E.X.A.M

Gasp. The dreaded four letter word.

It’s been 1 1/2 years since my last paper… And here I am studying for one of those training courses that I’ve taken up for work.

Kinda miss those days during Uni where the three guys would come over to my place to study… We would start at lunch time, mug all the way till dinner, go out for a nice dinner and take a break, then come back to my place and study again… all the way till 2am. I guess it was the company that made the notion of studying less mundane. Ahhh… I really miss those days!

Ah well… I cannot wait for tmr to be over! I am kinda dreading the paper!

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Dec is turning out to be a really busy period for me. This week alone is gonna be a nightmare… But thankfully they’re all managable kind of busy-ness… I just need to sneak in time to do all those administrative kind of work. :S

I can’t wait for Xmas! My FAVOURITE time of the year! Cos it’s Jesus’ Birthday! Without Him, there wouldn’t be me!

—

Alrighty… back to mugging!  Tata!

 

 

Still alive… and kickin’!

Ah yes, I must admit that I’ve utterly forgotten about this lil’ space.

Been busy and up to my neck with work! Eeek!

I never really expected work to suck up so much time.

But I’m enjoying it.

How can one be bored when I have a ‘best friend’ who bugs me like crazy! Haha… Work is always less mundane when we use situations like these and turn them into a positive thing and laugh it off. I admit that it can be a little mean… but yes, isn’t it more fun ?!!

V has been away for the past 10 days. So, it’s been a boring cycle without him. :S Can’t wait for him to be back!

Oh well, looking forward to my holiday next month and a business trip in Dec!

Things are certainly looking up no matter how busy it gets!

Anyway, now that things in work are more settled, I wanna start meeting up with pals for dinner! And yes, if you’re reading this, drop me a line/msg… let’s meet up to catch up!

 

Shake Well Before Using

Sometimes your medicine bottle has on it, “Shake Well Before Using.” That is what God has to do with some of His people. He has to shake them well before they are ever usable.
~Vance Havner

 

Nice one eh?

 

To Mei Mei…

Dear Jia Lin,

Today, you would be 22…

Somedays, I wonder what it’ll be like to have you around. Perhaps we would be best buds. Sharing secrets and sharing clothes, bags, shoes and the works.

It’s funny how I always remember you as Jia Lin and not Jaclyn.

It feels like yesterday, us wearing those colourful stripey shirts and pants from benetton… Ah… those wonderful days of us dressing up in that and going out!

I still think of you ever so often. Esp when I see things that remind me of you!

And I miss you.

Can’t wait to see you!

Till then… Be good!

Lots of Love,

Jie

 

Do you love your job?

I do!

 

Hysterical

Some days, I wonder who in the world is reading this little space of mine.

I love blog-hopping. Reading about how people are, what they’ve been up to, what latest stuff they have gotten themselves, read about their thoughts and random rambles.

Somedays, I come up with some thing random and funny or encountered something funny at work and I immediately think about this little space and how I should share it with whoever still earnestly coming back to visit.

Somedays, I feel so upset at something. Or feel disappointed at the situations that I’ve been thrown into and I want a place to write and rant.

But suddenly, the thought of having total strangers reading about me. Or maybe, someone from office finding this space and reading all about my ‘history’ (nah… nothing scandalous, but stilll… it’s weird!). I cringe and think: maybe not…

Oh well. One day, I’ll find a way to overcome this: close this, move elsewhere ; password protect?

I think I’m growing old. Bleh.

 

A girls’ day out

Girls’ day out with the bestie + red hot pedi & mani + pretty hand drawn flowers + Uber yummy Black forest cake + Watch shopping + ’bling’ watch  aka belated bday pressie from the gang + ranting and bitching about horrible scholars who has zero EQ and concluding that their IQ is inversely proportional to EQ + shopping for pressies & a surprise + finding out that Grandma’s neighbour is the colleague whom we always talk about (haha… ) + rescuing my beloved hermit crabs who were half-dead ; All thanks to Dad who collected fresh seawater for my newly inherited babies =

I am feeling much better already. =)

I read SassyJan’s blog and saw the following lines:

Watch Me

I like falling.
It shows me the ugly and teaches me lessons.

I thrive in abuse.
It whips me up into becoming a stronger person.

I love it when people think I can’t.
Because I can.

Extremely empowering and apt for me!  Add this newly found self confidence plus the power of the Almighty. WATCH ME!

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

On a separate note, V is gonna be away for a week… and I miss him already. *cue: awwwwww*

Heh. And I have something up my sleeve. Hopefully I have the discipline to see it through!

 

Of Insensitivity and EQ…

Today was the day where my little bubble burst.

Shock turned to doubt. Doubt turned to a sense of despair. And finally, it became anger.

Anger stemmed from how the person treated me, despite trying my very best to build that good working relationship.

And finally – Anger directed at myself – For being so stupid and getting affected by his words and that tone of voice.

Welcome to the real world, dear Rachel.

[PS: I just have to rant about it. Bleh. I want to learn how to shoot daggers and show claws over the phone. Anyone wanna teach me? :D ]

 

Just wondering…

… is it a good thing that the Asst CEO actually remembers your name?

