Research!
- Spent quite a bit of time today in the Lifelong Learning Library (LLiBrary) at Paya Lebar. Amazing facility! Got my first book on the food and beverage industry- a how-to book on setting up a restaurant. While it is definitely more detailed than I need at the moment, it is a good starter into this new world.
I also took a look at reviews of SaladStop! and blogs on the salad-scene in Singapore to get an idea of what people like/dislike about salad shops here. My first impression is that variety and flexibility are major plus-points for SaladStop!, while cost is a bit of a concern. More surprisingly, service quality is a major issue - while people expect quick and efficient service, they would like smiles too. Quite a demanding bunch!
Interestingly, I didn't see too many people laud SaladStop! for their work in sourcing ingredients from nearby (less than 72 hours of travel time) as well as good quality and sustainable meat. I wonder if people are actually interested in this at all. More importantly, I wonder if other salad shops source their ingredients responsibly. This is something that I will need to look into -> my next research idea.
- Spent some time in the Alliance Francaise library. Sadly, it turns out that the other beginner books I picked up weren't as easy to read as I had thought they would be. So Zoe was leading me on... haha! On the plus side, this means that I have quite a bit of new vocabulary to pick up!
Lessons Learnt:
There is an infinite amount of information and tools out there.
With determination, there is nothing that one cannot accomplish!
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 19 September (Monday)
Another day, another record
- Started the week by swimming 800m. New personal best!
I have reached a stage where I can speed up and relax while swimming to modulate my breathing and make sure that I don't get out of breath. This is an amazing feeling.
- First evening shift on the salad-floor! Definitely not as hectic as the lunch-crowd, but I don't know how they manage with just two people. Good to know that I'm helping out!
Arsay mentioned that he would show me how to work the cashier during my next shift, on Wednesday. Progress! :)
- Started the week by swimming 800m. New personal best!
I have reached a stage where I can speed up and relax while swimming to modulate my breathing and make sure that I don't get out of breath. This is an amazing feeling.
- First evening shift on the salad-floor! Definitely not as hectic as the lunch-crowd, but I don't know how they manage with just two people. Good to know that I'm helping out!
Arsay mentioned that he would show me how to work the cashier during my next shift, on Wednesday. Progress! :)
Journal of My Joblessness!- 16 September (Friday)
New mission!
- Today was my follow-up interview with Adrian of SaladStop!, two weeks after our first meetup.
I had gone in with little expectations for the discussion. I have only worked three shifts on the shop-floor and have a very basic idea of everything- from the menu to the way the restaurant operates. But I had planned to tell him that I was still intrigued and that I wanted to learn and work more.
The interview started of a bit shakily, I must say. Adrian was shocked that I had only done three shifts and that I knew so little. While this was a jarring, I finally understood that he had had some expectations of me. So I asked him: 'What do you suggest I do?'
He gave me two broad questions to answer:
1) What makes SaladStop! special? Why do people come to it, over other food establishments? And why do they come back?
2) What do people want next... where is this market segment of the F&B business moving?
Tough questions, for sure, but I am glad to have something to think about over the next few weeks while I work on the shop floor.
And it seems like I will have to start eating salads myself as well!
So, I've been set a new challenge!
I will try to learn as much as I can, about both the F&B business in general and salad-based restaurants, over the next month and do my best to answer Adrian's questions. In fact, I can't think of a better way to figure out if I want to get more involved with them as well.
So, all in all, this is good!
Lessons Learnt:
Clarifying expectations is the way to go!
That being said, I will try my best to learn as much as I can, without pushing Arsay too much. I've still got to make it worth his while to teach me things.
- Today was my follow-up interview with Adrian of SaladStop!, two weeks after our first meetup.
I had gone in with little expectations for the discussion. I have only worked three shifts on the shop-floor and have a very basic idea of everything- from the menu to the way the restaurant operates. But I had planned to tell him that I was still intrigued and that I wanted to learn and work more.
The interview started of a bit shakily, I must say. Adrian was shocked that I had only done three shifts and that I knew so little. While this was a jarring, I finally understood that he had had some expectations of me. So I asked him: 'What do you suggest I do?'
He gave me two broad questions to answer:
1) What makes SaladStop! special? Why do people come to it, over other food establishments? And why do they come back?
2) What do people want next... where is this market segment of the F&B business moving?
Tough questions, for sure, but I am glad to have something to think about over the next few weeks while I work on the shop floor.
