Less money but more work!!

So what else is new for 2009? Underpaid, overworked. That is the best description I have for my job now. I have never been so busy as long as I can remember.

Besides dealing with normal customer issues, I need to keep improvement initiatives rolling. At the same time, participate in data cleaning. Truly do not understand why people collected rubbish data in the first place. Garage in, garbage out. Garbage has got no use, should not have collected any. The world is such a complicated place. Supposed to be focusing fully in operation improvement, but I still need to keep my problem solving skills and knowledge sharp. He said I need to learn how to work through people. I will strive to achieve both, so God help me…

Going back to work this Chinese New Year. Why? So that I have more time to clear backlog.

I can do it. If others can, why can’t I?

A very bad start for 2009

Arrived in the office in good mood today, and the first e-mail I read totally ruined my day. Correction… today and many more days to come.

No incentive for the year 2008 in preparation of economic downturn and to maintain employment. That was what the communication was about. I do not see how people will still have their jobs if their services are no longer required by clients. The company will still have to let people go, so how does that help? It means more money for the company, and nothing for the slaves.

In view of global food and economy crisis, I shall work at a very slow pace to conserve energy and to reduce the amount of money spent on food.

2008 Christmas break

My anticipated year-end break in KL ended on 4th January, I am back in action at work.

It was a rather short timeout for me this round, just a mere 2 short weeks. Thank god there were 3 public holidays to make it into 2 full weeks. Nothing too eventful this trip except the excessive swipes of credit cards. No overeating, no lavish gifts for myself - it was a good start.

So what happened in KL? Nothing much... *scratch head* Stayed with Godma and God Brother as usual, breezed to malls and complexes intermittently by public transport (yes, I am hopeless outside Penang). However I did take some pictures of Christmas decors all over the place this time around to spice up this blog, else it will become just another one of my random rumblings. Not that it is not or will it make any difference, well I am at least trying... *sigh*

The public transportation system in Malaysia is truly horrible, and this is based on my experience this trip. I broke a personal record for using the most bus service, commuter, monorail and LRT this trip. Nothing arrived on time, and on a few occasions the LRT actually did not arrive at all. I had to wait for the next train which was almost 1/2 hour later. How did that happen? Maybe the drivers stopped for some tea and curry puffs.

I made my shortest trip ever to Genting Highlands on the 2nd of January, which lasted only 2 days. The weather was fantabulous up there - misty, windy, and chilly - all I ever wanted to Christmas. Spent most of my time walking around feeding my eyes, only a few hours in the casino watching others gamble.


During my 2-weeks break, I also managed to visit the other side of the globe and waved to the Statue of Liberty as well as shook hands with the London Clock Tower (yeah right, lame...).

I have always enjoyed my annual trip to KL, no exception this time. My heart felt heavy when it was time for me to leave. Until we meet again Subang Jaya, I will miss your serenity and green landscape.

My flight back to the island was even more pleasurable than I have imagined. I got to enjoy the most mesmerizing sunset 60k feet from ground way up in the clouds. Mother nature created a masterpiece with colors on a canvas of cottoning clouds. It was such a waste that I did not have my camera with me.

Farewell 2008, a big HELLO to 2009.

Happy 13th for my friends

13th is being considered an unlucky number for some, but it was definitely a special day for 2 of my friends. 13th December was a big day for them, family and friends. After 7 years, they finally tied the knot.


As per tradition, the bridegroom along with his buddies got ready early in the morning and went over to fetch the bride home. Everyone was anxious and excited, all psyched up for the big event.


Before being allowed to meet the bride, we were being requested to complete a series of tasks.

 

Our ability to sew, solve puzzles, sing, impromptu language proficiency, common knowledge, even strength and dexterity was put to the test. 

After the fun and laughter, but before the bridegroom finally got to his true love, he had to get pass a pack of drooling wolves who stood around in white waiting for their huge red packets.



The next agenda was the ever oh-so-traditional tea ceremony. When it was done, the bride was so heavily draped in jewelry that it actually made me thought that she needed help just to stay on her feet.


The morning ended with everyone proceeding to the bridegrooms residence for more ceremonies, and food for the gang. I did not pay much attention to what happened inside, just hung out at the porch. Managed to get some rest at home before dinner.

Washed and dressed, arrived early at the hotel as there were stuff to be taken cared of. Photo albums were being laid out on the registration counter, exhibiting them a side of the couple which they never seen. Personally I have not seen them at the beach in gowns and slacks before - how odd. Sitting had been arranged prior so that guests may sit with friends.


Well wishers were being requested to delivery their heartfelt messages, handwritten on pink and red heart-shaped paper. Those are no doubt something to be treasured forever. Straight to the safe!

  
The evening went smoothly as planned. There were slide shows, and definitely a lot of singing by family and friends. I do mean a lot of singing!  There was food (duh!), not forgetting wine!



To end this entry, my best wishes to the new couple. Hopefully this is the beginning of a new and joyous journey for them . For the husband - limit you late night football matches. As for the wife - try not to nag too much OK?

God bless!!