![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
My second post for the day!
Simply in the mood for writing.
In my line of work,
many a time,
we had to write down what we said during a discussion,
so that we can remember what we said.
Sounds Logical.
n moments later,
When we try to look back at what we wrote,
and use it to derive what was said,
we may not necessary arrive exactly at the original intention.
Worse, we may draw a totally different conclusion.
So, Writing what we Said
(so that we can remember what we said)
has the inherent condition,
that we can really Read what we Wrote.
Look at the dictionary and thesaurus.
One Word, Many Interpretations.
If the original intention of a set of writing is forgotten,
this literature is worthless.
Simply in the mood for writing.
In my line of work,
many a time,
we had to write down what we said during a discussion,
so that we can remember what we said.
Sounds Logical.
n moments later,
When we try to look back at what we wrote,
and use it to derive what was said,
we may not necessary arrive exactly at the original intention.
Worse, we may draw a totally different conclusion.
So, Writing what we Said
(so that we can remember what we said)
has the inherent condition,
that we can really Read what we Wrote.
Look at the dictionary and thesaurus.
One Word, Many Interpretations.
If the original intention of a set of writing is forgotten,
this literature is worthless.
In a recent discussion that I had with a group,
I asked if it is possible to deviate from a certain process,
because it doesn't make sense to proceed
knowing for sure that it will lead to failure.
A denial.
Reason:
Because it has always been done this way,
and they were following the instructions laid down.
===========================
I heard of a real story today.
A teacher set an exam question,
asking the class to determine the height of a building,
using a Barometer.
(Physicists, Engineers, Scientists.. i think you know the procedure, and the exact formula to use. So I shan't elaborate)
A student in class wrote on the exam paper
"I would measure the height of one level, and multiply by the number of floors the building has"
As expected, he got a BIG ZERO.
The student was so annoyed that he went to confront the teacher,
and demanded that he be given full marks.
The teacher denied him, and said that he should have followed the instructions (which is to use a barometer)
and used the formula and concept taught in class.
The student said,
"I can give you 10 ways to measure the height of the building,
without using the formula and concept taught in class."
The teacher stared in disbelief and challenged him,
offering him full marks if he can.
"First, I can measure the weight of the barometer,
go to the highest floor, and drop the barometer.
Then I will time the duration the barometer took to reach the ground floor."
"Second, I can use the Barometer to trade for this information
with anyone who might know the answer."
"Third, I can use the Barometer to hit the Building Maintenance guy
till he tells me how tall this building is."
and so on so forth (I didn't get to hear the rest of the methods).
The teacher DENIED him the marks that was promised.
It was a deviation from the norm.
===========================
Sometimes, instructions were laid down to provide the structure of norm.
But unfortunately, it prohibits creativity and freedom of ideas.
It may get counter-productive,
when the true intention behind the set of Golden Rules,
were forgotten or diluted over time.
Yes, eventually we'll get to the Final Destination,
but was it the most desirable route?
I asked if it is possible to deviate from a certain process,
because it doesn't make sense to proceed
knowing for sure that it will lead to failure.
A denial.
Reason:
Because it has always been done this way,
and they were following the instructions laid down.
===========================
I heard of a real story today.
A teacher set an exam question,
asking the class to determine the height of a building,
using a Barometer.
(Physicists, Engineers, Scientists.. i think you know the procedure, and the exact formula to use. So I shan't elaborate)
A student in class wrote on the exam paper
"I would measure the height of one level, and multiply by the number of floors the building has"
As expected, he got a BIG ZERO.
The student was so annoyed that he went to confront the teacher,
and demanded that he be given full marks.
The teacher denied him, and said that he should have followed the instructions (which is to use a barometer)
and used the formula and concept taught in class.
The student said,
"I can give you 10 ways to measure the height of the building,
without using the formula and concept taught in class."
The teacher stared in disbelief and challenged him,
offering him full marks if he can.
"First, I can measure the weight of the barometer,
go to the highest floor, and drop the barometer.
Then I will time the duration the barometer took to reach the ground floor."
"Second, I can use the Barometer to trade for this information
with anyone who might know the answer."
"Third, I can use the Barometer to hit the Building Maintenance guy
till he tells me how tall this building is."
and so on so forth (I didn't get to hear the rest of the methods).
The teacher DENIED him the marks that was promised.
It was a deviation from the norm.
===========================
Sometimes, instructions were laid down to provide the structure of norm.
But unfortunately, it prohibits creativity and freedom of ideas.
