After 2 months to the exact day since the announcement, I have finally given my verbal acceptance to the relocation offer. Our family will be relocating to Hong Kong end of July. Believe me when I say that this is one of the hardest decisions I had to make thus far in my 36 years of life. I contemplated and internally debated with myself for a long, long time. I had many discussions and tearful conversations with SQ - what it would mean for us and how it would affect our family. My emotional roller coaster went through valleys and peaks, crests and troughs.
Most recently, my sister 7 was faced with a dilemma whether or not to throw a full-blown wedding. I remembered my sister 5 asked her, if she ends up not having a wedding, whether she would, a few years down the road, regret her decision & want one then. If the answer is yes, then, even though the wedding may not be something sister 7 wants now, she should still hold one to avoid being regretful in the years to come. Because if the time has passed, it would be hard to get it back. As when I faced this relocation dilemma, I also asked myself whether I would regret not going later on if I do decide to turn the offer down now? Would I wonder about how my life would be if we lived in HKG and would I continually ask myself the "what-ifs?" After answering the questions with a yes, I felt better about taking this leap. There will surely be a lot of uncertainty, changes, and/or even risks. But I can't possibly worry about all the future problems now, right? I will get there when I get there, one day at a time. Que Sera Sera
Financial-wise, we can make it work with one income for a while. Living adaptation-wise, it'll probably will take some time, but we're not hard to please, so we'll eventually get used to it. Sarah-wise, she should be ok. SQ will stay home with her for a bit. Extended family-wise, not OK. I think this is by far the biggest pull for me not to relocate. I am super close to my parents and my sisters, both in terms of relationship and physical locality (most of us live no more than 20 minutes apart). They have always been my strength, my backbone, my "go-to" people for help on anything, to watch over Sarah, to seek advice from, to vent to, to care about, and to laugh with. So this will be hard. Very hard. So I am not going to lie to myself that this part of my life will be OK, because it won't be, not without my family being nearby. The only comfort to this situation is my hope that they will come visit me and we will return back to the U.S. as often as we can. And hopefully, my parents will learn how to use Skype! The other comfort I have to console myself is that this relocation is not forever. The contract is "at-will." There is no time frame commitment. If I choose to leave within 1 year, I just have to pay back some of the relocation costs (pro-rated based on time spent abroad). I figure, if my life really is so miserable to the point that I must return, then the relocation costs is actually a small price to pay for happiness. SF will always be my home.
Now that the decision has been made, I need to move forward. I need to direct my focus of what needs to be done before the relocation. Time will zoom by. And I am prepared to have breakdown moments when the day comes closer. Bear with me. Be my support and tell me that everything is going to be OK. Que Sera Sera
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Friday, March 02, 2012
Saturday, January 07, 2012
T minus Zero
For years, I pondered and pondered over the question of whether I would relocate to Hong Kong should and when our company decides to move us there. Well, the time has arrived.
4 years ago, our company moved half of the merchandise buying team from SF to HKG. Some people got relocated but most got severed. 1.5 years ago, they moved another quarter of the group, including the President and VPs. We are the last remaining quarter of the team left in San Francisco. This past Wednesday, it was announced that we, the last group, would also be relocating to Hong Kong. The move will complete the buying functions under one roof since there will no longer be a San Francisco-based office after 2012.
While the announcement was not surprising to most of us in the office (because we all knew this day would eventually come), it was still hard to bear. For the handful of individuals offered relocation packages, the decision weighs a ton - relocation means uprooting your family to a foreign land and completely changing your current lifestyle and environment. For those not offered relocation, the outcome is to be severed and lose your job.
I was one of the fortunate handfuls who was offered a relocation package, which means I technically still have a job, just in a different location. While SQ and I have discussed the subject of relocation countless times in the past before, they were all "what ifs." With no concrete timeline back then, everything was only hypothetical. Now, with an offer at hand and an effective date, the decision became real, in an instant.
I had a hard time sleeping this entire week to say the least. I felt a lot of anxiety of what relocation will mean, both for me and SQ and especially to little Sarah. She is still young and probably won't understand the changes, but she will have to get used to a total different environment. I am most concerned about Sarah's preschool arrangement. Most young kids in HKG are cared for by a domestic helper so there are not a lot of daycare center choices as we do here in the Bay Area. While getting a helper is an option for us too, I prefer sending Sarah to a daycare environment, where she can learn and play and socially be engaged with other kids her age. I absolutely love the daycare she's at right now. It's hard to give that up and accept anything less...The other thing that saddens me greatly is that Sarah will be away from her extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins). It terrifies me that I won't be physically close to my family, especially my parents, who have been my support and strength all these years.
