The WILL is done...

This afternoon, I was at the lawyer's office. They have finally got my Will ready. I signed and my Will takes into effect immediately.

Few months back , I decided to get my Will done and when I looked at it again today, nothing will change. Whatever I have decided before will remain.

With the Will now in effect, I am ready to move on....

--------- Sawbear Travel -------------

For Some Special Friends

There are so many things

to do each day

There is so much going on in the world

of great concern

that often we do not stop and think about

what is really important to us

one of the nicest things in my life

is my friendship with you

and even if we don't have a lot of time

to spend with each other

I want you to always know

how much I appreciate you

and our friendship.

人性的弱点

我们几乎毫不关心自己所拥有的东西。而总是想到所欠缺的东西。你同意吗？

--------- Sawbear Travel --------------

KL Trip

Just got back from KL..... Went to celebrate 2 close friends' birthday.

It was a quiet affair..... just me and the 2 close friends (yes! It was that quiet! Hahahahaha). We went to Shogun..Japanese Buffet Restaurant for lunch on Friday (27 July). As Nelson had to work, dinner was OTOT (Own Time, Own Target). Bought a small cake to celebrate for both Nelson and Ben.

Went to Cameron Highlands on Saturday and spent a night there.... 1st trip to Cameron....hmm.... quite a nice place...cool climate...... lots of strawberry farms and Vege farms.... stayed at Century Pines (Tanah Rata).... nice hotel.....big room.....

Dinner was steamboat at Brinchang.....seemed like the most popular meal there in Cameron! Plenty of vege......very little meat... (and I wonder why....) Healthy meal!

The trip was rather tiring for me (by the way, certainly has nothing to do with age! Hahaha) .... but glad to be there for their birthdays... made the trip very memorable for me....

----------- Sawbear Travel -----------------

Last Working Day...

2 days ago (Wednesday) was the last working day in the current company. You may wonder why I did not write on the last day...well.... I could not log in here!!!!!!!

It was a pretty busy half day..... I was still busy answering calls and closing sales. What??? Yes.....closing sales.... and then went out to buy some afternoon tea for the colleagues... no tearful goodbyes...just lots of 'take care n all the best' and also BBQ and dinner next week! No time to catch up before I leave and so will catch up after I've left! Hahahaha!

Managed to catch up quick dinner with Kelvin, a very dear friend, who is going abroad to pursue his dream. Well, I am sure I would be seeing him especially when I am going back to Travel. Just want him to know ' Take care, Brother. Thanks for being there for me and I will always be here for you as well.'

Well... the new job starts next week..... new challenges ahead.......

----------- Sawbear Travel --------

Counting Down....

Two more days to ROD! Wow! Must be really looking forward.... many would think..Well..... I cannot feel the excitement.....

I have packed most of my stuff and there's really nothing much to hand over....my colleagues have already started to ask if I would leave behind some souvenirs for them.....well...yes....there would be stapler, scotchtape, calculator, pens, etc...hahahahaha!

There's certainly lots to pack... especially having spent 6 years here! Well... most of the stuff would be useful at the new company so I think I will not unpack...just transfer to the new office!!!!

Have decided what to treat the colleagues...will get snacks for afternoon tea on Wednesday....since I would only be working half day.... just my way to thank them for 'putting up' with me all these years! Hahahahaha!

Well.... a week's break with a short trip to KL (again??!!!!) and it's a start of a new chapter in August.....

------------ Sawbear Travel ------------

Last Few Days.....

Next Wednesday would be my last day in the current company. This afternoon, I received an email from my manager that I have not met my sales target... I replied that I have passed the sales to other colleagues. She asked why and I replied that I would not be able to clock the sales and those colleagues who would still be around need the sales more than me! Well.... I am sure this matter would be brought up at the next team meeting!

The past few days till the last day, I would be answering calls whole days. The thing is when we are answering calls, we would not be able to call out to do our campaign sales. My manager sent me an email to say that I would be expected to finish all my campaign sales before my last day and at the same time, I would be on answering mode the whole day! Well, you simply cannot have your cake and eat it, can you???!!!!!!!! Whatever!!!!!!!

