28 March 2014, Friday
Hehe Friday is here again! Last Friday of March and its payday soon!!
Actually forgot to set my alarm for today because I fell asleep unexpectedly yesterday night. If not for my friend who called me at 6.40am, I guess I'd have been late for work today.
And Friday is tidbits stock up day! Hehe this is what Cheyenne and I have at work. Haha :P #jegabeeftw
Walked past Room Service in the afternoon while running errands and Gobi gave me a coconut to drink. Fresh! He opened it on the spot for me hehe. And he asked why I looked so unhappy. I was just feeling down, and I didn't expect him to realise. He's still so nice to me.
Everyone seemed to finish work early today so we all left. Was planning to have dinner at the cafe cos mum wasn't cooking today but when I went to Banquet to find Emily, we ended up going to Orchard to buy dinner. My best friend in my life, the only one who knows everything about me. Although we don't say it, we both know we appreciate each other. Thankful to have her.
And then I had small chats with the people I used to work with, and I do love the familiar feeling we have while catching up. Who would've expected that we would become so bonded even though I'm just a small fry? They're the best really; they totally made my day.
Today marks the one month of me in my new job! Its ironic how fast time flies yet it seems like it has already been three months since I started out. Learnt many things from my fellow colleagues and I believe I will do better along the way. Nothing is gonna stop me from growing, so I will stay strong, and fight on.
At the very least, I have a few reasons of motivation to come to work daily. Haha :P
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Discover my wonderful Thursday
27 March 2014, Thursday
Yes its Thursday again!
I decided to have Mac for breakfast this morning and it did made me feel so much better hehe. I love food!
There was some farewell lunch for a fellow colleague so everyone went for a farewell lunch at Dempsy, leaving behind the three coordinators haha. They offered to buy us food but we settled for Macc instead. Mac for breakfast, Mac for lunch. That's the way man hahaha.
Helped my colleague to collect some money after lunch and i chanced upon Wesley at HR. Such a coincidence, we haven't seen each other in years but it was great to see him again.
Walked past The Line a few times today too, and I met John who said I was getting prettier. Aww thanks, I was flattered.
So may things to do, especially in the morning. Its like, I just finished a call and am about to do the follow up stuff but another call comes in and my flow of thoughts are disrupted. Still trying to manage my thoughts and memory.
Second day in a row pissing Marcus off. Okay maybe not, think he's just annoyed. I must be such a bad coordinator. But he's still so nice to me and I'm thankful. I'm working my way guys, give me time.
Went to Accounts for the umpteenth time to find credit card receipts which annoy the hell out of me and Accounts. Thanks to Stephanie it was found in no time.
Patrina and Brenda were very nice today, and I'm happy! We also got to go home early, almost everyone.
And I got to see someone special too.
I had a wonderful Thursday I would say, how about you?
Yes its Thursday again!
I decided to have Mac for breakfast this morning and it did made me feel so much better hehe. I love food!
There was some farewell lunch for a fellow colleague so everyone went for a farewell lunch at Dempsy, leaving behind the three coordinators haha. They offered to buy us food but we settled for Macc instead. Mac for breakfast, Mac for lunch. That's the way man hahaha.
Helped my colleague to collect some money after lunch and i chanced upon Wesley at HR. Such a coincidence, we haven't seen each other in years but it was great to see him again.
Walked past The Line a few times today too, and I met John who said I was getting prettier. Aww thanks, I was flattered.
So may things to do, especially in the morning. Its like, I just finished a call and am about to do the follow up stuff but another call comes in and my flow of thoughts are disrupted. Still trying to manage my thoughts and memory.
Second day in a row pissing Marcus off. Okay maybe not, think he's just annoyed. I must be such a bad coordinator. But he's still so nice to me and I'm thankful. I'm working my way guys, give me time.
Went to Accounts for the umpteenth time to find credit card receipts which annoy the hell out of me and Accounts. Thanks to Stephanie it was found in no time.
Patrina and Brenda were very nice today, and I'm happy! We also got to go home early, almost everyone.
And I got to see someone special too.
I had a wonderful Thursday I would say, how about you?
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Sundate with my bff!
23 March 2014, Sunday
Sundate with my bff of seven years!
Thankful for her who accompanied me to watch a performance at Esplanade.
NYPCO was performing today at the concourse and that's why we were there!! As always, they are the best!
And the world is indeed small because I bumped into my colleague at Suntec City!
We wanted to have Korean cuisine for dinner but eventually ended up in Soup Spoon. We also bought cookies!
Its just a really simple day out with her and I'm really happy.
On a side note, its Monday again tomorrow. Work time.
Sundate with my bff of seven years!
Thankful for her who accompanied me to watch a performance at Esplanade.
NYPCO was performing today at the concourse and that's why we were there!! As always, they are the best!
And the world is indeed small because I bumped into my colleague at Suntec City!
We wanted to have Korean cuisine for dinner but eventually ended up in Soup Spoon. We also bought cookies!
Its just a really simple day out with her and I'm really happy.
On a side note, its Monday again tomorrow. Work time.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A day to remember
25 March 2014, Tuesday
It isn't any special occasion today that's worth remembering; its just the first day Sue decided to bring me to the lobby to meet the client. Well not exactly, but just to pay the taxi fare for the client haha. But still, I will remember today. Lol.
I got myself Starbucks for breakfast and it lasted me through the day surprisingly. Headed to Accounts to finish up some stuff and ended up with piles of work unfinished yet no time.
Marcus was on leave today, but thankfully there wasn't anything particularly difficult.
Dinner with Wangwei at Pastamania Northpoint and we had so much to catch up after not seeing each other for almost one month! Work stuff, enterntainmet, school stuff and all. Bff ^^
Its Wednesday tomorrow guys mid week already let's hang in there! Can't wait for the weekends again :D
Great Week Ahead!
24 March 2014, Monday
Received great news to start the week! Super excited but I can't say it out as yet :(
Work as usual, went to State of The Hotel meeting by new GM Mr Reto Klauser. He's damn cute lah. Made us dance to destress haha. He seems good. Nice.
Too little time but too many things to finish. Went home late again but had home-cooked food for dinner.
And I turned in early cos I felt tired.
Tomorrow will be better!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Sunshine Saturday
22 March 2014, Saturday
Its a blessing to be able to sleep in on a Saturday morning and in such a comfy bed. I had a good night's sleep.
Went home and washed up and met my friends for dinner. Simple day spent happy.
Friday.
21 March 2014, Friday
So excited for today! Hotel stayover heehee :P And I'm on half day OIL. *smirks*
Silvia is on leave so Brenda did the morning briefing and all the same the managers are haunted by the Wedding Show in April. And everyone is like asking whether I wanna get married so that I can be a potential sales lead for them. Hahaha.
Quite a number of things to do this morning, mostly left over from yesterday. Fridays are always busy, because there'd be stuff to do up for vip guests arriving over the weekend. Imagine compressing one full Friday to a half day? Worse. And nope, even if I'm on half day I still have to finish up all my stuff.
My mood was seriously affected by some small incident and I cried. I didn't cry even though I've gone through so much during my three years of part time F&B work. Shall not mention about it
So excited for today! Hotel stayover heehee :P And I'm on half day OIL. *smirks*
Silvia is on leave so Brenda did the morning briefing and all the same the managers are haunted by the Wedding Show in April. And everyone is like asking whether I wanna get married so that I can be a potential sales lead for them. Hahaha.
Quite a number of things to do this morning, mostly left over from yesterday. Fridays are always busy, because there'd be stuff to do up for vip guests arriving over the weekend. Imagine compressing one full Friday to a half day? Worse. And nope, even if I'm on half day I still have to finish up all my stuff.
My mood was seriously affected by some small incident and I cried. I didn't cry even though I've gone through so much during my three years of part time F&B work. Shall not mention about it
Had fun for stayover with the others too!! Not gonna state in detail what we did but they basically all gathere in my room ans we ordered room service! Fun night with the rest.
A day with ups and downs. A friday.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Just another Thursday
20 March 2014, Thursday
CN Blue... 2ne1... Jonathan Lee... My heart skipped a beat. Nobody in the office would ever print such things for fun. Well maybe me. Just kidding. But my guess is that they might be staying with us. Anyway, those sheets of paper are still with me and I still have no idea who printed them.
Just another Thursday, busy with admin stuff and answering calls, walking around to run errands and such. But so many things happened today that made today so special that I so wanna blog about it.
Firstly, Hazelnut Macchiato to start my day.
DOSM Christopher called me and asked me to do something for him. I thought he wanted me to run errands for him just like how he asked me to bring people to HR few days ago. But he asked me to help him compress his emails, which I didn't know how to. I asked if he wanted to ask Aswin because he might be better but then he said, "when I ask you to do something you don't push it to others. You go figure it out." LL suck thumb. I guess there goes his impression of me.
