Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Productive at Production

Am in the Production Dept this week. The sup is definitely helpful and willing to fill me in with his knowledge and experience. Yesterday, being the first day; I already felt like information overloading me. Plus, I was sleepy, what with staying up till 3am to watch my korean drama. Anyway, the supervisor taught me the basics and even said he'd arrange to ask for me to go to the printer and colour separator and bla bla bla. He even told the production assistant to arrange for my visits and the assistant ALSO stuffed in alot of info into me and I have to admit that it is indeed, they are quite hard to digest. But both of them are VERY nice! The assistant said I might be going to the printer tomorrow or something. He called and asked already. Yay!

Glad that there are people who are willing to teach me. I am keen on learning about production but there are so many things that needs experience to help you. My sup has 25 years of experience. So loaded that at one glance, he knows that the colour for our client's logo is incorrect yesterday morning. So, he asked to throw away ALL the proofs that has been printed. Wahh such a waste. But even the Production Manager is not satisfied, so cannot imagine how the client will react upon seeing them.

The entire team for this client worked very hard for the past weekend. As I was recording the timesheets for billing purposes, everyone in the team came in on Saturday and worked till Sunday, 4a.m. :O And after a futsal match yesterday, 3 of them (inclusive of the Production Asst) even went back to the office and worked round the clock. The Studio Manager had not gone back when I came in this morning. The Art Director went home about 8+ and the Production Asst went home at 5.30a.m. I really shudder at the thought of being in the Production line. Non-stop, round the clock. Not everyone can take it.

Was awoken by the tremor this morning. 1230a.m. Was wondering who the hell was shaking my bed and why was it shaking so vigorously. Much to my horror, my roommate was changing and shouting for me to change, too. Felt blur for a while but after collecting my thoughts, I grabbed my cellphone and keys and both of us made a dash for our lives. Turned out to be earthquke in Sumatra; just as I expected an earthquake in Indonesia. An experience that I think I will not forget since it's so impactful- woke me up from sleep!!

Saturday, March 26, 2005

White Lies

I told a lie without blinking. Yesterday morning, in the pantry, the Finance Director chatted with me and asked what I was doing. I said some research on 3G. She said it's common for interns to do research work and I actually said these: "I don't mind research actually. *with a smile*." Never knew I was capable of lying through my teeth, without blinking. Fact is I detest doing research now because I have been doing nothing but that! I have learnt nothing really useful except in Media. But I shan't complain as observation can be powerful, too.

Next week, I am going to Production side. When I informed the head, he said I am welcomed and I have to bring a chair and sit with them. I kindly told him where I sit (which is less than 50m away form him) and he said, "No! If you want to be in Production, you have to sit with us. We're very practical and unlike Media, more paper work. We have very minimum paper work. We're very hands-on." Wah! That stumped me. But I do have a feeling that I am going to learn a lot from him.

3 more weeks before end of internship. :D

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Be Grateful

I am indeed, grateful that not ALL my ideas were rejected when I reviewed my work with the CD. In fact, she liked a couple of my ideas! Whee~ "It's defintely better than the ad copy you did before this. Defintely. I can see the potential in you." If it was the past, I'd be over the moon upon hearing this. But now, I take these words with a pinch of salt. I really don't know when to believe their words and when not to. They are always putting false fronts. However, I am glad that she "bought" the ideas. Those ideas happened to be my faves, too. :D

As days pass, I am unravelling more information (read: gossip) about the office. Mainly office politics. How this AE is like, her character, bla bla. No, I am not referring to anyone in particular. Just generalization. And how this person is not getting along well with the other, etc etc. I guess it fills up my free time and it's becoming a norm to listen to these over lunches.

Another week is going by. Felt that this week took its time. Probably because I had nothing to do till the CD threw me the exercise. She gave me one more piece of work: research on 3G technology and write a summary of it. RESEARCH!! I used to accept research with open arms and an open mind but now, give me research work and my arms and mind shall run as far as my legs can carry them. "This is also the job scope of a copywriter." So the CD said. Hmmff, like I can reject that, right? Deadline: Monday. A summary, as I learnt in secondary school, consists of no more than ONE page, preferabley 3/4 of an A4. Is this a standard for the industry too? Hehehe. I am just plain lazy.

