I would have never imagined my life at work now to be just like those of a honey bee.. Busy, busy, and busy!!
I almost lost my mind when my Lotus Notes email hit a record-breaking number of 2136 unread emails on Monday! I simply don't know how can that even happen?!!
Yes, a HR generalist does the full spectrum of Human Resources; but not things like sorting out letters, doing financial surveys for the government, and preparing visa letters for foreign embassies! I counted, I actually done 5 visa letters, twice resetting passwords of our online leave portal, 3 appointment letters, 5 interview arrangements, and about 6 Employment Pass issuance & appointment fixing in a day! These took up my 1 whole day at work already, can you imagine it?!
In an organization of close to 500 headcount, 3 HR generalists are not enough to support their endless HR queries, needs and requests; especially when it is mid-year now and people are reviewing their current job packages and come to a clear conclusion that they are being underpaid in where they are right now. The crazy turnover rate is very much the top reason why our team has been slogging so hard in the last few weeks. I basically leave the office at only after 10pm everyday, and still work are being carried forward to the following day, and even until today!
Work can never be finished.. sounds familiar? You may have heard it coming from your kind and concerned superior who is worried of you getting burnt outs at work, and thus this consoling statement to ask you to go home early. Sigh, you really wish you could; but then again your work will be stacking up like Jenga blocks waiting for you to pick them up and finish them the next day, or the day after, or soonest possible before people start chasing you for them!!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Sweet as Sugar
Ok people, I'm not trying to show off nor brag about the sweetest thing in my life right now; but I just cannot resist not telling you.. that I am so happy and very blessed!
I know all of you out there already know I'm such a sucker for love, aka lovefool. So, this is almost not news to you. However, this time I'm pretty certain that it doesn't work a single way only. I am positive because of the sweetness I am constantly receiving from him. Well, there are of course, if you were to judge, many possible reasons for him being so nice to me. One of which is definitely because he wants to sleep with me. I don't wanna deny the possibility, but those sweet gestures from him doesn't necessarily constitute sex in return. So, why would he still make the efforts?
I can still remember what K used to ask me.. "Why are you so kind to me? Is it because of the unfavourable situation you are in?" He meant if I was good to him only because of my background as a single mom. He probably never realised it was my love for him that made me forgive him time after time, and stayed that 10 months with him.
Those words from him still serve as a reminder to me now, as I am more conscious of my actions towards KL. I will never want KL to think in the same way as K, as he's so much more worthy of what I will do for him. Hence, it has been KL who's all sweet and nice to me so far. He pays attention to everything I tell him, and tries his very best to fulfil his role as a boyfriend and, beyond actually.
I happened to find out that he was trying to get tickets for Kylie Minogue's concert in SG,
because he knew I wanted to go badly. There was no need for him to do that at all. And eventhough ultimately he didn't managed to get the tickets, I still feel very touched..
KL also knew I was looking for a new wristlet, as my current one from Coach is already very used. He did the same by looking up on several online shopping sites, to see if he can find a new wristlet for me. He is not the least worried that he might have to be out of pocket quite significantly after buying a branded wristlet. In fact he knows I love Kate Spade and Coach, and so he went on to RSVP to a private branded goods sale in hope I will find something I like.
These may all seem like the material gratification KL is providing me, but that's not what I like him for.. He is sincere to me, honest like nothing, and extremely sweet like as if I am his first love! His wicked sense of humour, which he calls it lame; never fail to make me
laugh!! No one could tell by just looking at him, that he's actually quite a romantic and very chatty; or maybe he's just talkative to me?! Hahahaha..
Just 2 months back, I was still dwelling over a past relationship, and uncertain of making my first step back into a new relationship. Now, I am ever so sure of the guy I see at work everyday, and I know I can simply throw my past unhappiness out from the window, for good!! :)
I know all of you out there already know I'm such a sucker for love, aka lovefool. So, this is almost not news to you. However, this time I'm pretty certain that it doesn't work a single way only. I am positive because of the sweetness I am constantly receiving from him. Well, there are of course, if you were to judge, many possible reasons for him being so nice to me. One of which is definitely because he wants to sleep with me. I don't wanna deny the possibility, but those sweet gestures from him doesn't necessarily constitute sex in return. So, why would he still make the efforts?