DOSM Christopher called me and asked me to do something for him. I thought he wanted me to run errands for him just like how he asked me to bring people to HR few days ago. But he asked me to help him compress his emails, which I didn't know how to. I asked if he wanted to ask Aswin because he might be better but then he said, "when I ask you to do something you don't push it to others. You go figure it out." LL suck thumb. I guess there goes his impression of me.
He eventually asked Patrina to do it. And he actually told Patrina to teach me as well... But I guess she forgot or was too busy. Because she didn't.
The food for lunch was horrible today. The only thing I like was the brown rice, which tasted surprisngly good. Aswin said it felt like food rationing haha. They even ran out of cutlery.
And what was worse was there were miscommunications about lunch, and when DOSM came into office at 1pm he found no one there. Of course he was furious. Well, at 12.15pm when I realised all three coordinators (Aswin, Cheyenne and myself) are in the office I already found it weird. We all thought Kanchana is having lunch with Aswin but Aswin said Kanchana told Janice that the three coordinators will have lunch together today. So Patrina let it go. She told us to go this time but please plan the next time.
And then after lunch DOSM called everyone into his office and asked the three of us why are we so irresponsible. "Do you think you guys are seniors? Or do you simply not care? Who said you three can have lunch together?"
I mean, its not entirely our fault. Patrina did tell us to go ahead. But I didn't want to voice out because in that situation no matter what you say you'll be fucked. Thank god Patrina said she was the one who let us go at together. If not, god knows how bad we'll get screwed.
And then I have so many things to do but everything is lying in DOS Silvia's tray awaiting her approval. Well, DOS is definitely busy, so since it wasn't urgent I didn't rush her. I swear there's so many things there, like:
1 credit note
1 point adjustment
2 petty cash slips
3 voucher expiry date extension
4 amenities cards
And the problem is, I can't do anything if she doesn't approve them. Haha. So I waited for it and it did come back eventually. Thankfully.
And Marcus was really nice today. After he texted me like "apologies and thanks for helping me" the last time, we didn't seem to have much issues. I guess I did piss him off initially, but I think its getting better. Hopefully. Cos during morning briefing when managers were asked to invite couples to attend the wedding show, he jokingly asked if I wanted to get married in front of everyone, which came as a surprise to me. And he thanked me in Japanese when I finished his credit note for him. In the morning I let him sign a document which I already gave hik yesterday and we had a good laugh over my forgetfulness. He talked to me saying we coordinators are very "poor thing", because if managers and us apply for leave on the same day the managers get priority. He was really very nice today. And I'm thankful. I hope it goes on.
And then I saw copies of printed wikipedia search results in the printer tray. Because its a shared printer so you never know who printed it. But guess what were the search results?
CN Blue... 2ne1... Jonathan Lee... My heart skipped a beat. Nobody in the office would ever print such things for fun. Well maybe me. Just kidding. But my guess is that they might be staying with us. Anyway, those sheets of paper are still with me and I still have no idea who printed them.
And then in the late afternoon Aswin tried calling Michelle (pseudo name) from Company E but she didn't want to speak to him all the same. So I spoke to her eventually. And she told me to stay on till 6.30pm to help her settle her stuff. And we had small chats too. She happen to major in business too and was also from nyp! Such coincidence. I guess we clique well. And she praised my professionalism in emails and phone calls. I'm flattered.
So I stayed on and send my email to her while the rest leave first. I had Sue to check my verbiage and she praised me too. I guess that shows how important English is. She even said I could write emails for her in future. Hehe.
So many things happened today and I just needed to jot it down. Like memories in Shang haha. So as you can see, its not just any Thursday. To add on, hotel stayover is tomorrow. Excited much.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Blending in... With no make-up :P
19 March 2014, Wednesday
Its true that my job requires me to put on light make up, but I have come to realise that one, no one ever looks at me, and two, no one ever notices. Hence I decided to drop the idea and not put make up today. And I survived. Congrats.
I was feeling tired on the way to work so I decided to get Starbucks. I asked Cheyenne and Aswin too but Aswin didn't want. Got myself a Tall iced Hazelnut Latte, and a Tall Caramel Macchiatto for Cheyenne.
Things started flowing to me suddenly and I feel so overwhelmed. Too many things to do and I got stressed out. Anyway it was soon lunch. I was anticipating but it turned out to be a disappointment.
I had so much to do and even in the afternoon I was still unbelievably busy helping Sue and Elisabeth handle their clients. Even got to handle clients not under me. I just hope the day passes faster.
Supposed to go to The Line to say hi to Eric who was having dinner there but I didn't have time to pop by. I should have,
Upa asked me for help just after I shut down my computer and rushing for shuttle bus but I still helped her all the same. I mean like how could I reject someone like this?
I rushed to Far East Plaza and met JD who passed me his dslr. So nice of him to drop by Orchard when I am the one borrowing from him.
I then headed to Newton mrt to meet my friend before both of us headed to Sembawang for dinner.
The three of them really can't stop teasing me just because I'm young... But I really love spending time with them cos it makes me happy. Thankful to have them.
#myhappypills
Its true that my job requires me to put on light make up, but I have come to realise that one, no one ever looks at me, and two, no one ever notices. Hence I decided to drop the idea and not put make up today. And I survived. Congrats.
I was feeling tired on the way to work so I decided to get Starbucks. I asked Cheyenne and Aswin too but Aswin didn't want. Got myself a Tall iced Hazelnut Latte, and a Tall Caramel Macchiatto for Cheyenne.
Things started flowing to me suddenly and I feel so overwhelmed. Too many things to do and I got stressed out. Anyway it was soon lunch. I was anticipating but it turned out to be a disappointment.
I had so much to do and even in the afternoon I was still unbelievably busy helping Sue and Elisabeth handle their clients. Even got to handle clients not under me. I just hope the day passes faster.
Supposed to go to The Line to say hi to Eric who was having dinner there but I didn't have time to pop by. I should have,
Upa asked me for help just after I shut down my computer and rushing for shuttle bus but I still helped her all the same. I mean like how could I reject someone like this?
I rushed to Far East Plaza and met JD who passed me his dslr. So nice of him to drop by Orchard when I am the one borrowing from him.
I then headed to Newton mrt to meet my friend before both of us headed to Sembawang for dinner.
The three of them really can't stop teasing me just because I'm young... But I really love spending time with them cos it makes me happy. Thankful to have them.
#myhappypills
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Jamais Vu!
18 March 2014, Tuesday
Any idea what does "Jamais Vu" means? Its actually the opposite of "Deja Vu", French for "vaguely familiar". But honestly it doesn't make sense to me. Recognizing something or someone but don't find it familiar? No way.
Anyway, the title being Deja Vu is because something related happened today. I bumped into Chef Nic twice, in the same circumstance. When I saw him the second time, I was like "hey I see you again!" While he said, "Deja Vu!". That's when I got reminded of this and decided to put it as my blog title.
To be honest, Deja Vu means a lot to me. It happens to me pretty often, especially when I see things that remind me of the past. Like at work, I see places where I can clearly remember what happened there and then to every single detail, there's just this weird feeling inside my heart. I guess many things have changed; it just isn't the same anymore.
Okay anyway, today was a pretty horrible day for me because I had to finish settling my issues with Accounts. Damn I'm new and they are so not approachable!! I'm kinda scared to step in to their office honestly, since I had been bugging them since last Thursday and Friday. I had to get things settled today. Its getting so draggy.
So thankful that Kanchana accompanied me to Accounts and so thankful to Rowan for helping me find the receipts! If not for them I would have really gone crazy man. Imagine yourself trapped in this room full of boxes of receipts and invoices... How many do you think there are for a hotel like Shangri-la? Thousands, and I'm not kidding. I gotta find the individual receipts for the guest because he wants to know what his staff ate (he's paying for his employee). I almost died I swear. I shall stop whining over it now.
And so, Marcus was so busy today that he only came back to the office at 4pm, and forgot to ask me to prepare stuff for his vip until 6pm. So I stayed on to finish up for him.
And I learnt today to never send emails when its urgent. Because no one will have time to bothered about you. Yes.
Had waffles with Joanna at Gelare because pizza with Charmaine & Honeylyn was cancelled. Honey had to stay back. Very bad experience at Gelare but I still like their waffles. I feedbacked to the manager, and told them I would be back next week. Hopefully I see changed because its the second time they're screwing up my order.
That's all for today. Hehe. Goodnights.
And I learnt today to never send emails when its urgent. Because no one will have time to bothered about you. Yes.
Had waffles with Joanna at Gelare because pizza with Charmaine & Honeylyn was cancelled. Honey had to stay back. Very bad experience at Gelare but I still like their waffles. I feedbacked to the manager, and told them I would be back next week. Hopefully I see changed because its the second time they're screwing up my order.
That's all for today. Hehe. Goodnights.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Kanchana is back!
