Goodbye old house.
Well, I am just 11 hours plus away from the big move. Most of our things are in boxes (tons and tons of boxes) and there are boxes waiting to be filled when we finally leave. We had spent a wonderful almost 6 months in this house (not counting the time back in year 2004 when we first moved in here). This is the house that has brought back some good memories (my close friends are just one block down the street, my favourite fried rice is just a 10mins walk from my house, my favourite stadium where I do my morning jog, the swimming pool which kept me swimming like a fish always over the weekends...I could go on and on, but sadly...I know it's time to leave).
We have put lots of love into this house with our decorations and improving this and that. It feels weird leaving some place that you have gotten so used to for something new and unfamiliar. But I guess, changes are inevitable and so is the moving. Tomorrow (May 31), around this time, we will be moving into a new place, to make new memories in.
Nobody seems to be sad except me and I am sure on moving day when it comes to closing the door for the last time I will be more sad then I am at this moment. Living in this house, I was only about a mile away from where I grew up when i was young. It was actually within walking distance. Now I keep telling my mom that we should come back more often to eat the fried rice...
Hmm..this reminds me of a song which my squadmates used to sing during my NPCC (National Police Cadet Corps) days. It's called 'Linger' and it goes like this..
Hm hm, I want to linger here,
hm hm, a little longer here,
hmhm, a little longer here with you.
Hm hm, it's such a perfect night,
hm hm, it doesn't seems quite right,
hm hm, this is my last night here with you.
Hm hm, and as the years goes by,
hm hm, I think of you and cry,
hm hm, this is good night and not good bye.'
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
I'm Moving Again
Yes, I am moving again. Not suprising to those who knew me. I would think I have shifted house many times as compared to anyone in Singapore (unless you are talking about someone on the run from bad debts..haha). The first time I shifted house was from my 4 room apartment at Jalan Rajah (Balastier Road) which I had grown up since young to a 5 room HDB flat in Toa Payoh. (My parents got the house through balloting and you can say they were lucky at the first shot!) A few years later, after my brother got married and I thought I could have his bigger room all to myself, my parents decided to downgrade to a 4 room flat in Sengkang. After staying there for less than 2 years, we are back again at Toa Payoh temporarily and this time round, we are moving further away. Yes, my next home will be in Sembawang. A nice little cosy 4 room HDB (very much like a condo-style design minus the swimming pool...shucks!) with a good bird eye's view facing the Straits of Johor. See,I am so close to our neighbours!!!
And yes, it's finally happening again. That time of the year to lug boxes of my belongings from one end of Singapore to another via a lorry. The thing is I have radically reduced the number of my belongings (to throw or not to throw dilemma has once again surfaced). All my clothes will fit into my 3 large suitcases. The only huge items are my computer, my toy-car collection and yes, all my soft toys (I have hundreds of this furry stuff which after much deliberation, I have decided to keep it and not throw away. Bring back those good old memories).
Moi will be shifting on Vesak day - May 31. Yup..moving to a new home with new curtains, new sofa, new bed, new LCD TV...well, practically, everything is new for me. A new start in good old Sembawang!
And yes, it's finally happening again. That time of the year to lug boxes of my belongings from one end of Singapore to another via a lorry. The thing is I have radically reduced the number of my belongings (to throw or not to throw dilemma has once again surfaced). All my clothes will fit into my 3 large suitcases. The only huge items are my computer, my toy-car collection and yes, all my soft toys (I have hundreds of this furry stuff which after much deliberation, I have decided to keep it and not throw away. Bring back those good old memories).
Moi will be shifting on Vesak day - May 31. Yup..moving to a new home with new curtains, new sofa, new bed, new LCD TV...well, practically, everything is new for me. A new start in good old Sembawang!
On fifty-percent recovery path...
I can't imagine I have downed about 14 cups of herbal tea since morning...cups after cups of black and bitter herbal tea which I am still forcing myself to drink at this moment. (wonder if anybody has got this recorded down in the World Guiness Book of Record..hehe). Yes, the throat is feeling much better than it was last night. Last night, I felt as though I was literally in 'HELL' and my body was like burning.