And it seems like I will have to start eating salads myself as well!
So, I've been set a new challenge!
I will try to learn as much as I can, about both the F&B business in general and salad-based restaurants, over the next month and do my best to answer Adrian's questions. In fact, I can't think of a better way to figure out if I want to get more involved with them as well.
So, all in all, this is good!
Lessons Learnt:
Clarifying expectations is the way to go!
That being said, I will try my best to learn as much as I can, without pushing Arsay too much. I've still got to make it worth his while to teach me things.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 15 September (Thursday)
The times, they are a changing
- Met Tushar for a coffee in Simei. Great to see him post-FGE and after he pulled off quite an amazing transformation.
He is now the Director of his own consultancy. In fact, hemet me after signing the contract for a new project.
While I have always heard of people going down this road, it is still amazing to see it happen first-hand. I admire his guts in choosing to go down this road. Much more experienced people would not want to face the insecurity and the huge unknowns of self-employment. And I admit, it is quite a scary prospect.
But it seems to be one with huge upsides. I can imagine that it changes your mentality towards others in the industry... from just focusing on work, attention must be placed on business development, building your reputation and your list of contacts as well. So even if it doesn't work out for him, I can imagine that he will end up in a position of greater strength at the end of this period.
If nothing else, people will definitely admire his resolve for going at it alone, and appreciate his capabilities on finishing projects single-handed.
In fact, I could notice the change in him as well. I have never seen him so humble and found his attitude towards FGE totally reasonable and respectable. With such an attitude (backed by his solid experience), I am sure he can go far.
Good luck to him!
Lessons Learnt:
It never helps to burn bridges.
I am glad to have established a respectful relationship with Tushar and with everyone in FGE, for that matter.
If for nothing else, this just makes it all the more pleasant when we do eventually bump into each on the street.
That being said, I really appreciate Tushar's offer to collaborate with him. I will definitely take a serious look into this once I'm back from France.
- Met Tushar for a coffee in Simei. Great to see him post-FGE and after he pulled off quite an amazing transformation.
He is now the Director of his own consultancy. In fact, hemet me after signing the contract for a new project.
While I have always heard of people going down this road, it is still amazing to see it happen first-hand. I admire his guts in choosing to go down this road. Much more experienced people would not want to face the insecurity and the huge unknowns of self-employment. And I admit, it is quite a scary prospect.
But it seems to be one with huge upsides. I can imagine that it changes your mentality towards others in the industry... from just focusing on work, attention must be placed on business development, building your reputation and your list of contacts as well. So even if it doesn't work out for him, I can imagine that he will end up in a position of greater strength at the end of this period.
If nothing else, people will definitely admire his resolve for going at it alone, and appreciate his capabilities on finishing projects single-handed.
In fact, I could notice the change in him as well. I have never seen him so humble and found his attitude towards FGE totally reasonable and respectable. With such an attitude (backed by his solid experience), I am sure he can go far.
Good luck to him!
Lessons Learnt:
It never helps to burn bridges.
I am glad to have established a respectful relationship with Tushar and with everyone in FGE, for that matter.
If for nothing else, this just makes it all the more pleasant when we do eventually bump into each on the street.
That being said, I really appreciate Tushar's offer to collaborate with him. I will definitely take a serious look into this once I'm back from France.
Journal of My Joblessness!- 14 September (Wednesday)
Happy O-what?!
- Second shift at SaladStop! and first one at Fusionopolis. As I had suspected, the staff are really great and a lot of fun to work with.
The lunch shift was less hectic than Metropolis, but it can still get quite intense.
However, I still haven't figured out when/how to fit in my lunch... Being hungry around food is torture.
- Onam dinner with Lisa and Colin at Preemas, Little India. First Onam celebration after five/six years, I think.
Good food, but the place was crowded, as expected. This wouldn't have been a problem if they hadn't chosen to hurry us up at the end of our meal. As a result I had to gulp down all four desserts, which were all in a competition to see which was the sweetest of them all. That was no fun.
Next time I'll just go to Muthu's Curry.
- Of late I have been suspecting that I should take a break from my friends... just so that we all have time to do our own things.
After my last gym session with the Faz I decided to do the same. It's odd, but I feel that our interests have gone off in totally different directions. This is fine, of course. But it just makes hanging out really difficult, especially because we don't have hobbies that we share.
