Thursday, July 24, 2008
Quote
Whatever it is, even between the best of friends, or the closest of lovers, there are always stones left unturned, thoughts left unread, feelings left unsaid, and experiences left unshared. The journey of mutual discovery is an endless one, and as long as there is no stagnation, even the best of friends may become better.
Johann S. Lee, Peculiar Chris
Johann S. Lee, Peculiar Chris
Labels: Quotes
Monday, July 21, 2008
From Hsien's Blog
談戀愛的對象，最好比你笨
It's better to find someone less clever than you to fall in love with -
不用太笨，只要笨到
Not too stupid
會真心相信你的承諾，
Just silly enough to believe the promises you give
愛情就得以成立。
This way, love can start
嗯.....可是啊......
But.. But.. But..
談戀愛的對象，最好比你聰明
It's better to find someone smarter than you to fall in love with -
不用太聰明，只要聰明到
Not too smart
不去追究你的承諾，
Just smart enough to not be calculative of the promises that you gave
愛情就得以延續。
This way, love will continue
It's better to find someone less clever than you to fall in love with -
不用太笨，只要笨到
Not too stupid
會真心相信你的承諾，
Just silly enough to believe the promises you give
愛情就得以成立。
This way, love can start
嗯.....可是啊......
But.. But.. But..
談戀愛的對象，最好比你聰明
It's better to find someone smarter than you to fall in love with -
不用太聰明，只要聰明到
Not too smart
不去追究你的承諾，
Just smart enough to not be calculative of the promises that you gave
愛情就得以延續。
This way, love will continue
Friday, July 18, 2008
Just For Variety
I was talking to Chad at work just now. He talks about something that's been on his mind, an experience he just had.
And when I was sharing my thoughts with him, he interrupted me.
"I just saw someone hot!"
Sensing that he wasn't that interested about the previous topic, I stopped and continued talking about other things.
Then we talked about something else.
I think we were talking about the lousy people we have known before.
About how we dealt with them.
I can't exactly remember because I was interrupted once again.
For most of my life, the friends I am very close to are mostly reflective and we love to bounce thoughts off each other. And this is how we learn and deal with difficulties along the way.
We talk about something, listen to what others have to say and say how we feel.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
Partly due to my natural-born communication patterns and partly because of the communication ways that I am used to,
Whenever someone shares his or her blues,
I bounce off solutions,
reasons,
possibilities,
methods,
procedures,
expectations,
results...
Then someone like Chad comes along.
To be honest, I will not have been able to handle him if I had known him years ago.
Chad communicates in the way that he dumps whatever is on his mind.
Off load, and move on.
No solutions needed from you, thank you very much.
And after he off loads, it will be your turn to speak.
And just as I was about to lose my temper because Chad had once again failed to show any interest in my thoughts, I remembered that he was just being himself.
And I smiled.
And I think life is amazing in this way that it allows space for growth.
Just as you think you've figured out the best way to communicate, it throws another situation at you.
Just like Chad.
Just like the times when my friends faced some problems.
Sometimes we just want a listening ear, not solutions.
So now I learn to know when to offer my analysis of the situation.
Just like knowing yourself.
When you think that you have finally figured yourself out, something happens to force you to examine yourself again.
Just like love.
When you figure what love is, you realize that you didn't.
And I think this is what life is.
And I see people trying to apply a set of rules to everything they know.
To friends.
To how to communicate.
To love.
Maybe this is how we fail.
When we refuse to recognize that there is space for growth in ourselves.
That despite the knowledge that we can be better, we refuse to pick ourselves up.
When we keep telling ourselves that this is the best that we can do.
And we should just accept our fate.
Maybe this is why we fail.
When we only love in one way.
Application, process, ends in tears.
Back at one.
Application, process, ends in tears.
And after we do it 12 times, we are convinced that we are not built to love.
I believe unravelling takes time.
Time to know someone else better.
Time to know yourself better.
And everyday I grow a little.
If you ask me why I am strong.
I will say that it is because I have the strength to force myself to grow everyday, little by little.
So to everyone that I love, I wish you strength.
Never stop growing
:)
And when I was sharing my thoughts with him, he interrupted me.
"I just saw someone hot!"
Sensing that he wasn't that interested about the previous topic, I stopped and continued talking about other things.
