January 1, 2006
· Filed under Personal Development, Professionalism, Spiritual Wellbeing
My last four days was spent in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Just a few months ago, I was in Khartoum, Sudan. Sudan and Ethiopia is just next to each other geographically.. but there is such a vast difference in terms of culture, and surrounding. Addis is located about 2500 feet above sea level, so I had a shock upon arrival at the airport. The weather is so cool, and very refreshing.. and so unlike my imagination that all African countries are hot and dry. It was almost like Melbourne.
The first three days were spent completing the job that I was sent to do. It was pretty exciting, meeting new people, discussing about things and understanding how people work. And my last day was spent touring the city, shopping for things that are mostly cheaper than Malaysia. The driver took us to the highlands just to have a look at the scenery.. and Subhanallah! It was fantastic. I have never seen anything like that. Insya Allah, I will post some pictures later, once they are ready.
Ethiopians are mostly Christian Orthodox, and they have a different calendar from the rest of the world, and they celebrate Christmas on a different day. It was really interesting to see and observe what they do, and what their customs are.
And I cannot help but think of the Sudanese brothers and sisters whom I met while I was in Khartoum 3 months ago. Of course, Ethiopians are slightly more modern than the Sudanese, and the development in Addis is a lot more noticeable than in Khartoum. But who can forget seeing these people praying along the roadsides, reading Quran while waiting for the bus (and the security guards will always have a Quran in their hands and reading it while working) and screaming happily upon knowing that the next day is Ramadhan? Allah.. it was the best experience I ever had. Sudan is definitely a place I would like to go again if I have the opportunity. And the brotherhood in Islam.. you can really feel it there.
Regardless, it still feels good to be going back to Malaysia. I cannot wait to see my daughters!
September 30, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
I am more than amazed. There IS internet connection here. AND it is wireless. Even the place where I work does not have wireless connection. This is supposed to be an underdeveloped country. When I arrived at the international airport yesterday evening, I thought that I had just gone back 20 years because the airport had practically nothing. We had to take a bus to the terminal. And yet, they have wireless internet connection.
I have taken some pictures and here are some images of the place where I am at now.
Cool huh?
September 26, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
These past few days have been extraordinarily tiring for me. There is so much to do, and yet so little time. I only have 2 more days left before I leave for a one-week business trip overseas. I wish I had more time. No, I wish I had more time with my kids!
Then again… work means commitment, and therefore, I cannot say no.
August 22, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
Have you ever felt that the whole world is against you? Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try to make things right, they will always go wrong? Have you ever felt like a huge failure in life?
I was on my way to work this morning, driving along quite calmly listening to Westlife’s “Fool Again” when suddenly all the bitter memories came into my mind. There was this incident at work during our bimonthly meeting which really got to me. We were discussing an issue when suddenly my superior questioned my actions. I did follow the rules, but he had an idea that I didn’t. He raised his voice at me. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it was just me and him in his room or in my office, but because it was in front of everyone, that made it extraordinarily bad. And suddenly I felt so useless.. And to know that it wasn’t my mistake at all!
I tried to remind myself that this was all part and parcel of the corporate world. Someone would have to take all the blame regardless of whose mistake it was. But then again, why does that person have to be me??
I should be updating my resume more frequently now. Maybe once my contract is over, there will be opportunities elsewhere for me. Better ones hopefully. Or maybe, I should start planning on setting up my own business. Which means I would have more time with my kids. Sounds good. I should seek some advice from those who have successfully set up their own businesses.
Until then… life still must go on. So I should get back to work!
August 21, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
It was good. Brilliant. They were all very pleased with the ceremony. Congratulations team! Let us do it again next year!
August 19, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
I hate people who like to backstab others. This was what took place today at my office, during a very important event:
A (Manager) : Please tell them to disperse now and come back in 30 minutes.
B (Staff) : Okay.
At another place….
C (Biggest Boss) : Why did they disperse so soon?
A: Really? Have they dispersed? Why didn’t B consult me? B is trying to show that he can control them. See, I told you not to trust B.
Idiot.
I hate people like that. He should learn to take some responsibilities!!! Afterall, he is the manager. I think the organization should get rid of him.
March 11, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
Today was such an unproductive day for me. I arrived 5 minutes late this morning, and when I walked into the office I suddenly felt so burnt out after working so hard for the past few weeks. So I decided to have some fun with my colleagues. We switched on the radio and listened to some music until lunch… And I couldn’t believe how refreshed I was after that!
Thank you boss, for not checking out on us the whole day! Life is great!
January 12, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
I was doing some work last night when I suddenly realized that besides the things that are pending on my table, I still have heaps more to do! I panicked for awhile. Then I realise, I should calm myself down and try and think straight. I started listing down one by one, the things that I need to accomplish before the end of the month. And the list looks scary. But, then again.. the list is a list. To face my superior is another BIG thing. That is even worse. I think I should start thinking about getting another job.
Coincidently, my friend sent me an email this morning, which after reading, I said to myself, How True!! The email says this:
A BOSS IS LIKE A DIAPER.. ALWAYS ON YOUR ASS AND USUALLY FULL OF SHIT.
January 9, 2005
· Filed under Professionalism
It has been awhile since I last wrote. I have been so extremely busy with work that I couldn’t find the time to even log on to the internet. I have been returning home from work quite late for the past few days.. the twins seemed to have given up waiting for me to come home. I am glad that the event is over. It took up all my energy and I couldn’t even think straight the day before the event. But I am glad that everything went on smoothly although, I must say that there were some things which they commented during the meeting that actually made us furious. My boss actually went biserk! Never mind that.. I am glad, so extremely glad that it is over!!!!! I was so tired the next day that I went home after lunch and slept for the rest of the day.
Life still goes on… The tsunami disaster is still in everyone’s head. And I have been praying so hard for the tsunami victims for the past few days. Subhanallah.. this is such a great test from Allah. And the power of Allah is so clear… did anyone notice the mosque that stood still in the middle of the city even when everything around it was destroyed? Read more here. Is this a sign from Him?
December 22, 2004
· Filed under Professionalism
I am feeling much better today after that well-deserved MC yesterday. But I still feel I should stay home another day. Because if I didn’t come today, I wouldn’t have to attend the meeting. And if I didn’t attend the meeting today, I would not get this headache.
I hate being asked to defend the same thing over and over again. Funny. Didn’t they remember it from last year? And the question was from the same person!! I should have recorded my statement today and replay it again during the next meeting next year.
Life is sometimes just extremely challenging..
