My very first business trip

Excited, yet apprehensive.

Why?

1) Its a trip alone~ Adventurous, but scary.
2) Freezy~ Cool, but the winter clothes are hell costly.
3) Europe~ Lovely, but the exchange rate kills.
4) Great companion~ My dear friend who is on months-long Europe holiday is joining me there.
5) Very last minute~ Flight confirmed on Friday, Flight on Sunday.

Lastly, I'm fighting to get project done fast!

And this is how much SGD1200 get you.



SIGH~

Words of compliment

Receiving words of compliment seems to give assurance that I am performing well and am appreciated. Glad in a way, but if you ask me if I have given all out, I think I have given about 70% of my maximum effort. There are still room for improvement and there are still areas which I knew I can surpass what I am performing now.

Deep down, something is lacking.

Nonetheless, I am still going to work harder to reach my personal target of >4 (5 is full score) for my year-end appraisal.

Deep down, I am deeply missing some things.

3 months past fast.... so.....

Hello BD

After the goodbye HOYA, now its the hello BD.

It is tough to wake up as early as 545am. Surely, I can adjust. Give me a few days.

First day is good. Nice GL, nice colleagues, nice technicians, and many many nice ones. Steep learning curve and right attitude. A very good start.

I thank God for everything little thing that seems so right in place. And thank God for such a 'made-to-measure' job He has blessed upon me.

As usual, I don't disclose any job-related stuff on my blog, the only thing I show is probably my employee card. Since the id number is a global identification number, it has been blanked off. And the only sad thing is that I look damn 'chui' today due to bad hair day and lack of enough sleep. Of all days, they have to take a picture of me today and place it in my employee card. -.-''' Maybe I should have done a SK2 mask and look more glowy today. Or blow my hair to avoid bad hair day.

Hello BD!


I need a good sleep tonight for a stronger tmr!

My Last Day in HOMS

It is the most trying day.

As I board the company bus to work, knowing that it will be my last trip to HOMS, my tears victoriously fought its way out of the frame of my eyes. Life is never the same again, for those who stayed and for those who choose to leave.

I didn't bring a camera to take pictures of the work desk, partly because of my cranky low life battery and I do not wish to arouse more emotions.

It seems to pass just as a simple day of packing, laughing, chatting. The one who probably experience much more emotions is my boss. Staying without an option and yet, seeing all his buddies and team mates leaving is overwhelming him.

He wrote us a testimonial each. Each testimonial is so well written. Unlike other superiors, he wrote testimonials in depth of what you can done, your strength, and each word is filled with his emotions. He took hours to finish them. That is the most precious gift I've received on that day.


The contents were mosaic to protect the hard work of the testimonial writer.

The testimonial that I received from the most lovely boss on earth. As my colleague said, he has set a high benchmark as a manager that we probably never find someone to match up with him.

I later thank him for the wonderful testimonial that he wrote with great effort. He replied the most touching reply where tears fought victory again. He said. 'It's the last bit that I can do for you. Am feeling down and sad to see my team mates and buddies leaving on by one. Work is never the same back in the office.' *heart break*

I have nothing to give, but a simple card of my great appreciation. I had a great 3 years in HOMS. Thanks to my boss (and of course my colleagues)


No matter how difficult the parting is.... it is somehow necessary.

Goodbye HOMS.






有万分的不舍得。但这也是必要的。
能相遇已是有缘。希望友谊能长存。
在我们离别同时，愿未来更是美好。

Golden Handshake

The discussions are everywhere everyday....

But there is no right or wrong regarding this issue.

An entirely personal decision which is based on:
1) Personal goals
2) Compensation package
3) Attitude towards future
4) Risk profile
5) Number of dependents
6) Desired industry of future work

Every one is entitled to their own decision. Judgement is not of human interpretation. And it doesn't require a judgement to begin with. To take up the offer or not, it is a personal choice.

Life is full of uncertainties. Noone knows if you'll get a fat package and get a great job the next day. Nothing is impossible. You may also stay on and get retrenched with a lousy package another month. Make the choice based on your own situation and risk factor.

