I fetched my new maid on Sunday. Dasti left on the same day - she was very concerned with the loan that she has to pay. Who cares right? Not that we have not warned her.
So my new maid shares the same surname as me - she is not from Java island she comes from Nusantara Tenggara Barat. According to her, her grandparents came from Arab hence the reason why she has a Malay name. Hmmmm.... She is an experienced maid, having worked in Saudi for 7 years. She has made a lot of money - she bought padi fields (3 she said!) and has built a house.Reason for coming to Singapore is to make more money because she wants to run a business when she goes back home. I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with what she has done and her vision.
Mom has not seen her. I brought her home last evening - I don't usually do that but I thought I'll take a slightly different approach to this new maid. She seems sharp and has a strong personality. I'll pray that all goes well when she helps mom.
Mom was curious and called last evening to find out about her. Heheh... I know she is tired and wants company but mom will never admit that.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
I Googled You
It's weird when someone you have never met, but talk on the phone for conference calls tells you he googled you. Yes, we all do it. Who doesn't, right? We are always curious to know something or want to know someone so we googled that person. But we will never declare that.
So today, I met S - a Korean whom I have been on calls with to talk about a particular project that we have both been roped in. He was so excited when we met, eager to tell me about himself and what his plans are and he was also very bullish with his plans.
I was of course taken aback when he told me he googled and read every single interviews that I have done for the trade.
So today, I met S - a Korean whom I have been on calls with to talk about a particular project that we have both been roped in. He was so excited when we met, eager to tell me about himself and what his plans are and he was also very bullish with his plans.
I was of course taken aback when he told me he googled and read every single interviews that I have done for the trade.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Me and My Never Ending Maid Stories
No surprise. I am changing my maid again.
The current one is mom's choice and she made mom so angry, mom's BP went up to 166! No kidding.
I came home from a business trip and got a earful of mom's frustrations. Last Sat, we shortlisted one and this Thursday we are interviewing.
Today, the new rule kicks in. I wonder what is real basis for the increase in salary when most of these maids can hardly work. Previously, all they did was to learn for the entry test. I was informed that they spend Mon-Fri learning and memorising English words. On weekends, they are trained to do housework. I don't think that has changed. Experienced maids - there are more risks - and I'd rather avoid getting one experienced one.
I would go without a maid for mom if I could. Mom needs help with the lil one and at home with housework... though mom says otherwise. She also needs the company especially on nights when she is alone at home.
Luck plays an important role and all I can do is pray that my next maid is a good one. It's my fourth change... I'm pretty sure MOM will call me in for that interview!
The current one is mom's choice and she made mom so angry, mom's BP went up to 166! No kidding.
I came home from a business trip and got a earful of mom's frustrations. Last Sat, we shortlisted one and this Thursday we are interviewing.
Today, the new rule kicks in. I wonder what is real basis for the increase in salary when most of these maids can hardly work. Previously, all they did was to learn for the entry test. I was informed that they spend Mon-Fri learning and memorising English words. On weekends, they are trained to do housework. I don't think that has changed. Experienced maids - there are more risks - and I'd rather avoid getting one experienced one.
I would go without a maid for mom if I could. Mom needs help with the lil one and at home with housework... though mom says otherwise. She also needs the company especially on nights when she is alone at home.
Luck plays an important role and all I can do is pray that my next maid is a good one. It's my fourth change... I'm pretty sure MOM will call me in for that interview!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Finally. He said it.
He finally said it. Yes. Abang told me on Monday to not travel for work.
I had just gotten back from Berlin on Sat evening and had to leave again for Bali on Tuesday. The limited time I had with him on Sunday was spent at the massage parlour because mommy's back was aching so much that she could hardly move. So on Monday as we were driving home and I told him of my trip, he asked why do I have to travel again so soon and said "please don't go". I hate the feeling.
Just before I boarded the plane, he called to say he loved me and asked if I could get him a toy. I don't make a habit of buying toys or gifts for every single trip. I will make an exception this time round. I hope there are some decent shops at the airport.
I had just gotten back from Berlin on Sat evening and had to leave again for Bali on Tuesday. The limited time I had with him on Sunday was spent at the massage parlour because mommy's back was aching so much that she could hardly move. So on Monday as we were driving home and I told him of my trip, he asked why do I have to travel again so soon and said "please don't go". I hate the feeling.
Just before I boarded the plane, he called to say he loved me and asked if I could get him a toy. I don't make a habit of buying toys or gifts for every single trip. I will make an exception this time round. I hope there are some decent shops at the airport.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Super Neat
My job has taken me to many countries and I stay in the best hotels. This week I am in Berlin and we stay in Hotel De Rome. This lavish hotel building was previously a central bank in East Berlin.
My blog is not about the hotel but about the service that I received during my stay. I have never experienced excellent services in Europe and this is my first.
The staff are so friendly, efficient and accommodating. The waiters are attentive and the minute you move away from your table to take more food, etc, someone would come immediately to either remove your plate or fold your napkin. Like lightning - have they been hiding under the table or something?!
I am a very neat person and I like to keep my things in order. You cannot imagine how amused I am when I walked into my room this evening to find my shoes all lined up in order, the toiletries are arranged neatly and everything was in perfect order!! It was so perfect that I had to look for my pair of socks! I found it folded in neatly in the drawer! Oh my gosh, I burst out laughing when I found it!
My blog is not about the hotel but about the service that I received during my stay. I have never experienced excellent services in Europe and this is my first.
