Hello peng..

Remember this video? HAHA..

For those of you who don't know, this place was at Hark Cafe at Selegie rd there. Used to frequent there to sing at their 'live' stage when still in NS la. I remember how I really cherished every single time we went there ah. Cos we usually went on Fri/Sat night. Then I would think that "Sunday night booking in again, damn.." Haha.. But still, it was a good place to chill out and sing of course. But too bad the place now not open for public singing la.

By the way, this video was taken back in Jan'07. Thought I should post it up.. =)



We should so sing again sometime. Yeah?


P.S. Weicai.. your voice included too!

And dearie, your little chuckle ah.. Haha. ;)

Against all odds

It seems not that easy to go against myself. I mean, the quiet, shy guy who used to eat 'packet' bread or sandwiches alone in primary school, usually standing in one corner of the canteen. A little boy among the crowd. It seemed then that I almost didn't exist. Among a class of rowdy guys who always went for soccer games, I actually spent most times by myself then, going home straight after school. Of course, I did have few girls that would talk to me. And I had some close friends back then.

Actually, to think of it, it really wasn't that bad. I might have exaggerated things a little, but I was definitely soft-spoken back then. But soon, I realised things just have to change. I couldn't bear to see myself continue to be that reserved boy. In secondary school, while I still was quite soft-spoken at times, I did make some good friends too, and had my fair share of the typical teenager's experience of hanging out with friends after school and what not.

And now, my job requires me to approach different corporates and businesses and talk to the staff, and even the managers themselves. I do hesitate sometimes and even felt uneasy about this form of approach but I am constantly telling myself that this challenge would help build my path for the future.

My superior in work thought I wasn't soft-spoken at all. And though I insisted I am quite an introvert, my other colleague said I probably am half introvert, half extrovert. Haha. I like that idea though. At least I know both worlds. And I think I CAN be in both worlds, if I want to.

Though every day at work is going to be a challenge (having to meet new people everyday and talk to them), it is part of my job, and I am starting to like it actually.

Most importantly, I know I am going against that introvert persona in me. Well, you don't know me well enough, do you? =)

My newly bloomed work "affair"...

So I decided not to go for my last paper. I just wasn't well prepared. There's no point sulking and indulging in self-pity or whatever. I would just treat it as a lesson learnt and make sure I really do study for the resit paper next semester. That's it.

Sent my car for servicing at Bukit Batok Vicom in the morning. Since it needs around 3 hours for my car to be ready, I thought I would head down directly to IMM first. Had "Subway" - Oven roasted chicken breast to be specific, for lunch. I am really taking into liking those sandwiches. Somemore the $5.90 offer comes with a drink and 2 cookies. Not a bad deal.

Work has been getting more and more interesting. Although it's now my third week of work proper, today's technically like the 6th or 7th day of work as I took a break in preparation for the exams. So well, was back to IMM again. I was actually walking around level two when I saw this girl holding onto some big phamhlet and folder and walking in and out of stores. So I thought she might be selling something. Out of curiousity, I decided to ask her what she is doing. And guess what? She was like going all the way to promote about the discount vouchers from a Japanese restaurant called Hanabi restaurant and that the whole booklet costs around $30 bucks. She even asked me if I usually dine with how many people if I were to go to such a restaurant. And she didn't speak well at all, to my surprise. She was a bit hesitant and stuttering in her speech. And I thought she was really daring enough to approach any retail shop and talk to the staff about THAT voucher.

And I found out that there were only 3 outlets. 2 in the East and 1 in Bukit Timah. Why are they even selling these vouchers in the west? I would NOT intentionally BUY the vouchers just to go dine at a restaurant that I have not eaten at. Oh, and the name "Hanabi" did ring a bell. I think they sent me occasional smses to promote meal discounts and whatever, to which I deleted those smses without much thought. But a restaurant like that is actually implementing the direct sales strategy by sending people out. Quite a good marketing effort.