I can still remember what K used to ask me.. "Why are you so kind to me? Is it because of the unfavourable situation you are in?" He meant if I was good to him only because of my background as a single mom. He probably never realised it was my love for him that made me forgive him time after time, and stayed that 10 months with him.
Those words from him still serve as a reminder to me now, as I am more conscious of my actions towards KL. I will never want KL to think in the same way as K, as he's so much more worthy of what I will do for him. Hence, it has been KL who's all sweet and nice to me so far. He pays attention to everything I tell him, and tries his very best to fulfil his role as a boyfriend and, beyond actually.
I happened to find out that he was trying to get tickets for Kylie Minogue's concert in SG,
because he knew I wanted to go badly. There was no need for him to do that at all. And eventhough ultimately he didn't managed to get the tickets, I still feel very touched..
KL also knew I was looking for a new wristlet, as my current one from Coach is already very used. He did the same by looking up on several online shopping sites, to see if he can find a new wristlet for me. He is not the least worried that he might have to be out of pocket quite significantly after buying a branded wristlet. In fact he knows I love Kate Spade and Coach, and so he went on to RSVP to a private branded goods sale in hope I will find something I like.
These may all seem like the material gratification KL is providing me, but that's not what I like him for.. He is sincere to me, honest like nothing, and extremely sweet like as if I am his first love! His wicked sense of humour, which he calls it lame; never fail to make me
laugh!! No one could tell by just looking at him, that he's actually quite a romantic and very chatty; or maybe he's just talkative to me?! Hahahaha..
Just 2 months back, I was still dwelling over a past relationship, and uncertain of making my first step back into a new relationship. Now, I am ever so sure of the guy I see at work everyday, and I know I can simply throw my past unhappiness out from the window, for good!! :)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Men are from Mars, and Women from Venus
This will be the most controversial post I have ever written, and there is a high possibility that I may be even labelled as a 'sexist' when this goes out to an audience number of much more powerful than any media can ever achieve! So, the risk of my fallen death starts right here.. ;)
If a guy were to ever tell a girl that she is beautiful, and that he have fallen head over heels right from the second he laid eyes onto her, the interpretion is "You look damn hot, and I can't wait to get laid with you!!" All the sweet nothings whispered to your ears on that first night you both met, is just the art of seduction and very much the start of foreplay before the actual game goes into full play. However, if a girl were to come on agressively on that cutie seated alone at the bar, she will most probably be taken as a prostitute or if not a S.A.W.- the newest addition to the long, long list of names guys so generously bethroned onto us. Simply hate this term which if you haven't managed to guess it by now, means Sexually Agressive Woman. Where's the justice in this when guys get away with almost zero guilt after an 'ONS' - obviously stands for one night stand, and the stupid girl may be living in fantasy of a possible boy-girl relationship somewhere? The following day after the night of passion will simply be the worse ever wakeup call for the girl. She will find herself totally out of that guy's social network in just a day! Facebook friends? MSN contact? Sorry, but you just won't be there anymore..
Maybe I should not determine the whole basket of apples to be rotten, by just 1 or 2 bad examples. Ok, let's then talk about a proper relationship. In an ideally perfect boy-girl relationship, there should be equity and trust between the 2 parties. So, when there is a sudden increase in the number of female friends, and I am talking about the really hot ones; on the boyfriend's FB account, shouldn't there be a call for some form of explanation? To the guy, that's just normal and the girlfriend's just making a mountain out of a molehill! Fine, if you think so. What about those who simply thought using a lousy reason like 'spam', deserve the benefit of doubt from his girlfriend? That couldn't be more lame than anything else. Think, if this were to come from the girl instead; will the treatment from the guy be the same as how he was expecting from his girlfriend. We all know the answer.
Trust me, there are bound to have silly girls who comply to every single instruction laid down by the boyfriend. Worse, there is an infinite number of jerks out there who uses the girl's softest spot for them, and slowly savouring them, taking away their dignity and confidence day by day.
It is of course the nicest thing to be in love, but it will not be when you are totally blinded by love..