I love to click "Ctrl + P" and see the printer churning out the documents. Aah... such satisfaction. Unlike the printers in SP's PC Labs, we have to wait for the queue and stand there biting fingers and hoping the queue won't jam up the machine. The printer in office, small as it might be but it's powerful!! I ended up printing a pile of materials needed for the summary.

Guess it's going to be my weekend homework. Going home tomorrow, after work. YAY!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

One down. One more to go.

I had 2 issues to settle after internship- job-seeking and accommodation. Now, I am left with one. Accommodation is settled. Will be staying with the maternal gramps at uncle ek's place. uncle ek has been offered to relocate in China and he gave a nod. Good for him, his future. I sort of regretted that I did not study harder for Chinese classes so that I can go China for future development. It's a huge huge market out there and very potential. Anyway, uncle ek and family will be moving in June, leaving gramps behind. So we cleverly suggested that I take up one of the room and gramps can continue to stay on. All the old folks have in Singapore is now uncle ek and in future, me. Wah, huge burden on my shoulders. However, at least I will be pampered by them! Bye bye, outside MSG-laden food! Bye, bye boredom!! :)

On the other side, job-search has been slow for me. Partly because I am still tidying up my resume and cover letter. After one month, yes. I am slow slow slow. But I need reassurance that my cover letter does not get into the bin! Mr Ang is too busy to see to my resume and he said it's too early. Not Mr Ang from SB, SP. Mr Ang from my intern company. And rajan is probably searching for exam scripts. I mean, look at the mess on his table. I'm always apalled by his ability to get to class with the right materials.

Been doing creatives for a client. The Creative Director gave me this exercise (sounds so primary-ish but this was exactly what she said.) since she was told I was very keen. Huh? Keen? I was keen in asking for work, yes. That's because I don't want to crack my head on the daily activities for my logbook! The client was a tough one to work on. Tomorrow's the deadline and I only managed to come up with 2 print ads, 3 radio scripts and 4 TVCs. I have a couple of ideas in running, though. I hope I can at least pass.

The previous radio ad for this client was rejected by the CD. She said yes, the copy answers the brief and the client will probably buy the idea; but it's not creative enough. Push yourself, sy. Push harder! If I wanted a career in Creative, I'd go to her nonetheless. She pushes you to the max and wants you to do out-of-the-box ideas. Really outstanding ideas. I feel the stress with her when she was birefing me about the exercise. The kind of pressure never felt before in other departments, not even with Media.

It was the stress of pushing myself creatively. She mentioned that I do have some ideas in my copy but as my copy just don't stand out. As a copywriter, you have to push youself and sky's the limit. Wow. Upon hearing that, I am even more determined NOT to go into creatives! Hee Hee!!

Monday, March 21, 2005

Growing....??

I feel like a growing 14-year-old teenager. I have been eating too much lately. Is it a way to kill boredom? A way to de-stress? Wait, stress? What stress? I have no work to do, so no stress!! Or is it because time of the month is approaching? I do eat a lil' over the line when it's approaching but my intake now is too much.

I feel so creative in the Creative Dept. Reason being I have to think up of various "work" that I do to record in my logbook. Heck, I no longer bring my logbook back with me. I simply leave it in the office as I can record my daily "work" in office anytime. Simply because I am so free. I am brainstorming everyday that my brain is kicking up a storm.

My supervisor asked if I am still with Creative this week. I replied yes and this was her reply, "OH GOD!" What the hell was that supposed to mean? I asked her "How do I get an A for my assessment, you gave me B, right?" She said, "Because you have no work. If I give you A, it seems that I am telling a lie, right?"

Oh it's MY problem that I have no work to do? I asked for work but you said you are all working on on-going projects now and it's far too complicated and hard to explain to me. You'd call me when there's new brief. Oh, thanks, yeah! THANKS!! Blardy tart! You're simply LAZY!!

I'm a disgruntled intern at the moment. o_o This morning, I saw t and the CD, l in the conference room, preparing for a presentation. The next time I saw them was at 12, when I was the receptionist and the both of them came back. t was holding a large box and his laptop bag and a jacket. Wow! I was thinking, so formal? Must have gone out for presentation! Indeed, when he was talking to Chief, I heard something about timing and rushing and some speaker was slow and who came late and what nots.