Many grumble the existence of choice. Yet, the grumblers are those who complained that they should simply retrench them instead of wasting time forcing leaves onto them. Choice is just a decision process, where you exercise a decision based on your priorities, but holding on to the responsibilities that comes along. It appears that people love to blame on every other thing, than to appreciate a choice of deciding what you want. People rather the environment pass them the death sentence than to pass a death sentence onto themselves. Yet, when glory of success comes by, many take it as a glory resulting of personal wise choice.

Everyone needs positive energy. The fine line defining positive energy and optimistic is often stepped over. It took me a long time to clear that thought. But I do clearly feel that I am filled with positive energy but I'm not-so optimistic with the current reality.

My choice? I'll take.
Reason? Personal goals.

Laidback work life is enjoyable. However good, it is not my cup of tea.

p.s: my word of the day today: burnish (a word that is so.... work! haha!)

Ever since my last post, I've been drowning myself in work. And after 2.5 weeks, the half a million worth of products are still on-hold. I've been trying many segregation methods and confirmation methods to filter and minimize wastage. All the tests and some redundant tests are draining my soul. Tired. No complains actually. In fact, I was happy being busy. 

Many thoughts flash through my mind. But the body is too weak to note them down. Another time then. 

With the seemingly downward economy trend, the best investment seems to be health and beauty. The china milk scare reaffirmed it. For beauty, I'm toying with the idea of braces. If I can get a good price for internal braces, I'll just get it. 

Weary

Drenched in weariness. Workload has been high from Apr - Jun. Though the dip sets in in July where most objectives completed, another form of weariness take charge.

The weariness of the upheavals due to the many non work related yet complicated issues at workplace, one after another. And they seems to come at at alarming rate. Many weren't of my direct concern, yet, all bring about an inner justice (or rather injustice) I cannot simply just shove it away from my mind.

Juggling and trying to mediate colleagues' affairs seems to bring me to a mentally and physically drained state. It is amazing how one's cynicism can affect the many around. Demoralizing it can be, but my persistent affirmative attempts brought about even more persistent negative response that I'm now choosing to escape from what it does not even concern me in the first place.

The increment is at an usual shameful rate that I'm so afraid to share with my friends. Nothing extra. Nothing my boss can do. Nothing I can do. Nothing I can think of I can do. I'm freaking drained and bored by the daily routine (due to 3 resigned and not replaced colleagues) which wins no appreciation. What will be, will be. I love my boss, my gl, my colleagues and my technicians, and that is enough to explain.

And I'm deeply glad when the Snr Production Engr complimented on our technician's increasing and admirable skills they have improved so far. Though the compliments were not directly conveyed to them, they are always a group of technicians we are very proud of. I'm sure my GL will agree in unison. GL built the team up, from a group of technically unsound to a group of capable technicians. No words can express my appreciation. They are just VERY great.

Jump ship? Well, I'm at a yacht now. Cruising and no specific direction as long as the master wishes it to be. Enjoying the laid-back style at the yacht yet I longed for a mission ship. But at the same time, worried that the mission shop might turn out to be a pirate's ship. I would love to be in a passenger cruise, but that will mean that behind the scene is the many hard work to put in, with little monetary returns. There are small wooden boats that float around. And I sometimes wonder if I need to hop on these small boats in order to reach the bigger ships. Future is such a unknown thing. And without knowing which ship you want, it becomes a chore to have to decide which one you want.

God gives you a choice, always. But yet, as human beings, the word 'no choice' seems to be hanging around the tip of the tongue. Man are craving for choices, but are yet losers for choices. Life's enigma always exists. Maybe because Adam and Eve have first sinned by eating fruits from the tree of knowledge and wanting to know what is good and bad. Obviously it didn't work, that sin has marred many generations with the urge in differentiating good and bad. And the choices further made us want to differentiate good and bad at every step we do. So much said, that doesn't make us look great as if we want to do good with each choice. Everyone of us, at any point of our life, does things we know is bad, even though we have a choice to choose the path we consciously know it is right/good.

Life's paradox.

I can't help but I went to read my first few post. And look at this one. That was a conversation between my friend (JC-NTU-Seagate friend, current still in same yacht) and me. For laughter.

