What Is The World Coming To?!

A pity about the Ferrari team! One drove off with the fuel gauge, with his mechanic falling behind him, got penalised and lost precious time, and the other got crashed. Now the pit manager has to "step down" as a result. The Spaniard's one lucky guy! That is why life is so unpredictable, one really never knows who will win until the end. For someone who started off first, Massa emerged one of the last, and for someone who started off fifteenth, Alonso managed to out-drive everyone to emerge the champion.

This Grand Prix was a bid to boost the local economy, but I guess when the race venue was decided, no one could have predicted the dire situation Uncle Sam (and now Shakespeare Country) have gotten themselves into. In a way, our local economy was boosted because all of a sudden, there was an influx of tourists for the three days, coming from all over the world, just to witness the qualifiers and the finals, when the tourism industry was rather stagnant during the second quarter. I wonder if we can get the venue again next year?

Still, one does not deny that the world is in quite a mess right now. With poisonous milk products (I cannot partake anymore of the White Rabbit Candy - a favourite since young! *Sob Sob*) initially from China, now in New Zealand as well (and I will be going there next month!), not to mention even Cadbury has found to contain substances (does that mean no more chocolate?), I cannot help but wonder are people so "ugly" and unethical nowadays that as long as there is money to be earned, they do not care what happens to the world at large?

Now that all these things have been found out, will these people not lose even more money by their products being suspended? That is why people, being who they are, will never bother thinking of the big picture as long as there is a short term gain. There are so many temptations around, all playing on the greed of man.

Now that dairy products are being suspended one after another, banks are failing one after another, even mortgage houses are being nationalised, and large insurance companies being shaky, the upcoming financial crisis (or are we already in one?) is making everyone nervous. Everyone is on their toes, wondering who is next, which country to go next? Now that the two biggest superpowers are going down one after another, is there any hope for lesser countries?

Murphy's Art Of War

The reason I had not written for a few days is because I had to ponder on the third problem I have. Let’s just say this is a rather confusing time for me. When I was young, whenever I was stressed up over studies and examinations, coupled with the fact that my input was never proportional to my output, I thought I had lots of problems. It was only when you grow up then you realize these are but minuscule and real problems are faced when you are on the verge of bankruptcy, retrenchment, trying to make ends meet in supporting a family or when you lost a loved one.

Alright, I admit, I am a problematic person. Just when I thought I am done with something, along comes something else. Perhaps my life is predestined to be full of trouble, who knows? After all, why are some people able to go by their lives with nary a problematic time, everything go well with them, whereas there will always be others who had bad luck the moment they were born?

Yes, I know I am luckier than a lot of others, and perhaps I should be satisfied. But when things are so pressing, I have urgent problems on hand to solve before things can get back to normal, and I can start being satisfied again. Still, if there is a chance for something better, why be satisfied with what one has?

For instance, if you can strive for a better living, why be satisfied with just a mere meager income? I am not saying everyone should be a spendthrift or materialistic, but if there are better opportunities with higher income, then it makes sense to move, right? Unless the job is something which one absolutely abhors, then of course do not take it up even if the pay is quite a jump. It is not a matter of being materialistic or not being satisfied with what one has. Afterall, one should always progress and improve.

Which comes to my problem. You know how life is never that smooth at least for me, ie whatever I like I can never get, and whatever I do not like somehow or other I just end up doing? It is as if I have been warring with Murphy all my life, trying to overrule all his laws. Like I used to wish I can have a better family. I do not hate my family of course, and they have been with me through some of my more pertinent moments, but still, things can be better. Like I wish my brothers can be better behaved, or that I can do more for my family. I used to sing, but due to restructuring, I was asked to leave. Since then, I have not really sung a ditty.

Seems like it is so hard to even do what I really like! Yes, I am playing the piano more often lately, but I am not that happy with my progress, not to mention the fact that my piano is way out of tune and can be retired, but until I can afford a new piano, I have to stick with this for now. And the thing I yearn more than anything else? Find the right person to settle down with, and that too, has been a problem that has been dragging on for years.

So what exactly is my problem? The past few weeks, I had been sorting out my thoughts and feelings. I have mentioned certain things to a couple of close friends, but I have kept mum on the full details. I still do believe in fate or destiny or God’s will, so I guess when certain things happened, I cannot help but feel it is destiny playing a part.

