i thought my tolerance was somewhat high but guess i overrated myself. i dont rememeber getting so pissed by mere remarks. but those comments struck the bull's eye.
when someone took up the courage for a controversial attempt to portray who he calls himself, the very least he expects are the reckless assumptions and mockery from the friends he really love.
he thought they'll understand.
that's what he thought..
Aug 18, 2009
Aug 13, 2009
happened to bump into mr lau today, who used to be my civics/physics tutor during first three months in jc. had a thought-provoking conversation going on.
he gave advice on several concerns such as the need to plan for the future, the importance of identifying the values to uphold as an educational officer in future, the necessity for competency when it comes to academic achievements etc.
in addition there was one striking takeaway - when things get too easy to come by, they tend to be taken for granted. this is a notable phenomenon but i doubt many take it seriously.
his mentality and wisdom simply slapped me to shame. felt so inferior compared to him. guess it's time to start thinking..
he gave advice on several concerns such as the need to plan for the future, the importance of identifying the values to uphold as an educational officer in future, the necessity for competency when it comes to academic achievements etc.
in addition there was one striking takeaway - when things get too easy to come by, they tend to be taken for granted. this is a notable phenomenon but i doubt many take it seriously.
his mentality and wisdom simply slapped me to shame. felt so inferior compared to him. guess it's time to start thinking..
Jul 28, 2009
guess this is it. time to let go. time to take a break.
knew this day would come. the day unscrupulous politics wipe me out. but didnt expect it to betide so dramatically.
looking back. sometimes i wonder if i've done a good job. as an employee i had my rebellious moments. not for the sake of defiance but for reasons appertaining to rationality. as a shift manager i failed to fight for what was meritorious of my colleagues. i had discontentment over the fact that part-timers get paid according to schedule rather than their punch-cards. there were several occasions they had to work beyond their stipulated slots and no form of compensation was made. but there's nothing i could do knowing the management is guided by expediency rather than principle. forgive me.
nonetheless there's so much recollection i'll hold in fond remembrance. such as the busy and clumsy shifts at liang court. the constant strife for a record-breaking sales at marina square. the customer who bought me a chicken pie from hans after knowing it's my favourite in a casual conversation. the random photo-taking with foreigners from the philippines at the kiosk. the stalker (you know who i'm referring to. it can only be him). the malay lady who said i look like super junior and asked me to sing sorry sorry! she even called me darling! there's actually much more ruminating bits and pieces of memories. and when i say the past few months were the happiest part of my life. it's not just a cursory remark. it really was. for personal and practical reasons i confided in the few trusted souls.
and here's the list of people who played a part -
hayvis - honestly i didnt have a good impression of you when i saw u for the very first time. u had the aura of 'dont u dare to come near me'! coz u had that very serious look on ur face back then. haha. but it was so fun running the ms outlet with u. love the way u work and the working culture u brought over. and thanks for appreciating what i've done. looking forward to seeing ur statue of liberty masterpiece!
derek - same as hayvis. i didnt have a good first impression of u either. my initial instinct was that ur working style will be hell of a difference as mine. that u'll always go by the book follow the rules etc. but lucky it wasnt really the case. glad to have the chance to work with u. though we had conflicting views once in a while. it's always good we sort things out in the end. hope i've been a satisfactory assistant all these while! and thanks for everythg!
ritz - i rmbed the first day we met we cliqued so well! it was freaking fun working with u and i missed those days. plus the memorable moments we shared such as the night we spent talking about ghosts and personal encounters with hayvis. that was spooky. and i really wanna thank you. u inspired me to be myself. u know what i mean. and that was a turning point for me. i owe it to u.
kathy - 我会记住和你一起工作的快乐，以及分享过的时光。你往往会为我打抱不平，我真的很感动。我从你身上学到了不少道理与知识，在此想说声 thanks-sa-lot! 不要想我！有空会下去找你。看到了吗？找你！你而已！haha!
jason - my bro and my working buddy! as well as my personal listening ear. haha. it's juz so nice working with u. u had the capability of making the environment so fun BY TEASING ME! haha. glad to have known u. for the many reasons. and thanks for all the care and concern, for helping out here and there, for being so accepting... really appreciate. cant thank u enough.