17 March 2014, Monday
Yes, Kanchana is back! And so is Kath!!
It has been a tough time for Aswin and I, not forgetting Sue. Because Kanchana is Kath's coordinator, and while Kanchana is on leave Kath is away on a business trip to South Korea. Therefore every caller who attempts to look for Kanchana will be directed to either Aswin or myself, whereas callers looking for Kath will be directed to Sue, my manager, Kath's buddy.
Well at least the tough times are over and now that they're back, it means its Kanchana's last week :( She's moving on to Service Apartments next week already. I will miss her :(
She's so nice; she came back today and kept checking our progress, and kept telling us that we were coping very fast already. She taught me how to handle certain people or cases at work, and thanks to her I managed to voice out my opinions. She even accompanied me to Accounts to settle all my invoices stuff. I don't want to talk about it; so many stuff to settle with Accounts that I'm so annoyed.
Any I was very interested with any conversations with Kath because its about South Korea! She was saying that she took a taxi while Christopher and Elisabeth were saying that she should have taken the bus because its much better, in which I disagreed. Lol. I don't know where did they get that info, bbut I surely had enough of Seoul's bus rides.
Time passed really quickly today, with me busy with admin work and settling those account stuff. I got so flustered towards the end that I emailed Accounts the wrong details and also forwarded the wrong email to Reservations. Sigh pie. I should've done better.
But on the bright side, I didn't get into any trouble today, I guess. Silvia called for Marcus and I answered. She said thanks when I told her Marcus was not at his desk. I guess I'm okay? Haha.
Oh, and Christopher, which is my Director of Sales & Marketing, (in charge of Sales, Events & Marketing) DOSM as we call it, called Patrina, which is his secretary, to ask me to bring a girl down to HR. Well, I sure am shocked that he mentioned my name, and judging from Patrina's tone I guess she was too.
On a side note, I did quite some constructive work for the managers today. Because they were all busy handling the il Divo performance tonight, as some of you might know, I was asked to help in a lot of things and to be honest, I felt quite useful hahaha. Brenda got me to slot amenities cards for her (which was nothing difficult), Elisabeth asked me to find paper gift bags to prepare for the audience (which was done with the help of Janice & Stacey), and Patrina also asked me to print name labels, with Brenda asking me to make further changes to it. Elisabeth taught me how to send a booking, and what were traces/alerts for. I also helped Sue settle The Line booking for her client; and Marcus didn't really ask me for anything except the invoices and credit note. Which I told him I would finish by today but I didn't. Well that's because Accounts couldn't help.
Day ended with home cooked dinner by mum and I'm not that tired. Long week ahead. I sigh when I see my schedule haha. Its actually just dinner meetings every night. I'm so packed for this week that I couldn't find a day to fit Charmaine in after she decided to cancel tonight's pizza appointment with Honeylyn and myself. I ended up moving Joanna from Tuesday to Sunday and putting Charmaine & Honeylyn tomorrow. Change of plans for my Wednesday too.
Oh and I forgot, I called Emily again this morning to double confirm details with her, and I would say we officially became "friends" haha. I like talking to her though. She makes me feel comfortable.
And, god bless me for a brand new day tomorrow.
Yes, Kanchana is back! And so is Kath!!
It has been a tough time for Aswin and I, not forgetting Sue. Because Kanchana is Kath's coordinator, and while Kanchana is on leave Kath is away on a business trip to South Korea. Therefore every caller who attempts to look for Kanchana will be directed to either Aswin or myself, whereas callers looking for Kath will be directed to Sue, my manager, Kath's buddy.
Well at least the tough times are over and now that they're back, it means its Kanchana's last week :( She's moving on to Service Apartments next week already. I will miss her :(
She's so nice; she came back today and kept checking our progress, and kept telling us that we were coping very fast already. She taught me how to handle certain people or cases at work, and thanks to her I managed to voice out my opinions. She even accompanied me to Accounts to settle all my invoices stuff. I don't want to talk about it; so many stuff to settle with Accounts that I'm so annoyed.
Any I was very interested with any conversations with Kath because its about South Korea! She was saying that she took a taxi while Christopher and Elisabeth were saying that she should have taken the bus because its much better, in which I disagreed. Lol. I don't know where did they get that info, bbut I surely had enough of Seoul's bus rides.
Time passed really quickly today, with me busy with admin work and settling those account stuff. I got so flustered towards the end that I emailed Accounts the wrong details and also forwarded the wrong email to Reservations. Sigh pie. I should've done better.
But on the bright side, I didn't get into any trouble today, I guess. Silvia called for Marcus and I answered. She said thanks when I told her Marcus was not at his desk. I guess I'm okay? Haha.
Oh, and Christopher, which is my Director of Sales & Marketing, (in charge of Sales, Events & Marketing) DOSM as we call it, called Patrina, which is his secretary, to ask me to bring a girl down to HR. Well, I sure am shocked that he mentioned my name, and judging from Patrina's tone I guess she was too.
On a side note, I did quite some constructive work for the managers today. Because they were all busy handling the il Divo performance tonight, as some of you might know, I was asked to help in a lot of things and to be honest, I felt quite useful hahaha. Brenda got me to slot amenities cards for her (which was nothing difficult), Elisabeth asked me to find paper gift bags to prepare for the audience (which was done with the help of Janice & Stacey), and Patrina also asked me to print name labels, with Brenda asking me to make further changes to it. Elisabeth taught me how to send a booking, and what were traces/alerts for. I also helped Sue settle The Line booking for her client; and Marcus didn't really ask me for anything except the invoices and credit note. Which I told him I would finish by today but I didn't. Well that's because Accounts couldn't help.
Day ended with home cooked dinner by mum and I'm not that tired. Long week ahead. I sigh when I see my schedule haha. Its actually just dinner meetings every night. I'm so packed for this week that I couldn't find a day to fit Charmaine in after she decided to cancel tonight's pizza appointment with Honeylyn and myself. I ended up moving Joanna from Tuesday to Sunday and putting Charmaine & Honeylyn tomorrow. Change of plans for my Wednesday too.
Oh and I forgot, I called Emily again this morning to double confirm details with her, and I would say we officially became "friends" haha. I like talking to her though. She makes me feel comfortable.
And, god bless me for a brand new day tomorrow.
Friday, March 14, 2014
My journey... into an office.
15 March 2014, Saturday
It's a Saturday morning and I am alone in my office for Saturday Duties. Sounds like I have a lot to do but, no. Just pack my desk and sit in front of my computer until 1pm. And answer the phone if it rings.
So since the phone is not ringing and I have nothing much to do, I decided to do this.
No, I'm not going to describe how I go to my office everyday. Just how I entered the life of an OL: Office Lady.
Haha. Its my first office job, and its kinda different from what I've been doing all these while. I've been seeing so many office/hotel job-related posts on Facebook that I feel is so relatable. I shall share the link and some points which I personally can relate the most ever since I started on my new job.
21 Things You Suddenly Start Wanting In Your Mid-20s (#1 #5 #7 #8 #9 #10 #13 #16 #17)
17 Things You Suddenly Start Doing When You Get An Office Job (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #7 #8 #10 #11 #12)
1) You can't be more thankful for Fridays.
When I used to be in the F&B service industry, Friday means nothing to you. Because you gotta work even on weekends.
2) Similarly, Public Holidays.
Public Holiday doesn't mean "holiday" if you're working in the F&B service industry. But it means one less working day for the month if you hold a full-time office job.
3) The office is a landmine.
You gotta be really careful not to tread on anyone's toes during their bad enough day because they're gonna screw you. In F&B service, all that you gotta be wary about is offending your guests. Simple.
4) It feels like you're on your own although we share the same office.
Everyone is seated in their own cubicles (what I call the dividers around our desks) and busy calling clients away and typing on the keyboard. When I get bored sometimes and I stand up to walk around, nobody even realizes. Made me feel transparent.
5) The unbelievably high level of office politics.
Hands down; I gotta admit I'm kinda blown off by this. Its way too high. I think I gotta buy personal work life insurance perhaps.
6) More than 50% of the email you receive does not concern you.
This is true because of all the cc and bcc going on. My manager even emails me when she sits just beside me. Why? Because they need proof for everything. On a side note, I didn't even have a need to have an email account while working in the F&B Service Industry.
7) It gets mundane at times, especially when you compare it with other departments.
You see others having fun with their freedom (of speech) in everything they do at the F&B outlets in the hotels and you get kinda jealous. You know you will never receive the same treatment.
8) The amount of mental stress is way higher than office politics.
Everyone thinks office jobs are easy, sitting there just typing emails and answering calls. That was what I thought too, but hell no. Everyday I leave work with my brain saturated. I miss the times where I don't need to use my brains to handle those unreasonable guests. All I had to do was smile.
9) You got to be so diplomatic at work.
Unliek F&B, you cannot be straightforward with your supervisor because it will mean hell for you in future. Smiling doesn't work as much too, on a side note.