Otherwise why is it you never know someone exists, and all of a sudden you two can meet each other by chance? The person you met by chance may eventually end up your partner, after all the numerous blind dates and fiascos you encounter, like what happened to my friend. But this is not happening to me. I mean, I have met people by chance, but I have no idea who (if any) will be my partner as yet. As it is, I may not even get married. But I have been lucky as in the few people I actually met by chance, turn out to be much better than expected.

People know it is not easy to get me impressed, especially by first sight, but someone I met recently got me really impressed, so impressed that I am in the danger zone. It is not hard to fall hard for this person. Whereas those I have known through dating agencies and whatnot, somehow never got me that impressed.

Of course the feelings have to be mutual. Perhaps that person feels indifferent towards me, even if I have a good impression. As my kind of luck will have it, coupled with the fact that I am still at war with Murphy trying to overrule his laws, the one I am more impressed with seems less interested in me, and the one I am more indifferent to, seems more interested in me.

I always dislike having a triangle! There is no reason why you may have a good impression of a person, just like there is no reason why one simply cannot stand another person. There is simply no explanation why that person got me so impressed at first instance. Maybe he just has that X-Factor as far as I am concerned.

Which is why I am in a confused state of mind. It is so hard to finally find someone I can be impressed with at first sight. In almost the whole of my dating life, there had been only one other person I have been impressed with at first instance, and that was during my younger years, when emotions and ideals were still raw and fancy.

I never thought I would ever find someone like that again, especially not at this point in time, when I am more emotionally mature (I hope). Now when I have finally outgrown all these romantic passion (I think), I thought I could just mix and mingle around and let things happen naturally, not impose any form of criteria whatsoever and let things come, when along comes this person and got me captivated.

You know how one can always say we have a criteria on the kind of person we are looking for? I have met a few who did meet up, but somehow things did not work out. It was like we were both too busy trying to see if each other meet up, that whatever that did not meet up was dropped, although in most cases I was the one that was dropped. Yet with this person, somehow none of my criteria came to mind. I just got impressed, and strangely, this person got me more impressed at first instance than those who did meet my criteria.

So what got me so impressed with this particular person? Is it because of the way he looks? Definitely not. People who know me know looks have never been a factor. I have met better looking people whom I have totally no impression of (not that he is unpleasing to the eye). Besides it is not as if I am lacking of eye candy, especially since a certain French Orlando Bloom look-alike recently joined my company, tall, dark and handsome, with wavy hair that one can just brush one’s fingers into, and eyes that look right into your soul that will make lots of girls quiver.

So what is it about this guy I am so impressed with? I was actually drawn to his intellect and eloquence, his articulation both in speech and writing. Plus his high level of IQ, EQ and FQ, considering he goes according to Buffetology methods in investments. And his knowledge. His knowledge is so vast that the moment he opens his mouth, my knowledge increases twofold. Many a times, when we converse with each other through emails, I have to do a google search to find out the background of what he is saying before I can even contribute to the conversation!

His maturity comes to mind too. Perhaps he has a much richer life experience than others, but I find it intellectually challenging and enriching to talk to him. He is someone who is mature yet fun-loving at the same time. Most guys I come across, they are either at the same level as me, or below me. Not that I am so smart or such a snob, but the fact is many guys I know can hardly relate to what I say. Many are just shallow and simple-minded. So in the end I gave up talking to these people, as it got very tiring talking to them as they are of the wrong frequency.

And most people will not bother to improve what they know. They are just willing to be stuck where they are, not to explore new things or face new challenges. Which is why I get bored with people like that. Just like a job, I need someone who can challenge me, who can make me learn new things, who can help improve and enrich me, instead of just talking to me on trivial matters. Which is why I got captivated, because he makes me feel inadequate, that I need to constantly find out things before I talk to him. And this is what I crave for - challenge and new things to learn!

He is also a gentleman. He ensures my comfort and enjoyment whenever we meet up, shows utmost respect to me and can take care of me really well. Someone reliable and responsible. And he does all these not because he wants to please, but rather because it is just him. He truly enjoys life, his zest of life is so great that he is willing to explore things and places which many people will never explore! I can totally relate to it because I am somewhat like that too!

Besides, he has all the five 'C's. Not that I am being materialistic, but if one counts eligibility in the sense of having cash, car, condominium, credit cards, career, country club, then he has all these and more. But all these are immaterial. He has the other five 'C's as far as I am concerned - chivalry, comical, conscientious, charisma, completion, communication, capable.

And what is the best thing? He is still single and available! One can never believe someone like that is still unattached, but he is! I have checked and ensured he is really what he claims his status to be! Too good to be true right? But there are many highly eligible people, be they male or female, that are still single and available, not sure why.

