Alpha House

I think Ursula is already a bit gila-gila now. At first, she asks me not to touch on the range review yet. The focus now is to push for the year end sales as much as possible during this BTS 2013, Xmas 2013 and CNY 2014. We shall do it next year. Then, all of a sudden – her motivation is up this week and she wants to do it ASAP. I think The General is giving her the pressure. I can feel her frustrations at a lot of the levels. I think that; she feels that she is all alone. She is neither here nor there.

Bottled Passion

This is what Ursula emailed me on Monday:

Hi J___, I think you can go on leave as the only BTS dept that is positive MTD 2%
Well done !!!

Wow…getting such a praise from Ursula :) Leonardo also never praised me like that. But first of all, I need to praise GOD first & foremost. Thank You GOD, Praise To The Lord, Bless You GOD. So far, I am the only BTS department that is on a positive trend. The school uniforms and shoes (under the Textile Department) are still negative. Nonetheless, this is only the first lap of the marathon. I still have a very very long journey in front of me. This is nothing to shout about. If I can close the YTD positive, then this is a miracle. Will GOD be my miracle maker? :)

I replied back to Ursula (via watsapp) that she needs the leave more than I do. I think Ursula needs the rest to rejuvenate herself. Stationery is not an easy department. It’s not in a good condition currently as well. The biggest challenge is that Ursula doesn’t have the favorability from The General. I think The General have sidelined her a little. The bond among Marcus, Leonardo & Barry is getting stronger by the day. Thus, Ursula is being isolated in one corner. She doesn't have that many friends in the office right now. More enemies (perhaps). I don’t know how Ursula’s relationship with Christy is right now. Is it already on the mend or is it still remain as frosty as ever where Ursula is still doing Christy’s work on behalf. Are they even talking to each other in the first place? Then, what about the relationship between Ursula with Gerrard and Shawn? Sigh…when I was under Leonardo previously - Leonardo was not being favored or liked by Mr. Jan Vet. And when now, I am currently being under Ursula - it is Ursula's turn to have a change of fortunes. So, am I being fortunate or unfortunate here?

Globally Organized : Hug A Runner Day

I was on leave the other Friday :) Then Ursula called me around 9.30am-ish…I didn’t pick up her call. I needed to get her out from my system. Almost everyday, I am having a one-to-one review with her. It's good, but on that day, I just needed a break. I need to remove her from my organism. However, I was worried that it may be something urgent, so I watsapp her back at 12.18 pm :)

Me: Boss, u looking 4 me? Anything?
Ursula: Done ALREADY check on competitors press advert
Me: thank u thank u (i also inserted the competitors press ad picture)
Ursula: I don’t know correct or not. But seem that u very good to avoid. Or they very good to follow u. Propose on 6 – 8 Dec we go for 40mm file at RM4.59. Maybe if u got stock can arrange. Show some balls!!! No no after no gp%
Me: Huh? (then show the ok hand sign)

I am not so sure what was she babbling and contradicting about. I try not to advertise the same thing as my competitors does. Ursula have make some huge file investment buys but the above item was not in her list. Ursula wants me to have the courage in terms of sharp pricing but then hesitates in case I compromise on the department's margin. What is this?! I think she is also kelam kabut already :)

GO HARD

Blessing 004 >> Palm Mall Fixture List. Stationeries are very small items. It’s so hard to put an actual estimate on the number of hooks, shelving, bars, dividers etc that it requires for a new store opening. Luckily – Paula is willing to help me out and do it on my behalf. Paula (was also on MC on Friday) – whether she will keep her word or not – I am not so sure – but I will call her tomorrow morning to re-confirm – but to have people helping me out in time like this – I am just very grateful. That Friday has been an adventure for me. Even though, it was difficult but it was a blissful and humble moment for me.

share the sweat

Blessing 003 >> another new store will be opening soon. A supermarket format this time around – Palm Mall. Seriously, I have never done a supermarket format with 11 bays before. Thank You GOD, Praise To The LORD, Bless You GOD – that Miss Dong was on hand to help me, to check on my layout and to advise me on the changes as well. At that point of time, I’m just trying my best to make my lemonade as tasty as possible. That’s all :)