It may get counter-productive,
when the true intention behind the set of Golden Rules,
were forgotten or diluted over time.
Yes, eventually we'll get to the Final Destination,
but was it the most desirable route?
Something sparked off the recollection of this quote,
which I personally liked most from <Ratatouille>
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy.
We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work
and their selves to our judgement.
We thrive on negative criticism,
which is fun to write and to read.
But the bitter truth we critics must face is that,
in the grand scheme of things,
the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.
But there are times when a critic truly risks something,
and that is in the discovery and defense of the new.
The world is often unkind to new talents — new creations.
The new needs friends. "
Anton Ego
which I personally liked most from <Ratatouille>
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy.
We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work
and their selves to our judgement.
We thrive on negative criticism,
which is fun to write and to read.
But the bitter truth we critics must face is that,
in the grand scheme of things,
the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.
But there are times when a critic truly risks something,
and that is in the discovery and defense of the new.
The world is often unkind to new talents — new creations.
The new needs friends. "
Anton Ego
I remember when I was young,
I enjoyed the times when my parents took me to OG,
the one at People's Park.
My parents used to say
"Boy, things in there are very expensive...."
And more than often,
I could only see, touch and feel the things inside,
knowing very clearly then,
that my parents would/could never buy anything from there, for me.
But I still felt happy, just to be there.
I remembered I like travelling on the escalator within OG.
It was like a big WOW then.
And everytime I took the escalator,
I would see a cafe on the 3rd (or maybe 4th) floor.
I wanted so much to go in there.
But more than often,
I could only peep from the outside,
knowing very clearly then,
I would never have a chance to step in the cafe.
When I finally had a chance to go in (much older),
I remembered I ordered a chicken chop, and a glass of orange juice.
The glass was dirty.
The chicken chop was not nice.
But I still felt happy, just to be able to have a meal there.
Today.
I stepped into the same OG again.
The cafe is no longer there.
The things that once seemed to be so beyond reach,
weren't so anymore.
Things change,
people change.
But when I stood in the middle of the ground floor,
memories came back,
and that didn't change a bit at all.
I enjoyed the times when my parents took me to OG,
the one at People's Park.
My parents used to say
"Boy, things in there are very expensive...."
And more than often,
I could only see, touch and feel the things inside,
knowing very clearly then,
that my parents would/could never buy anything from there, for me.
But I still felt happy, just to be there.
I remembered I like travelling on the escalator within OG.
It was like a big WOW then.
And everytime I took the escalator,
I would see a cafe on the 3rd (or maybe 4th) floor.
I wanted so much to go in there.
But more than often,
I could only peep from the outside,
knowing very clearly then,
I would never have a chance to step in the cafe.
When I finally had a chance to go in (much older),
I remembered I ordered a chicken chop, and a glass of orange juice.
The glass was dirty.
The chicken chop was not nice.
But I still felt happy, just to be able to have a meal there.
Today.
I stepped into the same OG again.
The cafe is no longer there.
The things that once seemed to be so beyond reach,
weren't so anymore.
Things change,
people change.
But when I stood in the middle of the ground floor,
memories came back,
and that didn't change a bit at all.
Yesterday I had lunch with a few colleagues in Jurong Point.
I asked them what would they like to have for lunch.
No answers.
So I started the ball rolling by saying that there are 3 foodcourts in JP.
They opted for the newest one.
I was okie with it, but was hoping for something else.
So I led the way since its my homeground.
I took them through the basement of the new wing,
passing by Swensens, Thai Express, New York New York etc.
And then one of my colleagues went, "1-for-1 at Swensens!
Maybe let's have this instead."
But not much response, so we proceeded on to the foodcourt.
The same colleague then asked,
"Why did you lead us through this way when we could have walked through Level 1 instead?"
I said because I was hoping one of you will be attracted to the rest of the restaurants and opt for that instead of foodcourt.
She exclaimed immediately,
"你的心机很重leh! 你怎么练的？“
I shrugged my shoulders.
* * *
I was in a cab half an hour ago.
The cab driver asked where I am working at.
He said he was an engineer like me 5 years ago with an American MNC.
I wanted to know if he was retrenched or he resigned,
but I asked," So the MNC folded up or?"
He replied, "I was retrenched."
The conversation was getting a little interesting.
I wanted to know why he was retrenched,
but I asked, "So when you left, you were an Engineer or Manager?"
He replied, "Manager. There was too much politics, and I was sacrificed."
