In past years, I've always been in my comfort zone, hanging out only with my parents and his family and our mutual friends.
After stating that he needs his own social circle, from the initial resistance of the idea, i gradually got used to him hanging out with his own gang, to enjoying my personal time to more time with my family, and currently, hanging out with different crowds.
Instead of leaving the company, I opt to change my miserable situation by venturing into a new path. I went from scorning to fearing to starting to like the challenges of sales. The greatest thing i've learned from sales so far is to be street smart. Always position yourself as the one with the upper hand to impress the clients and agencies, yet knowing when to compromise for mutual win.
I went in the new department preparing for the worst. I know clearly the reason i left the old department and was determined to focus on my current needs to realise ANY dreams of mine - money. Therefore, I didn't allow myself to be held back by any unnecessary thoughts like fear of adapting to the new environment, or having no friendly colleagues. Sales = Money was my only focus. I'm warned by too many real-life examples of people clinging onto their current position although they moan and bitch about either the job scope or remuneration because they have friends in the department.
I went about my usual friendly,smiling self and soon find myself knowing and getting close with some colleagues. From lunching and normal office chatter, I'm even joining in the plan of hanging out for pre-Christmas drinks with colleagues. The Chip 3 months ago would avoid such drinking plans at all costs if I'm not fully comfortable with the gang.
Besides expanding my social circle, I'm also finding my own passion and is working towards realizing my life goals. Sometimes, I even get bored just doing nothing at his house, thinking that I could have been using the same time to learn something else. I'm also cherishing my family time more and more, and I had a really fabulous time having dinner outside with my family in conjunction with Winter Solstice festival. We had a great time listening to sis gabbing away about her VIP experience at the first ever Asian Paralympic Games (first time she's ever shared so much with us) and came back with a fantastic surprise - new computer chairs!!! I'm sitting so comfortably now, thanks to dear daddy.
Can't wait to earn more money, know new people, achieving life goals one by one and realizing my dreams:))
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Satisfaction in Life
At this stage of life where I'm not married and has no financial and family burden, I should be going all out, Grabbing chances, Challenging risks, and just try try and TRY again to earn lots of money.
I quit brand to try sales and I still have yet to taste the feeling of being rich in my 3rd month. I'm pretty optimistic about it because my gossiping, bullshitting and a knack of hitting it right off with different people at the first meeting are my lethal weapons for this career.
Even the feng shui master at yesterday's CNY screening won't dampen my spirits. Although my zodiac sign happens to come up last in terms of fortune, but every ox is different and I will be carving my path deep and meaningfully, storing up on riches with every step.
Money satisfies me, lots of money make me happy. Chinese love to use 'Fat Qin Hon' (hunger for money) on people who always talk about money, but what is life without money? Why work if not for money? The honest reactions of the whole sales team towards PWC's incentive scheme today show that all the fancy business research terms, professional appearances do not impress if they don't meet the objective: improving incentive scheme to enable sales team to make MORE money. Money = Satisfaction.
However, Love also delights and intoxicates me. With love, I feel like i can do EVERYTHING in this world. I know my sister and I pleased our parents immensely when they see us do simple things like dueting at the piano and her tying my hair. The activities are so trivial but what they see is sisterly love. I know if the sky falls down, my dad won't be sad but if my sister and I are to argue, he'll act like the sky falls down on him. But what he doesn't know, perhaps, is that whenever mommy and him are happy, my sister and I are the happiest too.
Life cannot be lived with money or love alone, money + love = happiness.
I quit brand to try sales and I still have yet to taste the feeling of being rich in my 3rd month. I'm pretty optimistic about it because my gossiping, bullshitting and a knack of hitting it right off with different people at the first meeting are my lethal weapons for this career.
Even the feng shui master at yesterday's CNY screening won't dampen my spirits. Although my zodiac sign happens to come up last in terms of fortune, but every ox is different and I will be carving my path deep and meaningfully, storing up on riches with every step.
Money satisfies me, lots of money make me happy. Chinese love to use 'Fat Qin Hon' (hunger for money) on people who always talk about money, but what is life without money? Why work if not for money? The honest reactions of the whole sales team towards PWC's incentive scheme today show that all the fancy business research terms, professional appearances do not impress if they don't meet the objective: improving incentive scheme to enable sales team to make MORE money. Money = Satisfaction.
However, Love also delights and intoxicates me. With love, I feel like i can do EVERYTHING in this world. I know my sister and I pleased our parents immensely when they see us do simple things like dueting at the piano and her tying my hair. The activities are so trivial but what they see is sisterly love. I know if the sky falls down, my dad won't be sad but if my sister and I are to argue, he'll act like the sky falls down on him. But what he doesn't know, perhaps, is that whenever mommy and him are happy, my sister and I are the happiest too.
Life cannot be lived with money or love alone, money + love = happiness.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Ciao Italy
Io vado in Italia per 12 giorni, andando a perdere la mia famiglia come una pazza, ma sono molto eccitato!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I am the customer, therefore i'm right
I'm not a person who is quick to find fault with strangers. I'm not the kind who is highly aware and will fight for consumer rights. However, regardless of how lenient i might be with the misbehavior of other people other than my loved ones (most people often only reveal their true bad-tempered selves to people whom they are comfortable with), I am not totally clueless and cowardly when it comes to confronting bad attitude, especially in the customer service sector.
It's been almost 2 months since that crystal clear day (June 19 2010) when I had my vision corrected and I'm required to do followup eye checkup every 2 weeks, then 1 month, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year. The Optimax staff are generally friendly but there is just ONE person that I cannot stand. Let's call her D. She is condescending, rude and impatient but I've always put up with her attitude (after all, I just want to make appointments) until yesterday.