#CharmedReboot

Blessing 002 >> this case is a bit complicated. The General does not get along very well with the Operations Team. I have no idea why. The Operations Team are eager to quickly kick-start all of the refurbishment of our current stores but The General would much more prefer that the HQ Buyers finalizes their range review first before implementing and executing them at the store level. So yeah, to a certain extent – this has cause some friction, miscommunication, lack of trust and even synchronization between the store level and the HQ people. But hey, this is one of the G13's culture and its own peculiar rules. Like Ursula mention to me the other day, this is how the rule of the game is and we shall play with it accordingly. Officially, the stores that I know which are currently going to refurb soon are GHSW and GXUK. We have gotten the store layout and are in the middle of working the aging, inactive, deleted and active sku list. However, no one knows anything about GXKT. I don’t even know about it until this very particular supplier complain to me that his space have been reduce from 4 bays to 1 bay and this is his top-selling, top-performing store. I heard that The General do not agree with the refurbishment plans but the Operations Team went ahead with it. With or without his consent. When I spoke to Nancy (the Ops 1 Coordinator) & Pat (the Project Leader for this Refurbishment Assignment) – they only say that I should get the new layout from my Boss.

So this particular supplier makes a very big hoo-haa (as usual, nothing is new here). Ursula was on MC on Friday. I spoke to my GXKT department head – also tak guna – his own backyard, his own territory is being attacked – but he say that he have to follow the Refurbishment Team instructions. The supplier said that he have spoken to the Store Manager but the Store Manager push back the responsibilities to HQ, saying that it was the Buyer’s decision. Fuck! Since when I have a say in all of this. This refurbishment scheme was not even an official project and was not recognize at the HQ level.

I don’t know whether I did the right thing or not. Perhaps it was wrong. Maybe, I was being too childish and emotional at that time. Since the rule of the game is like this – where the Refurbishment Team holds a bigger power and authority over the Store Team – I decided to ask Nancy & Pat for help. Thank You GOD, Praise To The LORD, Bless You GOD. In the end, Nancy & Pat agree to give 1 Bay and 2 Offer Bins back to the supplier. The store is having space limitations due to the current BTS, Christmas and CNY events. Once these major events are over, the supplier will get back their 4 offer bins. I thought the problem was solved. Mana tahu, the supplier spoils my Friday evening – called me up and scolded me. Saying that I pusing him around. I was so pissed off. I took the initative to try to re-solve his problem. I could use the easy way out. I could get him to call Ursula, The General or even the CEO. I could have brush everything aside. I could have postponed everything until Monday. Wait for Ursula to come back. I am also trying to save and salvage the sales as much as possible. My own store people is so dungu and don’t want to do anything at all. Don’t want to voice out, don’t want to justify, don’t want to fight for the space to the Refurbishment Team. This issue is yet to be close. This supplier will call Ursula tomorrow morning (for sure). I am really sorry if Ursula has to clean up this mess for me.

This supplier is very challenging to handle. I try to grow his competitor but still failed. This supplier is demanding, very logical, committed and most importantly, he knows how to play the modern trade game. If you promised him 3 offer bins – you better give him 3 offer bins. 1 offer bin less – he will chase you to hell and back. It’s been taxing and I’ve been thinking if I want to continue with his services…but he is the biggest supplier for the children books in the retail trade at the moment. Sigh...

Dark Is Beautiful

I want to count my blessings…for this very particular Friday 22nd November. 4 events (in a day) took place…nothing that was life changing…only further reinforcement that GOD has his hands on me. Thank You GOD, Praise To The LORD, Bless You GOD. GOD – please continue to shower me with your ideas, thoughts, guidance, vision and philosophies on how to be a better person, to change and to make things better. Please continue to rain down on me :) I’m spiritual not religious, I’ll absorb whatever I can absorb.

