I had a really bad dream last night. I woke up totally confused and I thought the dream was for real! It was a tragic event and I had to convince myself that the dream did not happen. It spooked me.
I mentioned my nightmare to my colleagues at work and they said I am in a lot of stress, what with having to sell the house and all, then having to postpone my trip to Manila. My father in law is also due for a major heart operation in a weeks’ time. It could be a touch and go affair.
Then of course there’s the whole shebang about moving house. Moving house is not a pleasant experience and because I’ve done it so many times before and I am aware of the stress involved, I view the move in July with trepidation. I need to get a lot of things sorted out before the actual move. I plan to hire a skip and just dump all the rubbish there. In a way I do like the occasional clearing out. I heard it’s good feng shui.
I am also a bit nervy about August because that’s when my new responsibilities at work kick in. I need to submit a proposal on how to provide a good reception and enquiries service. I also need to invest a lot of time in building a new team. And guess where I’m going to be in the first week of August? In Manila! It is going to be a very interesting six months.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Friday, May 20, 2005
Good news, bad news
Some good news and some bad news. The good news is we've had an offer on our house and I was given a good pay rise all at the same day. The bad news is I will have to postpone my trip to Manila for a week or so. I am trying to cancel my e-ticket and get new dates...probably for the third week of July.
I need to postpone my trip for the simple reason that I am moving house!!!!! Hubby's not keen to let me go until I organise the new house.
It's going to be a very tiring summer. My father in law is having his heart bypass in the first week of June, we are exchanging contracts and completing sale of the houses by the first week of July followed by moving houses. I am in charge of getting the removal people in and packing our belongings. Then after a week or so I am going to Manila then in early September I will be on Holidays in the South of France. I am exhausted just thinking of it.
I am also given new responsibilities at work--reason for the pay rise--which means new staff members and the pressure to go with it.
I need to take another Master’s module in October.
My question is, why can't things just be simple? There's always a hitch somewhere. However, I cannot complain. I am quite fortunate.
I need to postpone my trip for the simple reason that I am moving house!!!!! Hubby's not keen to let me go until I organise the new house.
It's going to be a very tiring summer. My father in law is having his heart bypass in the first week of June, we are exchanging contracts and completing sale of the houses by the first week of July followed by moving houses. I am in charge of getting the removal people in and packing our belongings. Then after a week or so I am going to Manila then in early September I will be on Holidays in the South of France. I am exhausted just thinking of it.
I am also given new responsibilities at work--reason for the pay rise--which means new staff members and the pressure to go with it.
I need to take another Master’s module in October.
My question is, why can't things just be simple? There's always a hitch somewhere. However, I cannot complain. I am quite fortunate.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
I thought I was a Jedi master...anyway
Star Wars Horoscope for Gemini |
 Like most Geminis, you are a playful little creature. You tend to be extremely curious, craving knowledge but sometimes having a short attention span. For the most part, you are charming and loveable. But at times, you can seem scattered and high-strung. Star wars character you are most like: Ewoks |
Friday, May 13, 2005
Be careful what you wish for...
...because you might just get it!
It is amazing how people often agree to compromise in a fit of desperation only to regret it later on. Same old story happening to people like me every day.
Case in point. A couple of months ago, I realised I was up against a very tight deadline for an important assignment. I was silly enough to grab the opportunity to pursue a Masters Degree in Exeter University! However, when coupled with juggling home life and a demanding job the situation can get pretty challenging.
Anyway, going back to the assignment…well, I only had a week to read five books and write a 5,000 word dissertation. I finished the assignment on time and I was relieved when I turned it in. I remembered saying, “I am only asking for a pass!”
Well, yesterday I received my marks and feedback of my tutors and the good news is I got my wish. The bad news is I missed a merit grade by a measly one percentage point!!!!
Next time I need to try harder.
It is amazing how people often agree to compromise in a fit of desperation only to regret it later on. Same old story happening to people like me every day.
Case in point. A couple of months ago, I realised I was up against a very tight deadline for an important assignment. I was silly enough to grab the opportunity to pursue a Masters Degree in Exeter University! However, when coupled with juggling home life and a demanding job the situation can get pretty challenging.
Anyway, going back to the assignment…well, I only had a week to read five books and write a 5,000 word dissertation. I finished the assignment on time and I was relieved when I turned it in. I remembered saying, “I am only asking for a pass!”
Well, yesterday I received my marks and feedback of my tutors and the good news is I got my wish. The bad news is I missed a merit grade by a measly one percentage point!!!!
