work, for many a times, things were beyond our control. Let's hope the coming months will not be such a challenge to get by. Everyone being more harmonious, cooperative and a little less political. :)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Heart Space #14 : A Day in Sickness
Today is really a weird roll coaster day. I started the morning all fine, went through a series of meetings.
For lunch, I ate Nasi Briyani and drank Lemon Tea with some friends. The drink really tasted so weird, as if a cuttlefish swam in it. After which, I really needed a cup of hot tea to wash the taste down. That's when my body totally rejecting the whole lunch. I felt nauseous, and I simply could not stay around for the next meeting at 2pm. I took time off to see the doctor and get some prescription and went home with medical leave.
The drive home was equally bad. I had to make a stop to get milk powder for Faith. All along the way, the rice really wanted to be expelled from my body. Thankfully I reached home with nothing disastrous. I took the medication and went to sleep. It was pouring so heavily outside but I could not move a limb. I was feeling so hot, and indeed, the thermometer reads 38.5 degrees.
The menu for dinner was fish soup, boy it was kind of a good mistake. With the fish porridge in the stomach, I guess it just gone nuclear! I am shocked to still see the spices of the rice I had for lunch being expelled from my body. I certainly felt much much better after this, for all that remains is just a feverish body with massive body aches.
Updates: I learnt (the hard way) from Kumar that not all spices found in Biryani can be eaten. In my case, Clove is a deadly no no, which was the main cause for this upset.
Today is really a weird roll coaster day. I started the morning all fine, went through a series of meetings.
For lunch, I ate Nasi Briyani and drank Lemon Tea with some friends. The drink really tasted so weird, as if a cuttlefish swam in it. After which, I really needed a cup of hot tea to wash the taste down. That's when my body totally rejecting the whole lunch. I felt nauseous, and I simply could not stay around for the next meeting at 2pm. I took time off to see the doctor and get some prescription and went home with medical leave.
The drive home was equally bad. I had to make a stop to get milk powder for Faith. All along the way, the rice really wanted to be expelled from my body. Thankfully I reached home with nothing disastrous. I took the medication and went to sleep. It was pouring so heavily outside but I could not move a limb. I was feeling so hot, and indeed, the thermometer reads 38.5 degrees.
The menu for dinner was fish soup, boy it was kind of a good mistake. With the fish porridge in the stomach, I guess it just gone nuclear! I am shocked to still see the spices of the rice I had for lunch being expelled from my body. I certainly felt much much better after this, for all that remains is just a feverish body with massive body aches.
Updates: I learnt (the hard way) from Kumar that not all spices found in Biryani can be eaten. In my case, Clove is a deadly no no, which was the main cause for this upset.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Heart Space #13 : This is My Story #2
It has been a busy one month for me, and time really flies, especially when all I do is just drink and sleep.
I have been growing well, my cradle cap is getting much better after the olive oil and jasmine flower treatment that daddy/mummy is giving me. Hope I will be pretty by March.
I am 6 weeks and 2 days old as of writing, weighing about 5kgs now. It has been an eventful month; had my first hair cut and my very first party bash, although I slept through it all. I'll show these pictures in Chapter III.
Right now, here are some of the pictures I would love to share. Thank you for your watching and comments.
It has been a busy one month for me, and time really flies, especially when all I do is just drink and sleep.
I have been growing well, my cradle cap is getting much better after the olive oil and jasmine flower treatment that daddy/mummy is giving me. Hope I will be pretty by March.
I am 6 weeks and 2 days old as of writing, weighing about 5kgs now. It has been an eventful month; had my first hair cut and my very first party bash, although I slept through it all. I'll show these pictures in Chapter III.
Right now, here are some of the pictures I would love to share. Thank you for your watching and comments.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Heart Space #12 : My Birthday Thoughts.
So much had happened since I blogged one month ago. I just could not find the time and energy to pen my thoughts. Everyday for me was transiting between working, cooking and taking care of the baby.
Since it's my birthday, figured I should summarize some of the points here.
