一点点心灵鸡汤

当你已经尽了力、做到最好的时候，有人对你说，他很失望，下次请你好好干。

你觉得受到挫折、很痛心。。。这时，不不妨试试拍拍自己的肩膀，给自己一个拥抱，然后说一声，明天会更好。

因为很多时候，别人可能只看到表面。他们不了解，今天走到这里，其实你是下了多少苦功，多少的决心啊！

所以，这是给你的小小嘱咐，尽管路不好走，也要好好地走下去。。。

Those were the days

今天一个人去看了那些年。虽然没有人陪，戏院也只剩下最前排的位子，但是下了决心就一定要看。

简单的剧情，感觉却很震撼！仿佛回到了十多岁时的日子，幼稚单纯，却也有当时的烦恼。有时上课不认真、爱讲是非、喜欢讨论谁暗恋谁、考试和做ASSIGNMENT都是等到LAST MINUTE要交了才做。被老师和父母亲唠叨的时候，就很想赶快变成大人，做自己喜欢做的事。

在念大学的日子，经历了一段很深刻、暧昧的友情。谢谢你对我的好，它刻骨铭心。

感谢自己还没过３０，也还是单身。那些年的梦想虽然没有一一实现，但沿途的风景已很美丽。

感谢我的青春里，有你们每一个人。

今晚，我要好好睡。

好久没有给自己写些东西了。

因为这几个月里，我马不停蹄地为一个工作上的理想而奋斗着。繁重的工作量，让我分秒必争，我越战越勇，不允许自己停顿下来。

以为尽了力，一切很完美。

回头一看，才发觉其实并不然。

我在认真应战的当儿，忽略了身边人的感受。我走得太快，又期望 TEAMMATE 们也一样可以全力应战。

然后大家互相指责，推卸责任。可以不去开会就不去，能迟来的就迟来。我的工作也从原本的经营及规划扩大到必须 TAKE CARE 整组人的时间，MAKE SURE 大家每一天都准时出席，到为不首信用的人找借口。退到了后线，还得撑起腰，睁大眼睛，细心地把那些密密麻麻的数字给搞好。

原来大家都累了，需要充电。

我不累吗？终于崩溃了。

今晚，我要好好睡。

That's what I call advertising!

Have been very, very busy lately.

I have embarked on an amazing journey of self-empowerment, just seven months' into my new working relationship with Lucideas.

From tweens to old ladies; from parents to lower-income parents to caregiver and incontinence patients, we have looked into the insights of each TA, and worked out a complete communication strategy for each of the brand.

Right after the first wave, the second wave hit us and we were challenged to submit three proposals- all in two weeks.

And so, the team again dived into the sea to dig out more information.

What makes this happen, is a team of unsung heroes behind the scene. Zac, Kel, Gwyn, Mel, Balan, Fiona, Paula and Edwin.

And of course, once again, I am amused by my determination.

At times, I asked where I get my strengths from.

And then it has become clear that, when you know your direction, you can sail anywhere you want.

TGIF!

Me:  Hi... I think you're quite good looking.
Him: Come on, tell me something that I don't know, please.
Me:  ....... Is that why you never tell me I'm pretty?
Him: .......................


Thank God it's Friday!

Edward de Bono- [Teach Youself To Think]

"Our happiness and success depend on clear thinking. But too many of us are compromised by confusion, trying to do too much at once, and not knowing what to do next.

...... Because thinking and intelligence are quite separate. Intelligence is like the horsepower of a car. Thinking is like the skill of the car driver. Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers and get caught in the 'intelligence trap'. Many less intelligent people have developed a high degree of skill in thinking."

Another book from Bono. 

Wanted to read this to find out how I can operate my left and right brains together. Having studied pure science in school, IT in college, and now, being in an account management role, I tend to do things in my ways- I like to follow a set of logic in everything I do.

This is also because, the conventional education system has taught us to favour left-brain mode of thinking.