shuting - the one who always make me feel bad by making the place sparkling clean right after i mess up the place while practising latte art. haha. and u are so funny. coz u're always lost in ur own lala land. haha. enjoyed all the chitchats we had esp on the topic regarding beauty. and i realised we have common consensus on several issues. that's cool. not forgetting the nail polish u gave me. thanks so much!
gladys - the one who's always tired. and full of funky gadgets! such as the blue softtoy on ur handphone strap with the big big eyes which i like to squeeze. haha. was enjoyable working with u. and i rmb we crapped alot to pass time. it was fun.
bill - thanks for being so nice when i started off as a crew at liang court. u dont mind changing the schedule even if it's a late request, u are friendly and approachable etc. thanks again.
amelia - it's been hard on u ya. for tolerating all the rumours back then. and u are so funny when u complain about somethg. i think. haha. thanks for the time we had back in liang court. appreciate it alot.
lyon - the one who always request for hot water when i offer to make a drink for him. why hot water? it's tasteless! anw i liked working with u at liang court sia. i rmb we had alot to talk about. and thanks for organising the little meetups. taking photos with u is freaking fun too. coz we dare to 'unglamify' ourselves to take photos i call classic.
joyce - u're the first person i saw when i went for interview at trung nguyen. i think. u were so willing to teach when i first went in. and i learned a lot from u back then. that's nice of u. thanks.
remarks - this is the first time i write somethg like this sia. but i think u pple deserve more than these few words. 'time to let go' - easier said than done actually. oh well. i'll see u all ard. will be dropping by ms fairly often.
knew this day would come. the day unscrupulous politics wipe me out. but didnt expect it to betide so dramatically.
looking back. sometimes i wonder if i've done a good job. as an employee i had my rebellious moments. not for the sake of defiance but for reasons appertaining to rationality. as a shift manager i failed to fight for what was meritorious of my colleagues. i had discontentment over the fact that part-timers get paid according to schedule rather than their punch-cards. there were several occasions they had to work beyond their stipulated slots and no form of compensation was made. but there's nothing i could do knowing the management is guided by expediency rather than principle. forgive me.
nonetheless there's so much recollection i'll hold in fond remembrance. such as the busy and clumsy shifts at liang court. the constant strife for a record-breaking sales at marina square. the customer who bought me a chicken pie from hans after knowing it's my favourite in a casual conversation. the random photo-taking with foreigners from the philippines at the kiosk. the stalker (you know who i'm referring to. it can only be him). the malay lady who said i look like super junior and asked me to sing sorry sorry! she even called me darling! there's actually much more ruminating bits and pieces of memories. and when i say the past few months were the happiest part of my life. it's not just a cursory remark. it really was. for personal and practical reasons i confided in the few trusted souls.
and here's the list of people who played a part -
hayvis - honestly i didnt have a good impression of you when i saw u for the very first time. u had the aura of 'dont u dare to come near me'! coz u had that very serious look on ur face back then. haha. but it was so fun running the ms outlet with u. love the way u work and the working culture u brought over. and thanks for appreciating what i've done. looking forward to seeing ur statue of liberty masterpiece!
derek - same as hayvis. i didnt have a good first impression of u either. my initial instinct was that ur working style will be hell of a difference as mine. that u'll always go by the book follow the rules etc. but lucky it wasnt really the case. glad to have the chance to work with u. though we had conflicting views once in a while. it's always good we sort things out in the end. hope i've been a satisfactory assistant all these while! and thanks for everythg!
ritz - i rmbed the first day we met we cliqued so well! it was freaking fun working with u and i missed those days. plus the memorable moments we shared such as the night we spent talking about ghosts and personal encounters with hayvis. that was spooky. and i really wanna thank you. u inspired me to be myself. u know what i mean. and that was a turning point for me. i owe it to u.
kathy - 我会记住和你一起工作的快乐，以及分享过的时光。你往往会为我打抱不平，我真的很感动。我从你身上学到了不少道理与知识，在此想说声 thanks-sa-lot! 不要想我！有空会下去找你。看到了吗？找你！你而已！haha!
