It’s Not a Goodbye, It’s Au Revoir

Finally, my position with operations has come to an end. I didn’t cry! It’s not a sad thing, I feel. I received farewell gifts, bunch of well wishes and pending lunch dates. I am glad that I have left good impression on people.

On top of farewell gifts, I wrote a letter…. To thank them for being part of my journey in operations. It was reminiscing with lots of memories created with them. Although there might be good and bad days, but we have made it through, especially during this pandemic. I am glad to see everyone is doing well, or even better!

I am bidding a not-goodbye goodbye, wishing everyone good health and stay happy always.

And now, I just want to enjoy my 11 days break before a new chapter begins.

Bonne Nuit~ (in prep for French class tomorrow)

Finally!

Kick start July with bunch of good news! And yes, I have been smiling a lot since day 1 of July hehe.

Finally, gotten both vaccine appointments. Have been spamming registration link for God knows how many times since March, as if I am snatching concert tickets online. I am little nervous mainly due to needle instead of possible side effects lol. Let’s see if I am fine tomorrow cause my appointment is scheduled later tonight.

Finally, gotten my salary increment. I told myself to be calm, not to have high hope or so, so that I won’t be upset just in case I didn’t get what I expect. But, it turned out to be better than what I thought especially in time of pandemic, in difficult times like this. For that, I am truly grateful.

Finally, my turn to bid farewell… soon. Counting down 5 more working days! Someone sends me flowers please haha! Few colleagues of mine just left continuously since 3 weeks ago. I am no longer feeling emotional, mainly I accept the fact that we are moving on for better places, better opportunities. Can’t wait to give out farewell gifts to my colleagues next week! I love giving out things, or buy people stuff, that’s why I love Christmas season so much. Choosing gifts, wrapping presents and writing messages!

Finally, got in contact with a friend from India whom I am very close with. A guy friend who reads my mind… I am not sure if he simply knows me well or pretty understand women haha! He has plenty of female cousins and all his siblings are girls too~ He gonna roll his eyeballs if he sees this haha! I ever called him a womanizer cause he is really popular among girls hmm. Though his advices can be brutally honest at times, but I guess that’s what one wishes for right- not being fluffed. Looking forward to meet him in person someday!

Finally! Finally! Finally! It’s the second half of the year, though it has not been smooth sailing since day 1 of 2021. I laughed a lot, cried a lot, and mostly grow a lot. I am a little proud of myself where I have been looking after my mental health since circuit breaker… It is very important I feel, and hope I could help others if I can…

Side track a little, my little brother just had his convocation online, graduated with honors. Very happy for him indeed, one more person to pamper me with all the good food etc. instead of me paying for his meals sometimes. He won’t be seeing my posts anyways. *evil grin* He has just gotten second interview from a listed company next week, let’s pray for him! You should see how happy were my parents few days ago! Even the youngest kid in da house is done with his tertiary education. Woohoo!

I gonna have one week break before start working again. Pretty excited cause I have planned plenty of activities for myself apart from studying, like staycation, volunteer work, Business French classes, blood donation (not sure if I still can after jabbing), change spectacles, clothes donation… Not to mention, I have 13 new books to read too. Let’s make this break a fruitful one! πŸ™‚

Wearing Lesser Makeup But I’m Lovin’ It

Prolly due to Covid-19 with lesser social activities, I rarely wear make up nowadays, but I am lovin’ it. Though I occasionally miss those events where I can dress up, meet new people, have fun drinking with friends etc., but well, I wouldn’t mind being barefaced at times, in fact most of the time now. I realized the more I grow, the higher the self acceptance I have.

Have been busy catching up with family, friends and even ex/ current colleagues. Some updates like: my brother got a job offer, but he still has few more interviews next week. So, he gonna attend them before deciding which to accept. Hopefully everything got settled down sooner, so that my parents have lesser things to worry for.

Went for dinner with my ex-intern, my very first intern whom I trained at work, still one of my favorite interns till date. She even picked me up from work to have dinner together, and drove me home thereafter. Such a big girl right now! I am glad she is doing well in life while juggling work and study at the same time. She is a very thoughtful girl, hope she has all the good luck in life, embarking on the journey towards her goals.

