Jan 28, 2011
NEW YORK - NEW YORK shut down two airports and most city services on Thursday in the wake of a rare thunder-snow storm that paralysed air and ground travel over a vast area from Washington to as far north as Boston.
After building up early on Wednesday with ice and freezing rain, the storm blindsided the US capital at the height of the evening rush hour, not even sparing President Barack Obama, who faced travel delays upon returning from a day trip to the US Mid-west.
In New York, John F. Kennedy Airport and Newark Airport in New Jersey were closed for almost 12 hours as the storm, simultaneously erupting with lightening and thunder, blanketed the region in more than 30cm of snow.
They reopened later on Thursday, but with long delays as airlines worked their way through huge backlogs of cancelled flights and miserable passengers.
Similar snarl-ups developed at Philadelphia and New York's La Guardia airports, although the situation was back to normal at Washington's Dulles and Reagan National.
The storm, an unusual thunder and snow combination, was the fifth major snowfall in as many weeks for parts of the US east coast. For New York City, this has been the most snow-filled January in history, with a total of 90cm breaking the record set 1925. -- AFP
source: www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_629186.html
Friday, January 28, 2011
TGIF
This Fri is such hard to wait.
I have to conduct a briefing for customers/clients almost daily.
On Tues, my briefing was for a new client and we did not know each other well. Thus there was no much expectations from both sides.
On Wed, my briefing was a big group of visitors. I did not know what I have spoken to this big crowd. So sad! I considered myself FAILED!
On Thur, my briefing was conducted as R* and it was an eye-opening for me as I have not been to this place for years. This briefing was quite a lengthy one as this client has high expectations from its paid services. But I found myself did slightly better than before.
Today, my briefing was done for another group of "fussy" clients. In the end, they liked my briefing and my bosses even said that I did ok but should pause one in a while to slow down my pace.
Alas, this week is almost over and I have another briefing to handle before I celebrate CNY.
I have to conduct a briefing for customers/clients almost daily.
On Tues, my briefing was for a new client and we did not know each other well. Thus there was no much expectations from both sides.
On Wed, my briefing was a big group of visitors. I did not know what I have spoken to this big crowd. So sad! I considered myself FAILED!
On Thur, my briefing was conducted as R* and it was an eye-opening for me as I have not been to this place for years. This briefing was quite a lengthy one as this client has high expectations from its paid services. But I found myself did slightly better than before.
Today, my briefing was done for another group of "fussy" clients. In the end, they liked my briefing and my bosses even said that I did ok but should pause one in a while to slow down my pace.
Alas, this week is almost over and I have another briefing to handle before I celebrate CNY.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Mentorship Course
My office sent me for a one day Mentorship course to train me to be a mentor! I welcome this move as this helps to develop my soft skills.
The venue was held at a learning centre located in Orchard Road.
Before the course, I wanted to find out what is the main difference between a mentor and a coach. What is expected on a mentor from the office's point of view? Where will my mentee comes from?...
After this course, I have only some questions answered. Nevertheless, this is a pioneer project and I am glad to be one of the frontiers. Now I am waiting a mentee to be assigned to me and to embark on this exciting journey of life.
The venue was held at a learning centre located in Orchard Road.
Before the course, I wanted to find out what is the main difference between a mentor and a coach. What is expected on a mentor from the office's point of view? Where will my mentee comes from?...
After this course, I have only some questions answered. Nevertheless, this is a pioneer project and I am glad to be one of the frontiers. Now I am waiting a mentee to be assigned to me and to embark on this exciting journey of life.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Another gathering at Miao Yi Restaurant
As usual, we have our year-end meal at Miao Yi Restaurant in Coronation Plaza. I have lost count the number of times we have our office meal there.
The restaurant is small but cosy. The dishes served are quite delicious. I am unsure of the prices as each time, the bill is settled by one of the staff who later made the claim from the office.
This year, the meal is a bit special as one of our colleagues is retiring, which means the chances of meeting him would be reduced.
A total of 10 turned up, including a colleague from another office who probably heard we have organised this meal. Isa came along as she knew some of my old colleagues.