Anyway, I'll try this out for a while and see how it goes.
Lessons Learnt:
There is a reason that they say 'absence makes the heart grow fonder!'
Right now, a break from the 'usual' sounds like a great idea.
Note to self: Do try to stay open to meeting/interacting with new people!
- Second shift at SaladStop! and first one at Fusionopolis. As I had suspected, the staff are really great and a lot of fun to work with.
The lunch shift was less hectic than Metropolis, but it can still get quite intense.
However, I still haven't figured out when/how to fit in my lunch... Being hungry around food is torture.
- Onam dinner with Lisa and Colin at Preemas, Little India. First Onam celebration after five/six years, I think.
Good food, but the place was crowded, as expected. This wouldn't have been a problem if they hadn't chosen to hurry us up at the end of our meal. As a result I had to gulp down all four desserts, which were all in a competition to see which was the sweetest of them all. That was no fun.
Next time I'll just go to Muthu's Curry.
- Of late I have been suspecting that I should take a break from my friends... just so that we all have time to do our own things.
After my last gym session with the Faz I decided to do the same. It's odd, but I feel that our interests have gone off in totally different directions. This is fine, of course. But it just makes hanging out really difficult, especially because we don't have hobbies that we share.
Anyway, I'll try this out for a while and see how it goes.
Lessons Learnt:
There is a reason that they say 'absence makes the heart grow fonder!'
Right now, a break from the 'usual' sounds like a great idea.
Note to self: Do try to stay open to meeting/interacting with new people!
Journal of My Joblessness!- 13 September (Tuesday)
Mission Accomplished?!
- Delivered my submissions for Stage 2 of the MDS part-time educator application process.
The pressure really did build up at the end. Gosh, the last piece was as hard as I had imagined. Not the best time to be right.
I sent over my videos at about 7:30pm, after a long day of practicing and recording. Admittedly nothing was excellent about my application- the recording quality, my drumming and the sound quality.
But I did exactly what I had set out to do... do the best I could do in the time provided. I could've obsessed about the recording quality, but that would have taken time away from practicing, which was so much more important.
Here are the results:
- Delivered my submissions for Stage 2 of the MDS part-time educator application process.
The pressure really did build up at the end. Gosh, the last piece was as hard as I had imagined. Not the best time to be right.
I sent over my videos at about 7:30pm, after a long day of practicing and recording. Admittedly nothing was excellent about my application- the recording quality, my drumming and the sound quality.
But I did exactly what I had set out to do... do the best I could do in the time provided. I could've obsessed about the recording quality, but that would have taken time away from practicing, which was so much more important.
Here are the results:
Video link 1: https://youtu.be/
Video link 2: https://youtu.be/
Video link 3: https://youtu.be/
- Celebrated the end of my mission by watching "J'aime regarder les filles" at Alliance Francaise. My complicated relationship with French cinema continues... I can't help thinking that the process in deciding what makes a movie isn't too restrictive in France.
Lessons Learnt:
Stage 2 of the interview process with MDS was a loosing battle for me. From the beginning I knew that I wouldn't be able to deliver a mind-blowing performance. And that sucked!
But still, it was worth my best effort.
I was right... I didn't deliver a mind-blowing performance after all. But it wasn't all that shabby neither!
Most importantly, the process, the practice, the experience of recording myself, these were all worth the sweat and tears.
In the end, I have no regrets about the application.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 9 September (Friday)
Another day, another new experience...
Things done:
- First day as a NECDC facilitator assisting Atiqa with teaching the mechanics of motors to kids at Tampines Primary School. The session was from 9am to 1pm, and boy was it tiring! Please read that considering that I wasn't the one doing most of the talking!
Overall, it was a really good experience. It was great to see enthusiasm in the kids and also to see them actually make things, even if they aren't all successes. It was really quite priceless explaining to them that they could make anything they wanted- pokeball helicopter? Sure... Starbucks cup that moves around the table? Sure... Airplane that is also a helicopter (but also an airplane)? Sure. Their minds were blown by the fact that they didn't have to make something logical, and their eyes would really light up!
On a more serious note... it is quite hard drawing the line between having fun with the kids and remaining in charge. I realized that once they view you as a friend, then you've lost all control. With that in mind, it might be better to maintain a certain amount of distance, just for my own good.
- Drum practice followed by a movie over dinner- Deathproof. Was a pretty slow movie, but the end sequence was just fantastic!
