MPH, MID-VALLEY, KUALA LUMPUR

Almost four months after the launch of "As Time Goes By" a book by Lynn Wong (on 25th September 2010) it remains a popular title at the bookshop.

Seen here on the shelf at MPH, Mid-Valley, KL.

Ask for assistance if you should miss it on your next visit.

Enjoy! 

DREAM JOB ...

Is there such a thing as a dream job?

My niece asked me recently. 

She said some of her friends are also faced with this dilemma.

And knowing that I am a Corporate person, she wanted my  thoughts on this subject.

She explained, "I work in a big Organisation that pays very well.  I get to travel first class, stay in posh hotels and eat in good restaurants."

There was a smug look on her face as she continued,  "On top of that my company gives me a generous expense account and I decide on the spending!'

Wow!  that certainly sounds like a dream job to me!

I know of people who would kill for her position.  You do too. I'm sure!

But Hilary, my high-flying, fast-talking and worldly-wise niece is sadly disillusioned. 

She isn't in the least bit thrilled or enthusiastic about visiting exotic places and meeting interesting people.  Once upon a time, she was but today she is just ... cynical. 

She's not yet forty!

And so I asked her, "why?"

She shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "It's so boring!  (and she's talking about New York, London and Cape Town).  Every city is the same! (hello, is that the same Paris, Brussels, Zurich and Shanghai we are referring to) Too much hotel food!" (I was stunned into complete silence).

Executive suites don't impress her anymore. 

Where once the elegant boudoir drew breathless oohs and aahhs, today it is merely a room she retires to sleep at the end of the day after an endless series of meetings and more meetings.

The jet-set life has lost its appeal.  Living out of the suitcase doesn't sound as glamorous or sophisticated as it used to.

"I want a quiet life; sick of meetings and entertaining strange people. Tired of pleasing them.  I want more time for myself.  This busyness cramps my lifestyle!" she insists.

Uh ... okay.  Let me try to digest this.

Perhaps I am anachronistic and a tad old-fashioned but this doesn't compute.  My system doesn't recognise this completely new data entry!

Is she mad?  This is the life, isn't it?

What's with this generation?  Are they so spoilt for choice?  Do they really have so many options?

Is this what an affluent society is about?

You spent a good part of your life, perhaps the first twenty three years, preparing youself for entrance into the market place.  You progress from potty training to nursery to kindergarten.  You skip  to primary and secondary schools; onward to college and then to the university in pursuit of academic qualifications. 
So much invested into your 'future'.

I know parents who had to sell their house, car and pawn their belongings just so they could collect enough to put their children through higher education, usually at coveted institutions of higher learning abroad.  They sacrificed a lot of their own personal comfort in the hope of giving their children a good foundation to start them right in life.  Provide the platform for them to move in the right circle to land the perfect job.

Some of these young people succeed and return gratefully to repay their family for their immence self deprivation and struggles, while there are many others who would opt to remain abroad.  The lure of the big-time in the big city is a constant temptation and selfishly they ignore their responsibiity back home. 

And of course, their aged parents are left saddled with much hardship brought on by huge debts.  Never mind that they have 'lost' their sons or daughters to the lure of greener pastures.
It is very sad indeed but testimonies such as these are numerous and common. We hear of families going bankrupt because of children's education.

Cheng comes from an extremely wealthy family and like most of his kind, he was sent off to boarding school at an early age.  Having spent two decades overseas he returns home, armed with his PhD from a reputable University in England.  His parents are naturally very proud of his academic achievement and often sing praises of his brilliance.

 

Unlike some of his peers who need to look for employment immediately, Cheng had the blessings of his parents to 'just enjoy life'. It was his reward.  

His mother assured him that he need not worry about his livelihood as she and his father would provide well for him while he took his time to look for the perfect job.  As his family own several businesses, he could even work for his father, if he so chooses.