Me: Hello, is this Vista? (Not really concentrating, and Vista sounds smoother than Optimax)
D: No, this is Optimax, not Vista (in a catty tone)
Me: Oh haha...I actually would like to make an appointment...
D: (cuts me off) Then you make the appointment in Vista not in Optimax bye.
And i looked at my phone in disbelief. HOW could she hang up like that?!
Me: (a bit furious now) Hello, I would like to change my appointment...
D: (cuts me again) You're calling the same centre again, this is Optimax not Vista
Me: YA I want to change my appointment in Optimax!!
D: In that case (her favorite phrase), what kind of appt you would like to change?
Me: Eye checkup
D: What's your name?
Me: (tell name)
D: There's no such appointment~~ (draggggs her tone) nevermind, i'll make a new one for u
Me: Ok...
D: Spell your name please
Me: Spells surname
D: Oh I thought it's Chai
WHAT? Don't simply assume and accuse me of faking an appointment LA!!!!
So she changed it to Friday. Okay, that was fine, i could have just hung up in peace BUT no, we continued the blood-boiling conversation:
D: So that'll be Friday, and RM60 will be charged
Me: HUH? How come i am charged even after the operation??
D: Wait (sharp tone) have you done ur laser or not
Me: Yah
D: When was it?
Me: June 19
D: Are you sure?? (high pitch catty voice again)
Me: YAH im sure
In the first place, HALO CHECK The DAMN computer records u ancient barbaric female
D: Okay, in that case (againnnnn..) there will be no charges. Okay bye
CUTS ME OFF AGAIN GRRRR ROOOOOAARRRRRR
I was so pissed i told every living person who's willing to listen. Then several of them encouraged me to make a complain, and it made me realize that i can really exercise my rights and sue her for not adhering to her sacred oath of "customers are always right".
I proceeded with my "Complain Movement" the next day.
First, check out their complain line. Official website...hmm...what complain line? What company will be transparent with a complain line?? Of course it's non-existent...but i decided to swarm their inquiry box with my long conversation anyways, but this time in a very rationale, thesis-writing sort of tone with analysis on D's behavior. In the end, I cannot resist to use the "flattery + doubt" tactic, where I tell them that basically the staff is fantastic, the doctor's great, the optometrists too, so it's a puzzlement that they will have people like D there. I also added "please give me an explanation" which i didn't really expect an answer since it's an inquiry column hehe
In the afternoon, one of the staff called me to confirm my changed appointment on Friday. I casually asked whether there's a staff member called D, in case i'm accusing the wrong person. The person on the other end became highly alert, but i just assured her that i just want to ask, nothing more. Then, another lady called me again to confirm appt (or probably testing me to see whether i'll ask weird questions again). I didn't bother being mysterious, i just said smoothly, "Oh can I have the email which i can use to complain D?" Taken aback, she answered, "uh..yea, there's our customer care manager XXX and her email is XXX"
Now I can confirm I've gotten their full attention. After around an hour later, their customer care personnel called. Actually I just hoped to get an email answer, so they get brownie points for calling. What if I turn out to be a catty complaining old biatch waiting to tear their throats down?
Basically they told me that they agreed with everything I said, have raised the issue with D, and will be more careful from now on. Then apologize apologize apologize. Although I know that the conversation and customer handling method was textbook-learned and executed, I still feel a sense of satisfaction. Triumph and victorious.
From this incident, I learned that calming down after a furious conversation greatly helps in clearing the mind, enabling me to plan the next step on counterattack rationally. Patience and guts are ALWAYS rewarded.
It's been almost 2 months since that crystal clear day (June 19 2010) when I had my vision corrected and I'm required to do followup eye checkup every 2 weeks, then 1 month, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year. The Optimax staff are generally friendly but there is just ONE person that I cannot stand. Let's call her D. She is condescending, rude and impatient but I've always put up with her attitude (after all, I just want to make appointments) until yesterday.
Me: Hello, is this Vista? (Not really concentrating, and Vista sounds smoother than Optimax)
D: No, this is Optimax, not Vista (in a catty tone)
Me: Oh haha...I actually would like to make an appointment...
D: (cuts me off) Then you make the appointment in Vista not in Optimax bye.
And i looked at my phone in disbelief. HOW could she hang up like that?!
Me: (a bit furious now) Hello, I would like to change my appointment...
D: (cuts me again) You're calling the same centre again, this is Optimax not Vista
Me: YA I want to change my appointment in Optimax!!
D: In that case (her favorite phrase), what kind of appt you would like to change?
Me: Eye checkup
D: What's your name?
Me: (tell name)
D: There's no such appointment~~ (draggggs her tone) nevermind, i'll make a new one for u
Me: Ok...
D: Spell your name please
Me: Spells surname
D: Oh I thought it's Chai
WHAT? Don't simply assume and accuse me of faking an appointment LA!!!!
So she changed it to Friday. Okay, that was fine, i could have just hung up in peace BUT no, we continued the blood-boiling conversation:
D: So that'll be Friday, and RM60 will be charged
Me: HUH? How come i am charged even after the operation??
D: Wait (sharp tone) have you done ur laser or not
Me: Yah
D: When was it?