I have no desires for any present this year, perhaps presents to me, have lost its meaning. I believe that buying presents for someone, takes a great deal of thought and effort. You have to really think about what the person likes, and if the person really would want the present. It's not something you could buy at the last minute unless you really know him, or pass him the money. Bottomline is, you don't have to give a present unless you really want to.
I am just thankful that this year, I do not really want anything, or anything that I could not get myself. So, anything I got is extra to me. Those who have given me presents, my heartfelt thanks still go out to you. Thank you so much.
Birthday Cards... does anyone write them anymore? Do you write the same thing year in and year out? Or do you simply get your personal assistant to remember and you just scribble something on it and sign off? This goes to show just how much you care about your staff.
My thanks also go to my dear friends who made it a point to remember my birthday. It doesn't matter if you got reminded by your calendar, PDA, notes, Facebook whatever. The thing is that you made a point to note it in there in the first place. Thank you.
I do have 1 wish though. I wish that all the family members are healthy, happy and harmonious throughout. Hope that they have more "turtle qualities" (read patience), and respect each other more...
That's all I ever wish for ... this year.
So much had happened since I blogged one month ago. I just could not find the time and energy to pen my thoughts. Everyday for me was transiting between working, cooking and taking care of the baby.
Since it's my birthday, figured I should summarize some of the points here.
I have no desires for any present this year, perhaps presents to me, have lost its meaning. I believe that buying presents for someone, takes a great deal of thought and effort. You have to really think about what the person likes, and if the person really would want the present. It's not something you could buy at the last minute unless you really know him, or pass him the money. Bottomline is, you don't have to give a present unless you really want to.
I am just thankful that this year, I do not really want anything, or anything that I could not get myself. So, anything I got is extra to me. Those who have given me presents, my heartfelt thanks still go out to you. Thank you so much.
Birthday Cards... does anyone write them anymore? Do you write the same thing year in and year out? Or do you simply get your personal assistant to remember and you just scribble something on it and sign off? This goes to show just how much you care about your staff.
My thanks also go to my dear friends who made it a point to remember my birthday. It doesn't matter if you got reminded by your calendar, PDA, notes, Facebook whatever. The thing is that you made a point to note it in there in the first place. Thank you.
I do have 1 wish though. I wish that all the family members are healthy, happy and harmonious throughout. Hope that they have more "turtle qualities" (read patience), and respect each other more...
That's all I ever wish for ... this year.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Heart Space #10 : Leap of Faith.
This is a late post, for obvious reasons. :p
Today is Jan 15, 2nd and last day of my stay in Thomson Medical Center.
It has been truly a life changing experience, and I feel that no words can really describe how I feel these 2 days. However, I am going to give a rundown of the sequence of events, and hopefully you can follow our journey.
10th Jan, 1500hrs:- Wife was having pains since last night but refused to go to the gynae, since tomorrow is the appointment already. I called up Dr Kee clinic and talked to the nurse. Nurse thought it was urine infection since it's only when passing urine that it will hurt. Finally convinced her to visit Dr Kee by saying it could be very serious. The doctor ran a check and found that she was having mild contractions and the cervix is getting softer. We were asked to monitor for symptoms and to come back Saturday morning if nothing happens between then and Saturday.
12th Jan, 0915hrs:- Still nothing had happened. Brought her in as scheduled but the doctor was busy delivering another baby. He made us waited for ages, and her checkup only took 5 minutes. He found her to have dilated 1cm and contracting already. Again we were asked to go back to wait for signs, and if nothing happens, check in regardless on Sunday night 2330hrs. (Sounds familiar)
13th Jan, 2020hrs:- Still nothing has happened, so wife decided to go to the salon for hair wash.
13th Jan , 2330hrs:- No incidents still, so we lugged our bags for the third and last time and got ourselves admitted.
14th Jan, 0030hrs:- It was only 2-3cm dilated when admitted. It was the beginning of a very long wait....
14th Jan, 0343hrs:- Water bag burst.. Finally.. *phew*
14th Jan, 0510hrs:- Epidural given, wife has endured since. The operation lasted a good 30 minutes.
