Not Singaporean enough? My mum, sis and I had lunch at Magma, the German restaurant. While we were deciding what to eat, my mother looked around and commented that this would be a nice place to bring the Tan clan. We asked how many tables the restaurant could seat, and noted that it could accommodate all 30 of us. At this point, the waitress was unable to hold back her curiosity, and ventured a question. “Are you Singaporeans?” That question was surprising, because we’ve dined out so many times over the decades and nobody’s mistaken us for foreigners. We speak with Singaporean accents (without the Singlish), and we don’t look particularly foreign. And the waitress herself appeared to be a local. We told her we were Singaporeans. What made her ask that question? She indicated that not many locals come to this place. Well, that doesn’t make us non-Singaporeans. I’ve dined at Magma for a few years and even had a Christmas dinner with a big group of colleagues (all locals) here. Later on, I realised the waitress hadn’t completely gotten over the phenomenon of locals wanting to eat at this non-local restaurant. “Hmm, they have beef tartar on the menu too!” I murmured. “But that’s not really German enough for me.” “Beef tartar is raw,” interjected the waitress. She meant well but it didn’t seem to register that we were not uninitiated country buffoons. “I know. I’ve been eating beef tartar for many years,” I replied. Thereafter, we were left alone, but I could not forget this strong impression the waitress seemed to have - that this was only a place for expats, perhaps, and that local people do not know how to eat this kind of food. Heard of Oktoberfest?? (yes, that’s more Bavarian, as my German classmates tell me, but the point is that Singaporeans are not all ‘sua koo’) Overall, it was a most amusing exchange and I hope we have busted all the myths attached to our ‘local’ stereotype :) Not Singaporean enough? My mum, sis and I had lunch at Magma, the German restaurant. While we were deciding what to eat, my mother looked around and commented that this would be a nice place to bring the Tan clan. We asked how many tables the restaurant could seat, and noted that it could accommodate all 30 of us. At this point, the waitress was unable to hold back her curiosity, and ventured a question. “Are you Singaporeans?” That question was surprising, because we’ve dined out so many times over the decades and nobody’s mistaken us for foreigners. We speak with Singaporean accents (without the Singlish), and we don’t look particularly foreign. And the waitress herself appeared to be a local. We told her we were Singaporeans. What made her ask that question? She indicated that not many locals come to this place. Well, that doesn’t make us non-Singaporeans. I’ve dined at Magma for a few years and even had a Christmas dinner with a big group of colleagues (all locals) here. Later on, I realised the waitress hadn’t completely gotten over the phenomenon of locals wanting to eat at this non-local restaurant. “Hmm, they have beef tartar on the menu too!” I murmured. “But that’s not really German enough for me.” “Beef tartar is raw,” interjected the waitress. She meant well but it didn’t seem to register that we were not uninitiated country buffoons. “I know. I’ve been eating beef tartar for many years,” I replied. Thereafter, we were left alone, but I could not forget this strong impression the waitress seemed to have - that this was only a place for expats, perhaps, and that local people do not know how to eat this kind of food. Heard of Oktoberfest?? (yes, that’s more Bavarian, as my German classmates tell me, but the point is that Singaporeans are not all ‘sua koo’) Overall, it was a most amusing exchange and I hope we have busted all the myths attached to our ‘local’ stereotype :) Attitude To get a job, you need some aptitude. Usually that comes in the form of qualifications. However, to keep your job and do well in it, you need something more: Attitude. Attitude makes other people want to help you, even if you’ve made lots of mistakes before. Because they know you’ll try and try again, and one day you will get it right. Then they can move you up the value chain. Attitude makes people want to stand up for you, even when others criticise your flaws. Because people know that you won’t disappoint them when it comes to the crunch. Your tenacity will make sure that you reach that potential. Attitude keeps you moving up. If you’re capable but lack humility or gratefulness, people won’t want to continue to support you as you move higher up the ladder. And there’s no way you can do a perfect job all the time - there’s bound to be mistakes. Attitude helps people forgive you and move on more quickly. It makes them want to help you improve. So, when you have aptitude + attitude, the only way you should go is up. When one of the 2 components is missing, you will stagnate at best. And you probably won’t enjoy your work as much, either. Attitude is something that can be developed. It can be influenced by others in your life. So, carefully choose the people you hang out with, and the people you aspire to be like. Don’t rest on your laurels just because you’re happy with the managerial prospects of your MBTI type and other psychological assessments. Live up to your type’s potential! Remember that for every successful person of your type, there’s probably also a school dropout, mediocre worker bee or even a felon with the same type as you. So stop fantasising / complaining / bumming around, and get on with your real work! Attitude To get a job, you need some aptitude. Usually that comes in the form of qualifications. However, to keep your job and do well in it, you need something more: Attitude. Attitude makes other people want to help you, even if you’ve made lots of mistakes before. Because they know you’ll try and try again, and one day you will get it right. Then they can move you up the value chain. Attitude makes people want to stand up for you, even when others criticise your flaws. Because people know that you won’t disappoint them when it comes to the crunch. Your tenacity will make sure that you reach that potential. Attitude keeps you moving up. If you’re capable but lack humility or gratefulness, people won’t want to continue to support you as you move higher up the ladder. And there’s no way you can do a perfect job all the time - there’s bound to be mistakes. Attitude helps people forgive you and move on more quickly. It makes them want to help you improve. So, when you have aptitude + attitude, the only way you should go is up. When one of the 2 components is missing, you will stagnate at best. And you probably won’t enjoy your work as much, either. Attitude is something that can be developed. It can be influenced by others in your life. So, carefully choose the people you hang out with, and the people you aspire to be like. Don’t rest on your laurels just because you’re happy with the managerial prospects of your MBTI type and other psychological assessments. Live up to your type’s potential! Remember that for every successful person of your type, there’s probably also a school dropout, mediocre worker bee or even a felon with the same type as you. So stop fantasising / complaining / bumming around, and get on with your real work! Apple's tablet - what will it look like? The Wall Street Journal investigates a plethora of possible mockups and rumours. Apple's tablet - what will it look like? The Wall Street Journal investigates a plethora of possible mockups and rumours. Making a proper statement When I first became an Amex cardholder, four years ago, my name was spelt wrongly on the newly-issued credit card.* I called Customer Service, who sent me a new card - which was also spelt wrongly. I called Customer Service again, and they sent me another card - still, spelt wrongly. Evidence - two replacement cards with my name spelt as “Khim” instead of “Kim”. Finally they got my name right. Then, when I started using the card, they misspelt the name on my monthly statements as well. I called Customer Service again, and they promised to fix it. In the next statement they sent, the name at the top of the document was spelt correctly, but further down, where my name was repeated, the same misspelling prevailed. It was so tiring that I decided to forget about complaining for a while. It was not a big issue, but I did expect a top-notch company to get their internal processes right. Also, if I ever had to use my statements to make claims, it might look funny that my name was spelt a little differently, halfway down the document. But after going through my monthly statements today, I felt there was no point accepting it anymore. It’s the new year and things need to be set straight! So I called Customer Service just now. I told this Customer Service rep my neverending story - of how I’ve tried in vain to correct the spelling of my name in all documents. This time, I wanted her to fix the misspelt names that still appears in the second half of every page in my statements. The rep apologised on behalf of her colleagues and promised this would be the last time I would need to call them up about this. -However, she would have to issue me a new card. Why? I asked. -Because the card is linked to the particular field in the statement. Thus, to correct the name in the