He then laughed, "You ask questions in a very indirect manner!
Almost like interrogation, but yet subtle and leading questions.
Were you guys all trained like that in your organisation?"
I smiled, "I dunno.. maybe its habitual."
有时不是不想变(换)，
是不舍得。
每日朝夕相处的人，事，物。
那份随着时间建立起来的情牵，
还真让人舍不得。
一想到也许不会再见，
或许心中难免会沉沉的，
千万份不舍。
也就这样，
留在原地，
被这多份情牵枷锁
牢牢套住。。。
Just pondering,
Which is more important,
Morals or Happiness?
I watched 心晴大动员2 on Monday.
A mum left her husband and 5 kids behind,
to pursue her own happiness.
My elder sis exclaimed, "Wah lau, the mother is so bad."
I blurted out,
"Well, every individual has a right to pursue their own happiness."
But then again, I thought really hard after that.
Today, I had a chat with one of my colleagues.
Side line was the issue.
I asked,"if you do sideline, you have to declare to HR and also to IRAS right?"
He gave me the you-gotta-be-kidding-me look and said,
"Don't be stupid la, where got people declare one?
IRAS won't have the manpower to check on every single individual who side line.
They have bigger fishes to catch."
Morally, I think one should declare.
But then again, I thought really hard after that.
The level of happiness of not doing so, is indeed alluring, and I can understand why.
Morals guide the norm that one should behave (in a society).
But If one de-rail in the hope of seeking happiness for the one life
that will be lived once only,
why not?
It is hard to strike a balance, I must say.
and most of the time,
it is either or.
Which is more important,
Morals or Happiness?
I watched 心晴大动员2 on Monday.
A mum left her husband and 5 kids behind,
to pursue her own happiness.
My elder sis exclaimed, "Wah lau, the mother is so bad."
I blurted out,
"Well, every individual has a right to pursue their own happiness."
But then again, I thought really hard after that.
Today, I had a chat with one of my colleagues.
Side line was the issue.
I asked,"if you do sideline, you have to declare to HR and also to IRAS right?"
He gave me the you-gotta-be-kidding-me look and said,
"Don't be stupid la, where got people declare one?
IRAS won't have the manpower to check on every single individual who side line.
They have bigger fishes to catch."
Morally, I think one should declare.
But then again, I thought really hard after that.
The level of happiness of not doing so, is indeed alluring, and I can understand why.
Morals guide the norm that one should behave (in a society).
But If one de-rail in the hope of seeking happiness for the one life
that will be lived once only,
why not?
It is hard to strike a balance, I must say.
and most of the time,
it is either or.
Never heard of this restaurant?
Neither have I.
It's along Seng Poh Road.
When I first stepped into the restaurant,
the very authentic chinese restaurant smell (maybe its the soy sauce) caught my attention.
We managed to get a table despite no prior booking.
As we took our time to choose the dishes,
we saw crowd streaming into the restaurant,
some which had to wait outside for the next available table.
Wow, amazing for a restaurant that had just opened.
I looked to the cashier area and saw newspaper articles
such as Today, Straits Time etc,
framed and Pinned on the wall.
Okie, this is no simple restaurant,
i thought to myself.
The first dish came - Coffee Ribs.
Having tried many disgusting coffee ribs at Chinese restaurants,
I was a little appprehensive.
I was the last one to take a piece of it.
The very mellow coffee smell,
and the sweet looking sauce.
I took a small bite.
COMPLETELY above expectations.
It was sweet, and the meat was tender.
But I wish the coffee taste was stronger.
But still, very tasty.
The second dish - Spinach with garlic
It looked very simple.
Just spinach with garlic
with a lot of stock.
It didn't look appetising.
But when I tried it,
it was very pleasant to the mouth.
Not overly salty.
And the stock was so tasty that you can drink it like a soup.
We cleaned it out.
The third dish was very special.
Prawns wrapped with bacon,
coated with a layer of batter,
drenched with mayonaise dressings.
An amazing mixture of sweet and salty taste.
And that freshness of seafood.
Amazing combo.
We cleaned it out also.
The fourth dish was something very different as well.
Kailan with preserved vegetables (mei cai).
They cooked it the broth way.
We cleaned out that plate as well.
The fifth dish was cod fish head with chilli.
The meat was so succulent.
and the chilli was simply gastronomic.
The only thing left were the bones.
The last dish was as amazing, if not more.
Steamed crab on glutinous rice.
