Alice in Wonderland

I was so regret … regret of trusting my boss too much! I ever thought he would betray me in such a way … but after all he didn’t have a choice since business is really bad … And now I have to find a new job (sigh!)

Perhaps this is also a retribution to me for hating my ex … and hating some of my friends … God has always ask us to just forgive and forget … But the devil side of me has really brought me trouble this time … I was really speechless … Deep inside, i know that God is trying to make things more difficult to me so that I can learn to overcome these with a peaceful mind instead … I kow I definitely can’t fight the God … yes, no doubt that I’ve defeated …

I’ve seek forgiveness from the person I hated the most recently - who else but my ex … Surprisingly he had never hated me for my bad behaviour … and we have become friends once again because of his understanding and forgiveness, which has really given me a peace of mind to face this challenge in front of me … It’s not that I’m scared that God will punish me further if I didn’t do this … Well, I can always choose to commit suicide, but I didn’t coz I know I’ve really defeated … I cannot be so selfish to leave everything behind for my siblings to settle … Instead I’ve to admit my mistakes and now the only thing that I can do is face all these bravely and positively … and consequently learn from this mistake …

In case you are wondering, I’ve deleted all the posts that I’ve written in this year … Those were nothing but craps (full of moans of dissatisfaction) … I couldn’t keep them aymore … I want a new start for year 2009 for now … the only thing that I really regret is trusting my previous boss too much …

I will defiitely try my best to build a better start … I want to show my previous boss that he had made a great mistake ad that I can survive better without him …

For all my friends who care, thanks so much! I know some of you have stayed rather late at night to talk to me on MSN …. I really appreciate that … and I’m thankful for all your forgiveness … true from my heart.

Do wish me all the best!

In a blink of an eye, 2008 is ending soon … For me, I will really miss 2008 a lot coz so many wonderful things happened throughout this year. How about you?

Reflecting back early of the days in 2008, I remembered I was in a great struggle in my first job in Singapore (well, the company I’m talking about here is EPH of coz) … That was the worst company I’ve ever been to … well, things just not right there - with the Management and everything! at a point that I almost gave up my life (seriously I did!) but somehow I didn’t coz then I realised that I had a great bunch of colleagues there who actually treasured me like jia mei and good friends… Thank you very much for saving me and you guys were the ones I missed a lot whenever I thought about EPH..

Moving on, shortly after that, I came to know my current boss … I’m very happy that he had came to my rescue when I told him that I really couldn’t make myself stay in EPH anymore… and I’m more than happy working with him now… though it’s not a big company … at least I’m treasured like a gem here and my new colleagues are nice to me too …

I never ever thought that after 27 years living on the Earth, my 27th birthday gift was the greatest I ever got from the God … I’m so relief I didn’t give up my life, otherwise I wouldnt have the chance to receive ‘this gift’ from God … It made me realised that God is actually fair to everyone, including to me … This happiness is undescribable and only the both of us can feel it Thank you very much for appearing in my life and for everything that you have done for me … I pray hard that we’ll always be the two in a million
Just a word to describe 2008 - FANTASTIC! and I will always miss 2008 …

Have a great year ahead everyone and Happy New Year!:)

1 Oct 2008 was my 1st year anniversary working and staying in Singapore … So far so good, I love the place more than Malaysia (sorry to say that) … But I still miss home and my car, so I will go back to JB on the weekends though
A big thank you to all my friends in Singapore - you people had made a big difference in my life here in Singapore … I truly think that Singaporeans make really good friends (they are friendly and easy-to-get-along-with) and somehow, I dun think the ‘kiasuness’ anyhow scared me or pressurised me … In fact, I think that the challenging working life teaches and trains everyone to be more positive and stronger … This is the spirit that I can see in the people here … Even walking also faster, at least I won’t be labelled as a freak here (walking so fast for wat?!) … Well, time is money after all
I also love the food here … Honestly, I have no idea what food is nice in JB though I have been staying there for almost 15 years! Yeah, seriously, I think JB’s food is the worst in the whole world! Well, in Singapore is different … There are nice buffet, Western food, Japanese food, etc (except Malay food … well, I’m tired of Malay food!) … and I like the ambience in the restaurants here … not forgetting the service is a lot more better! (Dun ever compare that with the lousy service in Pizza Hut Jusco Seri Kembangan/Pizza Hut Alamanda Putrajaya)

Talking about the customer service in Singapore, you will never ever experience things like being scolded by a bank officer for no reasons … The bank officers here, in fact, are polite and put the customers in the first priority … (Dun ever compare this with the bank officers in Maybank Cyberjaya - that’s the worst service ever in this whole world … Darm it!)