In light of a recent article where I rattled off my ideal guy in one breath, talking to him last night suddenly dawned on me that I could easily just be describing him. Of course I did not realize it then, but upon thinking back, he does meet the attributes of the ideal person I described. In the past, I was so cooped up with whether the person actually meets my criteria to really give anyone a chance. Then I let go of whatever criteria I had and just meet people with an open mind, yet still I have not met anyone I could think of progressing with. Yes, there are a few who have become good friends, but that was it.

Then I happened to meet this person by chance. And I was impressed at first instance. Other people I have met either gave me a neutral or totally put off impression, but this is the first person in more than ten years that could give me a good impression at first instance. And it was not as if I was even purposely looking for someone like that.

Somehow with him, there is no comparison of anything that I set out. Whatever criteria I had were thrown out. I only know I enjoy myself and his company very much and like to see much more of him. In fact, the more I know him, the more I see how different we are, yet the more impressed I become. Not only that, he makes me yearn to be a better person, to read even more widely, to increase my knowledge and to see things from different angles. Wonder if that is a good sign, or is destiny finally going my way?

Which is why he is someone I would really like to get to know much better, provided he feels the same way. Afterall, he has a whole buffet to himself, why would he settle for a mere salad like me? The funny thing is, all those times I was griping on whether I should lower my expectations, when along came a person who could make me throw out every criteria and just focus on having a good time in his company. But as it is, I may not meet up to his criteria, so in the end, everything may come to a nought again. Oh well …. Back to war with Murphy again!

Formula One Qualifiers!

It is a great priviledge indeed to have family members and relatives in high places! I managed to get VIP tickets to the qualifying race yesterday, prestige guests of one of the organisations that sponsors the event. All thanks to my uncle, who managed to get a set of tickets (for all three days!) so he gave my mum and I the passes for yesterday's race.

Initially, it was my first brother who was supposed to go, but he did not wish to mingle with the crowd, and he did not want his ear drums shattered. So I begged him to give me his pass. He was surprised of course, since I am never into F1 like both of them. But then I figured, what better way to mix with the affluent crowd, experience the live atmosphere and drool at cool cars and cute guys at the same time? :-p

The practice session started at seven so we were supposed to be there by six. However, due to traffic congestion, coupled with the fact that we dropped at the wrong place, we had to walk all the way. We were supposed to enter by Gate One, but the map given was so ambiguous! We entered by Gate Seven (outside Marina Square), then realised Gate One was actually at the other end of Suntec City, next to Nicoll Highway!

Worst was that the volunteers / ushers had no idea where to go, so directed us in different directions. As a result, we got lost and ended up walking a big round. There were not enough signs showing us exactly where we were, so we had no idea where to go as well. We went through so many false entrances, only to have people tell us we had to walk even further down!

The practice session already started before we even reached the place! We had to make our way to the VIP Grand Stand, where we were in one of the alcoves in the Pit Suite. By the time we reached the Grand Stands, there were so many alcoves! We turned to the left only to find out we were lost (again!) and were told to turn to the right. Finally we reached the place, half an hour after seven!

The Practice round was good though, albeit noisy. Luckily the goody bag we were given contained ear plugs, which everyone put to good use! Dinner was provided, so after the practice session, I ate to my heart's content, while mingling with some of the other guests, partaking in red wine and dessert. And there are quite a few cute guys too!

So it was a fun evening of food, cute guys, rally, cheering, cute guys, wine and cheese, blueberry tiramisu, and did I mention cute guys? :-p In any case, I tried to take photos while the car raced by, but it turned out my shutter speed was not fast enough to capture the car(s), so whatever I managed to snap of those cars that whizzed by were a blur!

Start of the Practice Session

Cars lining up for the Aston Martin race

The Aston Martin race was after the practice session. While we were having dinner and mingling around, some volunteers would drive the Aston Martins around the tracks. Needless to say, after watching the F1 racers, the Aston Martin race was a big letdown!

The Grand Stand (VIP seats were at the back)

The Grand Stand opposite where I was

The Flyer was right on top of the Grand Stand

I suppose the people up there would have a bird's eye view of the race! Wonder if the Flyer tickets went up yesterday, or for all three days for that matter?

The "race track"

Managed to capture one of the cars whizzing by!

This was directly on the spot, but the car was moving too fast!

Rounding a bend (unfortunately could not capture any car)

The big screen on the Grand Stand

My VIP Pass

The Qualifiers started at ten, so after dinner, we went up to the top of the Grand Stand, the Sky Suite, where there were bar counters and a sky garden, as well as a pretty nice night view!

