elite

In Defense of All Fine Things in Life like Wine, Opera, Black Tie, Foie Gras and Classical Music

And for that matter of fact, even air travel. Budget airlines are simply a bane, taking the luxe out of air travel.

Yes, it does seem like I will be launching into a defense for elitism or the snotty. But before you think the worst of me without a chance for defense, let me just say sum it up how *LH sees me seeing my point of view: Applauding elitist actions and notions, but not at all at any level, of whom you may call an elite. For instance, although more travel is made possible with budget fares, I hate it for the lack of service, lowered standards and how it does not feel as special, now that everyone can fly.

I feel it really doesn't matter that certain things are ascribed to only small groups or small quantities or to a minority. Just like how 'elite' is described, it refers to what is precious or the best, as agreed upon by the consensus of most people.

"The winners write the history". I believe it is their prerogative. Standards are not God-set, because there really is no divine way of that manifesting and therefore can only be man's construct.

And in a world without standards, categories or labels, we might go bland with ignorance, having nothing as a guide - the good standards will be nothing to be achieved, and the bad standards will not be there for you to have personal vehemence.

Sure... let there be silly standards with this equation that is far too liberal. Let there be discriminating ones. The discerning (and if I'm in this line of argument already) and deserving ones who understand its meaning will judge the truth for themselves. It can get ridiculous, but definitely fun. Question is, how do we rise above it?

Next stop... Sweden

Next Stop. Sweden.

I was staring out of the bus window on the way to work. Sure, new page in life with a new job. Barely a month. Don't get me wrong because I really do like my new job. But the surroundings are the same. People the same. All *same-same.

I asked *LH if we'll be "getting out of here soon?".

"Yeah. How about Sweden? After my PhD."

Mind games

Look who's coming for dinner!

How really, can we truly, absolutely and positively know who he'd invite for dinner. Specifically, which three people from history he'd want to be there?

The speechwriting team (btw, is called P.I.E. - stands for 'passion', 'imagination' and 'enthusiasm') was to come up with his replies for a magazine's backpage interview. Other than the Tuesdays with Morrie-style question, we had as well "your favorite songs on your i-Pod/MP3".

You might say, "ask him". But that really wasn't an option for us. Our CEO calls us for meetings or emails us for suggestions, but never from our end.

PIE is going with Alfred Nobel, Albert Einstein and Lei Dai Soh (Cantonese storyteller) - examples used from our previous speeches which he had suggested or approved. But we're going to say "forget it" to the question about which songs he would like.

Me, personally? I think I would like to invite Gandhi, Sinatra, and Rousseau. They will make quite a peculiar dinner crowd but one-on-ones would be fantastic. I would never, however, invite Nietzsche, Confucius, any of the Popes, country western singers or Kant. Those I have enough trouble admiring from afar.

shoulder to fall on

It is still a shock to my system, having to wake at 5.30am, leave by 6.30am and be at work by 8.00am (I know I'm *loony, but I like to start the day a little earlier, and have breakfast at the desk as I prepare for the day ahead).

It is blissful, being able to fall on his shoulders on the long ride to work. Should my head fall forward in gravity or motion, he gently catches me and sets me back in my path of snoozing.

It is assuring, that he will watch with me over an hour worth of Animaniacs, Pepe Le Pew and Millie & Buttons on You Tube just to see me amused rather than to amuse himself (because cartoons don't do a thing for him).

And so because, I will be at my happiest to buy him that hundred dollar steak at Lawry's when his birthday comes. I love my man.

Speech writer

Speech writer

One of the golden rules about speech writing, is that you never complain that your boss does not do it himself or actively publicize the fact that you are a speech writer. Simply because, it's a speech writer's job to write speeches for other people.

But ah well, it's my blog and I say what I want. I am officially a speech writer, but I'm totally fine with the need for others to hire other people to write their speeches.

Today was horrible and I took for the team and boss. We had to use a personal story, much to the dissatisfaction of the third party. Wasn't that she outrightly said 'no', but that she was uncomfortable.

And darn it... if it wasn't the case that she is so *popular in this instance, or that her story relates completely to the theme of our message, we wouldn't have *used her.

Now, I feel uncomfortable too. Maybe a night's rest and I will be able to think of a way to achieve those so called win-win situations.