Back to my office in the evening, went through a briefing session to build on product knowledge. I am so excited about what my company is doing. We are actually probably the only one in the industry specialising in doing web commercials! It was really an eye-opener to know that, and the personnels involved for a commercial to be taken. Like creative director, script writer, voice-over artistes from US/London, post editor, etc.

And the good thing is, the hype of Youtube is still at the infancy state. Web videos and marketing are sure going to develop more further down the road. I thought it is a really good advertising avenue for businesses. Going through today's product training really helped me gain more insights into what my company is really capable of doing. And now I really believe in my company's products even more!

After training, went to Parkway Parade to have dinner with my colleague, Daphne. We are both new to the field so we try to motivate each other constantly.

I guess I really need to be more patient to see the numbers rolling in. And of course, I need to control my thinking and not let my mood affect me that often. There are really many things to learn!

So for now, I need to motivate myself each day. And enjoy my work as much as possible. =)

It's nearly 3 a.m. now.

Had a paper just now in school. Didn't think I would do very well for it since it was really last minute revision. But I should think it is enough to garner a pass, right?

As for tomorrow's paper(technically today), I don't have high hopes for it either. It is really considered very very last minute revision. The textbook is so wordy and I am feeling quite sleepy just staring at it. I was considering actually to withdraw from this paper since I wasn't well prepared. At all. As of now, 2.55a.m. to be exact. But I don't know, maybe I should try write something tomorrow. Something constructive, and plausible, perhaps?

I think I need my precious sleep soon.

And I miss my dearie bun. Without her in my arms, it just feels a bit lonely. I know she has only been away for one day, but she will be away for the next five days too.

I am so struggling to cope with the paper..
and struggling with my loneliness now.

But I know I will pull through. Good or bad. No matter what.

I don't fancy exams at all.

Last minute revision doesn't seem to be working pretty well this time round, especially when I am having two papers in two consecutive days. It is like the first times I am trying to flip through the textbooks as diligently as possible, and forcing myself to read the study units online. And I thought degree studies could have been easier.

I probably can only blame myself for the 'boh-chapness' towards this semester. At least I handed in my assignments on time. I skipped some lectures though. Bleah.

Whatever it is, I am definitely burning midnight oil now. And ya, I am really trying not to stress myself too much. Can only make use of the remaining time to try memorising as much as I can, though I would insist that understanding the concepts are more important than the former.

Argh. I am crossing my fingers that things will turn out well the next two days, that I would be smiling to myself while working on the exam papers for the two evenings. That I would even probably chuckle at my prior self-induced stress.

Can't wait to go back to academics-free life. Can't wait to explore more of music and books. And of course, back to building paths for my career!

Argh. I really hate mindless textbooks/notes academics. Such a paradox right? But seriously, I believe real learning takes place out of the classroom! So I am excited about post-exams period.

On another note, dearie is going to HK for holidays le. Would be a 6-days holiday. That would probably be one of the longest period I'm not going to see her or hear from her. I know it's only 6-days. But for once, it is probably a never-before situation. So I think I would miss her badly.

Sigh.

Back to burning that midnight oil. Damn.

Freak encounter with a careless taxi driver!

I had my first paper two days ago. I went for two appointments with my clients two days ago...

A taxi driver hit my car two days ago!!!

I freaking can't believe taxi drivers can be nowadays. Reckless, careless driving, changing lanes without signalling, cutting lanes abruptly.. While I heard of all of these, I got caught in one incident myself.

Was driving out of IMM and was driving past the taxi stand when it happened. There was a line of taxis in queue. Somewhere in between, I saw a taxi just about to turn out. At that point of time, I was travelling straight, so I thought he would have noticed and stopped turning out. But he didn't!!! I witnessed the horror of it all through my left side mirror. That taxi driver just rammed his vehicle onto the left passenger door of my car! When it happened, I still kept my cool. But I know I was infuriated.

So I stopped my car to the right side and confronted that taxi uncle.

I think I said something like this...

