Every year for the last 4 years of my time here, the month of August prove to be an interesting period.
Its when those whom collected their hefty July Performance Bonus would drop their resignation letter and count down to their freedom.
So far, I know of such 3 surprises from the guys around me. There are a potential few more in the wait. And some of them are indeed big surprises.
These big surprises are those whom appeared ever happy with their work or/and has huge commitment.
Nowadays there is no more such loyalty to the organisation. Each has their own path to explore in and staying firm in ones post, prove to be slow (though stable).
Anyhow with the notice period of 1 month in our contract, I am sure those whom drop letters would be SHOUTING ORD LOH in Sept.
All the best, guys!
Jul 29, 2010
Surprises in Aug
Jul 26, 2010
Rotary Limited Edition Watch
Once again, I found a watch I fancy. This time round, I am into skeletons.
Sad to say though, there aint that many skeleton out there that is affordable and chio at the same time.
The Rotary watch (Swiss made) seen above is a limited edition piece and damnit, there is only 500 pieces worldwide. I am resigned to not being able to get it.
On the contary, the Russian have made a skeleton watch that look pretty decent. I am not sure about trusting the Russian yet. In any case, this is a windup watch and its something I dun have yet.
Jul 22, 2010
Life after death
I was standing in the room. Standing by my Fon Fon Ru's side. She and her family were in deep prayers as her Ah Gong was leaving them that night.
I watched as the heart monitor fluctuated. His gasping of air slow. And before you knew it. Ah Gong has went to a better place.
Tears were heard all around. Withdrawn look were in each eyes. The passing of a beloved figure is too much to bear.
My thoughts were in disarray as well. I never witnessed losing someone right before my eyes. Its not something I hope to be around for, but strangely you know you have to be there.
As I thought this later, I realised I had not been a worthy grandson to my late Maternal Grandfather (Gong Gong) and my late Paternal Grandmother (Mama). I wasnt around when both of them were leaving.
Gong Gong passed on when I was 15. He went off at his home. A cosy setting with my parents and all his children (and some grandchildren) by his side. I wasnt there to send him off and I felt disgusted by this.
Mama passed on just 2 years back. She was hospitalise and went into a coma. I was there on a regular basis and she left in a hush the night after her baptism. I wasnt there for the baptism either.
However whats done cant be undone. I could only repay my gratitude to those who are still around.
Lately, we celebrated my Ah ye (Paternal Grandfather) birthday. He was a joyful old man who kept shaking our hands. I could tell that he is not sure we are his family but he is happy to be among a big crowd of people.
We brought him down to the garden and with a small cake and lighted candle left him with the biggest smile I have seen for a long time. We had wanted to bring him out for dinner as well, but his health could no longer endure the distance and hours.
Nevertheless, we were rejoice to see him smile.
(PS. Kinda pissed off when FIFA insisted Mandela to attend the World Cup finals)
Jul 14, 2010
Jul 13, 2010
Jul 10, 2010
Expendables
This is what Hollywood should have done for years now. Put them all together in 1 movie.
Stallone + Jet Li + Statham + Lundgren + Willis + Schwarzenegger
Its interesting to see how much they have maintain and no sagging muscles yet
Jul 8, 2010
Thunderbolt watch
Some watches are just too exclusive to own one. This cost 158K USD and I wonder if a cheap knock off could copy the design and get rid of 3 zeros.
Jul 6, 2010
Jul 5, 2010
Trying to swim but cant
It was my first trip to the dead sea and it was a memorable event.
The sun was scourging hot at 38 deg C. The sand was perhaps closer to 80 deg C. And after sweating the whole morning under the sun visiting a sandy palace, we couldnt be more glad to see the beach.
Well sorta...
We arrived at the dead sea with plenty of expectation. Wanted to try the buoyancy of the water the lowest point on earth. It said that no one can sink there. And true enough. The heaviest of us found that he could just float away.
The mud is reputed for its natural minerals and health benefits. Which is why we decided to Camo ourselves from top to toe. PS. its quite odd for 3 guys to help each other rubbed one another backs with the mud.
Anyhow, an interesting and painful lesson was learned here. One of my party (not the 3) came to the beach without proper footwear. As such he bravely ran to the showering point to soak himself first. The distance from our bags to it was abt 20 metre.
As the sun was hot, he had a hell of a time walking there. And when he reached, he was happy to have met with the cold shower. However the walk to the sea was abt 40 metres. And he bravely (stupidly) ran all the way thru.
I wore my slippers and took it off just 2 steps before entering the water. The heat alone was unbearable and I literally jumped into the sea. Now can you imagine the distance he walked and the pain he bear.
Upon soaking into the cooling waters, he felt blistering pain on his feet. The next thing he knew, he found that his sores had blistered. With the highest salt content surrounding him, he was in another level of pain.
This drives him to run out of the water and back onto the teppanyaki sands.
I should have taken a pic of those feet. It was a bloody sight. Something I would always remember whenever I go to the beach.
Oh and here's a shout out to that cool dude with the DSLR whom took our pics. Appreciated you sending us the link.
Jul 2, 2010
The rating
Every year you entered into a dark room and await the big boss long speech. He would talk about the big picture before zeroing into your performance. After which you either get a big hand shake or a small pat on the back.
I kinda anticipate that I wont be getting a promotion this year. After all, my previous year rating was average. Never did I suspect, I have gotten the same rating once more. It baffles me and got me wondering on effort != reward.
I spoken to a few colleagues about theirs. Each has differ opinion on how the system works. It seems that there is one common agreement.
You get a prolific project to run, you would be assure of a better rating.
Anyhow, I aint going to be thinking about this bullshit after this post.
Will get back on my feet and back to work. And once my big day has elapsed next year, I be happy to drop a letter and leave.