10) You get so sick of sitting down the entire day.
Yeah I know those F&B people who sees this will wanna strangle me but its ironic. You complain when you stand the whole day, and you complain when you sit the whole day. Humans.
All in all, it sure is part of my learning journey and I believe things will be better once I get used to it. I still like the perks of an office job like enjoying air con, being able to charge my phone till 100% before I end work everyday, being able to eat and use phone during work hours and lastly dress decently. Its like a must-go-through thing for everyone, I feel. Just like a Customer Service job. It helps us to grow.
Okay, I shall also include a little about what happened in the office today. First who saw me was Giovanni, whose facial expression told me that he was surprised to see me in the office on a Saturday morning. He came by and asked why was I in the office so I told him. "Saturday Duties," I smiled.
And then at about 10.30am everyone started coming in to the office for meeting with Giovanni. Krishna saw me and then he just exclaimed very loudly from the back, "Don't act hardworking lah. Saturday come back for what?"
So I told him the same like what I told Giovanni. He dropped by my desk as well and chatted with me a little. He asked how was I and then I told him I miss him (which in Hotel Language means "I miss working with you" hahaha) and then he was like "I told you you should have stayed with me (as in Banquet) mah."
I argued with him saying he didn't want to up my hourly rate and he rebutted saying he did but I said no. He said maybe the clerk doesn't like me hahaha. Nonsense.
And then he stood from afar and commented to his colleague, "See that girl acting busy." I just yelled across the office, "Eh boss why you do this?!" In which he said, "Enemy mah."
"Must let go of your hatred boss. Only then you will be happy," I told him. He laughed. He was speechless.
One very important thing that helps contribute to my daily laughter: these wonderful people I've met over the years. We worked together, got scolded together and hanged out together. The bond we have formed over the past three years is unbreakable haha. Fighting through hard and difficult times together with fellow colleagues is one of the most important thing that brought us closer. Or maybe another; gossiping about bosses. Hahaha.
And the bosses are the people I'm grateful to. I've mentioned it countless times; if not for them I wouldn't be where I am today. Sure it still bothers me over the fact that I "betrayed" the people who trusted me and let them down, but I still gotta get over it because that is how work is. Just missing them very much deep inside.
Sigh. Guess I'm still too emotionally attached.
It's a Saturday morning and I am alone in my office for Saturday Duties. Sounds like I have a lot to do but, no. Just pack my desk and sit in front of my computer until 1pm. And answer the phone if it rings.
So since the phone is not ringing and I have nothing much to do, I decided to do this.
No, I'm not going to describe how I go to my office everyday. Just how I entered the life of an OL: Office Lady.
Haha. Its my first office job, and its kinda different from what I've been doing all these while. I've been seeing so many office/hotel job-related posts on Facebook that I feel is so relatable. I shall share the link and some points which I personally can relate the most ever since I started on my new job.
21 Things You Suddenly Start Wanting In Your Mid-20s (#1 #5 #7 #8 #9 #10 #13 #16 #17)
17 Things You Suddenly Start Doing When You Get An Office Job (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #7 #8 #10 #11 #12)
1) You can't be more thankful for Fridays.
When I used to be in the F&B service industry, Friday means nothing to you. Because you gotta work even on weekends.
2) Similarly, Public Holidays.
Public Holiday doesn't mean "holiday" if you're working in the F&B service industry. But it means one less working day for the month if you hold a full-time office job.
3) The office is a landmine.
You gotta be really careful not to tread on anyone's toes during their bad enough day because they're gonna screw you. In F&B service, all that you gotta be wary about is offending your guests. Simple.
4) It feels like you're on your own although we share the same office.
Everyone is seated in their own cubicles (what I call the dividers around our desks) and busy calling clients away and typing on the keyboard. When I get bored sometimes and I stand up to walk around, nobody even realizes. Made me feel transparent.
5) The unbelievably high level of office politics.
Hands down; I gotta admit I'm kinda blown off by this. Its way too high. I think I gotta buy personal work life insurance perhaps.
6) More than 50% of the email you receive does not concern you.
This is true because of all the cc and bcc going on. My manager even emails me when she sits just beside me. Why? Because they need proof for everything. On a side note, I didn't even have a need to have an email account while working in the F&B Service Industry.
7) It gets mundane at times, especially when you compare it with other departments.
You see others having fun with their freedom (of speech) in everything they do at the F&B outlets in the hotels and you get kinda jealous. You know you will never receive the same treatment.
8) The amount of mental stress is way higher than office politics.
Everyone thinks office jobs are easy, sitting there just typing emails and answering calls. That was what I thought too, but hell no. Everyday I leave work with my brain saturated. I miss the times where I don't need to use my brains to handle those unreasonable guests. All I had to do was smile.
9) You got to be so diplomatic at work.
Unliek F&B, you cannot be straightforward with your supervisor because it will mean hell for you in future. Smiling doesn't work as much too, on a side note.
10) You get so sick of sitting down the entire day.
Yeah I know those F&B people who sees this will wanna strangle me but its ironic. You complain when you stand the whole day, and you complain when you sit the whole day. Humans.
All in all, it sure is part of my learning journey and I believe things will be better once I get used to it. I still like the perks of an office job like enjoying air con, being able to charge my phone till 100% before I end work everyday, being able to eat and use phone during work hours and lastly dress decently. Its like a must-go-through thing for everyone, I feel. Just like a Customer Service job. It helps us to grow.
Okay, I shall also include a little about what happened in the office today. First who saw me was Giovanni, whose facial expression told me that he was surprised to see me in the office on a Saturday morning. He came by and asked why was I in the office so I told him. "Saturday Duties," I smiled.
And then at about 10.30am everyone started coming in to the office for meeting with Giovanni. Krishna saw me and then he just exclaimed very loudly from the back, "Don't act hardworking lah. Saturday come back for what?"
So I told him the same like what I told Giovanni. He dropped by my desk as well and chatted with me a little. He asked how was I and then I told him I miss him (which in Hotel Language means "I miss working with you" hahaha) and then he was like "I told you you should have stayed with me (as in Banquet) mah."
I argued with him saying he didn't want to up my hourly rate and he rebutted saying he did but I said no. He said maybe the clerk doesn't like me hahaha. Nonsense.
And then he stood from afar and commented to his colleague, "See that girl acting busy." I just yelled across the office, "Eh boss why you do this?!" In which he said, "Enemy mah."
"Must let go of your hatred boss. Only then you will be happy," I told him. He laughed. He was speechless.
One very important thing that helps contribute to my daily laughter: these wonderful people I've met over the years. We worked together, got scolded together and hanged out together. The bond we have formed over the past three years is unbreakable haha. Fighting through hard and difficult times together with fellow colleagues is one of the most important thing that brought us closer. Or maybe another; gossiping about bosses. Hahaha.
And the bosses are the people I'm grateful to. I've mentioned it countless times; if not for them I wouldn't be where I am today. Sure it still bothers me over the fact that I "betrayed" the people who trusted me and let them down, but I still gotta get over it because that is how work is. Just missing them very much deep inside.
Sigh. Guess I'm still too emotionally attached.
Friends, friends, and... Bosses
14 March 2014, Friday
Nothing much happened at work today except for Marcus being extremely busy with his clients that he only got back at 4pm to be "welcomed" by tons of emails and phone messages for him.
The main bulk of today's post is dinner! Met Jacelin, Josephin and Sophia for dinner at Thai Express at Northpoint! Meet ups with these girls are always full of laughter somehow or another. Four crazy women laughing their asses off at Thai Express. Even the baby at the table beside us was staring. Hahaha.
Really love them alot! And I came to realise the topic that we are always joking or laughing about is our bosses! We're not gossiping about them actually, just narrating what we witnessed about them and some funny incidents at work is enough to crack us up. We even went to the extend to Google search their profiles!
I swear we talked about nothing else apart form our bosses and it does feel so good to have friends who worked in the same industry as you so that you can share the joy and woes together.
Can't wait for our next meeting together.
On a side note, Jacelin is really good at imitating accents. Haha!
Have a great weekend!!
Nothing much happened at work today except for Marcus being extremely busy with his clients that he only got back at 4pm to be "welcomed" by tons of emails and phone messages for him.
The main bulk of today's post is dinner! Met Jacelin, Josephin and Sophia for dinner at Thai Express at Northpoint! Meet ups with these girls are always full of laughter somehow or another. Four crazy women laughing their asses off at Thai Express. Even the baby at the table beside us was staring. Hahaha.
Really love them alot! And I came to realise the topic that we are always joking or laughing about is our bosses! We're not gossiping about them actually, just narrating what we witnessed about them and some funny incidents at work is enough to crack us up. We even went to the extend to Google search their profiles!
I swear we talked about nothing else apart form our bosses and it does feel so good to have friends who worked in the same industry as you so that you can share the joy and woes together.