Things done:
- First day as a NECDC facilitator assisting Atiqa with teaching the mechanics of motors to kids at Tampines Primary School. The session was from 9am to 1pm, and boy was it tiring! Please read that considering that I wasn't the one doing most of the talking!
Overall, it was a really good experience. It was great to see enthusiasm in the kids and also to see them actually make things, even if they aren't all successes. It was really quite priceless explaining to them that they could make anything they wanted- pokeball helicopter? Sure... Starbucks cup that moves around the table? Sure... Airplane that is also a helicopter (but also an airplane)? Sure. Their minds were blown by the fact that they didn't have to make something logical, and their eyes would really light up!
On a more serious note... it is quite hard drawing the line between having fun with the kids and remaining in charge. I realized that once they view you as a friend, then you've lost all control. With that in mind, it might be better to maintain a certain amount of distance, just for my own good.
- Drum practice followed by a movie over dinner- Deathproof. Was a pretty slow movie, but the end sequence was just fantastic!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 8 September (Thursday)
Crisis of confidence?
Things done:
- Major day for drum practice! Finally got into the Grade 6 drum solo. This is totally uncharted territory for me. While it is definitely challenging, again, I am so happy that I applied to MDS just because they are pushing my drumming so much right now.
- Watched 'The Chef' during lunch. Both the movie and (our homemade) lunch were super good!
- Talk at Camper's Corner on one lady's experience at the Tour de Mont Blanc. It wasn't really what I expected, but I do appreciate that she decided to share her experiences with us. Considering that there were some seriously seasoned hikers in the crowd, I admire her guts in sharing her story, including all her cock-ups as well!
- Saw Fang in the audience at Camper's Corner. This was the first time I've seen anyone from FGE (other than Marc) since I left the company. I didn't go up and say hello. In my mind I imagined our conversation going as follows:
R:Hey Fang, how are you?
F:Wow! Ryan... wow! You look different, really different. What happened?!
R;Ahh.. nothing much. Just thought of trying something different. I don't have a good reason to shave these days. Haha
So how are things going?
F: Alright. Things are quite busy at work as usual. Haha. But going ok. What about you? What are you doing now? Are you working?
R: Oh no. I'm still taking a break actually. So, no...not working. I'm just taking time off, planning my next move and also doing some small part-time work here and there.
F: Hmmm... oh ok.....
(awkward silence, followed by me jumping out the window)
In retrospect, it's too bad that I didn't go up and say hello. I would have liked to hear how things are going back in the office (although I don't know why exactly) as well as how things are going for her (again, not sure why really!).
I guess I was worried that she would judge me and so I shied away from the encounter. While that would definitely happen, I really shouldn't be worried about it. The fact is that people always judge other people and that's ok.
In the end, I have nothing to prove to anyone. Just myself.
I wasn't too happy with my brief (but telling!) crisis of confidence.
Lessons learnt: (see above)
Things done:
- Major day for drum practice! Finally got into the Grade 6 drum solo. This is totally uncharted territory for me. While it is definitely challenging, again, I am so happy that I applied to MDS just because they are pushing my drumming so much right now.
- Watched 'The Chef' during lunch. Both the movie and (our homemade) lunch were super good!
- Talk at Camper's Corner on one lady's experience at the Tour de Mont Blanc. It wasn't really what I expected, but I do appreciate that she decided to share her experiences with us. Considering that there were some seriously seasoned hikers in the crowd, I admire her guts in sharing her story, including all her cock-ups as well!
- Saw Fang in the audience at Camper's Corner. This was the first time I've seen anyone from FGE (other than Marc) since I left the company. I didn't go up and say hello. In my mind I imagined our conversation going as follows:
R:Hey Fang, how are you?
F:Wow! Ryan... wow! You look different, really different. What happened?!
R;Ahh.. nothing much. Just thought of trying something different. I don't have a good reason to shave these days. Haha
So how are things going?
F: Alright. Things are quite busy at work as usual. Haha. But going ok. What about you? What are you doing now? Are you working?
R: Oh no. I'm still taking a break actually. So, no...not working. I'm just taking time off, planning my next move and also doing some small part-time work here and there.
F: Hmmm... oh ok.....
(awkward silence, followed by me jumping out the window)
In retrospect, it's too bad that I didn't go up and say hello. I would have liked to hear how things are going back in the office (although I don't know why exactly) as well as how things are going for her (again, not sure why really!).