statement, she needs to send me a new card. But the name on my card is spelt correctly. Why can’t I just keep my card, and Amex can simply amend the name on the statement? -It has to be done this way. It’s linked. That’s strange. If they’re linked, then why is my card spelt correctly but the statement name is still wrong? -She didn’t quite have an answer for that. And if a new card is sent to me, will the number be changed as well, or just the name? I had monthly and annual subscriptions online, so changing my card number means I have to update all these website as well. -Yes, the number would be changed too. So I can’t use my existing card until you send me a new one? -Yes, your card will be deactivated. But we will dispatch a new card to you tomorrow. It doesn’t appear as if your processes are working together efficiently. (I said something to that effect) -The rep assured me, again, that this would be the last time I’d have to call them up about this. I decided to go through with the card change so that I could resolve this problem once and for all. Nevertheless, it amazes me that systems can be so interlinked yet not really talking to each other, at least for the right things. Taking it a step further - would feedback like mine lead to any systemic change? I really wonder. Maybe if enough people complain about it. Still, you can see how much time and resources were taken up to rectify this mistake, e.g. re-issuing cards and documents, sending couriers, spending time on hold and talking on the phone… because things were not linked up properly. *For those unfamiliar with Singapore credit card application process: When you apply for credit cards, you need to submit copies of your Identification documents - so there’s no way I’d have spelt my own name wrongly. Making a proper statement When I first became an Amex cardholder, four years ago, my name was spelt wrongly on the newly-issued credit card.* I called Customer Service, who sent me a new card - which was also spelt wrongly. I called Customer Service again, and they sent me another card - still, spelt wrongly. Evidence - two replacement cards with my name spelt as “Khim” instead of “Kim”. Finally they got my name right. Then, when I started using the card, they misspelt the name on my monthly statements as well. I called Customer Service again, and they promised to fix it. In the next statement they sent, the name at the top of the document was spelt correctly, but further down, where my name was repeated, the same misspelling prevailed. It was so tiring that I decided to forget about complaining for a while. It was not a big issue, but I did expect a top-notch company to get their internal processes right. Also, if I ever had to use my statements to make claims, it might look funny that my name was spelt a little differently, halfway down the document. But after going through my monthly statements today, I felt there was no point accepting it anymore. It’s the new year and things need to be set straight! So I called Customer Service just now. I told this Customer Service rep my neverending story - of how I’ve tried in vain to correct the spelling of my name in all documents. This time, I wanted her to fix the misspelt names that still appears in the second half of every page in my statements. The rep apologised on behalf of her colleagues and promised this would be the last time I would need to call them up about this. -However, she would have to issue me a new card. Why? I asked. -Because the card is linked to the particular field in the statement. Thus, to correct the name in the statement, she needs to send me a new card. But the name on my card is spelt correctly. Why can’t I just keep my card, and Amex can simply amend the name on the statement? -It has to be done this way. It’s linked. That’s strange. If they’re linked, then why is my card spelt correctly but the statement name is still wrong? -She didn’t quite have an answer for that. And if a new card is sent to me, will the number be changed as well, or just the name? I had monthly and annual subscriptions online, so changing my card number means I have to update all these website as well. -Yes, the number would be changed too. So I can’t use my existing card until you send me a new one? -Yes, your card will be deactivated. But we will dispatch a new card to you tomorrow. It doesn’t appear as if your processes are working together efficiently. (I said something to that effect) -The rep assured me, again, that this would be the last time I’d have to call them up about this. I decided to go through with the card change so that I could resolve this problem once and for all. Nevertheless, it amazes me that systems can be so interlinked yet not really talking to each other, at least for the right things. Taking it a step further - would feedback like mine lead to any systemic change? I really wonder. Maybe if enough people complain about it. Still, you can see how much time and resources were taken up to rectify this mistake, e.g. re-issuing cards and documents, sending couriers, spending time on hold and talking on the phone… because things were not linked up properly. *For those unfamiliar with Singapore credit card application process: When you apply for credit cards, you need to submit copies of your Identification documents - so there’s no way I’d have spelt my own name wrongly. Breaking Bread with Brad It is with some sadness that I learnt, via Jeffrey Zeldman’s tweet, that Brad Graham has passed away. While I didn’t know Brad well, his death prompted me to dig up old photos I had of him, and look back at what he did in the context of SXSW, which I am most familiar with. (Others may choose to write about Brad’s contributions in different areas, for he was a man of many interests and talents. What’s important is that our blog posts and tweets will serve to remind us of him in a more permanent manner.) My first SXSW pilgrimage was made in 2006. As a greenhorn I had lots to learn about the culture and traditions at this annual geekfest in Austin, Texas. Fortunately, I had veteran Lucian to show me the ropes. One of the first things we did, before the real programme started, was to attend Break Bread with Brad. Break Bread with Brad 2006 took place at the Gingerman Pub. From my Flickr collection: Who was Brad? He came across as very confident and extroverted; a people-oriented guy, always joking around with random folks. This was his stage, and everybody knew who he was. Beyond these first impressions, though, I also thought it was a pretty good idea of his to organize this event as it served as an ice-breaker, especially for SXSW newbies like me. As the host, Brad gave out quirky little prizes to guests and provided general entertainment for everyone. I met Brad, and recall he sat near me, telling some of us his reason for organizing Break Bread every year - to meet more people. At the same time, he was giving something back to SXSW by creating this tradition. After you meet people at Break Bread, talking with them again is easier when you next bump into them at the Convention Centre. A few people I met at Break Bread, I did keep in touch with over the next few years. Such as Ralph, Elaine and Pat at Break Bread 2006. At Break Bread 2007 I met my ‘fellow Tan’, Sarah who then became my room mate at SXSW 2008. So, thank you Brad, for giving us all a platform to make new acquaintances. Break Bread 2007 was at Buffalo Billiards. I recall meeting Wilson and walking there with the Dell team in the evening. This time, I was no longer the newbie but was showing the SXSW newcomers around. I took another photo of Brad, here: According to my Flickr photo title, I had introduced Dell’s Lionel Menchaca, to Brad. I vaguely recall Brad saying something outrageous or naughty about Dell but can’t be too sure about that ;-) Despite meeting lots of people, Brad wasn’t the kind of guy that would just shake your hand and forget who you were, 10 minutes later. I recall in the later hours of Break Bread 2006, there was a prize to be given out for the person who travelled the longest distance to SXSW. Brad remembered Lucian and me, and called out that there were Singaporeans in the audience. He looked pointedly, and mischievously, in our direction. Unfortunately, we lost out to a big Aussie, who did deserve the prize as it is a longer distance from Down Under to downtown Austin. But hey, thanks for remembering us, Brad. We will remember you. Breaking Bread with Brad It is with some sadness that I learnt, via Jeffrey Zeldman’s tweet, that Brad Graham has passed away. While I didn’t know Brad well, his death prompted me to dig up old photos I had of him, and look back at what he did in the context of SXSW, which I am most familiar with. (Others may choose to write about Brad’s contributions in different areas, for he was a man of many interests and talents. What’s important is that our blog posts and tweets will serve to remind us of him in a more permanent manner.) My first SXSW pilgrimage was made in 2006. As a greenhorn I had lots to learn about the culture and traditions at this annual geekfest in Austin, Texas. Fortunately, I had veteran Lucian to show me the ropes. One of the first things we did, before the real programme started, was to attend Break Bread with Brad. Break Bread with Brad 2006 took place at the Gingerman Pub. From