Me: June 19
D: Are you sure?? (high pitch catty voice again)
Me: YAH im sure
In the first place, HALO CHECK The DAMN computer records u ancient barbaric female
D: Okay, in that case (againnnnn..) there will be no charges. Okay bye
CUTS ME OFF AGAIN GRRRR ROOOOOAARRRRRR
I was so pissed i told every living person who's willing to listen. Then several of them encouraged me to make a complain, and it made me realize that i can really exercise my rights and sue her for not adhering to her sacred oath of "customers are always right".
I proceeded with my "Complain Movement" the next day.
First, check out their complain line. Official website...hmm...what complain line? What company will be transparent with a complain line?? Of course it's non-existent...but i decided to swarm their inquiry box with my long conversation anyways, but this time in a very rationale, thesis-writing sort of tone with analysis on D's behavior. In the end, I cannot resist to use the "flattery + doubt" tactic, where I tell them that basically the staff is fantastic, the doctor's great, the optometrists too, so it's a puzzlement that they will have people like D there. I also added "please give me an explanation" which i didn't really expect an answer since it's an inquiry column hehe
In the afternoon, one of the staff called me to confirm my changed appointment on Friday. I casually asked whether there's a staff member called D, in case i'm accusing the wrong person. The person on the other end became highly alert, but i just assured her that i just want to ask, nothing more. Then, another lady called me again to confirm appt (or probably testing me to see whether i'll ask weird questions again). I didn't bother being mysterious, i just said smoothly, "Oh can I have the email which i can use to complain D?" Taken aback, she answered, "uh..yea, there's our customer care manager XXX and her email is XXX"
Now I can confirm I've gotten their full attention. After around an hour later, their customer care personnel called. Actually I just hoped to get an email answer, so they get brownie points for calling. What if I turn out to be a catty complaining old biatch waiting to tear their throats down?
Basically they told me that they agreed with everything I said, have raised the issue with D, and will be more careful from now on. Then apologize apologize apologize. Although I know that the conversation and customer handling method was textbook-learned and executed, I still feel a sense of satisfaction. Triumph and victorious.
From this incident, I learned that calming down after a furious conversation greatly helps in clearing the mind, enabling me to plan the next step on counterattack rationally. Patience and guts are ALWAYS rewarded.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Let the Moolah Comes in
Last year was a tentative year full of struggles, like an ox plowing the field, slowly sorting out the mess. This year, like a hungry tiger in the hunt for fresh prey after a good night's sleep, i want to achieve goals which marks the celebration of the 1st quarter of my life, and also signifies that it's a life worth living while i'm still young, and young at heart.
Work
Best 'Realization' Moment - Having bitching, moaning and whining about not earning enough on par with my qualifications, i'm still complaining. Nevertheless, lately I've also seen too many examples of people jumping ship and either retreating back to their old place in a record short time, or wandering out there jobless after failing to adapt and give up the new job. The examples do not serve to discourage me from pursuing a different path other than the current one in hope of moving up the ladders in life, or expand my horizon. Instead, it serves as a useful reminder to me that I must be fully prepared for the consequences of choosing to accept the challenge. I'm now thankful for a constantly learning job but am also in the process of choosing new jobs selectively which I'm pretty sure I will want to develop my career in.
Best 'Mentor Advice' Moment - I feel increasingly apprehensive with my friends resigning one by one, e about what I want with life, what do I need to do to achieve success. I started to feel at a crossroad because i haven't been achieving anything WORTHY and it's almost a quarter of my life. I know i should get out to a new environment before i become too comfortable and lose my adaptability, but i also don't want to make a rash decision which is based on motions - either choosing a job with higher pay but not what i want to do, or stuck in the current situation with no prospect. Therefore, i summed up my courage to talk to my manager to inquire about career prospect. Despite her persuasion, i can tell that my career prospect will take an awful lot of years to materialize due to the company culture. Although I became more determined to venture out, I truly admire and respect her even more greatly for her patience, her generosity and genuine care for me as a mentor.
Events
Best 'Unexpected' moment - 3 May 2010. My fiery, passionate, daring, funky little red chili egg - Maiko the Mazda 2 came. It will celebrate its 1 year anniversary in May next year with sleek, snobbish and attention-seeking Bello Russo the Alpha Romeo 159.
Work
Best 'Realization' Moment - Having bitching, moaning and whining about not earning enough on par with my qualifications, i'm still complaining. Nevertheless, lately I've also seen too many examples of people jumping ship and either retreating back to their old place in a record short time, or wandering out there jobless after failing to adapt and give up the new job. The examples do not serve to discourage me from pursuing a different path other than the current one in hope of moving up the ladders in life, or expand my horizon. Instead, it serves as a useful reminder to me that I must be fully prepared for the consequences of choosing to accept the challenge. I'm now thankful for a constantly learning job but am also in the process of choosing new jobs selectively which I'm pretty sure I will want to develop my career in.
Best 'Mentor Advice' Moment - I feel increasingly apprehensive with my friends resigning one by one, e about what I want with life, what do I need to do to achieve success. I started to feel at a crossroad because i haven't been achieving anything WORTHY and it's almost a quarter of my life. I know i should get out to a new environment before i become too comfortable and lose my adaptability, but i also don't want to make a rash decision which is based on motions - either choosing a job with higher pay but not what i want to do, or stuck in the current situation with no prospect. Therefore, i summed up my courage to talk to my manager to inquire about career prospect. Despite her persuasion, i can tell that my career prospect will take an awful lot of years to materialize due to the company culture. Although I became more determined to venture out, I truly admire and respect her even more greatly for her patience, her generosity and genuine care for me as a mentor.