Can't wait for our next meeting together.
On a side note, Jacelin is really good at imitating accents. Haha!
Have a great weekend!!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Hello Pseudo Friend!
13 March 2014, Thursday
Today I learnt a new word called "pseudo". A "pseudo name" means a fake or substitute name used for someone who doesn't wish to disclose his identity to public, especially on holidays. Hence the title of my blog. Hehe.
And to narrate my story below, I'm gonna give my client a Pseudo name called Michelle. She is one who complains about everything she can but can still sound very nice. Even I am amazed at her. Its like when I spoke to her she is complaining but I don't feel annoyed. In fact I enjoyed speaking to her but sadly she is not my client. Aswin is the one taking charge. So why is she not speaking to Aswin?
She called my extension and start telling me about her issue and asked me for help. I was just doing what I could for her and I tried to sound as comfortable as I can because it was my first time speaking with her. She got so comfortable with me that we were practically talking on the phone like friends haha. But the shocking thing came after I ended the call.
The moment I hung up, Aswin came over to tell me that Michelle actually put him on hold just to call me. Hahahaha it was damn joke because he didn't expect that (neither did I) so it was kinda funny.
And, did I not mention I love walking around the hotel to run errands? And the new Russian guy smiled to me even while entertaining guests. Their way of acknowledging your presence. I appreciate.
Today I learnt a new word called "pseudo". A "pseudo name" means a fake or substitute name used for someone who doesn't wish to disclose his identity to public, especially on holidays. Hence the title of my blog. Hehe.
And to narrate my story below, I'm gonna give my client a Pseudo name called Michelle. She is one who complains about everything she can but can still sound very nice. Even I am amazed at her. Its like when I spoke to her she is complaining but I don't feel annoyed. In fact I enjoyed speaking to her but sadly she is not my client. Aswin is the one taking charge. So why is she not speaking to Aswin?
She called my extension and start telling me about her issue and asked me for help. I was just doing what I could for her and I tried to sound as comfortable as I can because it was my first time speaking with her. She got so comfortable with me that we were practically talking on the phone like friends haha. But the shocking thing came after I ended the call.
The moment I hung up, Aswin came over to tell me that Michelle actually put him on hold just to call me. Hahahaha it was damn joke because he didn't expect that (neither did I) so it was kinda funny.
And, did I not mention I love walking around the hotel to run errands? And the new Russian guy smiled to me even while entertaining guests. Their way of acknowledging your presence. I appreciate.
Fun colleagues bring joy at work!
12 March 2014, Wednesday
And its mid-week again! Can't wait for the weekends to be here again hehe.
Did I mention we have a new General Manager? Mr Reto Klauser, from Swiss. Our previous GM, Mr Manfred Webber left for other properties. And I must say the new GM is cute. Hehe.
He is so jovial and always smiling, and always drops by our office to check us out. He walked past my desk today just to exclaim how cute my panda post-it note was. Hahaha so cute lah idek how should I react.
And and, Giovanni routed to my desk today to catch up with me. He asked how I was doing in Sales and I said I was good being able to see him everyday haha.
Just two bosses who came by for less than 5 minutes each was enough to make my day better. What more can I ask for?
Maybe I could ask for them to be my direct boss.
Nah just kidding. That would mean a transfer, so its a no.
I miss my bosses though.
Just two bosses who came by for less than 5 minutes each was enough to make my day better. What more can I ask for?
Maybe I could ask for them to be my direct boss.
Nah just kidding. That would mean a transfer, so its a no.
I miss my bosses though.
Australiaaaa!
11 March 2014, Tuesday
If you're a kpop fan you must know Running Man. If you know Running Man you must know they're filming the Australia episode with Woobin and Rain. I can't wait to watch it!
Well if you're not a kpop fan then its okay. I titled this post Australia not just because of the above reason. It was because I made calls to Australia today for my client. *sigh*
Do you guys have any idea how difficult it is for me to call overseas? I gotta call the phone operator, who will in turn transfer my call to the overseas number. When I finally got through Shangri-la Sydney's number, they transferred me to Sales & Marketing, who in turn transferred me to Reservations, all because they said they couldn't help me. And where did I end up? Malaysia Call Centre. Wow. It feels as if I just traveled from Australia to Malaysia.
But it was nice speaking to the people over the phone. A total different experience! The way they treat guests and speak is different from us!
And many "thanks" to the client who gave me a chance to call overseas! Everything was settled in the end, thankfully.
One thing about me, I love answering calls. I love speaking to people. Only on one condition: if I know my stuff well. And what I'm experiencing at work is being forced to answer calls when I don't know much. I guess the only thing to do now is like what they say to "learn as we go on."
Had Pepper Lunch dinner (irony) with Joanna and then waffles at gelare! The waffles are half price and Pepper Lunch has a new menu!!! Quality time spent even after a long day at work. #lifeisgood
If you're a kpop fan you must know Running Man. If you know Running Man you must know they're filming the Australia episode with Woobin and Rain. I can't wait to watch it!
Well if you're not a kpop fan then its okay. I titled this post Australia not just because of the above reason. It was because I made calls to Australia today for my client. *sigh*
Do you guys have any idea how difficult it is for me to call overseas? I gotta call the phone operator, who will in turn transfer my call to the overseas number. When I finally got through Shangri-la Sydney's number, they transferred me to Sales & Marketing, who in turn transferred me to Reservations, all because they said they couldn't help me. And where did I end up? Malaysia Call Centre. Wow. It feels as if I just traveled from Australia to Malaysia.
But it was nice speaking to the people over the phone. A total different experience! The way they treat guests and speak is different from us!
And many "thanks" to the client who gave me a chance to call overseas! Everything was settled in the end, thankfully.
One thing about me, I love answering calls. I love speaking to people. Only on one condition: if I know my stuff well. And what I'm experiencing at work is being forced to answer calls when I don't know much. I guess the only thing to do now is like what they say to "learn as we go on."
Had Pepper Lunch dinner (irony) with Joanna and then waffles at gelare! The waffles are half price and Pepper Lunch has a new menu!!! Quality time spent even after a long day at work. #lifeisgood
Monday, March 10, 2014
Bonjour Week 3!
10 March 2014, Monday
Sorry for being random with using French but it just came to my mind. Guess I'm feeling good that's why the choice of word. Haha.
Anyway, its Week 3 of my new job and I guess I would say I'm coping well although I still need my colleagues' help in various matters. Surprisingly there aren't a lot of emails for me this morning although I expected tons of it over the weekends. I haven't had voucher redemption and amenities in quite some time already too. So I guess it was quite a free day for me, which was perfect for me to start on my Delphi test.
Delphi is just a software which we use for our daily work to check details. Every new employee is required to pass the test before gaining access to the username and password. I was supposed to complete it on Thursday as tasked by my boss but because I had too many things to do I asked for an extension till today. I only did two chapters out of eleven on Friday, and had plans to finish everything by today. Even told my mum not to cook my dinner because I'm already prepared to stay until 10pm to finish my test. Fyi, there are people who stay till 1am in the office.
So, I wasn't busy today and I managed to rush through my Delphi and after what six tries, I finally passed it!!! It was 7pm haha. I was so elated and my managers were happy for me. Elisabeth who came back today was so helpful because she didn't want me to waste time on it. Haha.
Oh, and I had lunch with the Janice (Sales Coordinator - Diplomatic Affairs), Sue (Sales Manager), Marcus (Sales Manager), Jolene (Director of Diplomatic Affairs), Brenda (Director of Business Development) and Silvia (Director of Sales). Yeah so basically its big bosses and I didn't even eat in peace. Didn't dare to have my ice cream or my usual second round of food. But had a fun chat with them regarding the missing flight MH370. They had interesting theories to share and Sue is really gullible to believe the others when they told her that aeroplanes can do a three-point reverse!! She was shocked when Jolene first mentioned about the unusual fact that the plane actually tried to do a u-turn because she thought aeroplanes couldn't u-turn haha.
Anyways after I finished my Delphi I sent the scanned copy to my colleague so she could give me my password and then I headed for dinner at The Cafe happily! Took my own sweet dinner from 7.15pm to 8pm and had two ice creams dipped in espresso which is damn good! Walked home and showered and gave a call to Miaoqi because I needed someone to talk to. So glad to have her because hearing her voice just made me feel a lot better. And I'm so happy when I know we'll be best friends <3
Goodnight my love. Its a brand new day tomorrow and you gotta fight for yourself. Go for it.
Sorry for being random with using French but it just came to my mind. Guess I'm feeling good that's why the choice of word. Haha.
Anyway, its Week 3 of my new job and I guess I would say I'm coping well although I still need my colleagues' help in various matters. Surprisingly there aren't a lot of emails for me this morning although I expected tons of it over the weekends. I haven't had voucher redemption and amenities in quite some time already too. So I guess it was quite a free day for me, which was perfect for me to start on my Delphi test.