Top of the Grand Stand

View of the race track from top

Left part of the Sky Garden

Glimpses of the big screen on top of the Grand Stand

Right part of the Sky Garden

View of the spectators stand on top of the Grand Stand

Start of the Qualifiers - Fans waving the flags around

If I am not mistaken, I believe this should be Lewis Hamilton's car

Someone waving the Ferrari flag when Felipe Massa came in first for the Qualifiers!

If the rest of you have not already known, the top three for the Qualifiers are Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi (I can never remember his last name!) Although personally I still like Michael Schumacher, even though he is history! But then again, I always like history! :-p

After the results were announced, we started streaming out one by one. Outside the Grand Stand, there was a display of antique cars, so I could not resist taking pictures of them!

We followed the crowd out, intending to take a Shuttle bus to the nearest train station, but we had to walk such a long way (about fifteen minutes) to reach the Shuttle bus stop. Upon reaching there, the stop was so crowded that we decided to just continue walking to the nearest train station! We had to walk for another half an hour or thereabouts before reaching the train station, afterwhich we called my dad to come pick us up!

By the time I reached home, I was feeling really bushed! The excitement, coupled with the humidity and the long walk. Still, when I checked through the goody bag again, I was happy to find my very own Formula One teddy bear to keep!

My very own F1 Teddy

Still, with the financial crisis that is going around, I cannot help but wonder, is this a good time to pump so much into a car racing event? No doubt the race had been on-going and planning since last year, but I fear with the amount invested, the returns and losses may not be recouped so easily considering the situation now. What a bad timing for things to happen!

Turning Down A (Good) Opportunity

The company officially made me an offer yesterday, but after much deliberation, I decided to turn it down. I know it is a very good opportunity, and it may be a once in a lifetime chance to get selected for an Asia Pacific Regional role in an American Multi National Corporation, but there are a few things which I am not comfortable about.

When my headhunter approached me, I said I was not in any hurry to move, but because the job scope sounded pretty exciting and plus it is a regional role, I decided to just give it a try. I was told the company is willing to pay, and I can easily ask for a fifty percent increase in pay, so I indicated my expected salary as an amount about forty-eight percent increase.

During the first phone interview with the company, they did not dispute the amount. In fact, when I asked them what was their budget, they told me they had no budget, as long as they find someone for the post. During the face to face interview last Friday, there was no dispute over the remuneration as well.

Then when I went on the second phone interview on Monday, all of a sudden I was told the market was going down so they could not afford to pay me that much. Nevertheless they will try to get the best deal for me. But when they finally gave me the offer, it was such a letdown, because I was only given a fifteen percent increase in monthly remuneration, and a six-month contract which gives an additional half a month bonus upon completion of six months!

From almost fifty percent to just a mere fifteen percent, it is about a thousand at stake every month! So I negotiated for at least thirty percent increase, to which they also said no. I am not going to forfeit a three month bonus, one month incentive, plus an annual pay raise of ten percent and a relatively comfortable permanent post just for a fifteen percent increase, with no bonus, and a six month contract with just half a month bonus!

What is going to happen to me after six months? Am I to be out of job again? It is not because of the money, but because of the insecurity of the situation. I do not want to be hopping around every few months again! I did a calculation, and it turns out that even if they pay me a thirty percent increase every month for six months, I will still stand to lose out with whatever bonus my current company is going to give me!

Even if money is not the main factor, still, it does not give me any justification to move if I stand to lose more moving than not moving! I need the cash at this time! The role is very challenging and I really like to go for it, but why must I shortchange myself this way, to do twice the work and not much of a difference in pay? I negotiated with the company on whatever I stand to lose if I move now, and still, they are not able to counter offer that. So what is the point? It is too much of a risk!

Yes, I turned down what could be a dream job, but the offer is really too paltry. I have friends telling me to go for it as it is like a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to get selected into such a global role, but if the company is really sincere in offering me the job, they will work out something reasonable so I will not stand to lose so much. So far most other companies I worked for have acceded my requests. Even if they cannot match what I asked for, they will go just a bit lower, but not so much lower!

Oh well .... seems like I will be stuck here for a while more! Anyway today another headhunter called me and told me about two more job openings, both in-house - one another Asia Pacific regional post in another American Multi National Corporation, and the other an offshore role in an international firm. Pretty exciting opportunities! I shall just see how that goes!