If a guy were to ever tell a girl that she is beautiful, and that he have fallen head over heels right from the second he laid eyes onto her, the interpretion is "You look damn hot, and I can't wait to get laid with you!!" All the sweet nothings whispered to your ears on that first night you both met, is just the art of seduction and very much the start of foreplay before the actual game goes into full play. However, if a girl were to come on agressively on that cutie seated alone at the bar, she will most probably be taken as a prostitute or if not a S.A.W.- the newest addition to the long, long list of names guys so generously bethroned onto us. Simply hate this term which if you haven't managed to guess it by now, means Sexually Agressive Woman. Where's the justice in this when guys get away with almost zero guilt after an 'ONS' - obviously stands for one night stand, and the stupid girl may be living in fantasy of a possible boy-girl relationship somewhere? The following day after the night of passion will simply be the worse ever wakeup call for the girl. She will find herself totally out of that guy's social network in just a day! Facebook friends? MSN contact? Sorry, but you just won't be there anymore..
Maybe I should not determine the whole basket of apples to be rotten, by just 1 or 2 bad examples. Ok, let's then talk about a proper relationship. In an ideally perfect boy-girl relationship, there should be equity and trust between the 2 parties. So, when there is a sudden increase in the number of female friends, and I am talking about the really hot ones; on the boyfriend's FB account, shouldn't there be a call for some form of explanation? To the guy, that's just normal and the girlfriend's just making a mountain out of a molehill! Fine, if you think so. What about those who simply thought using a lousy reason like 'spam', deserve the benefit of doubt from his girlfriend? That couldn't be more lame than anything else. Think, if this were to come from the girl instead; will the treatment from the guy be the same as how he was expecting from his girlfriend. We all know the answer.
Trust me, there are bound to have silly girls who comply to every single instruction laid down by the boyfriend. Worse, there is an infinite number of jerks out there who uses the girl's softest spot for them, and slowly savouring them, taking away their dignity and confidence day by day.
It is of course the nicest thing to be in love, but it will not be when you are totally blinded by love..
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Uninvited
It is hard not to feel depressed, lousy and simply shitty (ok, finally the first crude word in my blog!); when you have always thought you are more than just colleagues with that someone whom you sat beside for the longest time in your tenure in the company.
Hence, my speechless response to the few office ladies who were invited to the solemnization ceremony that took place last Saturday, whereas I did not. In fact it kinda stunned me when I realised there was another girl from the company invited to the event, though she was barely acquainted with 'Ms Bride', let alone the groom. You can almost guessed what was running through my little faithful mind at the moment. "I thought she will never leave me out in her wedding invites..", "Does that mean we are no longer friends?", "Have I done something wrong?". These questions were hitting me hard and I knew I can't give any answers to them..
Not sure if I should be expecting an invite for the customary ceremony, or maybe by then she might not be here in our company anymore. Well, they always say true friends will stay the same regardless how and what the friendship evolves into eventually. I am secretly praying this will be so for me and her.
Hence, my speechless response to the few office ladies who were invited to the solemnization ceremony that took place last Saturday, whereas I did not. In fact it kinda stunned me when I realised there was another girl from the company invited to the event, though she was barely acquainted with 'Ms Bride', let alone the groom. You can almost guessed what was running through my little faithful mind at the moment. "I thought she will never leave me out in her wedding invites..", "Does that mean we are no longer friends?", "Have I done something wrong?". These questions were hitting me hard and I knew I can't give any answers to them..
Not sure if I should be expecting an invite for the customary ceremony, or maybe by then she might not be here in our company anymore. Well, they always say true friends will stay the same regardless how and what the friendship evolves into eventually. I am secretly praying this will be so for me and her.
The unexpected truth
I am not lying, nor hallucinating.. I am very sure. But it may not be the same for the person who said what he said to me on Saturday morning.
I was very surprised to get the first text message from Mr K at 3.42am on Friday night. At first I just wished he had texted me by mistake. However when the message says "Are you Regina?", I knew it was not a mistake.
The subsequent messages from him were so unbelievable, so much so that I thought it was someone else who wrote them. I'd never imagine he actually confessed to me how much he was suffering after we broke off. He mentioned that he even lost 5kg since then! The next incredible thing he said was he really loved me and cared for me a lot, and that I was the kindest and well-mannered girlfriend he ever had in his life. In those few messages, he said he loved me several times which is just something he have never done before, during our 10 months together!
Of course those words were like music to my ears, and I almost fell right into the mouse-trap again! Like a mouse with its tail pinned down by the trap and all you can ever do, is pray hard that the trapper will change his mind and show sympathy onto you.
