Life after BT

What happened to this blog!?

Well, at least all of us are connected through FB.

Hugs!

How's everyone?

Just a shout to everyone! Guess everyone's so busy with their lives...

Yes, thanks to a lovely gf here. I saw Simone and lil' Joshua on Her World. She looks faaaabulous - makes me wana be a mum!

Yes, I'm always thinking of all of you!

FYI - my new blog is on http://lindababelicious.blogspot.com.

xxx

A Long Week

The past one week has been a tiring but fulfilling one. Besides organizing a regional training workshop and sharing with my fellow colleagues from around the Asian Pac region, there was also the company dinner and dance to prepare.

For the dinner, we are given a mask to decorate and on top of that, I was roped in to form part of the planning committee. We also have a dance item to perform on that night, so imagine my nervousness ‘cos I couldn’t attend the practices while the regional training was in session.

It was during the closing of the regional seminar that my VP announced that he’s sending my boss and me to South Korea on an official mission. And it also seems that I may be heading to Sydney too. But don’t be envying me too soon. If Tokyo was anything to go by, I may not have any time at night for sightseeing, but let’s see. I hope I can secure internet access.

I finally get to introduce my husband to my boss, and what a coincidence! They have, or rather, her husband and mine have a mutual friend. It is a SMALL world after all.

After all that excitement during the week, I was so thankful to have a quiet Saturday. You know what they say about too much play … I was more tuckered than I thought.

Positivity at work

Yvette and babelinda came by to visit Tuesday, and talk invariably turned to what's happened after we left.

I'm still feeling a little indignant over what happened to babelinda when she called niang2 to send new year greetings. Instead of something encouraging (e.g. babelinda is brave to venture forth to shanghai to work) what n2 said sounded like a series of set-downs. Man, are we delusional or what!

The incident left me wondering if it's an Asian mentality to tear people down instead of building them up. The Asian bosses I've worked with thus far, with the exception of Bee and Si, tend to hold back praises and encouragement. They treat doing a job well as something that's expected of you -- of course it is expected, but it doesn't hurt to give us a pat on the shoulder or an email to say 'good', 'well done!' or 'thank you'.

So you can imgine how good I felt over here at CM when every initiative I suggested, and tasks completed are met with words of thanks and praises. It makes me feel really good, that my contribution/ effort really counts. It's also a bit pressurizing when your boss tells your other regional office colleagues how likeable you are, and tout you as an expert in this and that, ahead of your visit, and having the glowing comments repeated to you. It's quite a lot to live up to, but it also motivates me to prove myself. I told myself I mustn't disappoint my superiors.

How could you not be inspired when you have bosses who believe in you? As I've told some of you, it's liberating, and a little scary at first, not to have someone breathing down your neck, or hampering you from making improvements. I remember compulsively sending back my drafts for approval those first few weeks out of habit. I'm trying to get used to the freedom here, understand the IT restrictions as well, and work around some of those rules cast in stone.

It is a culture shock moving from an Asian to an European management. But in some ways, bureaucracy still exists. The difference is I don't feel stifled here.

So, babe, gravitate towards positivity, as Gladys put it in her comments to the previous post. Look forward and forge on, for you have many more others who will lift you up when one set you down. May you spread your wings wider and fly higher.

In Singapore

Hi everyone!

Finally managed to publish another entry with fabulous help from agnes dearie!

Back in Singapore after one and half months of "holidays"!

Met up with niantze in shanghai - finally! great to have gfs like her when you're on your own! hee.. we live 20 mins walking distance from each other!

It's crazy BUT I do miss working at BT!!! sheesh.. miss the lovely people - my team, salsa team, running team! And, yes, I miss the hotel and travel industry. It's so dynamic! I believe friendship lives on and I'm still working on new business opportunities for the travel industry! So yes, I know all's not lost!

All of us are moving in different directions but I know for sure that all of us are pursuing our passion and dreams. Yvette will be the best and most sought after yoga teacher in Singapore (perhaps in shanghai - she will be the most qualified one at least!). Simone looks so happy with lil' joshua around! I'm so envious! How can we forget the jet-setter agnes dear!? Very glad that gladys set up her own blog as well - it's the best way to keep in touch with friends who care!

