First Job Ends

As some of my friends may know, I tendered my resignation for my first job. My last official work day should be on the 9th of April, after serving the one month's notice period. I didn't wanted to quit without securing another job first but it was becoming so unhappy to continue on.

On the evening of the 27th of March, Friday, I received an email from my manager informing me that my last day of work would be on the 6th of April. His name starts with a D, so I shall call him Donkey here. To quote his exact words, he stated that “we have decided to release you earlier on Monday 6 April 2015”. What are we? Prisoners? I do not need you to release me, I did not get fired.

I replied to his email asking whether I would be reimbursed for that three days because my contract stated that the one month’s notice worked both ways. In addition, I raised a concern over the amount of handover work to be done over this short period of time. He only told us so last minute. I had explained to him that certain things are hard to understand in words, and hence we would do our part to communicate well with the last team mate left in the department. But the thing is, much of the handover materials were already done. He was just oblivious of all our efforts. He didn't reply to my email.

On the night of the 29th of March, Sunday, he messaged both my colleague, J, and I to meet him at the office earlier at 10.45am the next day for a quick chat. We thought he wanted to finally tell us what was going on. However, he just thanked us insincerely and informed us that today would be our last day. O.O His face just looked the usual awkward and slightly irritated and angry. He told us to leave our laptops behind, pack up and leave immediately. He added that we did not have to clean up our laptops because the IT team would settle that. Like when we on our laptops wanting to delete the stuff ourselves, he repeated that we did not need to do so. He said that we would still be paid until our last official day and that this decision was made by the management. I don't know who is this "management" he was referring to because for all we know, he may have decided this himself. Humph. 

At that point, we were super shocked that we didn't question him on the reason. While we were packing, he asked us whether we were ready to go because he had to leave the office. I knew he was going to meet the last colleague left to announce the news the her.  Like seriously, why are we being chased out like this. Effectively, we were only given 10 minutes to get our belongings and leave. It was as though we were fired because of some serious mistake at work.

You know other employees get to send out farewell emails to their colleagues on their last day, but we were deprived of this chance. We didn't get to bid farewell to the Singpost uncle we had worked closely with. We did not get the chance to bid farewell to all the retail staff at my branch, who had helped us so much, much more than our own manager. Most importantly, we did not even have to the chance to bid farewell to our own teammate, the last one left. He told us to leave before he announced the news to her. Like can you imagine how she would feel?! So stressed up, so shocked, so cheated, so left out. Of course, she already knew we were leaving before we even tendered [Donkey still ask us to keep it from her la], just didn't know it was suddenly on that very day. Donkey had always emphasized on the “importance of teamwork”, but what kind of team spirit was this? So secretive for what. 

After we left the office and thought about it, we were so angry and upset. I was angry at myself for not questioning or "scolding" him. Is this how a manager is expected to treat his employees? He did not inform us beforehand and we were made to leave within 10 minutes. We barely had enough time to even pack up or find plastic bags or boxes for us to put our stuff. Why do we get such treatment when we had done nothing wrong? It was as if a few more minutes or an extra day in office would kill him. Like as if we would steal some important information from the department if we stay any longer. We had contributed our best during our time spent there, but just because we had decided to leave, we were treated as though we were enemies. He didn't respect us at all and he was unprofessional in the way he handled the situation. As the manager of the team, it seemed as though  that he did not value us and our contributions at all. He claimed that the decision to let us leave earlier is out of goodwill, but it did not seem that way to us.

As our boss, he did not even wish us well or said bye to us. He really don't have any people's skill and he wasn't a good leader at all, and probably will never be. We learnt most of the things by ourselves because he was never there to give us advice and solutions. He merely asked us to check with other people, how convenient. Hence, at some point of time, we didn't even want to consult him in anything anymore. There is no point, explaining so much [because he is clueless] just to solve the issue myself again. 

At the end of day, all the contributions are not appreciated. We were given 10 minutes and out we go. 

This is really a lesson of life. 