Events
Best 'Unexpected' moment - 3 May 2010. My fiery, passionate, daring, funky little red chili egg - Maiko the Mazda 2 came. It will celebrate its 1 year anniversary in May next year with sleek, snobbish and attention-seeking Bello Russo the Alpha Romeo 159.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
25 is not quarter life crisis, it's quarter life opportunities
Every year i set goals for myself to achieve, but this time i'm going to make it happen. Firstly, i need to adjust my goals so i can make it happen haha.
1. Learn a foreign language - Basic understanding of vocabulary
2. Brush up financial knowledge - Working level
3. Research and plan for new business - Aiming to open the first $$$ business by June 2011
Tee hee hee, just now Bao called me at the magic midnight hour I turn 25 to wish me, and when he asked me what i'm doing, i told him i'm waiting up for bday msgs and phone calls, HAHAHA certain qualities like, incessant talking, vanity and narcissism won't be leaving me even if i'm an age wiser.
Every birthday, i always receive pleasant surprise wishes from ppl whom i've thought i've lost touched with, or surprise non-existing wishes from ppl whom i thought i'm close with. I'm not a very good friend myself based on keeping in touch, so i really appreciate people who care about Facebook birthday alerts and go all out of the way to write me simple bday messages.
1st person to celebrate for me: Bao's mom who shocked me with her early bday pressie for me. Shockingly thrilled.
1st friend to celebrate for me: Darling Jane!!!! And also 11 years of friendship!!! I'll think of her when i shower from now on haha
1st friend to wish me on FB: PM!! I lost touch with her like...forever??? But she has never forgotten my bday!!
1st friend to msg me: Xiao2!!! Two seemingly unrelated individuals establish a bond based on living in the same residential area. We have a certain dear relationship going on where we make it our daily obligation to fetch each other (like, part of life's concern). From my initial frustration with car pool due to different working schedules, i now really appreciate her company. And this girl is the most amazing gf ever, she is going to make me egg and ham sandwiches JUST BECAUSE i mentioned that i love luncheon meat!!
Aside from thanking all my friends, there are the two most important ppl in the world that i owe my life to. I will never ever be able to celebrate birthdays and enjoy living without my daddy and mommy. Thanks dada and mami, i love you both forever hugssss.
1. Learn a foreign language - Basic understanding of vocabulary
2. Brush up financial knowledge - Working level
3. Research and plan for new business - Aiming to open the first $$$ business by June 2011
Tee hee hee, just now Bao called me at the magic midnight hour I turn 25 to wish me, and when he asked me what i'm doing, i told him i'm waiting up for bday msgs and phone calls, HAHAHA certain qualities like, incessant talking, vanity and narcissism won't be leaving me even if i'm an age wiser.
Every birthday, i always receive pleasant surprise wishes from ppl whom i've thought i've lost touched with, or surprise non-existing wishes from ppl whom i thought i'm close with. I'm not a very good friend myself based on keeping in touch, so i really appreciate people who care about Facebook birthday alerts and go all out of the way to write me simple bday messages.
1st person to celebrate for me: Bao's mom who shocked me with her early bday pressie for me. Shockingly thrilled.
1st friend to celebrate for me: Darling Jane!!!! And also 11 years of friendship!!! I'll think of her when i shower from now on haha
1st friend to wish me on FB: PM!! I lost touch with her like...forever??? But she has never forgotten my bday!!
1st friend to msg me: Xiao2!!! Two seemingly unrelated individuals establish a bond based on living in the same residential area. We have a certain dear relationship going on where we make it our daily obligation to fetch each other (like, part of life's concern). From my initial frustration with car pool due to different working schedules, i now really appreciate her company. And this girl is the most amazing gf ever, she is going to make me egg and ham sandwiches JUST BECAUSE i mentioned that i love luncheon meat!!
Aside from thanking all my friends, there are the two most important ppl in the world that i owe my life to. I will never ever be able to celebrate birthdays and enjoy living without my daddy and mommy. Thanks dada and mami, i love you both forever hugssss.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Mommy's 50th Bday (Part 1)
I had always been hopeless in creative arts. Writing is no problem, visualizing is no problem, but drawing, coloring, and basically anything that involves DIY is...yeck. When I get a surprising As for my artwork among the strings of Cs and Ds (best is C+), it is 100% done by...my sister, who, on the other hand, is incredibly talented and can produce any amazing caricature or watercolor painting with just a few strokes.
So when Shirin introduced me to quilling, it's like "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Faking Skillful Artworks". Being the sweetest, thoughtful and kindest friend (i'll NEVER say that to her in person), she even go as far as to buy me a quilling kit and paper shredder as a farewell gift. Get this -- the one's leaving is HER, not me but I geta farewell gift. How incredible is she as a friend??? I CANNOT live without insulting and taking advantage of her yet gaining lasting loyalty in return...hahaha. Anyways, i'll miss her terribly but that cold-blooded lady will not shed a single tear when she flies to Pandaland. Whatever, i've strayed from the main topic.
Since then, I've produced customized cards from daddy, mommy, sister and the boy. I took ideas from quilling experts in their online sites (bless those kind hearts who share their designs for free) as references, and try to imitate the same design. Well, i can still claim that my designs are original, mainly because they differ LARGELY from the original designs due to my lack of skills and patience.
Take this, for example, a 3D flower pot with flowers which I'm making for the first time for Mommy's 50th Bday. In fact, all the previous designs are first-time efforts, with customized animals symbolizing the zodiac signs, and the latest, a heartfelt heart quilling patterns with a house-shaped card with our family picture for my sister, to remind her that we will always be there for her when she needs us. I'm very proud of that special card because it has loving messages from my parents and me to my sister. Also, i think it's the first artwork I present to her and she actually puts it up amongst her other lovely things despite its...uh, 5 year old artwork-look.