Me: Uncle, why you so careless?! You didn't see my car?
Taxi driver: You should have slowed down when you saw my car turning out.
Me: Didn't you check you side mirror and blindspot first before turning out?!
(WTF. Still dare to argue with me when he's clearly in the wrong. At this point of time, I was really feeling quite frustrated. I wanted to add "YOU DIDN'T PASS YOUR DRIVING TEST IS IT? WHEN A CAR IS GOING STRAIGHT, YOU NEED TO GIVE WAY!")

Not quite sure how I should handle this situation since I've never been involved in one before, I decided to call my dad for assistance. I can tell that the uncle was feeling a bit uneasy about the situation, and kept asking me to "forget about it".. What the... He gotta compensate right? He actually wanted to settle it with just $50. I tell you, if only I was angry enough, I would really scold him all sorts of vulgarities. Not wanting to get things complicated, my dad just told me to take $100 from him.

When he was taking $100 out for me, the driver still mumbled "I haven't even earned $100 for the day you know?"

KNN. I really felt like slapping him. WAS THAT ANY OF MY BUSINESS?! WHO ASKED U TO BE SO CARELESS?!

My dad and I knew $100 is still too little if I were to send my car for repair.

And indeed, after sending my car for repair, I was told that it would be around $200 plus. Now I gotta fork out another $100 plus myself. WTF?!

Freaking taxi drivers. They gotta learn better road courtesy. If not, go for re-course at BBDC la. Don't jeopardize other road users.

Damn.

I want to paint the bigger picture, and paint it good.

My first paper is tomorrow, and I'm not even feeling the rush to study for it. It's not exactly a theory-based paper anyway. Not that I'm complacent, it's just that I am really seeing a bigger picture.

While I used to feel a tinge of regret not studying full-time in uni, I think that I made a right choice after all. In fact, I am thankful that I am studying part-time now. I am able to complete my degree studies in the same period of time as those taking full-time studies. But, the plus point is, I get to work.

It really isn't about craving for the riches or what not. To put it correctly, I think I am craving for knowledge and experience, which will ultimately help me develop more holistically. Textbooks can't do much. Seriously. Not at this moment of time. While we used to always think that having a degree is very important, it really isn't that important now if you don't have any working experience to back you up.

In view of the current economic crisis, I think a lot of degree holders would have felt the pinch in some way or another. We are not talking about aspiring teachers holding teaching degrees, or medical or law students, but other less specialised degree holders. And if you are talking about earning more with a degree certificate, think twice.

Having said that, I am not saying one should forgo academics totally. What you learn should be actively applied to the real world outside. So, it is very desirable if there is a balance of both.

However, I strongly believe in the saying that "If there is a will, there is a way". It really doesn't matter how educated you are, but how hard you are willing to strive for the better. I am sure we already heard many cases of secondary school level holders earning much more than a degree holder.

I know I still have more things to learn, but at least I think I am finally seeing the bigger picture. And I am definitely proving my point some day.

I can't wait for the exams to be over, to which I still have lots to cover. Till then, I think I need to find more ways to expand my list of potential clients.

On job, with thoughts..

How should I start this entry?

It's been four days of work so far. I managed to hit the target of going to 30 offices on the first day. On the second day, I only started work after lunch. Actually, that applied to the next two days too. Yes, I have been taking it easy because I really don't want any unnecessary pressure on myself. I know myself. I think I know how to manage my pressure level. Or so I think?

Shwen has mentioned that this job should involve no emotional rollercoaster. Well, on my opinion, easier said than done. Although I know that I am not selling anything, I know it from the average Singaporean's perspective that when we approach in a walk-in fashion, we are labelled as "salesmen". It has become such a stereotype that I hate to say this, but lots of people out there need to be more open-minded and less myopic.

For example, I went into this office with a smile. Seated there was a man whom I presumed was a Japanese from the way he spoke. Without listening to what I had to say, he just directed me to get out and locked the door after me.

It seems to me that it is a "hostile" world out there. You get approached by a stranger, many a time, you raise your guard. Even if the stranger is smiling at you at the most polite manner. But seriously, why are we so defensive? Is it an innate character in all of us? Or were we constantly reminded of the saying "not to talk to strangers"?

