Back from China

Was travelling in China, hence did not update or read any comments that may have come in. It was a busy week...one city every day. Spend the week conducting product training for sales reps of our business partner(distributor) with a colleague of mine. My mandarin is only good for ordering food in China. This colleague has an excellent command of mandarin, at least much better than mine. She did most of the training and I answered all the queries. Good division of labor!

Sze Li - A fellow blogger...

It intrigue me that a fellow blogger put in a comment on my first day of blogging. She also give me the address of her website. I went visiting... She is a student. Today her graduation photos are there. Congratulations! Sze Li. I guess she is probably working now. Maybe studying for her masters??

Just a quick update on my troublesome tooth. I needed a root canal and has an appointment to see an Endodontist in National University Hospital in August 30...long wait. I feel dull pain every day. Sigh! Can't wait for this episode to be over.

Ever hear of the Professor who forgets his baby?

I looked at my watch. It was 1:05pm...oh! I have to pick up son up from child care. OK, one more email and I will go. A colleague called. We talked about budgets, expenses, backorders, stress in the office...whine about the workload. Finally, we decide time to get back to work on the budget. Hang up the phone and walk down for a quick drink when I realised to my horrors I have completely forgotten about picking up my son!! The time is 1:50pm!! Child care was over at 1:15pm.

I ran all the way. The child care is only 7 mins walk. My teenage son was with me and race way ahead. I was panting and totally out of breath! (Beside taking care of your teeth, exercise regularly!) The teacher brought Lucas out. He is ok...just wondering why daddy has not come yet instead of wailing away thinking he was abandoned. What a relief! We are a happy family again.

Oh! I forgot about the title. This incident brought memories of an old news that a professor brought his baby and was supposed to drop off to child care as his wife was busy and unable to send the baby as she usually does. Well, it was a sad story. The professor forgets that about his baby and left the baby in the car. It was summer and the outcome was tragic. I think it happened in Europe.

What time is it?

10:43pm

Want to know pain?

If you ever need to know pain, do not take good care of your teeth. I had nagging headaches for weeks. Recently, eating become painful as my teeth get more sensitive. I went to the dentist and had a filling done. Thinking it is ok now, I had food and an intense shooting pain went right through my head. My greatest regret is not taking good care of my teeth. Pain is unbearable and debilitating. Back to the dentist again and found a bigger hole that does not show up in x-rays.

Janice Wong

I wrote an email to Janice Wong, the journalist with her blog and she replied!! I have written to her once before and she did not reply. The other who reply to my email was Sumiko Tan. Sumiko reply only once and on the first time I wrote to her on the tragic event of my sister-in-law.

When journalist/author replies to mail, it bring him/her to life. Otherwise, it is like a phantom, you are not sure if it is really a warm body like you and me writing the articles.

Janice, thanks a lot. You made my day!

P.S. Janice website url is: www.janice-wong.com

Performance Review

It is all about work. My boss gave me a performance review this evening. Yes...evening. This is best time. Of course we did it by phone. It is nice to get a pat on the back. He is in good mood and is pleased with our performance. I was surprised to find out at the end of the call that he is on holiday and take time from his holiday to do my review. Thank you, Randy!

Presentation

Was in Chicago Business School for Strategic Marketing course. Presented a small section and had a couple smart ladies giving positive feedback on my presentation. Made my day! My ego is on its way to the moon...

When is the movie starting?

My 4 year old boy wanted to watch the Fantastic 4 movie after seeing the trailer repeatedly in the Kids Central TV program. In the movie theater, he was more interested to eat his Twisties, Popcorn and cookies. Half way through the movie, he asked "daddy, when is the movie starting?" This is his first movie experience...er rather non-experience.

Son, why are you so impatient?

Half asleep in bed feeling the nice cool air caressing my naked chest, my cellphone rang! "Daddy, my tuition is over. Come pick me up!" the voice in the phone pierce into my half concious mind. "Can you take the train and come home yourself" I asked. "Huh!! It is so late..." "Ok, wait for Daddy at the entrance of Junction 8 where I drop you off". I shake off my lethargy and put on a T-shirt, pick up the car keys and drive off to pick him up.

He saw my car and ran to open the door the moment I stopped for him. I noticed his hand is holding some notes that has almost been torn into 2. "What happened to your papers?" I asked. "Every min past 9:20, I tear a bit" he replied angrily. "You took more than 20 mins to come!!" he chided.

Did I have an ungrateful child? Did I not inculcate the right values? Is he naturally selfish and self-centred? I wonder.

Leadership

What is a leader? I just spent two days teaching Fundamentals of Leadership to a group of manager. Management and leadership are distinctly different and yet intertwain. Does a title make you a manager? Do you need to have people reporting to you to be a leader?

A leader is someone whom others look to for directions, to consult and one who can work independently. Included in this course is a tool called "Communication Styles at Work". This tool categorise 4 different styles and every individual has exhibits preference for certain styles and when stress may change styles. It is a mirror for your self and a window to the others. Once you know your styles and the styles of your team mates, you understand the differences and can now be more effective and reduce the inevitable conflicts that occurs. Bring forth leadership that produces results...

Jul 4, 2005

Today I met up with a new colleague and discuss about business and selling successes or the lack of. We are experiencing great growth in our business. So we are busy. I have to the train back and took the wrong train. Ended up in Bugis and decided to alight anyway and visit the Goddess of Mercy Temple. Have wanted to go last weekend but was too sick to go. So it may be God's asking to fulfill my wishes and send me to visit the temple.

So did I take the wrong train?

Expressions

It is fun to read the thoughts of others. So I like to share my thinking.

Life is a roller coaster ride...up and down. It is exciting and boring, peaceful at times but worrying and tumultuous many times. What a paradox! Why are we here?

Buddha teaches us to learn lessons and grow and love all. Take the middle way, be compassionate, kill desires and there will be peace and rebirths no more.

Let's take life, one step at a time...