APAC Offsite

Finally over.

I think it went quite well and all participants gave pretty good feedback. Here're some highlights.

1) Knowing You, Knowing Me

Considering that we had people from five different offices, employees old and very new, I thought we did a great job integrating everyone. The fact that we managed to conduct the whole event in as much English as possible, with everyone comprehending what was taught, was commendable. It was a great event to help put a face to every name finally.

2) CRM

It is no surprise that our CRM system is one of the most complex. All the new users reflected that they learnt a lot of its capabilities. Even the senior staff got to learn it's updated advanced functions.

3) Beer Trail

This was definitely the event most enjoyed by all participants. Not just for the beers, but also the sightseeing, silly activities and bonding with colleagues. This was very highly raved about. The sight of my Japanese colleague celebrating the photo opportunity of drinking water sput out by the Merlion was priceless!

4) Sales, Sales And More Sales

An external workshop, and a Sales Dialogue Process Flow was another highlight that a lot of the participants enjoyed. Even for the old birds, there was still so much to learn as we all update ourselves and adjust to the demands of our dynamic industry.

5) Lunch @ Sarnies

Closure to our mega event of the year. I think everyone felt sad it all had to end so fast. Yet it was fitting that this whirlwind get together ended this way on a high. Everyone was so tired already and we've just had a weekend burnt. 

Hopefully this pays off handsomely in the year ahead!

Damn You Charli XCX

So I'm fetching the grumpy kids to school and telling them all about why they need to go to school yada yada. I turn on the car and suddenly Charli XCX's Break The Rules blares incessantly with "I don't wanna go to school, I just wanna break the rules!" on repeat mode.

The boy the asks, "Papa, why the 姐姐 say don't want to go to school?"

FML man.

#kidsaskthehardestquestions

Fatherhood - Reflections VI

I've had some time this week to spend tons of time with the kids while their mummy is away on holiday. It's something that I really relished and wanted to maximize. 

Today is day four of daddy-care-while-mummy's-away and these are my key takeaways:

No Rest

Back from Bangkok on a Saturday and on to full time daddy mode almost immediately. There is no rest. The kids are restless and we need to do lots of stuff together while we can!

Hectic Work Schedule Ain't Stoppin' Me

It's seriously been a tough week at work. We've got so many events coming up, we're gearing up for month-end, training for new employees and a lot of fires to fight in office. But still I make sure I dislodge once I'm off work at 6pm.

Family Is Vital

It is fair to say that without strong support from my parents and siblings, life would be so much harder. They are the oil that keeps my clockwork of life going. They take over where I leave off and I always feel assured with the kids in their hands.

Trouble In The Koreas

Mummy isn't having as swell a time either considering that her roomie's gotten the stomach flu. Hopefully she'll be fine and healthy by the time she's back.

All Worthwhile

From intimate chats with the kids during mealtimes and bedtime, from listening to all that they have to say no matter the nonsense and the repetitions. From resolving their petty sibling squabbles, from always raising my voice and threatening some punishment when they get naughty. From WW's whiney complaints about feeling too tired to go to school each morning, from XX's tantrums over not pressing the lift buttons first. I find all the joys in every single moment.

This type of tiredness is not tiring to the mind. I wish I had more time with them. They are growing up so darn fast now that in a year or two they probably won't want to be seen near me.

Travel Blues

Feeling alone on my travels.

These days the budgets are tighter, the trips are more frequent, and there's less rest to be had.

At least it pays the bills though.

What was that movie about George Clooney being an executive who lived an isolated life of constant travel and the stories of his journeys. Ah yes, Up In The Air.

Can't do any worse than him in that show I guess.

Looking forward to catching United v Arsenal tonight.

ACL Rehab Day #137

So I went through my toughest endurance yet since I began running.

Did >5km jog almost in its entirety (far less walking), followed by 2 X 20 repetitions of bench press, bench push machines, and finished it off with a 15-floor walk up the stairs.

Almost couldn't breathe properly after that.

Very good session.

More of it soon!

Colleague Trolling

This is how you troll a colleague who's been away for too long!

This is for the shit I got last season!

GGMU!!!

Manchester United 1 Crystal Palace 0

A win is a win, regardless of performance.