Flashy cars, credit cards with unlimited spending, clubbing and mixing with other rich kids soon influenced him greatly and in some ways led him astray.  Because everything is so easy for him and as money comes without hard work, he soon gets very comfortable with the 'good idle life'.  In time he becomes lazy, lackadaisical and lethargic. 

Several job interviews were unsuccessful because the companies just didn't meet up to his expectations!
His parents encourage him to be choosy and not settle for any position that would reflect poorly on the high social standing of the family.

It's been three years since Cheng graduated and he has yet to find a job that really suits him.  In his own words, his dream job!

Whose fault is it?

His parents, his friends or his own?

Someone defines a dream job as a hobby that you love passionately.  You get paid for this hobby, much more than you expect and think you deserve! AND  to top it all you will never get the sack!

Is there really such a thing as a dream job?

It's like waiting for the knight in shining armour on a white horse!

Although, admittedly dream jobs and knights in shining armour are few and far in between, still we can make the most of what we do have.

Dreams are afterall custom-made ... are they not?

That's for another chapter.

BEHOLD A NEW DAY...

'This is the day that God has made.  I shall rejoice and be glad in it..."

The earth is His foot stool and heaven, His handiwork.

THERE IS A 'REASON AND SEASON' FOR EVERYTHING

You don't really forget, do you? 

The significant firsts in your life; the first time you stepped into a classroom, the first time you rode a bicycle, the first time you got your driving licence, the first time you flew; the first kiss ... the first job... the first boss?

Although these experiences are now buried in the deep recess of your mind, they are still there; locked and sometimes when you look for the key real hard, you will find it.

People come into your life for a reason and a season.

Some of them stay longer, and some others are snatched from you before you are ready to let them go.  Of course when that happens, it leaves you destitute and confused and you look on with wide-eyed blankness  and wondered, "what happened, why me?"

Every relationship deposits something into your life. 

You may not know the what and why at that particular time but sooner or later the 'mystery' will unfold.

Look around and you will find people with various stories to tell.  

They say that adversity qualifies you for a miracle.  Without hardship one will never know comfort.  Without separation, you would never appreciate togetherness.  Without discord, you will never know the importance of harmony. Without chaos, you would never choose to embrace order.

Without pain, you lose the ability to feel and react.

It's only natural that we reject pain, shun it at all cost.

You have a headache?  Take a panadol.  You are pained by anger? Drown it with alcohol. 

You can't sleep? Take a sleeping pill.  You can't get up?  No worries, there are drugs to pep you up. 

And so we manage quite successfully to keep pain at bay.

But is that really the answer to our (root) problems?

In the olden days when medical science wasn't so advance and cures were not discovered, leprosy was a wide spread disease in many parts of the world and lepers were regarded as the outcasts.

They were despised - the untouchables - and banished from society.  Looked upon with disgust and disdain.

Lepers are an ugly sight, I would imagine.  Parts of the leper's body are missing, bits of his nose, fingers, toes etc.  These would just drop off leaving unsightly stubs where once were perfectly formed fingers or toes.  In sleep bits of their bodies would be eaten away by rodents because the leper feels no pain.  Even if he touches fire there is no pain and in that condition the leper cannot save himself.

I believe this is one time that pain would be welcomed and desired.

I cannot begin to understand the sort of trauma that these unfortunate people had to endure just to survive but I did learn an important and invaluable lesson in reading about their plight. 

Pain has its rightful place in our lives.  Pain saves.  It has changed my perspective.

When I look at a situation that angers, irritates, frustrates or grieves me (and all these translate to pain in varying measures), I am now more incline to accept them positively. 

Difficult, domineering, insensitive and unreasonable people (who execute such pain) are thrust into our midst for a reason and a season.  I don't begrudge them anymore but instead look upon them as the apparatus to help make me a better person.  (I know I'll regret saying this just as soon as I've said it.  But it's said!)

This is the era of  'quick fix'  where patience is frowned upon.  We see divorce rates escalating, staff turnovers are high, white collar (blue collar) crimes increasing and scandalous deals rampant because people are constantly in pursuit of excitement, entertainment and amusement; the easy way to deal with pain.