Conversations With Friends

A friend was asking about my job status last night so I told him currently it is still pending. He said he suppose it is not so urgent for me to switch jobs since I have minimal financial commitments and come from a relatively rich background and do not need to support my parents. What makes him think so? Why must people assume things about me?

My mum is but a wage earner. My dad is running a small business as a sole proprietor, nothing big to speak of. My parents come from very humble origins. There were stories of how my dad had to sleep in the corridor as there were no more rooms for him, and how my mum had to study in the kitchen at night because that was the only place with a light.

Whatever they have now they earned and scrimped and saved. My parents do not go on big shopping sprees, or buy branded stuff, or go high class all the way. They do not buy lottery or dabble in stocks and shares. The only thing they really spend on is the household expenses, on us (my brothers at least), pay for the maid, and travelling (even then they source for the least expensive itineraries). After all the years of slogging, they do deserve a more comfortable life.

I do contribute to the household expenses and I have to give more nowadays because of the loan from my mum. I am trying to save up to get a place of my own after I finish clearing my debts. And I still have my studies to pay for. So what makes anyone think I have no financial commitments? Of course I cannot be compared to those who have a family to support and mortgages and car loans to pay, but do not assume I am totally debt-free as well! So a job with a significant pay increase will definitely come in handy!

Anyway he was telling me he yearns to work in an American company, but the industry he is in has no American company, mostly Japanese. He hates Japanese culture but does not have a choice so he has stuck in his current job for almost a decade. I told him for someone of his rank and experience, he is sure able to find a similar job in a different industry, but he says he does not wish to start over and get a pay cut, because he has loans to pay off.

Well, to each their own. No use griping about lack of opportunities if one is not willing to grab it. Opportunities may come and not sought, but it is also up to one to seize the chance. No use moaning and groaning about the job if one is not willing to adapt to changes or do something about it. I used to wonder why someone of his qualifications and experience is still the same rank after so many years. Now I know. It is the overall mentality and attitude that counts.

Having said that, I was also conversing with an old friend last week. He was rather surprised at me, because he knows about my "colourful" life and failed attempts at seeking love and companionship. He is getting married next year, and I was asking him about his housing status. So I said if I really do not have enough to get a private apartment, I have to wait a few more years until I am of the right age to get a flat.

He was saying why so drastic? I told him in the event I do not get married, I have to plan for myself as well. He was surprised at that, and said what makes me think I will not get married? So I said there does not seem to be any sign of anything for now, and unlikely to have anything in the near future, so I better just focus on myself.

Sounds rather self-centred right? Quite unlike me actually. But after all these years of focusing on others only to be disappointed, it is time to take care of myself first. It is strange as well, that after all these years of wishing to settle down and start a family, now I do not even care whether there is someone in my life, whether I will get married.

Of course, I will still hope to be married, but I am not going to crave for it only to get myself disappointed in the end. I have enough of false starts! Thus if I do not get married, at the end of the day I have to take care of myself, which is why I need to do some planning already!

Credit Counselling

I went for a Credit Counselling talk last night, just to see how it is like. The talk covers on basic things like how to improve one's credit rating, how to do financial planning, what happens when one is a bankrupt, and how the organisation can help. A waste of my time actually, because I already know whatever they covered! What surprises me is the place was totally full! There were seats for forty, and along the way, more people came in, until some had to stand as there were no more places left! Seems like there are many people here with financial problems.

Initially, I was thinking to outsource my remaining installments to Credit Counselling, as they can then negotiate for a more flexible deadline. But after the talk, I realise it is not that useful to me! They help those with more financial troubles like those who default on mortgage and car loans, who have families to support. Someone like me with no family of my own and no assets to my name will not be able to use their services.

Besides, we have to pay to use their services. Quite an irony actually, if they are really not-for-profit and wishes to help, why are they still charging us for asking them to help? Afterall, if people seek their help, they must have been really desperate and broke, so would not be able to pay, right, if they already have to pay so much back to the banks? Furthermore, once a person seeks help from Credit Counselling, their credit bureau record will be forever tarnished. They can never have any loans, be it car or housing or education, approved anymore. It is as if one bad record and your life will be doomed.

Which makes me wonder, if ex-prisoners can get a second chance to turn over a new leaf, why ex-bankrupts or almost bankrupts can never get another chance? Is money really everything else that someone who happened to be in financial difficulty but got out again can never recover, yet someone who had killed someone or stole something can be forgiven? Strange world we live in!

My New Idol ....