Hormone's Fault

15 March

I was hungry. At the coffee shop, I was deciding between ba chor mee and ban mian since both stalls had no queue. I walked to the ba chor mee stall, but one man suddenly appeared and ordered. Then, my sister walked over and wanted to cut my queue, saying that she was very hungry. Whether she really wanted to cut my queue is another issue, I was irritated and walked to the ban mian stall instead. I ordered my you mian soup and the uncle proceeded with the cooking. Halfway through, more customers appeared and that uncle became the cashier while another uncle took over the cooking. 

While I observed, I felt like the cook wasn't even cooking my noodles. True enough, the guy after me got his order before me, even though the uncle supposedly already started cooking mine before this guy came to order -.-. It must be the swop of cook that mixed everything up. I asked for my order at that point, whether was it ready and stated that I was before the guy who received his order first. I was pissed off man. The cashier uncle ask for my order again somemore, and he just looked guilty but never apologized. Pretend pretend. I had to also inform the cook uncle that mine was with extra noodles (their portion just damn small, add noodles= normal portion). What is wrong man, other people's order got one receipt there to guide them, mine don't have ar?!

After I finally sat down, the ba chor mee orderers were already eating their food. I damn upset and angry. It's like I just want to have my food as soon as possible, then my sister had to come and disturb me, and the uncle had to miss out my order, and the noodle also never cook properly because some parts were sticking together (they scared already la, see I angry then anyhow faster cook). I sat there feeling so emotional and teary. But I controlled. 

Then right, my auntie's whole family had to pass by. They came over to talk to us. I sat there damn quiet and moody, just eating my food. But my auntie had to say "Who is this girl with so much breakouts?" WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER. Of course that's me and my breakouts are pretty normal. When I didn't reply (or rather I was saying hello real softly, not looking up), she tapped me and like oi me. That's when I just couldn't take it. I stood up and walked to the toilet because those tears became uncontrollable. After I calmed down and wanted to go out, my brother came in (coffee shop toilet is mixed) and asked me what happened. So, I started crying inconsolably and I don't even know why the hell I was crying so badly. 

Dad commented like I shouldn't cry in public. It's a shameful thing. Wth, not like I want right. And I am free to express my feelings okay, who cares what people think.

And this is what is called PMS. You just go siao.

Cornflake Goodies

After eating some chocolate krispies CNY goodies in office, I had the urge to make some too! On that day itself, I went to buy the ingredients. I searched for some recipes online but I adapted it to my convenience.

Chocolate Krispies

1st attempt:

Half bar of Cadbury Milk Chocolate (about 100gm)

50gm salted butter (as I just used the spreadable one I have at home)

Half packet of Rice Krispies (65gm)

I microwaved the chocolate bar and butter together, mid-high for about 3 mins, taking out every 1 min to see if everything melted. However, the chocolate seemed to have dried out, and doesn't look saucy enough. When I mixed the krispies in, the chocolate is unevenly distributed. Tasted crispy, with some parts being way too sweet, and it looked weird. I had to throw the first batch away.

2nd attempt:

Half bar of Cadbury Milk Chocolate

50gm salted butter

Half packet of Rice Krispies

After I learned my mistake, I steamed my chocolate instead. I added the butter after the chocolate is melted halfway. This is okay because my butter is the spreadable kind and is already rather soft. After stirring the mixture, it looks saucy and of the right texture! I'm guessing the butter makes the chocolate smoother and liquidier, otherwise it would be too dry. Everything looks good after the mixing and I distributed them slowly in the small cupcake cups. The sad thing is, because I was handling too much krispies with such a slow-poke speed, the krispies became non-crispy. They 漏风 already. SAD. And milk chocolate is bad choice because it is too sweet and not dark coloured enough. 

3rd attempt:

As I wanted to try making honey cornflakes, I bought a box of Kelloggs cornflakes too. Hence, I gave this chocolate thingy a last try with my 50gm Meiji dark chocolate.