my Flickr collection: Who was Brad? He came across as very confident and extroverted; a people-oriented guy, always joking around with random folks. This was his stage, and everybody knew who he was. Beyond these first impressions, though, I also thought it was a pretty good idea of his to organize this event as it served as an ice-breaker, especially for SXSW newbies like me. As the host, Brad gave out quirky little prizes to guests and provided general entertainment for everyone. I met Brad, and recall he sat near me, telling some of us his reason for organizing Break Bread every year - to meet more people. At the same time, he was giving something back to SXSW by creating this tradition. After you meet people at Break Bread, talking with them again is easier when you next bump into them at the Convention Centre. A few people I met at Break Bread, I did keep in touch with over the next few years. Such as Ralph, Elaine and Pat at Break Bread 2006. At Break Bread 2007 I met my ‘fellow Tan’, Sarah who then became my room mate at SXSW 2008. So, thank you Brad, for giving us all a platform to make new acquaintances. Break Bread 2007 was at Buffalo Billiards. I recall meeting Wilson and walking there with the Dell team in the evening. This time, I was no longer the newbie but was showing the SXSW newcomers around. I took another photo of Brad, here: According to my Flickr photo title, I had introduced Dell’s Lionel Menchaca, to Brad. I vaguely recall Brad saying something outrageous or naughty about Dell but can’t be too sure about that ;-) Despite meeting lots of people, Brad wasn’t the kind of guy that would just shake your hand and forget who you were, 10 minutes later. I recall in the later hours of Break Bread 2006, there was a prize to be given out for the person who travelled the longest distance to SXSW. Brad remembered Lucian and me, and called out that there were Singaporeans in the audience. He looked pointedly, and mischievously, in our direction. Unfortunately, we lost out to a big Aussie, who did deserve the prize as it is a longer distance from Down Under to downtown Austin. But hey, thanks for remembering us, Brad. We will remember you. New resolutions for the new year I’ve announced my resolutions on this blog before, back in 2006 and 2008. Now it’s time for 2010! I learned at INSEAD that research has shown that if you plan how to carry out your resolution and tell others about it, you’re more likely to follow through with it. So I will announce how I intend to achieve each resolution as well. 1. Exercise more regularly, and the right way This is my next step after having lost several kg over the past year. Exercising regularly means I need to change the way I schedule my time, which currently is mostly about work and burning the midnight oil. I will now sleep earlier and aim to go to the gym at least once a week in the early morning. If it works out, I will do this more often. Exercising smartly is also important, because from experience, I’ve aggravated old joint injuries which then prevent me from exercising for a while until I recover. So it backfires. So I’ve bought a new pair of running shoes to make sure I’m getting the right support, together with warm-up and cool-down exercises. What helps is that I’m paying a small fortune every month for club membership which I haven’t been using, so going more regularly makes me feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. The key is getting up early enough and having the energy to exercise, shower and head to work thereafter. Failing which, it will have to be an evening activity. 2. Be more strategic in life and in work My new job requires me to shed all the tactical work I’ve been doing for the past several years. In the big picture of things, doing work that’s very downstream, specialised and operational will make you think in a certain way and that’s not where I want to go. But to do so, I must take a few steps back and think of where the organisation should be headed. Then everything we do must fit into that plan. This means that work has to be proactive, not reactive; gratification is not immediate nor visible - in fact, many aspects of the work are now intangible. This requires a lot of work because mindsets cannot be changed at once. This can be applied more broadly to life as well. What do I want to get out of it? What is my purpose on this earth? How do I relate to other people and where things are within my control, how can I improve them? However, I believe that one requires a certain level of knowledge in a subject (or a certain amount of life experience) before one can think strategically. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it should be enough to cover all bases so that intuition and creativity can be applied in an appropriate and realistic manner. This may mean getting more relevant exposure, reading up, asking more questions and seeking mentors to provide guidance. 3. Address the root of bad habits to grow closer to God That’s the most accurate way I can phrase it. Despite improving over the years with guidance and prayers from people, I still have habits that I don’t really want to give up. I’m not sure exactly why, but if I trace the cause of each pattern I will probably find out what I’m yearning for. And, applying what I’ve been reading from Anthony Robbins’ book, I need to detach ‘pleasure’ from bad things, like procrastinating or being overly critical, and associate positive action with it instead. I can start by mapping out every problem, one by one, and writing down a solution per problem. So that’s my 3 big resolutions - easy to say but they cover a wide area of my life. I hope to New resolutions for the new year I’ve announced my resolutions on this blog before, back in 2006 and 2008. Now it’s time for 2010! I learned at INSEAD that research has shown that if you plan how to carry out your resolution and tell others about it, you’re more likely to follow through with it. So I will announce how I intend to achieve each resolution as well. 1. Exercise more regularly, and the right way This is my next step after having lost several kg over the past year. Exercising regularly means I need to change the way I schedule my time, which currently is mostly about work and burning the midnight oil. I will now sleep earlier and aim to go to the gym at least once a week in the early morning. If it works out, I will do this more often. Exercising smartly is also important, because from experience, I’ve aggravated old joint injuries which then prevent me from exercising for a while until I recover. So it backfires. So I’ve bought a new pair of running shoes to make sure I’m getting the right support, together with warm-up and cool-down exercises. What helps is that I’m paying a small fortune every month for club membership which I haven’t been using, so going more regularly makes me feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. The key is getting up early enough and having the energy to exercise, shower and head to work thereafter. Failing which, it will have to be an evening activity. 2. Be more strategic in life and in work My new job requires me to shed all the tactical work I’ve been doing for the past several years. In the big picture of things, doing work that’s very downstream, specialised and operational will make you think in a certain way and that’s not where I want to go. But to do so, I must take a few steps back and think of where the organisation should be headed. Then everything we do must fit into that plan. This means that work has to be proactive, not reactive; gratification is not immediate nor visible - in fact, many aspects of the work are now intangible. This requires a lot of work because mindsets cannot be changed at once. This can be applied more broadly to life as well. What do I want to get out of it? What is my purpose on this earth? How do I relate to other people and where things are within my control, how can I improve them? However, I believe that one requires a certain level of knowledge in a subject (or a certain amount of life experience) before one can think strategically. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it should be enough to cover all bases so that intuition and creativity can be applied in an appropriate and realistic manner. This may mean getting more relevant exposure, reading up, asking more questions and seeking mentors to provide guidance. 