Another thing that really impressed me is the great public transport service … The trains (as in the MRT) are fast and efficient, though no doubt it’s still fully cramped with people during peak hours … after all, it’s still a lot better than the LRT in Malaysia (MRT got good air ventilation and conditioned … you wil definitely won’t be sweating by the time you alight from the train)…

Most of all, the peace and safety … this is the no. 1 factor that have attracted many people to settle down their lives in this country … and I’m glad I’m part of them too!
Just that the house rent and utility bills are darm high here … and the boss is too demanding … anyway, I’m glad my current boss is also a friend of mine; so I’m temporarily ok …
Well, whatever it is, life in Singapore is not that bad after all … Life is not like a bed of roses, but at least life in Singapore can definitely be described as a bed of lily If not because of Singapore, I wouldn’t have met so many wonderful people in my life

November 2008 is approaching … Whenever the 11th month of the year is coming, I will be thinking about my bestest best friend, Helen So…

Helen So is the best person I’ve ever met in my life so far …  I met her in my first job, we were colleagues at that time … She was not only a friend and a best friend, but also a guardian angel from the heaven … I’m not kidding … She was the most forgiven person I’ve ever met, the one who put her bestfriend above her own interest … There was once we almost lost this friendship because of a guy … well, I guess even if I don’t mention what that was all about, you should be able to guess … it was her who saved this friendship in the end… I felt really bad but her understanding and loyalty had deeply touched me from the heart … She was the one who had been lending me her shoulder when I broke up with my first-ex-boyfriend …. I would have died if not because of her…

However, Helen has disappeared about a year ago when I started to work in Singapore… I also didn’t know why, but I believed that she must have her reasons for not telling me where she is … and I believe she’s still alive … I will be waiting for her to return and celebrate her birthday together in November…

Helen has inspired me the importance of treasuring my good friends. That was why I was so upset recently when I wasn’t able to meet Emily, the other bestfriend of mine, before she left to Terengganu (it is another state at the norther part of Malaysia)… Emily was my best friend since we were in the same university, same faculty and same course … Even after we graduated, she had made every effort to stay in touch with me … Though she didn’t leave as deep an impression as Helen in my heart, I’m truly thankful for her sincerity …

Last weekend, Emily assumed I was back to JB as usual on that Saturday … I was wrong at the first place for haven’t been updating her that I was working on that Saturday… As a result, I didn’t notice that she smsed to my Malaysia mobile no … and I didn’t manage to catch up with her before she left … Though she said, “It’s ok, I know you’re busy … We can meet up again when I’m back CNY next year.” I was totally speechless; all I could say to her was “Take care and all the best in your new job” … actually I was so upset deep inside … I recalled all the great memories we shared; all the great conversations we used to laugh; all the tears … I could only blame myself and no one; but it was all too late …

Maybe you will think I’m too emotional here … but I really do when it comes to friendships and relationship … though I may look physically tough and aggressive (at work) … Maybe because of Helen; now I’m tend to be very particular about my good friend’s existence …

The other person who has made a difference in my life is my good friend, Carina Chuah … Her cheerful and easy-going personality had somehow ‘toned’ me down in certain aspects … Though we only knew each other for merely one year now, her existence reminded me of Helen a lot coz she treats me like how Helen used to treat me … But now, we are no more working in the same working place, I really MISS her … Miss her laughter, miss her voice, miss the great times we shared … I just hope that no matter where we are, we can always stay in touch and be close to each other like last time And yeah, I’m really looking forward to celebrate Carina’s birthday in November too …

Hey, feel free to comment if you have any thought to share with me! Though you may not be the most important person in my life, I do treasure you as a friend and thank you for being my friend! (from the bottom of my heart)

I started my new job on 1 Sept 2008 and I had received my first salary now!:) So sorry, only update now coz was rather busy for the past few weeks since the job started … Then for the past two weeks, I was sick due to flu, which then turned to be a slight fever and then a darm stupid sore throat… But I was still working despite all those and my boss was worried sick!

Well, my boss is an extremely nice person … He really appreciated his employees and yeah, I’m really thankful to have him as my boss. That’s the one thing I like about this new job … Oh by the way, the tuition centre is actually not yet exist for now … It will only be open in March 2009 … as such me now sort of “goyang kaki” in office everyday (hehe!) … No of coz! I’m busy writing and preparing educational materials for the centre’s use in future … Actually quite busy coz we have deadlines for that too … so I cant simply take my own sweet time to do of coz!

