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Category: Work

Forgetful Me
03.24.10 |Work| Permalink | Comments Off

I missed a meeting yesterday night. With my current job, I get a lot of those late night meetings because that’s when US time zone wakes up.

I double check my digital calendar and I was so sure it was today. You see when I am working the normal hours, I have my notebook or the iPhone to remind me there is a meeting coming up. When I am off work, relaxing on the coach or in the bedroom, no reminder. Yeah I don’t carry my iPhone around the house except when I play games.

When my PC started up this morning, a reminder can up saying “Your meeting is X hours overdue!” Sigh!

Popularity: 1% [?]
Dreadful Flight Schedule
07.27.09 |Travel, Work| Permalink | Comments Off

Yeap, I am off to US and my flight schedule is terrible.

Thurs Night -> Fly to Singapore, stayed overnight at Transit Hotel.
Fri Morn -> Fly to Narita, Japan. Then head to LA

In LA, I arrived at 1:30pm, waiting for my Colorado Springs flight at 8:30pm. It was a long wait. There is nothing near by the airport, that I can do. I stayed in the airport and went online.

Flight delayed until 10:30pm due to technical problem in the plane. They got another plane. I landed in Colorado Springs at 1:30am. Fortunately they didn’t cancel the flight else my plans all go down the drain. A few flights were canceled while I was there. United is really going downhill.

There was one flight, they were overbooked. They made an announcement to give a free round trip on United in US, to anyone who want to give away his/her seat on that flight. Hotel and next flight arrangement will also be provided. I don’t mind if it was my flight.

I am so glad that I made a decision not to collect the car on that day. I chose to stay near the airport and pick up the car next morning. At 2 am, no one will be there to hand you the car. It will be waste of money to take a cab to my hotel and back to collect the car. At least with hotel near the airport, I can use the airport shuttle.

Most of the time, when I reach US, it is at night. I can sleep after that. However this time, I reached in the morning and I don’t have a place to sleep. It was really tiring and went to sleep straight after I checked in.

Next up, shopping spree and you cannot imagine what I got! Ok, a few of you know because I was too excited to share the news…..

Here is my rented car, no hybrid car this round…

Popularity: 2% [?]
Professionalism
07.08.09 |Work| Permalink | Comments Off

I admired one of my colleague professionalism. He was impacted by severance package but UK has a good labor law that deferred his exit date. He is in the midst of kicking a project out. He makes everything to ensure that this project is successful before he leaves. He is putting 110% in making it work. He even drafted out a good support plan after implementation to ensure it is sustainable.

As opposed to my managed service contractor who has tender his resignation. He is leaving end of the month. He has been coming in late, not attending his transition meetings and giving me a lot of problems. He even told my colleague that he is not at his desk doesn’t mean he is not in the company.

Sometimes I wonder does culture really play a big part in being professionalism.

Popularity: 2% [?]
Axes Falling
03.31.09 |Economy, PP, Work| Permalink | Comments Off

Every day I am hearing corporation cutting headcount to size the company according to their revenue. Yeap axes are falling everywhere and it is faster that we can avoid. I am so tired of it that I want to stand still. If it falls on me, let it be. I have been through many rounds of recessions because I have been working for this company for many years.

The first round, it was in the year 2000 I believed I was very anxious and there were 3-5 rounds after that. I am pretty much immune to it by now. Somehow the axe is always avoiding me instead of me falling on me. When I was working in KL, the last company I was with was also retrenching. They cut all of my colleagues in my dept except me. I was so disappointed in a way because I really had planned to move to Penang. Well, I went to plan B and spoke to HR, volunteering myself. She was kind to give me something.

Today, I am pretty sad because I heard a few of my colleagues were affected. It makes me just want to volunteer myself, if I could. Ultimately the working environment is not the same anymore. Morale is at the bottomless pit.

One of my colleagues just tempted me, saying with the tax exemption benefit it is good money. I have been with the company long enough to get a good package. Hrmmm…should I volunteer? Maybe I act as if I had Mesothelioma. If I did get the package, I will definitely take my family for a good vacation.

Popularity: 3% [?]
Pig Out Session
03.06.09 |Food, Work| Permalink | Comments Off

I had another great departmental dinner today because my big boss visited us. Of coz when he comes, we usually ask him to treat us a good meal. It is a good to build relationship among the team. He is a great joker because he tells great stories that made us laugh. It was a very good dinner indeed.

At least we have fun despite all the sad news about economy crisis, retrenchment and pay cut. Free dinner is always a good way to help boost up the morale.

We went to Spice Market Rasa Sayang for buffet dinner.

Popularity: 2% [?]
5 minutes meeting
10.08.08 |Work| Permalink | 1 Comment

Yesterday I have the fastest face to face meeting. The project manager invited all of us, asked us if there are any issues. We voiced our issues and gave our recommendations. He agreed and it was the end. We can be as efficient as we can be.