While I am looking forward to my new job ( my new Boss told me my target is S$20million - I told him to look for someone else! Then, he told me the original target planned was S$100 millions! Hahahahahaha!), I am quite sad to leave the current job. I have put in a lot of effort into this job and have seen many changes, both good and bad. The experience I have with me would serve me well if I go to another company in the same industry... (still trying to guess where I am working???? Hahahahaha) and to some, it's a waste as I would not need it at my new job. Well, you never know!

I am still waiting to see the HR for my exit interview. She has postponed the interview 4 times! The next time she postpones, I would probably have left the company!!! My colleagues are hoping that through the exit interview, I would help to voice the frustrations in the department. Well, the truth is , many colleagues who left before me have voiced their problems (but to no avail).... what I say would not make any difference. Maybe I should write in to the EVP instead... Hmm......

I have received lots of encouragements about going back to Travel. To all of you, I say 'Thank You'... I will do my best and make the journey a memorable one.

-------------- Sawbear Travel ------------------

Take Control Of Your Own Life

For the past few days, I have been visiting a good friend who was admitted into the hospital. She had uncontrollable High blood pressure and it was rather serious. The Doctor diagnosed that she was under a lot of stress - work related. The first few days, she was in rather bad shape....today, she was discharged, looking much better. She would be on medical leave for a while. The question that came to mind is - will she be going back to handle the stress again?

Few months ago, I was in similar condition.. and a lot was due to stress. My blood pressure was high and so was my heart beat. The doctor gave me medication to slow down the heartbeat.... well.... the heartbeat slowed down but the blood pressure went even higher! I took 2 weeks off from work to relax and went on a short trip. The break did me some good but I was back in the pressurised environment again! Then, I made a decision - I quit!

Many of us end up working for the sake of earning a living. It's not about getting a job that you like, it's about earning enough to upkeep your standard of living. Yes, some fortunate ones get to do the things they like, some get to earn enough to have a comfortable lifestyle. Where went wrong??? Why not me???

Everyone has equal opportunity to strive for a good life. What do I mean? Well, many people believe that hard work pays. If you work hard, one day you will succeed..... the question is...when will that one day come? How long do I have to wait? When I was younger (not that I am a lot older..hahaha) I used to think that life is unfair....now... don't dwell in it.... move on! It's your own life, take care of it yourself! Do not blame others or external factors, if you want to have a successful life, work towards it!

A friend sent me an email about choices... about the life of a man and the choices he made.... whatever choice you make will have it's own consequence. E.g. you can choose to be happy or angry.... whatever choice you made may affect the people and the environment you are in. If you choose to be angry, it may affect your work and the people around you and it may ruin your day... however, if you choose to be happy, you may end up with a wonderful day!

We make choices everyday...... they will affect our lives. Well, if you make a point to think about the consequences that result from the choice we make, it will help us to make the right choice. So, if you make a point to think about what you want to do in life, you will know what need to be done and work towards it. No pain, no gain! Whatever you sow, so will you reap... you work hard to pave your career, you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labour!

It's your life.... and time may run out soon (I mean we will grow old! What are you thinking about???). Take control of your own life..... do the things you have always wanted to do but never got the time; you are only answerable to yourself..... and stop giving excuses!

I know what I want in life...... the question is...do you?

---------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------------

不要轻易低估自己的实力

有时候我们以为了解自己， 其实是在为自己的懒惰找借口。一个能积极面对人生的人， 他的信心一定比别人更强，他的能力也可以得到充分的发挥。

人最可怕的是替自己设限，把自己放到既定的框框内，以致于始终走不出来，只能在有限的成就里打转。事实上真的只能这样吗？如果你不冒险踏出一步，怎么知道自己做不到，怎么知道自己无法成功？

所有成功的条件中，最可贵的就是‘心智’。如果你认定自己能成为什么样的人，你就能成为你所想的样子。如果你还没有踏出一步，就被自己的想法打败，那么任凭有再好的条件都是枉然。

只要你愿意去相信，好运就会跟着你。所有的条件也会因为你对自己那份信心，而无形中慢慢的转变。只要给自己灌注信心，相信没有什么困难解决不了，天底下也没有能困扰你前进的问题了。

--------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Our Friendship Will Always Be Important To Me

Do you remember the 1st time we met?