On the other side of the balancing scale, moving to an international city intrigues me. I have lived in San Francisco all my life! Ok, ok, I lived in Davis during my college years, but I always drove back to SF during the weekends so it doesn't really count. This will be different. Hong Kong is miles and miles away and different enough to give me a life experience I can tell stories about when I get old. I only live once, right? This move is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that many people would only wish to have, and that opportunity arrived right at my doorstep. And moving as an expatriate definitely made the financial aspect of the relocation more sound and enticing.
As you can see, I am all over the place. I am a pendulum that swings from one direction and the opposite direction within seconds. I still have a lot of think about and I don't know what I will do. But when I make the decision, I will honor it and not think anymore about the "what-ifs?"
To be continued...
4 years ago, our company moved half of the merchandise buying team from SF to HKG. Some people got relocated but most got severed. 1.5 years ago, they moved another quarter of the group, including the President and VPs. We are the last remaining quarter of the team left in San Francisco. This past Wednesday, it was announced that we, the last group, would also be relocating to Hong Kong. The move will complete the buying functions under one roof since there will no longer be a San Francisco-based office after 2012.
While the announcement was not surprising to most of us in the office (because we all knew this day would eventually come), it was still hard to bear. For the handful of individuals offered relocation packages, the decision weighs a ton - relocation means uprooting your family to a foreign land and completely changing your current lifestyle and environment. For those not offered relocation, the outcome is to be severed and lose your job.
I was one of the fortunate handfuls who was offered a relocation package, which means I technically still have a job, just in a different location. While SQ and I have discussed the subject of relocation countless times in the past before, they were all "what ifs." With no concrete timeline back then, everything was only hypothetical. Now, with an offer at hand and an effective date, the decision became real, in an instant.
I had a hard time sleeping this entire week to say the least. I felt a lot of anxiety of what relocation will mean, both for me and SQ and especially to little Sarah. She is still young and probably won't understand the changes, but she will have to get used to a total different environment. I am most concerned about Sarah's preschool arrangement. Most young kids in HKG are cared for by a domestic helper so there are not a lot of daycare center choices as we do here in the Bay Area. While getting a helper is an option for us too, I prefer sending Sarah to a daycare environment, where she can learn and play and socially be engaged with other kids her age. I absolutely love the daycare she's at right now. It's hard to give that up and accept anything less...The other thing that saddens me greatly is that Sarah will be away from her extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins). It terrifies me that I won't be physically close to my family, especially my parents, who have been my support and strength all these years.
On the other side of the balancing scale, moving to an international city intrigues me. I have lived in San Francisco all my life! Ok, ok, I lived in Davis during my college years, but I always drove back to SF during the weekends so it doesn't really count. This will be different. Hong Kong is miles and miles away and different enough to give me a life experience I can tell stories about when I get old. I only live once, right? This move is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that many people would only wish to have, and that opportunity arrived right at my doorstep. And moving as an expatriate definitely made the financial aspect of the relocation more sound and enticing.
As you can see, I am all over the place. I am a pendulum that swings from one direction and the opposite direction within seconds. I still have a lot of think about and I don't know what I will do. But when I make the decision, I will honor it and not think anymore about the "what-ifs?"
To be continued...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
What the Future Holds
I keep a rather updated profile on Linked n not because I'm currently looking for a job but I use it as my online resume. I usually have a hard time locating my latest resume...it's saved in a memory stick somewhere or saved in the hard drive of a computer we no longer use. Plus, the resume is always a few years old. I have to update everything over again anyways. So LinkedIn works for me.
I've been contacted by several recruiters before via LinkedIn- they're looking for people to fill retail buying positions for companies like Williams-Sonoma, CostPlus, etc. I usually politely inform them that I'm not currently looking to move companies but would love to keep in touch for future opportunities. Because the truth is, I know what the future holds for me. 3/4 of our merchandise buying office has moved to Hong Kong. It is only a matter of time when our last group goes too. I swing like a pendulum back and forth on both extreme ends on whether I would move to Hong Kong when the day comes. Some days like today, I just want to stay here, right where I'm at. I'm happy living here - all my friends and family are here. I'm a creature of habit and routine - if it isn't broken, why fix it?