I was very surprised to get the first text message from Mr K at 3.42am on Friday night. At first I just wished he had texted me by mistake. However when the message says "Are you Regina?", I knew it was not a mistake.
The subsequent messages from him were so unbelievable, so much so that I thought it was someone else who wrote them. I'd never imagine he actually confessed to me how much he was suffering after we broke off. He mentioned that he even lost 5kg since then! The next incredible thing he said was he really loved me and cared for me a lot, and that I was the kindest and well-mannered girlfriend he ever had in his life. In those few messages, he said he loved me several times which is just something he have never done before, during our 10 months together!
Of course those words were like music to my ears, and I almost fell right into the mouse-trap again! Like a mouse with its tail pinned down by the trap and all you can ever do, is pray hard that the trapper will change his mind and show sympathy onto you.
Monday, June 13, 2011
~Twilight Romance~
I have not watched the movie 'Twilight', so I have absolute no clue about the story and how fascintating it is. I found out for myself tonight when it was showing on tv..
I have always hated the pale looking vampire, played by Robert Pattinson, and feel so incredible that thousands of girls are crazy over him! However, in the movie, he's just an innocent, kind-hearted vampire who can simply lose his head and his blood-sucking nature, for a human girl he fell in love with. His character touched my heart, as he tries his utmost to protect the girl from danger of other vampires; and most amazingly, from himself as well. Knowing that he will kill her if he lose control of his emotions and bodily desires, the pair was so much in love and not giving in to the call of temptation.
Their romance was nothing like the usual dating of boys and girls, as you can already guess the reason for it. Edward, the vampire played by Robert Pattinson, is of a high 'pedigree' (can't think of a better word! hahahaha..). He is talented, loves art and plays the piano to the girlfriend, Bella when they are together. The other lovey dovey thing they do on their dates out, is lying on big green grass fields, looking into each other's eyes until they both fall asleep in the arms of mother nature. I know this sounds like it can only happen in the movies, but I want to have that! Nothing can be more romantic and send a tingling chill down your heart when your beloved one lay beside you, look at you straight into the eyes and saying "I love you" without actually having to say it out loud.. if you know what I mean.
I am not hinting that what I have today is repulsive or not the least making me happy.. Just that I secretly wish my beloved is like Edward, and me like Bella, loving each other like everyday's the last day in the world.. =)
I have always hated the pale looking vampire, played by Robert Pattinson, and feel so incredible that thousands of girls are crazy over him! However, in the movie, he's just an innocent, kind-hearted vampire who can simply lose his head and his blood-sucking nature, for a human girl he fell in love with. His character touched my heart, as he tries his utmost to protect the girl from danger of other vampires; and most amazingly, from himself as well. Knowing that he will kill her if he lose control of his emotions and bodily desires, the pair was so much in love and not giving in to the call of temptation.
Their romance was nothing like the usual dating of boys and girls, as you can already guess the reason for it. Edward, the vampire played by Robert Pattinson, is of a high 'pedigree' (can't think of a better word! hahahaha..). He is talented, loves art and plays the piano to the girlfriend, Bella when they are together. The other lovey dovey thing they do on their dates out, is lying on big green grass fields, looking into each other's eyes until they both fall asleep in the arms of mother nature. I know this sounds like it can only happen in the movies, but I want to have that! Nothing can be more romantic and send a tingling chill down your heart when your beloved one lay beside you, look at you straight into the eyes and saying "I love you" without actually having to say it out loud.. if you know what I mean.
I am not hinting that what I have today is repulsive or not the least making me happy.. Just that I secretly wish my beloved is like Edward, and me like Bella, loving each other like everyday's the last day in the world.. =)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
As promised, I will be sharing my trip to Ho Chi Minh last April in this and the subsequent posts to come..
I had a really good travel deal flying into HCM on Jetstar, with zero airfare cost!!! Only payable was the airport taxes and fuel surcharge, which cost me $150 for a total of 7 days 6 nights. It was my first time to HCM, and needless to say, I did plenty of homework.
My pride was indefinitely the value-for-money hotel which I have booked through asiarooms.com at an amazing room rate! We stayed there for 7 days 6 nights, at USD 19 or SGD 23.75 equivalent per night. Located conveniently in District 1, 137 De Tham Street where the backpackers area is, Sunny Hotel on the outside looks just like the local budget hotel chain - Hotel 81.