I guess I was worried that she would judge me and so I shied away from the encounter. While that would definitely happen, I really shouldn't be worried about it. The fact is that people always judge other people and that's ok.
In the end, I have nothing to prove to anyone. Just myself.
I wasn't too happy with my brief (but telling!) crisis of confidence.
Lessons learnt: (see above)
Journal of My Joblessness!- 7 September (Wednesday)
Going green!
Things done:
- Today was my first day working at SaladStop! While I had a rocky start because they hadn't really assigned me to an outlet (which resulted in me first going to Fusionopolis and then Metropolis), it was a good starter into their world.
Working the lunch shift was quite an eye-opening experience. Work was tough, but not in a way that I'm really used to. Things are really hectic during the lunch-rush. I was standing for 3-4 hours straight and I didn't feel in control of my time (because it is really determined by how many customers came in). But it isn't a mentally challenging job, which ultimately is the deal breaker for me.
On the plus side, working was quite fun thanks to the cool people working there - they are nice, fun, easy-going and open to welcoming new people onto the floor. Thanks to them for making my first day of work pretty cool.
Thinking about what I'd like to tell Adrian during our follow-up interview next Friday... I'm not too keen in working the store really, although I value the experience of knowing how things work there. But what interests me is how they source their food... how they check/validate their suppliers and figure out the different menus for the different stores. That, to me, would be pretty cool. But I wonder if they'll let an inexperienced joker (such as yours truly) get in on any of that...
- Drum practice continues... It have become evident to me that I've almost entirely dropped my French practice, as well as my reading sessions in Starbucks for the drums these days.
While I am definitely sad to have dropped French, I am happy to be spending so much time on the drums. This is really the best thing that has ever happened to my drumming career! Whatever happens with this interview process, I must give myself such a target/deadline in the future, to keep my enthusiasm and my drive going. I have already noticed improvements in my drumming, and this can only get better!
- Dinner with Veronica and Lisa at Crystal Jade, Holland Village. Great to finally try this place out. While I have never been a huge fan of dim sum in general, this is a nice place to have a chilled-out and long dinner (compared to the churning treadmill that is Din Tai Fung!).
Interesting to hang-out with Veronica, as well- Lisa's semi-friend from Sweden. Great to hear that she finds Singapore a friendly place, as opposed to a land of poke-zombies, a land of inedible food, or perhaps even a land of incessant shoppers.
Lessons Learnt:
A positive attitude goes a long way! I know it sounds a bit far-out (dude!), but approaching things with a positive attitude has really made a big difference during my time off so far. That has kept my ideas flowing, my experiences/memories positive (so far) and any rejection totally forgettable.
Of course, all the people who have been involved so far have been a great help! Special shout-out to Lisa, the guys at The Pit, SaladStop! and My Drum School for keeping my dreams alive. :)
Things done:
- Today was my first day working at SaladStop! While I had a rocky start because they hadn't really assigned me to an outlet (which resulted in me first going to Fusionopolis and then Metropolis), it was a good starter into their world.
Working the lunch shift was quite an eye-opening experience. Work was tough, but not in a way that I'm really used to. Things are really hectic during the lunch-rush. I was standing for 3-4 hours straight and I didn't feel in control of my time (because it is really determined by how many customers came in). But it isn't a mentally challenging job, which ultimately is the deal breaker for me.
On the plus side, working was quite fun thanks to the cool people working there - they are nice, fun, easy-going and open to welcoming new people onto the floor. Thanks to them for making my first day of work pretty cool.
Thinking about what I'd like to tell Adrian during our follow-up interview next Friday... I'm not too keen in working the store really, although I value the experience of knowing how things work there. But what interests me is how they source their food... how they check/validate their suppliers and figure out the different menus for the different stores. That, to me, would be pretty cool. But I wonder if they'll let an inexperienced joker (such as yours truly) get in on any of that...
- Drum practice continues... It have become evident to me that I've almost entirely dropped my French practice, as well as my reading sessions in Starbucks for the drums these days.
While I am definitely sad to have dropped French, I am happy to be spending so much time on the drums. This is really the best thing that has ever happened to my drumming career! Whatever happens with this interview process, I must give myself such a target/deadline in the future, to keep my enthusiasm and my drive going. I have already noticed improvements in my drumming, and this can only get better!