Then I think about if I don't move to Hong Kong, I would surely get laid off. Will I then find another job similar to the one I have now?? Will any of those opportunities in Williams-Sonoma, CostPlus, etc be able to pay me at my salary level and the bonus I get every year? Will they be able to give me all the perks (vacation time, airline miles, AmEx reward points...)? All these questions pop up in my head....This is the part where I don't know what the future holds.
I've been contacted by several recruiters before via LinkedIn- they're looking for people to fill retail buying positions for companies like Williams-Sonoma, CostPlus, etc. I usually politely inform them that I'm not currently looking to move companies but would love to keep in touch for future opportunities. Because the truth is, I know what the future holds for me. 3/4 of our merchandise buying office has moved to Hong Kong. It is only a matter of time when our last group goes too. I swing like a pendulum back and forth on both extreme ends on whether I would move to Hong Kong when the day comes. Some days like today, I just want to stay here, right where I'm at. I'm happy living here - all my friends and family are here. I'm a creature of habit and routine - if it isn't broken, why fix it?
Then I think about if I don't move to Hong Kong, I would surely get laid off. Will I then find another job similar to the one I have now?? Will any of those opportunities in Williams-Sonoma, CostPlus, etc be able to pay me at my salary level and the bonus I get every year? Will they be able to give me all the perks (vacation time, airline miles, AmEx reward points...)? All these questions pop up in my head....This is the part where I don't know what the future holds.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Shared Learning Experience Part II
I'm attending Part III to my leadership workshop. In the class, I learned that people make decisions not only based on facts, gut feeling, emotions, etc but they draw from their own personal life experiences. In this exercise, we were asked to write down important life changing moments that happened to us, what we learned from them and how it changed us. I wrote down 3 pivotal events that happened to me so far:
1. When: Junior Year in College. What Happened: I was the only "A" in a Poli-Sci class of 50. I felt so proud that as an ESL speaker, from an immigrant family, with parents with no formal educational background, I was able to beat all the Caucasians out there. Key Learning: I felt empowered and a sense of accomplishment. I also built self-confidence and told myself that I am in NO way disadvantaged. I can just be as good as everyone else.
2. When: when I turned 30. What Happened: I was married, had a house, was a Manager at work...everything in order, but I asked myself, "what was I most unhappy with in my life at that time?" It was my teeth. I decided to get braces and have a jaw surgery. Key Learning: I actioned on something that bothered me, instead of just being unhappy and complaining about it. It took me 2.5 yrs for the whole process...which was brutal at times, but the results were worth it.
3. When: Summer 2010. What Happened: I got really sick after delivering a baby. Key Learning: I am stronger than I think I was.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Shared Learning Experience
For the past 3 days, I attended a Company-sponsored, off-site leadership workshop called Shared Learning Experience (or SLE for short). At first, I was a bit annoyed with the fact that this class was "mandatory" and that it took 3 days out of my workweek to attend. But after these 3 days, I am so glad to have taken this workshop!!
Throughout the seminar, we discussed case studies of successful companies and learn what made them successful. We also went through a team building exercise where it not only tested the ability of the leader to lead the team to perform the task, but how we could learn to think outside the box. We had role-playing exercises to learn the different ways of coaching and how to apply "soft" power. We learned how to apply different management styles to different people. My biggest gain out of SLE is self-discovery and self-awareness of who I am as a manager in the workplace. There were a lot of "ah-ha" moments during the 3 days. Knowing my flaws, being subconsciously aware of them, and having these concepts and best practices not only allows me to become a effective leader but a better person. I have learned a lot. It was a great seminar! There is a 2nd part coming up next week. I can't wait!
One of my favorite quotes I learned:
"In matters of style, flow like the current ; In matters of principle, stand like a rock."
-Thomas Jefferson
Throughout the seminar, we discussed case studies of successful companies and learn what made them successful. We also went through a team building exercise where it not only tested the ability of the leader to lead the team to perform the task, but how we could learn to think outside the box. We had role-playing exercises to learn the different ways of coaching and how to apply "soft" power. We learned how to apply different management styles to different people. My biggest gain out of SLE is self-discovery and self-awareness of who I am as a manager in the workplace. There were a lot of "ah-ha" moments during the 3 days. Knowing my flaws, being subconsciously aware of them, and having these concepts and best practices not only allows me to become a effective leader but a better person. I have learned a lot. It was a great seminar! There is a 2nd part coming up next week. I can't wait!
One of my favorite quotes I learned:
"In matters of style, flow like the current ; In matters of principle, stand like a rock."
-Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Networking
This morning, I got a call at work from a Recruiter looking for people interested in Planning positions in the New York area. She said she got my information via LinkedIn. In case you don't know, LinkedIn is another Social Networking site out there (like a Facebook), but it is geared toward professional networking. So yeah, NO weird fetishes and racy photos to be found here. Your profile is basically your online resume. You connect with friends, classmates, colleagues, and business associates. And then your network expands because one of your contacts is linked to another and to another. I must say that this site is actually quite a handy tool. I joined LinkedIn some years ago, but didn't spend much time elaborating on my profile. I've outlined the different positions I've had (all within the same company). However, I didn't include any descriptions or details. Since I've been with my company for over 11 years, I got too lazy to update my resume. But I think it's always good to have your resume updated and ready to go, just in case. And plus, it's much easier to jot down notes about your current job than try to remember what you did years ago. I'm going to make an effort this weekend to update my LinkedIn profile.
As for the recruiter, I told her that I am currently not interested in moving to New York, but have a few friends and colleagues in the New York area who may be interested...
P.S. Coincidentally, in case you didn't know, LinkedIn launched its first IPO today; priced at $45/share. The stock closed at $91.25, +109% on the first day. Wow...
As for the recruiter, I told her that I am currently not interested in moving to New York, but have a few friends and colleagues in the New York area who may be interested...
P.S. Coincidentally, in case you didn't know, LinkedIn launched its first IPO today; priced at $45/share. The stock closed at $91.25, +109% on the first day. Wow...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Hong Kong
Greetings from Hong Kong! Ironically, today is my last day in Hong Kong. I've been here a week already. I left San Francisco last Saturday and flew on Cathay Pacific this time. The business class seats are configured quite interestingly because I got my own 'pod.' The pods angle diagonally across the aisle, and are a bit narrow. There are people to the left and right of you, but because of the partitions, I don't see my neighbors. No talking and no need to climb over anyone to use the bathroom. Yay! Watched 3 movies: The King's Speech, Little Frockers, and The Blind Side.
The week is finally over. It felt long probably because (a) I miss home and family, and (b) I woke up almost everyday at 3am (due to jet lag) and didn't sleep until 10pm+. I attended a lot of meetings and did some store visits throughout the week. All of them are physically and mentally draining. That's why I'm never thrilled about going on business trips. They're tiring. The good thing is that I did get to see some of my old colleagues who relocated from SF to HKG last year. It was nice to catch up on each other's lives.
I had 1/2 day today so I went power shopping. I was disappointed that I didn't buy anything. Most clothing stores have just launched their Spring collections so no sales. At full price, the clothes are quite expensive (not any cheaper than the U.S.). Plus, the clothes are all short-sleeved and not fit for SF's cold weather. So I didn't buy anything. :-(
I did, however, enjoyed a couple of delicious meals here in HKG. The "fancy" lunches/dinners that I ate during the week couldn't compete to the ones I ate by myself locally! One night I went to Din Tai Fung for their yummy Shanghai dumplings. Another day, I went to Crystal Jade for yet another dose of Shanghai dumpling goodness. Today for lunch, I went to this dim sum place called House of Jasmine in Harbour City Center. OMG it was delicious! I just ordered the basic stuff, like Har Gow, Siu Mai, and Rice roll. The dessert I had was so die for! It was Egg White and Almond Soup. Soooo good!!! Love! Speaking of dessert, this Hong Kong stay would not be complete without going to Hui Lau Shan. In fact I went there twice to enjoy their Mango Sago. The one in SF simply can not compare! I also went to this hole in the wall place called Star Cafe in TST by recommendation on Open Rice.com (HK's version of Yelp). It is literally a hole in wall because I had to not only find the obscure building it was in, the restaurant was in some weird basement location. Their signature dish is Tomato Beef Noodles, which was indeed very good. However, I don't think I can go there again... it's a bit too 'local' (i.e. dirty) for my comfort level. Planning to go to the Australia Dairy Co. tomorrow before heading out to the airport. I hope they're open at 10am!
I can't wait to go home to see Sarah's bubbly smile and hug her!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Aloha from Hawai'i
I have been quiet on blogger these past 2 weeks because I'm currently on a business trip in Hawaii (Oahu). I arrived last Wed, Mar 9 and I leave on Friday, Mar 18. I've been to Hawaii many times before and it is always bitter sweet to come here for work. It is nice because Hawaii is so beautiful and gorgeous; there is really nothing not to love. But when you come here to work, the attitude changes. Every day I wake up early, get on email, attend meetings all day long, go to dinner, come back to the hotel room and then still have to do my regular office work. The work day becomes super long, and I have no time to enjoy the beautiful scenery around me.