14th Jan, 0830hrs:- Gynae arrives, and think wife is ready to give birth and advises us to try.
14th Jan, 0840hrs:- Gynae found that no nurses are there to encourage us, got mad. The nurses got madder, since they feel it's too early. They needed the epidural to wear off before wife has more sensation to push.
14th Jan, 0900hrs:- The pushing commences...
14th Jan, 0936hrs:- Faith arrives!!!
This is a late post, for obvious reasons. :p
Today is Jan 15, 2nd and last day of my stay in Thomson Medical Center.
It has been truly a life changing experience, and I feel that no words can really describe how I feel these 2 days. However, I am going to give a rundown of the sequence of events, and hopefully you can follow our journey.
10th Jan, 1500hrs:- Wife was having pains since last night but refused to go to the gynae, since tomorrow is the appointment already. I called up Dr Kee clinic and talked to the nurse. Nurse thought it was urine infection since it's only when passing urine that it will hurt. Finally convinced her to visit Dr Kee by saying it could be very serious. The doctor ran a check and found that she was having mild contractions and the cervix is getting softer. We were asked to monitor for symptoms and to come back Saturday morning if nothing happens between then and Saturday.
12th Jan, 0915hrs:- Still nothing had happened. Brought her in as scheduled but the doctor was busy delivering another baby. He made us waited for ages, and her checkup only took 5 minutes. He found her to have dilated 1cm and contracting already. Again we were asked to go back to wait for signs, and if nothing happens, check in regardless on Sunday night 2330hrs. (Sounds familiar)
13th Jan, 2020hrs:- Still nothing has happened, so wife decided to go to the salon for hair wash.
13th Jan , 2330hrs:- No incidents still, so we lugged our bags for the third and last time and got ourselves admitted.
14th Jan, 0030hrs:- It was only 2-3cm dilated when admitted. It was the beginning of a very long wait....
14th Jan, 0343hrs:- Water bag burst.. Finally.. *phew*
14th Jan, 0510hrs:- Epidural given, wife has endured since. The operation lasted a good 30 minutes.
14th Jan, 0830hrs:- Gynae arrives, and think wife is ready to give birth and advises us to try.
14th Jan, 0840hrs:- Gynae found that no nurses are there to encourage us, got mad. The nurses got madder, since they feel it's too early. They needed the epidural to wear off before wife has more sensation to push.
14th Jan, 0900hrs:- The pushing commences...
14th Jan, 0936hrs:- Faith arrives!!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Heart Space #9 : End of Year 2007
Another year is almost over, and gosh, many of us must be wondering where did all the time gone to? I know for sure, a great deal went to my work, for I never been so busy in this company before.
Here's a short recap of what happened in 2007.
1. Family
Well, my cousin delivered; which makes the total now stands at 4.
i. 2 girls (My Brother's and Louis's)
ii. 2 boys (Mag's and Serena's)
iii. Mine is on the way... hopefully in '08.
I don't think there will be anymore coming in '08, although one cousin is trying. I guess all the other mums are taking a break. I do hope my youngest cousin will get hitched in '08... before she really gets left on the shelf.. (She's really not bad looking ;P. You can check out my Facebook.)
2. Friends
Fulfilled my target of 5 new friends. I have made many new friends during my Euro trip. I guess on this front, friends have been really good this year. From the event in December, I’ve met even more friends, which is really good but I should have got their contact details. A couple of my other friends/(ex) colleagues got married (Ziyi, Chee Kian, Francis, Stephanie, Josephine, Shi Huey), a couple others gave/giving birth soon..so my wishes to all of them...
3. Family
Family has been great as well and about. I guess sometimes we got so bogged down by work, and we forget what is really important to us. My mum really deserves the MUM of the Year Award; She helped nonstop at my place, bought stuff for her granddaughter, joined me in the volunteer event... all these without expecting anything in return.