Delphi is just a software which we use for our daily work to check details. Every new employee is required to pass the test before gaining access to the username and password. I was supposed to complete it on Thursday as tasked by my boss but because I had too many things to do I asked for an extension till today. I only did two chapters out of eleven on Friday, and had plans to finish everything by today. Even told my mum not to cook my dinner because I'm already prepared to stay until 10pm to finish my test. Fyi, there are people who stay till 1am in the office.
So, I wasn't busy today and I managed to rush through my Delphi and after what six tries, I finally passed it!!! It was 7pm haha. I was so elated and my managers were happy for me. Elisabeth who came back today was so helpful because she didn't want me to waste time on it. Haha.
Oh, and I had lunch with the Janice (Sales Coordinator - Diplomatic Affairs), Sue (Sales Manager), Marcus (Sales Manager), Jolene (Director of Diplomatic Affairs), Brenda (Director of Business Development) and Silvia (Director of Sales). Yeah so basically its big bosses and I didn't even eat in peace. Didn't dare to have my ice cream or my usual second round of food. But had a fun chat with them regarding the missing flight MH370. They had interesting theories to share and Sue is really gullible to believe the others when they told her that aeroplanes can do a three-point reverse!! She was shocked when Jolene first mentioned about the unusual fact that the plane actually tried to do a u-turn because she thought aeroplanes couldn't u-turn haha.
Anyways after I finished my Delphi I sent the scanned copy to my colleague so she could give me my password and then I headed for dinner at The Cafe happily! Took my own sweet dinner from 7.15pm to 8pm and had two ice creams dipped in espresso which is damn good! Walked home and showered and gave a call to Miaoqi because I needed someone to talk to. So glad to have her because hearing her voice just made me feel a lot better. And I'm so happy when I know we'll be best friends <3
Goodnight my love. Its a brand new day tomorrow and you gotta fight for yourself. Go for it.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
#PrayForMH370
08 March 2014, Saturday
Its a blessing to be able to sleep in after a long week at work. I woke up at noon just when the sun was bright and high int the sky. Woke up to the news about the disappearance of the Malaysian flight to Beijing.
Background Info: After departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at midnight, MH370 that was scheduled for landing at 6.30am at Beijing, China disappeared from the radars at 2.40am. Yet Malaysia Airline (MAS) only took action after more than 7 hours of delay, and even up till 10pm on Saturday the airline still doesn't have news about the location of the plane or information for the relatives of the passengers on board. Passengers on board were mainly Chinese Nationals, some Malaysians and the rest are minority nationalities. Singapore, Vietnam, China and America has sent help to search for the missing jet.
I still don't comprehend what could have happened. Isn't it a little unusual for a plane to suddenly go off the radar without reporting about any damages or whatsoever during the flight? Sincerely hope everything will be alright...
Saw the above image on Twitter and it totally broke my heart... I hope they find them soon, and that people stop spreading irresponsible and untrue information over the internet. On the other hand, MAS should really start doing something.
Its a blessing to be able to sleep in after a long week at work. I woke up at noon just when the sun was bright and high int the sky. Woke up to the news about the disappearance of the Malaysian flight to Beijing.
Background Info: After departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at midnight, MH370 that was scheduled for landing at 6.30am at Beijing, China disappeared from the radars at 2.40am. Yet Malaysia Airline (MAS) only took action after more than 7 hours of delay, and even up till 10pm on Saturday the airline still doesn't have news about the location of the plane or information for the relatives of the passengers on board. Passengers on board were mainly Chinese Nationals, some Malaysians and the rest are minority nationalities. Singapore, Vietnam, China and America has sent help to search for the missing jet.
I still don't comprehend what could have happened. Isn't it a little unusual for a plane to suddenly go off the radar without reporting about any damages or whatsoever during the flight? Sincerely hope everything will be alright...
Saw the above image on Twitter and it totally broke my heart... I hope they find them soon, and that people stop spreading irresponsible and untrue information over the internet. On the other hand, MAS should really start doing something.
There goes Week 2...
07 march 2014, Friday
Hehehe TGIF!!!
Its the end of week two already and we're already one week into March! How fast time flies.
I was already super tired yesterday and wanted to go home immediately and sleep but I ended up talking to Jianle on the phone about work for 1.5 hours until 12.30am! So by the time I got to sleep it was already 1am. And needless to say, I didn't have enough sleep.
I woke up feeling so dead cos my eyes couldn't even open. Had the very bad urge to take MC but hey, its only my second week!! What would others say? I dragged myself out of bed, to wash up and all the way to board the morning packed train.
The moment I boarded the train, I told myself, "Die already." I couldn't even keep my eyes open till Khatib! How am I supposed to survive this train ride all the way to Orchard?! At Khatib this foreign worker seated near me alighted. Of course I wanted that seat badly, but I don't want it to seem like I'm desperate because people will be staring at you afterwards. Apparently the desperate one is the auntie beside me. She was even further from me but she squeezed her way to the seat. Auntie, you want a cookie for being first?
God must have blessed me, haha. The uncle beside the foreign worker just now alighted at Yio Chu Kang and I had my seat!!! Usually I don't like to sleep on the train because your most unglam face would be seen by everyone. If I had a choice, I would take the reserved seat so that I can lean and cover my face with my hair. But this time, I was so tired I couldn't care. I slept all the way till Orchard and almost missed my stop.
Dragged my feet to Far East so that I can board the shuttle bus but I was still feeling so lifeless. I needed Starbucks, yes. Got myself an iced caramel latte and boarded the shuttle just on time. I snuggled in a window seat and fell asleep right away.
Soon after, I opened my eyes and we were already at the hotel! Oh man I had the urge to take another round of the shuttle bus so I could sleep in!! I always take the 7.30am transport if I can, so I actually still have time allowance if I decide to skip breakfast.
Anyways, story cut short I managed to reach my office half dead. Surprisingly there wasn't briefing this morning. And there wasn't much work for us to do today too. I'm getting more familiar with the things I have to do already although I'm still not really sure on how to write emails. Yeah I got a B3 for English but that's only for grammar wise. I don't really know how to write business emails...
But the good news is, its a Friday and I survived the day!! Like I mentioned multiple times earlier on, I'm really not a morning person, I dread mornings. Towards the end of work, I felt so energetic, just like a new person! I even texted Emily to ask if I could work in Banquet part time tonight. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, I dropped the idea.
It turns out that Emily called to ask if she could borrow my heels. Apparently, Joey is the only one in Banquet who wears heels and the two ushers needed to be in heels. So I lent them my heels and wore my flats home.
I had dinner at the cafe and wanted Emily to join but she was too busy to have her dinner. She just started as banquet clerk recently and I could tell she has been busy. My mum didn't cook so I just decided to settle my dinner at my workplace since I didn't have to pay. Which means, I settled my three meals at work for free today. #perksofworkinginahotel
So that's the end of my Week 2. It has been difficult and stress but I'm trying my best to adapt well. Although everyone around the hotel is still "mocking" at me for joining Shangri-la full-time (because according to them they say its hell :P), I still love this place because there's every single one of them out there who never fails to make my day at work. Although I don't get to see them as much, but I believe its definitely better than working in an entirely new environment with no one you know, Three years is no joke, I knew them even before I started poly and now I am already a graduate. Maybe I'm too attached, but I really appreciate everyone of them.
Truth to be told, kinda miss my part time life. The freedom, the fun, the burden-less work and all, responsibility-free. Missing F&B too. People have been telling me that I may, after all, be more an F&B person. There has been conflicting remarks about me joining full time being told to me, and it stays the same even up till now. Some have told me to make my decision quick if I want a transfer, but I won't do so even if that's what I want. First thing is for the sake of the learning experience. Since I was given the chance, I want to grab at every opportunity to learn whatever I can. Second thing is for the people. I know almost everyone personally in the hotel. If I decide to turn my back on Sales, it won't do me good if future if I want to stay in this hotel but in other departments. Third thing, for the resume. Changing jobs quickly definitely won't do me any good. Hence my conclusion: I'm staying on.
Yes I do miss my F&B life; the jokes about the guests, tired complains at the end of the day, the shit we go through and lastly, working hand in hand with each other to complete every guest's day. There is definitely more teamwork in F&B than in an office, needless to say. That's because the nature of the job is different.
Looking forward to my weekends again! Before I start battling Week 3! Well of course, with enough sleep. Haha.
Hehehe TGIF!!!
Its the end of week two already and we're already one week into March! How fast time flies.
I was already super tired yesterday and wanted to go home immediately and sleep but I ended up talking to Jianle on the phone about work for 1.5 hours until 12.30am! So by the time I got to sleep it was already 1am. And needless to say, I didn't have enough sleep.