Reminded me of my ICM glory days. How sweet, those days.

Friday, March 18, 2005

I miss MY class, lecturers, school!!

I seriously miss the class. When the Internet server was down and I did not want to turn in early; I looked through the collection of photos that were taken throughout my poly life. From wacky pictures (those that we [read: pw and myself] imitate people) to heart-wrenching pictures (like the class pics), I realized how much I miss this bunch of dolls. We've a wide array of personalities in our class and I am glad it's unlike other classes, which only contain one, or most, two kinds of people.

They hit off well, of course. I did not mean any insult. But I think the wide range of personalities in 04 makes it more colourful. From the ultra quiet (fy, jess; oh, but jess is constantly in sleeping mode) to the rara (val&co) and the alien (wq; but she is an intelligent creature. hmmff! not fair!!) and not forgetting the porn child/ stars (rad & nuurul). Eh, not forgetting the foreignt talent ehemMEehem. Realized that I wouldn't exchange anything else for this bunch of wackos. I love & miss you all!!

Of course, the lecturers. Her Highness (doris) & her companion. Sometimes, I think, ping, you look like a hamster! A cute one! :P

Not forgetting the king rajan who thinks sleep is a powerful weapon, breaks are essential, who loves us to bits (I hope!! Haha). I'm eternally grateful to you, King; for believing in us, cut6 during the times we need it most. And willing to bet your money on us. Psst...we'll DEFINITELY go back and utilise your printer!! I promise to save my documents in a diskette.

To LLL and PP, it has been wonderful to have you both as lecturers. Thanks for thinking highly of me (at least this is what I perceive! and giving me opportunity to grow). AA, who is contantly putting up with our nonsense and us bugging him during his most stressful times!

One lecturer I won't forget is Mr Anthony. Not DMC lecturer but he's funny enough for me to remember him. Yes, Mr Anthony, *shouts* WE ARE FINISHED!! Finally!!

To those that I've not mention your names, you know who you are. You've somehow made my stay in SP a wonderful and memorable one. Even the nasty & fierce ICT block cleaner auntie!! It was scary to see her scolding us for no apparent reason but so hilarious to see her run when she was scolded! Hahaha!! And FC6 Jap stall auntie who had to endure pw & my nonsense EVERYTIME. *smiles sheepishly* Ahhh not forgetting the bakery. Thanks for the treat yeah? Hmmm eh, but I did not get any treat! It was rad & pw!!! *winks*

I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Creatively Yours

I am now with Creative yet I have yet to do something useful. Well, till today, I guess. Thanks to one of the copywriter, I laid hands on radio ad. Copy for this client. It's not easy as their positioning is rather dull and serious. Trying hard to be fun yet not steer away from the old image. Aiyoh. Even the copywriter, a is in a fix. Her boss, r came by and sort of demanded her for her understanding of the job req. I was present and I could feel the presence that he puts on her. Silent killer!! Monday, I had absolutely nothing to do and my supervisor, d asked me to fill in "Brainstorming" in my logbook. Oh, come on! Brainstorm also have to brainstorm for something right? Sighs!

And s (my ex-supervisor) thinks I am bothering her people by talking to them and she forbids them to give me work. She even sent an email to them instructing them not to give me work as I am no longer with them and it's not their responsibility if I don't have things to do. Ouch! How painful! When you're under s, she is nice, professional and all. But once you're out of the league, you're a nuinsance! Sheesh! I hope tomorrow is a better day and next week is a better week.

Cheers to the remaining 22 working days, if you are doing 5-day week. Else, to people like val, nash and fy, endure as it's not going to be long before we're outta the mess! val, how about a class gathering again? I really miss the fun we had at your place and all the silly antics plus the sausages-otahs-forfeits!

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Well weekend spent

Went home for the weekend and it was indeed, a fruitful and fulfilling trip home. Fruitful because conincidentally, a very very old friend of mine came down to BP with her family. So it was a meet-up which benefitted me because I did not have to spend half a day travellling to Ipoh to meet her. Fulfilling because I got to eat till I drop. Downed so much fish but I ain't complaining. My fave type of fish ok! I am happy like a fish!

