About half a year back, we did a survey conducted by the company. The purpose was to find out how engaged we were with the bank. One of the questions which I remembered vividly was "Were you praised in the last 7 days?" My answer was definitely a NO. Personally, I have not heard my colleagues and bosses praising each other. I only remembered an occasion when K (my big boss) was on leave and J (my small boss) was supposed to cover her in signing one of the most important reports of the department which was prepared by me. J seldom deals with this report and she needs to read through it in order to handle any questions from my big big boss, who can ask anything at anytime. After reading through, J came up to me and asked me some questions like where I got this information etc. After her round of asking, she said I did a very good job and asked me to keep it up! This is the only one time I remembered hearing someone praised me.

Recently, K had done a round of review session with the entire department with regards to the survey we have done. It was to tell us that we did not score above average and they had to improve so that the next survey we do would show better results. One of the things we had to improve was on this question "Were you praised in the last 7 days?" We all laughed and said we weren't. 7 days is too short. And K said that the highlight wasn't on the 7 days but on WERE YOU PRAISED? They mentioned to the survey service provider that this question was very misleading. Anyway, in my mind, be it 7 days or not, the answer would still be on. All of us were supposed to give ideas to K on how we could improve this situation here in our department. Someone said we should be praised if we did a good job. I remembered M (one of the more senior colleagues) said we are expected to do a good job, so in what situations would they praise? I said, who's not expected to do a good job?! We are all here with the expectation of doing a good job. However, little things like "Hey, this week your report is error-free."; "Hey, you did very well to initiate this." would really brighten up someone's day and the person will feel very appreciated. Here, bias is very obvious, if they like u, they like u, if they don't like u, they don't like u.

Why this topic today? I was out of office for a short while to go over to Plaza 1 to pass other departments the UOB Pledge Card. I reached one of the department and passed it to this girl called D. She was in the D&D Committee too. She said doing this pledge card thingy very sianz. I said don't worry next year I won't be here to disturb u le. And she asked where I was going. I said transfer, so will not liaise with her with regards to this. She guessed correctly where I was heading to. Most of them expected it, it was quite obvious S (my new boss) likes me a lot. And D told me another shocking news!

"You remembered that day we took KL's car. (KL is another division's high-ranking personnel) She mentioned that she likes you a lot. That you are a very good administrator. And that you take very good minutes. She said if K don't want you one day, she wants you."

I was like over the blue moon! I really felt very good. It really made my day! Thanks D for telling me this. Suddenly I felt that I have a bright future ahead! People have recognized my abilities, my capabilities! I am delighted! Now, I see the importance of being recognized.
It will bring me a long way in my career path. Studies and results will be secondary, networking is the key!

-=I was praised today.=- *contented*

I have been spending a lot on myself! Time to curb all these spendings before my wedding plan goes hay-wire. =P Since Dec, I have bought many clothings which I have yet to wear as I wanted to wait till CNY or even when I go to my new workplace. Start the Rat year all brand new.

Some of the stuff I have bought:
1) Top from Bossini
2) Shawls from Giordano (they recently had another beautiful shawl launch, it's so tempting!)
3) Sleep shirts from Victoria Secrets
4) Panties from Victoria Secrets
5) Shirts from Dorothy Perkins
6) Foundation powder from Lancome
7) Make up Remover from Lancome
8) Eye Shadow from Lancome
9) Skirts from Bega
10) Shoes!

Pretty boots from Giovanna...

Pink Bling Bling slippers from RUSH.

Simplicity is beauty...

Tinkerbell... Sweet ribbons!

11) Accessories from online shop...

Bling Bling bracelet which Qiqi has one in silver as well. Mine's more to the gold side.

Very elegant necklace.

I bought 2 of these rings. Keke...

I think I have bought more stuff which I have forgotten. Aim: Wear new clothes for the 15 days of CNY. Wahaha, that's a joke. I have seen more pretty clothes online. Really want to get them, but then I feel that I have spent too much. Maybe I should stop for the time being. Start buying them after I get my bonus?! Hehee. Or should I get my darling to buy me one each month. Keke. Kidding la, darling. Don't run away from me k?!

6 more days to Chinese New Year! Weet! Looking forward to 'in-between' gambling sessions, red packets, Bingo! Speaking of Bingo, I have yet to pass my uncle the gifts that I am contributing for the Bingo game. Opps. I better hurry!

I am a simple gal. I don't need lavish gowns, expensive dinners and branded gifts from my love ones. Because to me, it's always the thought that counts. E.g. I don't need my friends to give me pressies on my birthday but I just want them to be with me to celebrate my birthday.