This trip was especially hard because it is my first work trip being away from Sarah. I miss her dearly, especially during the weekend when I think about what she's doing. I have Skype on my laptop so I get to see what she is doing on live video streaming, which is the best thing ever. Sarah can hear my voice and still smiles and laughs when I call out her name. Seeing her on Skype brings so much joy to my day!! Today, I saw her take a bath, drink her last milk, and fall asleep in daddy's arms. Such sweet moments.
One more day, and I shall be flying back home. I can't wait to pick her up from daycare and seeing her excitement!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Work From Home
Today I still felt pain in my left rib area and it felt more intense. Although it has been a couple of days already, the pain hasn't subside. I think I made it worse by carrying my 19-lb baby around on Sunday. I should have known better not to do that. I woke up this morning barely able to move so I decided to work from home (and since I had my laptop with me). I love working from home, and here's why:
- Because I can wake up at 8:30 and be on time!
- Because my commute time is cut from 45 minutes in the rush hour traffic to ZERO minutes
- Because I don't have to worry if my outfit matches my shoes or vice versa. I can work in my comfy PJs!
- Because I can watch TV and relax during my lunch hour
- Because I don't have to deal with my co-workers chit-chatting or speaking loudly on phone calls
- Because I can start prepping for my dinner early
Monday, February 21, 2011
A pleasant surprise
I walked into the office last Friday and saw my boss delivering little white envelopes on everyone's desk. I got one too. I opened it up to find a summary of my 2010 bonus payout, and I was extremely surprised (in a good way) at the amount! You see, I work for a retail company. Our main objective is to drive sales and earn profits for the company by buying the right products to sell to customers. This might be an understatement - but I have a highly stressful job with lots of responsibility and accountability. I'm dealing with hundreds of million of the company's dollars afterall. I get paid a decent salary, but what really motivates me is our annual bonus. If I meet all my targets (and there are few of them) then I can earn a bonus equivalent to 30% of my salary. During a good year, this 30% can easily jump up to 40% or 50%, etc. But there are hardly any "good" years... the targets are usually aggressive and some even impossible to reach. If I get at least 15% at any given year, I am content.
Well, last year, in 2010, the company had a "good" year. Overall, sales were great, and profitability was outstanding. Within my area of management, I've exceeded on some targets and missed some. But net-net, I got a great bonus %. Although I got a great %, I only worked for 5 months last year... So I figured that even a great % against my 5 months worth of pay is not going to yield any big dollars. So here was my surprise when I opened the envelope. The great % was calculated against my full year salary! What a pleasant surprise! It's too good to be true. I can't quite believe it....
I guess with everything in life - if you don't have high expectations, then you won't be disappointed. If you don't expect it but end up getting it, you will be so ecstatic to receive such a pleasant surprise!!
So my sister (she got a big bonus too) and I decided to celebrate our bonuses by treating our family to a nice dinner at Koi Palace. Koi is pretty well-known for their great and innovative Chinese dishes. Or maybe I should use the verb in past tense, was known. We ordered a set menu, which came with Shark Fin Soup, Abalone, scallops, crab, etc just to name a few. We also added a Westlake Minced Beef soup (for non Shark Fin eaters) and Peking duck. I must say that all the dishes were kinda bleh. It's not that they weren't good, but I guess I expected them to be great.. (the higher expectation = the bigger disappointment). I definitely didn't get the WOW factor - you know, the memorable dishes that had everyone at the table talking and reminiscing and thinking about when's the next time we'll all go again? Well, didn't happen with this dinner at Koi's. And of course, service was mediocre. It'll be a long time before I revisit Koi's...at least until my memory of this meal fades and I accidentally put them back to my good restaurant list again.
Well, last year, in 2010, the company had a "good" year. Overall, sales were great, and profitability was outstanding. Within my area of management, I've exceeded on some targets and missed some. But net-net, I got a great bonus %. Although I got a great %, I only worked for 5 months last year... So I figured that even a great % against my 5 months worth of pay is not going to yield any big dollars. So here was my surprise when I opened the envelope. The great % was calculated against my full year salary! What a pleasant surprise! It's too good to be true. I can't quite believe it....