Then we talked about something else.
I think we were talking about the lousy people we have known before.
About how we dealt with them.
I can't exactly remember because I was interrupted once again.
For most of my life, the friends I am very close to are mostly reflective and we love to bounce thoughts off each other. And this is how we learn and deal with difficulties along the way.
We talk about something, listen to what others have to say and say how we feel.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
Partly due to my natural-born communication patterns and partly because of the communication ways that I am used to,
Whenever someone shares his or her blues,
I bounce off solutions,
reasons,
possibilities,
methods,
procedures,
expectations,
results...
Then someone like Chad comes along.
To be honest, I will not have been able to handle him if I had known him years ago.
Chad communicates in the way that he dumps whatever is on his mind.
Off load, and move on.
No solutions needed from you, thank you very much.
And after he off loads, it will be your turn to speak.
And just as I was about to lose my temper because Chad had once again failed to show any interest in my thoughts, I remembered that he was just being himself.
And I smiled.
And I think life is amazing in this way that it allows space for growth.
Just as you think you've figured out the best way to communicate, it throws another situation at you.
Just like Chad.
Just like the times when my friends faced some problems.
Sometimes we just want a listening ear, not solutions.
So now I learn to know when to offer my analysis of the situation.
Just like knowing yourself.
When you think that you have finally figured yourself out, something happens to force you to examine yourself again.
Just like love.
When you figure what love is, you realize that you didn't.
And I think this is what life is.
And I see people trying to apply a set of rules to everything they know.
To friends.
To how to communicate.
To love.
Maybe this is how we fail.
When we refuse to recognize that there is space for growth in ourselves.
That despite the knowledge that we can be better, we refuse to pick ourselves up.
When we keep telling ourselves that this is the best that we can do.
And we should just accept our fate.
Maybe this is why we fail.
When we only love in one way.
Application, process, ends in tears.
Back at one.
Application, process, ends in tears.
And after we do it 12 times, we are convinced that we are not built to love.
I believe unravelling takes time.
Time to know someone else better.
Time to know yourself better.
And everyday I grow a little.
If you ask me why I am strong.
I will say that it is because I have the strength to force myself to grow everyday, little by little.
So to everyone that I love, I wish you strength.
Never stop growing
:)
Labels: Thoughts
Giggles
I've been wanting to post this picture for some time now.
I was shopping around HongKong last month, and saw this sign.
It made me giggle.
When I saw the sign, (which read: Sales Wanted)
I thought
"INDEED!"
heehee...
But if course, the shopkeeper meant to say "Salesperson Wanted".
Or at least I think so :p
I was shopping around HongKong last month, and saw this sign.
It made me giggle.
When I saw the sign, (which read: Sales Wanted)
I thought
"INDEED!"
heehee...
But if course, the shopkeeper meant to say "Salesperson Wanted".
Or at least I think so :p
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Letting Go
My sister shared a story with me a while ago.
We were talking about how many difficulties people face when they have to let go of someone who only hurts them.
The reason for not leaving is always because of the other party.
But ask this question -
If he/ she lets you go, will you go?
Then you will realize that most of the times, we are the ones in control.
We were talking about how many difficulties people face when they have to let go of someone who only hurts them.
The reason for not leaving is always because of the other party.
But ask this question -
If he/ she lets you go, will you go?
Then you will realize that most of the times, we are the ones in control.
Labels: Gage'sWritings, Thoughts
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Personal Fav
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Signs You Don't Want The Job
By Dimitri A.C. Ly
You've heard it all before: When you have a job interview it's important to come on time, dress right and project a positive attitude. What people always seem to forget, however, is that it's crucial that you also use this opportunity to get a sense of your potential employer. After all, what good is an offer from a company you'd desperately want to leave after just a few days? The next time you embark on an interview for employment, make sure you watch for these signs you don't want the job.
1. The interview takes place off-site
Obviously, if you're applying for a field position abroad or in a different city, chances are the interview will have to occur in a public place. However, if the company has a local office and the interviewer still insists on meeting you at a bar or a restaurant, you should consider it one of the signs you don't want the job. Some employers resort to this practice when they're trying to hide something about the office environment, while others use the casual setting to make unethical deals, which is a strong indication of the kind of boss you'd get.