The pain of boredom, the pain of loneliness, the pain of rejection, the pain of poverty ... the pain of a meaningless life.

Conscience is an old fashioned word and seems out of place in modern times but that doesn't make its pricking presence felt any lesser.

In conclusion we are very fortunate to have people who have (and continue to) accompanied us on our journey in life.  They are always with us at birthdays, anniversaries, birth of a child, his baptism, his graduation, weddings and funerals.

Our parents, our spouses, our childhood friends, our pals from the same village/kampung, how much they have enriched our lives and we, theirs.

And there are other friends who share a particular hobby or interest, a colleague, a member from your place of worship, a Face Book acquaintance, someone you meet on a holiday, friend of a friend; undeniably these are very special people who have entered your life (and you in theirs). 

I believe that nothing happens by chance.  In this context your paths crossed for a particular purpose.  The reason may not be obvious immediately and seldom is but it must mean something and sometimes, something significant.

It would be so interesting, enriching, gratifying and even exciting to know the reason for this unique and probably once-in-a -life-time appointment.

And no matter how long the season, it would leave a lasting impression, for these visitations are sacred.

How wonderful to have someone say to me (and you) some day, "You are the reason I can face tomorrow ..."

 That  is reason enough for me. 

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Even in a room full of people, one can feel alone.  Loneliness is a condition of the mind and heart.  Seen the signs all too often ... the empty look ...glazed eyes ... fidgety hands ... a heavy sigh ... a desperate silent cry ... a broken spirit.  

You've experienced it too at some point in your life.  Not interested in anything.  Nothing seems worthwhile.  Sluggish.  Bored.  You are like a zombie. The heaviness in your heart wears you down.  Your constant irritability is replaced by unreasonable outburst of temper tantrums which you regret. 

You try to take your mind off it but it won't allow you.

The incessant gnawing eats at you bringing doubt and suspicion.  You lose your confidence and self-esteem.

If only you know what really irks you.  But you don't.  So, how do you deal with a problem when you don't even know what the problem is?  uh-oh.

I venture to think that your ego is hurt.  

You feel rejected rather than accepted; antagonism in place of admiration.  Perhaps you have fallen out and lost your place of prominence with some one who mattered? And so you are wounded in the heart. Under these circumstances, I guess you would either recoil or retaliate.  Unfortunately neither reaction provides the perfect solution.  

What could be more damaging than the feeling of being unwanted, unworthy?  Cast aside.

  

But hey, there is good news!  You needn't feel this way.  You can snap out of it. (Yeah, sure, that's easy for you to say!)  Okay, not in a jiffy but it can be done just as soon as you decide to do it.  That is how soon you can get out of your depressing state of mind.  

My seventy five year old mother was urgently rushed to the hospital  recently (gave us a terrible scare) with severe chest pain and grave difficulty in breathing. She thought she was having a heart attack.  After a thorough examination, numerous tests and a fat bill to show for them, it turned out that her condition was actually due to excessive worry, fear and anxiety. Her heart is as strong as a 45 year old!

The knowing specialist promptly referred her to a shrink!  (mental doctor!)  You see, she needed a different sort of help!  

Mother got the message and as soon as she made up her mind to 'be well', she was instantly cured.

There are so many 'sick', lonely and hurting people around us who need understanding, caring and giving  - of compassion, empathy, kindness and love...a listening ear.

The homeless, the down-trodden, the beaten, the abused, the rejected, and the outcasts.

Won't you reach out and 'touch someone' and spread some Christmas cheer this season?

You can make for "two less lonely people in the world" today.

I SALUTE YOU ... ONE AND ALL

Some people find it hard to believe that I work. 

They imagine that I am a 'Lady Of Leisure',

a pampered 'Tai-Tai' who is living off a wealthy, doting, attentive husband

 - a provider - who would look after all the money matters!

(If only that's true...chuckle ...)

I'm afraid I haven't perfected the art of controlling the 'purse-strings', his.