Next time I need to try harder.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Pitfalls of communication
Communication is not as easy as it sounds. Our individual experiences in life make the simple act of sending a message and receiving it is positively complicated. When I say something to someone, a lot of other things come into force. For instance, what appropriate words do I use? How do I say these words--subtle intonations and inflections could make a huge difference to the message! There is also the issue on timing and the actual content of what I am saying. And if this is not enough, there’s the other person to consider. What is his/her state of mind? Is the receiver happy, sad, worried, angry, inebriated, tired--the possibilities are endless! I will not even go into non-verbal communication, meanings between the lines, body language, etc.
When I was studying mass communications in university, I thought it was the most interesting subject in the world. Little did I know that in practise, good communication is an art form. Some people have the knack for it. Most are just hopeless!
I don’t know if I have the natural talent for it. I worry too much about the message, grammar, pronunciation, perception, etc. I decided early on that I preferred to listen to people and observe them from afar. I like to know what the other person is thinking before I express my own opinion. Is that bad? I don’t think so. As far as I am concerned it is more interesting to know the other’s point of view so you know where you stand. Besides few people ever bother to listen!
The point I am getting at (see what I mean about communication?) is communication is vital in building meaningful relationships-- be it in business, friendship or marriage. Listening to other people’s opinions, hard as it may seem at times--believe me there are total idiots out there, is necessary for a harmonious relationship. Let me see…now about that war in Iraq…
***
I couldn’t believe it but in less than eight weeks I’ll be in Manila. This visit was totally unplanned, which is very unlike me but I just knew I had to make this trip. Much as I would love to see old friends and family, I am filled with trepidation. C’mon I hear you say, what’s the matter? Well, I have grown accustomed to my privacy. I know damn well that in Manila, there is no such thing as privacy. It’s one noisy, raucous and boisterous place. Every time I visit, I get sick! I should remember to pack my organic vitamins, Echinacea and my anti-bacterial hand hygienic gel. I was born and bred in that city and yet I find myself a little scared of it now. One thing I’m sure of, my heart will not stop pumping adrenalin through my veins the moment I step off the plane. Going to Manila always does that to me. I suppose it is anticipation of excitement and danger. It brings out my basic instincts! The only other city that came close to that feeling was Singapore and perhaps Hong Kong.
Why is it that we hold such ideal images of the past in our minds? In my memory, the sun was always shining in the Philippines! I do not remember Manila weather in July anymore. I hear it is the rainy season so I must not forget my waterproof. But what will I find? My friends and family a lot older-- more potholes, traffic, pollution?
Ah, I shall remain the optimist and hope for the best. Hmm, I think I should start shopping for my holiday wardrobe--or shall I hit the malls in Manila? Ooops I just felt another kick of adrenalin then!
When I was studying mass communications in university, I thought it was the most interesting subject in the world. Little did I know that in practise, good communication is an art form. Some people have the knack for it. Most are just hopeless!
I don’t know if I have the natural talent for it. I worry too much about the message, grammar, pronunciation, perception, etc. I decided early on that I preferred to listen to people and observe them from afar. I like to know what the other person is thinking before I express my own opinion. Is that bad? I don’t think so. As far as I am concerned it is more interesting to know the other’s point of view so you know where you stand. Besides few people ever bother to listen!
The point I am getting at (see what I mean about communication?) is communication is vital in building meaningful relationships-- be it in business, friendship or marriage. Listening to other people’s opinions, hard as it may seem at times--believe me there are total idiots out there, is necessary for a harmonious relationship. Let me see…now about that war in Iraq…
***
I couldn’t believe it but in less than eight weeks I’ll be in Manila. This visit was totally unplanned, which is very unlike me but I just knew I had to make this trip. Much as I would love to see old friends and family, I am filled with trepidation. C’mon I hear you say, what’s the matter? Well, I have grown accustomed to my privacy. I know damn well that in Manila, there is no such thing as privacy. It’s one noisy, raucous and boisterous place. Every time I visit, I get sick! I should remember to pack my organic vitamins, Echinacea and my anti-bacterial hand hygienic gel. I was born and bred in that city and yet I find myself a little scared of it now. One thing I’m sure of, my heart will not stop pumping adrenalin through my veins the moment I step off the plane. Going to Manila always does that to me. I suppose it is anticipation of excitement and danger. It brings out my basic instincts! The only other city that came close to that feeling was Singapore and perhaps Hong Kong.
Why is it that we hold such ideal images of the past in our minds? In my memory, the sun was always shining in the Philippines! I do not remember Manila weather in July anymore. I hear it is the rainy season so I must not forget my waterproof. But what will I find? My friends and family a lot older-- more potholes, traffic, pollution?
Ah, I shall remain the optimist and hope for the best. Hmm, I think I should start shopping for my holiday wardrobe--or shall I hit the malls in Manila? Ooops I just felt another kick of adrenalin then!
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