Over the years, I've strayed from the path, I chose to put on my red hat, refused to think logically, I've become capricious and over-bearing. 

That is why 2010 did not turn out to be a year to remember.

Then, I've received a calling to return to what I do best. Taking one step at a time, I rediscovered my inner strengths, rebuilt my belief, and dived myself into the world of creativity again.

It takes time to be whole-brained. I am doing it. :)

Nissan Teana outsold other D-segment cars in Jan 2011

Latest statistics from Malaysian Automotive Association shows that Nissan Teana and Hyundai Sonata have both outsold Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, in the month of January.

Nissan has sold 1,394 units of Teana and Hyundai sold 532 units of Sonata. Camry and Accord have no mention in the chart at all.

Could it be an indication that the monopoly of Camry and Accord in the D-segment market is over? With the introduction of Teana and Sonata, one's need to be differentiated can now be fulfilled. People no longer buy a car for its practicality; they start to think of it as an emotional need.

Some main reasons I could figure:

1) People are getting bored with Camry and Accord.

2) A person who can afford a D-segment car generally does not care about after sale service/ resale value.

3) The Toyota's global recall (2009-2010) has resulted in a decrease in sales.

4) Nissan is finally making a come back by introducing a D-segment car, after its Cefiro went obsolete. For years, Camry and Accord have been dominating the D-segment market.

5) Teana has almost the same specs as its competitors. But in addition, the interior introduces a totally different luxury experience. It is a class higher. (But some people do find that the level of luxury equals to an old man's car, which I do not disagree...)

6) Without a big ad spend nor a big brand name, Sonata's design speaks for itself. It is not that kind of car you would buy simply by just hearing the name. However, a visit to the showroom and a test-drive would change how you feel.

I am not a target audience for any of these four cars. But, given the budget, I would love to own a Sonata.

Personalized mugs!

Something new in the office- everyone's got a personalized mug!

Deadlines

It's amazing how people perceive deadlines.

A: I better do it now and submit before the date.

B: Sorry, I've got things on my plate, I need another day.

C: Hmm I know we're late. Can I have an indication of what the consequences are, IF we cannot submit on time?

Which one are you?

踏不出去的 2010

二零一零。给我很多疑惑、感动、很多欢笑泪水、也很多遗憾的这一年。

不管做了什么决定，希望明年的我，是双倍快乐的。

地球还是不停地转动，星光依旧灿烂。

我那对我不离不弃的朋友、家人，谢谢你陪我走过2010。

明年，一定会做到更好。：）

心情

2010年，十二月的冬天。

原本以为不会再因工作而踏上冰山雪地的我，却再次地拍着胸口，飞往那壮观、美丽中带着残酷冷风的北京。

一个trip返来，心里有好多感想。

觉得人生像是一个无法预测的过程。明明编辑好的一本书，却不能翻一翻，瞧瞧里头内容写些什么。

又觉得，人有不同。有些人只要努力工作挣钱，就得过个十年二十年。有些人幸运地享受着喜欢做的事情。也有些人，以名利和社会地位为生活目标。少数人，以情义为重心，爱恨分明，不想违背原则，所以多年来还在原地踏步。

人对生活的定义也不同。没有共同的梦想和一致的步伐，两个人在一起是不是不会长久？

这一回，朋友们真的都结婚去了，留下我一人孤军作战。

飞与不飞，好像已经不是我的决定。

在可以安睡的几个夜里，梦里尽是失去的亲人、工作。

感恩。

Social Media: between Private and Public

"A recent blog post in Hong Kong lambasted a new restaurant in Central, but did not state that the author was the marketing manager for the restaurant next door to the one he was slamming. Disclosure, in this case, is your friend."