3. Address the root of bad habits to grow closer to God That’s the most accurate way I can phrase it. Despite improving over the years with guidance and prayers from people, I still have habits that I don’t really want to give up. I’m not sure exactly why, but if I trace the cause of each pattern I will probably find out what I’m yearning for. And, applying what I’ve been reading from Anthony Robbins’ book, I need to detach ‘pleasure’ from bad things, like procrastinating or being overly critical, and associate positive action with it instead. I can start by mapping out every problem, one by one, and writing down a solution per problem. So that’s my 3 big resolutions - easy to say but they cover a wide area of my life. I hope to The ultimate gift of Christmas Leading up to Christmas, I found myself influenced by different instincts and feelings of obligations. This made me wonder just how close to the spirit of Christmas they really were, and how far I had drifted from the true spirit of Christmas. This year, my earthly instinct was to plan ahead for Christmas shopping, get all my wrappers and other decorative materials ready, and make sure I was prepared for every gift exchange and party that I was going to attend, and that the gift I gave would be satisfactory to the recipient. That met, at least a a social level, all my obligations as a polite human being. The ‘religious’ obligation made sure I attended a Christmas service at the correct time, and as I was going alone, that I would find some good friends to sit with. I would attend the whole service dutifully, sing the familiar hymns, take Communion, and wish peace to everyone around me, including many newcomers. But isn’t there more to Christmas than giving gifts, attending parties and showing face at church? It appeared my spiritual needs had taken a back seat in the hustle and bustle of it all. It’s made me reflect, in the precious few hours of time I had to myself, where I am and where I really should be going. For Christians, the ultimate Gift has already been given to us, and everything we have on this earth cannot compare to it. So we don’t need to be transfixed on the gifts we give and receive to other people, even if we feel socially obliged to keep up with the Joneses. The answer hit me this Boxing Day, when I received 2 messages from people I used to ‘minister’ to. I use that word loosely as I was an occasional counsellor for the first person many years ago. I also brought a friend to the Alpha course a couple years back. Reading their updates, I was touched to see how they have progressed in their walks with God. And then I saw the pattern: Whenever I start to think that I’ve slackened in my faith, God sends me a reminder that I have played a part, in my own little way, and that I am not irrelevant in His big plan. It encourages me to continue seeking the Truth and to discard my old way of thinking. Thus, receiving these uplifting messages from people I have helped has been the most meaningful gift to me this Christmas. I am grateful to R and Y for reminding me of the ultimate Gift that we all have been given, and how we too can also help others to receive it. Thank you! The ultimate gift of Christmas Leading up to Christmas, I found myself influenced by different instincts and feelings of obligations. This made me wonder just how close to the spirit of Christmas they really were, and how far I had drifted from the true spirit of Christmas. This year, my earthly instinct was to plan ahead for Christmas shopping, get all my wrappers and other decorative materials ready, and make sure I was prepared for every gift exchange and party that I was going to attend, and that the gift I gave would be satisfactory to the recipient. That met, at least a a social level, all my obligations as a polite human being. The ‘religious’ obligation made sure I attended a Christmas service at the correct time, and as I was going alone, that I would find some good friends to sit with. I would attend the whole service dutifully, sing the familiar hymns, take Communion, and wish peace to everyone around me, including many newcomers. But isn’t there more to Christmas than giving gifts, attending parties and showing face at church? It appeared my spiritual needs had taken a back seat in the hustle and bustle of it all. It’s made me reflect, in the precious few hours of time I had to myself, where I am and where I really should be going. For Christians, the ultimate Gift has already been given to us, and everything we have on this earth cannot compare to it. So we don’t need to be transfixed on the gifts we give and receive to other people, even if we feel socially obliged to keep up with the Joneses. The answer hit me this Boxing Day, when I received 2 messages from people I used to ‘minister’ to. I use that word loosely as I was an occasional counsellor for the first person many years ago. I also brought a friend to the Alpha course a couple years back. Reading their updates, I was touched to see how they have progressed in their walks with God. And then I saw the pattern: Whenever I start to think that I’ve slackened in my faith, God sends me a reminder that I have played a part, in my own little way, and that I am not irrelevant in His big plan. It encourages me to continue seeking the Truth and to discard my old way of thinking. Thus, receiving these uplifting messages from people I have helped has been the most meaningful gift to me this Christmas. I am grateful to R and Y for reminding me of the ultimate Gift that we all have been given, and how we too can also help others to receive it. Thank you! Twitter users: Be genuine I’ve noticed a trend - at least, on my own Twitter profile - where a number of random Twitter users start following me. Their Twitter usernames and posts are about subjects that have little relation to my own tweets. This makes me suspect that they may not be following me out of genuine interest. This suspicion is heightened when I notice that they are following many people but have very few followers themselves. This is a tactic used by newcomers to gain followers based on the principle of reciprocity - if you follow me, I feel obliged to follow you back. Back in the early days when the Twitter community was still small and cosy, it was considered polite to return the interest shown in your tweets. We early adopters knew each other on Twitter, so it was like an extension of our friendship and recognition of each other’s presence. On my part, I started using Twitter thanks to a recommendation by Coolinsights. Later, at SXSW 2007, Twitter was promoted by various respectable figures in the Interactive community as the next big thing and I started using Twitter more frequently. It took a while before the Singapore community caught on in a big way, but I think we’ve made up for the lag. I now have many real-life friends on Twitter. Now, however, with businesses and politicians jumping onto the Twitter bandwagon (as they did with blogs previously), you can’t really be sure if their tweets are written by them or by some PR agent. You also wonder if they’re following you because they’re really interested in you as a customer or constituent. I tend to think this is the exception rather than the norm. So likewise, I view new followers of my Twitter profile with either gratitude or scepticism. I recognise the real followers based on some profiles, such as: Being a real human being, instead of a company Being a Singaporean / Asian or an expat working in the region Having some interest in common with me (alumnus, geek, musician…) Being the real friend of a real friend of mine From experience, these are the followers who will stay on, because they have a genuine interest in what you have to say. On the other end of the spectrum, I tend to regard these followers as fickle: Those clearly representing a company or cause which I may not be interested in Those talking only/mainly about their company and its products Self-proclaimed social media/marketing gurus (whom I’ve never heard of) who promote their expertise very heavily and therefore must walk the talk by showing they have a large number of Twitter followers themselves. The truly famous gurus don’t need to follow me; we’re the ones following them! Random strangers, some of whom appear to have links with the soft porn industry or similar trashy affiliations Don’t celebrate if a horde of them decide to start following you, because you may lose them as quickly as they came. Because I have observed how easy it is to gain and lose followers quickly, I was cynical when a local paper featured a young boy who had the most number of Twitter followers in Singapore. That was not a very objective observation, because one can easily attain that number if you follow even more people - at least, in the early days of Twitter. Even if 20% of the people you follow don’t return the favour, you could still gain a huge number of reciprocal followers. At a glance, it is certainly impressive - but I’m more interested in how these numbers came about and whether it can be maintained. For a more accurate gauge of one’s popularity on Twitter, we should instead look at the ratio of people followed versus the people one is following, and not only at the absolute number of followers one has at that point in time. Even then, we all have our own way of defining what a ‘success’ is. Some use Twitter as a means to an end (self-promotion, networking, landing that next marketing job) while others may play the numbers game. Also, we should look at the dropout rate for that Twitter profile over a period of time. It is not easy to sustain a huge following, especially if other users followed you simply out of politeness (a short-term tactic). As time goes by we will follow more people and the list of updates will grow longer. Some of us may then start to trim our lists and only continue to follow other users who post something of interest to us. So my theory is that over time, the genuine Twitter conversationalists will sustain their followings and enjoy a gradual but steady increase, while those who rely mainly on reciprocity without adding value to their Tweets, may enjoy bigger growth spurts but will also experience a higher dropout rate. These falling numbers however