Honestly, there needs to be an increase in maturity in a lot of people out there. Don't shun yourself when you don't know what is really going on, if not, you are probably just practising the word "apathy", sad to say.

Of course, I did meet polite people along the way, who is patient enough to listen to what I had to say. Thanks to these people, I got motivated to carry on with the day's duties. Sometimes, a smile in return won't hurt, right?

As for myself, it has looked rather promising so far. I managed to get 2 confirmed appointments and 1 potential appointment in four days of work. And I'm not talking about full-day work here. So I'm quite glad with the results.

I know the road ahead is still long. I'm here to learn and I'm not going to give up so easily this time.

And of course, there are many things I have yet to learn too, for example, to be more "thick-skinned" and be less affected emotionally.

Appointment tomorrow with a company's manager. I am looking forward to learning more. =)

Eh, I'm not a salesman, ok!

First of all, I have to correct what I have mentioned in my previous post.

That is, I'm not doing sales. I'm not a salesman. At least, that's the thinking my boss told me to adhere to. Call that brainwashing or what, at least I don't see the word "sales" in my designation printed on my name card. Haha.

Actually, zooming into my current job scope, I am not doing sales. Rather, I'm more like doing a marketing campaign.

Today's briefing in office gave me a good insight on what this business can be, or develop to be. And it made me have more faith in my company's product.

Oh well, cheers to myself to a great road ahead.

Official first day of work tomorrow. Let's see how it goes!

Self reminder: *Don't let your mood affect you. It's not going to be an emotional rollercoaster. Never. Just do your job, and do it good.*

I'm occupied!

Well, that's the latest sensation for me. Haha. Righto. After nearly 1 year of being jobless, I've finally landed myself with a job.

Anson Ong, the latest sensation who have just got himself a job, answers the following questions.


An Interview with Anson...

Why did it take so long for you to find a job?
Oh well, call me picky, call me fussy, but I've always wanted to find a job that is closely related to my studies. You know, to complement my studies. So, although I have been to numerous interviews, and have had some offers, I rejected them. I guess I was just too focused on getting the kind of job I want. Besides, I didn't bother to go for temp/holiday jobs, cos they are mostly for students who want to earn extra cash. I know I'm not that "young" anymore la. So I need a full-time job. Of course, to look back, getting a temp job to get by wouldn't hurt. But well, procrastination took over, ya know.

So what have you been doing all this while?
Ok, I admit I've been pretty much slacking. I have lessons in school though it is only part-time basis. And I'm giving some tuition. Other than that, I was actually a full-time boyfriend. Now you call that a job too, right? Hahaha.

I get your point. But how did you get by not doing anything much?
Beats me. Seriously. During NS time, I actually did get by being "alone" most of the time in bunk, either 'stoning' away, gazing out the windows, or reading my books, doing some sketching, or writing some poetry. Haha. Of course, this time round, I didn't really say do nothing la. There were a lot of events along the way, big and small. I'm sure you can see from my photos in facebook. Haha. So ya, eventful.

How did you manage to cope with your finances?
Eh. Lol. I didn't have a habit of saving up. But I think I put them to good use. Haha. While I used to buy impulsively on things that I want, I now think twice before buying something I like. Haha. And of course, you know, I have to pay 'maintenance' fee for my gf. *chuckles*

So are you glad you finally landed a job?
Well, of course!!! To me, a job would be a form of security, not just financially. Mentally as well, it keeps you occupied, especially when you are those sort that tend to dwell on unwanted thoughts. So ya, I am very glad and relieved. I do look forward to my first bucket of gold too. Haha.

After so much, what is your job exactly?
It has to do with sales. I know. Sales again! But seriously, I am not that kind of 9-5 kind of guy. I like challenges. And flexibility. There is a lot of flexibility in sales, cos you are basically doing your own business you see. Of course, it ain't an easy feat. Gotta put in a lot of hard work.

WHAT IS YOUR JOB EXACTLY?
Well, it's a secret I'm not going to tell. But you will hear more from me. XOXO