Source: Angie Wong, Food & Lifestyle Editor, Hong Kong

While living in the digital era, we seem to have forgotten to keep ourselves low profile. The world of digital taught us to be loud; We strive to be heard because for once, we have a chance to speak up boundlessly and we all believe that our voice matters. The ever-changing trend has invented Web 2.0- from IRC and ICQ to blogging, social networking, photo-sharing, podcasting, youtube and microblogging..... The list could just go on and on, and before we know it, a new trend will magically appear with a snap of a finger.

In the early years, these media was meant for people to keep in touch with friends and to digitalize their daily activities and personal lives. It comes in handy as one does not need to be involved in any heavy programming, and yet he/she could enjoy the ownership of a personal website. Then marketers see the opportunity and they started to engage with their customers via a two-way communication online.

But no one is there to tell us that we are drifting away from our privacy and identity.

This issue is especially serious when marketers started to employ social media in their marketing plans. As a marketer, we act professionally on one hand but on the other hand, we have a different profile altogether. If we choose to criticise about the competitor(s), do we have a valid reason for saying it or is it just based on a personal view? At what position are we suppose to talk about our competitor(s)? Being a human being, we show our likes and dislikes; We want to vent our frustrations on our personal space, but if we are not careful enough, it will indirectly influence our professional image.

Picture the scenarios below, what are your take backs?

1) Brand A decided to purchase a competitor's domain names and keywords, hoping that it would steal the crowd from its competitor. 

Question is, for all the dollars spent on this irrelevant purchase, do you get an effective reach? Do you want to take such a risk, for the exchange of your company's credibility? Check out these links for Google's trademark policy.

What is Google's U.S. trademark policy? - AdWords Help

When will my ads appear for trademarked terms? - AdWords Help

How can I get permission to use a trademarked term? - AdWords Help

2) You join the Social Media team of a company. 

As a general rule set by the company (to avoid having your personal opinions online), you are required to delete your blog and remain neutral on Facebook. Are you willing to accept the rules and hide your online presence for the benefit of the company?

3) You found cam-whoring photos of your school teacher/ professor/ consultant/ client on Facebook.

Now, does it tell you more about this person? Or does it tarnish the relationship between you both? I once have a teacher who teaches professionally in class; but behind the scene, she enjoys doing sexy photoshoot and modelling... I mean, I still see her as an inspiration, just, what would the guys think? ;)

Till today, the difference between what is private and public work is still unclear. There's no code of ethics to follow, except those that are drafted by the companies using the tools. The challenge here is to remain grown up and professional- that's probably the best way to move forward.

朋友们都结婚去了

[雪白的婚纱，
心爱的新郎，
一枚紧紧套住爱情盟约的戒指。
這樣的畫面，是每个女生一生中最幸福的时光。

那是朋友们婚礼上的幸福时光。
不是我的。

祝你幸福，我很好。我是宇珩。]

 

写这一章，不是因为想嫁想疯了，而是因为最近听说以前一起工作的同事终于找到了她的“真爱”。

我敬佩她；因为她有着非一般的毅力，似蔷薇， 有野性、可以药用。

偶尔我也会畏惧、压力；因为时间巨人已把她塑造成一位凡事都要求完美的主任级人物。

她智慧与情商兼备；维缺一位好情人。

她辞了工，打算成家。

欢送会的照片照得她双眼有神，笑容可鞠，我看了心里有感动、祝福、也有鼓舞。

17年的璀璨青春，献给了公司、给了地球，幕然回首， 有情人终成眷属，当成佳话！

......然后，我才发现，她的另一半也是个女人。

祝福你们！

I M I S S F L Y I N G...

It has been a month plus since I stopped flying.

As much as I hate and have been avoiding to say this-- hmm I must admit I miss flying!

Looking back at the old photos, I am smiling to myself. Could not imagine life without going through that phase. Likewise, cannot believe time has flown so quickly that I have actually been there, done that.

What I am missing, is not the tiny galley, but the sense of belongings at work.

What I am missing, is not the long flying hours, but the enjoyment of after-work.

What I am missing, is of course, not waking up in strange cities, but the feeling of coming home to an open arms after each flight.