Facebook is amazing indeed! It lets you know everyone who knows you or knows your friends, or your friends of friends and so on. Recently added to my list of friends are people I will never have imagined, namely a certain Singapore Idol finalist, a “cock talker” and the famous author of a certain book for teenagers!

I cannot believe it! The first one and I stumbled upon each other in the “Singles” application, and both of us indicate “singing” as one of our hobbies. That was how we found each other, even though we have never spoken a single word to each other!

I know the second one himself is on Facebook, because he had indicated the amount of pokes he received from people, which he wrote about in one of his bi-weekly (fortnightly?) articles in the Sunday Lifestyle. I happened to comment on his website, article and his movie, and suddenly, I found myself added to his list.

What really surprises me is that the third one added me to his list! He and the “cock talker” are peers from school, and the former himself is also on one of my schoolmate’s list. She happens to be a friend of his friend. What surprises me even more is that he sent me a message, saying he remembers me since he does not get asked to sign things often, and asked me how I got to know the “cock talker” and my school mate, since they are our mutual friends.

Hats off to this guy! Most people will never bother, they will just add and that is it. But he actually bothers to write to me! Being a litigator in a top law firm, handling major cases, earning big bucks, no time to even take a break, yet he bothers to write a message to someone he only met once!

I am starting to really idolize this guy! Smart, witty, humourous, proficient and articulate, capable, yet humble and friendly, with absolutely no airs about him. Definitely someone with a high IQ and EQ. A rare breed if you ask me. How I wish there are more guys like that!

Quality Control Should Not Be So Lax!

How can anyone be so unethical all for the sake of earning money? With the recent recall of certain dairy and related products, I cannot help wonder do people have no morals nowadays? How can anyone be so lax where food products are concerned? And most of these products are for kids! I used to drink Dutch Lady milk and the White Rabbit Candy has always been one of my favourites since young!

Do these people know that a wrong step in quality control can be hazardous? Things we partake into our bodies, if not controlled strictly, can be harmful, even to an adult, not to mention a kid or an infant for that matter! I wish the culprit(s) and all involved will be charged for attempted murder!

"Wanted" ....

Life is really funny. Few years back when I was desperate for a job, it was so hard to find one. I sent out countless resumes, went for numerous interviews, and in the end those who got back to me were those which I was not that interested to work for as compared to some others. Still, I just grabbed whatever that came. Miserable pay, mundane tasks, no prospects. But what to do, I need to earn my own keep.

When this current job came along, I was so happy to be able to work in this company, and thought finally I can settle into a permanent post! Since then, I have lasted longer than anyone else in my department. The pay is okay, I have job satisfaction, but the prospects are not that good, because after a few years, this is about as far as I can go – the same rank, doing the same things. Only thing is there will be an annual raise, but that is about it.

That is why the turnover is quite high, because there are much better prospects outside. There are staff who have been here for twenty years or more, and they are still doing the same thing day in day out. I can never imagine that! It was a struggle initially, but it was quite easy for me to fit in and settle down, and now I am honestly feeling a bit bored. I am hungry for more! I need brain work and challenge!

Still, I have not actively looked for any post because I was holding on to next year when I get my bonus and incentive before deciding whether to move. Yet now, when I am not really looking for a job, suddenly I got headhunted. Besides the recent interview I went to, today two more headhunters called me. These are for jobs in Multi National Corporations and large statutory boards, even foreign offshore banks, places with more global exposures, better remuneration packages and definitely bigger bonuses. Not to mention better fringe benefits as well.

I can never believe my luck! All of a sudden, I seem “wanted” everywhere! I seriously wonder how in the world they know of my existence and updated resume! But I told them I need to consider before reverting. It is also strange that all of a sudden there seem to be more job vacancies. I will think people will hold on to their jobs at this time because it is nearing the bonus period, and plus the economy is going down, so people are more desperate to cling on to their jobs!

Come to think of it, the job market now is pretty unstable. With the restructuring of conglomerates like Merrill Lynch, closing of Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley to follow soon, people have found themselves without a job overnight. So the banking related jobs in recruitment agencies are saturated!

My close friends tell me how come I have become so choosy where jobs and remuneration are concerned, but then, if one is headhunted, one has every right to be choosy. After all, the company asked for you, not the other way round! If I was the one who was desperate for a job, then I cannot afford to be choosy.

But now that I am basically fine with my current post and not really thinking of moving unless a much better opportunity comes along, then I have every right to be choosy! There must be a justification to move. Why should I move if there are no better prospects or pay? Especially since this period of time is where the bonus and incentive come in, so if other companies cannot give me an offer I cannot refuse, then there is no point, right?