Okay, back to Mommy's 3D pot. Actually, most people quill for a long time, mastering the basics before advancing to 3D but i can't wait la.
The original idea:
As you can see, the most adorable little pot from papercraftcentral.net looks easy to make. Like molding a porcelain. It's even completed with little stands.
Since i don't have the similar color, i opt to go for colors as I have shredded a lot of color papers.
Firstly, i curl the base with the little stands:
Not knowing that the thinner the paper width is, the harder it is to quill, i was wondering why curling such a small part will cause my hand to ache, having struggled very hard to keep the curls onto the quilling needle. However, I'm pretty proud with myself for achieving 88% of the original look, only modified with 2 little stands instead of 4 stands.
Then, I proceed to do the vase top:
Ooer...ignore the really dry hand with white cuticles. Hmm...can anyone donate me a new DSLR camera because obviously my Olympus is not focusing very well...(or most likely, thanks to my poor phototaking skills). This is how i curl a realllly colorful top for the vase, doesn't it look like one of those lollipops?
After i took this picture, the quilling came undone. So, I quilled it again. Then I tried to push out the shape, and it came undone. So I requilled, pushed, came undone, requilled, pushed, came undone, requilled...OH BOY I WAS HATING CIRCLEs AND QUILLING AFTER almost 2 HOURS trying to quill the BLOODY circle.
Final product after a gruelling qulling session:
Sweet little colorful with 2 little flowers!! Okay, so it has changed from my original design:
1. Perfect pot shape with 4 stands - Not dried glue stained pot, not fully stretched in case it comes undone, and 2 stands
2. 5 flowers with tall stalks - I can only have room for 2, and can't figure out how to get them to stand tall with the drooping stalks so i made some artistic looking twisting stalks instead for the flowers to rest on.
What I've achieved through self-learning from online quilling experts:
1. Fringed flowers - adorable aren't there!!!!! I've advanced to nicer looking flowers from the basic shapes!!
2. Patience - If it's not cuz I want to give my mom something special for her 50th bday, i would have given up during the first time when the quill came undone.
Due to its doll house-sized shape, my family can't really see the remarkableness of it - till i zoom in with the DSLR, only they go like, "Woo...Waaa" because they realise i've been trying to make pot with flowers, not such squibbles, like so many of my past artworks. My mom panicked when she thought someone had thrown her little gift, when in fact, it's standing in front of her, resting safely against our real vase, but too tiny to be spotted.
This is the first time i've been so patient at practicing due to love, love of both the craft and my mom. So life's like this - if you love something, you work better in it. Hope that will come true in a potential career with prospects!
So when Shirin introduced me to quilling, it's like "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Faking Skillful Artworks". Being the sweetest, thoughtful and kindest friend (i'll NEVER say that to her in person), she even go as far as to buy me a quilling kit and paper shredder as a farewell gift. Get this -- the one's leaving is HER, not me but I geta farewell gift. How incredible is she as a friend??? I CANNOT live without insulting and taking advantage of her yet gaining lasting loyalty in return...hahaha. Anyways, i'll miss her terribly but that cold-blooded lady will not shed a single tear when she flies to Pandaland. Whatever, i've strayed from the main topic.
Since then, I've produced customized cards from daddy, mommy, sister and the boy. I took ideas from quilling experts in their online sites (bless those kind hearts who share their designs for free) as references, and try to imitate the same design. Well, i can still claim that my designs are original, mainly because they differ LARGELY from the original designs due to my lack of skills and patience.
Take this, for example, a 3D flower pot with flowers which I'm making for the first time for Mommy's 50th Bday. In fact, all the previous designs are first-time efforts, with customized animals symbolizing the zodiac signs, and the latest, a heartfelt heart quilling patterns with a house-shaped card with our family picture for my sister, to remind her that we will always be there for her when she needs us. I'm very proud of that special card because it has loving messages from my parents and me to my sister. Also, i think it's the first artwork I present to her and she actually puts it up amongst her other lovely things despite its...uh, 5 year old artwork-look.
Okay, back to Mommy's 3D pot. Actually, most people quill for a long time, mastering the basics before advancing to 3D but i can't wait la.
The original idea:
As you can see, the most adorable little pot from papercraftcentral.net looks easy to make. Like molding a porcelain. It's even completed with little stands.
Since i don't have the similar color, i opt to go for colors as I have shredded a lot of color papers.
Firstly, i curl the base with the little stands:
Not knowing that the thinner the paper width is, the harder it is to quill, i was wondering why curling such a small part will cause my hand to ache, having struggled very hard to keep the curls onto the quilling needle. However, I'm pretty proud with myself for achieving 88% of the original look, only modified with 2 little stands instead of 4 stands.
Then, I proceed to do the vase top:
Ooer...ignore the really dry hand with white cuticles. Hmm...can anyone donate me a new DSLR camera because obviously my Olympus is not focusing very well...(or most likely, thanks to my poor phototaking skills). This is how i curl a realllly colorful top for the vase, doesn't it look like one of those lollipops?
After i took this picture, the quilling came undone. So, I quilled it again. Then I tried to push out the shape, and it came undone. So I requilled, pushed, came undone, requilled, pushed, came undone, requilled...OH BOY I WAS HATING CIRCLEs AND QUILLING AFTER almost 2 HOURS trying to quill the BLOODY circle.