Dont laugh too hard. Sometimes, God can play little jokes when you take a peek back your life journey. That was just mere 3 years ago.

~~~~~~~@

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I've noticed an increase in whining about work. I can't help but this is another.

My manager broke news on having one member less. It is not known to us who is the one. Whether or not, it is me, the sadness still linger. If it is me, it just means that the company is shutting the last hope that I held on tightly. I've been holding on to the job because of the best colleagues. If I were to be placed in another dept, that would meant that the last holding factor is gone. If another colleague were to be transfer out, the sadness grew too. Because each and every colleague means a lot to me.

My colleagues are now making guesses and feeling unsure of what lies ahead.

The company installed the work tracking system where every file that you open, anything that you copy, delete, save, etc will be recorded.

However, it doesnt have a deep impact on me. Probably, I have alternatives if I need to do personal stuff, I'm not bothered by it.

But a conversation I overheard between one of the engineers with the vendor.

Vendor: (asking his some technical questions)
Engr: Oh, we do not have internet access here.
Vendor: huh?
Engr: Eh, yah. Specific personnel (referring to Japanese and management level) do have access to the internet. But with quite a couple of sites blocked.
Vendor: HUH? (With a unbelievable look)

And yes, all my friends have internet access at work. And I do think that the more you try to restrict people from using, the more they react towards the actions the management takes. People will feel a sense of dreadfulness knowing that the management do not place trust in employees and that abuse is definitely imminent.

In this case, when the management just hopes to ensure the security of their intellectual propriety by having such tracking program running, everyone thinks that the management is trying to pry into what the employees are doing.

Seriously, do you think the management bothers to pry into what exactly you are doing? We open and close so many files everyday, access to so many folders everyday, who would have the capability to monitor? It is only when intellectual propriety issues happen that they check.

However, with the tracking system installed, the feeling of dreadfulness persists. Thanks to all the restrictions imposed.

Faster than official release

Due to my broad based readers which include many colleagues I know and do not know, I decide to be faster than the official (press) release.

Yes. Everything was expected. But most of it were absurd.

Swapping/promoting from one designation to another. One or two are with credentials and proven track records, I salute those in awe. Many, to my disbelief, is going to hold appointments of which I have no basis to respect their expertise in new appointments.

Multiple promotions within a year seems to be the latest trend. And such promotions doesnt seem to come with warranted credentials. As long as you are in the right click of pple, success is guaranteed.

So much saying about giving your employees benefits, pay adjustment, making your employees happy and satisfied. But our increment % still remains at a pathetic 3%. And we need to slog hard for our engineering allowance of a pathetically amount which get reduced if you happen to be hospitalized. Yes, mine will be reduce drastically soon. Isnt the engineering allowance meant to bridge the difference in our pay compared to the industry's? Seriously, even with the engineering allowance, we are still falling behind.

To get a clearer picture, the management ask us to cut cost. We are told that they try to make our salaries competitive. They did. Some small adjustment. We are slightly slightly happier than before. We risked our life to cut cost here, there, and everywhere. We worked hard and earn salary (with fluctuations). They say they try to give us the best bonus. We have no say but to nod in unanimity.

Then, after giving bonus, they do a sudden management change with many promoted. Promotion = pay increment.

Do you find any similarities in any life situation you are in now? If yes, you are as smart as me. No prize for that though.

Yes. I think they love SG's gahmen. They take SG's gahmen as a role model. We were told that increase in gst is inevitable. To unload our burden (pacify us), they give us offset package. We were slightly happier. Sometimes, we got little bonus from the gahmen too! We, again, have no say, but still vote for Pay-And-Pay. After all these, the gahmen says pple managing the gahmen needs to be rewarded more. OooooOOooooOOOo.... And if you happen to be born of the Lee family, success is almost guaranteed. OooooOOooooOOoo.... *tink tink tink* Does this illustration ring a familiar bell?