2. The interviewer is late or ill-prepared
Companies tend to treat candidates with more care than actual employees, so if a manager doesn't have time to conduct a proper interview, you can be sure that he or she won't have time to give you thorough training and regular feedback once you're hired. By the same token, if the interview keeps getting delayed, it usually means the company is undergoing massive changes and the job in the posting might not be the one you'd actually get. Worse, it may be an indication that the ship is sinking, thus making it one of the more alarming signs you don't want the job.
3. Interview conducted with other candidates present
Though this practice is often disguised as progressive management, a group interview is really just a way for lazy managers to save time by meeting several candidates at once. If employers can't even take their hiring policies seriously, don't expect them to treat the staff with any respect. Another reason this is one of the signs you don't want the job is that the process overlooks quiet, efficient workers in favor of loudmouths and braggarts. Just imagine the kind of office you'd be joining.
4. The interviewer competes with you
Even the most egomaniacal managers know not to insult potential employees during the selection process, but there are ways to recognize bad bosses even when they're on their best behavior: Candidates are expected to sell themselves during interviews, so whenever you say something positive about yourself, carefully observe the interviewer's reaction for signs you don't want the job. If the latter corrects you or responds by boasting about his or her own accomplishments, then you're dealing with an employer who's putting personal pride over finding the right candidate for the job. This should tell you all you need to know about the type of management you can expect from that company.
5. The interviewer complains
Though it's often considered an indication that you've nailed the interview, an employer sharing his or her frustrations about the office is another one of the signs you don't want the job. Don't be fooled by the illusion of complicity; a supervisor who badmouths the staff or former subordinates during the interview is likely to do the same to you once you're hired. Furthermore, if legitimate, these complaints might be the tip of the iceberg, in which case you'd be stepping into a work environment so toxic even the managers are fed up.
6. The interviewer asks inappropriate questions
Don't let your desire to impress the interviewer blind you to one of the most obvious signs you don't want the job: Even the most experienced interviewers will occasionally goof by inquiring about your personal life or confidential aspects of your current position. However, if it becomes a recurring theme, you may be looking at harassment down the line. When dealing with an inappropriate question, ask your potential employer to elaborate on his or her concerns. If the interview gets immediately back on track, then the faux pas was probably an innocent mistake. Note, however, that inquiries regarding sex, race and religion are never innocent.
7. Rewards of the job are overemphasized
Even when dealing with headhunters, interviews should always focus on job skills, office culture and career opportunities. Employers who neglect these topics in favor of boasting about company perks and high salaries indicate that they don't care what kind of candidate you are as long as you sign the contract, which is one of the major signs you don't want the job. Similarly, you should be wary of interviewers who pressure you to accept the position right away. Ask yourself: What is the company trying to hide, and why is it so desperate?
8. They request you work a trial day
The reason a trial day is considered one of the signs you don't want the job is that the practice doesn't make much sense. It usually takes at least a week to fully train a new employee, so it seems absurd to let candidates who haven't even committed to the company interact with clients and affect production for only one day. If the objective is to protect the office from bad hires, the employer should simply impose a probation period. Trial days are indicative of either poor management or a dead-end job. In the sales sector, they're even associated with pyramid schemes.
pay attention to the signs
These signs you don't want the job will help you steer clear of bad bosses, toxic office environments and dead-end career paths. However, the best way to learn about your potential employer is to ask questions about the position and the office culture during the interview. This has the benefit of showing that you're interested but not desperate. More importantly, though, you may save yourself a lot of grief by uncovering important issues before you commit to the company.
You've heard it all before: When you have a job interview it's important to come on time, dress right and project a positive attitude. What people always seem to forget, however, is that it's crucial that you also use this opportunity to get a sense of your potential employer. After all, what good is an offer from a company you'd desperately want to leave after just a few days? The next time you embark on an interview for employment, make sure you watch for these signs you don't want the job.
1. The interview takes place off-site
Obviously, if you're applying for a field position abroad or in a different city, chances are the interview will have to occur in a public place. However, if the company has a local office and the interviewer still insists on meeting you at a bar or a restaurant, you should consider it one of the signs you don't want the job. Some employers resort to this practice when they're trying to hide something about the office environment, while others use the casual setting to make unethical deals, which is a strong indication of the kind of boss you'd get.