I really hate it when my body starts to feel lifeless and limp, not to mention I have to avoid eating solid food for the next few days. Poor me,I tend to feel sorry for myself whenever I fall sick. It's as though as I have deprived myself of food, fun and exercise. I guess my body is screaming for a 'detox'. Yes, I need to do that!
Back at work, luckily, there isn't much things ongoing on Monday and I could take a breather every now and then. Hope Howard is doing fine too, he's got a sore throat too. My brain ain't functioning that well today.. (could be the side-effects of drinking too much herbal stuff..haha..whatever it is). I can't remember when was the last time I was sick. It must be the weather or the food I have ate recently that has caused the heat to build up in me.
Still, I am happy that I am 50% on the path to recovery....
I really hate it when my body starts to feel lifeless and limp, not to mention I have to avoid eating solid food for the next few days. Poor me,I tend to feel sorry for myself whenever I fall sick. It's as though as I have deprived myself of food, fun and exercise. I guess my body is screaming for a 'detox'. Yes, I need to do that!
Back at work, luckily, there isn't much things ongoing on Monday and I could take a breather every now and then. Hope Howard is doing fine too, he's got a sore throat too. My brain ain't functioning that well today.. (could be the side-effects of drinking too much herbal stuff..haha..whatever it is). I can't remember when was the last time I was sick. It must be the weather or the food I have ate recently that has caused the heat to build up in me.
Still, I am happy that I am 50% on the path to recovery....
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Yes, I caved in
The weather has been scorching hot for the past few weeks with the occassional rain in the afternoon. And yes, I caved in to the weather today....it was as though as I have fallen into a pot of hot cooking oil and despite soaking myself in the pool the whole morning, I caved in to what was about to follow aftermath. A bad sorethroat (hard to swallow any food) and a sudden rise in body temperature...I could feel my head getting heavier with each moment...Argh....I think I am about to hit the sack and hopefully I will be back in top condition tomorrow.
I hate falling asick, can't eat, can't do much thing except sleep and worst of all, can't do any workout. Sigh....I keep telling myself it's all in the mind. Just tell yourself you will be well soon and you will be! I must be like AtomAnt (hehe..my cartoon hero)...
Ok...my eyelids are getting heavy now and the throat is feeling funny again....so with this, I am signing out till the next time. I will be back for sure.
I hate falling asick, can't eat, can't do much thing except sleep and worst of all, can't do any workout. Sigh....I keep telling myself it's all in the mind. Just tell yourself you will be well soon and you will be! I must be like AtomAnt (hehe..my cartoon hero)...
Ok...my eyelids are getting heavy now and the throat is feeling funny again....so with this, I am signing out till the next time. I will be back for sure.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
My new LOVE!
Lately, I have been thinking of getting the HP IPAQ -
Looks cute, cool and I think I badly need a PDA to keep track of my calendar and appointments (I guess my memory gets fried on some days...haha). Hmm......I am still looking and asking around for advise, so far, I have not had any bad reviews on this phone yet. Well, see how it goes. Gadgets - either you love it or you just hate it!
LOVE 2007!
The rain came, yet it did not dampened the mood of those who have been waiting for this biggest community event of the year. Yes, the LOVE Launch 2007 kicked off on
April 28 and we saw 140+ participants flocking in on that wet Saturday. Thanks to all community experts, MVPs (you know who you guys are) and also MS folks for adding the 'magic' to this event and making it a reality and success.
Warrior of The Light
A friend shared this with me... thought it can be quite useful. If you are interested to read more of the author's work, the link is
http://www.warriorofthelight.com/engl/index.html
Manual for climbing mountains
A)Choose the mountain you want to climb: Don't pay attention to what other people say, such as that one is more beautiful or this one is easier. You'll be spending lots of energy and enthusiasm to reach your objective, so you're the only one responsible and you should be sure of what you are doing.