Well, life's not spent on sleep-walking when we're aware of the changes and pursue our passion with eagerness!

Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

In Singapore

Hi babes,

Finally figured out how to blog on LAB again! ha, no prizes for guessing - thanks to agnes dearie.. hehe..

I'm back home after 1 and half months of "holiday" in Shanghai.. great to be back - there're just so much to do and yes, so many lovely people to meet!

Hope to see more postings here on LAB - well, I guess all of us are moving in different directions. It's crazy! But I miss working in BT all the time - the lovely people - running team, my team and even the salsa group and yes yes, I miss the industry - but all's not lost. I know that friendship lives on and I'll still stay in touch with the hospitality industry.

I'm happy to know that most of us are pursuing our dreams with passion and life! Very happy to meet up with nian tze in Shanghai! It's great having gfs like her when you're on your own..! Yes, we stay about 20 mins walking distance from each other..

I'm so glad that yvette will become one of the most sought after yoga teacher in Singapore (told her if she were to set up a yoga school in shanghai - she'll be the best!). Of course, Simone is having a ball with lil' joshua.. heh, my dearest agnes is such a jet-setter now! Gladys dear, happy to know that you've set up your own blog - it's such a fabulous channel!

Well, life's meaningful when we are not sleep-walking, being aware of the changes around you and inside you!

Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Bravo, Gladys!

Bravo, Gladys, for starting your own blog. The idea is to persevere. Don't worry yourself too much over grammar, as long as you're sincere and coherent, I'm sure your readers would understand. You're linked ... so stand proud, and give yourself a huge pat on your back.

The picture of you on the dazzling sands of Maldives (?) put a smile on my face. Ahh ... it seems we don't miss the other elements of life in BT that much, hey?

In other news, I heard that there'll soon be more members to welcome to L.A.B. What's going on? Well, while I'm glad to learn of more people 'seeing the light', I can't help feeling sad that this company is losing its talents and seemingly doing nothing about it.

Oh well, that's life for you. So, look out you new resignees, you know who you are ... there'll be emails coming your way, inviting you to post and update. I wish I could tell you more about Tokyo, but it was really a 'hi and bye' affair for me. Let's hope I'll have a chance to visit again.

Yvette and Babelinda are coming to visit tomorrow ... and boy, am I looking forward. It was getting a little complicated to organise a gathering. It'll be good to catch up.

Hmmm ... maybe I can get Yvette started on her Yoga blog. Let's see.

Here's wishing one and all,
Xin Nian Kuai Le, Wan Shi Ru Yi!!!

My own Blog

Hi everyone,

I finally decided to have my own blog http://gladysng.blogspot.com/! And what took me so long? Well, I was rather concern about my horrendous grammar and vocabulary will kinda leave you guys going like "huh, what is she trying to say?" Anyway, please go ahead take a visit and leave your comments. I hope I can update it constantly with my hectic schedule.

Last but not least, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all the beautiful girls+women I know.

Work Hard, Play Hard

It has been a very busy week for me at work, setting up conference call after call, and then following up on the items discussed. On top of that, there's an online campaign to stay on top of, and last Friday, I'm being charged with launching our Indian site. Woo-hoo!

While I'm settling in a new environment, babelinda has just had her first party night out in Shanghai. Glad to know that she's settling in well there and enjoying life.

I finally picked up my yoga gym membership and the schedule. Noted that Yvette is taking one the classes next week, but in the afternoon. Too bad!! Am gonna try some of the early ones, and maybe, just maybe, the Bollywood dance class. Pray I get to these classes.

As they say ... all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl.

Welcome, Babe and Guru!

Am very happy to see other LAB members posting other than me, myself and I. I'm so glad this is not going to be a monologue.

Event Guru, you'll do well. We believe in you, so go guru go. And Shanghai babe, bravo for starting your own LJ blog. I've added you to the list, and hope to hear more from you.