Haha….

She spoke with such excitement when she told me about the various settings of the restaurant. And I couldn’t bear to tell her that I am not in events anymore and that I am in a totally new dept now.

Oh well, I hope that I can prove myself in my new role and proudly tell her that I’m now happily doing well in this new area.

 

A note…

Sometimes, it is all about finding what you love in a job, and not what you love to do as a job.

I hope it helps.

Love,
Rachel

 

Quarter Century!

Today, I turn a quarter century old.

This year’s celebrations were a far cry from last year’s.

Quiet, simple and with not much hoo-haa.

Someone mentioned to me that the older one gets, the less fanciful he/she wishes for birthday.

Maybe I’m not old enough then. Haha… Cos I found it quite a bore. And I wished it could have been more fanciful. Ah well, I did have a nice day out with the family having fantastic dim sum and a ‘poisonous’ afternoon at our regular Audio supplies place. Then a simple yet yummy dinner with the bf and family. Albeit simple, but at least it was relaxing day.

One day, when I believe I have the capacity and capability to cater for all my lovely pals, I wanna decorate my garden with lovely flower arrangements, invite all my friends over on my birthday and have a lovely tea party with cakes and pastries that I baked myself and have a smashing afternoon spent with them playing silly games like taboo and cranium. Now… That’s what I call a real birthday celebration!

Haha…

On another note, thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes via FB & sms…

Have a great week ahead everyone!

 

End of week 10

Week 10! Wow.

But next week, it will reset to week 1 again! =)

A new job. A new dept (albeit under the same big boss). New colleagues. New 小老板. New table on another floor.

Looking forward to it though I know that it’s gonna be quite a challenge.

Ever since I took up this challenge, been working till late almost everyday! Hopefully, it’s just because I’m double-hatting for now and I can start juggling  the workload once I have completely crossed over to my new dept.

After taking a mini MBTI test again yesterday night, I realised why I enjoy the work I’m doing now. Hopefully, by learning more about myself, I can use my pros to my advantage in my new job.

Oh well. It’s the middle of the weekend… Took the day off yday and spent the morning with V at ECP.

It was nice spending the morning out at the beach. We spotted this little sandy area because the tide was still low and we quickly ventured out. Picked up quite a few really pretty shells but got a scare when they started moving on their own! There was little crustaceans living inside! In the end, had to slowly sieve out those that didn’t move so that I could bring them home.

Credits to V for the pretty pics.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

 

Now, where’s the carrot?

I have passed the 7th week. Woo Hoo!

And on Fri, I got ‘offered’ a new role. Wow? And now, I’ve gotta think if I really want to take it up.

It’s gonna be challenging, no doubt, but somehow, I’m not that scared but kinda excited instead. Maybe it’s that thing in me that wants to proof a point.

But guess what? I reallllly love my current position. I love the people I work with. I love the things I’m doing. I truly enjoy it. And to just put a sudden stop to everything, it’s gonna be a huge change.

I understand my boss’s good will and really see this as a great opportunity for me; but hey, everyone is entitled to some sort of jitters isn’t it?

And so, I’ve gotta think really carefully and see if this is the path I wanna go.

—-

On other news, I’m gonna go away on a short trip! Woo hoo x 2464573856524 times!

Church retreat! No doubt it’s gonna be just across the Causeway, but hey, I bet the company will more than make up for it! heh…

Will update with pics if I decide to bring the cam.

Have a great week ahead everyone (or whoever who reads my boring lil’ bloggie!)!

 

Quote of the day:

This life is therefore not righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished but it is going on – this is not the end but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory but all is being purified.

Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to swing the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day, but swing the door wide open and pray to the Father in secret and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.

 

Week Four

Entering into week four. One starts to learn more of the organisation. Pick out it’s quirks. It’s pluses and negatives. Understand it’s people and culture.

Somedays, it all seems like a big play. Where I am the new actor playing a minor role. And as I learn my lines and try to portray my character’s emotions, I have to remind myself that this is a touring theatre and I might never get a lead’s role. But then again, it’s really the journey that matters. Isn’t it?

But my sentiments are still the same as last week’s entry. I am still enjoying myself. The enthusiam is still bursting and I am happy to be doing something which I know I can do well in and learn so much from while in it. Maybe with the little experience that I’ve gained, I might even be able to start something outta it!

Anyway, it has been a really happening yet great week. Celebrated the 2 besties’ bdays and the boss of Bakerzinn should really send his chefs for English classes! Jo’s cheesecake came with the wordings: Josiah! Happy Bleated 26th!. Gosh. The pics are in FB… check them out if you have access. haha… 

It’s the start of a new week. And I can’t wait! It’s gonna be busy but I am truly glad that I have something that I can really look forward to! Not forgeting a special day on Tuesday! Can’t wait!

 

Update: Week three

 

Long days. Tired. Still learning a lot. Busy running around.

BUT.

I’m lovin’ every minute of it. And I surprise myself with this enthusiasm.

Woo hoo!