Video called le best friends in both Australia and Malaysia past few days. Had a few good laugh, and miss those moment we had during our annual trip together… Definitely looking forward for the day we meet each other, not to mention, we gonna have video call altogether later tonight. Can’t wait!

My farewell gifts for colleagues have arrived after my draft on “farewell speeches”. Counting down less than 2 weeks, and hopefully I will not shamefully cry in the office on my last day. Just settled my best friend’s birthday gift, to be delivered in few days. She is a lazy ass in cooking, so yeah, I hope the kitchen appliance that I bought will cut down her microwave meals.

Last week of June, last moment to enjoy before term 2 is approaching. Hence, the multiple game nights with friend. Just completed a game yesterday which we spent almost 12-13 hours playing (so proud of myself)! My plan is to start studying from July onwards before my first video conference lecture, so that I am able to somehow understand when lecturer shares information on presentation slides. I have pretty prepped myself that between July to September gonna be tough as f***, especially juggling studies while adapting new environment at work. Let’s not worry so much but hope for the best!

Alright, rushing off to have my favorite ramen in town and Cha Cha Dance lesson (yes, just resumed this week WOOHOO!) I am totally feeling excited about it even though I have forgotten much routine.

Ps. Despite no longer having parties over weekends, no more being a vain pot, I am really happy to be me. I am not perfect, I made mistakes, but I am being true to people and myself. I don’t try to be what I am not, and I don’t try to impress anyone. I see it from how people congratulate and wish me all the best about my internal transfer. I am definitely one lucky girl! πŸ™‚

Nothing Lasts

A star has fallen.

He left few days ago.

She is leaving in 2 weeks’ time.

I am leaving in less than a month.

“Cause in my mind, nothing lasts…” From a song I have been listening recently…

A high school junior of mine just passed away few weeks ago due to cancer. He used to represent our school, district, state for Chinese Martial Arts competitions. I came across his posts in Facebook one day, knowing he was suffering and finally not anymore. He has been surrounded by his loving family, friends and devoted girlfriend till his last breath. Let’s send prayers to him and his family. May he rest in peace and free from all the pain. God will comfort his family during this sad and difficult time.

Few colleagues of mine are leaving and soon would be mine too. I have finally decided on farewell gifts and messages. Something I find meaningful and permanent. One month ago, I started prepping myself before all the crying, bidding goodbyes, leaving a place with many familiar faces. Adulting huh… I am a person who is emotionally invested. It might take me awhile to adjust from missing them even more everyday. So yeah…

I called my parents early in the morning today. I will be missing father’s day this year again, so I bought them some tonic and supplements. I love how my parents occupy themselves experimenting new dishes, pastries at home. We learn to make new dishes during lockdown, so that we can cook for you when you are back someday, they said. Actually, I am doing the same thing in Singapore, exploring new recipes, so that I can return the favor when I am back home someday.

My little brother finally graduated from university. A burden off my parents’ shoulders. One of the greatest gifts for Father’s Day, my dad said. Upon calling my dad, I noticed he got older, for a moment, my heart ached a little. I sometimes question myself for being able to work overseas, but leaving my parents behind. Am I doing the right thing now? Will I regret in future that I did not spend enough time with them? It makes me ponder sometimes to quit everything and go back to my parents’ arms…

The other day, my friend asked me have I ever wonder a day without them (my parents) in future… My eyes were already filling with tears before I can speak a word. A deadlock I had no courage to think of, that this day may come. I am not sure I can “survive” without them one day especially if I am still single. I would be all alone by myself, nobody else to call when I have bad days, no one to share when I have good news. I might lose the purpose to live, I feel. Idk. I guess it’s the time of month.

How I wish I can ask my parents to join me staying overseas or just frequent visits, so that I am able to see them, timely update them all the events I have. I am still working hard for it. A main goal I would want to achieve, even if I am married one day. So that, they can see me often, feed us with good food and shower their grandchildren with love.

Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.

