February 13, 2016
Obviously not feeling like a ray of sunshine yet I feel like I have to act happy for everyone else’s sake. But faking happiness is so tiring and doesn’t help at all so I don’t want to do that either. I should be thrilled though, because lots of good things happened in January. But I’m not, so why pretend to be. Still, they are worth a mention…
I guess if there’s one good thing that came out of everything that happened last year, it’s that I buried myself in work as a distraction and at least that paid off.
1. Ushered in 2016 with a masquerade-themed Start Of The Year Party for Digital Division. Was in the organising committee and the best part was getting dibs on the buffet dinner before all the guests arrived HAHA.
We also had an awards ceremony. Stomp won one out of two awards that we got nominated for so I was really happy because everyone has been working so hard.
Heard that my editor nominated me for the ‘Behind-The-Scenes Wonder’ Award which was a huge surprise. I didn’t get shortlisted which is fine as the admin and IT people are the true heroes who deserve way more recognition. Editorial isn’t really behind the scenes.
But just the gesture and thought alone is enough because now I know that all the effort I have invested hasn’t gone unnoticed :’)
2. Went on a short weekend getaway to Montigo Resorts in Batam with Estelle, Jeremy and CK. So happy that I booked a hillside villa but somehow we were given a hilltop villa (better view) when we were there 😀
The villa was crazy huge even for four of us (private infinity pool, living room, kitchenette and bathroom downstairs, then two bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs) so it was kinda jaw-dropping. And the service is impeccable.
Really nice for all of us to be away from the bustle of work even if it was just two days and one night. The seafood there was so cheap and awesome that we went back the very next day and ordered one crab each.
A bit angry with myself though because I had an accident (for lack of a better word) at night so I woke up on the villa’s living room floor despite the huge beds and plush couches everywhere, and even missed the free breakfast.
Definitely coming back, but hopefully less stupid next time.
3. Got featured on SPH Presslines, which is like the company’s monthly magazine-newsletter thing. I actually did the email interview at the very start of the year but I didn’t want to say anything until it was actually published.
I don’t know why they chose a nobody like me but it was quite an honour, considering that there was several Somebodies like Glenn Ong and Flying Dutchman who got featured as well. My chief editor also joked that I got more space than our Division Head lol.
Hard not to return to school now that everyone knows about it???
4. Got a promotion and because we are focusing on a performance-driven culture, the bonus I received was really generous too. When I told Kenneth, he said that back-to-back promotions are “extremely rare”.
Actually I didn’t think I would get a promotion since I had already gotten one last year. So I was feeling a bit sad when the announcement period was nearing because I felt like it was probably my turn to take a back seat and give other people a chance, even though I feel that I have been working my ass off every day and contributing so much.
Truly grateful to my editor for everything (it is pretty much all because of him and his glowing appraisals). CK calls me the “golden child” lol.
Life’s been pretty crazy the past two weeks though. As you can tell from my Presslines feature, I have a few roles at work = loads to do. Currently working on multiple products/campaigns etc so stress is at a maximum.
Things were so overwhelming at one point that I spent the night in the office three Wednesdays ago. Had lots to work on so I went back to office even though it was my day off. Rushed off to dinner with my family (nearly skipped it) then returned to office again.
This was us at 3am HAHA. I was only done at 5am, then I went to take a nap before continuing my usual morning shift the following day.
Note that this is completely voluntary and nobody asked me to stay behind. I just wanted to finish my work and it was a hassle (waste of money plus time) to cab home and then come back in like two hours.
Wanted to take a shower on the other side of the building before sleeping but the walkway was so scary at that hour wtf. I did walk though, only to find the showers locked (double wtf) so I had to walk all the freaking way back again.
Every time I show people this, they ask how I can still take a picture because it looks scary as fuck. It is la, see how I couldn’t even take a straight photo because I was so nervous! But I said I’m the kind who will take a selfie even on my deathbed. I need to record every moment so that I never forget.
Wrapped in my hoodie to block out the cold and wearing that sunglasses that Carousell sent us to block out the light. I only realised that there was a couch in a room at the back at 8am so my neck was aching the next few days from trying to sleep at my desk.
To make things worse, I kept hearing mouse-clicking sounds while trying to sleep so it was quite freaky. Not sure if it’s because I’m so used to hearing them all day.
I can’t believe it’s already the second month of 2016 and Chinese New Year. One more day before I’m off on holiday to visit friends in Australia. Best part about it is I don’t have to plan anything or book any accommodation, ha.
And after CNY comes Valentine’s Day so if you are looking for the perfect gift, now is the perfect chance to check out these lovely watches by City Chain Singapore on Zalora! You can even get movie passes and dining vouchers with your purchase 🙂