The rice is not the usual sticky ones you get.
Every mouthful filled with dried scallops.
The steam crab was small but POWERFUL.
Very easily de-shelled.
When I de-shelled mine,
the juice flowed out, and I hurried it to my mouth.
WOW, that was real sweet.
And really fresh.
The crab meat, so succulent and fresh.
I don't usually eat steam crabs,
but this is really nice.
Did I mention that there is no GST and service charge?
and that the Chef walks from table to table to talk to the guests?
Do check out the value for money set meals.
and book in advance.
(65361691 is the number)
Neither have I.
It's along Seng Poh Road.
When I first stepped into the restaurant,
the very authentic chinese restaurant smell (maybe its the soy sauce) caught my attention.
We managed to get a table despite no prior booking.
As we took our time to choose the dishes,
we saw crowd streaming into the restaurant,
some which had to wait outside for the next available table.
Wow, amazing for a restaurant that had just opened.
I looked to the cashier area and saw newspaper articles
such as Today, Straits Time etc,
framed and Pinned on the wall.
Okie, this is no simple restaurant,
i thought to myself.
The first dish came - Coffee Ribs.
Having tried many disgusting coffee ribs at Chinese restaurants,
I was a little appprehensive.
I was the last one to take a piece of it.
The very mellow coffee smell,
and the sweet looking sauce.
I took a small bite.
COMPLETELY above expectations.
It was sweet, and the meat was tender.
But I wish the coffee taste was stronger.
But still, very tasty.
The second dish - Spinach with garlic
It looked very simple.
Just spinach with garlic
with a lot of stock.
It didn't look appetising.
But when I tried it,
it was very pleasant to the mouth.
Not overly salty.
And the stock was so tasty that you can drink it like a soup.
We cleaned it out.
The third dish was very special.
Prawns wrapped with bacon,
coated with a layer of batter,
drenched with mayonaise dressings.
An amazing mixture of sweet and salty taste.
And that freshness of seafood.
Amazing combo.
We cleaned it out also.
The fourth dish was something very different as well.
Kailan with preserved vegetables (mei cai).
They cooked it the broth way.
We cleaned out that plate as well.
The fifth dish was cod fish head with chilli.
The meat was so succulent.
and the chilli was simply gastronomic.
The only thing left were the bones.
The last dish was as amazing, if not more.
Steamed crab on glutinous rice.
The rice is not the usual sticky ones you get.
Every mouthful filled with dried scallops.
The steam crab was small but POWERFUL.
Very easily de-shelled.
When I de-shelled mine,
the juice flowed out, and I hurried it to my mouth.
WOW, that was real sweet.
And really fresh.
The crab meat, so succulent and fresh.
I don't usually eat steam crabs,
but this is really nice.
Did I mention that there is no GST and service charge?
and that the Chef walks from table to table to talk to the guests?
Do check out the value for money set meals.
and book in advance.
(65361691 is the number)
It is the time of the year again,
to pen down my NYR.
Resolution #1: To Travel More
This one has consistently been on top of my NYR in recent years.
The world is so vast; I want to fly to see the world.
At least 3 different locations in 2010.
Resolution #2: To tag a commercial value to my photos
Maybe it's time to do it already.
*Take in deep breath*
Resolution #3: To be fit and healthy
2009 had been a busy year for me.
I find myself having no time for gym and swim during the weekdays.
So in addition to the weekend gym days,
I think I need to excercise during the weekdays.
It also means knocking off at 6pm on time.
Resolution #4: To learn how to say No and mean it.
Can this be counted as a NYR?
Okie, that's it.
Any more I will have a problem.
to pen down my NYR.
Resolution #1: To Travel More
This one has consistently been on top of my NYR in recent years.
The world is so vast; I want to fly to see the world.
At least 3 different locations in 2010.
Resolution #2: To tag a commercial value to my photos
Maybe it's time to do it already.
*Take in deep breath*
Resolution #3: To be fit and healthy
2009 had been a busy year for me.
I find myself having no time for gym and swim during the weekdays.
So in addition to the weekend gym days,
I think I need to excercise during the weekdays.
It also means knocking off at 6pm on time.
Resolution #4: To learn how to say No and mean it.
Can this be counted as a NYR?
Okie, that's it.
Any more I will have a problem.
This was my list for 2009.
Resolution #1
I want to travel to more places
One is a must
Two is good
Three is ideal
Four is a bonus!