Lots of time, we go into a meeting and have an hour discussion or even ran over time. Yet no decision can be made. Coming out from it, we realized that we wasted precious time. Who is responsible for that? Now I think about it, it sounds very much like our parliamentary debate.

It really takes a good team players and a decisive leader to make things go more efficient.

Today an engineer asked me whether the hard disk cage is lockable? I wonder why she want to lock the hard disk. *giggles*

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Sales
08.27.08 |PP, Work| Permalink | Comments Off

I always wonder if I went into sales, how I would fare in the market. I admire people who can go into this line, it is a tough and you need to face many different types of people. Even if you do not like them, you still have to put on a smile.

However if you are good, you can be up in the corporate ladder in no time. After all, all companies treasure all their sales team because it is the team that brings in profit to the company. If you are interested in top sales jobs, browse SalesJobs.net. It has lots of top jobs in sales on the site. If you have the gift, go for it.

Popularity: 3% [?]
Café Food Price Hike
08.05.08 |Work| Permalink | Comments Off

A memo was sent out that there will be a hike in café food prices. I have no complains over the price hike but the way they do it. It is so similar to our gomen’s method. First similarity, they claim that the café food price is still the lowest compare to other cafés. Second similarity is that they send the memo out the day before the price hike. Third similarity, the day before the hike, everyone was eating in the café making it a little congested.

I wonder will they put a cap on the price hike too. By the way, we do have subsidy for eating in the café. It has been a long time since they revised the subsidy amount. I will called this The Ripple Effect, lets hope it doesn’t bring any Tsunami, if you know what I mean.

Popularity: 3% [?]
Work The Best Caffeine
07.28.08 |Work| Permalink | Comments Off

Yesterday I slept for 5 hours only and I thought I was going to be sleepy. I was surprised at myself, I was very alert during work. Nope I don’t drink coffee. Maybe because I was too busy to be sleepy. However when I went home for lunch, I dosed off for a good 30 minutes. It is really good to work close to my home.

After the nap, engine started slow but when I reached office it was back to the busy schedule. Fortunately I was busy, if not I could have doze off at my desk. I guess work is my caffeine. It is so healthy.

I remembered there was one colleague of mine who doze off at his office desk. Worst is he snored so loudly. I saved him from embarrassment and gave him a call. He woke up upon hearing his phone ring.

Popularity: 3% [?]
Motivation
07.11.08 |Work| Permalink | 2 Comments

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Office Deco
05.26.08 |PP, Work| Permalink | Comments Off

I admired some of my US colleague’s cubicles because they really decorate their place with fancy stuff. It is a pleasant look and I must say that it has become their second home. US folks love to do that. During Christmas, there will be cotton like snow on the cubicles, Christmas trees, santa dolls and presents everywhere. I just love the atmosphere there.

Back home, we dare not do this drastically. Occasionally we may see some colleagues bringing it plants, silk flowers, small table deco or little souvenirs from abroad. How I wished I can decorate the place where I spend one third of the day with things I like. By the way, one of my hubby’s ex colleague brought a big aquarium to work.

Popularity: 3% [?]
Backdated: Bad Tuesday
11.22.07 |Work| Permalink | Comments Off

I was supposed to host a meeting on early morning Tuesday. However I arrived to the office, my colleagues told me network was down. I should have stayed at home and host the meeting from there. Sounds like my home have a more reliable network. I know a lot of people complain about TMNet broadband. Frankly, I didn’t face any outage or speed problem in my area.

After lunch, network came back on. At 3:15pm, Penang power outage. The best part was the other department had a Christmas tree and the lights were blinking so beautifully. Yes we have backup supply for our cubicles. Too bad the supply came back on after 15 minutes and everyone got back to work.

Popularity: 2% [?]
Workstation
11.07.07 |Work| Permalink | 1 Comment

I got this from someone a long time ago, it is really funny….

    A bus station is where a bus stops.
    A train station is where a train stops.
    If on my desk, I have a work station…

Just don’t let my boss find this out else there goes my pay.

Popularity: 1% [?]
Brand New Notebook
09.24.07 |Technology, Work| Permalink | 3 Comments

Finally my new notebook and a 17 inch LCD display came. At my workplace we get a new notebook every 3 years. It is a technology refresh program. The brand is HP nc4400 and there were some design flaws that I spotted. Firstly the USD ports are all over, right left and back. Secondly, the top left mouse button is a bit cacat (not in order). Thirdly, the power button is not very visible. I am still looking for the reset button.

The great thing about the notebook is that it comes with a DVD Writer. The notebook has thumb print security recognition. You can steal my notebook but you cannot access to it without my thumb print. One more thing, it has 2G RAM, super duper fast!!!

I will be busy moving data, files and software from my old notebook to the new one. How I wish I can just image it over.