Orange Peel!

I saw a pile of orange skins on the bus seat this morning. The thing is, there were quite a number of people at the bus stop, yet no one bothered to move the orange skins and just let it remained there. The peels were taking up part of the seat, so it made sense to just take and throw them away and then leave the seat empty for whoever who wanted! Yet why is it nobody bothered?

So I had to scoop up the skins and threw them into the bin. When I touched the orange peels, they were dry, which means someone peeled and ate an orange at the bus stop yesterday, and left them there on the seat just like that! The trash bin was just behind, so there was absolutely no excuse!

The inconsideration of people really rile me at times! The person who left the skins there is already inconsiderate enough, since the trash bin is just behind the seat! And those who have gone to the bus stop from yesterday to today are equally inconsiderate, as they saw the skins but never bothered to just throw them into the bin, freeing the seat for others!

When I did that, all people did was to stare at me in a funny way as if I was doing something strange. I thought that would be within anyone's rationality to do, is it not? Pick up the peels and throw them into the bin instead of letting it stay on the seat and obstructing those who wanted to sit! Was what I did really that unorthodox? Then people here really need an intensive lesson in basic manners!

Negotiation At A Phone Interview

I just got off the phone interview with the company, with the Human Resource personnel this time, and I think it was not as smooth-sailing as the face-to-face interview last Friday. I had to answer questions on why am I intending to move, what kind of superiors do I prefer to work with, what are my strengths and weaknesses.

I am never the kind to "self-promote", so I was a bit stumped for words on certain parts. I always believe in being responsible to what you say. Thus if I say I am this and this, I better ensure I can pull it through. If I am not confident of pulling it through, I rather not say anything. Besides, whatever I am, others can make their own conclusions without me saying anything.

Then came the salary negotiation part. Ah.... so that was the whole purpose of this call. My headhunter was the one who pushed for the amount, and after the first phone interview, the company had no qualms with it. When I was asked to go for the face-to-face interview, my headhunter said the remuneration package was approved.

Now, I was told it is a bit high. I should have known! Which company is willing to give so much more from what one was originally earning? The thing is, if the remuneration was not approved in the first place, then should not have given me high hopes, right? Now I was told because of the market situation, things are going to go downhill, thus such a significant increase is not feasible.

So I said, if I am to move now and my remuneration is not going to be much of a difference from what I am getting, then I find it hard to convince myself to move at this time, because I will be forfeiting my bonus and incentives from my current company. The guy said he understands where I am coming from and proceeded to tell me about the exposure the company can give.

I said I am all for moving to a more global role, as I would like more international exposure. With this, I can add value to whatever work experience I have, and get to learn more things at the same time. Besides, going to a new industry spells new challenge, and I like more challenges in my work.

Finally, he told me to provide him two professional references which he can ask about my work, so I provided him the contact of my former Head and former Counsel. These are the two whom I could get along the most, more as friends than actual supervisor-supervisee roles.

He told me it is a Contract job, leading to a permanent position once the headcount is approved, as they, too, do not want someone to come in for just a few months and leave. Rather, they want someone who can be there on a long-term basis, so I said I am fine with that (keeping my fingers crossed the headcount gets approved!). He ended by saying that if they are not able to match the amount I (or rather, my headhunter) asked for, they will weave it into other fringe benefits along the way.

So I guess at the end of the day, if I get the job, I believe there will still be a bit of an increase in remuneration. Well, I shall just see where it goes from here! It is time to change to a new environment, as I really find myself stagnating already!

Harrassed To Death?

I was so pissed yesterday! As you know, I spent the day in a hospital. Saturday was the deadline for my monthly instalment, and due to exigencies, I was not able to make the payment by Saturday. I admit, I did not take emergencies into account. Due to the rapid downfall of the world's financial markets, I have no doubts the banks here are panicking in the event of a run, so they are more vigilant on regular payments. Thus I kind of expect a call anytime.

But they could wait until Saturday night, or Sunday, or even today to contact me right? Okay, they were just worried that I may disappear and default payment, but still, they did not need to call me first thing on Saturday morning when the deadline was on Saturday! The least they could do was to wait until the end of the day!

Okay, so even if they were mighty worried about me defaulting payment and needed to call, they did not need to keep hounding! I could not use my phone in the hospital at all! There was a drip hooked to a machine! What if something happened?