During the meal, we chat a lot but still revolved office matters. As I have announced that I will be organising 2 talks in Feb, I have asked for their support to boost the attendance.
The restaurant is small but cosy. The dishes served are quite delicious. I am unsure of the prices as each time, the bill is settled by one of the staff who later made the claim from the office.
This year, the meal is a bit special as one of our colleagues is retiring, which means the chances of meeting him would be reduced.
A total of 10 turned up, including a colleague from another office who probably heard we have organised this meal. Isa came along as she knew some of my old colleagues.
During the meal, we chat a lot but still revolved office matters. As I have announced that I will be organising 2 talks in Feb, I have asked for their support to boost the attendance.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Big Boss came
This is not a surprise visit as much preparation has to be done prior his arrival. I am unsure if I have been insensitive to arrange a short meeting with some staff an hour before he came. I thought that by doing so, we could keep our meeting short and sweet. And this seemed the only time slot officers could make it before we have our monthly meeting.
I was utterly disappointed that 3 out of 4 did not turn up. In the end, it was a discussion between myself and another officer.
Being a "low-ranked" staff, every proposal or idea I suggested, I have to go through layers and layers of vetting and clearance. By the time I received a nod, I almost forgot what did I propose or suggest earlier.
Anyway, the big boss came but was late. Since his meeting started late, why am I such naive to think it would end punctually, so that I can return home on time for a home sweet home dinner?
Yes, a few items were presented but big boss gave even more comments. In the end, the meeting ended almost 7pm. By then, I was such tired and hungry. I wished I have wings to fly home asap.
Work wise, I must admit the tasks assigned were challenging but little help was given. I have to struggle to stay afloat but the senior officers were quite unhappy with my work done.
I am hungry for training as I want to learn as much as possible, to equip myself for future challenges. But opportunities are quite limited and restricted.
Sigh... how to continue with this type of working life ?
I was utterly disappointed that 3 out of 4 did not turn up. In the end, it was a discussion between myself and another officer.
Being a "low-ranked" staff, every proposal or idea I suggested, I have to go through layers and layers of vetting and clearance. By the time I received a nod, I almost forgot what did I propose or suggest earlier.
Anyway, the big boss came but was late. Since his meeting started late, why am I such naive to think it would end punctually, so that I can return home on time for a home sweet home dinner?
Yes, a few items were presented but big boss gave even more comments. In the end, the meeting ended almost 7pm. By then, I was such tired and hungry. I wished I have wings to fly home asap.
Work wise, I must admit the tasks assigned were challenging but little help was given. I have to struggle to stay afloat but the senior officers were quite unhappy with my work done.
I am hungry for training as I want to learn as much as possible, to equip myself for future challenges. But opportunities are quite limited and restricted.
Sigh... how to continue with this type of working life ?
Sunday, January 09, 2011
First Week of 2011
How time flies and the first week of year 2011 was over.
Isa started her class and seemed quite happy with her classmates and new teachers.
Ho lives in Clementi and both girls agreed that they would return home today if their classes end together. I met Ho's mum and found that she was approachable and friendly.
As for my work, I continue to remind myself to bring lesser work home and to spend more quality time with family members at home and during the weekend. I am still thinking if I should take no-pay leave when PSLE gets closer.
If I were to stay at home, I will certainly able to have more time with Isa which translates more homework and stress for Isa. Is this better for Isa?
Isa's form teacher, Mrs Chan, has bought several assessment books for the whole class. In addition, newspaper cutting and book reviews have to be completed regularly.
I am unsure if stress can be maintained at a minimum under this situation.
Isa started her class and seemed quite happy with her classmates and new teachers.
Ho lives in Clementi and both girls agreed that they would return home today if their classes end together. I met Ho's mum and found that she was approachable and friendly.
As for my work, I continue to remind myself to bring lesser work home and to spend more quality time with family members at home and during the weekend. I am still thinking if I should take no-pay leave when PSLE gets closer.
If I were to stay at home, I will certainly able to have more time with Isa which translates more homework and stress for Isa. Is this better for Isa?