As we are saving our for ROM ceremony and wedding dinner, we have promised each other not to make this day as well days like Valentines day etc. too extravagant. We only had a simple affair, yet we spent this day so happily!

Early in the morning, Darling made breakfast for me - Thick Toast with Kaya and a slice of butter, just like what they serve in Toastbox! Super duper yummy!

Lunch, went to Toa Payoh Central for Crystal Jade. What we had:

My favourite Stewed E-Fu Noodles.

Darling's Scallop Porridge. Very fresh scallop.

Roasted Duck and Char Siew.

Fried Prawn Dumpling with Mayo.

Our all time favourite Xiao Long Bao!!!!

Very yummy Chee Chong Fan!

Looking at these pictures really made me hungry now!!!!!!

After that, we walked around Toa Payoh Central for a short while and headed towards City Hall. Went to Robinsons, spent money on cosmetics. After that, went to Marina Square, bought several pieces of clothing and had dinner at Asian Kitchen. Wanted to introduce Darling to Suan La Mian but they do not carry this in that outlet, so I had Zha Jiang Mian instead. First time trying it and it's yummy! Darling loves it as well. Ended the day after dinner. Headed home and prepared for Monday!

Darling, Happy 9th Year Anniversary to you! I love you always! And, I am always looking forward to our new chapter in life!

This is yours truly... your baby.

19th Jan 2008 (Sat)

A prelude into our 9th year together...

Early in the morning, went back to office for moving. Finally settled everything by 1+pm. Darling was also back at work in the morning. Headed to Darling's place, had lunch with him - Special Chilli Sauce Yong Tau Foo. Took a nap, not really a nap considering it was 3 hours long. Woke up, Darling said he would bring me out for dinner but refuse to tell me where. Anyway, when we reached downstairs and started walking towards a particular route, I knew he was bringing me to Chomp Chomp. Totally enjoyed the evening stroll with him, enjoying the breeze as well as looking up to the skies. Took a bus to Chomp Chomp, while on the bus, I was thinking hard what to eat when I reach there. However, to my surprise, although we were heading to Chomp Chomp, we did not dine there. We had dinner at the coffee shop instead, having western food which I was craving for. Had Grilled Chicken Chop. Yummy! Darling had Chicken Cutlet, yummy too!

After dinner, we headed to NTUC to have a short walk. We never ever walk out of the supermarket empty handed. Haha. Bought some ingredients for breakfast this morning. Also, we bought pistachio to munch on. Called it a day, cabbed home and watched TV. We watched a documentary on Twins, Triplets and Quadraplets. It is interesting to watch how the baby develop in the mother's womb. They also showed how the mothers delivered. Really give me an eye opening, and also to be mentally prepared to be a mum. Keke... After the show, I concussed again. Fell asleep till Darling woke me up at 12 to eat my medicine. He was watching Man U's match while I was sleeping.

20th Jan 2008 (Sun) - 9th Anniversary
Today's gonna be another exciting day. Let me update when the day is over...

Been sick for the past 3 days, took 2 n a half days of MC altogether.

Wed: 1st day of MC. Took the medicine and concussed all the way till 6pm when Darling returns home from work with my 'lunch'. Ate and lazed on the bed with Darling after that till abt 9+pm and he suggested we order McDonalds. Although I am not well, I said ok, cos' I saw my colleagues munching on McDonalds although they are all sick. (FYI, I have 3 colleagues who were down with flu, cough and sore throat for about 2 weeks and have not fully recovered.) I seriously think this is how I got the bug with me.

Thurs: Dragged myself out of bed tho' still feeling absolutely drowsy. Reached office, started checking and running through my reports. As time goes by, I feel colder and colder, nose beginning to get blocked, gotta breathe thru my mouth and I can't help but keep coughing, having dry coughs! Went to see the doctor again. The doctor near my office is definitely more passionate about his patients compared to the one I saw at Darling's house downstairs. Had a half day MC and I cabbed all the way home. Concussed and slept till 7+pm.

Today: Flu did not get better, instead got a little worst. Did not want to go to office because the air con there will not make me better instead will make me feel worst. First time in my life I called the doctor to give me another day of MC. Thank God he is understanding enough to cover me another day. Watched drama then sleep, now wake up, don't know what to do. Feel so aimless in life. Apart from watching shows, there seem to be no agenda in my life. Cham. Thinking of finding a short course to do, but I scared I will not be able to accomplish and waste money again. Really very aimless in life...

What do I want to achieve in 2008? (I ask myself...) I shall ponder upon this question for the rest of tonight.