jason - my bro and my working buddy! as well as my personal listening ear. haha. it's juz so nice working with u. u had the capability of making the environment so fun BY TEASING ME! haha. glad to have known u. for the many reasons. and thanks for all the care and concern, for helping out here and there, for being so accepting... really appreciate. cant thank u enough.
shuting - the one who always make me feel bad by making the place sparkling clean right after i mess up the place while practising latte art. haha. and u are so funny. coz u're always lost in ur own lala land. haha. enjoyed all the chitchats we had esp on the topic regarding beauty. and i realised we have common consensus on several issues. that's cool. not forgetting the nail polish u gave me. thanks so much!
gladys - the one who's always tired. and full of funky gadgets! such as the blue softtoy on ur handphone strap with the big big eyes which i like to squeeze. haha. was enjoyable working with u. and i rmb we crapped alot to pass time. it was fun.
bill - thanks for being so nice when i started off as a crew at liang court. u dont mind changing the schedule even if it's a late request, u are friendly and approachable etc. thanks again.
amelia - it's been hard on u ya. for tolerating all the rumours back then. and u are so funny when u complain about somethg. i think. haha. thanks for the time we had back in liang court. appreciate it alot.
lyon - the one who always request for hot water when i offer to make a drink for him. why hot water? it's tasteless! anw i liked working with u at liang court sia. i rmb we had alot to talk about. and thanks for organising the little meetups. taking photos with u is freaking fun too. coz we dare to 'unglamify' ourselves to take photos i call classic.
joyce - u're the first person i saw when i went for interview at trung nguyen. i think. u were so willing to teach when i first went in. and i learned a lot from u back then. that's nice of u. thanks.
remarks - this is the first time i write somethg like this sia. but i think u pple deserve more than these few words. 'time to let go' - easier said than done actually. oh well. i'll see u all ard. will be dropping by ms fairly often.
Jun 1, 2009
came upon this quiz 'what kind of mask do you wear?' on facebook. i was astounded by the accuracy and simply delighted with the choice of words. it seems to sum up the conspicuous, the unpretentious as well as the inexpressible elements in me. astonishing!
Your mask is purity. You are always trying to be true to yourself. You don't care what others think is right or wrong, you always use your own judgment to decide. You often ignore the millions of rules people are trying to place on the way you should live your life, because you know they are meaningless and that you are a good person. Your intentions are usually pure, whether it's wanting to do something nice for someone, or just take some time for yourself. You understand that pure isn't perfect. You get angry, jealous, mean, sometimes stubborn, but you are who you are, and your mask isn't trying to hide it; it's just helping you get by the life you love and enjoy. .
Your mask is purity. You are always trying to be true to yourself. You don't care what others think is right or wrong, you always use your own judgment to decide. You often ignore the millions of rules people are trying to place on the way you should live your life, because you know they are meaningless and that you are a good person. Your intentions are usually pure, whether it's wanting to do something nice for someone, or just take some time for yourself. You understand that pure isn't perfect. You get angry, jealous, mean, sometimes stubborn, but you are who you are, and your mask isn't trying to hide it; it's just helping you get by the life you love and enjoy. .
May 28, 2009
guess it's time to stir shit at my workplace. and i'm utterly pleased with my masterpiece.
To: Who it may concern
RE: End of Month Report
As requested, the following includes the evaluation of our sales as well as a few issues that we will like to highlight. Kindly note that this report is derived from the common consensus of the working staff at Marina Square outlet. It is in no way vindictive-natured or of malicious intent.
For the past two weeks, our daily sales ranged from an approximate $100 to an utmost $300. It was a situation similar to that before the so-called renovation. We had expectations of inclining sales right after the redevelopment, brought about by the implementation of a new menu made possible by a well-equipped kitchen. However our optimism for ameliorative sales was dampened by the realisation that nothing has changed when we went back for the unsuccessful training on 16th May. Putting aside our skeptical judgment on the management’s administration of factors such as location and advertising, our belief in the capabilities of the organisation was once again befallen dubious. On the other hand, we look forward to better sales in time to come due to the recent launching of promotions and the continuous efforts of the staff in up-selling, albeit the preceding adversities.