I’m currently (actually temporarily) working in Clarke Quay now … Of coz when the centre is open, I will have to be moved to somewhere else … Talking about Clarke Quay, it is a very happening place at night … There are many pubs, nice and posh eating places (mostly Japanese food) at that area … and it’s nearby the otherside of the Singapore River … Everyday I wil walk pass all these happening places, and tell you, I’m now walking 1 hour per day - just because of this job … Before this I dun even have to walk so much … You can imagine how I felt during the first few days at work (I was so pissed off!) but gradually I got used to it now … Aiya, walking only mah! Treat it as an exercise lor … That’s why I really dun feel like going out with friends for a dinner after work on a weekday … I just feel like going back straight to home and rest coz my legs will be sleeping at the end of the day … Some more my working hours now is from 10 am to 7 pm daily (no more off work at 5.30 pm) … That’s why my gtalk is always on until 7 pm ++ … well, not because I’m working overtime ok?

My new colleagues are generally ok … I can only say that they are just a bunch of jokers! They are very noisy and they like that, so I just have to get used to it … It’s more entertaining that way, actually… But of coz whenever I need space to really focus on my work, they will know it and they will keep their mouth shut! I just hope they won’t keep feeding me with all sorts of food all the time … pleeeasee

Well, though I do have fun with my new colleagues, I still very much miss my old colleagues in EPH … True from the heart, I really miss all the laughter …

WALL-E is the best movie that I came across in 2008. It was not the normal silly animation movie that only brought entertainment to kids, this one in fact was more for all. I enjoyed particularly the romance between WALL-E and EVE Hehe!

Check out http://sg.movies.yahoo.com/Wall-E/movie/14618/ for more details and reviews.

On 22 August 2008, I went for a trip to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) mainly to take a break from the ‘craziness’ in Singapore as well as to visit and do some catch-ups with my close friends there. Apart from that, the Malaysia Mega Sale 2008 was ongoing during that period of time, yeah so that was indeed the best time to go.

I took an express bus from JB to go to KL. By the time I reached at Puduraya Station, it was already after 5 pm. I went to my good friend, Pradiipa’s house in Puchong as I would be staying there for a couple of days. We were having the Hakka lei cha for dinner at a restaurant near Bandar Kinrara - according to Pradiipa, that was the nicest for her so far. Not bad indeed But I forgot to take a photo of that … After that, we just chatted the whole night.

On the next day, 23 August 2008, I was busy going out for shopping around Bukit Bintang area with a few friends. Wow! It was great as there were so many things to see and buy, especially at Sungai Wang Plaza. There were so many nice clothes to choose from … I almost lost control! I bought quite a number of the nice ones and they were really worth the money! I will never find such great bargains in JB - serious! I felt so tired that day after that one whole day of shopping and walking.

On 24 August 2008, I went for some shopping and a movie with Pradiipa in GSC IOI Mall, Puchong. We watched WALL-E but to my surprise, it only cost RM8 per ticket on a Sunday, man! Yeah, serious! And it was such a great movie! I enjoyed particularly the love between WALL-E and EVE … awww! :)

Also being able to catch up with Seema for a dinner had certainly made my day! We went to Bumbu Bali in Puchong, one of the place I used to hang out last time. On the same day after the dinner, I moved to my other good friend, Lee Ling’s place and we had a great time chatting until late at night.

On 25 August 2008, I continued my shopping at MidValley Megamall. Supposed to go to KLCC as well on that day but the schedule was somehow badly planned and there was not enough time for me to make my way there As a result, I didn’t manage to meet up with Ellis … I felt so bad. Anyway, later of the day, I managed to make a trip back to WKESP Cyberjaya to visit, take photos and chat with my ex-colleagues.

These are the people who were rewarded the WKESP Employee of the Month since the company started in 2005 … Can you see my photo there?

After that, me and the ex-SULEGO team went for a dinner … Special thanks to Kenny, Li Leng and Lee Ling for the great company.

On 26 August 2008 morning, I made my way back to JB. Though it was an enjoyable trip for me (shopping, hanging out with my friends, eating, etc), it was actually quite tiring, mainly because too much time and energy were spent on walking and waiting for public transport. I mean after staying in the so-convenient Singapore for almost a year now, I found it really inconvenient in KL if one has to rely on the public transport to travel from a place to another … And due to this weakness, I will need to think twice when I want to travel to KL again next time (nah, I’m not complaining, just stating the fact!).