4. Work
There have been so much upheaval in work. More colleagues have left; Stanley, Grace, Peter, Trupti, Kah Tat, Cynthia, KaiJie, Yuan Leng, Ham Li Lian, Kwee Moi. One of them was forced to leave under dire and unmanaged circumstances that leave us all with a bad aftertaste. I am supposed to take on more roles and responsibilities in 2008, but there are just too many unsettled issues. My RO changed so many times, and for now, I never met up with my RO yet. Someone really needs to take care of my existing projects, and thankfully Stephanie is doing a good job. In addition, the most urgent project is on the verge of rollout (on target!), and thankfully there are still some people who are committed to finishing the project, and not let the negative thoughts prevent them from doing their best. However, in Phase 1A of this project, I could not longer afford my time as BA, PJM or even technical developer for this project. I put on so hats for this project rollout that it hit upon me as if I was still with Accenture. This has to stop, I mean everyone should play their roles well, and not just clock time, and not performing what they are tasked to.
Also, working with my subcontractor had such a drastic impact on my work life. It's so funny, we own a majority stake in the company and yet we absolutely have no say in anything. I am always left in a bad position with nothing much I can do, except to clean up the mess or to be held ransom. Furthermore, I am constantly caught in between of wanting to do the right thing and whether can I do the right thing. I guess the air up there in the management cloud, is something I will never understand for a while, but from the looks of it, I don't think it's that sweet smelling.
Well, the outlook for my work bodes ill, according to this Chinese almanac thing. A lot of office politics and backstabbing will occur next year. I guess this is so much in line, from what I understood from the role and position that I am supposing in. Sigh. Let’s see, for I am not a person liking such politics in office.
5. Money
Didn't save lot of money this year, nor invest any. My boss said if you have not made money this year, you have missed a great year. Well, that's easy for him to say, with money to spare. This is one area I really need to look into.. hmm.
6. Leisure
Hasn't really learn anything new, but have done a weenie bit of vb.net troubleshooting. Decided to learn French formally in 2008, hope the baby will not take up TOO much of my time, but I guess that's not possible. :P
Finally got down to it, and organised an event for the Club Rainbow kids. It was not possible without Felicia who coordinated with Club Rainbow and Made With Love for this event. We have a good number of volunteers (thanks, you guys!), food, fun activity and lots of presents to give away. We had one preparation class to prepare the kits required for the actual event. On the actual day, there was so much excitement and anxiety when the kids arrived. The kids (as well as the volunteers) really had a great time!!! Gotta start thinking of the next one... but next year.. not anytime soon.
7. Thanks and goals.
In this closing, would like to thank the following people for making 2007 bearable and most part of it, enjoyable.
(in no particular order...)
i. My folks and in laws (for the frequent cleaning and stuff they bought for us and the baby)
ii. To my wife, for bearing the weight of my little darling for a good 9 months.
iii. To Kumar, Thin, Huiling for being so committed to meet Maybank's impossible timeline. I guess you guys should really feel proud of yourselves.
iv. For my brother & cousins, Mag and Serena; for the wonderful and beautiful dresses, and hand-down stuff for the baby, which saves a lot for us.
v. For Felicia and the rest of the gang who participated in the Charity event on Dec 15, kudos to you too! Hope we made a small difference that day!
vi. Goals for 2008 is 3 "mores". More Time for my loved ones, More Money, More Knowledge (for work and leisure)
Another year is almost over, and gosh, many of us must be wondering where did all the time gone to? I know for sure, a great deal went to my work, for I never been so busy in this company before.
Here's a short recap of what happened in 2007.
1. Family
Well, my cousin delivered; which makes the total now stands at 4.
i. 2 girls (My Brother's and Louis's)
ii. 2 boys (Mag's and Serena's)
iii. Mine is on the way... hopefully in '08.
I don't think there will be anymore coming in '08, although one cousin is trying. I guess all the other mums are taking a break. I do hope my youngest cousin will get hitched in '08... before she really gets left on the shelf.. (She's really not bad looking ;P. You can check out my Facebook.)