Moving on, we will like to touch on the topic regarding the need to educate consumers on the ‘proper way of drinking Vietnamese coffee’ by delivering the requested demonstration. We tried to drive our point across that this is not advisable as some may feel insulted by our very actions, and a verbal explanation will suffice. Egotism is a reality of life not to be trifled with. However, our notion was simply dismissed. As predicted, this untactful act backfired. On 25th May, Derek was rebuked when he approached a customer as instructed. And I hereby quote the customer’s derogatory response ‘can you get lost!’ This is a perfect example depicting the ideals the management sees without realising that it is the staff at the outlets who are suffering the drawbacks, not forgetting the unenviable situations we land ourselves in every now and then. We are hired as potential individuals able to contribute to the organisation, not mindless puppets made to do as told. Convince us, do not command. Kindly make an effort to review this matter.
In addition, we will like to direct attention to the incident on 26th May when Derek had diarrheoa and was not able to commit the opening on time. Without a tinge of care or concern he was reprimanded by his superior, specifically the business development manager, for this intractable and unfortunate incident. We are deeply infuriated by the apathy displayed by the supervisor who placed priority on the insignificant sales obtainable over the health of his staff. One who is incapable of grasping every single transaction possible may be deemed to have failed as an employee, but one who shows stolidity towards his staff’s well-being is indescribably worse – he fails as a human being, who is born with a gift of compassion and sympathy.
Last but not least, the issue regarding the business development manager’s perception that his subordinate managers are being ‘too soft’ when handling the staff. The fact is that there is certainly no precise or definite style of leadership. Each has its pros and cons. The indispensable fundamental is critically earning the respect we deserve and accomplishing the tasks assigned. So we seek cooperation for the referenced personnel to conduct a self-reassessment before attempting another comment or make an effort to enlighten us if there is a need to.
We are all working towards a common objective – to improve the organisation and ourselves as a whole. So pardon our ingenuousness in the light of our desire for accomplishment.
Yours Sincerely,
Kelvin Soo (on behalf of the Marina Square staff)
To: Who it may concern
RE: End of Month Report
As requested, the following includes the evaluation of our sales as well as a few issues that we will like to highlight. Kindly note that this report is derived from the common consensus of the working staff at Marina Square outlet. It is in no way vindictive-natured or of malicious intent.
For the past two weeks, our daily sales ranged from an approximate $100 to an utmost $300. It was a situation similar to that before the so-called renovation. We had expectations of inclining sales right after the redevelopment, brought about by the implementation of a new menu made possible by a well-equipped kitchen. However our optimism for ameliorative sales was dampened by the realisation that nothing has changed when we went back for the unsuccessful training on 16th May. Putting aside our skeptical judgment on the management’s administration of factors such as location and advertising, our belief in the capabilities of the organisation was once again befallen dubious. On the other hand, we look forward to better sales in time to come due to the recent launching of promotions and the continuous efforts of the staff in up-selling, albeit the preceding adversities.
Moving on, we will like to touch on the topic regarding the need to educate consumers on the ‘proper way of drinking Vietnamese coffee’ by delivering the requested demonstration. We tried to drive our point across that this is not advisable as some may feel insulted by our very actions, and a verbal explanation will suffice. Egotism is a reality of life not to be trifled with. However, our notion was simply dismissed. As predicted, this untactful act backfired. On 25th May, Derek was rebuked when he approached a customer as instructed. And I hereby quote the customer’s derogatory response ‘can you get lost!’ This is a perfect example depicting the ideals the management sees without realising that it is the staff at the outlets who are suffering the drawbacks, not forgetting the unenviable situations we land ourselves in every now and then. We are hired as potential individuals able to contribute to the organisation, not mindless puppets made to do as told. Convince us, do not command. Kindly make an effort to review this matter.
In addition, we will like to direct attention to the incident on 26th May when Derek had diarrheoa and was not able to commit the opening on time. Without a tinge of care or concern he was reprimanded by his superior, specifically the business development manager, for this intractable and unfortunate incident. We are deeply infuriated by the apathy displayed by the supervisor who placed priority on the insignificant sales obtainable over the health of his staff. One who is incapable of grasping every single transaction possible may be deemed to have failed as an employee, but one who shows stolidity towards his staff’s well-being is indescribably worse – he fails as a human being, who is born with a gift of compassion and sympathy.