Well, hopefully, there is a change in future …

21 August 2008 was my last day in EPH, not even reaching the one year anniversary in this company. Well, I would like to stay on if I can but too bad this place was somehow like a 18-level hell for me since the first day I joined on 1 October 2007. I was glad the hellish days were finally over now.

Honestly, I didn’t miss anything from this place, except the great bunch of good friends and colleagues. Despite the fact that this was not the best working place for me, the friendships that I found in this place was the best so far compared to two other places I had been through before this.

I will really miss the best person I knew in this office – Carina. She is not only a good teammate of mine but also a very good friend who will always lend me a hand and be my listener whenever I have troubles. She is a happy-go-lucky person and she has deeply influenced me to be a more cheerful person, especially to learn how to take things easier during stressful times.

The next person I will deeply miss is Lee Li. For me, she’s like a humorous queen of all time. She makes me laugh at most of the time, not to mentioned also a great person to talk to although she is years older than me.

Lilian likes talking about her passion in writing and her interest in manga. Though I’m not really into the same interest as her, she still makes a really good friend and never fails to entertain me with her conversation. Thanks Lilian for everything!

Adrian, my so-called Winnie the Pooh is a very nice and gentle guy. Looking at the photo below, one will definitely think we are a couple but mind you, we are not! He is just a very nice friend, a guy who will surely make a caring boyfriend … but sorry lah, I’m NOT into him lor J

Serine is not like a big sister to me. She looks like approaching her auntihood but then she talks like a missy. She never grumbles and I love the humorous side of her.

May is the never-ending joker. Sometimes her joke sounds really lame but that’s how she entertains everyone in the office. Her laugh can be scary sometimes but yeah, it’s entertaining … so who cares?!

Michael – I think you owed me in the previous life … that was why you were being pressurized by me in this life! Hahaha! Well, take it easy, man! After all, I’m only a sweet-looking girl though I may be quite violent sometimes. Still, at the end of the day, I’d never killed you with a gun but appreciated all your hard work and efforts. I also didn’t know why you were always assigned to work with me, but after all, I’m not bad actually … correct? J Hey, you’re really efficient in your work!

Anna – I think your designs are really superb! J no kidding!

Other than that, I have Mabo, Tang Ling, Hwee Ling, Sarina, Kwai Keng and Peter … Nice knowing all of you and thanks for everything!

Thank you very much for the farewell dinner, the CD (courtesy of Lilian) as well as the pink ‘du tou’ (think I’m going to wear it on the street? No way man! J) … Well, all the very best and take care! J

Hi everyone!

I am finally leaving EPH in one-month time! I will be leaving publishing line at the same time I’m so excited! It feels like ‘being released from prison’ (hehe!) … Well, I’m sure you can figure out why I said that if you are intelligent enough

Well, I’ll be helping a friend (and his business partner) with setting up an education centre (in Singapore of coz!)… Since currently the education centre does not exists yet, I will also be helping out with some work for their existing business … There will be a lot of new things that I can learn from here, mainly from planning to managing … I’m very grateful of this friend of mine for the trust and belief that he has for me … That’s why I am able to confide myself to take up this challenge and make the biggest decision in my life to quit from publishing line … I have been in publishing line for over 5 years now but I realised that I haven’t been achieving anything really big so far (except the ‘Senior Production Editor’ post in WKESP Cyberjaya, Malaysia) … And it was quite a disappointment in EPH Singapore … so I decided to move on … I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I believe I can make the best from this, at least to make my life more meaningful … Of coz if this education business really goes well, I may also get a chance to realise my dream to be a manager in future (I mean for the education centre) … No harm dreaming about it now; still it may come true if there is will to make it a reality - I will definitely do my best! At least I will not disappoint my friend…

Though EPH Singapore may not be the best place i have ever worked, I won’t forget the good things I have got from there … First, a good bunch colleagues as good friends … particularly Carina Chuah (without you, I would have ‘die’ now … you are not only a good teammate but also one of the best persons I’ve known in Singapore) … Also Lecco, Lilian and Adrian Lee who are always be there for me; laughing with me during the most stressful time … I really appreciate what you guys did for me (true from the heart) … of coz to the rest who have made a difference in my life - I won’t forget you as long as I live

I will joining my new work on 1 September 2008 … For those of you who would like to celebrate for me (as in celebrating my departure from EPH), kindly do so … Email or sms me for an appointment … I’ll be waiting then

Alice Kong