2. Friends
Fulfilled my target of 5 new friends. I have made many new friends during my Euro trip. I guess on this front, friends have been really good this year. From the event in December, I’ve met even more friends, which is really good but I should have got their contact details. A couple of my other friends/(ex) colleagues got married (Ziyi, Chee Kian, Francis, Stephanie, Josephine, Shi Huey), a couple others gave/giving birth soon..so my wishes to all of them...
3. Family
Family has been great as well and about. I guess sometimes we got so bogged down by work, and we forget what is really important to us. My mum really deserves the MUM of the Year Award; She helped nonstop at my place, bought stuff for her granddaughter, joined me in the volunteer event... all these without expecting anything in return.
4. Work
There have been so much upheaval in work. More colleagues have left; Stanley, Grace, Peter, Trupti, Kah Tat, Cynthia, KaiJie, Yuan Leng, Ham Li Lian, Kwee Moi. One of them was forced to leave under dire and unmanaged circumstances that leave us all with a bad aftertaste. I am supposed to take on more roles and responsibilities in 2008, but there are just too many unsettled issues. My RO changed so many times, and for now, I never met up with my RO yet. Someone really needs to take care of my existing projects, and thankfully Stephanie is doing a good job. In addition, the most urgent project is on the verge of rollout (on target!), and thankfully there are still some people who are committed to finishing the project, and not let the negative thoughts prevent them from doing their best. However, in Phase 1A of this project, I could not longer afford my time as BA, PJM or even technical developer for this project. I put on so hats for this project rollout that it hit upon me as if I was still with Accenture. This has to stop, I mean everyone should play their roles well, and not just clock time, and not performing what they are tasked to.
Also, working with my subcontractor had such a drastic impact on my work life. It's so funny, we own a majority stake in the company and yet we absolutely have no say in anything. I am always left in a bad position with nothing much I can do, except to clean up the mess or to be held ransom. Furthermore, I am constantly caught in between of wanting to do the right thing and whether can I do the right thing. I guess the air up there in the management cloud, is something I will never understand for a while, but from the looks of it, I don't think it's that sweet smelling.
Well, the outlook for my work bodes ill, according to this Chinese almanac thing. A lot of office politics and backstabbing will occur next year. I guess this is so much in line, from what I understood from the role and position that I am supposing in. Sigh. Let’s see, for I am not a person liking such politics in office.
5. Money
Didn't save lot of money this year, nor invest any. My boss said if you have not made money this year, you have missed a great year. Well, that's easy for him to say, with money to spare. This is one area I really need to look into.. hmm.
6. Leisure
Hasn't really learn anything new, but have done a weenie bit of vb.net troubleshooting. Decided to learn French formally in 2008, hope the baby will not take up TOO much of my time, but I guess that's not possible. :P
Finally got down to it, and organised an event for the Club Rainbow kids. It was not possible without Felicia who coordinated with Club Rainbow and Made With Love for this event. We have a good number of volunteers (thanks, you guys!), food, fun activity and lots of presents to give away. We had one preparation class to prepare the kits required for the actual event. On the actual day, there was so much excitement and anxiety when the kids arrived. The kids (as well as the volunteers) really had a great time!!! Gotta start thinking of the next one... but next year.. not anytime soon.
7. Thanks and goals.
In this closing, would like to thank the following people for making 2007 bearable and most part of it, enjoyable.
(in no particular order...)
i. My folks and in laws (for the frequent cleaning and stuff they bought for us and the baby)
ii. To my wife, for bearing the weight of my little darling for a good 9 months.
iii. To Kumar, Thin, Huiling for being so committed to meet Maybank's impossible timeline. I guess you guys should really feel proud of yourselves.
iv. For my brother & cousins, Mag and Serena; for the wonderful and beautiful dresses, and hand-down stuff for the baby, which saves a lot for us.
v. For Felicia and the rest of the gang who participated in the Charity event on Dec 15, kudos to you too! Hope we made a small difference that day!
vi. Goals for 2008 is 3 "mores". More Time for my loved ones, More Money, More Knowledge (for work and leisure)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Heart Space #8 : Josephine Wedding
Click here to see the John & Josephine Wedding (Full 30MB) with ProShow
p.s. It's not fun to shoot in shirt and pants, with working shoes. :(
One of my closest female secondary schoolmates got married over the weekend. Theirs was a 13 year courtship, and it definitely had its share of ups and down. She asked me to be one of the "sisters", and well I agreed; in fact I even offered to take additional photographs for her. Besides, I never attended a church wedding yet, so figured it would really cool.