<Checked - Vietnam, China, Germany, Malaysia>
Resolution #2
I want to improve on my photography skills
<Checked - I think I have improved, at least I am using less PS now>
Resolution #3
To start my swim and run regime again
and to observe them of course!
<Half-Checked - Think I have not been very consistent. This resolution need to da bao to 2010!>
Resolution #4
To write more.
<Half-Checked - I think I have been writing less lately. I need more time!>
Resolution #1
I want to travel to more places
One is a must
Two is good
Three is ideal
Four is a bonus!
<Checked - Vietnam, China, Germany, Malaysia>
Resolution #2
I want to improve on my photography skills
<Checked - I think I have improved, at least I am using less PS now>
Resolution #3
To start my swim and run regime again
and to observe them of course!
<Half-Checked - Think I have not been very consistent. This resolution need to da bao to 2010!>
Resolution #4
To write more.
<Half-Checked - I think I have been writing less lately. I need more time!>
The preview did raised a huge storm in me,
Even though I couldn't really recall what Storm Warriors I was about.
The opening was indeed an eye-opener.
Amazing effects of the swordplay by Nameless
Against Lord Godless, whose formidable shield force was equally impressive.
While his shield shattered,
(and Nameless, Storm and Wind escaped),
what went on after that shattered every of my expectations.
I begin to wonder:
Did they use up all their budget for the opening?
Graphic effects that bore an uncanny resemblance to
the movies "300" and "Sin City",
except that it looked a litle more raw and unpolished.
Just to rattle off a few,
Lord Godless on that demonic-looking chariot mirrored the
Persian Guy on a similar demonic-looking chariot in "300".
The bloody killing scenes with disembodied body parts and blood spills,
were simply a copycat of the 2 movies above.
Except for some amazing effects from Storm and Wind as they wielded their swords,
the rest were simply hard to swallow.
A storyline with almost no story,
and yet an open-ended ending that makes it seems possible for Storm Warriors III.
A movie heavy on graphic effects,
and yet doesn't give a visually satisfying experience.
"Oh, did I mention the sharp steel zing-ing sound
that actually sounded quite jarring on the ears."
1 pop corn.
Even though I couldn't really recall what Storm Warriors I was about.
The opening was indeed an eye-opener.
Amazing effects of the swordplay by Nameless
Against Lord Godless, whose formidable shield force was equally impressive.
While his shield shattered,
(and Nameless, Storm and Wind escaped),
what went on after that shattered every of my expectations.
I begin to wonder:
Did they use up all their budget for the opening?
Graphic effects that bore an uncanny resemblance to
the movies "300" and "Sin City",
except that it looked a litle more raw and unpolished.
Just to rattle off a few,
Lord Godless on that demonic-looking chariot mirrored the
Persian Guy on a similar demonic-looking chariot in "300".
The bloody killing scenes with disembodied body parts and blood spills,
were simply a copycat of the 2 movies above.
Except for some amazing effects from Storm and Wind as they wielded their swords,
the rest were simply hard to swallow.
A storyline with almost no story,
and yet an open-ended ending that makes it seems possible for Storm Warriors III.
A movie heavy on graphic effects,
and yet doesn't give a visually satisfying experience.
"Oh, did I mention the sharp steel zing-ing sound
that actually sounded quite jarring on the ears."
1 pop corn.
My contractor weren't there to power up and set the system to work,
So we had to do it ourselves.
It has been a long time since I touched it,
So I got Ms E and Ms C to help me with it.
(got 2 powerhouse to help me, sure can one)
Power On
System Start
MCU loaded
*I meddled with the system a bit to find the config file*
Ms E: ay, the black command screen is not there... how to load the scenario. Nvm, I restart the whole thing.
Power On
System Start
MCU loaded.
Black Screen still not there!
Ms E: Okie, need to find Mr L
*Shouts for Mr L*
<Enters Mr L into the room, Ms E and Ms C exits>
Mr L: ay, how come the black screen didn't come on automatically? usually it does. nvm, I try the universal solution - RESTART.
Power On
System Start
MCU loaded.
Black Screen still not there!
Mr L: !!! okie, let's try to shut down, and then power off. Then start everything again.
Me: Okie, I'll go toilet first.
I saw Ms C and Ms E outside the room.
They asked if the system is okie.
I replied, "No, but I think I leave the room for a while. I may be jinxed. Things always fail when I am around."
Ms C and Ms E replied in Unison, 'Ya lo!"
(wow, that is so assuring...)
***
I came back from the toilet to the room.