Friends I made along the way. Batch mates, crew friends, captains. You are the best people that I have no regrets knowing.

What I have gained from this job, is a lifetime experience made of bitter sweet memories. Years later, when I am stressed out with work, I will recall places I have been, wonderful friends I have made, and I am sure, this beautiful memories shall stay, and not fade away.

Happy Chinese New Year peeps!

No matter where you may be today, I wish you a happy day and please remember to enjoy life!

Unless he is NOT your baby

Back from JFK today, feeling weary.

Had two babies crying non-stop during the entire 13 hrs flight.

One of the Moms asked me, "My baby cried very hard during the flight, do you have any advice how I can make him feel better?"

I was stoned (and confused). In my heart, I was thinking, "It is YOUR baby. He yelled the whole night annoying everyone on the plane, and yet you asked me how to control YOUR baby."

I told her I do not know and I apologized for not being able to be of any help.

Her sister said thanks and they went off the plane.

And then, I came to a conclusion. Every mother in the world understands and knows their baby's need. Unless he is NOT your baby.

Thank you...

This afternoon, I looked up the sky and the clouds are dark.

"Bad, it is going to rain. And it is a working day!"

And then, I thought of him.

It is always good to have him around- he's not just a boyfriend; he's a care-giver, an advisor and a listener, and more often than not, a chauffeur too.

I am truly fortunate. :)

From the eyes of a 6 year old

My little cousin sister drew something during my last visit.

It is a map.

She started with the scenery around her house. Flowers, shops, houses, hotels, butterflies.

Then she drew two person with long hair, wearing skirt.

"Who are they," asked my brother.

"Mum and me," she replied, promptly.

"Where is your Dad?" we wanted to find out why she did not draw the father.

"Working," she said, at the same time adding a person with pants into the drawing.

But the person is far away from them-- at work.

I smiled, thinking of how brilliant kids these days are! They can have very sharp observation and matured thinking. Much more smarter than us during our olden days.

______________________________

I remember a captain sharing stories about his kids. This friend of mine has two sons (one in LA, another in Malaysia) and a daughter in Taiwan. The youngest daughter of his, who is 9 years old, told him one day that she found picture of her elder brother driving in Malaysia. But it was a picture of the car interior- not the driver. When asked why she knew it was the brother in Malaysia, not the one in LA?

She said, "Pa, just look at the steering wheel. It is on the right hand side."

Genius! :-)

Never take things for granted

I have learned.

To appreciate things I have today.

To be grateful for the free coffee, lunches and dinners.

To take care of people around me- even for the people who are not thoughtful enough.

To love my parents ever more... I feel happy when they are happy.

To live happily, even when I'm all alone.

I wish to say "Thank You", friends, for every little things that you have done to brighten my days.

This, from my heart.

Collecting Memories- A letter from a dear friend

Another meaningful post.


A very meaningful letter which motivates me every time when I read it, and till now, it makes me regret for not being brave enough to pursue what I wanted.

Friend, I miss you. :)

[Translated from Chinese]

Wendy,

Em, am supposed to say this to you last Friday when we went out together, especially when you mentioned that you were stressed and tension. But it drags untill the tea just now, when I heard that you have shifted to the course you always wanted! Being a close friend to you, if the only function is to be a shopping companion, releaosing tension, it isn’t enough, right! Therefore, you are not just a shopping companion to me. And that’s why, whenever I hear about how depressed you are, besides my heart aching, the most words of concern to you, I’m not sure, how much effect they act on you. Furthermore, being more fortunate than you makes me feel uneasy to speak to you. I hope I had extra cash to help you pay your tuition fees, but it seems that I still owe you some money; I wish I had more courage to back you up to walk the way you love, but I don’t, I lost the courage when I heard those words from your mom.