In other updates, I just came back from Bintan yesterday (you can read all about my Parisian adventures here -- Denis, I made it to Shakespeare & Co.!). Don't hate me, cos it's all part of the company's orientation and induction. Staying there is a totally different experience altogether from holidaying in BT. I went twice on the trapeze, and am now suffering for it. Sore shoulder blades, and tummy (from hanging upside down and swinging up to catch the pole) are the least of it. Can't believe even my thigh muscles are aching a little. So much for signing up for gym. I didn't even go anywhere near it, what with work and travelling. That's the only thing I regret doing. I think I would have been fine with the jogging and running whenever I'm free.

To answer babe L's question ... nope, it wasn't all play in Paris. I had back-to-back meetings with the IT team, the web development team, their strategic marketing team, the CRM team and the IT project team. Plus, meeting my immediate boss for the first time. She's cool, btw.

Since my return, been busy following up on the various action items from the minutes, and managing an upcoming online campaign. I have never in my life seen a company who dedicates so much time, and effort into writing and developing their own systems and applications. This is one company who truly believes in online marketing. Just as a hint, their budget for one campaign is almost what we used to spend in a year. To be honest, I was kind of staggered when I saw the budget -- in Euros -- that was planned for each quarter.

Wow, wished we had been that active. So, even though I'm missing some of my old friends from BT, I've been making some new ones. And no worries EL, Bea hasn't managed to 'pollute' me yet.

Yea, life has been busy but good. And I hope you LAB-bers are living life to its fullest. See y'all around. And as an old friend puts it,

Stay bubbling ... :)

Event Guru (in the making)

Coming 2 months in my new company! (time flies)

Still kind of getting the hang of things at my new work place. For those who do not know what I am doing now, I am now with an event company. A rather "A-tas" one, taking care of luxury brands and high fashion accounts.

This is a whole new career perspective for me. I must say the switch from corporate ( 5 years+) to agency can be quite daunting.

There is so much to learn, experience and be exposed to. The need to know (very well) every single thing under the sun from arts, music, fashion, "tricks", corporate and places. I read and google (extensively) everyday. Creativity is a pre-requisite. Hmm... sounds fun!? Well, to a certain extent, YES! But it can be very exhausting.

Well, I hope this GURU-in-the-making will succeed soon.

Till then, hope to see more of Lab-ians' postings in this blog. Oh oh, last but not least, A BIG thank you to Agnes for creating this great communication channel for all of us. THANK YOU!!

Shanghai Baby

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'm in Shanghai already!

My local number is +86 1590 2142 823. It's freezing here... 5 degree celsius and windy!!!

Will write more soon! I'm starting my own blog soon... when I finally settle down.

Ciao!

xxx
Linda

In limbo

For those who're wondering, I'm sort of in a limbo right now, waiting to start work next Monday while racking my brains to see if there's anything I've missed out.

Went winter clothes shopping in preparation for my biz trip to Paris. Am totally clueless about winter fashion, so just followed S's advice and bought a long wool coat, two wool skirts, one wool pants for the meetings and three knit tops. These, together with the pressies (pictured) from the team, plus thermal sets, should tide me through the first three days I think. Now that leaves me with one more top and one bottom, maybe a shorter jacketor a hooded parka on the list. Oh, and let's not forget the hat and earmuffs.

Am praying that these should be sufficient for the cold temperatures there (it's an average 1 to 5 degrees there!!). Meanwhile, if you've any suggestions on what to do or see, please ... just keep them coming.

I missed Shan's farewell, so if you've news on that, please post on that! Invitations are on their way to LAB members so check your inbox.

Am also cross posting this on my own blog.

Welcome to L.A.B!

The idea for this blog was planted in early November 06, more as a way to connect with those who has left BT and would like to stay in touch. But before y’all start posting, here’re some ‘house rules’ so to speak, just to make sure you don’t get into any trouble with the existing powers that be. Actually, there’s just one rule, and that is:

Speak no evil. If you must bitch/gripe/ rant about someone/an ex-boss/ ex-colleague/ an establishment etc etc… please be smart about it. Use nicks or initials (first letter will do) commonly known to the LAB circle.

Do keep us posted on your lives and what you’re up to. Pictures are welcome, but of course, if you prefer maintain your air of mystery/ privacy/ whatever, edit your images by all means before uploading.

Respect each other’s privacy as well. Seek his/ her consent before you post up pictures of another member.

That said, enjoy yourself and post away!