It seemed we came together

in instant friendship.

We somehow knew we could lean upon

each other,

depend upon one another.

It seemed as though we had always

been friends.

As time has gone by, those feelings

have grown.

We have shared our most secret thoughts

and dreams.

We've helped each other through times

when we never thought we could endure,

and shared with each other the

most memorable days of our lives.

For as long as I live,

you will always hold a place inside of me.

Our friendship will always be

a very important part of my life.

Our relationship is very unique;

it always has been.

I look forward to our future

and to our continued sharing as friends.

-------- Sawbear Travel -------

The Hard Truth

Last Saturday, I visited an old friend across the causeway. It has been a while since I ventured there on my own.... travelling by MRT to Kranji and the "yellow' Bus into JB. No M$?? never mind.... withdraw cash at the MRT station.... ATM out of order???!!!!! Haiz......

Weekend is always jam-packed going in into JB.... thank goodness, it was rather smooth.... the traffic I mean..... hahahahaha... After clearance, went to City Square to wait for my friend (will call him X - to conceal his identity..hahahaha). I scouted around for a ATM machine and for the 1st time, withdrew money from a foreign ATM...it's really simple....just slot in your card, enter your pin (as per pin used in Sg) and Wowla, the money appeared!

It was great catching up wth Mr X and had the opportunity to visit his new place ... nice ....4 dogs!!!!!! In this trip, I visited a seaside place , famous for Nasi Lemak.... opp the restaurant, you can see Sembawang....Well, the nasi was different...... that's all I could say...hahahahaha !

Visited Tebrau City, the BIG shopping Mall in JB. It was great strolling along the shops on Sunday..... not very crowded... The bookshop (Harris) was good - many books! Hey...what do you expect???!!!! Bought some books/ magazines ...... getting rid of the M$......

X and I chatted a lot during the meet-up and it set me thinking about a lot of things. Many times we spend our time and effort on others and honestly... what do we expect in returns? Nothing! But, think about it... one day, when you need to rely on others, will your kindness be reciprocated? Have we spare a thought for ourselves? When we grow old, who will look after us? Will the people we helped, take us in?

I have a close friend, who told me that if he strikes lottery, he will take care of me for life.... well...I am so gratetful..but.. what if luck is not on his side? Can I really depend on him? Can I really depend on anyone? Or, do I have to face the hard truth that I can only depend on myself?

I have only 1 life and I want to live it to the fullest. But, I will grow old and would I be able to to age gracefully or could I?

X reminded me again and again that I need to think for myself.... make sure I can take care of myself....have enough to last me through my old age.....

That's the fact of life.... am I ready to face it........

------- Sawbear Travel -------

Serving Notice.....

It's been a week since I threw in the letter. My manager has made known to the colleagues about my departure..which took some by surprise. For the others, especially the seniors, I have actually informed them earlier..out of respect.... hahahahaha!
Well, the truth is many of them are happy for me. To be able to pursue one's dream is not
something everyone can do it. Some felt that I should have done that much earlier. To my overseas families, they are happy to hear about me going back to Travel.....and they have written in to support my decision...(hmm.... too late to regret now, I supposed) My overseas operators are happy to hear that I am coming back... having worked with me in the past, they are looking forward to working with me again..... this is so encouraging.... (cannot let my head swell.....)

There are some friends who are not in favour of me going back, though. They are concerned about my health...having seen the way I worked while in the travel industry... I thank them for their concern... Well... will take one step at a time.... and see how it goes....