When I was queueing for the cab, I chatted up with the lady next in line. Turns out she is a financial planned for insurance companies and banks. And they are recruiting. She asked what I was doing and when I graduate and gave me her namecard. She asked if there was any way that I could be contacted and being the blurry me, I told her I am just interning in KL and therefore missed the chance to give her my contact details. *smacks forehead* Quite blur dot, ain't I? Sheesh! Anyway, it's one contact built. And I am glad.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Déjà vu

pw just told me the news. We got 2nd prize for our CIBM. SIGHS! Why must it be us, always the one falling behind others? One step, one prize behind people. The same is for ICM. But I guess we have to resign to our fate and just settle for second best. Hmmph! Just very disgruntled. But at least I'll be richer a little when I get back in April. Meanwhile, I am trusting upon my cellmate to keep my share. Yeah, cellmate?

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We're celebrating s's birthday at Chili's this Friday, over lunch. sk tried asking her what kind of chocs she prefer. But she saw through our plot and said we don't have to buy her anything. Just buy her a meal is sufficient. So we asked her where. She suggested Burger King. We flipped. Our jaws fell wide open. (She's a huge fan of fast food.)

Alas, she said go for Chili's. Something decently nice to celebrate birthday. Definitely better than BK.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Anxiety.

The meeting with the media and client was quite confusing and short. Our client was very terse and straight to the point. In less than an hour, the meeting was over. So fast I had a shock myself. But our client told me this: "If I think your proposal don't fit me, let's not waste each other's time. Period." Wah! I was stunned. Hard to find such a straightforward person anymore. Many like to beat around the bush. As the meeting was over at 5p.m., s fetched me back to the room. How nice of her! :) Though she had to make a U-turn back to where she is heading for the next meeting. So, I reached the room by 5.15p.m.!! Hee Hee. This is even earlier than the official office hour! But boy, was I tired.

Before the meeting, I was rushing media schedules and the magazine profiles. Some people just have to send in their proposals at the 11th hour; and even email to the wrong address and without attaching the proposal!! Hurrr!! I had to rush out the media schedule in 10 minutes' time alongside other alterations I had to make to the previous ones. Hmm! Oh, and s is superbly particular about formatting and presentation. She said I did a bad job. Some had extra lines, some had no borders, our company logo is not centralized enough. I don't blame her. It's my fault that I overlooked such details. So, thanks, s! Though you might not even come across this page. Hee. It was a stressful day for me and I even had jitters after lunch. Stomach had butterflies and even thought of not going for the meeting with s. :P Of course, these thoughts were silly. As cl said, put on your best behaviour. I always do!!

Monday, March 07, 2005

Reminiscence of the yesteryear

First half of the day was quite smooth-sailing, pace is slow and steady. Come post-lunchtime. s asked me to give the media owners a call to rush them for proposal. Me, being a dickhead (at times!!) left the pile of namecards in my room. Had it been my primary school English teacher, she'd say "Your grandmother needs them, is it?!!" I know how frusfrated she is now. Haha. Lucky cl has all the contacts and remembered them. Whoa! Media personnels are one of a kind!! So I called and rushed them, all gave me "By the end of today" and "I need to discuss with my editor and creative team, still." kind of answers. Oh, thanks uh! Not like we didn't tell you the deadline. We're seeing our client tomorrow, HELLO!! Anyway, the proposals started to spill in at 5p.m. and I had to draw up media schedules one after another. Still had to compile all their profiles. -_- Stayed back in office till 8p.m. before my fatigue gave way. Luckily I am done with the schedules and left with 3 publications to continue tomorrow morning. s is bringing me to see client tomorrow! I'm excited! Whee~~!!! Alas, something really useful and real. Hee Hee!! I am so enjoying myself that I am itching to continue in Media for another week. :P *shakes head*