I guess with everything in life - if you don't have high expectations, then you won't be disappointed. If you don't expect it but end up getting it, you will be so ecstatic to receive such a pleasant surprise!!
So my sister (she got a big bonus too) and I decided to celebrate our bonuses by treating our family to a nice dinner at Koi Palace. Koi is pretty well-known for their great and innovative Chinese dishes. Or maybe I should use the verb in past tense, was known. We ordered a set menu, which came with Shark Fin Soup, Abalone, scallops, crab, etc just to name a few. We also added a Westlake Minced Beef soup (for non Shark Fin eaters) and Peking duck. I must say that all the dishes were kinda bleh. It's not that they weren't good, but I guess I expected them to be great.. (the higher expectation = the bigger disappointment). I definitely didn't get the WOW factor - you know, the memorable dishes that had everyone at the table talking and reminiscing and thinking about when's the next time we'll all go again? Well, didn't happen with this dinner at Koi's. And of course, service was mediocre. It'll be a long time before I revisit Koi's...at least until my memory of this meal fades and I accidentally put them back to my good restaurant list again.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Reminiscence
I've been back at work for three weeks now, and have pretty much integrated back to the office routine. My line of work has always been stressful and even though some things have changed during my absence, the stress part of my job,did not. Almost everyday I am busy. Every minute of my day is filled with work, from answering emails to writing orders to meetings. I have no time to check my personal email or check Facebook. And sadly I don't have a free moment to think about and miss Sarah...
Today, after yet another busy day at work, I realize how much I miss my maternity days. Boy, do I miss them. I miss the times when it was just Sarah and me, at home. I miss our daily walks around the neighborhood. I miss spending all day with her period. Life was good back then. It was fun. Oh, how I wish I can rewind time!
Today, after yet another busy day at work, I realize how much I miss my maternity days. Boy, do I miss them. I miss the times when it was just Sarah and me, at home. I miss our daily walks around the neighborhood. I miss spending all day with her period. Life was good back then. It was fun. Oh, how I wish I can rewind time!
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Monday, December 20, 2010
Back to Work
First day back at work, after a 7 month maternity/disability leave... Spent the entire morning mostly catching up with my co-workers. While I was busy doing that, I downloaded my emails, and there were 1,400+ of them. I guess for a 7-month time frame, that isn't too bad. Many people were actually smart enough to drop me off the list; others continued to email me simply because I was part of the distribution list and they were too lazy to delete me off. Marked all the emails as "Read" and filed them away without actually reading them. haha. 10:00am - meeting with boss to catch up on work stuff. Unpacked boxes filled with reports and brochures, which I can easily toss since they are now obsolete. Lunch at desk. 2:00pm - business review update meeting with VP who came back from HKG to spend the holidays in the US. 4:00pm - met 1 of the my direct report, and then I left at 5:00pm. Got down to the MUNI bus station - and lucky me, the L car came quickly. Not sure if it was running at its normal speed, but I didn't get home until 5:50pm! Picked up Sarah at exactly 6:00pm. So that was my 1st day back.
I missed Sarah. I missed her a lot today. Don't know why I miss her more so today than I did last week. I was so so so happy to bring her home today - again, more so than I did last week. I wonder what was the difference, other than the fact that I worked all day today? She was smiley as always - but she got sleepy at 8:00p after her bath, so she went down for the night. Today, I barely got to spend any time with her at all. :-(
I am so rusty at work today. I didn't remember where the files were saved and how to run the reports. And I'm sure that when it's time to use Excel, I would have forgotten most of the functions and shortcuts. Out of sight, out of mind. There is a lot to catch up on - but I guess I'm not so excited to catch up... some things at work just stay the same. I wish I could still be at home with Sarah. I hope I'm just going through a phase...and that soon, I will get back to the swing of work and plow ahead...