But of course there are some difference. In the Pay-And-Pay situation, yes, they work hard to keep us safe and peaceful. Although they make mistakes once in a blue moon like the prison break re-enact, all in all, things are still cool.

In the our situation now, the management decides that a person maintaining the building can do a even better and higher authority job at managing our company's procurement issues. It is like promoting a grassroot leader (with no trade or economics background) to minister of trade and industry.

Hur hur hur.... So Smart! *roll eyes*

Letting out some rants!

Thinking back, I'm amazed how God trapped me in such an industry for over 4 freaking years. Every time, I tell myself not to get there AGAIN, I'm always there.

Back in 2004, I had attachment at Seagate from Jan-Jun. I was in sputter team, with projects mainly on yield improvement and extending carbon shield life. I do think I had given good opportunity compared to two others who mainly do carbon target measurements. My supervisor and manager gave me opportunity in doing product qualifications too. I think I did well. I even monitor yield and sputter parameters every hour. For a young attachment student, I think I'm quite impressive. But my interest wasnt really lying in recording media.

Right after attachment, I started my FYP project. Guess what, my FYP is on Copper (Cu) Overcoat for Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR). In addition, my project is at DSI (Data Storage Institute). I'm once again, stuck in the industry for another 1 year. I learnt a lot - AFM, VSM, MFM, XRD, etc etc.. But its not considered fun for me.

When I graduated, I told myself not to land myself there. I got myself into a small local firm doing machines for aerospace industry. It is fun and learning curve is steep. But the pay is very undesirable. I resigned in search of better opportunities.

Dec 2005, I came across advert of my current company. And having a friend working there as well, i tried, interviewed, got it. In fact, I didnt send any resume during the entire interviewing process and I was jobless for a mth. It was all fated. I'm back into the industry AGAIN.

2 1/2 years down the road, I'm still here. Dating back from 2004, I've been in the same industry for so long, doing something I know it is not of my interest.

Rahhh!! God, bring me out of Egypt!! hahaha!
(Historical background:- God's people was at slavery situation when in Egypt. And through many miracles performed by God, they were being led out of slavery by Moses. Refer to the movie 'The prince of Egypt' for more info)

I knew I wanted more in life. I knew engineering might not be a place I love to be in. But the wonderful boss and colleagues are too lovely to make me leave.

So much about the industry. Let me rant abt things I dont like about my company.

Quarterly presentation. Seriously, the routine stuff you doing isnt much appreciated. The experiments you can do is restricted since no downtime is allowed. Machine modification require downtime too. So everyone hates quarterly. Cause have to wu2 zhong1 shen1 you3. Everyone grumbles, but still squeeze something out of nothing. We need our engineering allowance.

Courses and bond. I was talking to my friend who is at UK. She was there for training for 1.5 yrs. When she's back, she'll be bond for 2 yrs. Another lady whose company will pay for all courses (masters included) and no bond to be on her as long as she takes it after working hours. Brr.. Ours? A 3k CQE course at outside office hours yields a 1 yr bond. Duh..

Organization. Well, its not affecting me now. But affecting my friend wef nxt week.

Pay. I think we are turning into monkeys soon. Pay can somewhat affect interest. But it wasn't at a balance now.

Seagate is recruiting. And the pay is good. Lube dept environment is quite alright. Yes, was tempted for 2 seconds. But I ask God to bring me out of Egypt, not into Cairo.

Oh well oh well... OK! Enough of complains. Tmrw goes back to office to prepare quarterly presentation AGAIN.

God, bring me out of Egypt! Bring me to Paris! Hahahahahahaha!!

The handicap goes D&D, goes clubbing, goes wedding dinner, goes jogging!!

Yup! Did I just say I'm a handicap? Hahaa!

Dinner and Dance 2008
Date: 14th Mar 2008
Location: Pan Pacific Hotel

One of my "priority (and unemployed) friends" took pity on a handicap. So she offered to groom the handicap to the theme!


Brr.. Why is my image consultant so slim!?!
