my horrible boss

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an announcement to make:

“I have tendered my resignation. “

Excuse me as I grew silent and seemingly frozen in a corner of the office.

My mouth wanted to ask so many questions as it is so sudden and unexpected but my mind cannot process my thoughts neatly. I stayed shut.

She then said “ My last day would be 1 month from now.”

The room feel so stuffed all of the sudden. The air is dry and the music that has been playing since morning seemed to be mute. I did not hear anything aside from the word “resign”

I like this boss.

She backed me up a couple of times, listened to me in my faintest voice. Encouraged me, almost in days that I want to give up.

SHE is a FAVOURITE.

All I can remember is her being kind to me. When people spoke Chinese, she would always translate it for me so I can join conversations. Sometimes, I get so immersed with my duties that I forget that there are people around me, and she’d call my name perhaps telling me to “take it slow” as others are just having chitchats.

At times when I make mistakes, she’d consider my reason and even tells me that she’s got it. I don’t have to explain to bits ‘cause I know that she truly got it from there on. Reliable, I say.

When she goes overseas, she’ll message me and ask me if I want her to get anything for me. And usually, I’d say NO. Come Monday, I got a customized passport cover from Bangkok, an essence from Seoul or a tea from Taiwan.  When we go out for lunch, she makes sure to tell me if the food is spicy or not, as I do not eat spicy food.

I truly appreciate these kind gestures as they always compel me to pass it forward.

Knowing her made me crave to be kind, to be considerate and to set aside differences.

I am thankful for her for all those times. It made me feel, I belong, more than ever.

Now she is leaving.

And again, I feel sad, challenged even.

For where can I find a boss as cool and kind as her?

Time can only tell.

Thank you Sherlyn! J

what's not to love about NY?

What if I move in to New York?

And my mind goes overdrive. You see, when you’re someone unattached, you begin to consider random seemingly wild ideas.

“What’s there to lose anyway?” , says my right brain.

“What if?” , agrees the left.

While the two are in agreement, I wanted to check how it goes beyond my two eyes…

So I spent a day observing how the system works, how the people seep through the crowd and emerging later to subways. I spent my day, trying to connect the dots, mentally computing salaries in lieu to expenses. I hung out to places where most people have their usual coffee/cigarette/lunch breaks.

My initial observation made me conclude that Singapore and New York is so alike in so many ways. People always come and go, there’s always this rush and to be able to survive, you need to have the stamina and the energy to go through heights.

One thing that made me love New York is the freedom. The diversity is just too strong yet, there is harmony. I love that people are free to pursue what they like without prejudice or feeling guilty about it.

Honestly though, I was amused to have read various campaigns, from the ads in subway walls about HIV to a catchy 1-800-DIVORCE. In most communities, it is a very sensitive topic. In a more CONSERVATIVE setup, these ads are two-bladed. But seeing it there is like the most natural thing to advertise.

I was shocked to see women in nothing but body paints parading in times square. In the middle of the crowd. In a chilly weather. In encouraging smiles for you to have a pic with them. Just WOW. Who does that?

I love the parks. I feel wonderful just by sitting there and having the time of my life. I’d imagine, on a busy day at work and I need to get my mind off work, I’d go down and breathe in the air of greens. And I’d be ready to strike again.

I love the friendly people of New York. I am amused at random conversations from strangers asking me how I’m doing. 

I know it sounds cheesy but on a day that sucks, wouldn’t it be nice to vent out frustrations, as if you’re venting it out in instalment to various people for you to be emptied and left only with the good vibe? Sometimes, no matter how routinely it may sound, when you buy a latte, and someone asks you something, you begin to stop looking at your phone and be reminded how humans work by sending a smile or having a physical chitchat.

Finally, I love the VIBE. There’s something about New York that inspires you to be better. There’s something about it that makes you proud to be there. 

It’s so casual yet busy. It’s random and noisy and sometimes, intoxicating but you’d feel energized and young.

It seem true to most, and I’m officially in, I love New York.

If given a chance, why not NOT MOVE? :P

empire state of mind

I think I already figured it out.

All the while I was confused what it meant to have “empire state of mind”.

Was it just being in New York and feeling like a true-blue new Yorker? Was it the exhilarating of being on top? Or does it go beyond that?

Walking on the streets of New York, felt like walking on cloud nine. I know it sounds OA for some, but for me, every travel is a dream come true.

New York is a city with far too many colors--- The place, the culture and the people.

I’ve spent days just wandering around (and by wandering, I meant by feet).

I’ve been to random streets and realize that I am just few blocks from Serendipity. (I love that movie anyway)

I have been lost, to the point of desperately searching for a wifi hotspot so I can check MAPS. (and some MAPS take you further from your destination). I have alighted in a wrong station (nevermind, let’s do this).

I have learned that 1 Mile is 1.61 kilometres and not 10,000, by heart. (thanks Auntie for driving)

I originally planned on jogging around Central park (foolish me, it’s 778 acres!) so I gave up the thought and opted to ride a bike instead (which btw is more convenient but less…errr…pocket friendly). I didn’t have a penchant for burgers and fries but lo and behold, I forgot rules when I ordered Shackburger and Coffee fair shake from Shake Shack. I have eaten at least 3 Shackshack meals. (when in fact, I was thinking skipping fastfood and trying out local stuff, ain’t no local until it’shakeshack, so I learned.) I have been to Bryant Park and just loved how relaxing it is to be in a park surrounded by a busy metropolis (honestly, it’s heaven!). I loved people-watching as I bought grapes on my way to the Flatiron bldg. and ate it on a bench across it (in awe of the beauty that surrounds me)

I have rode the ferry to Staten island (it’s free!) and took a photo with Ms. Liberty. (remembered that one pic I saw on FB with liberty on swim suit, but no, she’s as decent as ever) I have watched a broadway for the first time (and not slept while watching! Achievement unlocked!). I have reached the Empire state building and in ordinary days, its light is white (but I felt like it was gold that time, ‘cause I was soooo there!)

Needless to say, I have made so many good memories that I’m sure I’ll treasure forever but one thing that stood out is the fact that I was there with my sister!

As always, I am humbled that someone like me is able to pursue her dreams. I am grateful that I was able to materialize a fantasy with a bonus of being with the closest people in my life.

Empire state of mind is a feeling that you are indispensable. It is the feeling that everything is possible--- that you make your own rules, do your own stuff and shine like you are born to. Dreams, no matter how far, is possible.

Look at mine!