Last but not least, the issue regarding the business development manager’s perception that his subordinate managers are being ‘too soft’ when handling the staff. The fact is that there is certainly no precise or definite style of leadership. Each has its pros and cons. The indispensable fundamental is critically earning the respect we deserve and accomplishing the tasks assigned. So we seek cooperation for the referenced personnel to conduct a self-reassessment before attempting another comment or make an effort to enlighten us if there is a need to.
We are all working towards a common objective – to improve the organisation and ourselves as a whole. So pardon our ingenuousness in the light of our desire for accomplishment.
Yours Sincerely,
Kelvin Soo (on behalf of the Marina Square staff)
May 17, 2009
Apr 1, 2009
started off as a cleaner, a retailer and a casher at trung nguyen. and finally. a barista. guess my goal's achieved. still a newbie at latte art though.
i wanna have my own paradise kitchen in future. and be proficient with all the equipment it comes along with. this is the first step - cinch the espresso machine.
i wanna have my own paradise kitchen in future. and be proficient with all the equipment it comes along with. this is the first step - cinch the espresso machine.
Mar 20, 2009
Mar 9, 2009
so it seems. time to bid farewell to fine english dining and embrace the opportunity to learn the art of making vietnamese coffee.
managed to get through the first stage of the teaching award. what's left is the interview next fri. needless to say, to ace it is a must but i have no idea how. guess i'll just have to deal with whatever that comes.
managed to get through the first stage of the teaching award. what's left is the interview next fri. needless to say, to ace it is a must but i have no idea how. guess i'll just have to deal with whatever that comes.
Mar 2, 2009
Mar 1, 2009
just managed to finish 'yggdra union'. not the best turn-based strategy game i've played but it certainly has its own alluring attributes.
currently having a job at royal copenhagen tea lounge. thought i'll be pleased working in the f&b sector like i did 2 years ago. unfortunately irresolution sets in when i was about to return on my second day. doubt i'll be working there for long.
last but foremost, hope my application for moe teaching award will be successful.
currently having a job at royal copenhagen tea lounge. thought i'll be pleased working in the f&b sector like i did 2 years ago. unfortunately irresolution sets in when i was about to return on my second day. doubt i'll be working there for long.
last but foremost, hope my application for moe teaching award will be successful.
Feb 7, 2009
Jan 26, 2009
despite the fact that the lunar new year has arrived, it is nothing more than 'just another public holiday' to me. guess 20 years of monotonous chinese new year visits to 'relatives-you-don't-even-remember-how-to-address' are more than enough to dampen the excitement inherent in this traditional festival.
a new beginning
Jan 14, 2009
life in army hasn't been this good since the day i got shackled to the life of a soldier. and it's been weeks since i've landed myself out in the field. has been spending quite a while teaching the new batch of aoc trainees.
as their instructor, the experience i had was way different compared to teaching cadets. as a cadet, one has to put up minimally decent behaviour wherever he is. words are carefully filtered before spoken, actions are properly considered before taken. there are always restraints and restrictions.
but things are different for the aoc trainees. there is an intrinsic element of sincerity between the instructor and trainees. the interaction with them is more of a heart-to-heart one than instructor-to-trainee. the ambience of our lessons was tension-free and enjoyable rather than a miasma of unease generated by a difference in rank, yet without compromising any aspect. simply amazing.
as their instructor, the experience i had was way different compared to teaching cadets. as a cadet, one has to put up minimally decent behaviour wherever he is. words are carefully filtered before spoken, actions are properly considered before taken. there are always restraints and restrictions.
but things are different for the aoc trainees. there is an intrinsic element of sincerity between the instructor and trainees. the interaction with them is more of a heart-to-heart one than instructor-to-trainee. the ambience of our lessons was tension-free and enjoyable rather than a miasma of unease generated by a difference in rank, yet without compromising any aspect. simply amazing.
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