W. Somerset Maugham

Busier Than Ever

Finally back to work after a short break. And yes, I am done and dusted with 1st module assignment. Self declared semester break, woohoo!! I am secretly planning for another staycation to reward myself already. πŸ™‚

Apparently, quite a number of people know I will be transferring to new team in less than 2 months. I was not ready to share the news, not this fast. I didn’t expect it as I initially wanted to share the news maybe like less than 2 weeks before I leave. But oh well…

Nevertheless I have been receiving encouraging words from fellow colleagues and supervisors. Many of them are sad that I am leaving, but happy for my career prospect. Some offers to meet up for lunch (I will be stationing at new office); some even says keep in touch, stay safe and wish me all the best. I am touched to be honest, despite we might have disagreement at times due to different job functions, I am glad that all ends well. I make friends, and learn a lot.

Nowadays, I am busy conducting training whilst clearing few projects on hand. Doing some handovers, and prepping myself before joining new team! I have been staying overtime but I am thankful that my company allows us to take cab to and fro from office. I am able to rest in the car, power nap sometimes. No need to rush for work, worry about missing trains. I was rushing assignment after work hours earlier this week. Basically, my routine was just work, study and sleep this entire week. Nothing much but definitely energy draining.

Wanted to take few days leaves before stepping into new phase. But there are 3 more people leaving my current team soon, high turnover heh. I try to stay helpful by guiding my cover as much as possible. I once survived by myself before the person I took over left in 8 days. Learnt nothing much but those ignorant attitude from her. I don’t want her (my cover) to encounter the same event I had. It was so rough that I used to cried so much at home or work. To the extent, I wanted to quit my job so badly, even within probation. She has been struggling but I am glad that she asks a lot of questions, so that I am able to clarify or give comments if need.

Singapore Phase 2 lockdown is ending next week, and I seriously can’t wait for it! I miss dining in in those fancy restaurants, eating hot cooked food unlike takeaway food now, unless I cook at home. Cooking is fun but washing dishes is meh for me. I always hate doing dishes, that’s why I usually cook simple food. I don’t mind cooking crΓ¨me de la crΓ¨me dishes if someone offers to do the dishes, kidding!

Next week will be war again, but as usual, always hope for the best. Maybe I can read some books, get some meditation and have jujube tea break. And now, where should I stay for coming weekends heh….

Mid Year Review: Bullet Journal

What I’m Proud of:

  • Completing my reading goal (one book per month at least)
  • Successful internal transfer attempt
  • Gold award nomination (can’t wait for the results!)
  • Writing weekly journal consistently
  • Blood & monetary donation
  • Pursue advanced certificate in regulatory compliance

Favorite Memories:

  • Oyster Shucking workshop (with wine pairing)
  • Chinese New Year gathering (and red packets hehe)
  • Cha Cha lessons
  • Good Italian food (le favorite cuisine)
  • Staycation

Things I Can Improve:

  • Cutting down on social media
  • Less procrastination
  • Express more with words
  • Eat clean x more exercise hmm (I blame Foodpanda and lockdown, kidding!)
  • Go green, less plastics

Experience to look forward:

  • Axe throwing
  • Cruise vacation
  • Shift house (I always wanted a space where I can cook freely)
  • Rock Climbing/ wakeboarding (either is fine)

Few more days to June, I hope everyone is safe and well in the midst of pandemic. It’s tough but I am sure we can make it through.

Everything Happens for a Reason

Can I just say I aced the interview, hehe! Yup, I got the job. Everything happened in blink of an eye. I was preparing Q&A and rehearsing role play at home last weekends, and here I am, changing team in 2 months’ time. Well, everything I prepared was not really in use during the interview, it was more like pop quizzes, but I made it. I told myself, it’s a show hand. A go big or go home moment.

It’s all about “showing” what I learnt in 3 years working in the bank, “selling” myself during the interview. Had video call with both assistant vice president and senior vice president. It was a total different game as compared to the interview I had 3 years ago, but I got to answer all questions smoothly.

To be honest, I was quite shocked cause never had I thought I can perform well. I don’t think I am able to ace it if I have not had enough experience I would say. My new job actually requires me to have 3-4 years of relevant experience, and the advanced certificate I am studying right now actually serves much brownie point too! I brought up past experience as well as skills I have, to be able to excel in the job; some room of improvements where I am lacking. I am quite open in knowing my weaknesses and happy to work on them.