First and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Wow! I did not realise it has been so long since I last blogged. The first month of year 2008 is almost over. Fast, isn't it? How's everyone in year 2008? I hope everything's still going smoothly. Everything has been fine for me, just that Darling and I seem to have many hiccups this month, kept quarreling every 2 - 3 days, which is very tiring and saddening. Not to worry, we're still going strong and we still love each other. Which couple doesn't quarrel? The couple that doesn't quarrel would have even more problems in their relationship. Anyway, shall do less talking, more pictures!

Christmas Celebration in Office on 24.12.07

Sakae Sushi...

Fruit Tart, courtesy of Jean who has left us in Aug 2007.

Another one of her works. Really yummy!!!!

Honey baked ham.

We had roasted chicken instead of turkey, cos' we couldn't finish one turkey on our own. It's gonna be a waste.

The woman behind the tearing up of the roasted chicken. Hee...

Fried Mee Siam from 933 Golden Pillow... One of our all time favourite.

Very fresh fruits. Of course, apart from all these, we had pizza, spicy drumlets, cheese cake, konnyaku jelly. Such a filling lunch!!!

As per every Xmas Celebration, we will play Zhong Ji Mi Ma as we cannot finish the food. The person who kana will have to eat something from the table. We played a few rounds and finally all the food - down in our stomach except for the ham, which I bought bread for breakfast when we came back to work. We disclosed the secrets of our Christmas games and had so much fun laughing. The pretty gifts I have got this Christmas:

Winnie and LL gave the same gift. Hehe... luckily the color is different. This is a zipper coin pouch. Very nice gift!

Aussino 3 piece towel set from Mimi. I love the colour combi!!!!

This very cute towel set with the hanger from M.

Pouch and mirror from JT.

Cake-Towel from the clericals.

Coin Pouch from Y.

USB Cup Warmer from my childhood friend, Nina!!!

Sweets from Precious Moment by BY.

Pen and HP accessory from Jess.

Drawer from S.

Earrings by Jo's Craft from Wendy.

Alrighty... Christmas was fantastic! Look forward to this year's Christmas already, although I am no longer with all of you but I will come back to join in the fun as well as the gifts, and these will always be my happy memories.

Dinner & Dance

My first D&D with the company. To think that I was even in the Committee. It is a very stressful job considering 14 people in the Committee with different ideas, and each one wanting to get what they have suggested. Also, you learn about the politics in working life e.g. VIP table - who cannot sit with who etc. All these are sensitive issues. Also, you learn how to work within your budget, source for hotel, source for event managers, source for your own staff performances etc. I was one of the main person in the Committee. Very good experience!

I only have a few photos here. I haven't got the rest from my colleague.

The recep. table. Layout done by me and a few Committee members.

Done by Shang's florist.

Fish bowl for lucky draw tabs!

Our pool of door gifts - maracas!

The D&D Committee...

The night ended very late, at around 4am. Took a bath and fell flat in the hotel room. Hee. Woke up and left about 9am, to head towards the market and prepare for my house warming party that evening.

The spread of food we prepared which looks like it was catered. Nahz. We cooked the food and presented it as tho' it was catered.




The wii players!

After the house warming party, I fell flat on the bed and slept till the next afternoon 12pm before I woke up to go to my mum's stall to help out.

That's basically how I spent the last few days of 2007 and the first few days of 2008.

Been very busy at work recently as I have to write down a list of things to hand over as well as I wrote a step by step procedure on preparing the reports I have on hand as well as handling the half yearly reporting as well as moving office. Yes, we are due to move by this coming Monday (21 Jan 2008). Fell sick, down with cough, flu and headache, all thanks to my 3 colleagues who have not recovered after 2 weeks. My immunity is very low la, so long as someone falls sick within my department, it's almost sure I will fall sick too. I am currently at home on MC.

After sleeping for hours, I woke up clearing out my cupboard. When I was clearing, only did I realise I bought so much stuff which has not been worn and has not been washed. Things from VS, Giordano, Nichii, Bega and the most recent buy Bossini. Threw all these at my maid and asked her to settle them. Keke. Shall keep these till CNY. Then I have new clothes for each day of CNY. Talking about CNY, I haven't bought something which I would wear on the first day of CNY when I go visiting. My shopping partner, Jiaying, has went to Taiwan. Sad sad. I gotta go shopping on my own or maybe drag my darling along. Hee. And I need to replenish my make up! Everything's finishing! Argh... more more spendings. How to save more each month huh?! I will try to save more for that dream wedding of mine! Hee... Till the next update, take care all.