B) Know how to get close to it: mountains are often seen from far off are beautiful, interesting, full of challenges. But what happens when we try to draw closer? Roads run all around them, flowers grow between you and your objective, what seemed so clear on the map is tough in real life. So try all the paths and all the tracks until eventually one day you are standing in front of the top that you yearn to reach.
C) Learn from someone who has already been up there: no matter how unique you feel, there is always someone who has had the same dream before you and ended up leaving marks that can make your journey easier; places to hang the rope, trails, broken branches to make the walking easier. The climb is yours, so is the responsibility, but don't forget that the experience of others can help a lot.
D) When seen up close, dangers are controllable: when you begin to climb the mountain of your dreams, pay attention to the surroundings. There are cliffs, of course. There are almost imperceptible cracks in the mountain rock. There are stones so polished by storms that they have become as slippery as ice. But if you know where you are placing each footstep, you will notice the traps and how to get around them.
E) The landscape changes, so enjoy it: of course, you have to have an objective in mind to reach the top. But as you are going up, more things can be seen, and it's no bother to stop now and again and enjoy the panorama around you. At every meter conquered, you can see a little further, so use this to discover things that you still had not noticed.
F) Respect your body: you can only climb a mountain if you give your body the attention it deserves. You have all the time that life grants you, as long as you walk without demanding what cannot be granted. If you go too fast you will grow tired and give up half way there. If you go too slow, night will fall and you will be lost. Enjoy the scenery, take delight in the cool spring water and the fruit that nature generously offers you, but keep on walking.
G) Respect your soul: Don't keep repeating I'm going to make it. Your soul already knows that, what it needs is to use the long journey to be able to grow, stretch along the horizon, touch the sky. An obsession does not help you at all to reach your objective, and even ends up taking the pleasure out of the climb. But pay attention: also, don't keep saying it's harder than I thought, because that will make you lose your inner strength.
H)Be prepared to climb one kilometer more: the way up to the top of the mountain is always longer than you think. Don't fool yourself, the moment will arrive when what seemed so near is still very far. But since you were prepared to go beyond, this is not really a problem.
I) Be happy when you reach the top: cry, clap your hands, shout to the four winds that you did it, let the wind - the wind is always blowing up there - purify your mind, refresh your tired and sweaty feet, open your eyes, clean the dust from your heart. It feels so good, what was just a dream before, a distant vision, is now part of your life, you did it!
J) Make a promise: now that you have discovered a force that you were not even aware of, tell yourself that from now on you will use this force for the rest of your days. Preferably, also promise to discover another mountain, and set off on another adventure.
K) Tell your story: yes, tell your story! Give your example. Tell everyone that it is possible, and other people will then have the courage to face their own mountains.
http://www.warriorofthelight.com/engl/index.html
Manual for climbing mountains
A)Choose the mountain you want to climb: Don't pay attention to what other people say, such as that one is more beautiful or this one is easier. You'll be spending lots of energy and enthusiasm to reach your objective, so you're the only one responsible and you should be sure of what you are doing.
B) Know how to get close to it: mountains are often seen from far off are beautiful, interesting, full of challenges. But what happens when we try to draw closer? Roads run all around them, flowers grow between you and your objective, what seemed so clear on the map is tough in real life. So try all the paths and all the tracks until eventually one day you are standing in front of the top that you yearn to reach.
C) Learn from someone who has already been up there: no matter how unique you feel, there is always someone who has had the same dream before you and ended up leaving marks that can make your journey easier; places to hang the rope, trails, broken branches to make the walking easier. The climb is yours, so is the responsibility, but don't forget that the experience of others can help a lot.
D) When seen up close, dangers are controllable: when you begin to climb the mountain of your dreams, pay attention to the surroundings. There are cliffs, of course. There are almost imperceptible cracks in the mountain rock. There are stones so polished by storms that they have become as slippery as ice. But if you know where you are placing each footstep, you will notice the traps and how to get around them.
E) The landscape changes, so enjoy it: of course, you have to have an objective in mind to reach the top. But as you are going up, more things can be seen, and it's no bother to stop now and again and enjoy the panorama around you. At every meter conquered, you can see a little further, so use this to discover things that you still had not noticed.