I will be on leave till next month, so I guess that’s why HR decided to have a quick call with me to check in if I have any concerns after hearing expectations from both VPs. Everything is within my expectations actually, I told her, given I have done some research beforehand. After HR interview yesterday, we are glad to proceed for this internal transfer application. What a good news before my Kit Kat break (I mean my study break) !

What I learnt in work places over the past 5 years is the main reason in molding me for who I am now. Having to work in events firm, I got to learn communication skills in writing emails, getting buy-in from bosses and so. Working in a bank, I learnt a lot of interpersonal skills, crisis management skills as well as presentation skills. I am able to liaise with executives, peers and cross teams at ease.

It’s about time to make a move, moving closer towards my dream. I feel so powerful honestly, knowing what I want to achieve. I have no fear I feel, like there’s nothing gonna stop me despite any challenges. I will never give up, and continue to press through if I failed this interview, I thought. True enough, my wish comes true.

Till date, I am not feeling that excited about it. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for the outcome. I just don’t wanna get high hopes but taking baby steps to achieve what I want. I often get too excited or too upset when something happened, used to. It hurts so bad if I can’t get something I want; on the contrary, I will feel the ego in me when I get something I thought I deserve.

Nevertheless, cross out another item from my resolutions this year! Everything happens for a reason, I guess.

Ps. Congratulations to me !! No one knows about this news yet aside my family. So shush !!

A Little Bit of This And That

Guess what?! I got an interview! I was so excited and kinda nervous at the same time. Well, I would say more joy than being anxious definitely. I feel like I am one step closer to my dream! πŸ™‚

I was scrolling my mailbox the other day, and got this email notification an hour before I left for the day- saying I am scheduled for an interview next week ! I couldn’t believe it cause it came when I least expected it. It’s a long weekend this week due to Raya (Malay’s New Year). I am supposed to work on my assignment, ugh the 2500 words essay which I have long way to go. It’s the perfect timing to prepare my interview questions, I thought.

God knows best!

It has been a while since I did preparation for an interview. Did some research, relook at what I have done for the past few years, scribble and more scribble… I don’t wanna take things for granted, I am going big or going home, I told myself. Okay, let’s just say I am longing for this job opportunity for quite awhile, so I want to make it happen!

I penned down some Q&A, rehearsed them, and even asked my best friend for help! She was very helpful that she actually asked me to forward her my Q&A, so that she could give some comments. She reverted me close to 2am…. I did some changes right after I woke up today, before having breakfast, ha! Start rehearsing already…

I cooked over the weekends as Govt just announced a mini lockdown here in Singapore. No more dine-in, classes cancelled (my Cha Cha class 😦 ) etc. But oh well, since I am an introvert, just in time to finish few books that I bought earlier, I guess.

May is a busy month, I was busy helping my little brother with his job hunting. Asking around if there is any job opportunities, cause Covid-19 has been a bitch and many people out there have actually lost their jobs. I am grateful that I am still holding on (my job, a roof over head). Guided him to get some resume photoshoot, and tap on few job portals for more information. Whereas me, more on assignment and internal transfer preparation…

Anything worthwhile is never easy. Not to mention, I just rejected an offer from my ex team lead. He asked me if I would like to join his team again, grooming me to be his successor in office. He is one of the main reasons why I am working in banking sector. He is a daddy figure at work, used to, even though he is just 12 years older than myself. After much consideration, I turned it down. He respected my decision, understand I am working on my career goals too. I thanked him for taking me into consideration, and wish him all the best in finding suitable candidates.

Fast forward, it is coming to an end this week. I am so looking forward for the day I have my interview. I am no longer a newbie, all I need to do is to have faith in myself. I front executives in meetings and projects, I am prepared with those rehearsals. I know I can make it ! Let’s do this! Good luck, me! ✽

Mama

Never stop believing, she said

Never settle for less, she said

Never chase after guys, she said

Strive for financial independence instead

Work hard for your passion instead

Love yourself more instead

She taught me girls are no less than boys. We can chase dreams, drive success and feel strong. To be a warrior instead of delicate princess. I am who I am today.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in the world, and of course my Mama!