Popularity: 2% [?]
Earning Extra With Blogsvertise
08.19.07 |Work| Permalink | 2 Comments

Blogsvertise is another great way of earning cash in the virtual world. Many years ago, people are finding ways to earn an extra dollar, especially those mothers who do not have a full time job. At that time, there aren’t many opportunity. Today, some creative soul has spark the idea of advertisement business among the bloggers. This has opened a new avenue for SAHM (Stay At Home Mothers) to earn some cash.

For those mothers out there who wants to know how, ping me. Blogsvertise is a way you can sign up to do just that. First all you need is a blog. A blog can be journals of you parenting journey, your children milestone or any interesting happenings in your life. You can start hosting your blog in free space like blogger,com. No start up expense required.

After you get your blog going, you can join Blogsvertise and submit your blog. Once you have your blog approved, you can start earning cash there. You will be given some assignments to review a product or service by writing about it. It is simple. You can earn up to US50-US150 if you get 10 assignments done. It pays well. Isn’t that cool? You can earn part time cash and still spend quality time with your children.

Popularity: 2% [?]
Snowing Here – Colorado Springs
02.01.07 |Travel, US, Work| Permalink | 8 Comments

Hey I finally arrived in Colorado and the snow welcomes me. YES it is snowing! Wow, I survived 15 hours flight. First stop was Singapore, Changi Airport. I was pretty frus because last 1 hour they change the departure gate. It was from 1 end to the other end. My legs were pretty tired. I found this free foot massage by the departure gate. It was fun and after the massage my legs felt better.

Next stop was LA, I was so tired. If not, I could just pop by Disneyland and get some gift for my children. No I didn’t. I slept in the hotel. No Jet lag for me. I had a morning flight out to Colorado. In the LA airport, things were done efficiently. They have so many rows of DIY check in counter. All you have to do is punch your confirmation flight number and a ticket will be printed out. 1-2 staff will go around, putting tags on your bag and carried it to the conveyer.

My dinner – Baby Back Ribs – Simply Delicious

DIY Checkin Counters:

Snowy Airport:

When I arrived at Colorado Springs, it was snowing. I was worried because I had to drive to my hotel. Yeap, I had to pick up “right hand” right here. It was aright as I arrived to the hotel safely, was about 30 mins away from the airport. I didn’t get lost, shows that the GPS was working.

Wow, I stayed near to the Pikes Peak. The view of the snowy mountains is simply beautiful. I will post more pictures here when I have the chance to take it. Now I wish my family was here. By the way, my husband just returned from US last monday and I had to fly on Tuesday. It was a back to back trip. Next time, we will plan for the entire family to go. May my wish come true.

Popularity: 3% [?]
Singapore – Business Trip
12.23.05 |Information, Service, Travel, Work| Permalink | 5 Comments

I was away on business trip in Singapore for a project. It was a rush trip but I enjoyed it. It is really an experience to be in Singapore a week before Christmas. There is the “Commercialise Christmas” feelings in the streets of Singapore. A true eye opener for me. Of course, not forgetting the power of buying at Christmas time. It is just so crazy that people buy loads and loads of gift. I guess it is a way to get the economy going.

I wouldn’t say that things are cheap there after currency conversion, although there were lots of sales going on. I didn’t get anything for myself. I got toys for my children that they enjoyed. I wanted to source for a cheap Avent ISIS pump for some mothers who are breastfeeding but I could not get a cheap one. I bet, during Christmas time, they hiked up the price. There was one departmental store, Robinson at Raffles Place giving away 15% discount store wide. The price of the Avent pump with 2 small bottles was SGD87, with 15% discount is SGD74. Upon returning to office, my colleague told me that there is a free SGD20 vouchers for tourist on Christmas season. If he has given me that information while I was there, I can get the pump for SGD54. Sigh. :wall:

The Orchard Streets were just crowded with people. One thing that I dislike is there are lots of people smoking. Practically the streets were cover with smoke. I saw a couple of teenagers smoking too. At least, the government don’t allow them to smoke in air conditional stores. If I want to breath fresh air, need to pop into an air conditional store.

By the way, most of the hotels were fully booked. I was about to stay in 2 different hotels for a 4 days trip. Fortunately upon check in, the front desk could extend my stay. I stayed in Grand Hyatt. The room size is pretty normal. What I like the most is the Plasma TV and I wish I could take it home.

Surprisingly while I was there, I received a phone call from my credit card company, UOB Bank. Wow, they hunt me down. The officer called to check that I was really in Singapore making all those payment transactions. They did the same when I was in US. They provide outstanding service, even waive my annual fees on the spot, even though it was charged to my statement. If you want good service, go with them.

By the way, my hubby did an excellent job of babysitting my 2 children. He said “No Sweat!” Maybe because we trained the children well, both of them sleep by 9pm. My son was a bit “manja” when I got back. My gal was thrilled to see me, gave me so many hugs. I miss them too.

Happy To Be BACK!

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