(Still a long way to go!)

I'll keep at it, of course, but meanwhile I shall continue to enjoy my work..

In my business, I am privilege (and proud) to meet some of the most intelligent,

impressive, influential, innovative, illustrious and inspiring

(not to mention incredibly beautiful and good looking) personalities in the industry. 

This has got to rank as the Number One reason why I find my work meaningful,

refreshing and invigorating ...

There is never a dull moment.

To all the special people who make my work life exceptional, engaging
and exciting in so many different ways,

I salute you...
You're the best!

(ps. For the time being, I can only post these photos but that is not to

say that I have exhausted the list.  Definitely not!

I shall return with more pictures from the archives for your viewing pleasure.)

CHRISTMAS IN HONG KONG

I get nostalgic just thinking about it ...


Attached pictures of three Christmases ago with family and friends, walking the streets of 'Lan-Kwai-Fong' on Christmas Day ... aahhhhh ... such a wonderful feeling of warmth, welcome and wellness.


And Yes!  I'm spending this Christmas season in Hong Kong, one of my favourite places in the world ... yea...


Mystical, magnetic, magical and magnificent Hong Kong, here I come!

HOME SWEET HOME ...

Yes, another week has gone by.

The market place is an exciting place, frightening as well. 

Most of us work out of need.  And since this is something that is expected of us, we might as well make the best of it!

Winning is what all corporate games is about.  But to make it sound nicer and more civilise, we prefer to say, 'Lets have a WIN-WIN situation in all work related confrontations!

When it comes to fierce competition for that coveted promotion or to land that big deal, it's each man for himself!

Although the steps up the proverbial ladder of success are made of cardboard and the two poles that you grasp to haul yourself up are greased with oil, doesn't seem to deter the corporate aggressor in you to make a go at reaching the summit.

It's a dog-eat-dog world; a rat race.

And may the best rat wins!

I had a look at my normal work week and at the end of the exercise came up with some interesting findings.

I occupy an 18 feet by 20 feet space at an office which measures in total 44 feet in width by 95 feet in length.

Considering that, I am quite comfortable and am better off than many who are confined in tiny cubicles of 4 feet by 8 feet.

It's a privilege that comes with the position! (broad smile)

In case you have different ideas, I do go there to work and not to enjoy the air-conditioning! (wink)

In a normal work week I would view an approximately 700-800 emails (on 3 different email addresses), 80 percent of them are on the business while the balance are personal and forwarded ones.  I need only reply personally on 30 percent of those that are related to work.  The rest are delegated.  Another privilege accorded to my position!

Weekly, I take in a minimum of ten to twelve meetings/discussions; several phone calls, mostly pleasant ones.

(I make my usual rounds, acknowledging all the other staff and even stopping to ask about the janitor's (an Indonesian woman in her forties) health and how her family is doing back home. Not forgetting also the Indian boy who whistles while cleaning my car.  He happily breaks into song (and does a jig) whenever he sees me. He knows lunch for that day will be a little more lavish because of the extra 'kopi money' he will receive for certain.)

I need my coffee to start the day and consume up to 18 cups (ten of 3-in-1 and the rest Kopi-O) and 8 large mugs of Chinese tea. My weekly ration.

Who says work is a bore?  It needn't be.

Brunches and lunches are usually taken in different restaurants with a wide selection of Chinese, Indian, Muslim, Italian, German, Japanese, Vietnamese etc...

Distance is never a deterrent when it comes to food.  Somedays I would do 50 kilometres just to have the best 'kway teow soup' in town... thanks to the recommendation of food expert Mr. Wong.  With the assistance of the now popular GPS, I can tell the difference between Semenyih and Segambut! (Don't laugh.  I bet you didn't know the difference between the two at one time as well!) heheheh

On a normal work week with no incidents of bad weather, floods or accidents on the highway, I put in an average of 20 hours on the road; with a minimum of 45 stops at the toll booths, 25 stops at the traffic lights and 2 stops at the SHELL or PETRONAS station for fuel.