I woke up feeling so dead cos my eyes couldn't even open. Had the very bad urge to take MC but hey, its only my second week!! What would others say? I dragged myself out of bed, to wash up and all the way to board the morning packed train.
The moment I boarded the train, I told myself, "Die already." I couldn't even keep my eyes open till Khatib! How am I supposed to survive this train ride all the way to Orchard?! At Khatib this foreign worker seated near me alighted. Of course I wanted that seat badly, but I don't want it to seem like I'm desperate because people will be staring at you afterwards. Apparently the desperate one is the auntie beside me. She was even further from me but she squeezed her way to the seat. Auntie, you want a cookie for being first?
God must have blessed me, haha. The uncle beside the foreign worker just now alighted at Yio Chu Kang and I had my seat!!! Usually I don't like to sleep on the train because your most unglam face would be seen by everyone. If I had a choice, I would take the reserved seat so that I can lean and cover my face with my hair. But this time, I was so tired I couldn't care. I slept all the way till Orchard and almost missed my stop.
Dragged my feet to Far East so that I can board the shuttle bus but I was still feeling so lifeless. I needed Starbucks, yes. Got myself an iced caramel latte and boarded the shuttle just on time. I snuggled in a window seat and fell asleep right away.
Soon after, I opened my eyes and we were already at the hotel! Oh man I had the urge to take another round of the shuttle bus so I could sleep in!! I always take the 7.30am transport if I can, so I actually still have time allowance if I decide to skip breakfast.
Anyways, story cut short I managed to reach my office half dead. Surprisingly there wasn't briefing this morning. And there wasn't much work for us to do today too. I'm getting more familiar with the things I have to do already although I'm still not really sure on how to write emails. Yeah I got a B3 for English but that's only for grammar wise. I don't really know how to write business emails...
But the good news is, its a Friday and I survived the day!! Like I mentioned multiple times earlier on, I'm really not a morning person, I dread mornings. Towards the end of work, I felt so energetic, just like a new person! I even texted Emily to ask if I could work in Banquet part time tonight. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, I dropped the idea.
It turns out that Emily called to ask if she could borrow my heels. Apparently, Joey is the only one in Banquet who wears heels and the two ushers needed to be in heels. So I lent them my heels and wore my flats home.
I had dinner at the cafe and wanted Emily to join but she was too busy to have her dinner. She just started as banquet clerk recently and I could tell she has been busy. My mum didn't cook so I just decided to settle my dinner at my workplace since I didn't have to pay. Which means, I settled my three meals at work for free today. #perksofworkinginahotel
So that's the end of my Week 2. It has been difficult and stress but I'm trying my best to adapt well. Although everyone around the hotel is still "mocking" at me for joining Shangri-la full-time (because according to them they say its hell :P), I still love this place because there's every single one of them out there who never fails to make my day at work. Although I don't get to see them as much, but I believe its definitely better than working in an entirely new environment with no one you know, Three years is no joke, I knew them even before I started poly and now I am already a graduate. Maybe I'm too attached, but I really appreciate everyone of them.
Truth to be told, kinda miss my part time life. The freedom, the fun, the burden-less work and all, responsibility-free. Missing F&B too. People have been telling me that I may, after all, be more an F&B person. There has been conflicting remarks about me joining full time being told to me, and it stays the same even up till now. Some have told me to make my decision quick if I want a transfer, but I won't do so even if that's what I want. First thing is for the sake of the learning experience. Since I was given the chance, I want to grab at every opportunity to learn whatever I can. Second thing is for the people. I know almost everyone personally in the hotel. If I decide to turn my back on Sales, it won't do me good if future if I want to stay in this hotel but in other departments. Third thing, for the resume. Changing jobs quickly definitely won't do me any good. Hence my conclusion: I'm staying on.
Yes I do miss my F&B life; the jokes about the guests, tired complains at the end of the day, the shit we go through and lastly, working hand in hand with each other to complete every guest's day. There is definitely more teamwork in F&B than in an office, needless to say. That's because the nature of the job is different.
Looking forward to my weekends again! Before I start battling Week 3! Well of course, with enough sleep. Haha.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Week 2: Happy Monday!!
03 March 2014, Monday
It isn't exactly a happy, happy Monday. Well, I slept late last night so I didn't have a good rest to prepare myself for another week of battle. Haven't had weekends off since idk how many dinosaur years ago (since I joined F&B) because well, in F&B, there's no such thing as weekends!!
Weekends passed quite quickly (as usual) but it was still enough for me (at the moment :P). Spent my Saturday sleeping in till 2pm (which was damn shiok of course) and then dinner with my dear dear friend. We finished dinner at Xin Wang in less than 30mins, but the main focus of the night was when we had heart to heart talks with each other for the next 2 hours or so, which was when you unintentionally disclosed a secret that I would never have imagined my entire life.
Like I said, it was unintentional, but I still wanna thank him for telling it to me. The secret came as such a big shock to me that I broke down and cried. I felt cheated. I felt stupid. Stupid for believing people and friends that I trust. I felt like I lost hope in all my friends, but I definitely won't let that affect me. I just didn't expect things to progress this way when I didn't even do anything. I tried so hard to salvage everything with you, and till today I am still asking myself (and being asked by Emily), why did things between us get to this stage? I have no f*cking idea! I didn't do anything like I said. Well unless in my friend's pov/argument, the only wrong thing I did was to let my emotions heard.
And this night made me think a lot. I have secrets too; after all who doesn't? But I'm too afraid to be judged so I choose to let these secrets stay with me. Except for a few close friends who know my story. Kinda ironic and makes me ponder should I be frank about myself as well.
Anyway weekends are over already and its a whole new week of work! Today is the start of our orientation with all the other batch new employees and it sounds fun initially but read towards the end and you'll know how I feel.
It was basically a sit-in class the entire day with breaks in between. I went into office at 8.30am as usual after breakfast and decided to clear all my emails. I was expecting a lot because of the weekends + my manager Elisabeth is on leave. 15 new emails greeted me (which I guess is still a manageable amount) and while I was doing it halfway, Silvia called for daily morning meeting and it stressed em out quite a lot cos I finally spoke up today (as requested by Elis) and the response I got was.... Hooooly. So scary :/ Silvia is too serious every morning at work. I can't even.
And then soon it was 9am so Aswin and I headed for orientation, where they brought us on a hotel tour (again). Seriously, I have enough of the hotel already, but it was my first time entering Valley Wing and Valley Wing Deluxe Room. The others were nothing to me lol.
And Kevin from HR popped by and the moment he saw me he was like "you don't need to orientation do you?" Hahaha.
Together with us were three Koreans who are joining Rose Veranda, together with another malay girl, Rosi, who apparently worked at Banquet for 6 months and joined full-time through Mirko's recommendation. I impolitely asked about her salary and I was like, "damn, I should've taken Captain at Rose Veranda when Giovanni offered me." Sigh pie. Sales is not bad also lah. But if I had known that they pay so much, I would've chosen F&B for the sake of my bosses AND the pay. Now that I chose sales, my bosses are not happy. How?
Anyway training was so freaking dry that I wasn't even paying attention in class but using my iPad to play games like Flappy Bird and Tiny Towers. I scrolled Facebook, Twitter and Instagram until there were new updates already. Doesn't that go to show how bored I was in class?
During F&B department overview, I guess Mirko wasn't free to come so Joshua took his place (Giovanni is on leave). While explaining about the organizational chart he named Mirko as "Italian no. 1", Giovanni as "Italian no. 2" and Chef Nicola as "Italian no. 3". Yes we have some Italian mafias coming (as quoted by Joshua).
Joshua asked us to make a guess how many covers does The Line serve in a day, and following the end of his question was, "Justina cannot answer." Haha that's what he always says. Happened during F1 training too. And then when someone was asking about the smoking area in The Line, Joshua asked me, "Justina, how many tables in the smoking area?" I was like, "erm, 5 or 6?" To be honest I wasn't too sure either. Haha :P
And while he was happily describing his baby Banquet about how working there allows us to see so many prestigious people, he named me out again. "Justina, tell me which minister have you not served?" I was kinda stunned at the question, but replied him like, "almost all." Yes, the benefits of working in Shangri-la Hotel. I've seen the President more than a handful of times, and the ministers are just like our friends. The only thing I feel sad now is that idk whether the chances of us meeting these important people now that we are in Sales is still high as compared to working in Banquet. Oh how I miss F&B :(
And then Irene the hygienist came along for a talk as well, and she caught me unnoticed while I was on my game by saying, "Look at Justina. From a casual labour to a full-time, this goes to show how good Shangri-la is right?" Yeah bullshit, It isn't as good as it claims but I still love the company.
I left the talks at 5.30pm to head back to office to check on my emails, especially those that needs to be completed by today. I didn't manage to finish it by 6pm though, and I rushed to catch the 6.40pm shuttle cos I was meeting David, Junrong and Miaoqi at AMK Hub for dinner and movie!!