I missed Sarah. I missed her a lot today. Don't know why I miss her more so today than I did last week. I was so so so happy to bring her home today - again, more so than I did last week. I wonder what was the difference, other than the fact that I worked all day today? She was smiley as always - but she got sleepy at 8:00p after her bath, so she went down for the night. Today, I barely got to spend any time with her at all. :-(
I am so rusty at work today. I didn't remember where the files were saved and how to run the reports. And I'm sure that when it's time to use Excel, I would have forgotten most of the functions and shortcuts. Out of sight, out of mind. There is a lot to catch up on - but I guess I'm not so excited to catch up... some things at work just stay the same. I wish I could still be at home with Sarah. I hope I'm just going through a phase...and that soon, I will get back to the swing of work and plow ahead...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Cloudy Skies
I use this picture to describe my feelings these past few weeks - Cloudy! I've been feeling really bummed out from work for something I didn't do but was supposed to do. I don't know - people tell me that it's not my really my fault and that it's just a good learning experience. But it doesn't help me reconcile the past. I really hate myself for not being about to change my atttitude and my way of thinking. Why can't I just sleep it off like the other people? Why do I always beat myself up and end up feeling so depressed?! Hey, there is a speck of blue sky in the picture. Hopefully, things will get better soon!!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Paris
SQ and I spent about 6 days in Paris this past week. I was there mostly for work and SQ on vacation. We did manage to hang out 1 day and a few nights together. Otherwise, SQ ventured out on his own while I slaved away in meetings after meetings…
We both loved Paris! It is indeed a very beautiful city - no wonder if it is one of the most beloved cities in the world. There is so much old-city charm … everywhere you turn, you find historical buildings, landscaped parks, sidewalk cafes, relaxed lifestyles - I can go on and on and on. There is so much to love!! Here are a few pictures we took:
Arc de Triomphe
Musée du Louvre
La Tour Eiffel The only thing I wasn’t too crazy about…was the food. Because I dined with the local Parisians (for business), I was able to try out a lot of different dishes, not only your typical escargots, foie gras (though I also had those). But truthfully, I am never a big fan of French cuisine - let’s put it this way - I can eat it but don’t appreciate it as much. And after 5-6 days of eating the same cuisine, I was so ready to go back home to eat a bowl of Pho!!
I would love to go back again…next time, I will plan it a bit better so I can have more free days to explore this beautiful city.
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Saturday, April 26, 2008
Haute Couture
During our World wide Fashion team meeting, my collegue based in Paris came in to do a presentation on Brands. She explained how difficult it is for a true luxury brand to balance between (1) maintaining the brand's image and heritage, and (2) renewing itself to evolve with modern times so it can always be fresh and set the trend. A brand is always constantly looking for ways to connect to the customers with their own uniqueness which won the hearts and following of these customers in the first place.
She did a case study on Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton. It was a great presentation and intrigued me to further research on what these brands are all about. I ran across a BBC documentary on the internet named "The Secret World of Haute Couture." Haute Couture, according to Wikipedia, is a French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking," and refers to the creative of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. Apparently, there is a group of very very rich women who would make it a seasonal event to attend all the fashion shows by the most famous designers and then purchase that special piece. It will be only one produced in the world, custom-fitted to the buyer, of course. A blouse will normally costs $10,000 and a dress can $300,000 or upwards to $1 Million. Now, this is CRAZY!! Anyways, the BBC documentary is really interesting and worth a view if you have time.
She did a case study on Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton. It was a great presentation and intrigued me to further research on what these brands are all about. I ran across a BBC documentary on the internet named "The Secret World of Haute Couture." Haute Couture, according to Wikipedia, is a French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking," and refers to the creative of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. Apparently, there is a group of very very rich women who would make it a seasonal event to attend all the fashion shows by the most famous designers and then purchase that special piece. It will be only one produced in the world, custom-fitted to the buyer, of course. A blouse will normally costs $10,000 and a dress can $300,000 or upwards to $1 Million. Now, this is CRAZY!! Anyways, the BBC documentary is really interesting and worth a view if you have time.
Not branded!
Most often times than not, I feel that I'm working in the wrong industry. My Company is a retailer that only sells high-end products and nothing less. And when I say high-end products, I mean luxury goods that common folks could only aspire to buy but couldn't afford...brand names like Christian Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes, Prada, and the list goes on and on. I am surrounded by brand names left and right, where a nice handbag costs at least $700, and a really nice one more than $3,000.
We recently sold a diamond-studded Hermes bag for $84,000 to a Black cardmember. Yes, it is crazy. Why would anyone spend so much for a handbag? Or a jacket? A watch for that matter? Well, obviously, someone understands why. They are our customers. They appreciate the brand names. I, on the other extreme end of the spectrum, am just a low-key gal who is (in present tense) never into brand names... I love simplicity and quite frankly, a good deal. I don't understand luxury. I don't understand brand names. To me, the handbags are just an item, a SKU on the selling reports, and nothing more.
In fact, I don't even register what is "expensive" anymore. The other day, my collegue showed me a cute Chloe Lizard Paddington handbag and told me that the bag retails for $2,500. And my first response, "Only? Wow, what a deal!" In real life, I would NEVER imagine myself buying a $2,500 bag. But yet, I think at work, $2,500 seems like nothing. Money is no object. This dual reaction separates the "real me" and the "me at work." I find it odd... It's not reality.
