Tabula Rasa

The Meeting Place

There are some events which are so mortifying when it is happen-ing and yet so hysterically funny looking back.  One such incident is my setting up a high powered meeting with who's who in the workplace via Outlook. 

We have a snazzy system whereby a meeting place id is picked automatically when you select 'choose a meeting id' and *the number* is then shown on the location field in the meeting invite. Errors do happen, especially when you're in a hurry and hitting the enter key rather manically, i.e all the time. When this happens, the system picks up the last meeting location you selected and then slots it in for the event/meeting you are sending out.

And so this how I came to receive a call from a male colleague who hummed and haahed before asking me whether it really is the case that the discussion he and 10 other meeting participants  (invariably male) were to attend to in 5 minutes were located in the nursing room* on Level 3.

_________

* in my workplace, you have to book the nursing room via Outlook using the meeting invite.

Challenge

The challenge is how to eat a banana leaf full of rice without spilling any gravy on the white suit. 

How does one manage to climb that corporate ladder without compromising on being mum to a adventurous toddler and supportive partner to spouse; to squeeze in enough 'me' time to read thought provoking/witty books and skim through fashion and gossip mag Grazia; to catch up with old and new mates; to get some exercise in, to travel the world as well as explore the local scene, AND get enough sleep.

Soon come Wolfie. Soon come.

 

This much he knows (ala The Observer)

 

 

Sunflower man, straightforward bloke, thirty ten.

 

The world is not perfect, let's be honest - a display of perfect green, shiny apples with waxed veneer doesn't do it for me.

 

Doing one thing really well is better than doing many things not so well.

 

I always thought (and still do) that giving a solution was better than empathising but then realised it doesn't matter what I think - it is the other person that matters.

 

If you say you are going to do something then do it - it shows committment and at the very least will force you to make better decisions in the future

 

When you are young you always think that the grass is greener on the other side - without thinking of the damage you might do to yourself in trying to jump the fence

 

Life is made up of phases - generally 5 years long. Make sure you enjoy each to the full and don't yearn for the next but move on when the phase is over.

 

Life experiences are the most powerful drugs known to man - I pity those who try to make up for a lack of life with narcotics.

 

If endorphins were given out in a sampler pack then a whole lot more people would understand the point of running

 

Beauty is natural - if you've got it then don't cover it with too much make-up

 

Too many of us think that if we are not in an office between 9am and 6pm then we are not making a useful contribution

 

I will teach my son to change a plug because he won't learn it at school and no one around him will be able to teach him - it's crazy!

 

You should never expect someone else to think or react in the same way as you - but I still get so disappointed when they don't.

 

Trial and error is all very well, but take note that no-one has ever called it trial and success!

 

I always thought that home was a place but then realised it is a family

 

Everybody has success in their lives, but if they can't recognise it then they are doomed to failure (or a very large chip on each shoulder)

This much I know (ala The Observer)

 

Rara Avis, bohemian artist wannabe, 37, Singapore

Honesty is not always the best policy, but it is the simplest way to lead your life

You still don't have all the answers to the questions of life at 35 but you are less hung up on them as you were when you were 25

Life does seem easier when you are not constantly worrying about money

It takes time, effort,  love and a lot of emails and telephone calls to maintain long lasting friendships

Men look straight past you when you are heavily pregnant, so do those sitting on the designated seats in the Singapore MRT

The arrogance of youth and the rich can be an ugly thing to witness

Others see through the lies we tell ourselves to make us feel better, often they are just too polite to point it out 

You should be prepared to write off the money you lend your friends before you reach for your cheque book

It is easier to work out when your body least need the exercise; it is most difficult when your body needs it most

Tears  and sadness repel people; laughter and fun attract a crowd.  Only those who have survived depression have patience for others going through one

Having a baby does result in less sleep but the joy and happiness more than compensate the sleep deprivation

It is easier to stay within your comfort zone and stick to the routine instead of trying something different. However the fun and rewarding quotient of the latter more than make up the lack of ease

You don't contemplate  and make life affirming decisions when you are busy and everything is going well, you make them when there is thinking space or have your back against the wall

Empathy is underrated and under utlised in this world

There will always be an epilogue

Click here for the Observer's This Much I know series

Baggage

The theme this week - casting off excess baggage. Physical and emotional add ons which serves no reason but to weigh me down.

Already on the list - 3 bags of clothes, 2 piles of handbags, 3 boxes of books, half a heart of guilt, three knuckles of resentment and a handful of anger.

May 09

A.D

After 8?/9? days Bubba D has finally recovered from his jet lag. Pheshew (Phew + Shew) this baby jet lag is really something else. BD (Before D) I always thought that the big deal re: travelling with a baby was the plane journey. AD I know better. Its the days nights after the trip that is the challenge.

Bubba D started walking yesterday after cruising around for more than 2 months. I guess he is finally ready to let go and toddle along even if/when he falls down every 5 steps.

In a way, I feel the same. For the first time since we moved to Singers, I finally feel ready to let go the resentment of being here (in lieu of more exciting places) and start being more positive and unafraid of nesting in this damn  sterile efficient country.

So many stories

So many stories; so much news. The only obstacle is time. I just do not seem to have much of it to spend in front of the mac reading, writing and surfing fun (read non work) stuff.

However am determined to resurrect Tabula Rasa and have thus included in my tasklist for the upcoming weekend: update blog.

See you all soon.

Why did the masses cross the road?

Of course it had to happen. Shortly after I commented here  how much I am loving VB's style she starts to appear in dull boxy military jackets and same old stiff hats. Ah.. now that blog is closing down, as the author does not feel inspired anymore. I can understand why she'd that way i.e. after all if there is no love, there cannot be a 'fan' blog. A number of commentators have speculated whether the blah style isdue to VB feeling down - I reckon there is some truth in this. How can you even begin to look fabulous if youre feeling depressed.

Talking of depression, isnt it sad and unfortunate that as a general norm, people tend to either avoid or dislike depressed people.  I say unfortunate because as a "depressee" the last thing you need is for people to cross the street when they see you.

 

Slice of paradise

Just arrived home from a long weekend by the sea at East Coast Malaysia. Great spot and wonderful company. I am a happy (and tanned) bunny.