My image consultant is very very good at hair!!! She's good with falsies too!
Professionalism: 9/10 (-0.5 for speed, -0.5 for drawing black gel eyeliners)
Pls note that she's not a professional MU artist YET, and she doesnt use black gel eyeliners! If you need any services for your functions, please feel free to contact us. We have a lot of talented image consultants, just that they are working.

Thank God for helping me battle the traffic jam. I managed to reach like 750pm and scan my invite to win lucky draw. I won 63rd prize!! Yeah!!

My 3 little pigs gang!! My pillar of support all the time!


Its piggy time!


My lovely partner-in-crime for Jap food!! And thanks for all the help you rendered all these years. And the HR team, for very great support ALL the time, especially during the period when I injured my hand! Thank you!!


The usually-serious-looking Japanese went crazy. Even the MD went crazy too! And Almighty director made a very very very unexpected performance.



My beloved department!!


Here's the people I always love!!
My lovely boss #1 - manager


My lovely boss #2 - grp leader


My lovely colleague


My beloved department. Where fun and work coincide. Absolutely love everyone of them!


D&D Round 2
Date: After D&D, 1am
Location: Zouk

I know my very much loved bitches are there! So I immediately agreed upon zouk! Moreover, my dinosaur GL is going. Hur hur...
The bitches didnt pick up my numerous calls and SMSes. So I decided to ujust do a random find. I head to the toilet! And I ended up screaming for 10secs! I know where to find my bitches in the midst of a crowded club!








I had a great day. But the handicap is very drained after that.

Colleague's wedding the very next day. Totally zonked out and stony throughout the wedding that there was no energy left for the pictures! Will get the pictures and post later!

As the title states, yes, the handicap went jogging! Totally refreshing. I love jogging!

Going to work tmrw even though I'm still on hospitalization leave. I can't wait. It is too boring at home! At least let me archive my emails!!!

Finally! Some photos to share!!

2008 02 15 - Our departments yearly feast before/after CNY.




The men (and a lady, another 2 ladies missing) of my daily life. My joy and laughter, everyday. Seriously, working with men is much easier. No grudges, no gossips. Natural entertainer to them at times. And you learn a lot from them. They, including my female colleagues, are a great blessing in my life.

For the first time, I'm so religiously taking care of my skin. And I'm amazed with the results. But of course, it costs a big burnt mark in my pocket!!

I probably need to start toning my body for coming D&D! I finally get to jog after falling sick for the past month!!

God, drop me some money!! ;p And make me pretty!!

Motivation or discouragement?

Though it is not the first time it happened, it still set tears down my cheeks. And spoils the entire mood for the day. Not for the monetary value, but my self worth.

And just as everything seems to pile and and set a good opportunity and environment to learn and grow, a disappointment has to befall... I'm tired of all these... because I see no justification being laid upon.

Or maybe routine monotonous and yet have-to-clear 'shit' is invisible in the eyes of others?

Seriously, I feel damned.

Rantings of work

There's always stupidity at workplace.

There are always kuku pple around.

Like when u try to use something new call XXX and it catches fire and burn u like hell...

But the decision is.. continue to burn in hell...

What the hell...

百感交集的25岁生日

As the title says it all... A day, with several emotions, flood together. Thats how my 25th Birthday went.

Surprises, expectations, disappointments, touched, pampered, apologetic, guilt, shy, happy, warm, love. Name any emotions. I cried, but I laughed. I frowned, but I smiled.

I had the most special birthday in my life. Cup cakes and miniture jx fugurine!! WoW!!! Thanks to my colleague who stayed up till wee hours to prepare them! I'm deeply touched.





Thanks dear people! I love you guys (and girls)!!!

And dinner was with HUi, Wendy and LH. Steamboat. But gluttons are too busy for pictures. Hahaa! Thank you for the prezzie!! *pics of the giant study bible to be posted later*

And from a colleague, I got this!
Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster's Daughter (Hardcover)

Thanks Lileen!! :)

I realise people love to get me books! Hahaa!!

To all those who remembered, thank you for all your well wishes. *muacks*

I thank God

Another week just whisk past...

Mon - Dinner with Gab + red/black phone caught my sight
Tue - Cell