- Dinner with Veronica and Lisa at Crystal Jade, Holland Village. Great to finally try this place out. While I have never been a huge fan of dim sum in general, this is a nice place to have a chilled-out and long dinner (compared to the churning treadmill that is Din Tai Fung!).
Interesting to hang-out with Veronica, as well- Lisa's semi-friend from Sweden. Great to hear that she finds Singapore a friendly place, as opposed to a land of poke-zombies, a land of inedible food, or perhaps even a land of incessant shoppers.
Lessons Learnt:
A positive attitude goes a long way! I know it sounds a bit far-out (dude!), but approaching things with a positive attitude has really made a big difference during my time off so far. That has kept my ideas flowing, my experiences/memories positive (so far) and any rejection totally forgettable.
Of course, all the people who have been involved so far have been a great help! Special shout-out to Lisa, the guys at The Pit, SaladStop! and My Drum School for keeping my dreams alive. :)
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 6 September (Tuesday)
Of the past and future...
Things done:
- Morning workout at Fitness First. Added one more set to each of my workouts. Great to feel that I'm making progress. It's great to have some amount of weights in my workout schedule... but I've decided that once a week is enough.
- Lunch with Marc in the uber fancy MBFC. Great to see him and great to hear that he's up to some seriously cool things in Platts. I told him about the non-oil/gas stuff I was getting into... while he wasn't unsupportive, he did encourage me not to get out of the business.
I am surprised sometimes at how naive I am. Of course, my friends/contacts from the business won't really be interested in what I'm doing outside of oil/gas! That's what connects us... and anyway, we're not really close friends after all, just work colleagues.
I should only try to meet-up when I am serious about discussing oil/gas opportunities. Otherwise, it isn't really worth their/my time, although it is always great to see old faces.
- Filmed the first video for the MDS drum educator application process. Majorly relieved to have made some measurable progress!
- French film at Alliance Francaise... 'Un amour de jeunesse.' Another very typical French movie (which means that I'm not too sure I got it), but it was good to take a break and catch a movie.
Lessons Learnt:
I am likely to get quite a bit of cynicism from people because what I'm doing doesn't fit in with their typical idea of success. But that doesn't mean that it's wrong, or that I shouldn't do it.
But hey, I knew that already.
Things done:
- Morning workout at Fitness First. Added one more set to each of my workouts. Great to feel that I'm making progress. It's great to have some amount of weights in my workout schedule... but I've decided that once a week is enough.
- Lunch with Marc in the uber fancy MBFC. Great to see him and great to hear that he's up to some seriously cool things in Platts. I told him about the non-oil/gas stuff I was getting into... while he wasn't unsupportive, he did encourage me not to get out of the business.
I am surprised sometimes at how naive I am. Of course, my friends/contacts from the business won't really be interested in what I'm doing outside of oil/gas! That's what connects us... and anyway, we're not really close friends after all, just work colleagues.
I should only try to meet-up when I am serious about discussing oil/gas opportunities. Otherwise, it isn't really worth their/my time, although it is always great to see old faces.
- Filmed the first video for the MDS drum educator application process. Majorly relieved to have made some measurable progress!
- French film at Alliance Francaise... 'Un amour de jeunesse.' Another very typical French movie (which means that I'm not too sure I got it), but it was good to take a break and catch a movie.
Lessons Learnt:
I am likely to get quite a bit of cynicism from people because what I'm doing doesn't fit in with their typical idea of success. But that doesn't mean that it's wrong, or that I shouldn't do it.
But hey, I knew that already.
Journal of My Joblessness!- 5 September (Monday)
Have a little faith!
Things done:
- 700m swim to start off the day. Managed to finish it in half an hour! Great to see progress... now I'll slowly work my way up to 1km.
- Odd conversation with Dad. He called because he was worried about me. Worried that my time off may be negatively affecting Lisa's perception of me and our relationship. I think he's worried that she'll be vastly more qualified than me pretty soon - or perhaps supporting me from now on? - which is a huge no-no in Indian culture.
I am definitely touched that he's worried about he, but the negativity does affect my confidence. I have explained things to him quite a few times already... and convincing him each and every time that I'm alright takes quite a bit out of me.
I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but I need to be more clear with him about my plans and also make him understand that encouragement from him would be greatly appreciated. Just have a little faith Dad... I'm working on it.
- Drum educator preparation continues. Came up with a script for my first video submission, continued working on the mind-boggling para-diddle exercise, and researched on poly-rhythms for the ANZCA drum solo. 'Poly-rhythm' is now officially the new definition of mind-boggling!