Unexpected Conversations with Gorgeous Souls

I was in bad shape earlier despite trying to be okay, so He decided to send people to me. Few friends of mine were checking on me at the same time. I knew I was struggling but I thought well, time heals everything right. I lied to my parents I am doing fine at work, in life, with studies. White lies huh. I never wanted my parents to worry.


FRIEND ONE- J

J texted me another day when I was going for Cha Cha class. It has been a while since we last chatted, so he asked me how I have been lately. I am working hard in the day, catching up with assignments during weekends and back to my dance class recently, I said. He shared his new job in Grant Thornton, doing finance advisory consulting right now. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier for him when he told me the news. He was pursuing professional papers after quitting his job. I recalled when he told me he started dating a girl out of nowhere. I laughed on the inside. We talked about travelling again etc. I must say he is a pretty good tour guide. Had a pleasant experience when I was in UK. Told him few places that I would wish to go, and he did all the planning when I visited him few years back.

“Thanks for checking in because I would never take initiatives to check in or ask around despite I very much want to hear from you….” I mean it.

“Happy to do so! Really glad to hear you are doing well over there!” he reassured.

I must be someone he matters whom he wanted to share news with, I thought. Well, he doesn’t need to do it if he doesn’t feel like it right. But, I am glad he did. He is one of those friends whom I might not keep in contact often, but someone I really treasure a lot.

FRIEND TWO- V

All begins when I knew V was staying up late study for her actuarial paper. Told her to get some rest after revision. Brain works better if it gets its rest too, I said. She told me it is an open book test. We had couple of calls recently, sharing about our work. She is a smart girl, I never worried about her. Shared my blog with her about long distance friendships, dedicating to our friendships. Pretty much how I felt inside deeply but never be able to put them in words, verbally I mean. It is just physical distance, who cares. You are always in a special place deep down in heart, more precious than W (her boyfriend), she said. I burst out laughing. What I remember the most was when I told her I was in bad struggles earlier, and I felt like a loser.

“Hey, talk to me whenever you need to, okay. Just call me, I will be there for you.” She means it.

I felt so relieved when I knew I can lean on someone at times. Times when I feel vulnerable. She is one of those friends who work so hard that motivate you not to fall behind. She never take things for granted even though she is smart. She inspires me to be a better person myself.

She wrote me an e-book during last birthday. A book about me.

“I probably have not told you this, but one thing I want you to always know is you are always truthful to yourself and friends. Keep it up and there it molds the real you!”

To think again, I never asked her how she feels about me being in 13 years of friendships. It really caught me off guard when she told me how precious I am being her friend. Always a special place in her heart.

FRIEND THREE- Y

Let’s meet up, Y texted. I thought he wanna share about his new job or a catch up before he leaves his job. Sure, why not? Let’s call E (another friend) for dinner too, it has been awhile since we trio met up for dinners. We usually meet for karaoke other than meals. E couldn’t meet that day, so I suggested to postpone for other day.

“Actually I was worried about you. We can still have dinner without E if you are okay…” What did he know?

I stop sharing my blogs in social media ever since I shifted from Blogspot to WordPress. I used to share how I feel using words to the world; but now I just want to pen down my deepest thought writing out loud regardless. I used to write positive or neutral stuff. But hey, aren’t we human have both positive and negative moment at times too? So, I decided to start writing journals every week. Anything that happens around me, good or bad. I am glad I did.

Writing journals reflects my behaviors and thoughts when something happened.

“Hey, you know, I read your blogs. Hmm, I knew something happened, you can share if you want to….” he murmured.

I told him about it. I am quite open if you ask me, but I am definitely not someone who walks to people when I am suffering. Probably crying to sleep at most nights, then recover, that’s about it. We talked a lot, something he might not know or I might not be aware of… I love meaningful conversation.

I always ask people out to have fun, to gather. I never wanted people to see vulnerable side of me.

“You can ask me out if you want to, not necessary to share only happy stuff…”


I smiled.

Never had I thought that I actually mean so much to my friends, of course vice versa. We encourage each other during good times, have each other back during bad times. Despite being miles away, not keeping in touch often, I guess there’s some things never change.

What more could one ask for.