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This morning, t &co were rushing for the pitch this morning. Seeing them rushing and stressing away reminds me of my times with the team for ICM. My oh my!! How nostalgic! I really don't mind those late nights and stressful times. Yes, we really had our share of fun, joy and not forgetting the bitter times when I snapped at Cut6 (I'm dreadfully sorry!). I must commend that our team (in pw's words) were the most united and not everyone has the opportunity to be in the top. Yes, pw, I am not modest, either. If you have it, flaunt it!! :P Anyway, t & co all wore the same T-shirt bearing company name in the front and proposed tagline at the back. Doesn't that ring a bell? :) And they had a box as one of their creatives (I guess). Wahh really took a lot of effort; like Cut6. Before leaving, I saw the entire team (t, n and l). Like the times when Cut6 was waiting outside the door for our FYP presentation. Before leaving, l smiled and I was touched. He is the only nice one in the Account Servicing, in my opinion. He should have just been my supervisor instead of the now-super-unfriendly t! Hmmph!! Aiyoh, I miss project deadlines!!! I am a maddie at times. So?!!

Meanwhile, I shall just be contented and look forward to meeting the client tomorrow.

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Narrow Escape or Unfortunate Release?

The strategic planning team must have camped overnight at the office, busy preparing for the port pitch. Throughout the week, all I hear is, the CD mentioning "J**** Port", "port" and more "ports"!!! The same goes to t. Kept bugging sk for the relevant media. sk was so confused as there were no budget and to advertise in regional magazines, they charge in USD. Harlo! USD!! That is 3.8 times RM alright! Siao! Who has the money to pay? Besides it is only local port. Sheesh! Heard n saying they might go down on 7th or 8th. Which is next Monday or Tuesday. Ahh wish them luck!

Busy weekend, they look stressed out and tired. A new pitch always meant that they stay over in office and don't go home for several days. At least that was what happened in the last pitch. BIG pitch with BIG budget to play with. If I was still with servicing, I would probably be in the team 'coz I WAS!! However, I don't think they'd need me to stay back. What can a small fry like me do? Besides I am only the newspaper girl. Hmmph!

On the other hand, I miss out on the procedures of acquiring new business. But heck, not like they will let me into it anyway. Like s said, they practise favouritism and I am not well-liked there. Hmmph, never mind. I am looking forward to Tuesday, when s is going out to meet the client which we had meeting for their creative buy. :)

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And most of my friends are making a beeline to the Career 2005 at Suntec while I am typing away happily. And guess who is the most desperate for a job here? Yours truly. -_- Fortunately, the angelic darling wq offered to keep brochures for me. Thanks, wq!! Love you to bits. Ever so considerate, helpful, caring and patient towards me througout these rough 3 years. Can never thank you enough.

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How I wish that some people (read: my current roommate) can be more considerate by cleaning up her hairS (I know there is no such word, but I needa emphasize!!) every 2 days. Everyday is perhaps too much to ask for but considering the amount of hair she drops PER DAY (if you are here to see!!), cleaning up everyday is quite a must. Every Saturday, when I sweep the room, it's filled with nothing but her hair! The infinite strands of hair she drops are more than those on my head. Serious! She said it's because of the re-bonding treatment she did. What the!! Anyone tell me how can re-bonding make you hair drop incessantly? And I loathe the fact that I took time and great effort to clean up the bathroom and the tiled floor but when you come out of it, you just leave your footprints all over! Black footprints!!! *disgruntled*. EVERYDAY, EVERYTIME, without fail. And you never lay a hand at the cleanliness of the room! Grrrrr....!!!

It's a hot afternoon and I am sleepy and bored. So? Bite me! I'll bite back. Hard.

Friday, March 04, 2005

End of the First Junction

Another day has passed. Another Friday. Another week. End of week 6. Phew! 6 more to go. Steady ah, steady. Keeps chanting, "Endure, endure." to myself. How long before I crumple at their mercy? I don't know. I feel safe with s as my boss.

I used her (s) as a "shield" today when m asked me to continue the report for the client. This particular client is known to be very very extremely fussy. The whole company knows; and hates their habits. But anyway, m asked if I had been cutting newspaper and my reply was: "I did but the March one you have to do it youself". "Why?!?!!!" And my reply was, "Because s said when I am in media, I am to do media stuffs." Then she simply snatched the newspaper cuttings from me and exclaimed "FINE!!!" But me, being the good girl offered to complete the February report. When I went down to give her back the blade, she was being good, doing her job herself. Wtf!

