Wednesday, December 23, 2009

48 weeks for 52

I would have preferred not to blog about it, but I think I should, because it helps me feel less yucky.

Or maybe it wouldn't really help. I don't know.

...

I just found out that I am not entitled to the 13th month bonus.

Yes, it is not a big deal, I know, I know. I am just kicking a big fuss. Yes, I know I know.

I guess maybe I was thinking in the logical sense. If one year has 52 weeks, then I should legitimately get the 13th month 'bonus', which is really not a bonus.

But no la. The world doesn't always run on logic, as we would all have realized.

As I would think that I have worked as hard as others, sloughed as much, if not contributed my insights, I am not quite at peace with the kind of deal I am getting.

I cannot complain of course; I signed the contract willingly, not fully understanding the clauses and being aware of what is being spelt out.

...

So I thought I should write about it to consider the good side of the issue.

Because life is so se-nang, I can afford the time to plan for my wedding.

Because life is so se-nang, everyone is so nice...and I have had the opportunity to make some good friends.

Because life is so se-nang, I can go home immediately after work and pursue my own activities.

Because life is so se-nang, I can go for time off to play sports with other colleagues.

All that...all that, for a month of pay. No doubt it is a rather hefty amount.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A test

Back in the office for the third day. One and a half more day of work and two more (kind of) days to Christmas.

How has it been?

Eh, ok. Am a little stressed up because I need to rush out a chapter (for a book. Eh no, not for myself) and that we are meeting the publishers on Mon. Other than that, so far so good.

...

Do I miss anything about China?

Well...not really. I guess if there were anything I miss, it would be the very relaxed kind of lifestyle. When days seem to float slowly by. When I can sleep at midnight (not because I want to) and wake up at 730am fully recharged. When I can eat pretty much and still lose weight (guess its too cold).

Other than that, nothing really. Although maybe, if I have had to be there longer, I would have tried to make life more comfortable by bringing 'homely' things with me. But since I was only going to be there for a month, I didn't see the need to.

On the whole, I think the trip has made me more bearing and more humble.

I used to think that I can be rather impatient and snappy (attested by my behaviour towards my mum). But I was proven wrong.

My roommate, who is a lady is her 50s, tends to like to call me 'stupid' and 'silly'. Well, and yes, I do sometimes do stupid and silly things...probably unintentionally but nonetheless, it is still irritating.

And of course, don't expect a lady who has lived half a life to tolerate such behaviour.

So, while I dislike being called stupid (and what-have-you), I usually will retaliate with a "Ya lo. I am so stupid lo." I mean, the point is, I never thought of myself as being too clever to begin with.

I don't know what she really thought of me by the end of the trip but when we parted, she commended that I have been very good. Because for the many times she had chided me off, I had never once retorted.

Oh well...

sometimes we really never know who we are and what we are capable of until we are put to the test.