Isa's form teacher, Mrs Chan, has bought several assessment books for the whole class. In addition, newspaper cutting and book reviews have to be completed regularly.
I am unsure if stress can be maintained at a minimum under this situation.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan
One of my favourite places in Japan - Snow Monkey Park in Nagano.
source: http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/livecam/monkey/index.htm
source: http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/livecam/monkey/index.htm
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
First day in School
Today the school reopened and Isa returned to her school after the year-end holidays. She was very excited not because of studying but being able to help look after the new primary 1 girls.
Each new p1 pupil will be "attached" to a prefect or an upper primary school pupil. Isa "looked after" a p1 girl. She brough her round the school. I can imagine these 2 girls, holding hands together, walking round the whole school, chatting happily.
The form teacher, Mrs C, for her class is a teacher who has many years of experience teaching psle classes. I pray hard Isa will survive and thrive well under her guidance. This year is an extremely important and stressful year for Isa.
Mrs C has also laid some ground rules and I think this is a good start for everybody.
As expected, the teaching will starts only a few days later; probably next week.
Each new p1 pupil will be "attached" to a prefect or an upper primary school pupil. Isa "looked after" a p1 girl. She brough her round the school. I can imagine these 2 girls, holding hands together, walking round the whole school, chatting happily.
The form teacher, Mrs C, for her class is a teacher who has many years of experience teaching psle classes. I pray hard Isa will survive and thrive well under her guidance. This year is an extremely important and stressful year for Isa.
Mrs C has also laid some ground rules and I think this is a good start for everybody.
As expected, the teaching will starts only a few days later; probably next week.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Happy New Year 2011
Today is the second day of year 2011.
The steamboat at D's place turned out to be quite good. Although the function room booked was small, it was just nice for a small family gathering.
D said a similar menu would be used for Chinese New Year's reunion dinner. I am such relieved to have a sister who loves to cook. And her husband, D, enjoys helping his wife in the cooking too. What a good match!
I dislike cooking. J simply can't cook and refuse to learn to cook too. So we do not mind paying or footing the ingredients needed for a meal. And D knows where to get cheap and nice food for the steamboat.
After a full dinner, we had durian cake plus red wine. The kids were busy drinking the soft drinks till they were full. The tv reception was lousy but we managed to follow the tv drama Love in the evening.
By the time we reached home, it was late into the evening. I was very sleepy but persisted to wait for the arrival of New Year.
As usual, at midnight, we saw fireworks from Marina Bay, Vivo city and ships from the southern waters. In fact, there were 3 other places where fireworks were spotted but we could not figure out where exactly these locations were.
Year 2011 will be another exciting year as
(1) Isa will be taking her PSLE,
(2) an election is highly likely,
(3) maybe I will change my job,
(4) a DIY tour after PSLE,
and others.
Lastly, I wish everybody remains healthy and happy in year 2011.
The steamboat at D's place turned out to be quite good. Although the function room booked was small, it was just nice for a small family gathering.
D said a similar menu would be used for Chinese New Year's reunion dinner. I am such relieved to have a sister who loves to cook. And her husband, D, enjoys helping his wife in the cooking too. What a good match!
I dislike cooking. J simply can't cook and refuse to learn to cook too. So we do not mind paying or footing the ingredients needed for a meal. And D knows where to get cheap and nice food for the steamboat.
After a full dinner, we had durian cake plus red wine. The kids were busy drinking the soft drinks till they were full. The tv reception was lousy but we managed to follow the tv drama Love in the evening.
By the time we reached home, it was late into the evening. I was very sleepy but persisted to wait for the arrival of New Year.
As usual, at midnight, we saw fireworks from Marina Bay, Vivo city and ships from the southern waters. In fact, there were 3 other places where fireworks were spotted but we could not figure out where exactly these locations were.
Year 2011 will be another exciting year as
(1) Isa will be taking her PSLE,
(2) an election is highly likely,
(3) maybe I will change my job,
(4) a DIY tour after PSLE,
and others.
Lastly, I wish everybody remains healthy and happy in year 2011.
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