Wed - Dinner with colleague CL
Thurs - Dinner with KH
Fri - Dinner + Shopping with Gab
Sat - Buy mobile phone and service @TCC
Sun - Great Eastern 5km!

woohoo!! So I didnt work OT this week! But let me see, I got 3 things I wish to thank God for:-

1) The mobile phone that I was eyeing was OOS islandwide. And I love it so much! I've got a strong fetish for red/black phones. I'm very sure this one will follow me for years!! Its is OOS everywhere. Many people were looking for it, and many pple in forums claim that it is OOS everywhere! But I really thank God, that I managed to get the last set on Fri! But I had to meet Gab for dinner/shopping so I reserved it and went back to collect on Sat morning!! I'm a happy girl. For those who are interested, I got k810i in pulse red colour. I know it isnt the 'in' phone in town. But I so love it. And I have to trade in my slightly faulty w810i when it still has a trade-in value of S$150. I only top up an extra of S$100 for my new phone! It seems like a w810i trade for k810i. Haha! I love love love my new phone! I thank God for giving me this! :)

2) A friend whom I got to know better on our way to TCC! Somehow, I feel that God is moving things between us. We seems to hit off pretty fast and easy! I'm amazed at how easy we can communicate and enjoy the conversation we had. God's at work! I'm glad she feels welcomed and hope she'll be comfortable and grow together in walk with God! *claps* Thank you, Lord.

3) An impromptu decision - Great Eastern Run - 5km. As requested by LH, my bestest buddy, to do one of my favourite activity. How could I reject? Although it was a really last minute decision (like past Sat midnight), I really enjoyed the run. We completed it in abt 35 mins. Had bananas, drinks and ice creams after the jog. Shiok! And I bet it refreshes!! LH, we should do this frequent too! We shall aim the 10km Stan Chart Run NEXT YEAR. Thank God for the great event. I love it!

One thing I wanna thank God. I had a great GL!! I didnt register for the Grat Eastern Run. And when I went, I was shocked to see everyone's having a number tag. And random thoughts came across my mind, Aiwah (my GL's wifey) registered but couldnt make it. I immediately called my GL to ask for the tag number w/o realising it is early Sunday morning at 8am. I only realised when he hung up my call (which was by accident, he pressed the wrong button) that it was way to early to call someone on a Sun morning. He called back, in a sleepish tone. And at the moment, I totally regret dialing him number w/o further considering thoughts. I kept telling him, 'its ok!' and intending to put down the call. But evetually, after being questioned, I told him abt it. I'm really felt relieved that he showed no sense of anger or irritation. He was with his usual nice, cool tempered tone. And he even read me the tag number! I'm really thankful for that. Really. And I'm so sorry for waking my GL up so early!!

Thank you Alvin, my GL, my boss, my friend. I love you!! (Brotherly love I mean) I shall be good.. I will
1) Listen to you and be a good subordinate (at least for next 1 mth --> exclusion clause.. haha!)
2) Save my money
3) Work harder
4) Be the maid for the department for nxt 1 mth (will expire on my bday)

I think I still love my colleagues. They never fail to tickle me. :)

Pri Sch Gathering and Sentosa! *beams*

Life has really been busy...

Lets see...
Mon - OT
Tue - Lewis's Wedding
Wed - Leave to M'sia for dental
Thu - OT
Fri - Sec Sch Gathering
Sat - North Play

There goes a week, in a wink!!

Not many pics to post. I've yet to bug for pics! These are what I have:

Pri Sch Class Gathering (2007 10 05)
They are a grp of friends I lost since 13. I've blog about them a few post before. Here are some pics of us at KTV, celebrating Poon Lip's bday. :)

And the birthday boy..



Hoya Family Day @ Sentosa (2007 10 07)
It has been years since I went Sentosa. And it has been 7 yrs since I told Lihua that we will be going Sentosa together. It took 7 yrs for the realization of the trip to Sentosa. So finally!!!

I think Lihua enjoys my colleagues (YL and CL)... We had trashy time talking lotsa rubbish! Hahahaha....


We finally went Sentosa!!! :D
Lots more pictures actually. But I've yet to gather them from my colleagues.

I've decided to make a change in my diet. Go green!! I've only tried for a few days. And a see a significant change in my skin and hair! 2 kgs down too! Woohoo!!! I still love meat!! *sobz* *control* And they say veges can make a person grow taller too!! Woow!!

Other pictorial updates on sec sch gathering and north play will be updated when I have my hands on them. =)

Have a blessed week! :)