50gm Meiji Dark Chocolate

25gm salted butter

1/3 box of cornflakes, about 50gm

I steamed my dark chocolate and then add butter. Stir and mixed the cornflakes until even. Note that this time I am using a smaller quantity so that I can finish separating them before they turn non crispy. Even then, it's still quite a number of small cups, maybe 20? It still tasted okay before I put in the fridge. After about 3 hours, it is still good. So I took some out, packed them in a container and sealed it to prevent air from going in. Two days later, I decided to taste it before giving it away. It turned unchewable and inedible!! The fridge one also a bit lou feng already and harder to chew. I threw them all away :(. A lot of recipes actually added golden syrup, but I didn't. Maybe that is why I failed but I don't want to buy golden syrup just for this. Am not going to try this again.

 

Honey Cornflakes

1st attempt

I took reference from Noobcook recipe again! However, I didn't put the rainbow coloured sweet stuff, so it looks plain.

1 tbsp of honey

25gm salted butter

About 50gm cornflakes

Toaster Oven--

Preheating 150 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes

Knob turned to Convection mode

Bake for 10 minutes

I guess I could mix my butter with the honey directly as my butter is pretty soft to start with, but I steamed them anyway. Stirred them together until mixed and threw in the cornflakes. Mixed quickly and put them into cups (actually this one no need to so kan chiong because it requires baking, so it will be crispy anyway!). I placed the cups onto the metal plate that comes with my toaster and left it to do its magic. I guess I only baked it about 5 minutes at first, took it out to realized it was not so crispy, so I continued another 5 minutes.

The result was good! The cornflakes all stuck together nicely. The only thing that it was quite sticky at the bottom, kept getting stuck to the cups. The first batch tasted buttery and not very honeyish.

2nd attempt

1.5 tbsp of honey

25gm salted butter

About 50gm

This time I added more honey and baked it continuously for 10 minutes. Results were better! Cornflakes tasted more honeyish and have more crisp.

This is what I have been doing this CNY. Usually I'm slacking around but this year my mum was commenting that I was very busy. The conclusion is that I will definitely make honey cornflakes again! Maybe I am doing the chocolate one wrong, maybe it requires baking? Please enlighten me. 

I am a sad employee.
Maybe I should stop thinking, and just do what my heart wants.

50 Shades of Grey Movie

So I watched the very much waited movie on Valentine's Day itself. Thanks to my bf for camping in front of the computer to ensure he gets a pair of tickets for that day. We bought the ones at Gemini:Two to view (City Square Mall GV), where there are only three columns of couple seats. The side seats are also tilted towards the middle for a better view. Although it is about $18 per person, it is still worth it for more privacy and space. 

All I can say about the movie is, it is really too fast paced! It's the first time I actually read a novel before I watch the movie, and the film is really nowhere near the book. It does not show the process of how Christian and Ana develops feelings for each other and how they really try to be together, so it just feels too quick. They jump from scene to scene and it's confusing if you haven't read the book. Certain important features of the story were not emphasized as much. The biting of the lips, the significance of the grey tie, the control on Ana to eat her food, the dominance in Christian and etc. 

The steamy hot scenes were also not portrayed that well, as compared to what I imagined in my mind haha. People have criticized the book and movie that the storyline is queer and it promotes violence to women. But honestly speaking, the movie is not so bad. And the story does not really promote violence. It's just creating another kind of pleasure, isn't it. He would not give her any pain that she cannot handle. Anyway, as the story progresses, Ana began to like the thrills, they communicated and compromised, and lived happily ever after. Hence, to me, the story is more about love, acceptance, compromise and change. I think there is more to learn from this story and not just looking at the surface. 

Resolutions 2015

It is the start of February now! One month of 2015 just passed by so fast. I have never been a person who makes resolutions. Today, I am going to write down the things I have to do with firm determination. Or rather, remind myself to do so. 

1) Sit/Stand up straight

I hunch a lot. I need to make a conscious effort to sit and stand straight because my back is getting worse day by day. This is especially so after my "sit there whole day" job started. 