Hope she really loves my photos, though it would be very much better if the groom does look my way a bit more. Here's wishing her all the best and have a blissful marriage and life.
This montage is optimized for web viewing but still, it's a 30MB stream.
Click here to see the John & Josephine Wedding (Full 30MB) with ProShow
p.s. It's not fun to shoot in shirt and pants, with working shoes. :(
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Heart Space #7 : Baby Faith
I came across this program that allows me to easily create a slideshow using photos. Had a hard time figuring out why it didn't work on Blogspot. Turns out that the server where I host the files is acting weird. So... if the slideshow doesn't start, load this page in a totally new browser window. Hope you guys like it, and do turn on your speakers. (works best with FlashPlayer 9.0)
It's amazing how much my wife has grown in size. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of ultrascan pictures from the gynae; He probably has a thing for not giving out the pictures. What is so difficult about clicking the print button (besides, we are paying for it)? So instead, I posted pictures of my wife.
Just a month away before we can see her. She's been really active these weeks, wanting to brush her hands, legs, butt, head against our skin. Can't really wait to see her in person, just hope that we got everything prepared for her arrival.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Heart Space #6 : Charity Event of the Year
Preparations for this event has finally kicked off, well, at least for me. My good friend, Felicia has already done an excellent job; making contacts, gathered the necessary parties, arranged for a meeting.
Our little AGM last Saturday, we managed to discuss the outline, set out action items, and now the hunt for volunteers begin. I roped in a few of my colleagues (my direct team members not exactly supporting me for this... :() We have a target of 10-15 volunteers... Current count : 2
We will be having a train-the-trainers session prior to the event, so that we are in good shape to coach the kids. (Date to be advised)
I will update this space as soon I get more volunteers... Com'on sign up by emailing me at edwintan76@yahoo.com
Do look at the Flyer for more details.
Preparations for this event has finally kicked off, well, at least for me. My good friend, Felicia has already done an excellent job; making contacts, gathered the necessary parties, arranged for a meeting.
Our little AGM last Saturday, we managed to discuss the outline, set out action items, and now the hunt for volunteers begin. I roped in a few of my colleagues (my direct team members not exactly supporting me for this... :() We have a target of 10-15 volunteers... Current count : 2
We will be having a train-the-trainers session prior to the event, so that we are in good shape to coach the kids. (Date to be advised)
I will update this space as soon I get more volunteers... Com'on sign up by emailing me at edwintan76@yahoo.com
Do look at the Flyer for more details.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Heart Space #5 : What A Busy Weekend
It was really a busy weekend for me. After several long days of work, last weekend boasted no rest. On Saturday, I have a nephew's 1st birthday, followed by a wedding on Sunday. This wedding, I had to be a "Brother" and a part time photographer for him, and of course being a Brother, means more driving around, waking early and running around.
Somehow I managed to survive the weekend, only to my dismay that a function is turned off on my camera, and well, the birthday bash pictures are heavily compromised. :( Luckily the wedding photos are not that bad, just a wee bit too dark. I borrowed a flash, and well, there was no way I can make it work harder... *time to get some more gadgets*.
It was really a busy weekend for me. After several long days of work, last weekend boasted no rest. On Saturday, I have a nephew's 1st birthday, followed by a wedding on Sunday. This wedding, I had to be a "Brother" and a part time photographer for him, and of course being a Brother, means more driving around, waking early and running around.
Somehow I managed to survive the weekend, only to my dismay that a function is turned off on my camera, and well, the birthday bash pictures are heavily compromised. :( Luckily the wedding photos are not that bad, just a wee bit too dark. I borrowed a flash, and well, there was no way I can make it work harder... *time to get some more gadgets*.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Heart Space #4 : Level 5 Manager
I was confiding in my colleague, K, about my Old School thoughts:"If you are the project manager (or team lead), if your members come back on a weekend to do work, you should be present, regardless if you can help them or not."