F) Respect your body: you can only climb a mountain if you give your body the attention it deserves. You have all the time that life grants you, as long as you walk without demanding what cannot be granted. If you go too fast you will grow tired and give up half way there. If you go too slow, night will fall and you will be lost. Enjoy the scenery, take delight in the cool spring water and the fruit that nature generously offers you, but keep on walking.
G) Respect your soul: Don't keep repeating I'm going to make it. Your soul already knows that, what it needs is to use the long journey to be able to grow, stretch along the horizon, touch the sky. An obsession does not help you at all to reach your objective, and even ends up taking the pleasure out of the climb. But pay attention: also, don't keep saying it's harder than I thought, because that will make you lose your inner strength.
H)Be prepared to climb one kilometer more: the way up to the top of the mountain is always longer than you think. Don't fool yourself, the moment will arrive when what seemed so near is still very far. But since you were prepared to go beyond, this is not really a problem.
I) Be happy when you reach the top: cry, clap your hands, shout to the four winds that you did it, let the wind - the wind is always blowing up there - purify your mind, refresh your tired and sweaty feet, open your eyes, clean the dust from your heart. It feels so good, what was just a dream before, a distant vision, is now part of your life, you did it!
J) Make a promise: now that you have discovered a force that you were not even aware of, tell yourself that from now on you will use this force for the rest of your days. Preferably, also promise to discover another mountain, and set off on another adventure.
K) Tell your story: yes, tell your story! Give your example. Tell everyone that it is possible, and other people will then have the courage to face their own mountains.
Monday, April 23, 2007
My Fantasy at Night..
What are fantasies? Have you ever fantasise about something or somebody?? I am pretty sure most of us will have such fantasies everynow and then. Since I am now in the midst of a late conference call, if and only if my favourite model (America Top Model Jon Johnson) is here with me...it will be surreal!!! Sweet dreams....
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Tourista = Horror?
Tourista certaintly caught my eye when I saw the preview for this movie in the cinema.Besides the gore and some horror scenes, I was definitely expecting more than just that. I really love scary and horror movies (don't ask me why, but I just love it), however, this movie was rather disappointing or at least it didn't satisfy me at all or got me freak out.
It was mentioned by critics that Tourista will be better and scarier than Hostel (for those who did not watch Hostel, this is really a good show to freak you out) which was not at all in the case. A very mediocre plot with some good looking actress though. The flaw was that the horror part was too short to actually called it a horror show. However, it was partially compensated by lots of skimply dressed actress (to the delight of my partner), a great and lovely beach and a lovely river with underground caves. This movie does have it's potential, just need a little more fine tuning in making the horror portion longer.
For those who are going to catch Tourista over the weekends, it is basically a horror movie about American tourists in Brazil and some really bad things happened to them when their bus crashed and they were forced to take a detour......and yes, that is when the so-called 'horror' begins... (I won't ruin it further for those who haven't seen it yet)
PS: Now, I am wondering if Brazil should be my next tourist vacation. :P
It was mentioned by critics that Tourista will be better and scarier than Hostel (for those who did not watch Hostel, this is really a good show to freak you out) which was not at all in the case. A very mediocre plot with some good looking actress though. The flaw was that the horror part was too short to actually called it a horror show. However, it was partially compensated by lots of skimply dressed actress (to the delight of my partner), a great and lovely beach and a lovely river with underground caves. This movie does have it's potential, just need a little more fine tuning in making the horror portion longer.
For those who are going to catch Tourista over the weekends, it is basically a horror movie about American tourists in Brazil and some really bad things happened to them when their bus crashed and they were forced to take a detour......and yes, that is when the so-called 'horror' begins... (I won't ruin it further for those who haven't seen it yet)
PS: Now, I am wondering if Brazil should be my next tourist vacation. :P
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Not my day....