Some minor changes in me...

I find that I'm now a much more patient person, working in a super detail oriented job and slow paced environment.

I now type two spaces after each period, as per speech writer's protocol.

I now have the urge to speak and write in Singlish, given the uptight language we use all the time here.

I have a strange urge to want to find out more about famous speech writers... and I'm going to look out for Peggy Noonan's books (Reagan's speech writer).

Update: We did manage to find something else to say about her after all - O.D.

seven days, three months, one year

Seven Days, Three Months, One Year

My first few days at IQPC, one of the senior directors called me in for a meeting. He says, the meeting will be about the most important challenge I have to get through, working for the company.

Not quoting directly of course, but he says: "Seven days, is about getting used to work, colleagues and the company's dynamics. You'll be asking if you like it and how you'd fit in."

"At three months, you'll start wondering if you're proving your worth for the company and if the company is the right place for you."

"One year, you'll consider your future and where this job has been taking you so far."

Thing in common, for these three important days is that you'll be considering quitting the job. He's right. I quit IQPC, slightly over the one year mark.

And he's also right on a second count... I'm feeling career existential woes, over my current job.

It's a s-l-o-w pace over here. There's tonnes of bureaucracy (for instance, a thank you letter to a VIP needs the input of five parties) and extremely detail oriented. It's amazing how many layers and levels we have to examine every single theme, message, line, word and tone. I'm afraid it takes quite a lot of getting used to... and on slow(er) days can border on plain boring.

But at times like these I have to recall the advice again. 7-3-1. It's times where you'd consider quitting... but really it's just a kind-of career quitting clock ticking. The question is just how to get out of it.

It's a great learning experience. I'm surrounded by people with immense stores of experiences and credibility. My immediate manager is a Harvard alma mater, and I'm working with professionals from all major fields - political science, economics, history and sciences - to think of themes and stories to tell in our communications.

So there will be a lot of catching up and a lot of learning. Didn't realize it would be this difficult (or so boring on slow days).

After all, this is what I've asked for!

A moment to be sober

A Moment for Sobriety

Maybe too often I'm a case of lost confidence, or can't take a minute for self congratulatory thoughts. If anything, I'll credit good luck and welcome more prosperity first. It's about time I say "good for me!".

I've been all smiles and happy thoughts for the new job, starting tomorrow at NUS. It feels good. *wink* Thanks for the well wishes.

I will be part of the team to manage communications for the office of the President, and given my own portfolio to help position the figurehead for fundraising purposes to potential donors. NUS alone has raised $970 million in endowments and donations last year and all this goes to research, students and bringing up the standards of 'quality education'. Quite often I get a little shiver wondering if they have hired the right person for the job. I'd be working hard to make sure I prove them right!

One year in the working world and time passes very quickly. Tracing back my career path, less than a month from my final exams I got a job as a conference producer. I've raised close to half a million in gross profits through my conferences, as well as established a strong portfolio name. Halfway, Red Dot Museum gave me an offer as a trends analyst but I refused. My offer from NUS came exactly two weeks from leaving IQPC, and I accepted, despite my old company giving me a very attractive retention package including a promotion to General Manager, as well as salary increment. I've also had offers from a competitive conference company to join them.

In the past year also, I've been on a three week vacation to Europe. I've never felt more in-love, secure and stable in a relationship. And I have a great place I call home... marble floors with plaster ceilings and a great housemate to boot.

Even my skin has gotten better, with my new product and facial investment in Leonard Drake. *hehe.

But of course, nothing is perfect. The bank statement could always be healthier and I will never be model size. I guess there will always be problems when you're like me... full of anxiety, paranoia and small-worries-blown-big type of gal. It's an addictive path of self-pity and doubt.

I want to remember is to cut myself some slack sometimes, take a bow when credit is due and be more confident.

Nonetheless, don't come reminding me about this post when you see the next time Oriental Damsel publishes a self wallowing post!

In any case, here's my career plan that I'd like to achieve in a lifetime:

1. Get into the communications field (check)
2. Do a masters in communications or journalism
3. Write or manage communications for an established magazine like Times or Newsweek
4. Get into publications field
5. Write and publish biographies