His belief is that, "What's the point of the PM coming back when he is not contributing to the work that they are doing. Furthermore, isn't it wasting the PM's time to do so?, coming for the sake of coming. Everyone should be measured by their deliverables, and not whether they come back on weekends or not."
I do agree to certain extent with what he says. However, I believe this would work only in a very self driven environment, where all the employees are self motivated and committed to the deadlines. More often than not, the employees will grumble about the PM asking them to come back while he himself stays at home. No doubt there could really be no meaning, or purpose for the PM to be there, but I sincerely believe in leading by examples. If you are unwilling to come back, how could you expect that from your team members? In addition, by being there, guidance or clarification can be obtained immediately. Team members can also feel the commitment that the PM has for the project but most importantly, it fortifies the team spirit and bond, which the entire team is willing to go through it together.
Of course, I figured the higher you go, you can't expect yourself to be everywhere, every time. If you are so committed to every level of your reporting line, you will end up with no social life. (especially in IT line).
I wonder how many of you would agree with what I have said. My wife agrees with me, and I figured maybe because we came from a consulting background, and we know both sides of the coin; the PM who dictates the deadline and only questions "Is it done?", and the PM who is part of the phase, and asks "How is it going?"
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Heart Space #3 : I Miss My Mum
I have wanted to pen this topic a while back, but just didn't find the time to do so. I thought I better get to it before work or some other thing got the better out of me.
I brought my mum to the movies on 7th September 2007 for a locally produced movie titled, '881'. The title is a loose translation into a dialect language for "Papaya" which evolves around the "Papaya Sisters" whom aspire to be 'Ge-Tai' singers.
This is not going to be a movie critic blog, and no doubt there were way too many "tried too hard" scenes, the movie did have its glorious moments. It was a wonderfully well-paced, scripted and heart warming story. It has been a while since I was really touched by a movie, let alone a locally produced movie!
It was also a first for me that I brought my mum alone for a movie date (my wife was there though). I did the same thing with my Dad on another occasion (Constantine, I think), in which he fell asleep halfway through. My mum is the very typical mum, works hard and takes excellent care for the family, not willing to go out and spend money on such stuff, so I was so surprised that she said “Yes” to my impromptu suggestion of the movie. However, my dad weren't too keen, and I could see the disappointment in my mum's eyes. Luckily, she is willing to forsake my Dad, and proceeded on with the movie.
During the show, my mum didn't eat the popcorn, nor had much to drink. She was completely engrossed in the movie, and I swear that I saw her cried. I was happy.. really.. that my mum is enjoying the drama in a big screen, for it has been more than a decade since she has gone into a cinema. She could really connect with the characters in the movie; singing along all the dialect songs; taking pity of the girls etc. Even after the shows, we could engage in a way that we hardly do... It was a feeling I haven't felt for a very long time.. and I feel that I miss my mum so much.
I really hope that there are more I could do than just this, for I believe that there are no better times for parents to enjoy life... than now.
Treasure what you have now...
I brought my mum to the movies on 7th September 2007 for a locally produced movie titled, '881'. The title is a loose translation into a dialect language for "Papaya" which evolves around the "Papaya Sisters" whom aspire to be 'Ge-Tai' singers.
This is not going to be a movie critic blog, and no doubt there were way too many "tried too hard" scenes, the movie did have its glorious moments. It was a wonderfully well-paced, scripted and heart warming story. It has been a while since I was really touched by a movie, let alone a locally produced movie!
It was also a first for me that I brought my mum alone for a movie date (my wife was there though). I did the same thing with my Dad on another occasion (Constantine, I think), in which he fell asleep halfway through. My mum is the very typical mum, works hard and takes excellent care for the family, not willing to go out and spend money on such stuff, so I was so surprised that she said “Yes” to my impromptu suggestion of the movie. However, my dad weren't too keen, and I could see the disappointment in my mum's eyes. Luckily, she is willing to forsake my Dad, and proceeded on with the movie.