"So is it okie?"
Mr L: Ya, it is working already. I have loaded the correct scenario file.
Me:!!!
I wonder if I am really Jinxed,
or my presence sends tremor to the system and the people around me,
that they fail to perform normally.
I choose to believe the latter.
I have a killing presence.
=p
Perhaps I may sound a little cynical.
I don't believe in "Best Friends Forever",
because in my opinion,
It is nothing more than a facade.
A make-believe relationship enhancer.
I believe Wedding Vows should be renewed yearly,
and not be made to last forever.
Time is a scary dilutant.
Passion is a short lived bastard.
It ignites and creates fireworks,
then it disappears.
Leaving behind nothing except smoke.
A smoke screen that blinds everyone.
And then, pops out the most amazing product - Kids.
Kids are amazing.
Because they are the only binding agent,
that holds everybody together when the smoke clears.
* * *
Best Friends breaking up for whatever reasons you can think of.
Couples whom you never thought would end up in their separate ways did.
Couples who appeared so blissful with kids remained together simply for that sense of responsibility.
Human Relationships are so fragile.
(Eternity is a concept that is so difficult to realise.)
I don't believe in "Best Friends Forever",
because in my opinion,
It is nothing more than a facade.
A make-believe relationship enhancer.
I believe Wedding Vows should be renewed yearly,
and not be made to last forever.
Time is a scary dilutant.
Passion is a short lived bastard.
It ignites and creates fireworks,
then it disappears.
Leaving behind nothing except smoke.
A smoke screen that blinds everyone.
And then, pops out the most amazing product - Kids.
Kids are amazing.
Because they are the only binding agent,
that holds everybody together when the smoke clears.
* * *
Best Friends breaking up for whatever reasons you can think of.
Couples whom you never thought would end up in their separate ways did.
Couples who appeared so blissful with kids remained together simply for that sense of responsibility.
Human Relationships are so fragile.
(Eternity is a concept that is so difficult to realise.)
"Good Evening Sir,
May I know where is your destination?"
"Jurong West Ave 1"
I replied very naturally.
"Which way would you like me to take, Sir?"
His politeness was a little overwhelming....I thought.
"Go by AYE, exit ..... PIE... "
"Okie Sir, shall do that."
*pause*
"How is your day, Sir?"
He spoke to me in a very friendly sincere tone.
I was really surprised, and I actually noted down his taxi number
(3449)
"Long day.. very tired."
I replied, warming up a little to this conversation.
"Okie Sir, then you sit back and relax, rest.
When we are reaching Jurong West Avenue 1,
I'll check with you on the exact location."
WOW,
For the first time,
A cab driver made me felt like I was really the passenger,
and he the chauffeur.
All the 'Sir's, and the tone of his voice.
It just made you feel like you were in some kind of hotel,
or restaurant.
Though I was really tired, I still wanted to chat with this driver.
He shared with me, that he had only been driving for 1 month.
Chronic back pain from his previous job.
He had to quit from his job if he wants to survive.
So I asked him, where did he used to work at.
He said "Ikea Alexandra"
and I went.. "No wonder................"
He told me although he was at the logistics department in Ikea,
they were also trained in Customer Service.
He was with Ikea for 9 years, and he appeared in several Ikea posters before.
(He told me I can still see him at the Front Entrance Poster that says Welcome"
He said,
"Even though I no longer work in Ikea,
I still want to carry on the spirit of customer service and make my customers
feel comfortable and enjoyable."
I must say that I was truly impressed with him.
And it has never occurred to me, that a simple gesture of good service
could make a cab journey so enjoyable.
Differing from the usual complain sessions you get,
this one is truly unique.
And it suddenly dawn on me,
that Customer Service is a universal skill set that should never be neglected,
wherever you might be.
It makes a difference.
"Jurong West Ave 1"
I replied very naturally.
"Which way would you like me to take, Sir?"
His politeness was a little overwhelming....I thought.
"Go by AYE, exit ..... PIE... "
"Okie Sir, shall do that."
*pause*
"How is your day, Sir?"
He spoke to me in a very friendly sincere tone.
I was really surprised, and I actually noted down his taxi number
(3449)
"Long day.. very tired."
I replied, warming up a little to this conversation.
"Okie Sir, then you sit back and relax, rest.
When we are reaching Jurong West Avenue 1,
I'll check with you on the exact location."
WOW,
For the first time,
A cab driver made me felt like I was really the passenger,
and he the chauffeur.
