Out goes the Old; In comes the New

Today is the last day of 2006. I'm sure many bloggers are also getting in their last blog of the year. So here is mine...

Well, how should I end this? I guess where it all started. Every year started fresh new, so is /was 2006. It was off with a busy start, planning for the new year. Getting new projects off the ground. I sure started off the year with a busy bang.

But somewhere along the line, things fell apart. The new challenges that I was faced with seemed all to big for me to handle (or did I mentally & emotionally magnified the challenges?!). For the Nth time in my life, I chose the easy way... OUT! It seemed like the only option then, I couldn't see any other reason to stay. I admit, it was irresponsible of me, even though at the time I felt I was looking out for myself, which was something I had to do. A friend said to me, "I'm afraid that you will go through life always taking the easy way out, running away from your problems." I was & am determined that I will not make that choice & be told that again. But I end up watching over my shoulder constantly. Constantly asking myself: Am I taking the easy way out again?

I have to admit, it's not easy to strike a balance between being responsible & taking risks. But who says one can't do both? If anyone ever doubted me, I'm sure I'll be on top of the list. I guess more than often I don't give myself enough credit & even underestimate myself sometimes. I still don't know if I made the right/wrong decision back in April. But who says that it had to be right or wrong. One thing for sure, I learned my lesson. It is from the decisions, mistakes, challenges, heartbreaks that we face, where we learn from them. It may not be clear at that very moment. But if one gives it time and patience, the answer will present itself when one least expect it.

I can't say that I have it all figured out. I'd like to think that I just have a little more clarity on life and on who I am. I guess that's the biggest quest of our ordinary lives - Defining our lives. It is by defining our lives which make it extraordinary.

Personally, my biggest learning of the year is: Face the challenge, tackle it a bit at a time. Lear to enjoy life & its many challenges. It doesn't heart to be a little cynical when the occasion calls for it. If all fells, you still have your family & friends!

Goodbye 2006 & Welcome 2007

jule

Advice of the Year

I posted the following advice in December 2006. Then I took it off, in fear that it violates some form of company policy. Anyhow, I think now it deserves to be posted again as a reminder for myself & people out there.

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If I have one good advice going into 2007...

Even though 2006 has been an adventurous year, with much changes taking place. Some were good, some were bad. As much that many valuable lessons were learnt. But none can top this one.

So my advice as we send out 2006 & welcome 2007 is: DO NOT WORK FOR A FAMILY BUSINESS

This probably don't happened to most people a lot, well depends on where you are I suppose. But seriously, if you are looking or will be looking for a job in the future. Do not pick the family business type. I may be generalising, but if you want to avoid the insanity & for your own safety... it is better not to try this anywhere at all!

Reason being: 1. you not only have to deal with the crazy boss, you'll also have to include his/her dysfunctional family. 2. Forget it, you'll never get into the inner circle. If you do, you have a problem. 3. Unless you have the urge to be treating like the family servant, I don't think it's a good idea. 4. Family bickering... something you don't want to get involved & take sides of. If these aren't good enough reasons, I don't know what is.

Although this advice may not promise smooth sailing in your career. But if you can follow this simple advice, you should have a tad less trouble at work.

jule

15th December 2006... One more candle to the cake

So, this blog comes a few days late. But who cares.

15th December, once again celebrating my birthday. Just without the family & the friends. I think I've been so spoilt for the past 2 years, by the AIESEC family that none others can live up to it. Thank you guys, for all the good memories!!!

This year, with a tad less dramatic, I spent my birthday in China. It was a usual working day. But my colleague bought me a cake, unfortunately, another idiot colleague ruined the surprise. Anyhow, the only celebration I had was going to the massage, which was quite ok too.

But then again, you can always count on the real life-time friends. Thank you to all who had sent their well-wishes, emails, cards, etc. It really means a lot to me!!!

jule

I could get used to this...

This is a bit difficult to accept, but I think I could get used to this kind of lifestyle...

I know, shocking isn't it?! I haven't even been here for a week, and I'm already bought over by the "nice" little things. Disgraceful!!! Well, I guess that's why they give us (the expats) all the perks one can possibly think of. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but I've got to admit... it's nice.

I've got my own suite, it's big & comfortable. I've got a double bed all to myself. Internet access, which I can't live without. A room with a view, though not quite the sea-view. A big bathroom, with the most amazing shower. We also have helpers (YES! What we call DW in SA! Don't start giving me a lecture on this now!!!), who cook and clean for us. And my new favourite place to go is the massage "parlour/salon" (I'm not sure the correct term here). It's the most amazing experience I've had ever!!!

Now, I've got to share about my massage experience. It's actually my first time there tonight. I had declined the previous time, but tonight was the night... I woke up with a sore neck this morning, and it had grew into a migraine. So when my colleagues suggested to go for a massage tonight, I was all for it. We were in a private room, where we were treating head-to-toe. Uh~~~ it was to die for... Though, I've got to say, for some reason there seems to be something so sexual about it. I mean, there was absolutely no sexual gesture, but something about it... which I can't really explain. Maybe it was the touches... sensitive spots... Anyhow, it was amazing and relaxing. It leaves this warm and relaxed feeling in your body, in fact I can still feel the warmth of my blood flowing through my entire body.

This prompts for a good night sleep. Good night folks.

Happy & relaxed
jule

Jule in China

If I did not mention this previously, I apologise for my manners. Well... I'm in CHINA!!! My current work have sent me and 2 other new ladies to Zhuhai, China for orientation, training... whatever you prefer to call it. We are going to be here for about 2 months.

I suppose it's quite shocking for some to hear this. I mean after all, I'm not exactly a big fan of China. But I thought being an AIESECer, I should be more open-minded about these kind of things. Plus it's work related, so I here I am... in CHINA!

First impressions:

My destination to China is Zhuhai, which is one of the industrial port cities of China. It is right next to Macau, so obviously we flew into Macau. Macau has had similar fate as Hong Kong that it was the colony of Portugal. Yet, it didn't receive as much attention as Hong Kong did. On almost every aspects, Macau & Hong Kong have been like the mini-version of Canada v.s. the U.S. Macau has been mostly well-known for its casinos, not many of those in this part of Asia. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to admire and explore Macau. Because, I've actually had my shortest ever transit expierence. I don't think the whole thing took place longer than an hour. It was literally in & out!! We landed, came in through the airport... then exited Macau from the land "port"... and we are in Zhuhai. What I remembered... it was busy, full of people coming in & out of Macau/Zhuhai, be it locals or tourists. There were just heaps & heaps of people!!!

We came into Zhuhai via Gongbei (I'm not sure if it's the right spelling, but I don't care right now!). Man! It's just as much chaotic! The busy-ness felt a little like Park Station in Downtown Jozi. The roads and buildings felt like Mumbai, India. People even drive like one would in India!!! It's quite a chaotic scene on the road, pretty much like what you get in India, just not as busy (maybe because it was already around lunch time). You get people walking right in the middle of the road, drivers swerving to avoid the speed humps... Very interesting!

Anyhow, I've already started working today. Tomorrow is yet another day to be conquered!!

Lots of love and hugs from China!

P.S. I really really want to post some photos of me & China, but I don't have a camera, not even a camera phone which I can upload photos. So, I can only try my best to describe my experiences.

jule