They are what you are

Besides being unbelievably busy and tired, I have also been extreeeeeemly annoyed and stressed out.

If you recall (or if you've tuned in then), in one of those episodes in the previous season, I've been called into THE big boss' office because I "shouted" at one of my colleagues. Not guilty. But have been categorized as one who cannot resolve "conflict" nevertheless. Okaaaay... There wasn't any conflict, I disagree on that description, it was pure me-putting-someone-back-at-some one's-place scene. Anyways, I told myself that certain feelings are better not told leave alone shown in front of the boss. I vowed to look into my "art of managing colleagues" since that episode.

This season, there is a new character who, naturally just like in any drama, possesses higher, more advance skill in annoying and stressing others out. And of course this new character holds higher position in the company and has got the boss' trust lah. Yeah, same old same old plot. However, although I'm one of the main characters in the story, I still don't know why is this person in the story. I always believe that everything happen for a reason and in time, you will know why. And always trust that no matter how good or bad you feel about things, it's all for your good. Mantra - things happen for a good course. Will see.

Right. I have been really annoyed with this very rude (advance level), always criticizing (PhD), know-it-all (international accreditation), contradicting self (cancer final stage) and irritatingly loud (super out-of-tune-soprano) new colleague in the office. I think my short description of this person pretty much summarized why I was so annoyed.

But no matter what, referring to my vow of total devotion to The Fine Art of Managing Colleagues, I've tried to be as zen as possible. Today, one of my junior colleagues told me she'd learnt a lot from me during the pass few days... The story is this junior of mine has been stressed out (I can't be the only one right?) and was near in tears due to the way this Wicked Witch of The West spoke to her. Imaging a bullet of sentences which doesn't make sense, presented at an 8 octave higher note. Meanwhile, there is this nails-scratching-on-black-board noise interfering at the background. Urghhh... hair standing. Tell me whether that drives you up the wall or not.

So anyways, junior told me that she'd learnt not to raise her eye brow and make a faces in the meeting - yeah lor, I told her, whatever annoys her, or whatever (ridiculous remarks) that amuses you, just keep a straight face. Exchanging glances with your partner in crimes is okay but keep facial expression to the minimum. And please, DON'T be obvious lah!

She also learnt from me (why, I AM surprised) to put up an angelic smile along with an Oscar winning "customer is always right" act while delivering the Witch what she wants. BUT, before that, put her through some patronizing (but she has no proof, or better still doesn't realize that we are being patronizing) inquiries about the reasons of her requests. Let her contradict herself a bit while you deliver your most thoughtful "Ri.....ght" at the end (with a nod). Then a long pause.

The result so far - she agreed with most of my HUMBLE suggestions; she has softened when delivering her command just in case she cannot answer some of the queries from her, oh so confused colleagues; she has taken most of our remarks as jokes (to cover up our sarcasm, we made them into jokes); AND, she said today before she left "good by TTB". Wah!! Directed her farewell especially to me. ME! Geezz....

So, what have I learnt? That the reactions of our colleagues are most of the time directly linked to how we react to them. I borrow this - patience is virtue. If you are annoyed with someone, try to change your behaviour first. I mean, maybe just for fun, just to amuse yourself and see how it goes. When you do a 180 degree change in attitude, the chances are...

One, your colleague will think that you are such an angel, you finally pulled yourself together to become an extremely co-operative colleague. If so, you can do the "Mwah hahahaha" and think to yourself "I shall see"- I'll just wait to see if you can deliver any results after you got what you want, which are suppose to help you perform. Of course you can always do the "Be careful when you cross the road" but I think no need for that okay? We are civilized. Ahem...

Two, your colleague will think that you've gone crazy. They might avoid triggering your madness and just play along with your sudden change. You can still do the "Mwah hahahaha" in this scenario.

Seriously, maybe it's because I'm so very tired lately, I just think that job is but a job, no need to stress ourselves out because of some stupid colleagues. I will just put up the "I cannot be bothered" attitude now a days. When I don't bother about them, they don't bother me. I laugh, they laugh.

One thing I reminded my junior was her laughter - don't be so fake or overdo it please. Humph...

Busy...

Have not told a single story in here for some time. There have been loads of work to do at work which overflowed to personal time, hence didn't have the time to update the blog. There have been numerous stories composed mentally but never got on here. And I'm really lazy now. Actually I can't even remember those stories.

Erm... I need to get back to work now.

Happy Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's Day! Made some chocolate chips, and some raisins cupcakes with brandy butter icing, topped with individually handmade sweet-hearts.

Hope you've had a great celebration. Should be better than last year ya. As for me, hmmm... don't really remember "celebrating" Valentine's Day at all actually. Now, it makes me wonder...

Okay, I can't remember... I suppose how the celebration went was not so important. The important thing is whether we are with our loved ones on this special day.

Then again, why is everyone making Valentine's Day a special one? It makes me wonder again if this is for commercial purposes. I heard that a dozen of roses cost RM150 on this very special day. Should have just order a box of specially made cupcakes from me for half the price.

So, even if you are single, Valentine's Day is a day you should enjoy too. Love should be celebrated no matter you are single or married/ dating. (at least you don't have to spend a lot of money buying gifts haha...)

Love everyone around you... and not just your girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/ wife.

May your everyday be as magical as Valentine's Day!

When my defence breaks down

I finally feel ill.