We were given a room upgrade just because of the many days we were staying in their hotel. Simple decor, spacious, and with a tiny bit of muskiness in the furniture, the room was nothing to brag about; but we were more than satisfied.. especially on the following day, when we had our breakfast served in a little cozy area near the reception. It was nice and warm, the perfect starter for our first day in a foreign city.
The adventurous pair of us, would read from our iPhone maps, figure out locations and directions of where we want to go; and just start walking. We chanced upon this superb minced pork noodles place, which is walking distance from Sunny Hotel. The price of the noodles range from around VND 40,000 - 60,000 (equiv. SGD 6 - 8), and it comes with a big plate of vegetables which you can just garnish as you wish into your noodles. We basically ate the noodles every alternate day during the trip! You will understand why when you try it yourself!
Shopping was quite a treat as HCM has several day and night shopping markets. The most well-known would be Ben Thanh Market (day & night). Personally I think the day market, though very much like a shopper's paradise, is a little overpriced. I guess that is because of the number of tourists this market attracts. The market opens until only 6-ish in the evening, but fret not; the night market which is an open-air bazzar located just on the side roads outside the Ben Thanh Market will open from 6pm to 12am daily.
The stuff you can expect from these 2 markets are those "I Love Saigon" t-shirts, imitation sportswear like Nike, Adidas, etc, fake goods like bags and watches, and the Vietnamese souvenirs. There are quite a few stalls that sell really nice handmade accessories and the hair accessories for both adults & baby girls. It will do you more advantage if you buy in bulk quantity.
A tip when you are shopping at Ben Thanh, do not buy from the first stall you see something you fancy. Ask for the price and move on to check the same with the following stalls. It is not surprising when the same stuff can be sold at different prices, even the little coconuts from the mobile drink peddlers! You should not be paying more than VND 20,000 for it..
I had a really good travel deal flying into HCM on Jetstar, with zero airfare cost!!! Only payable was the airport taxes and fuel surcharge, which cost me $150 for a total of 7 days 6 nights. It was my first time to HCM, and needless to say, I did plenty of homework.
My pride was indefinitely the value-for-money hotel which I have booked through asiarooms.com at an amazing room rate! We stayed there for 7 days 6 nights, at USD 19 or SGD 23.75 equivalent per night. Located conveniently in District 1, 137 De Tham Street where the backpackers area is, Sunny Hotel on the outside looks just like the local budget hotel chain - Hotel 81.
We were given a room upgrade just because of the many days we were staying in their hotel. Simple decor, spacious, and with a tiny bit of muskiness in the furniture, the room was nothing to brag about; but we were more than satisfied.. especially on the following day, when we had our breakfast served in a little cozy area near the reception. It was nice and warm, the perfect starter for our first day in a foreign city.
The adventurous pair of us, would read from our iPhone maps, figure out locations and directions of where we want to go; and just start walking. We chanced upon this superb minced pork noodles place, which is walking distance from Sunny Hotel. The price of the noodles range from around VND 40,000 - 60,000 (equiv. SGD 6 - 8), and it comes with a big plate of vegetables which you can just garnish as you wish into your noodles. We basically ate the noodles every alternate day during the trip! You will understand why when you try it yourself!
Shopping was quite a treat as HCM has several day and night shopping markets. The most well-known would be Ben Thanh Market (day & night). Personally I think the day market, though very much like a shopper's paradise, is a little overpriced. I guess that is because of the number of tourists this market attracts. The market opens until only 6-ish in the evening, but fret not; the night market which is an open-air bazzar located just on the side roads outside the Ben Thanh Market will open from 6pm to 12am daily.
The stuff you can expect from these 2 markets are those "I Love Saigon" t-shirts, imitation sportswear like Nike, Adidas, etc, fake goods like bags and watches, and the Vietnamese souvenirs. There are quite a few stalls that sell really nice handmade accessories and the hair accessories for both adults & baby girls. It will do you more advantage if you buy in bulk quantity.
A tip when you are shopping at Ben Thanh, do not buy from the first stall you see something you fancy. Ask for the price and move on to check the same with the following stalls. It is not surprising when the same stuff can be sold at different prices, even the little coconuts from the mobile drink peddlers! You should not be paying more than VND 20,000 for it..
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