The staff are so friendly, efficient and accommodating. The waiters are attentive and the minute you move away from your table to take more food, etc, someone would come immediately to either remove your plate or fold your napkin. Like lightning - have they been hiding under the table or something?!
I am a very neat person and I like to keep my things in order. You cannot imagine how amused I am when I walked into my room this evening to find my shoes all lined up in order, the toiletries are arranged neatly and everything was in perfect order!! It was so perfect that I had to look for my pair of socks! I found it folded in neatly in the drawer! Oh my gosh, I burst out laughing when I found it!
Monday, April 09, 2012
A Year Older and Wiser :-)
I am 38 years old today.
The plan was to spend the entire day with the kids and hubby but the plan got canned. Last year, we were in Penang chilling out. This year, I was stressing out over a presentation. At 5am, I was going through the deck!
The delegates came in - 13 men Chinese and Korean - all in suits. Very distinguised looking and so much older! My feet and hands were cold - from being nervous and since I had to present right after my boss, that makes it even worst.
I did it and all went well. I've learnt a lot in Day 1 , Day 2 is tomorrow and one of the funny moment from today was:
On Screen - screen grab of an app store selling a game called: iPee: Urinal Game.
Someone said - I think I want to buy this game
Someone responded - it's not for women, it's for men.
keh keh keh.
I have to say that my team had a tough time figuring out when to bring out the b'day surprise for me. I seriously thought the days of celebrating b'days in office is so over but hey, someone decided to organize it anyway. The surprise came at 6 and together with that surprise, i saw two little boys joining the celebration - my kids! Mommy firstly was harrassed because the team was happily singing, with bells and whistle in the b/g, the delegate of 13 men were touring the office and then mommy had to carry her boys! Alamak.
The plan was to spend the entire day with the kids and hubby but the plan got canned. Last year, we were in Penang chilling out. This year, I was stressing out over a presentation. At 5am, I was going through the deck!
The delegates came in - 13 men Chinese and Korean - all in suits. Very distinguised looking and so much older! My feet and hands were cold - from being nervous and since I had to present right after my boss, that makes it even worst.
I did it and all went well. I've learnt a lot in Day 1 , Day 2 is tomorrow and one of the funny moment from today was:
On Screen - screen grab of an app store selling a game called: iPee: Urinal Game.
Someone said - I think I want to buy this game
Someone responded - it's not for women, it's for men.
keh keh keh.
I have to say that my team had a tough time figuring out when to bring out the b'day surprise for me. I seriously thought the days of celebrating b'days in office is so over but hey, someone decided to organize it anyway. The surprise came at 6 and together with that surprise, i saw two little boys joining the celebration - my kids! Mommy firstly was harrassed because the team was happily singing, with bells and whistle in the b/g, the delegate of 13 men were touring the office and then mommy had to carry her boys! Alamak.
The 10 Things to Remember
This list has been with me for some time now. It's pasted on my cubicle - it has come with me from the office in Atrium - Tower B to Tower A to the short stint in Outram and now to New Tech Park.
A male Malay colleague once saw it on my desk and asked me why do I place such things on my cubicle - the answer is simple - it's a reminder. I work in an environment where I could choose a live a lifestyle that will give me happiness in the world today/ now and may not necessarily be so in the life after. Parties, alcohol, music, rock & roll, liberal lifestyle, dining in the best restaurants in Asia and the world - meeting all sorts of people, decision makers, entertainers, company leaders, you name it. It is so easy to just go with the flow and be "in".
I am thankful I continue to be steadfast in my faith and practices, I continue to have patience as I explain and educate again to my non Muslim colleagues, friends, acquaintances what some of my beliefs are. InsyaAllah, this will continue through.
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Own Business vs Corporate World
A girlfriend gave me a business proposal recently. It was not a surprise... she has hinted it so many times before and passed me several articles to read. I am very diligent and have read them all.
While I like the proposal, I am very hesitant to participate for several reasons.
Firstly, I like the corporate world. I cannot imagine running my own business or going into a business with a friend - what more a good friend. I am so scared that if things go wrong, I may end up not having the friendship. I get a lot of satisfcation in the corporate world, the rat race, the competition, the meetings, everything.
Secondly, my girlfriend and I have very strong personalities and I know if we were to work together, we will end up "killing" each other eventually! I don't think two strong personality people should run a business together. You need a business partner to complement your personality. I don't fall into that category.
And finally, how can one live on savings until the business is finally bringing in profit? Seriously. That's too risky.
There are instances when I feel that I have had enough of the media industry and I want to leave.... and if I ever do that, I would consider a career in the preschool sector - not as a techer though.
While I like the proposal, I am very hesitant to participate for several reasons.
Firstly, I like the corporate world. I cannot imagine running my own business or going into a business with a friend - what more a good friend. I am so scared that if things go wrong, I may end up not having the friendship. I get a lot of satisfcation in the corporate world, the rat race, the competition, the meetings, everything.
Secondly, my girlfriend and I have very strong personalities and I know if we were to work together, we will end up "killing" each other eventually! I don't think two strong personality people should run a business together. You need a business partner to complement your personality. I don't fall into that category.
And finally, how can one live on savings until the business is finally bringing in profit? Seriously. That's too risky.
There are instances when I feel that I have had enough of the media industry and I want to leave.... and if I ever do that, I would consider a career in the preschool sector - not as a techer though.
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