Final product after a gruelling qulling session:
Sweet little colorful with 2 little flowers!! Okay, so it has changed from my original design:
1. Perfect pot shape with 4 stands - Not dried glue stained pot, not fully stretched in case it comes undone, and 2 stands
2. 5 flowers with tall stalks - I can only have room for 2, and can't figure out how to get them to stand tall with the drooping stalks so i made some artistic looking twisting stalks instead for the flowers to rest on.
What I've achieved through self-learning from online quilling experts:
1. Fringed flowers - adorable aren't there!!!!! I've advanced to nicer looking flowers from the basic shapes!!
2. Patience - If it's not cuz I want to give my mom something special for her 50th bday, i would have given up during the first time when the quill came undone.
Due to its doll house-sized shape, my family can't really see the remarkableness of it - till i zoom in with the DSLR, only they go like, "Woo...Waaa" because they realise i've been trying to make pot with flowers, not such squibbles, like so many of my past artworks. My mom panicked when she thought someone had thrown her little gift, when in fact, it's standing in front of her, resting safely against our real vase, but too tiny to be spotted.
This is the first time i've been so patient at practicing due to love, love of both the craft and my mom. So life's like this - if you love something, you work better in it. Hope that will come true in a potential career with prospects!
Friday, May 7, 2010
The responsibilities of a human being
I was having a conversation with a colleague, and realized that it's really not easy to try to be a good human being who fulfill lifetime responsibilities. Take a female manager for example:
1. Her parents - to be a good, filial daughter
2. Her husband - to be a loyal, devoted wife
3. Her children - to be a loving and caring mother
4. Her employer - to be a hardworking, helpful worker
5. Her subordinates - to be a just and admirable leader
6. Her in-laws - to be a patient, giving daughter in law
and the list goes on and on. Funny how people are expected to shoulder such lifetime responsibilities naturally. Some people adapt to the roles, some fumble with just one role, and either choose to escape from reality or ruins his own life. Average people manage to execute 4 roles well; some saints shine in all.
To me, I can adapt in any situation and shift from one role to the other with ease, and that is because I am extremely fortunate to be raised in a happy family with the greatest parents. I believe that my positive outlook on the world is due to the endless support, love and care I know i can count on my parents to provide me with in life. When everything fails me, they are the only ones standing to protect me. Not even once they complain about their hardship and all these years, let me have the luxury of going overseas to study, to go traveling -- all by being stringent on their own spending.
All they want is to raise my sister and I to become hardworking, dedicated, happy girls who go on to build our own close-knit and joyful family. They never pressurized us to become who we are not, encourage us to chase after our own dreams, and just hope that we will complete each stage of life in a fulfilled, happy way.
My dad tells us all the time : "As long as your mother, you and your sister are happy, i'm happy".That's the way life should be lived, people. Learn from my daddy, whose life goal mission is to provide a great, healthy and safe shelter for us.
Take responsibility as a life goal to be achieved, and you'll never feel burdened.
1. Her parents - to be a good, filial daughter
2. Her husband - to be a loyal, devoted wife
3. Her children - to be a loving and caring mother
4. Her employer - to be a hardworking, helpful worker
5. Her subordinates - to be a just and admirable leader
6. Her in-laws - to be a patient, giving daughter in law
and the list goes on and on. Funny how people are expected to shoulder such lifetime responsibilities naturally. Some people adapt to the roles, some fumble with just one role, and either choose to escape from reality or ruins his own life. Average people manage to execute 4 roles well; some saints shine in all.
To me, I can adapt in any situation and shift from one role to the other with ease, and that is because I am extremely fortunate to be raised in a happy family with the greatest parents. I believe that my positive outlook on the world is due to the endless support, love and care I know i can count on my parents to provide me with in life. When everything fails me, they are the only ones standing to protect me. Not even once they complain about their hardship and all these years, let me have the luxury of going overseas to study, to go traveling -- all by being stringent on their own spending.
All they want is to raise my sister and I to become hardworking, dedicated, happy girls who go on to build our own close-knit and joyful family. They never pressurized us to become who we are not, encourage us to chase after our own dreams, and just hope that we will complete each stage of life in a fulfilled, happy way.
My dad tells us all the time : "As long as your mother, you and your sister are happy, i'm happy".That's the way life should be lived, people. Learn from my daddy, whose life goal mission is to provide a great, healthy and safe shelter for us.
Take responsibility as a life goal to be achieved, and you'll never feel burdened.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
To Big Boy CH
Happy Birthday!! I don't care whether you're reading this or not, but i'm recording this down at EXACTLY 12/12 u know what that number means hohohoho...
I made you made a wish at the exact witching hour, it will come true no matter what it is! Love you very very much!! Hope you'll be fantastic and bombastic in your career and dreams!
I made you made a wish at the exact witching hour, it will come true no matter what it is! Love you very very much!! Hope you'll be fantastic and bombastic in your career and dreams!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
We Are The World
We are the world...
We are the children...
We are the ones who make a better place, so let's start giving...
Many years ago, the words were written to save the children and people from starvation. Many years later, until today, it still rings true, we still need to SAVE THE CHILDREN and PEOPLE not only from starvation, but from losing lives, and only one home -- The Earth.
In the past few years and recent months, earthquakes and tsunamis (correlated troublemakers) split apart or wiped out a lot of families in the world, whether it's Haiti, Qinghai, Sichuan, Acheh -- the world is endangered.
And still, the big powers are as stubborn as ever. They cry cry loud in mass media:
Oh let's donate to Haiti, have concerts! pray pray for the people!
Oh poor Chinese people! Let's give them some rations, pray pray!