Therefore, when I heard that you have finally chosen what you wanted, I am very pleased for you! Really. Though you did not do any elaboration. Please go on, despite what happens, how much hurdle the road in front has, go on, because you will reach the destination at last. I am a passer by, so I know, despite the distance and circumstances, I reach there now! Same for you too! Though there’s many bitters and unwillingness, still, must make yourself a happy person. Being happy is the biggest assignment in life! Try to enjoy the scenery along the journey, you will definitely find some beautiful flowers among the wild grasses. Always let your emotion be in the best condition, so you will not be sorry to yourself. Yes. Talking on the paper is always easy, how to use it in daily life, it will go to how well you apply it. Buck up! Being through the pain, you will find that you actually gain, because the things which happen during the journey, people you meet, will all be your experience that you would bring forward to your future.

No matter how unhappy you are, try to enjoy the suffers, as they are helping you to strengthen your flexibility in life.No matter what happens, remember those friends, family, and dreams that are supporting behind the scene of your life. Continue walking! The show must go on!

Kai Ling

23.7.03

This letter is from a very close friend of me, who wrote to me after hearing that I have shifted to the course I like. It becomes real significant, because I have lied to her at that time. I didn't. I decided not to switch course, when I recalled how sad my parents were to hear from me about this. They were worried about my tuition fees, though they never told, I knew it.

If I ever have the chance again in my life, I won't miss it.

The Omitted Memories

Found this in my old blog entries today. Thought it is something nice to read. :)
_________________________________

The Omitted Memories
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005

I love Barbie to death, because they talk to me. When I'm sad, I look at them and their eyes seem to be comforting me. From there onwards, I can't describe how obsessed I'm with Barbie. My colleague joked that she would buy a Barbie doll for me after her job confirmation. Funny, now everyone in the office knows I love Barbie.

I guess the love arises from my yet-to-grown-up-heart, which has always been longing for a sweet childhood but it's never fulfilled. I lived in a village, where people learned swimming in the drain, where we stole rambutan from the jungles, and we used to suffer alot especially due to extra pressure my grandpa put on my family. Dad was a poor worker but he did buy lots of toys for me... from ten-pin bowlings, yo-yo, to wooden piano, and etc. I remember we were not rich but dad and mom doted on me alot, despite how grandpa treated us.

At that time, when mom wanted to go to town, she would have no choice but to "keep" me in a wooden swing for hours. When I became older, she would put me in the “basket” of her bicycle and we went to town together... normally, just for a hair-cut. We reached the town at 12PM and after the hair-cut and some grocery purchase, it was evening already and she would ask uncle Eng, our neighbour who sold vege in town, to send me back in his motorbike. While Mom, she would cycle back, and reach home at 6 or 7PM. In the village, we did not have power supply, so after 7PM my grandpa and uncle would start the electric generator and we would have some dim light for 2 hours before getting onto bed.

There's certainly much tears than joys everytime when I recall the old memories...

Then, we moved to a better place, which I think, is the greatest decision my dad has made in life. Eventhough we were still poor, we live happily with less pressure, except for money. Dad has always been a tough man, he supported us with little income, and when knew that I like piano, he decided to send me for piano lesson. Later in my life, he bought a piano, which was really unexpected! All these, at that time, did not seem to mean anything to me. Now thinking back, he must have saved like hell in order to get me a piano!

And so, the story comes to the point that, I don't have a Barbie doll. In fact, I have not had a doll in my life at all. I dream of them, of course, but till today, till I fall in love so much with Barbie, I know, something in our life, is just for us to keep a distance, view from far, admire, but we would never get it. Or perhaps, if we have got the thing, it might be broken after sometime, or it might not seem as precious after a while.

I regret for not having a good childhood, but I respect and love my dad and mom for raising me up with their overly-burdened hands and shoulders. Now that I am working and staying away from home, I know it is not easy to make a living, and sometimes I do cry for the fear of having insufficient money- when the sense of insecurity hits me. What I want to achieve, in this present life, is, to support my family, and gradually, make their life a better life.