I do not know when my last day would be .... have to wait for the exit interview with the HR... next week. Hope they can release me earlier so that I have a few days to breathe before I start work at the new place....hmm... needs to get some new clothes.....

Still have lots of work to do in the office...hoping that my manager will say that I do not need to do them anymore.... (hmm.....will keep my fingers doubly crossed...).

The mood is indeed very different...however, must not show any 'care less' attitude as it will not reflect very well on me... my colleagues have been telling me...'don't bother...since you already tendered'...cannot.....this kind of attitude is no good.... hahahahaha

It is a norm for the one who is leaving to buy lots of snack and distribute to everyone in the office.... well... I beg to differ....have to think of something different...

A few more weeks to go..... life has to go on.......

----------- Sawbear Travel-----------

A New Chapter soon....

On Monday.... I tendered in my resignation........ it's been 6 years already! Wow....how time flies! I actually lasted longer than I thought......

When I first started with this Company, 3 years was the max... I told myself..... the 1st year went past very fast..... I was still blurr...... did not know a lot of things ...... I spoke to my Director (then) and she said that it was ok.... it would take a few years before I would understand the products and services....well....guess what.....she was right!

Now, with the experience I have, I would probably be one of the seniors in the department (except that I would be the youngest senior as most of them have been here for at least 25+ years! Call me an antique! hahahahaha!)

These 6 years have been very rewarding........did a lot of things....... learned a lot of things as well... and still have lots to learn... with the changing technology....

The colleagues have been wonderful and I have had my fair share of good and not so good (oops!) managers..... well...... it takes all sort to colour my life!!!!!!

As I move back to an industry that I used to be in (and still have great passion for)... I tell myself that I have to work very hard...... I cannot fail..... I am not young anymore and I cannot afford to rest on my past laurels...

A new challenge awaits me.... and a new chapter of my life will soon begin......


----------- Sawbear Travel --------

Turi Beach Resort - your weekend getaway....

Can you find me in there somewhere?

Retreat at Turi Beach Resort, Batam (29 Jun to 1 Jul)

Hooray! Finally...... a retreat to Turi Beach Resort in Batam!

An excited group awaiting for the hotline to finish at 4pm on Friday...... no more incoming phone calls!!!! It's off to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal ........

After the usual check in procedures (and duty free shoppping)..... it's off to Batam! 30 mins ferry ride and we arrived at Nongsa jetty....... and off to Turi Beach Resort (which was abt 5 mins from the jetty).. After checking in (gosh! the accomodation was up the slope ...... so tiring!), it's off to the seafood restaurant for a sumptuous dinner - crabs, prawn, squid, chicken (seafood?), etc..... The rest of the night was spent at the resort's lounge...singing/dancing......

An early start with breakfast and then it's workshop time.... The Director went through the department's performance and also talked about the future direction for the department, etc.... The group was divided into groups to brainstorm on some topics to improve on work performance...and later had some teambuilding games..... After lunch...it's shopping time!!!!! Went to Batam Centre for shopping......... a modern shopping Mall....

Dinner was a sumptuous BBQ at the poolside.... delicious! For the rest of the night...its was karaoke time!

Late breakfast on Sunday morning and then some last minute shopping at the Polo shop (genuine stuff - made in Indonesia (licenced by Polo))- (sorry...if you are thinking that I have bought something for you....think again....hahahahaha ) before catching the ferry back to Singapore.

It's my 1st trip to Batam... the accommodation was not too bad...if you really like a getaway..... no shopping mall nearby..... just the sun, sand & beach.....

During the free time, as I sat down by the beach and look out into the sea..... I rolled back the curtains of memories ...... many events came up.....both happy and sad..... and as I reflect on them, I told myself that I have been very fortunate and God has been very gracious to me.... even for 2007..... many good things have happened in my life....

I told myself not to take life for granted and to continue to live my life to the fullest.... I only have 1 life...... live happily and live to the fullest!

" I expect to pass through life but once.

If there be any kindness I can show,

or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,

let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again,

Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale."

---------- Sawbear Travel ------------