can be covered up if you continue following new people on Twitter who follow you back. The take-home point is to be genuine both ways: as a Twitter user (in posting updates) and as a follower. It saves everyone a lot of trouble in the long run because you’ll get updates from people you’re really interested in, and you’ll have conversations with other people with common interests. Less is more. As with all other forms of social media: Once a fad matures, one’s success comes from staying genuine (and interesting). Twitter users: Be genuine I’ve noticed a trend - at least, on my own Twitter profile - where a number of random Twitter users start following me. Their Twitter usernames and posts are about subjects that have little relation to my own tweets. This makes me suspect that they may not be following me out of genuine interest. This suspicion is heightened when I notice that they are following many people but have very few followers themselves. This is a tactic used by newcomers to gain followers based on the principle of reciprocity - if you follow me, I feel obliged to follow you back. Back in the early days when the Twitter community was still small and cosy, it was considered polite to return the interest shown in your tweets. We early adopters knew each other on Twitter, so it was like an extension of our friendship and recognition of each other’s presence. On my part, I started using Twitter thanks to a recommendation by Coolinsights. Later, at SXSW 2007, Twitter was promoted by various respectable figures in the Interactive community as the next big thing and I started using Twitter more frequently. It took a while before the Singapore community caught on in a big way, but I think we’ve made up for the lag. I now have many real-life friends on Twitter. Now, however, with businesses and politicians jumping onto the Twitter bandwagon (as they did with blogs previously), you can’t really be sure if their tweets are written by them or by some PR agent. You also wonder if they’re following you because they’re really interested in you as a customer or constituent. I tend to think this is the exception rather than the norm. So likewise, I view new followers of my Twitter profile with either gratitude or scepticism. I recognise the real followers based on some profiles, such as: Being a real human being, instead of a company Being a Singaporean / Asian or an expat working in the region Having some interest in common with me (alumnus, geek, musician…) Being the real friend of a real friend of mine From experience, these are the followers who will stay on, because they have a genuine interest in what you have to say. On the other end of the spectrum, I tend to regard these followers as fickle: Those clearly representing a company or cause which I may not be interested in Those talking only/mainly about their company and its products Self-proclaimed social media/marketing gurus (whom I’ve never heard of) who promote their expertise very heavily and therefore must walk the talk by showing they have a large number of Twitter followers themselves. The truly famous gurus don’t need to follow me; we’re the ones following them! Random strangers, some of whom appear to have links with the soft porn industry or similar trashy affiliations Don’t celebrate if a horde of them decide to start following you, because you may lose them as quickly as they came. Because I have observed how easy it is to gain and lose followers quickly, I was cynical when a local paper featured a young boy who had the most number of Twitter followers in Singapore. That was not a very objective observation, because one can easily attain that number if you follow even more people - at least, in the early days of Twitter. Even if 20% of the people you follow don’t return the favour, you could still gain a huge number of reciprocal followers. At a glance, it is certainly impressive - but I’m more interested in how these numbers came about and whether it can be maintained. For a more accurate gauge of one’s popularity on Twitter, we should instead look at the ratio of people followed versus the people one is following, and not only at the absolute number of followers one has at that point in time. Even then, we all have our own way of defining what a ‘success’ is. Some use Twitter as a means to an end (self-promotion, networking, landing that next marketing job) while others may play the numbers game. Also, we should look at the dropout rate for that Twitter profile over a period of time. It is not easy to sustain a huge following, especially if other users followed you simply out of politeness (a short-term tactic). As time goes by we will follow more people and the list of updates will grow longer. Some of us may then start to trim our lists and only continue to follow other users who post something of interest to us. So my theory is that over time, the genuine Twitter conversationalists will sustain their followings and enjoy a gradual but steady increase, while those who rely mainly on reciprocity without adding value to their Tweets, may enjoy bigger growth spurts but will also experience a higher dropout rate. These falling numbers however can be covered up if you continue following new people on Twitter who follow you back. The take-home point is to be genuine both ways: as a Twitter user (in posting updates) and as a follower. It saves everyone a lot of trouble in the long run because you’ll get updates from people you’re really interested in, and you’ll have conversations with other people with common interests. Less is more. As with all other forms of social media: Once a fad matures, one’s success comes from staying genuine (and interesting). Famous fiction, in Twitter format Saw this at a bookshop today, and decided to buy it. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a couple of excerpts: Milton’s Paradise Lost Shakespeare’s Macbeth So don’t think I’ve totally stopped reading fiction. See, I’ve met my quota of at least one fiction book a year. (Everything else I read now is self-help/business/management related) And considering how bite-sized the chapters have become, since they’re now in the form of tweets, I may even be able to finish reading this book! If only school textbooks could be like this… Famous fiction, in Twitter format Saw this at a bookshop today, and decided to buy it. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a couple of excerpts: Milton’s Paradise Lost Shakespeare’s Macbeth So don’t think I’ve totally stopped reading fiction. See, I’ve met my quota of at least one fiction book a year. (Everything else I read now is self-help/business/management related) And considering how bite-sized the chapters have become, since they’re now in the form of tweets, I may even be able to finish reading this book! If only school textbooks could be like this… The Garden and the Tunnel I dwell within a Realm. I undertook a mission, and chose the path less travelled. I soon found myself at a fork. There were two main choices: a Garden, which was familiar and inviting, and a Tunnel, which was mysterious and challenging. Many inviting things could be grown in the Garden - all varieties of flora and fauna. Yet the Tunnel was the source of wisdom, through which all decisions in the Realm would be made. So I chose to stretch myself, and began my unfamiliar journey through the Tunnel, getting my knees and hands dirty in the process. I started to love the Tunnel because there were lights to guide me. Then the light nearest to me flickered, causing shadows to rise, and I started to doubt its consistency. Yet in the midst of my disappointment, I realised there was still the ultimate Light, shining at the end of the Tunnel. It provided the direction that all of us had to take in order to reach our destination. I realised I should not be disheartened even if the halfway point had dimmed. All the more now I must take on the challenge and strengthen myself, so that I can faithfully follow the wisdom of the Light and lead others along with me. At the same time, I envisioned the Garden I once lived in. It beckoned to me again, just like it did years ago when I first arrived in this strange realm. I considered returning to pluck its fruit - not exactly of the forbidden variety, but tempting enough. This time, the fruit in question dangled much higher than the ones I gathered before - a tougher call, but surely, within my reach? But I shut those thoughts out, knowing that once I chose the path of the Tunnel, I should not return to the Garden. In all the Realms, there are many more such Gardens now, and even more Gardeners who can take care of it. So it is time I found new territory to conquer. The Garden and the Tunnel do not appear to be related, but they are. The Tunnel is the focal point of all the other lands in the Realm. It was designed to penetrate new worlds and expand the Realm through the leadership of the Light. However, in order to be recognised for its worth, the Tunnel must address the challenges that lie within itself, so that it does not cave in. The Light at the end is seen by all, and revered by many. The Light has always been around me, although I never noticed its presence at first. It used to hover around me from time to time, guiding me even while I was in the Garden, though I never appreciated it in its fullness. I moved closer