During the show, my mum didn't eat the popcorn, nor had much to drink. She was completely engrossed in the movie, and I swear that I saw her cried. I was happy.. really.. that my mum is enjoying the drama in a big screen, for it has been more than a decade since she has gone into a cinema. She could really connect with the characters in the movie; singing along all the dialect songs; taking pity of the girls etc. Even after the shows, we could engage in a way that we hardly do... It was a feeling I haven't felt for a very long time.. and I feel that I miss my mum so much.
I really hope that there are more I could do than just this, for I believe that there are no better times for parents to enjoy life... than now.
Treasure what you have now...
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Heart Space #2
Someone's status message reads "The greatest distance is the distance between 2 hearts"
I feel so hurt... for numerous reasons surrounding the same issue.
I am really really hurt... (lack of a better word) because ...
- You promised me... (not once, but many)
- I can do it... why not you?
- It has been like 5 months.
- You said you have tried... is it?
- I believe it's really a basic attribute...
- Talking about it to you, yields the same conclusion but only to be quickly forgotten.
I wonder how much of this I can take. Sometimes I just wanted to do it back at you... but I have never successfully done it, because it's just in me to do it... maybe because I am willing to. Does that mean that you are unwilling to? If so, that would be a larger problem...
I am so perplexed at this... guess love will have to be put to the test...
Someone's status message reads "The greatest distance is the distance between 2 hearts"
I feel so hurt... for numerous reasons surrounding the same issue.
I am really really hurt... (lack of a better word) because ...
- You promised me... (not once, but many)
- I can do it... why not you?
- It has been like 5 months.
- You said you have tried... is it?
- I believe it's really a basic attribute...
- Talking about it to you, yields the same conclusion but only to be quickly forgotten.
I wonder how much of this I can take. Sometimes I just wanted to do it back at you... but I have never successfully done it, because it's just in me to do it... maybe because I am willing to. Does that mean that you are unwilling to? If so, that would be a larger problem...
I am so perplexed at this... guess love will have to be put to the test...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Heart Space #1
The closest things to my heart right now, is the 23rd week old baby growing in my wife's womb. She has a name, well, a couple, but more or less settled on 1. We haven't told anyone officially about the name yet, cause we know that there bound to be criticism about the name.
On 9th September, I felt the baby's kicks for the very first time in my life. She kicked my wife first, then I quickly placed my hands on the stomach area, and I could feel the quick jerk of the skin. Then I felt it again. It was the most amazing feeling and there's simply no word to describe it. It was simply magical.
This is her @ 10th week
The closest things to my heart right now, is the 23rd week old baby growing in my wife's womb. She has a name, well, a couple, but more or less settled on 1. We haven't told anyone officially about the name yet, cause we know that there bound to be criticism about the name.
Nonetheless, the good news has been kept under wraps for a good 15 weeks before we decided to spill the beans. I guess it's a pretty common practice, as the foetus isn't stable at that point in time. The surprising thing is that her colleagues didn't even notice until just 2 weeks ago!!! We have done the detailed scans and blood tests, and all are signs of her growing well.
Not all were smooth sailing.., my wife's the blood test showed signs of low blood cell count, and did a further test for Thalassemia. Unfortunately it turns out to be positive, and I have to be tested as well. If I am a carrier as well, baby will have a high chance of contracting the disease. Well, thank God that I am fine, and boy were we relieved!
On 9th September, I felt the baby's kicks for the very first time in my life. She kicked my wife first, then I quickly placed my hands on the stomach area, and I could feel the quick jerk of the skin. Then I felt it again. It was the most amazing feeling and there's simply no word to describe it. It was simply magical.
Jan 15 2008 is the day that I will become a father, and I am so not prepared. However, nothing could hide my excitement about 'Daddy's Girl'.
This is her @ 8th week.
This is her @ 10th week
This is my wife's belly at 22nd week..:p She probably kill me for putting this picture up.
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