I'm sure all of us had experienced this, life seems to be so busy some how that we hold our defence strong to deal with all tasks and challenges that were thrown at us. Then it reaches this point where our body finally boycotts and shuts down for maintenance. Together with the temporary out-of-service of our body defence, the mental defence cannot hold on as well. That's when breakdown involves the mind and heart.

My heart is somehow feeling the pain and sense of lost.

Two days ago, my subordinate told me she was resigning. I got her resignation letter today. I have to say that she doesn't really fit into the office culture that perfectly, but she had been really great help. She learnt fast and was always willing to accept comments, and improve. Her paper work has been very good quality and she grooms herself tastefully. It saddened me that she decided to leave after only 8 months. During my informal chat with her yesterday, she told me she actually doesn't know what she wants for her career, and in life.

I thought then: how lucky I am to have a dream that I know I want to make come true.

How I wish that all dreams can be made come true. There are certain dreams which can come true if you plan and work hard to achieve them. But, there are many more which can be anything but coming true, they remains as, well, dreams. Then again, in this crazy world, anything can happen, anything is possible.

Let's take a break and resume the marathon of life again. Later.

I think I should do some baking and extreme decorations.

Butter cake for the Children

It has been some time since we last visited the orphanage. We went to the one we usually go near Ampang during the week of CNY. MC and BIL bought them some food supplies. I made two cakes and donated some money. There were more than 150 children being housed in two terrace house. You can imagine how cramp the place is.

We actually saw an email about another shelter which is, we thought more needy. We plan to visit them the next time. Will keep you updated on your next visit, maybe you would like to contribute or come along with us.

We should feel grateful for what we have - our family the most. I sometimes feel that life is a bit difficult, but that's so silly because there are millions of people who suffer a zillion times more than me. I often felt disappointed for not being able to go places as planned which is totally unnecessary because there are so many people out there who can't even travel outstation, some might not even be able to stand on the feet and walk outside their house on their own.

In this coming year, I need to appreciate people around me more, I need to be grateful of what I have and I should be thankful as well for what I don't get.

Supportive

Went through my usual FB routine in the morning and I sort of figured out the resignation of FI. Hmm... peculiar. Why? So I texted the person in question and he confirmed that it was true, however, was sort of forced to resign. Just because of one member's complaint. Can that be true? I was quite baffled. What about the other hundreds of members who support his classes? Irrelevant? FF really do treasure each and every member it has and always try to please everyone by attending to their complaints ever so seriously. Thumbs up?

Perhaps I should complain about that instructor whom I'm not happy with as well? That person will be banned also?

I bet that was why sometimes we complain. I've learnt that certain complaints are not only silly, but also quite harmful. If our complaints cost someone to loose his/ her job or get suspended, but in return, we do not get any reward then I strongly feel that it's unnecessary and rather sinful. There should be a good reason to complain, e.g. to defend our rights.

Then again, the member who complained might not have expected this outcome, don't you think? Every instructor has different teaching style, so long as they keep to the course modules, ensure that we workout under safe environment and correct technique it doesn't really matter how he speaks or behave, does it?

Okay, I'm lying. I actually cannot stand some of the instructors' teaching style. So... just don't attend those classes. Right or not?

When a company receives a complaint from a customer about their staff, of course the management must handle it professionally. But does that mean that the company should withdraw all its support towards the staff? Me being an employee, I expect my company, my boss to support me no matter what happens. Lecture and warning can come after we have dealt with the situation and post mortem can be done for further improvements. But if support is not forthcoming from the company, then perhaps the company doesn't treasure you as the employee. So should you be supportive to the company then?

There have been such havoc at government level these few days. I don't really watch/ read news, and don't follow politics, but I heard that some people resigned and join some other people etc etc... Where is the support when your team needs you? It is true to say that during adverse circumstances, you will find out who really is your friend, who will support you. Those who betrays will definitely have to face the bad karma they created for themselves.

I've also learnt throughout the years that your staff's success is yours; same goes to failure. If I can turn back time, I will make sure that I do not rate any of my subordinates lowly, neither would I complain about their performance. It is up to us/ you as a boss to make sure they perform.

Okay, let's try to be supportive whenever we can to whoever that might be. You'll never know when you need the same.

Wishing for the best for everyone in need!

The Mount Kinabalu Challenge

THINGS TO BRING:
Suitable walking shoes / warm clothing / wind breaker / long sleeves shirts / change of clothes / drinking water / high energy food (chocolates, nuts, raisins, glucose)/ Headache tablets / sun block / lip gloss / deep heat lotion / plasters / insect repellent / mosquito oil / binoculars / camera / water proof bag for camera / torchlight / extra socks / towel / gloves / hat mask / tissue paper / toilet roll

SPECIAL NOTE:
It is recommended that all climbers should have themselves medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. If you have a history of suffering from the following ailments, it is highly recommended that you should refrain from climbing:
Hypertension, Diabetes, Palpitation, Arthritis, Heart disease, severe anemia, Peptic ulcers, Epileptic fits, Obesity (overweight), Chronic asthma, Muscular cramps, Hepatitis (jaundice); or any other disease which may hamper the climber.
Note: The above information are provided by Sabah Park

Remarks:
It is advisable to book this tour two to three months before actual/expected date of climbing to avoid disappointment. Due to its popularity, there are usually limited accommodation at the Laban Rata rest house/hut near the summit, where climbers are required to stay overnight before an early morning ascent to the peak on the next day.