Then they move on to other talks about funding for nuclear, war, and lots of destructible projects which is taking the breath of the earth away, slowly, one project at a time.
Don't be such idiots. There's no talk of China, America, Malaysia boleh greatness if there is no earth.
We are the children...
We are the ones who make a better place, so let's start giving...
Many years ago, the words were written to save the children and people from starvation. Many years later, until today, it still rings true, we still need to SAVE THE CHILDREN and PEOPLE not only from starvation, but from losing lives, and only one home -- The Earth.
In the past few years and recent months, earthquakes and tsunamis (correlated troublemakers) split apart or wiped out a lot of families in the world, whether it's Haiti, Qinghai, Sichuan, Acheh -- the world is endangered.
And still, the big powers are as stubborn as ever. They cry cry loud in mass media:
Oh let's donate to Haiti, have concerts! pray pray for the people!
Oh poor Chinese people! Let's give them some rations, pray pray!
Then they move on to other talks about funding for nuclear, war, and lots of destructible projects which is taking the breath of the earth away, slowly, one project at a time.
Don't be such idiots. There's no talk of China, America, Malaysia boleh greatness if there is no earth.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Signs of Good Year with Feisty Returns
I'm feeling good about the new year and the below is what i've achieved so far:
Best 'change of image': I used to cut my hair really short for a drastic new look, but I've held back from cutting and persevered to keep my hair past shoulder length. Then, i have my FIRST perm in my entire life, and though people keep asking either 'why is your hair wet?' or 'did you just get up from bed?' till now, my wavy curls have been complimented on a good hair day where my cream is applied on properly. Moreover, I wear cheongsam for the FIRST time during CNY and i think i look pretty darn good in it hohoho. Minimum also can pass for some hot chick back in the olden Shanghai era, hohoho.
Best 'easy angpows': I never moved from my working table at the office but still get to receive 4 angpows from colleagues hehehe.
Best 'acknowledgment angpows': In the past, i always feel awkward receiving angpows at his house, but this time, it feels REALLY good when some of his parents' friends apologize to me (actually no need wan la) for not seeing me earlier in the house (fact is i came late) and fast fast gimme angpows. It is not so much about the monetary value of angpows i'm concerned with, instead, i appreciate the angpows more when it is given with sincerity and blessings.
Best 'new gadget': MAH Iphonnneeeeee...feels very very good for getting a brand new phone that is JUST me - colorful, vibrant, playful, animated, full of personality, hohoho. Feel exhilarated because it's one of the gadgets which I really desire after 5 years of using second-hand phone. Best of all, it makes me look VERY tech savvy with just suave swipes and light tapping, especially when done with a smug look.
Best 'change of image': I used to cut my hair really short for a drastic new look, but I've held back from cutting and persevered to keep my hair past shoulder length. Then, i have my FIRST perm in my entire life, and though people keep asking either 'why is your hair wet?' or 'did you just get up from bed?' till now, my wavy curls have been complimented on a good hair day where my cream is applied on properly. Moreover, I wear cheongsam for the FIRST time during CNY and i think i look pretty darn good in it hohoho. Minimum also can pass for some hot chick back in the olden Shanghai era, hohoho.
Best 'easy angpows': I never moved from my working table at the office but still get to receive 4 angpows from colleagues hehehe.
Best 'acknowledgment angpows': In the past, i always feel awkward receiving angpows at his house, but this time, it feels REALLY good when some of his parents' friends apologize to me (actually no need wan la) for not seeing me earlier in the house (fact is i came late) and fast fast gimme angpows. It is not so much about the monetary value of angpows i'm concerned with, instead, i appreciate the angpows more when it is given with sincerity and blessings.
Best 'new gadget': MAH Iphonnneeeeee...feels very very good for getting a brand new phone that is JUST me - colorful, vibrant, playful, animated, full of personality, hohoho. Feel exhilarated because it's one of the gadgets which I really desire after 5 years of using second-hand phone. Best of all, it makes me look VERY tech savvy with just suave swipes and light tapping, especially when done with a smug look.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
ROARING CHINESE NEW YEAR!!
May we all have a prosperous, romantic new year with roaring success!!
The first day of Chinese New Year coincides with Valentine's this year. Honestly, i think family reunion precedes a couple occasion, especially if you have plenty of other days to make up V day with your bf/gf, or like some saying, "Everyday is a V day".
I'm very proud of my parents for staying up until 2 during their annual visit to his family's house. It takes great effort from both families for a two-person relationship to work. That's the wondrous thing about Chinese tradition.
The first day of Chinese New Year coincides with Valentine's this year. Honestly, i think family reunion precedes a couple occasion, especially if you have plenty of other days to make up V day with your bf/gf, or like some saying, "Everyday is a V day".
I'm very proud of my parents for staying up until 2 during their annual visit to his family's house. It takes great effort from both families for a two-person relationship to work. That's the wondrous thing about Chinese tradition.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Don't Say Sorry
Worst utter of the daï½™：Sorry sorry sorry. How many times do I use it in life?? Do I have to?? Apologizing is only needed when you committ a mistake, but if it's not your mistake, why the hell do I have to say sorry?? Do I OWE someone that word?? Sorry sorry such late notice...SORRY for what??! Why should I say sorry for arranging a meeting for someone else? In work, sorry shows that you're weak, careless, incompetent and cowardly. BAD word and an obstacle to my resolution of being firm during work. Thumbs down for myself.
Best discovery of the day: I realised i'm getting better with copywriting. I actually like creating catchy and attention-grabbing taglines to boost the brand's presence. I'm liking this newfound talent!