to the Light - thinking I would be blinded - but instead I have become enlightened and inspired. My desire is with the Light; to be like the Light. The Light exposes goodness as well as areas of weakness on everything it shines upon. But one should not run away from the Light because it is there to help us. I have turned to the Light for guidance on the uncertainties faced within the Tunnel. The Light has taught me to observe what is truth and what is simply perception. And this is what I will be doing for the weeks to come, so that I can discern between the obstacles and the stepping stones. The Garden and the Tunnel I dwell within a Realm. I undertook a mission, and chose the path less travelled. I soon found myself at a fork. There were two main choices: a Garden, which was familiar and inviting, and a Tunnel, which was mysterious and challenging. Many inviting things could be grown in the Garden - all varieties of flora and fauna. Yet the Tunnel was the source of wisdom, through which all decisions in the Realm would be made. So I chose to stretch myself, and began my unfamiliar journey through the Tunnel, getting my knees and hands dirty in the process. I started to love the Tunnel because there were lights to guide me. Then the light nearest to me flickered, causing shadows to rise, and I started to doubt its consistency. Yet in the midst of my disappointment, I realised there was still the ultimate Light, shining at the end of the Tunnel. It provided the direction that all of us had to take in order to reach our destination. I realised I should not be disheartened even if the halfway point had dimmed. All the more now I must take on the challenge and strengthen myself, so that I can faithfully follow the wisdom of the Light and lead others along with me. At the same time, I envisioned the Garden I once lived in. It beckoned to me again, just like it did years ago when I first arrived in this strange realm. I considered returning to pluck its fruit - not exactly of the forbidden variety, but tempting enough. This time, the fruit in question dangled much higher than the ones I gathered before - a tougher call, but surely, within my reach? But I shut those thoughts out, knowing that once I chose the path of the Tunnel, I should not return to the Garden. In all the Realms, there are many more such Gardens now, and even more Gardeners who can take care of it. So it is time I found new territory to conquer. The Garden and the Tunnel do not appear to be related, but they are. The Tunnel is the focal point of all the other lands in the Realm. It was designed to penetrate new worlds and expand the Realm through the leadership of the Light. However, in order to be recognised for its worth, the Tunnel must address the challenges that lie within itself, so that it does not cave in. The Light at the end is seen by all, and revered by many. The Light has always been around me, although I never noticed its presence at first. It used to hover around me from time to time, guiding me even while I was in the Garden, though I never appreciated it in its fullness. I moved closer to the Light - thinking I would be blinded - but instead I have become enlightened and inspired. My desire is with the Light; to be like the Light. The Light exposes goodness as well as areas of weakness on everything it shines upon. But one should not run away from the Light because it is there to help us. I have turned to the Light for guidance on the uncertainties faced within the Tunnel. The Light has taught me to observe what is truth and what is simply perception. And this is what I will be doing for the weeks to come, so that I can discern between the obstacles and the stepping stones. Revisiting my classical past Before I switched to jazz piano, I was a classical pianist. My mother found me at the Yamaha organ, playing a song by ear. She said I was just 2 years old; I thought I was closer to 4 as I had to be big enough to climb up the seat. Whatever the case, my parents thought I was a genius, although at this point in time, a certain namesake of mine seems to be having more professional success with her violin ;-) My namesake, whom the world knows (her initials being VM-N), was born a few months after me; her mother apparently visited my mother and me in the maternity ward shortly after I was born, and asked what my English and Chinese names were - and voila! We so happen to share the same names! Anyway, I began my journey of classical music on a positive note. I had a very encouraging teacher in Grade 1, and obtained a distinction. However, she migrated and I was given a very fierce teacher from Grades 3-7. I’ve never liked practicing much in the first place and it seemed that more hours were needed with each increase in grade. Especially during the years I was selected to perform in school concerts. This teacher didn’t just knock my knuckles when I forgot to ‘curve my fingers’ - she grabbed my hands until my knuckles cracked, and pulled my hair and hit my head whenever I made a mistake. I hung on, getting Merits and another Distinction. But by the time I reached Grade 7, the unmentionable happened - I scraped through my exam with a pass. Up to that point, my requests to change teachers went unheeded by my parents (Aside: I doubt the new generation of parents would allow their kids to be punished in such a way). I left that music school, VDMS - the very thought of which still sends a slight shiver down my spine - and never looked back. After several years of being abused, I was almost amazed to be with a teacher who did not hit me but spoke to me like an adult. By this time, I was in JC1 (I had skipped piano exams during my O Levels) so things were saner. I took the Grade 8 exam and passed well. After my A Levels, I started work on my Diploma in music. While still in Singapore, I moved to a more advanced teacher and completed 1 and a half pieces. Then I moved to Bristol for my undergraduate degree. But studying law and music at the same time was quite a daunting task. Plus, finding a good piano teacher in the South West of England when you don’t have a car, proved to be quite difficult. So I decided to forget all about it instead. I had had enough with classical piano and all the high expectations that went with it. Instead, I developed my taste for jazz, with the help of a few discerning friends, and never looked back. Back in Singapore, I was introduced to VP, my jazz piano teacher and mentor for a few years. And I’m still lovin’ it. Jazz didn’t judge or ostracise you; it was what you wanted it to be. And if you didn’t like the original tune, you could change it and not get your head smacked in. So in my case, pain is associated with classical music, and musical emancipation with jazz (which is rather fitting, seeing how the blues/jazz evolved from slavery). But it isn’t necessarily logical that I should view it that way, is it? The self-motivation books I’m reading now are asking me to challenge my perceptions and associations. So I dug up my old piano exam pieces just now and played through them. Funny how easy they are, after not playing them for so many years. Feeling braver, I played Schubert’s Moment Musical No. 2. I last performed this at the ballroom of the Swallow Royal Hotel in Bristol in 1997. It brought back good memories. While it was harder than my earlier pieces, I started to remember my fingering and the melody. It came back to life for me and now I want to get it up to performance standard again. More challenging pieces I’ve played, are about Turkish rondos: For classical music, it’s Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca, for the speed and intensity - the feeling that all the fingers in my hands have to be banging on a different key at breakneck speed. That was one of my Diploma pieces. For jazz, it’s Dave Brubeck’s Blue Rondo a la Turc, which I performed in concert in 2005. Eventually I’d like to relive the moments I played difficult pieces such as these and stretched myself. At the very least, I’m starting to enjoy classical music again. Revisiting my classical past Before I switched to jazz piano, I was a classical pianist. My mother found me at the Yamaha organ, playing a song by ear. She said I was just 2 years old; I thought I was closer to 4 as I had to be big enough to climb up the seat. Whatever the case, my parents thought I was a genius, although at this point in time, a certain namesake of mine seems to be having more professional success with her violin ;-) My namesake, whom the world knows (her initials being VM-N), was born a few months after me; her mother apparently visited my mother and me in the maternity ward shortly after I was born, and asked what my English and Chinese names were - and voila! We so happen to share the same names! Anyway, I began my journey of classical music on a positive note. I had a very encouraging teacher in Grade 1, and obtained a distinction. However, she migrated and I was given a very fierce teacher from Grades 3-7. I’ve never liked practicing much in the first place and it seemed that more hours were needed with each increase in grade. Especially during the years I was selected to perform in school concerts. This teacher didn’t just knock my knuckles when I forgot to ‘curve my fingers’ - she grabbed my hands until my knuckles cracked, and pulled my hair and hit my head