We recently sold a diamond-studded Hermes bag for $84,000 to a Black cardmember. Yes, it is crazy. Why would anyone spend so much for a handbag? Or a jacket? A watch for that matter? Well, obviously, someone understands why. They are our customers. They appreciate the brand names. I, on the other extreme end of the spectrum, am just a low-key gal who is (in present tense) never into brand names... I love simplicity and quite frankly, a good deal. I don't understand luxury. I don't understand brand names. To me, the handbags are just an item, a SKU on the selling reports, and nothing more.
In fact, I don't even register what is "expensive" anymore. The other day, my collegue showed me a cute Chloe Lizard Paddington handbag and told me that the bag retails for $2,500. And my first response, "Only? Wow, what a deal!" In real life, I would NEVER imagine myself buying a $2,500 bag. But yet, I think at work, $2,500 seems like nothing. Money is no object. This dual reaction separates the "real me" and the "me at work." I find it odd... It's not reality.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Today I struggled to get out of bed to go to work. I feel very sluggish every weekday and dread going to the office to see what awaits me. Only when I think about when I will resign from this job, a smile lits up on my face. I know, it's quite pathetic. I look at the calendar today to figure out when is the best day to resign. I do want to stay to finish up the last round of orders, which is due May 23. So, late May. Close to my birthday... it will be my birthday present then. 8 years with this company...fast coming to an end (?).
SQ started his first day at the new company today. He said he spent the entire day reading through the employee handbook. Not much excitement. I told him he should be careful what he wish for. It's slow now, but enjoy it while it lasts... wait until all the work gets piled up and then, there would be no room to be bored.
SQ started his first day at the new company today. He said he spent the entire day reading through the employee handbook. Not much excitement. I told him he should be careful what he wish for. It's slow now, but enjoy it while it lasts... wait until all the work gets piled up and then, there would be no room to be bored.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Each morning as I lay in bed, I ask myself whether I can call in sick today? I don't want to go to work. Every day, I drag myself to work, dreading to face what awaits me in the office. I am just sick and tired of the non-sense and fire drills that we have in our office on a daily basis. I hate my job.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Back to work tomorrow!
NOOOOO!!!! Couldn't believe that my extended holiday is finally coming to an end today. I return back to work tomorrow after 13 days of continuous days offs (including weekends of course). Actually, it is the best deal of vacation days... because I only used up 5 days of PTO to get a total of 13. I took 12/21, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28 and 1/2 off. That's because my company got generous this year and gave us Christmas Eve and New Years Eve as paid holidays. I guess it makes up for the many extra hours employees have to put in throughout the year.
2007 has finally come to an end. I don't have any extraordinary events in 2007, which actually can be a good thing. You know how the saying goes -- no news means good news.
I wish everyone a healthy and safe 2008!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Task Force
The thing about my company is that almost every issue leads to a creation of a Task Force of some sort. Every year, a third party consultant does an anonymous survey with some random employees about our Company regarding topics such as communications, compensation, and overall morale. This year, the survey results came back pretty negatively. So what happens? A task force is formed. The task force is basically a group of employees who get together on a regularly basis and try to problem-solve the issues. They come up with a bunch of recommendations, etc. I would say 90% of time, the recommendations never get executed. So basically, in my opinion, the task force is a big waste of time. It's formed for the sole purpose of proving that the company is trying. But in reality, everyone knows nothing ever changes with this company.
This week, another task force was formed. This one is an "Internal Communications" task force, which is to address how we can better communicate within the company, from the Corporate Merchandising office to the stores to Visual Merchandising to Consumer Marketing. How to get everyone calibrated on the same priorities and standards? The truth is everyone does their own thing -- trying to centralize how people communicate is too ambitious of a task in my opinion. I'm sure whatever "recommendations" the task force comes up with, will be put in the back burner 4-5 months from now.
This week, another task force was formed. This one is an "Internal Communications" task force, which is to address how we can better communicate within the company, from the Corporate Merchandising office to the stores to Visual Merchandising to Consumer Marketing. How to get everyone calibrated on the same priorities and standards? The truth is everyone does their own thing -- trying to centralize how people communicate is too ambitious of a task in my opinion. I'm sure whatever "recommendations" the task force comes up with, will be put in the back burner 4-5 months from now.
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