I guess I am suffering from the post Monday blue syndromes. My Tuesday did not turn out as well as I wanted to. Well...pretty down today actually
A bad start to the day:
1. Nope, I did not wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Rather, I couldn't get any sleep at all the whole night till about 5plus am before I managed to catch a few winks. Reason: It was hot and stuffy eventhough the air-con was on in my bedroom.
Dragged myself down to office at around 9pm and looked like a zombie when I arrive at work.
2. Just when I thought my day could not be that bad, my machine went crazy and refuse to grant me access to the internal websites which I needed so badly for my work. In the end, I had to make a trip down to the IT guys in my office to get it checked. Yes, luckily it was repaired, it worked and it saved my day (at least).
Reason: Unknown because I did not ask the guy what happened.
Well, what could be worst than not being able to access the files/folders I needed for my work. Had a good curry chicken lunch with MVP Darren. This young man is sure chatty and full of energy (if only you hear what his plans are for the upcoming months....what was I doing at his age???!!!).
The worst was yet to come....
3. Later that afternoon, I was informed by a colleague that a project that we were both working on for the past 6 months had to stop for FY08. Apparently, instructions came down from the top. Yikes!!!
Reason: Unknown at this point of time until I attend the meeting.
Stared blankly at my machine while still trying to digest the news I just heard. We were almost 3/4 through to pushing that project out and now??!!!!
Well, knock off at 5 plus and decided to go for a good run to relieve my pent up feelings for the day. Alas, it had to rain!!! Rainy days always make one moody and at that instant, I was plunged into a melancholy mood...sigh sigh..
Tomorrow, yes I can;t wait till tomorrow because tomorrow will be a better day. I am very sure of that and I will make sure it will be better than today.
Of course, I still have tonight to cherish. I think I am going to indulge myself in a sinful vanila walls ice-cream and sit myself in front of my TV for the rest of the night. No checking of mails tonight. :)
A bad start to the day:
1. Nope, I did not wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Rather, I couldn't get any sleep at all the whole night till about 5plus am before I managed to catch a few winks. Reason: It was hot and stuffy eventhough the air-con was on in my bedroom.
Dragged myself down to office at around 9pm and looked like a zombie when I arrive at work.
2. Just when I thought my day could not be that bad, my machine went crazy and refuse to grant me access to the internal websites which I needed so badly for my work. In the end, I had to make a trip down to the IT guys in my office to get it checked. Yes, luckily it was repaired, it worked and it saved my day (at least).
Reason: Unknown because I did not ask the guy what happened.
Well, what could be worst than not being able to access the files/folders I needed for my work. Had a good curry chicken lunch with MVP Darren. This young man is sure chatty and full of energy (if only you hear what his plans are for the upcoming months....what was I doing at his age???!!!).
The worst was yet to come....
3. Later that afternoon, I was informed by a colleague that a project that we were both working on for the past 6 months had to stop for FY08. Apparently, instructions came down from the top. Yikes!!!
Reason: Unknown at this point of time until I attend the meeting.
Stared blankly at my machine while still trying to digest the news I just heard. We were almost 3/4 through to pushing that project out and now??!!!!
Well, knock off at 5 plus and decided to go for a good run to relieve my pent up feelings for the day. Alas, it had to rain!!! Rainy days always make one moody and at that instant, I was plunged into a melancholy mood...sigh sigh..
Tomorrow, yes I can;t wait till tomorrow because tomorrow will be a better day. I am very sure of that and I will make sure it will be better than today.
Of course, I still have tonight to cherish. I think I am going to indulge myself in a sinful vanila walls ice-cream and sit myself in front of my TV for the rest of the night. No checking of mails tonight. :)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
30th Birthday
Yikes! I turned 30 years old on Mar 24.
I must say it turned out pretty well with a cute little bitsy ‘Mr Ernie’ birthday cake for making it to 30 and still looking 20 (just leave this statement alone). :)
Anyway, I did received many greetings that day from friends and even ex-colleagues (thanks folks for remembering it). Some has a few words to say like; "Don’t think of it as 30 years old. Think of it as 3 decades", "No more change on the three red dollar bills for you now that you are 30 years old" and "30 is the new 20s. You earned it, so enjoy!!!".