As a result, I received six missed calls in an hour! I kept rejecting the calls for obvious reason (not to tamper with medical equipment, not because I deliberately wanted to avoid the calls), but these people will not let it lie until they get the person! There must be a reason why the person cannot answer the call, right? Does keep hounding and calling going to make any difference?

When the seventh call came, I decided to just answer and tell them where I am, and said I could not talk. I figured if I still did not answer, they would probably call my home and make my already distraught parents more frantic with worry. So I answered and said, "Sorry, I am in a hospital now, it is inconvenient to talk."

Any sane person would get that right? Do you know what that fellow on the other line said? "I have been trying to reach you the whole morning! I do not care where you are, I need to talk to you urgently!" Now, that really, really riled me!

I was so pissed at that attitude! Yes, I know you are doing your job, yes, I know you are being paid to harrass people, but for goodness sake, I was in a hospital, is your "urgent" message any more important than a matter of life and death? If the drip machine got all cranky because of me using the phone, was anyone going to be responsible?

I really blasted at that fellow. I said, "Someone is on the drip here. Is it so important you need to talk to me right now? Are you going to be responsible if a life is lost? Any amount of money I pay you is not going to replace a life!"

I think the fellow knew a big blunder had been committed, so had no choice but to apologise. But honestly, do banks train their staff to be totally heartless, irregardless of situation and circumstances? I am totally disgusted with how they work! I really feel like writing into the Forum to blast at these people!

Waste Of A Day ....

I cannot believe I had to spend the whole Saturday in a hospital! What a waste of the day! I can never stand being in a hospital! The sight of needles frighten me, and the thought of an injection will freak me out! Not to mention the trauma of two years ago....

Just as well I happened to be free, so I could just stay there and not do anything, save for some napping, reading and brain work (read : Sudoku and Puzzles). Actually, it is more tiring not doing anything and going anywhere, than actually doing something and going places. What a day! Thank goodness I could come home at night and sleep back in my own bed!

From this experience, I have concluded that I can never be a doctor or a nurse! I can never understand the different kinds of medicine, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and the operation of the various machinery, the drip and the blood pressure machine. Just as well I am more of a right-brainer and more Arts-inclined than a scientific person! The irony is that if I ever move, my new company is in the healthcare line. Time to learn and cover new ground!

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Mini Gourmet Feast ....

It had been some time since I last pottered around the kitchen, so when I was invited to a mini gathering of sorts last night, I offered to bring food. I prepared fried chicken wings, fish bits, vermicelli (again!) and cheese crackers for dessert to go with the French white wine which my friend is bringing along.

I started with the chicken marinade. It is actually quite easy to marinade the chicken wings as they would be deep fried anyway, so all I did was to add light soya sauce, powder spices, chopped garlic and onions to get the flavour, and then soak the chicken wings thoroughly into the marinade. Leave on for at least half an hour or so.

Powder for the chicken marinade

Marinated Chicken Wings

When the chicken wings were ready to be fried, I had to get ready the flour. By right, corn flour or chicken frying flour should be used, but since I only have self-raising flour at home, I had to make do with that. Each wing has to be thoroughly covered with flour before it could be fried. In order to let the flour stick to the wing, the wing had to be dipped in a beaten egg first.

Dip the chicken wing into the beaten egg

Cover it thoroughly with flour

Pre-fried Chicken Wings

One thing about deep frying is the amount of oil to be used. By right, the oil should take up at least half the wok, as the wing has to be totally submerged in the oil. That is why deep frying is never a healthy option!

Amount of oil used to deep fry chicken wings

The first batch of fried chicken wings

Next, I fried fish bits. That was easier as all I had to do was to spread breadcrumbs over the fish bits, then dip it in the oil and within five minutes, it was done!

Fried Fish Bits

The completed chicken wings and fish bits

Next, I cooked vermicelli. Those who have been keeping up will know this was not the first time I cooked vermicelli. I cooked it again because it is easy to prepare and practical enough to being to a gathering.

Fried Vermicelli (completed)

Finally, for dessert, I wanted to make canapes - crackers with cheese and a piece of grape on top. However, I did not have enough grapes, and if I used up those I had, my mum would kill me, so in the end I made cheese crackers instead.

I used three different kinds of cheese - Australian Mild Cheddar, French Brie and Blue Cheese. I cut the cheese into square bits, put a piece onto a cracker and covered it up with another cracker, and that was it!

Cheese Crackers

At least those who ate commented the food was good, so it was an achievement indeed! Luckily no one fell sick! Come to think of it, I kind of miss pottering around the kitchen. I should do it more often from now on!