- Excellent cooking session with Lisa. We were more adventurous today - baked pumpkins, stir-fried chicken and coconut-flavored vegetable curry. And on top of all of that, the green beans came out amazingly well!
Lessons Learnt:
It is definitely great when friends/family support you (and I am extremely lucky to have Lisa supporting me in my journey so far), but it is not always a given and it's not always necessary.
I can't convince everyone that I'm doing the right thing, or even something positive! But all that matters is that I think it's right.
Things done:
- 700m swim to start off the day. Managed to finish it in half an hour! Great to see progress... now I'll slowly work my way up to 1km.
- Odd conversation with Dad. He called because he was worried about me. Worried that my time off may be negatively affecting Lisa's perception of me and our relationship. I think he's worried that she'll be vastly more qualified than me pretty soon - or perhaps supporting me from now on? - which is a huge no-no in Indian culture.
I am definitely touched that he's worried about he, but the negativity does affect my confidence. I have explained things to him quite a few times already... and convincing him each and every time that I'm alright takes quite a bit out of me.
I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but I need to be more clear with him about my plans and also make him understand that encouragement from him would be greatly appreciated. Just have a little faith Dad... I'm working on it.
- Drum educator preparation continues. Came up with a script for my first video submission, continued working on the mind-boggling para-diddle exercise, and researched on poly-rhythms for the ANZCA drum solo. 'Poly-rhythm' is now officially the new definition of mind-boggling!
- Excellent cooking session with Lisa. We were more adventurous today - baked pumpkins, stir-fried chicken and coconut-flavored vegetable curry. And on top of all of that, the green beans came out amazingly well!
Lessons Learnt:
It is definitely great when friends/family support you (and I am extremely lucky to have Lisa supporting me in my journey so far), but it is not always a given and it's not always necessary.
I can't convince everyone that I'm doing the right thing, or even something positive! But all that matters is that I think it's right.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 02 September (Friday)
A little bit of company makes a big difference
Lisa was feeling under the weather today. So much so that she wasn't able to make it to work. While it sucked that she was feeling lousy, it was great to have her company!
Things done:
- Breakfast at home with Lisa... one of the simple pleasures of my life!
- Interview with SaladStop! for a part-time position. This went in a direction I totally did not expect! The President (Adrien Desbaillets) met with me. After seeing my CV he figured that there might be more to my application and decided to have a chat with me. Turns out that SaladStop! is looking to expand their operations within Singapore and regionally as well. So, he talked to me about potentially being more than just a part-timer with them. We agreed that I would first work part-time and then talk about what I may be able to do with them in the future.
The whole experience blew my mind!
I told him that I would be happy to take him up on his offer to try things out and see if I'm keen to make a career in SaladStop! And I totally am! It sounds like great experience in running an F&B business and also identifying and expanding to new markets.
But I won't get ahead of myself... I'll try working part-time with them first and see how it goes.
- Dinner with Kev and Jess at Woodlands. Always great to see Singapore's most awesome couple. If we believe Florence aunty, Eva is set to enter the world anytime soon! Can't wait.
Sadly, we spent quite a bit of time talking about the problems the two of them are having with mom and dad. The lack of frank and direct communication really seems to be hurting the relationship.
Lessons Learnt:
Today was another positive experience reassuring me that if I have the right attitude, things will happen.
Work hard, stay true to yourself and remain open to everything that life has to offer! These 1.5 months have shown me that fear of the unknown (previously disguised as logical thinking) does nothing positive and just traps people where they may not want to be.
Quote from Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, by Cheryl Strayed:
"You don't have to get a job that makes others feel comfortable about what they perceive as your success. You don't have to explain what you plan to do with your life. You don't have to justify your education by demonstrating its financial rewards. You don't have to maintain an impeccable credit score. Anyone who expects you to do any of those things has no sense of history or economics or science or the arts.
You have to pay your own electric bill. You have to be kind. You have to give it all you got. You have to find people who love you truly and love them back with the same truth. But that's all."
Beautiful!
Lisa was feeling under the weather today. So much so that she wasn't able to make it to work. While it sucked that she was feeling lousy, it was great to have her company!
Things done:
- Breakfast at home with Lisa... one of the simple pleasures of my life!