For those not yet 30, know that the pain is temporary. The week leading up to and then the culmination on birthday day is painful but the next morning it's all gone...and sadly so are your 20's.
PS: That is the reason why I choose not to post this blog on my birthday. :P
I must say it turned out pretty well with a cute little bitsy ‘Mr Ernie’ birthday cake for making it to 30 and still looking 20 (just leave this statement alone). :)
Anyway, I did received many greetings that day from friends and even ex-colleagues (thanks folks for remembering it). Some has a few words to say like; "Don’t think of it as 30 years old. Think of it as 3 decades", "No more change on the three red dollar bills for you now that you are 30 years old" and "30 is the new 20s. You earned it, so enjoy!!!".
For those not yet 30, know that the pain is temporary. The week leading up to and then the culmination on birthday day is painful but the next morning it's all gone...and sadly so are your 20's.
PS: That is the reason why I choose not to post this blog on my birthday. :P
Friday, March 23, 2007
Farewell Dinner to Yifan
Yifan, one of my volleyball kaki and college friend is leaving for Doha this saturday. He will be stationed in Doha for one year. Together with the rest of the volleyball kakis, we had a farewell dinner with him at Waraku Jap restaurant. After 13 years of friendship, it's kinda sad to see him go. He is one of the livewire in our volleyball team. Yifan, we are all going to miss your noise and your 'sisterhood' companion and many many more! If you are reading my blog, remember your promise to fly all of us on a private jetplane to Doha. (you can't run away from us). I am proud to present my group of volleyball kakis whom we have known for 13 years and we are all still going strong.
In case you are wondering who is Yifan, he is the second guy from the top right table.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Snow Day
Some good memories of the few of us who can't wait to kick start the summit festivities properly, with a snow day of skiing, snowboarding, tubing and sledding.
Taken at 'The Summit at Snoqualmie'.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Slow Down Culture - An Interesting reflection
This is an interesting article as well as a great reflection to many of us who are living evidence in this race against time society.
--------------------------------------------------
It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.
Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.
Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.
The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think?" Imagine my face.
Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.
Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".
This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.
It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.
In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".
Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.
--------------------------------------------------
It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.
Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.
Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.
The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think?" Imagine my face.
Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.
Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".
This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.
It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.
In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".
Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
MVPs Galore!
It has been a great week networking and meeting up with 38 SEA MVPs who have taken the time off their work to fly to Seattle for the yearly 2007 MVP Global Summit. It's great seeing most of you and yes, I am so glad that the Sri Lanka MVPs were able to make it (I got to see my foodiekarma and he is going strong)!! For memories, this is for all of you.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Beautiful Women Month...lovely
Someone just reminded me that it's Beautiful Women month! Wow...I did not know that at all. Thanks Mag for sharing this. And to all women out there (whether you are a wife to your husband, daughter to your parents, sister to your brother blar blar blar), below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness..
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older,you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
Blogging from the rainy Seattle.
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness..
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older,you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
Blogging from the rainy Seattle.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
LOVE STUNT!
The WOW experience took place on Feb 14 and thanks to MVP Wee Hyong, he managed to get this article featured in the March 2007 NETA APAC newsletter. Also Kudos to the effort from the INETA volunteers in China and Korea, they have managed to publish the newsletter in 3 languages!
LOVE STUNT in English
LOVE STUNT in Chinese
LOVE STUNT in Korea
LOVE STUNT in English
LOVE STUNT in Chinese
LOVE STUNT in Korea
Friday, February 23, 2007
I am PG-13 Rated.
This is er hem....interesting. Just thought I tested myself on this to see what are the results.
| Your Mind is PG-13 Rated |
 Your mind is definitely a little dirty. You're naughty, but not trashy. You don't shy away from a dirty joke, and you're clearly not a prude. |
What Mythological creature are you?