All the 'Sir's, and the tone of his voice.
It just made you feel like you were in some kind of hotel,
or restaurant.
Though I was really tired, I still wanted to chat with this driver.
He shared with me, that he had only been driving for 1 month.
Chronic back pain from his previous job.
He had to quit from his job if he wants to survive.
So I asked him, where did he used to work at.
He said "Ikea Alexandra"
and I went.. "No wonder................"
He told me although he was at the logistics department in Ikea,
they were also trained in Customer Service.
He was with Ikea for 9 years, and he appeared in several Ikea posters before.
(He told me I can still see him at the Front Entrance Poster that says Welcome"
He said,
"Even though I no longer work in Ikea,
I still want to carry on the spirit of customer service and make my customers
feel comfortable and enjoyable."
I must say that I was truly impressed with him.
And it has never occurred to me, that a simple gesture of good service
could make a cab journey so enjoyable.
Differing from the usual complain sessions you get,
this one is truly unique.
And it suddenly dawn on me,
that Customer Service is a universal skill set that should never be neglected,
wherever you might be.
It makes a difference.
My friend was sharing with me something she read in a book lately.
The book said that at any point in time,
One may experience any of the three phases during work.
Snap
Literally you snapped.
Things just gets on your nerves so much that you just decided to pack up and go.
No warnings, nothing.
Just a letter on your boss's table .
Crackle
There are occasional sparks that keeps you going on.
But there are moments of dark as well that makes you feel like there is nothing
worth staying on for.
You hang on, for as long as the sparks sparkle.
And then slowly all excitement just flickered,
and disappeared.
Stop
You have basically given up hope.
You still stay on
But you fight no more.
You stop trying,
You stop progressing.
WHICH PHASE ARE YOU AT NOW?
The book said that at any point in time,
One may experience any of the three phases during work.
Snap
Literally you snapped.
Things just gets on your nerves so much that you just decided to pack up and go.
No warnings, nothing.
Just a letter on your boss's table .
Crackle
There are occasional sparks that keeps you going on.
But there are moments of dark as well that makes you feel like there is nothing
worth staying on for.
You hang on, for as long as the sparks sparkle.
And then slowly all excitement just flickered,
and disappeared.
Stop
You have basically given up hope.
You still stay on
But you fight no more.
You stop trying,
You stop progressing.
WHICH PHASE ARE YOU AT NOW?
Today I had an advanced birthday celebration with my family,
because my sister and her family came to our house.
I could hear them even before they reached the doorsteps.
I opened the door and Shermaine greeted me with
"Happy Birthday Ah Gu!"
I replied that today is not exactly my birthday,
But I think she probably didn't understand.
I left the door opened while they strode in,
and headed for the kitchen.
Shermaine came to the kitchen and said to me,
"Ah Gu, you are one year older."
I threw a glance at Jenny,
she must have taught her how to say it.
She said,
"You know, I told her to say to Ah Gu,
你又老一岁了。She didn't want to.
I asked her why
She said "Later Ah Gu cry..""
That really got me laughing.
*though I really don't know how different is one year older from 老一岁了*
I scanned from left to right,
trying to pick a T-shirt for dinner.
I finally decided on a blue one.
Just as I was donning the T-shirt,
Shermaine came into my room.
"Ah Gu, you wear blue ah?"
"Ya, just now you said boy must wear blue right?"
I was trying to 'entertain' her..
"Ah Gu, don't wear blue la. Wear Orange."
I was a little surprised at that remark.
I looked at her,
"Ah Gu don't have orange shirts"
"There," she pointed to an orange singlet
on the top stack.
"Shermaine want Ah Gu to wear orange ah?"
She nodded and smiled.
I took off my blue t-shirt and changed into the orange singlet.
It matched my bottom.
My niece certainly has good taste.
trying to pick a T-shirt for dinner.
I finally decided on a blue one.
Just as I was donning the T-shirt,
Shermaine came into my room.
"Ah Gu, you wear blue ah?"
"Ya, just now you said boy must wear blue right?"
I was trying to 'entertain' her..
"Ah Gu, don't wear blue la. Wear Orange."
I was a little surprised at that remark.
I looked at her,
"Ah Gu don't have orange shirts"
"There," she pointed to an orange singlet
on the top stack.
"Shermaine want Ah Gu to wear orange ah?"
She nodded and smiled.
I took off my blue t-shirt and changed into the orange singlet.
It matched my bottom.
My niece certainly has good taste.