 

Sniffles…

And so, I’m down with a horrible blocked nose who makes me miserable when I’m sitting but goes away when I’m standing and moving around.

My colleagues are questioning me about my sniffles and keep asking me: Did you go to Mexico recently?

“Eh, yeapppp…….”

*

*

*

*and watch for the look of horror on their faces*

then reply: “Does going there in my dreams count?”

Some days, I wish I was more witty. So that I can produce more crap like these.

After all, the most wasted of all days is one without laughter!

So, live, love, laugh and be happy!

 

I wish…

…I had a partner who would pray for me while growing spiritually with me.

It’s a struggle but slowly and surely, I will keep praying.

 

Pre-jitters from saying ‘Goodbye’

“I am going in with an open mind. Gonna try to pick up as much as I can.”

Sometimes, saying it is so much easier. The heart still feels sore; but I guess I’m going through the stage of self-console now.

Good bye to peanuts, those smackingly yummy muffins, trips to the PO, my 七彩云 at the office, fantastic view of the port, maggi goreng, legal mambo jambo terminology, 13, free orchids, that micro-manager, 10E bus rides, the really nice people who share the same floor, tedious copying, mango avocado shakes…

It’s like a goodbye with mixed feelings. And I realised I’m never good with ‘Goodbyes’…

But one things for sure – I’m excited at the journey ahead!

 

Because He Lives

(Happy Easter to everyone! Christ has risen! Yayyyy!)

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

 

 

To You. Yes… You!

What if I told you I miss you? Would you know? Would you care? Could you stay with me?

Life is full of ‘what’s, ‘would’s and ‘could’s…

Then again, without it, life wouldn’t be so exciting anymore. Wouldn’t it?

 

Music to the ears!

After a couple of years spent together, V and I kinda developed a shared love in music. Not any particular music. But audiophile quality music.

Back when we were poor students, our good pal JM started introducing us to really nice CDs. I grew to love them cos they were from the jazz genre and I  really enjoyed jazz music and felt relaxed while listening to it. Then he taught me about good quality sounding music. He had this habit of buying the CDs and not any ordinary CDs. If given a choice, he would choose those with better recordings. I couldn’t always understand why he rather spend that kind of money on CDs when MP3 were and still are the rage amongst music listeners.

One day, he asked me to try listening to the songs through a CD player to really enjoy the true music.

My first thoughts were: Crazy ah! It’s like one step backwards! Why use my discman when I have my cool Ipod! And really that much difference meh?

And so, I grudgingly dug out my discman and placed the disc in and after listening to the CD through the CD player. I was blown away.

The clarity was superb. I could hear every instrument and hear the different intonation of the singers’ voices. Suddenly, music wasn’t just someone just blahing away to some background sound. It had meaning. It had life!

But unfortunately, the discman isn’t exactly that portable and I could only listen to one CD at a time. So, I still depended alot on my Ipod, but I ripped the songs at a higher bitrate, hoping for that slightly better edge.

Fast forward to today: V and I are now working adults. With a little bit more spending power. And so, our lil’ indulgence in music has grown more serious. We have been doing quite a bit of CD shopping, much to my pocket’s dismay. But my ears are thanking me. Haha…

Not forgetting our investments on the hobby (okay, it’s more like V’s investment for me on my Westone W3 and my newly acquired speakers – thanks baby!) ; But yes, it’s all been worth it. Music never sounded so good.

 

And so…

I took the day off work to attend an interview.

I must say that it went pretty well, but alas, I may not get selected just cos they want someone who is more junior.

The interviewer was a very nice gentleman who shared with me alot and I learnt a really good phrase from him today which I shall attempt to use in my next interview!

He also mentioned that I have pretty good grades(oh my, a first for me! But it made me really happy cos I got outrightly rejected by another company cos I wasn’t bright enough for them! Bah!) and so, I happily called the bf to report to him the outcome of the interview…

“He said my grades were pretty good!”

And my darling bf sniggered and said: Then he should have seen my grades…

Someone please tell me why I still find this fellow so endearing?

 

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I’ve got 2 rounds in the gun.

I hope that both hits bullseye!

But then again, I rather get the 2nd right, cos I see more potential in it.

But I guess, all I have to do is to do my best and let God do the rest!

Amen!

 

And suddenly, I see hope again…

Thank you Aunt Joyce for that prayer.

It’s really amazing at how God send people into our lives,  just to keep us on track.

I will really work at it. And yes, I will keep Deb and Mel in prayer too!

—-

On a different note, Miss Gadget Girl here got herself a lovely new Fujitsu Lappie! Woo hoo!

And I love love love it!

—-

On yet a different note, I wanna go for a session of Javanese massage. Anyone wanna accompany me? Haha… And yes, I need a hair cut, current one’s really getting out of hand!

—-

Ha. I am really getting random, but yes, on yet another note (again), I am still in the midst of job hunting. Yes. The job market is really pathetic. I really hope that I can see some light in this aspect. To those who got lobangs, drop me a msg on msn or something. Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind getting some prayers. TIA!

—-

I’m poop. Really tired. Gonna run off to dream land. Will find some time to blog again soon. Tata!