Best 'loved' moment: Everytime my dad fetches me to gym and waits for an hour to fetch me back again, i feel so guilty and so loved. Thanks daddy...without you i'm nothing.
Most 'Want to Flee' moment: I wore what i thought was a new sports bra to body combat class. As usual, i went all out during the punching, kicking, jumping, pushing myself to challenge my limits, until i feel that my top part feels very "free" and cooling. I turned around to glance at the mirror, and to my horrors i can see the bra strap dangling out of my shirt and threatening to fall out!! Omigwaaaad i almost froze in the spot when the trainer continued bellowing, "Next is MUaaaaYYYY THAAIII!!!" Extreme self-conscious moment kicked in, but determined to finish the class, I stuffed the straps into my pants and prayed that the next moment ppl turned around, they cannot see a bra lying on the floor with me jumping beside it. I pressed the thing onto my back acting like as if I have a back pain while I jump kick, scissors kick, until I really had to excuse myself to prevent the thing from slipping out entirely. Humiliationnn...Lesson learned: Get a PROPER, and REAL sports bra.
Best discovery of the day: I realised i'm getting better with copywriting. I actually like creating catchy and attention-grabbing taglines to boost the brand's presence. I'm liking this newfound talent!
Best 'loved' moment: Everytime my dad fetches me to gym and waits for an hour to fetch me back again, i feel so guilty and so loved. Thanks daddy...without you i'm nothing.
Most 'Want to Flee' moment: I wore what i thought was a new sports bra to body combat class. As usual, i went all out during the punching, kicking, jumping, pushing myself to challenge my limits, until i feel that my top part feels very "free" and cooling. I turned around to glance at the mirror, and to my horrors i can see the bra strap dangling out of my shirt and threatening to fall out!! Omigwaaaad i almost froze in the spot when the trainer continued bellowing, "Next is MUaaaaYYYY THAAIII!!!" Extreme self-conscious moment kicked in, but determined to finish the class, I stuffed the straps into my pants and prayed that the next moment ppl turned around, they cannot see a bra lying on the floor with me jumping beside it. I pressed the thing onto my back acting like as if I have a back pain while I jump kick, scissors kick, until I really had to excuse myself to prevent the thing from slipping out entirely. Humiliationnn...Lesson learned: Get a PROPER, and REAL sports bra.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Aah Bay Say
Summary of Thursday, January 7, 2010 - January 10, 2010
Best shopping: United Colors of Benetton @ Pavilion, with EVERYTHING 50% off!!! It was almost as good as shopping in China where everything is 50% off, except that EVERYTHING is made from Italy!! Excellent, soft-to-the-touch, high quality Italian craftsmanship and fabric, swooooonnnss...Got allll my CNY clothes at one go.
Best spontaneous moment: Went through dozens of websites of language centres and self-learned lessons, finally got a buddy to learn French with. And he's none other than the musical & arts lover who's always gotten along so well with me. We have perfected our ABC, oh pardon me, it's Aah Bay Say in French!! Determined to learn together once a week, our next self-help lesson will be on vowels.
Best indulgence moment: Upgraded my facial session to a luxurious one, with a mask so deliciously cool and creamy i could almost drown in moisture --- too bad with a pocket hurting one at that.
Best joke: Still chuckle when i remember my dad's comment on the neighbour's dog. My neighbour's dog is a huge German Shepard?? Or Rottweiller?? Anyways, a big fierce dog and its name is Baby. Talk about a mismatch. Anyways, my dad likes to cooed to her and say "baby baby". He did that again in the car while waiting for our house gate to open, and the neighbour warned him not to do that in case she jumped at us. As my dad wind down the window calmly and steered his car into our pavement, our conversation went like this:
Me: Daddy, what if it really attacked you just now? (casting worried glances at the dog)
Him: (calmly while driving in) Oh, i would just need to wind down the window on its head.
Me: ??? Haa..?? Ha ha..HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA (imagining the neighbor's shocked face with the barking dog head stuck under our window)
Best appreciated moment: I didn't do too badly in my first, official, real work performance review. In fact, i did very well for an official 6 months' stint. But i've got to keep my head low, and concentrate on delivering my best while not getting overworked or ragged or disrespected. Firmness is my new goal this year.
Best fitness plan: I've Finalllly...restarted my gym stint. I've even found the perfect way to shape my body while having fun -- FREE youtube belly dancing instructional videos!! Thank goodness for youtube inventors and users, bless you all, so I can save money while having fun slimming down. New Year's Plan: Cross Trainer 15mins on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. Bellydancing 30mins on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening. Body Combat on Wednesday and Gym on Saturday. WOW if i can really keep that up, and eat less (the most torturous part), i'm going to look hot. Haha
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Change with New Chapter of Life
I'm starting this blog to record the daily changes which affect my course of action, which helps me to reflect on consequences of different decisions made to improve my life.
I've lost interest in the last blog because I've missed out on the spontaneous moments where I should finish a good daily story from the beginning to the end and not saving it as a draft, because I rarely return to finish the post. I also grew lazy thinking that I can put off posting interesting pictures for another day.
I've also realized i've changed in terms of thoughts and responses to events, especially in my 2nd year of work. I'm less naive, less outspoken, and learning to read thoughts. All these changes occurred from a series of daily lessons learnt. To manuever the game of life as I please, I will continue to learn.
So, i've decided to change the direction of my blog. It will be in the form of:
1. Best or Worst daily moments with short stories
2. Concise writing style to avoid pointless rambles like the previous blog
2010 is the turning point for me. 2010 will lay the path for a bright future.
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