2. The interviewer is late or ill-prepared
Companies tend to treat candidates with more care than actual employees, so if a manager doesn't have time to conduct a proper interview, you can be sure that he or she won't have time to give you thorough training and regular feedback once you're hired. By the same token, if the interview keeps getting delayed, it usually means the company is undergoing massive changes and the job in the posting might not be the one you'd actually get. Worse, it may be an indication that the ship is sinking, thus making it one of the more alarming signs you don't want the job.
3. Interview conducted with other candidates present
Though this practice is often disguised as progressive management, a group interview is really just a way for lazy managers to save time by meeting several candidates at once. If employers can't even take their hiring policies seriously, don't expect them to treat the staff with any respect. Another reason this is one of the signs you don't want the job is that the process overlooks quiet, efficient workers in favor of loudmouths and braggarts. Just imagine the kind of office you'd be joining.
4. The interviewer competes with you
Even the most egomaniacal managers know not to insult potential employees during the selection process, but there are ways to recognize bad bosses even when they're on their best behavior: Candidates are expected to sell themselves during interviews, so whenever you say something positive about yourself, carefully observe the interviewer's reaction for signs you don't want the job. If the latter corrects you or responds by boasting about his or her own accomplishments, then you're dealing with an employer who's putting personal pride over finding the right candidate for the job. This should tell you all you need to know about the type of management you can expect from that company.
5. The interviewer complains
Though it's often considered an indication that you've nailed the interview, an employer sharing his or her frustrations about the office is another one of the signs you don't want the job. Don't be fooled by the illusion of complicity; a supervisor who badmouths the staff or former subordinates during the interview is likely to do the same to you once you're hired. Furthermore, if legitimate, these complaints might be the tip of the iceberg, in which case you'd be stepping into a work environment so toxic even the managers are fed up.
6. The interviewer asks inappropriate questions
Don't let your desire to impress the interviewer blind you to one of the most obvious signs you don't want the job: Even the most experienced interviewers will occasionally goof by inquiring about your personal life or confidential aspects of your current position. However, if it becomes a recurring theme, you may be looking at harassment down the line. When dealing with an inappropriate question, ask your potential employer to elaborate on his or her concerns. If the interview gets immediately back on track, then the faux pas was probably an innocent mistake. Note, however, that inquiries regarding sex, race and religion are never innocent.
7. Rewards of the job are overemphasized
Even when dealing with headhunters, interviews should always focus on job skills, office culture and career opportunities. Employers who neglect these topics in favor of boasting about company perks and high salaries indicate that they don't care what kind of candidate you are as long as you sign the contract, which is one of the major signs you don't want the job. Similarly, you should be wary of interviewers who pressure you to accept the position right away. Ask yourself: What is the company trying to hide, and why is it so desperate?
8. They request you work a trial day
The reason a trial day is considered one of the signs you don't want the job is that the practice doesn't make much sense. It usually takes at least a week to fully train a new employee, so it seems absurd to let candidates who haven't even committed to the company interact with clients and affect production for only one day. If the objective is to protect the office from bad hires, the employer should simply impose a probation period. Trial days are indicative of either poor management or a dead-end job. In the sales sector, they're even associated with pyramid schemes.
pay attention to the signs
These signs you don't want the job will help you steer clear of bad bosses, toxic office environments and dead-end career paths. However, the best way to learn about your potential employer is to ask questions about the position and the office culture during the interview. This has the benefit of showing that you're interested but not desperate. More importantly, though, you may save yourself a lot of grief by uncovering important issues before you commit to the company.
Labels: Come Grow With Me
Friday, July 04, 2008
Clubbing Night One
The night I saw Joey merlion. (Night 2)
haha.
me and Joey
Kester, me, Winnie
Joey and Kester
Kester and me
Our First Time Clubbing Together (Night 1)
Alice, Shirley, me, and Kester in the front
Shirley and me
Pow, me, Alice, Shirley
haha.
me and Joey
Kester, me, Winnie
Joey and Kester
Kester and meOur First Time Clubbing Together (Night 1)
Alice, Shirley, me, and Kester in the front
Shirley and me
Pow, me, Alice, ShirleyThursday, July 03, 2008
Pictures From My Birthday Dinner with Friends
