Yes, it's been really long. Been so busy, drowning in work till I was sick. So sick that I did not even go to help out my parents this weekend. And so sick that out of the 24hrs a day, I would say I slept 20 hours. The rest of the time was just having meals, medicine and lazing around. Realised my lazy bones are revived once again.

Used to complain how difficult it is to pass time in office when I have nothing to do after the 10th of each month. Been so sick of going to work simply because time is just so hard to pass by when I have nothing to do at all. I have to think of things that I can do and these things can't be personal. And so, in November I was handed this large task of revamping a major report. In November and December, this revamping-task was going so slowly that I thought everyone had forgotten about this. Never to know that, ta-dah, in January, where we are all rushing for the yearly report, this revamped task needs to be done concurrently. Have been working till about 8pm every night, no OT pay, no allowances, feel that it's such a ripped off. Even my mum was saying, it's not worth it. I even had to bring my work home, first time in 6 months. Haha. Feeling so tired everyday. I had no time for myself at all cos I was either working, if not, sleeping. Weekends also pass by in a jiffy especially when I work for my mum half a day each. The other half of the day, I am either swimming, if not lazing around at home.

What makes me think all these hard work in Jan paid off is my appraisal just last week. Was expecting it to come after I filled in the hardcopy appraisal form and also I am due for confirmation this 31st Jan. So fast! 6 months gone, selling my time to this company I am in. Happy that colleagues are very helpful, colleagues are easy to get along. Sometimes unhappy because I find it really unfair in certain areas, but well, it's a good stepping stone and a learning place. Went for the appraisal interview with small boss... In my mind, while walking into the room, was actually thinking what she would ask and say. Feeling all so confused. Walked in, she started off by saying I am due for confirmation etc. Then showed me the form I filled in. I filled in the left column and she's supposed to fill in the right column with ratings and comments. A rating of 1 - 5, 5 being the best. I did not have a 5 for anything, I guess this is so typical of Singaporeans (watch I Not Stupid 2, and you will know why). Singaporeans will never say Good! Keep it up! But they will say Not Bad. Singaporeans will not say Delicious, but they will say OK la, Not bad. It's really different, when I work in Bloomberg, my Australian boss will always say, Hey Grace, you're on the right track. Keep it up! Excellent! etc. But no, I never hear it here.

Anyway, I have got 4s and 3s. 4s for all the reports under my purview and 3s for all that I am understudying. I am happy with the feedback they have given me. She actually collated all the comments from my other colleagues, fellow officers to be specific, and told me how they felt about me. Everything mentioned was good. They said I should continue to work hard cos' I am on the right track.

Now, I am only waiting for my confirmation letter. And hopefully, another salary package upon confirmation. I don't ask for much, just a slight increment, I would be contented. Of course, you can't compare a local company to a foreign MNC or company. You would get no where, cos' their salary packages are way too good! For the time being, I will be here, to further brush up my skills, brush up my knowledge, and pull up my socks. My career path is still so undetermined yet. Hmm.. but I have my plans. I must make all my dreams come true.

By the way, I am so looking forward to March!!!!!!!! March!!!! Quickly come. And oh ya, I will be baking pineapple tarts again. So happy, I just love to bake my own pineapple tarts. And to bake my own apple crumble. Hmm, yummy yummy! But first of all, I will have to cure my sickness first. Hehe. And Valentines Day is coming! What's up coming, Darling?!