Time spent with good friends are always the best. Makes me feel energetic after a long day at work (sorry, orientation xD) and never ending laughter. See you guys soon!
Ps. My calendar for this week seems to be packed again :/ Meeting someone everyday for dinner after work.
It isn't exactly a happy, happy Monday. Well, I slept late last night so I didn't have a good rest to prepare myself for another week of battle. Haven't had weekends off since idk how many dinosaur years ago (since I joined F&B) because well, in F&B, there's no such thing as weekends!!
Weekends passed quite quickly (as usual) but it was still enough for me (at the moment :P). Spent my Saturday sleeping in till 2pm (which was damn shiok of course) and then dinner with my dear dear friend. We finished dinner at Xin Wang in less than 30mins, but the main focus of the night was when we had heart to heart talks with each other for the next 2 hours or so, which was when you unintentionally disclosed a secret that I would never have imagined my entire life.
Like I said, it was unintentional, but I still wanna thank him for telling it to me. The secret came as such a big shock to me that I broke down and cried. I felt cheated. I felt stupid. Stupid for believing people and friends that I trust. I felt like I lost hope in all my friends, but I definitely won't let that affect me. I just didn't expect things to progress this way when I didn't even do anything. I tried so hard to salvage everything with you, and till today I am still asking myself (and being asked by Emily), why did things between us get to this stage? I have no f*cking idea! I didn't do anything like I said. Well unless in my friend's pov/argument, the only wrong thing I did was to let my emotions heard.
And this night made me think a lot. I have secrets too; after all who doesn't? But I'm too afraid to be judged so I choose to let these secrets stay with me. Except for a few close friends who know my story. Kinda ironic and makes me ponder should I be frank about myself as well.
Anyway weekends are over already and its a whole new week of work! Today is the start of our orientation with all the other batch new employees and it sounds fun initially but read towards the end and you'll know how I feel.
It was basically a sit-in class the entire day with breaks in between. I went into office at 8.30am as usual after breakfast and decided to clear all my emails. I was expecting a lot because of the weekends + my manager Elisabeth is on leave. 15 new emails greeted me (which I guess is still a manageable amount) and while I was doing it halfway, Silvia called for daily morning meeting and it stressed em out quite a lot cos I finally spoke up today (as requested by Elis) and the response I got was.... Hooooly. So scary :/ Silvia is too serious every morning at work. I can't even.
And then soon it was 9am so Aswin and I headed for orientation, where they brought us on a hotel tour (again). Seriously, I have enough of the hotel already, but it was my first time entering Valley Wing and Valley Wing Deluxe Room. The others were nothing to me lol.
And Kevin from HR popped by and the moment he saw me he was like "you don't need to orientation do you?" Hahaha.
Together with us were three Koreans who are joining Rose Veranda, together with another malay girl, Rosi, who apparently worked at Banquet for 6 months and joined full-time through Mirko's recommendation. I impolitely asked about her salary and I was like, "damn, I should've taken Captain at Rose Veranda when Giovanni offered me." Sigh pie. Sales is not bad also lah. But if I had known that they pay so much, I would've chosen F&B for the sake of my bosses AND the pay. Now that I chose sales, my bosses are not happy. How?
Anyway training was so freaking dry that I wasn't even paying attention in class but using my iPad to play games like Flappy Bird and Tiny Towers. I scrolled Facebook, Twitter and Instagram until there were new updates already. Doesn't that go to show how bored I was in class?
During F&B department overview, I guess Mirko wasn't free to come so Joshua took his place (Giovanni is on leave). While explaining about the organizational chart he named Mirko as "Italian no. 1", Giovanni as "Italian no. 2" and Chef Nicola as "Italian no. 3". Yes we have some Italian mafias coming (as quoted by Joshua).
Joshua asked us to make a guess how many covers does The Line serve in a day, and following the end of his question was, "Justina cannot answer." Haha that's what he always says. Happened during F1 training too. And then when someone was asking about the smoking area in The Line, Joshua asked me, "Justina, how many tables in the smoking area?" I was like, "erm, 5 or 6?" To be honest I wasn't too sure either. Haha :P
And while he was happily describing his baby Banquet about how working there allows us to see so many prestigious people, he named me out again. "Justina, tell me which minister have you not served?" I was kinda stunned at the question, but replied him like, "almost all." Yes, the benefits of working in Shangri-la Hotel. I've seen the President more than a handful of times, and the ministers are just like our friends. The only thing I feel sad now is that idk whether the chances of us meeting these important people now that we are in Sales is still high as compared to working in Banquet. Oh how I miss F&B :(
And then Irene the hygienist came along for a talk as well, and she caught me unnoticed while I was on my game by saying, "Look at Justina. From a casual labour to a full-time, this goes to show how good Shangri-la is right?" Yeah bullshit, It isn't as good as it claims but I still love the company.
I left the talks at 5.30pm to head back to office to check on my emails, especially those that needs to be completed by today. I didn't manage to finish it by 6pm though, and I rushed to catch the 6.40pm shuttle cos I was meeting David, Junrong and Miaoqi at AMK Hub for dinner and movie!!
Time spent with good friends are always the best. Makes me feel energetic after a long day at work (sorry, orientation xD) and never ending laughter. See you guys soon!
Ps. My calendar for this week seems to be packed again :/ Meeting someone everyday for dinner after work.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
TGIF!!
28 February 2014, Friday
Its the first Friday ever since I started my new job and now I know how TGIF actually feels when you work in an office!! Because previously in F&B, weekends didn't matter actually... People out there are enjoying their weekends but we're working hard to ensure a pleasant weekend for everyone. What are weekends? :P
So I was pretty excited because I was looking forward to a two day weekend after a somewhat hectic week of training and handing over. We're actually behind our schedule for training; we haven't met Leon from MICE (Tuesday), Peiyi from Reservations (Wednesday) and Giovanni from F&B (Thursday). Reason is probably because the three of them are really busy people. Like you don't really see them around in the office.
For example, Giovanni is the Assistant Director of F&B so he always pops into the F&B outlets to help out or supervise. Our training with him was supposed to be at 2pm on Thursday, but at 1.45pm I saw him leave the office and I knew we were not going to catch him anymore for that day. Kanchana arranged for training for us on Friday at 3pm instead and guess what, we missed it again. He rescheduled it to 5pm and then he was nagging about how I don't need a training for F&B hahaha.
So I did multiple eClub vouchers and I almost went crazy because of the printers that are super annoying. They just don't print the right documents at times and I need to void so many vouchers. Argh.
Marcus brought us for sight inspection and it was quite fun hehe. He brought us to the ballrooms, followed by meeting rooms on M Floor, then to the Horizon Club rooms and all before heading to 24th floor. I wanna confess here; the memories of that place still hasn't faded. Everything rushed back the moment I stepped foot out of the lift on the 24th floor. Blu Bar & Horizon Club. I was there because of you. And everything else happened because of you.
We didn't manage to finish the tour and it was 6pm already. Elisabeth is going on leave already so I won't be seeing her next week or so. Please hope Aswin and I survive on our own when Kanchana goes on leave too!! Have a great weekend!!
Its the first Friday ever since I started my new job and now I know how TGIF actually feels when you work in an office!! Because previously in F&B, weekends didn't matter actually... People out there are enjoying their weekends but we're working hard to ensure a pleasant weekend for everyone. What are weekends? :P
So I was pretty excited because I was looking forward to a two day weekend after a somewhat hectic week of training and handing over. We're actually behind our schedule for training; we haven't met Leon from MICE (Tuesday), Peiyi from Reservations (Wednesday) and Giovanni from F&B (Thursday). Reason is probably because the three of them are really busy people. Like you don't really see them around in the office.
For example, Giovanni is the Assistant Director of F&B so he always pops into the F&B outlets to help out or supervise. Our training with him was supposed to be at 2pm on Thursday, but at 1.45pm I saw him leave the office and I knew we were not going to catch him anymore for that day. Kanchana arranged for training for us on Friday at 3pm instead and guess what, we missed it again. He rescheduled it to 5pm and then he was nagging about how I don't need a training for F&B hahaha.
So I did multiple eClub vouchers and I almost went crazy because of the printers that are super annoying. They just don't print the right documents at times and I need to void so many vouchers. Argh.
Marcus brought us for sight inspection and it was quite fun hehe. He brought us to the ballrooms, followed by meeting rooms on M Floor, then to the Horizon Club rooms and all before heading to 24th floor. I wanna confess here; the memories of that place still hasn't faded. Everything rushed back the moment I stepped foot out of the lift on the 24th floor. Blu Bar & Horizon Club. I was there because of you. And everything else happened because of you.
We didn't manage to finish the tour and it was 6pm already. Elisabeth is going on leave already so I won't be seeing her next week or so. Please hope Aswin and I survive on our own when Kanchana goes on leave too!! Have a great weekend!!
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