Simply because you are lazy and you push your work to me. What happens when I am done interning? Get the next intern to cut is it? I pity the next intern who is coming right after me. Poor gurl. Maybe she will click better with the fakeys. Hmmph, I don't fancy their company any longer.

s asked me to do up the media scheduling for the mobile phone that the fussy client is launching. This proposal from publisher KK nearly made me cry. I was so stressed out because 1- cl said s hardly ask any intern to do this and this is considered P&C, what with all the rates and special deals our client enjoy. And 2- it's because s asked me to do it personally! Not through sk or cl!! That made me more stressed out. I had to make sure that every line is properly drawn and every figure is right. Ran into some problems as I did not understand the package. See, this package with publisher KK was discussed before I joined media. So I had a hard time understanding their confusing offers. s had no time to explain to me today and will shelf it till Monday. :S

Anyway, one proposal came in yesterday (Whoa! So efficient uh? Read on.) and s asked me to review and tally it. Everthing went well till I spotted the mistake. We wanted 1/2 page vertical ad. They quoted 1/3. What the....Our brief fell on deaf ears is it! Stupid not! How to make our product visible with such small ad space! Stupid fools! What is the use of a brief then??! So much for efficiency. Words fell on ghosts' ears!!

Next week is the second and last week with s. Who's going to protect my @$$ after this??

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Extension for the Better

I extended my stay with Media for another week. Yepp. I did it because I felt that I could learn so much more and it's going to be endless learning from s. I have my reservations about working in the lil' island already. But it's compulsory, so there. Anyway today was meeting with 4 more media owners. Briefing was by yours truly, s was beside my of course! I was quite afraid of leaving out certain details or giving insufficient information.

In the midst of one meeting, while the media owner was attending to his phone call, s said, "I want to talk to you later. Want to ask your position." Period. That got me worried. What have I done wrong? Have I been displaying arrogance or inappropriate behaviour? Oh no! I wished that session in a jiffy. I could not really concentrate and was feeling jittery. The moment came. She asked how long will I be with Media and where have I been previously before coming to Media. So I told her I was with Accout Servicing for 5 weeks and Media is my second stint and then will go bla bla bla bla. She then told me that v (from Account Servicing) called and asked if I could go down and help them out. I was quite surprised that it invoked v to ask s to "loan" me for today. mar called sk this morning to try to get me down and sk asked her to ask s. (Alright, I know all these alphabets are very confusing but it involved so many people!) s definitely cannot be bothered with mar, an AE and such a junior. So, I believe mar asked v, being the AD and having more weights to talk to s instead. Hah! So, as I was saying, s told me, as long as I am with Media and out of the Account Servicing department, I am not to do anything they ask me to do. If they had something important, why can't they give me projects to do when I were with them for the whole five weeks??!:O This applies to whichever deparment I am posted to. I thought as an intern, if they ask you to do anything, you'll have to agree, even if you are most reluctant. Having heard that, I told her about how I was supposed to continue doing tearsheets for the 8th floor people. She said it is not right that they ask me to do these things when it's THEIR job and they are plain lazy to do it. :O But I am curious to see what they have in store for me. However, as the saying goes, curiosity kills the cat. Murdered, in my case!!

We left the conference room as it was booked and proceeded to her room to talk. She related her experiences with other interns, with my agency or with her previous ones. She mentioned that she did not like the intern before me (who coincidentally hit off well with the Account Servicing people so much); reason being she was purely not interested in media and arrogantly told s that all she needed was the procedures. So fine, s was so angry and told her she could be given a photocopy of the procedure and s sent her back down to 8th floor. s was terribly angry and emailed t about it. Wahh sounds like a melodrama.

s added that she could see that I am interested and I pick up very fast and I was an eager learner. Thus she is willing to spend more time teaching me and exposing me to more experiences. Said would like to bring me out to see client whenever possible as that is how interns get experience. Instead, she said the Account Servicing practises favourtism. There are some interns that are treated well and given exposure while some did what I did- tearsheets, tearsheets and more tearsheets. s even commented that they should hire someone to do that job. Haha thought that was funny!