1) Defence Is Finally Improving

Who would've thought a CB pairing of McNair and Blind would yield a clean sheet? McNair's reputation is growing by the day with each passing match. I hope he displaces Smalling/Jones/Evans this season. Blackett also could be his partner at CB. Luke Shaw was MOTM while Tony V did a decent job at RB. DDG had nothing to do all game haha.

2) Carrick Is Still Important

Who would've thought that at 33 Carrick would still make sure a calming difference? His positional play is still top notch.

3) Attack Has Become The Problem

Our frontmen made up of RVP, ADM, Rooney and Januzaj really didn't do enough. It was Mata's introduction that made the difference. Hopefully Falcao and Herrera can come back soon. RVP really needs to be rested. James Wilson is also yet to score a goal despite coming on as a substitute several times already. Rooney is just shite at midfield.

4) Fellaini The Ball Winner

Somehow Fellaini wasn't used very right last night. Still it didn't matter much when he won almost all his lobbed headers. Certainly could have scored too if not for the goal line clearance. He really provides  such an added tactical presence.

5) Three Points

Is all that matters. Even though we played like crap most if the game, we had good possession and defence was tight. Hopefully we can bang in the goals soon. Onwards and upwards!

GGMU!!!

Manchester City 1 Manchester United 0

What a loss. Down to 10 men, we played so well that City needed to put in a defensive midfielder to shore up their defence. In fact, we looked as though we had the extra man. So proud of the boys.

1) Smalling's Last Game In A Long While

His red card in the 32' was one of the stupidest compilation of yellows I've ever seen. Obviously that was the key reason behind our loss and we an lay all e blame for tonight on him. The first yellow for blocking Joe Hart's keeper kick was stupid. The second yellow for scything James Milner down was equally stupid. What was he thinking man?! Surely Blackett and McNair, who today showed far more composure than Smalling and Rojo combined, deserves a start now. I don't wanna see Smalling start anymore in a long, long time.

2) The Rest Are Heroes

There is something about going down one man against the current champions. I honestly feared the worst an was expecting a goal rush like our 6-1 defeat three years ago. City were cutting us up so easily and you'd thought we were in for a hiding. Instead, after predictably conceding the first goal, our boys seemed galvanized and determined to put up a dignified performance. And the they did so well.

3) Special Mentions

It's hard to single out everyone for a stellar performance last night, but some managed to stand out even further to be counted. Fellaini gets my vote for MOTM. The guy is a monster when utilized properly, and the last few games have proved that. Compared to last season under Moyes, this season under LVG Fellaini looks like a different animal altogether, with some backup tactics obviously planned exclusively for him. David de Gea is a world class keeper. So many saves during the game he made look so simple. Amazing! Daley Blind's job is unglamourous but against top opponents he's really done everything so well, mopping up attack after attack. The cog that bounded the defence and attack. Luke Shaw is getting his fitness back and is showing why we paid so much money for him. 

4) Injuries

Our defene is currently in tatters. Rafael is injured again, Rojo dislocated hi shoulder last night, Evans and Jones still on the treatment table. So much that in the 2nd half our CBs were Carrick and McNair, who both put in a very good shift. Like I said earlier, time to start a new pairing of Blackett and McNair, ditch the start-stop trio of Evans/Jones/Smalling.

5) The Ascendency

I've said it a few times this season, yes this is our worst start in EPL history, but when you look at what happened last year where we deteriorated at an accelerating rate as the season wore on, I actually see a reverse of that situation. LVG and Giggs have done a wonderful job and you can see that in the players' performances, which just keeps getting better and better. Obviously results are the key component but at the rate we are playing, I have no doubt that the good results will come sooner rather than later. Let's get that win next week against Crystal Palace!

Onwards and upwards!

GGMU!!!

Halloween Night At Clarke Quay

There was a Halloween event last night in Clarke Quay as with every year, so the wifey and I decided impromptu to park the kids at the gramps and head down for a couple cheonging session.

By golly Clarke Quay was sooooooooo crowded and it appeared like everyone was dressed up for the night! 

We headed to Pump Room for a couple of Jaeger bombs followed by Highlander for Coronas. Thereafter it was back to the Pump Room again to catch the live band till late. The resident band has changed but their music was still awesome good ol' rock and roll.

We had so much fun that we partied till almost 2am!

Was great awesome fun! 

Pump Room, after so darn long, still can deliver the goods. Happy!