我喜欢下雨天。
喜欢那种凉凉的感觉，
喜欢雨滴花落窗外的景象，
喜欢那嘀嗒嘀嗒的雨声。
虽然可以懒散地躺在被窝里，
我却选择扬起身子，
起床了！
刷了牙，
一杯暖暖的浓浓Turkish Coffee，
两片夹心面包。
A Great Way to Start the day.
喜欢那种凉凉的感觉，
喜欢雨滴花落窗外的景象，
喜欢那嘀嗒嘀嗒的雨声。
虽然可以懒散地躺在被窝里，
我却选择扬起身子，
起床了！
刷了牙，
一杯暖暖的浓浓Turkish Coffee，
两片夹心面包。
A Great Way to Start the day.
- Mood:
happy
同样的96号巴士，
不同的总站。
当年那熟悉的人龙，
（随着金文泰的脱胎换骨）
今日已不存在了。
站在截然不同的地点，
似乎很难找回以往上学的感觉。
T-Shirts, Bermudas, Slippers.
背着书包，手里握着课本。
（典型的NUS学生造型）
熟悉的感觉慢慢回来了。
巴士一敞开车门
一窝蜂学生冲下车，
然后冲上那排直往NUS Engineering Faculty 的梯级。
我看了手表 - 8.30am, 笑了笑。
又一个熟悉的景象。
我也下了车。
路过LT7A时，
不尽回想起当年大学一年级的快乐时光。
路过Pavilion时，
不尽回想起当年Orientation的点点滴滴。
路过Lab时，
不尽回想起当年百思苦恼的日子。
也不知怎的，
走着走着时，
一股莫名其妙苦尽甘来的感觉突涌而上。
好多地方都变了样。
当年红遍半边天的 ARTS canteen （The Deck)
比以往更加辉煌。
当年无人知的Kent Ridge Guild House
如今已变十分壮光。
拆的拆，
建的建。
虽然换上新貌让人眼前一亮，
但我还是喜欢以前的NUS.
<有一日必定再度返回国立大学一日游，
将所有景象定格，
让回忆永久〉
不同的总站。
当年那熟悉的人龙，
（随着金文泰的脱胎换骨）
今日已不存在了。
站在截然不同的地点，
似乎很难找回以往上学的感觉。
T-Shirts, Bermudas, Slippers.
背着书包，手里握着课本。
（典型的NUS学生造型）
熟悉的感觉慢慢回来了。
巴士一敞开车门
一窝蜂学生冲下车，
然后冲上那排直往NUS Engineering Faculty 的梯级。
我看了手表 - 8.30am, 笑了笑。
又一个熟悉的景象。
我也下了车。
路过LT7A时，
不尽回想起当年大学一年级的快乐时光。
路过Pavilion时，
不尽回想起当年Orientation的点点滴滴。
路过Lab时，
不尽回想起当年百思苦恼的日子。
也不知怎的，
走着走着时，
一股莫名其妙苦尽甘来的感觉突涌而上。
好多地方都变了样。
当年红遍半边天的 ARTS canteen （The Deck)
比以往更加辉煌。
当年无人知的Kent Ridge Guild House
如今已变十分壮光。
拆的拆，
建的建。
虽然换上新貌让人眼前一亮，
但我还是喜欢以前的NUS.
<有一日必定再度返回国立大学一日游，
将所有景象定格，
让回忆永久〉
A week has passed.
The facilitator came up to us and told us to perform
Mid Course Reflections.
We were told to write down the key take-aways
that we think we had.
Most of us wrote things to do with governance
etc etc etc.
What caught my eye the most was
"Food and Tea Breaks"
Indeed, the food and tea breaks were simply too alluring.
*We pig out once every 2 hours*
Undeniably, the extra kilos were indeed our major key take aways.
One of my coursemates said
"Well, mid course reflections meant literally to look into the mirror
and see how fat we have grown."
Joke aside,
I thought that was darn hilarious.
The facilitator came up to us and told us to perform
Mid Course Reflections.
We were told to write down the key take-aways
that we think we had.
Most of us wrote things to do with governance
etc etc etc.
What caught my eye the most was
"Food and Tea Breaks"
Indeed, the food and tea breaks were simply too alluring.
*We pig out once every 2 hours*
Undeniably, the extra kilos were indeed our major key take aways.
One of my coursemates said
"Well, mid course reflections meant literally to look into the mirror
and see how fat we have grown."
Joke aside,
I thought that was darn hilarious.