Anyway, under s, I am safe. No one is going to "touch" me and I am learning all that I can. I pray that these two weeks are passing slowly and not go away but it's obviously not possible! I was glad that I extended my stint with Media as I felt that I could learn so much more! Plus, cl told me that s had positive comments about me. :D

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Anyway, about Straits Times charging its online readers and then charging less for users who are also its print subscribers and extending the days registered users can enjoy the new version. Pui!! What the..! I cannot help but agreed to what pw said in her ealier entries which touched slightly on this issue. Now I cannot even keep abreast of Singapore news when I am overseas. Hurrh! Where am I going to find physical Straits Times? Basket!! As a student, how many can afford the subscription fees? Those who study in North or South pole who read Straits Times to know about their countries will now have to pay. Thank you, Singapura! I am disappointed.

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I am thinking of my future direction. Perhaps no more client servicing, no more account management. Switching focus to media instead. Must have been t's and s's influence. t did not help much and my stay with the department was miserably fruitless. Though it was a short 4 days with s, I learnt so many things, more than I did with t for 5 weeks.

Been reminding myself to sleep early and I think I shall and can tonight. But before that, I need to trim my fingernails. It's freaking long I cannot type properly. Nitez!

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Learner for the Day

I was really a learner for today. Learnt a lot from s. Started the day covering some work for cl as she went for her medical checkup. Lil' did we know she was early and came into office by 9a.m.!! After that, s came and asked me if I wanted to sit in for meetings with a few media owners today. Of course, being me, I agreed enthusiastically. I did not know her "few" meant FIVE and it was quite a hecctic day for her. The first, with B.I (I cannot put the full names of the media here. So you just have to figure it out yourself! Or ask me when you see me in person? If you remember, that is.) Anyway the first with B.I, which carries MC (I, too cannot reveal the name of publication) and I sat in quietly listening to her brief. She was quick and terse with the guy. No nonsense, as she put it. Learnt subtle things like how to handle and talk to the media owners.

Luckily I jot down notes on the brief and what she was looking for. Else, I would have been done for. s asked me to brief the last two media owners. Wahhh!!! I was so nervous that suddenly, my mind went point blank when I tried recalling what she had said earlier. Lucky I managed to compose myself and recollect the points. So I went into the conference room and briefed. s had to go out so she came in halfway. Phew! Saved by s! Haha I was hoping I did not give the media owner insufficient information or inaccurate information!!

I see my old self resurging. I talk more, smile at people, laugh to myself. Yeah sounds silly but hey, that is me!! And s said my suggestions were good.

Happy as a pig. :)

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

The Black, White and Grey Areas.

If what cl told me are true, I truly salute s, the Head of Media. She is so professional. Whether in work or personal life. My goodness, this is the truly good boss. Hardly anyone is like that. I'd love a boss like that! My dream boss! Haha! She is so good that she was head-hunted over to the current company and is being head-hunted every now and then. How's that for a boss! She draws a clear line between personal and business. Doesn't play office politics. Takes no nonsense but fends off subordinates' @$$es from others. Chief dotes on her alot. Clients respect her too. I totally salute her. Perhaps put her under my reference list, but then if my prospective employer calls her up, she wouldn't know what to say of me either because she is so busy that she had no time to even see to me. She just asked sk and to give me work and guide me along. Strict as she may be but I still want her as my boss, if I have the chance.

Even t cannot match up to s. cl said "t is a good colleague, but not a good boss." Ooohh~~ But I don't think he is even a good colleague. At least to me. No "Hi" and "Bye". Come on, even a normal colleague you'd greet him or her, right? Not like I want his attention badly but I believe that is basic courtesy. Instead of just a small smile. A small and forceful one at that. When you're with others, you crack lamo jokes, talk aloud. Hmmph! BLEH!!! :-P

Time flies when you're in good company. Yes, I left office at 8.30p.m. That being the latest. But I ain't complaining because I wanted to stay back. At least there was cl. Though I could have leave my work for tomorrow, it does not matter. Had dinner at MacDonalds with her and she told me all these and gave advices and I told her of my upsetting times. Nice, nice. Really glad I found the comfort zone in office.

Bless me, God. Bless my family and loved ones, too. Amen.