2) Tell myself it's okay to spend on improving health

Recently, I just bought two backjoys after my bf's persuasion. It was -$50 if I got two, so I bought one for home and one for office. Both cost $110 together. I have also bought $100 insoles that help with my spine and bones arrangement.

This resolution shall be linked to spending less on material stuff. This is going to be tough. Want vs need. 

3) Get back my exercise routine

I had an exercise routine. Although it is not the intense type, it is better than nothing. Constant sitting in office is not doing any good.

4) Be a better gf

I need to provide more reasons for my bf to love me. We realized we may have forgotten why we love each other. It is time to refresh that. I need to learn how to cook >.<

5) Be more Independent

I need to know what I want. Decisions decisions. Career and everyday issues.

Okay that is all for now. :D

Maxi View Contact Lens

I have been wearing Bausch & Lomb soflens 38 for the past 7 years. I won't say it's uncomfortable but it tends to get dry at the end of the month or if I wear it for very long hours (should be worn up to 10 hours only). I wanted to change to a better contact lens which provides more moisture to my eyes. Wanted to try Pure Vision 2 but I was afraid I would have problems with it, like my mum. Pure Vision 2 is supposed to be better as it can be worn for longer hours (14 hours). 

Last Day of 2014

My new year's eve. My 6th year anniversary with my dearest.

Lunch @ 老北京. They had this lunch set ($19.90++) that day which includes a variety of dishes. There must be a minimum of two orders for this set, so both of us ate the same thing. This tea, 八宝茶, doesn't really taste like there are eight treasures inside. At first, there is not much taste. Then, it got too sweet at the bottom. Overall, not a good choice of tea (not in the set).

Marinated pickled Si Chuan Cai. I don't know the name, I just anyhow create :P. This is nice. Spicy and sour, very Si-Chuan style. The crunchiness makes this dish very addictive.

Xiao Long Bao. I like, but prefer the ones at Paradise Dynasty.

Ja Jiang Mian! This is super nice. I love it. The taste of the meat is just the right saltiness. Mixed with the QQ noodles is just heavenly. But really very small bowl la :(.

 

Fish Maw Thick Soup. It's slight gooey and filled with goodness. Gets a bit jelat at the end. 

Wasabi Prawn. One of my favorites! The prawn is fried and topped with wasabi mayonnaise. Very good but I guess I was a little too sick to enjoy this dish properly.

Bf says this is hmmm nice *eyes big big*. It's not bad la. But not excitingly awesome kind.

HEHE Black Glutinous with Ice Cream. I love black glutinous dessert so this is good. It is served chilled. Very good ending to the meal.

After Night at the Museum 3, Hoshino Coffee. I don't know is it unlucky or what, there were a few flies flying around at our seats. To not keep worrying whether the flies would actually drop into our food, we changed seats after seeing our neighbours' food being attacked by two flies. Don't sit near the kitchen!

Lobster bisque. I think it's $9. Strong seafood yummy taste. I know its cholesterol filled haha.

Curry Rice. Curry rice is the best out of all we ordered. It's quite a small portion in my opinion. Served in a stonebowl, your food would stay hot longer!

Fuga Fuga, if I'm correct about its name. The top thing is some foamy beaten egg. I don't like it.

The rice within, mixed with pork, beef, bacon, is tasty.

Sakura Latte. This small little expensive cup cost $9. I managed to taste it the first few times, very flowery sweet milky taste. Afterwhich, I might have lost my sense of taste for awhile because I was sick. This is a money waster unless you are really fond of sakura.

 Kopi O. Soury black coffee.

Green Tea Souffle. It's like the beaten egg thing above, this is much sweeter with a pancake taste. Too sweet at the end. Eating two of the same kind of spongey food is too much to handle.

Being pampered by my bf. Gifts from Seacret. I still think he got cheated though because it's too expensive and not something I would buy. But precisely because he knows I won't buy it due to the price, he got it for me to pamper myself :D. The process of guessing what he got me is the best part.

I love you.