Sounds familiar? 

A lot of hours are spent on the road but I'm okay with the arrangement for the present. Drive time is a good time for thinking, planning, strategising, scheming,  reflecting but mostly I use this 'quiet time' for dreaming ... big dreams.

My efforts at work may not be immediately visible but I know for sure that the 'seeds' I have sowed are slowly taking roots.  Eventually they will grow.  I believe I am engage in meaningful work and that adds value to my life.

I am grateful for the career that I have built and the lifestyle it supports.

On the other hand, much as I enjoy the daily adrenaline rush generated at work and tackling the various challenges of doing business, I look forward to ... going home in the evenings.

There is something welcoming about the lights at the porch which would be ON and already visible from a distance. 

Our dog would be at the gate, barking with delight and she'll be wagging her tail like crazy ...

Alighting from the car, I'll kick off my 4 inch 'Charles & Keith' stilettos and slip into softly padded slippers placed neatly and discreetly at the same corner by the winding staircase.

There is a familiar smell as I enter the kitchen...and reach for a glass of freshly squeezed apple juice ... raid the cookie jar and help myself to a large piece of crispy rich Scottish short-bread... sink into my favorite chair and wait for the 'gong' to sound announcing that dinner is ready.

Yes, it's nice to be at work but it's nicer still to be home - sweet home - after a highly charged day at the marketplace. 

2nd Edition

Dear Friends,

Warm greetings!

I thought you might like to know that we are preparing for the 2nd Edition of As Time Goes By - a book by Lynn Wong.
Yes! the stock to the first lot of Limited Edition is fast running out.
A million thanks to all who supported - whether it was in the purchase of one or one hundred copies!

I am deeply, deeply touched by the many positive feedbacks and responses.
Several people have called me personally to express their heartfelt gratitude for the 'inspiring elements' found in the book.
The best one among all the comments came from a retired nurse.  She has this to say, "You've breathed new life into this old heart...and created a stirring so strong that has caused me to want to do something to help."
This previous 'Florence Nightingale' is prepared to come out of her comfortable retirement to serve once again.

She explained that she found renewed purpose and challenge in her 'old age' through the article on "How Will You Be Remembered?"
She said that perhaps this is a higher calling for her to make a difference and that her life will take on a new meaning through this experience.

Excerpts from the article:
"Rather than take a complacent stand, we should speak up, stand up and support the protection and preservation of our children.  We should not tolerate anymore the injustices done to them." unquote

To the question of, "Will you do something positive to alleviate their sufferings today?"
Her answer was a resounding Yes! Yes! Yes!

I am so glad that ATGB can and do make a difference in people's attitudes and spur them to take action for good changes.
What a privilege it is for me to witness this through my writing. (Giving thanks with a grateful heart).

Back to the 2nd Edition, I'll have more updates in my next post.

Cheerio!

- Lynn -

From the Chapter 'Ordinary Things' by Lynn Wong

I ’ve stopped looking for the spectacular and realized there are excitement

and anticipation in mundane and monotonous situation as well. 

Routine is better. I like to get up in the morning and know what needs to be done. 

It would be terribly depressing and unsettling to have no schedules, 

no plans, no to-do lists! 

The beds would not be made, there would be no food in the refrigerator.

Who would send the kids to school and pick up the laundry?

Consistency is preferred over chaos. Familiarity works well.  

Who needs furniture to be moved every day! Controlled freedom is preferred.  

Assigned parameters are good as they draw clear boundaries to ensure we don’t 

step out of line, yardsticks to measure how far we can go. Who likes to live in a 

lawless state? Orderliness is another form of freedom. Consistency works just as 

well with creativity and innovation. Discipline may be a word many would avoid as 

it denotes certain limitations; out of bounds.   

However, who  would want to suggest that discipline be removed entirely from homes, schools  and government?  

Allow for inquisitiveness; reject complacency and false contentment.

Challenge the mind. Doing the ordinary things for extraordinary results.