whenever I made a mistake. I hung on, getting Merits and another Distinction. But by the time I reached Grade 7, the unmentionable happened - I scraped through my exam with a pass. Up to that point, my requests to change teachers went unheeded by my parents (Aside: I doubt the new generation of parents would allow their kids to be punished in such a way). I left that music school, VDMS - the very thought of which still sends a slight shiver down my spine - and never looked back. After several years of being abused, I was almost amazed to be with a teacher who did not hit me but spoke to me like an adult. By this time, I was in JC1 (I had skipped piano exams during my O Levels) so things were saner. I took the Grade 8 exam and passed well. After my A Levels, I started work on my Diploma in music. While still in Singapore, I moved to a more advanced teacher and completed 1 and a half pieces. Then I moved to Bristol for my undergraduate degree. But studying law and music at the same time was quite a daunting task. Plus, finding a good piano teacher in the South West of England when you don’t have a car, proved to be quite difficult. So I decided to forget all about it instead. I had had enough with classical piano and all the high expectations that went with it. Instead, I developed my taste for jazz, with the help of a few discerning friends, and never looked back. Back in Singapore, I was introduced to VP, my jazz piano teacher and mentor for a few years. And I’m still lovin’ it. Jazz didn’t judge or ostracise you; it was what you wanted it to be. And if you didn’t like the original tune, you could change it and not get your head smacked in. So in my case, pain is associated with classical music, and musical emancipation with jazz (which is rather fitting, seeing how the blues/jazz evolved from slavery). But it isn’t necessarily logical that I should view it that way, is it? The self-motivation books I’m reading now are asking me to challenge my perceptions and associations. So I dug up my old piano exam pieces just now and played through them. Funny how easy they are, after not playing them for so many years. Feeling braver, I played Schubert’s Moment Musical No. 2. I last performed this at the ballroom of the Swallow Royal Hotel in Bristol in 1997. It brought back good memories. While it was harder than my earlier pieces, I started to remember my fingering and the melody. It came back to life for me and now I want to get it up to performance standard again. More challenging pieces I’ve played, are about Turkish rondos: For classical music, it’s Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca, for the speed and intensity - the feeling that all the fingers in my hands have to be banging on a different key at breakneck speed. That was one of my Diploma pieces. For jazz, it’s Dave Brubeck’s Blue Rondo a la Turc, which I performed in concert in 2005. Eventually I’d like to relive the moments I played difficult pieces such as these and stretched myself. At the very least, I’m starting to enjoy classical music again. Sprinting towards a new mindset New Balance running shoes, new state of mind I headed to the New Balance store at Novena Square today to get a new pair of exercise shoes. I got onto the treadmill and walked slowly. Apparently my arch collapses when I walk, which sounds like a terrible condition, but I was told that many Asians have this problem as well. I tried on a few pairs of shoes that had extra stability, and settled on the most comfortable pair. Then I was put onto the treadmill again, but this time I was asked to run. Apparently, when most people run, they land on their heels first. When I run, however, I land on my toes. “That’s how a sprinter runs,” said the shoe shop assistant, who was analysing my moves. Indeed, I was propelling myself forward, as if I was running a race. No wonder that in school, I was always better at short-distance bursts, but less comfortable with longer distances. It brought back memories of the time when I was shortlisted for the ACJC track and field tryouts. (At this point, those who know me well have every right to fall off their chairs and go, “Huhhhh?? Vanessa can run???”) It began with a PE (Physical Education) lesson when my class was pitted against other classes in a race. I was part of the girl’s team. Miraculously, our team came in first, and people told me I could run very fast! I was amazed. I thought it was actually due to good teamwork - everyone in my team was generally fast, we passed the baton efficiently, and other classes had slower individual runners, so we pipped them in the end. Later, I was approached by a PE teacher who asked me to try out for the track and field team (!!!). They even gave me a number, printed on cloth, which I had to pin onto my shirt. I was psychologically prepping myself up for the race. Then I saw how fast the girls who were already in the track and field team were. Thinking I would malu (embarrass) myself, I backed out of the tryouts. How could I possibly make it to the ACJC track and field team?! Anyway, because I backed out, I never knew for sure if I had a chance - though if you could send me back in time, I still think I wouldn’t have been fast enough. Good enough for class competitions perhaps, but not at school level, and certainly not at national level. This sounds like fodder for an Anthony Robbins motivational story. Nevertheless, this shopping outing has made me rethink how I frame my abilities. What was the harm of taking part in the tryouts? At the most I would have fallen down and come in last. At best I might have surprised myself and made it to the team. What I can do in future, though, is to remember this incident and frame new experiences more positively, so I won’t give up before making the first attempt. Sprinting towards a new mindset New Balance running shoes, new state of mind I headed to the New Balance store at Novena Square today to get a new pair of exercise shoes. I got onto the treadmill and walked slowly. Apparently my arch collapses when I walk, which sounds like a terrible condition, but I was told that many Asians have this problem as well. I tried on a few pairs of shoes that had extra stability, and settled on the most comfortable pair. Then I was put onto the treadmill again, but this time I was asked to run. Apparently, when most people run, they land on their heels first. When I run, however, I land on my toes. “That’s how a sprinter runs,” said the shoe shop assistant, who was analysing my moves. Indeed, I was propelling myself forward, as if I was running a race. No wonder that in school, I was always better at short-distance bursts, but less comfortable with longer distances. It brought back memories of the time when I was shortlisted for the ACJC track and field tryouts. (At this point, those who know me well have every right to fall off their chairs and go, “Huhhhh?? Vanessa can run???”) It began with a PE (Physical Education) lesson when my class was pitted against other classes in a race. I was part of the girl’s team. Miraculously, our team came in first, and people told me I could run very fast! I was amazed. I thought it was actually due to good teamwork - everyone in my team was generally fast, we passed the baton efficiently, and other classes had slower individual runners, so we pipped them in the end. Later, I was approached by a PE teacher who asked me to try out for the track and field team (!!!). They even gave me a number, printed on cloth, which I had to pin onto my shirt. I was psychologically prepping myself up for the race. Then I saw how fast the girls who were already in the track and field team were. Thinking I would malu (embarrass) myself, I backed out of the tryouts. How could I possibly make it to the ACJC track and field team?! Anyway, because I backed out, I never knew for sure if I had a chance - though if you could send me back in time, I still think I wouldn’t have been fast enough. Good enough for class competitions perhaps, but not at school level, and certainly not at national level. This sounds like fodder for an Anthony Robbins motivational story. Nevertheless, this shopping outing has made me rethink how I frame my abilities. What was the harm of taking part in the tryouts? At the most I would have fallen down and come in last. At best I might have surprised myself and made it to the team. What I can do in future, though, is to remember this incident and frame new experiences more positively, so I won’t give up before making the first attempt. Why I Love Arsenal These lads aren’t just big on the field, they’re also big-hearted, raising money for a children’s hospital. And they look adorable in their furry costumes! Nicknames I’ve thought of for each of them, based on what they’re wearing: Theo “the Leo” Walcott Cesc Fa-bear-gas - waitaminute, is that a bear or a lamb? I’m making myself imagine it’s a bear, because I don’t want our key midfielder to be eaten by the Chelsea ‘wolves’ tonight Andrei Ar-shark-vin (or Ar-Shark-fin if you’re Chinese) Bird-cary Sagna (can’t think of anything that fits with ‘owl’) Why I Love Arsenal These lads aren’t just big on the field, they’re also big-hearted, raising money for a children’s hospital. And they look adorable in their furry costumes! Nicknames I’ve thought of for each of them, based on what they’re wearing: Theo “the Leo” Walcott Cesc Fa-bear-gas - waitaminute, is that a bear or a lamb? I’m making myself imagine it’s a bear, because I don’t want our key midfielder to be eaten by the Chelsea ‘wolves’ tonight Andrei Ar-shark-vin (or Ar-Shark-fin if you’re Chinese) Bird-cary Sagna (can’t think of anything that fits with ‘owl’) Unusual compliments Lately, I’ve received a series of compliments that I would previously not expect. While unusual, these compliments are certainly not unwelcome ;-) and I hope to be deserving, and to receive more, of them. This week over lunch, a colleague complimented me on my posture as I left our restaurant. It was partly because I was making a conscious effort to walk more gracefully and slowly. So I thought it was a one-off incident. But my colleague added that she and another colleague have sometimes admired my posture as I walked past their cubicles. Yesterday evening, a senior English lady who recently joined my bible study group, said to me, “Are you a lawyer?” (note: that in itself is not necessarily a compliment!) That drew a few looks of surprise among bible study mates who did know of my law background. How did this lady, who barely knows me, notice that? I told her I did have a law degree, but did not practise law. “What gave you the impression that I was a lawyer?” I asked, hoping that it wasn’t because I was speaking in a legalistic or argumentative way. She said it was the way I spoke, slowly and in an organised way, that showed a certain kind of training. I was amused as I usually speak quickly. But I’ve found that my ideas are accepted more often now, at work, among friends and at bible study. Over the last few months, I have received compliments from the junior ranks up to senior management, on how I have ‘changed’, or specifically, ‘transformed’. It is partly due to our caring and friendly work environment that encourages such feedback to be given in the first place. But hanging around good-looking and well-dressed people at INSEAD also compelled me to update my wardrobe eventually - especially since my old clothes have become too loose anyway. Most of my good friends would be surprised to read this, knowing my usual pace of speaking and how I usually walk. I’d say some things about me are changing, possibly due to some senior influence in my new job. And if it’s for the better, as it appears to be, then I welcome these changes and hope to improve further. Unusual compliments Lately, I’ve received a series of compliments that I would previously not expect. While unusual, these compliments are certainly not unwelcome ;-) and I hope to be deserving, and to receive more, of them. This week over lunch, a colleague complimented me on my posture as I left our restaurant. It was partly because I was making a conscious effort to walk more gracefully and slowly. So I thought it was a one-off incident. But my colleague added that she and another colleague have sometimes admired my posture as I walked past their cubicles. Yesterday evening, a senior English lady who recently joined my bible study group, said to me, “Are you a lawyer?” (note: that in itself is not necessarily a compliment!) That drew a few looks of surprise among bible study mates who did know of my law background. How did this lady, who barely knows me, notice that? I told her I did have a law degree, but did not practise law. “What gave you the impression that I was a lawyer?” I asked, hoping that it wasn’t because I was speaking in a legalistic or argumentative way. She said it was the way I spoke, slowly and in an organised way, that showed a certain kind of training. I was amused as I usually speak quickly. But I’ve found that my ideas are accepted more often now, at work, among friends and at bible study. Over the last few months, I have received compliments from the junior ranks up to senior management, on how I have ‘changed’, or specifically, ‘transformed’. It is partly due to our caring and friendly work environment that encourages such feedback to be given in the first place. But hanging around good-looking and well-dressed people at INSEAD also compelled me to update my wardrobe eventually - especially since my old clothes have become too loose anyway. Most of my good friends would be surprised to read this, knowing my usual pace of speaking and how I usually walk. I’d say some things about me are changing, possibly due to some senior influence in my new job. And if it’s for the better, as it appears to be, then I welcome these changes and hope to improve further. Weight, BMI target reached We ate well in Shanghai, but I haven’t gained weight since my return. In fact, I lost another 300 grams and have more or less reached my target weight, which I set for myself many years ago. My BMI is now a healthy 20.9, which is mid-range between ‘underweight’ and ‘overweight’ according to our Asian BMI calculator. It was only in the past year, with the stress of doing an accelerated MBA, finding a meaningful career, plus the scare of having high cholesterol (which runs in the family), when I started to exercise regularly and control my diet. So my weight started going down. It also helped a lot that my family decided to lose weight together, so our dinners were more healthy and portion sizes were controlled. And we kept each other in check. Beyond BMI, I am also looking at my overall body fat composition and muscle toning. My new weighing scale tells me my current weight, fat and water composition, and also lists my previous readings so I can see the trend. You see, the story isn’t just about losing weight. I don’t mind gaining a bit of weight if it’s due to muscles toning up at the gym. I do a bit of weight training sometimes, after work. I am also going to make a conscious effort to drink more water, so any weight loss is not due to dehydration. While I’ve cut down on portion sizes, I don’t skip meals and starve myself. So any weight loss of mine is relatively gradual but sustainable. Lately I haven’t had time to go to the gym, but I usually take the stairs at work if we only need to climb 1 or 2 floors. And instead of calling up colleagues, I walk briskly to their cubicles and have a face-to-face conversation, which is usually more effective as well. (It helps that I’m a borderline, people-loving ENFJ) Parallel thoughts: Weight loss results are comparable to balance sheets results. Short term gains like crash diets are like cost-cutting measures that may reap small rewards initially. But if the fundamentals are not sound and sustainable, the tendency is to revert to previous practices or in fact overcompensate for it. Similarly, if poor personal habits / organizational culture are firmly engrained, it will take a long time to improve. So I hope any ‘shareholders’ in my personal stock can be assured that, while I may not give the largest, most immediate dividends, rewards will continue to be generated, regardless of the prevailing market environment ;-) Weight, BMI target reached We ate well in Shanghai, but I haven’t gained weight since my return. In fact, I lost another 300 grams and have more or less reached my target weight, which I set for myself many years ago. My BMI is now a healthy 20.9, which is mid-range between ‘underweight’ and ‘overweight’ according to our Asian BMI calculator. It was only in the past year, with the stress of doing an accelerated MBA, finding a meaningful career, plus the scare of having high cholesterol (which runs in the family), when I started to exercise regularly and control my diet. So my weight started going down. It also helped a lot that my family decided to lose weight together, so our dinners were more healthy and portion sizes were controlled. And we kept each other in check. Beyond BMI, I am also looking at my overall body fat composition and muscle toning. My new weighing scale tells me my current weight, fat and water composition, and also lists my previous readings so I can see the trend. You see, the story isn’t just about losing weight. I don’t mind gaining a bit of weight if it’s due to muscles toning up at the gym. I do a bit of weight training sometimes, after work. I am also going to make a conscious effort to drink more water, so any weight loss is not due to dehydration. While I’ve cut down on portion sizes, I don’t skip meals and starve myself. So any weight loss of mine is relatively gradual but sustainable. Lately I haven’t had time to go to the gym, but I usually take the stairs at work if we only need to climb 1 or 2 floors. And instead of calling up colleagues, I walk briskly to their cubicles and have a face-to-face conversation, which is usually more effective as well. (It helps that I’m a borderline, people-loving ENFJ) Parallel thoughts: Weight loss results are comparable to balance sheets results. Short term gains like crash diets are like cost-cutting measures that may reap small rewards initially. But if the fundamentals are not sound and sustainable, the tendency is to revert to previous practices or in fact overcompensate for it. Similarly, if poor personal habits / organizational culture are firmly engrained, it will take a long time to improve. So I hope any ‘shareholders’ in my personal stock can be assured that, while I may not give the largest, most immediate dividends, rewards will continue to be generated, regardless of the prevailing market environment ;-)