- Interview with SaladStop! for a part-time position. This went in a direction I totally did not expect! The President (Adrien Desbaillets) met with me. After seeing my CV he figured that there might be more to my application and decided to have a chat with me. Turns out that SaladStop! is looking to expand their operations within Singapore and regionally as well. So, he talked to me about potentially being more than just a part-timer with them. We agreed that I would first work part-time and then talk about what I may be able to do with them in the future.
The whole experience blew my mind!
I told him that I would be happy to take him up on his offer to try things out and see if I'm keen to make a career in SaladStop! And I totally am! It sounds like great experience in running an F&B business and also identifying and expanding to new markets.
But I won't get ahead of myself... I'll try working part-time with them first and see how it goes.
- Dinner with Kev and Jess at Woodlands. Always great to see Singapore's most awesome couple. If we believe Florence aunty, Eva is set to enter the world anytime soon! Can't wait.
Sadly, we spent quite a bit of time talking about the problems the two of them are having with mom and dad. The lack of frank and direct communication really seems to be hurting the relationship.
Lessons Learnt:
Today was another positive experience reassuring me that if I have the right attitude, things will happen.
Work hard, stay true to yourself and remain open to everything that life has to offer! These 1.5 months have shown me that fear of the unknown (previously disguised as logical thinking) does nothing positive and just traps people where they may not want to be.
Quote from Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, by Cheryl Strayed:
"You don't have to get a job that makes others feel comfortable about what they perceive as your success. You don't have to explain what you plan to do with your life. You don't have to justify your education by demonstrating its financial rewards. You don't have to maintain an impeccable credit score. Anyone who expects you to do any of those things has no sense of history or economics or science or the arts.
You have to pay your own electric bill. You have to be kind. You have to give it all you got. You have to find people who love you truly and love them back with the same truth. But that's all."
Beautiful!
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Journal of My Joblessness!- 01 September (Thursday)
Perspective helps
Things done:
- Drum practice continues. I'm glad that I've managed to keep working on the exercises every day. That's the only way that I'll internalize them properly! So far, I'm making slow but steady progress on Exercise 1 (Para-diddles).
Drum practice at 'The Retreat' in the Central Library (Bugis). Good place to get away from the bustle of the city, while still being in it!
- Coffee and kueh at Harianns after drum class. Nice place to sit and read.
Started reading 'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar' by Cheryl Strayed. Great book. It really helps to put things in perspective... While sometimes I feel that I am really struggling to make sense of my world, I am definitely not alone. And moreover, some people are fighting against seriously tougher odds.
- Evening with Lisa. We spent a great evening talking, eating, hugging, kissing and watching a (pretty lousy) movie. While I feel that I don't spend enough time with her, I am still glad to have put aside some time today.
Lessons learnt:
There was a good article in 'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar', by Cheryl Strayed, that talked about how we have to invest time and effort in our relationships with family and friends... and how we should allow others to express their opinions about ourselves but also try to explain why we do things a certain way.
This I guess is perfect timing :). I should keep sharing my ideas with my Dad and also be open to understanding his ideas and suggestions. That's really the only way that the two of us can continue to keep our relationship going forward. And that's really worth the time and effort involved.
Things done:
- Drum practice continues. I'm glad that I've managed to keep working on the exercises every day. That's the only way that I'll internalize them properly! So far, I'm making slow but steady progress on Exercise 1 (Para-diddles).
Drum practice at 'The Retreat' in the Central Library (Bugis). Good place to get away from the bustle of the city, while still being in it!
- Coffee and kueh at Harianns after drum class. Nice place to sit and read.
Started reading 'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar' by Cheryl Strayed. Great book. It really helps to put things in perspective... While sometimes I feel that I am really struggling to make sense of my world, I am definitely not alone. And moreover, some people are fighting against seriously tougher odds.
- Evening with Lisa. We spent a great evening talking, eating, hugging, kissing and watching a (pretty lousy) movie. While I feel that I don't spend enough time with her, I am still glad to have put aside some time today.
Lessons learnt:
There was a good article in 'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar', by Cheryl Strayed, that talked about how we have to invest time and effort in our relationships with family and friends... and how we should allow others to express their opinions about ourselves but also try to explain why we do things a certain way.
This I guess is perfect timing :). I should keep sharing my ideas with my Dad and also be open to understanding his ideas and suggestions. That's really the only way that the two of us can continue to keep our relationship going forward. And that's really worth the time and effort involved.
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