Taken from a friend, try this!
| You Are a Mermaid |
 You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else. |
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Remembering Grandma
My grandma came to stay with us during the CNY period, as per the previous years. She was sent to a nursing home a few years back due to a stroke as my uncles thought that it would be better for her to remain under the care of nurses rather than getting a maid. We would visit her over the weekends and bring along her favourite chicken rice for her to indulge once a while. This CNY, it was a total different experience as it was the first time, my parents and I were spending CNY with my grandma by staying at her house.
I had very vivid images of my grandma since young. My first memories of my grandma was when I first tasted her pot of mouth-watering chicken curry and that has got me drooling and my eyes lighted up everytime grandma declared, 'Come to my house for chicken curry tonight'. It was one of those special delights which I craved for as a kid. Due to her old age and failing eyesight, my grandma has retired from her 'chicken curry cooking' session and I still missed it until this day.
At that time, my grandma's house was a 3 room flat in Kim Keat. I remember the paint peeling from her wall in the kitchen. I remember her house smelled like her with all the medical plaster and ointment. I remember she never had an unkind thing to say in front of the grandkids. I remember stories of my mother and grandmother picking the hair from the birdnest when my mother was young.
For the past 4 days, grandma stayed with us and we took care of her like she used to take care of us when we were kids. She has difficulties in walking and has to rely on a crutch to move around. Even though, she was just happy to be able to spend the CNY with her children and grandchildren, watching TV and just enjoying each and every moment with all of us. I am sure we too felt the same with her presence.
Today, we sent grandma back to the nursing home. As I held her arm and led her to the crutches, she thanked me and told me that if I am busy, I need not visit her that often. A sudden surge of emotion overwhelmed me. I felt sad that she has to go back to the nursing home and guilty that I have not spent much time visiting her as often as I should. To my grandma, she could not have asked for more than to spend her remaining time with her children and grandchildren. (she is 74 years old this year)
As I held her soft hands and led her to the car, I told her to take care of herself and she nodded. As I see her back fading away, I felt so sad. Just thinking about what she said to me earlier makes me teary eyed. I can still feel her soft hands, I can hear her laughter.
If someone were to ask me what was the best CNY I ever had, besides receiving ang baos and indulging in the goodies, the answer is actually very sinple: spending time with my grandma during the CNY was something special and more than I can ask for. Thanks grandma!
I had very vivid images of my grandma since young. My first memories of my grandma was when I first tasted her pot of mouth-watering chicken curry and that has got me drooling and my eyes lighted up everytime grandma declared, 'Come to my house for chicken curry tonight'. It was one of those special delights which I craved for as a kid. Due to her old age and failing eyesight, my grandma has retired from her 'chicken curry cooking' session and I still missed it until this day.
At that time, my grandma's house was a 3 room flat in Kim Keat. I remember the paint peeling from her wall in the kitchen. I remember her house smelled like her with all the medical plaster and ointment. I remember she never had an unkind thing to say in front of the grandkids. I remember stories of my mother and grandmother picking the hair from the birdnest when my mother was young.
For the past 4 days, grandma stayed with us and we took care of her like she used to take care of us when we were kids. She has difficulties in walking and has to rely on a crutch to move around. Even though, she was just happy to be able to spend the CNY with her children and grandchildren, watching TV and just enjoying each and every moment with all of us. I am sure we too felt the same with her presence.
Today, we sent grandma back to the nursing home. As I held her arm and led her to the crutches, she thanked me and told me that if I am busy, I need not visit her that often. A sudden surge of emotion overwhelmed me. I felt sad that she has to go back to the nursing home and guilty that I have not spent much time visiting her as often as I should. To my grandma, she could not have asked for more than to spend her remaining time with her children and grandchildren. (she is 74 years old this year)
As I held her soft hands and led her to the car, I told her to take care of herself and she nodded. As I see her back fading away, I felt so sad. Just thinking about what she said to me earlier makes me teary eyed. I can still feel her soft hands, I can hear her laughter.
If someone were to ask me what was the best CNY I ever had, besides receiving ang baos and indulging in the goodies, the answer is actually very sinple: spending time with my grandma during the CNY was something special and more than I can ask for. Thanks grandma!
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