Blessing 001 >> BTS Leaflet; I thought that this supplier is letting me to sell this particular color ring file @ RM7.79 with a special promotion mechanics of Buy 2 Free 1. Worth the bargain isn’t it? Actually, it’s not. It is suppose to be at RM15.59 with the special promotion gimmick of Buy 2 Free 1. I was the one who is so blur and got the whole costing mix up. The worst part is that the leaflet will need to be output soon (deliver to the printers for printing). If the final artwork is already output, then, I am going to be so screwed because I will cause the department to lose so much of money. But GOD saves me! I was already in a panicky mode. I don’t know how I am going to explain to Ursula and to The General on my stupid mistake and my carelessness. The Marketing Team was having their routine Friday morning briefing. Nobody was around to brief me on the status of the artwork. I was playing the guessing game all by myself. Finally, I am still able to manage to correct back the pricing to RM5. The artwork has not been send to the printers yet. I was just this close to failure. GOD, you are indeed mighty to save! I was so touched, humble and relief. Tears of joy. I cherished the dynamics of living, more than ever now.

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about you
It's all about you, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it
When it's all about you
It's all about you, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is yours
Every single breath

Women Of Worth

Liverpool 3 – 3 Everton :|
The Press reported that it was a trilling derby between these 2 great rivals. Sigh…only manage to secure a point. Title contenders yet? Hardly. Come on REDS. YNWA!

because coffee makes you groovy

November is a thanksgiving month :) Every November comes and goes. Before I know it – it’s already the coming of a brand new year. November is also the month where I will reflect on the things that I have experience for the past 10 months. On the personal front – I feel pretty contented about it. However, on the working /career growth part – life has not been all that great, of course. It was a disaster. It was a failure. It was like a Titanic. I hit rock bottom, deep down into the great ocean. I remembered when I was with the French – when I was holding the Bicycle, Camping, Nautism, Sports / Live Plants, Live Pets / Furniture / Toys & Luggage categories – I developed new concepts, I explore new product and category development, I had so much of accomplishments, I deliver & contribute to the team, life was tough but there was also a lot of enjoyment to it. Here…I just feel so de-motivated. I don't even have 1 sucess story to write about for this year! Damn it! I can’t even explain why I can’t wake up from it. Why have I been sleeping for so bloody long? One of my supplier pointed out that it wasn’t me at that time when it happen. How come?

I love the triggers that Ursula provides me. Perhaps, Ursula knows how to manage me better that Leonardo. I know that I also have a very bad habit. When my heart is not at the right place, I will become very sien and just don’t care about everything. I’m like a sponge. If there is too much negative energy or non-dynamic forces going around, I will be like a dead corpse. But if there are many positive ions emerging, I will be like an Energizer bunny. I know that I should have been more persistent with Leonardo but I certainly don’t get it why I didn’t follow through. Is it really not me at that time? I am not pointing fingers here. I am just laying down the facts and trying to figure out where I went wrong. It’s the worst careers season that I ever had. Yeah, something about looking back that makes me realize just how much life can take different turns within a year…this hurt my confidence & personality like hell. I am actually very easy to manage. Just get my heart at the right place. I am not an ambitious or aggressive person in climbing up the corporate ladder. If you are, just bring me along and I will get the job done. I have no intention to topple anyone. However, I am go-getter in getting things done.

Yeah, like I have told Ursula - I have to get up from where I fell. I have to will myself. Don’t overthink. Don’t worry about perfection. Just get on with it and keep on moving. Keep it simple and achievable!

THERE'S A SUNRISE AND A SUNSET EVERY SINGLE DAY :)

GOD – will I be able to ROAR again?

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything
You held me down, but I got up (hey!)

Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, your hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I had enough
I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, the fire
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!

Now I'm floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero

You held me down, but I got up (hey!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, your hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, the fire
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!

Roar, roar, roar, roar, roar!

I got the eye of the tiger, the fire
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

You're gonna hear me roar!

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

You're gonna hear me roar!

-Roar: Katy Perry-

never let anyone dictate the hour of your happiness

GOD – today I am truly grateful beyond words. Today. And every day. I will kick ass, I will laugh at my own incompetencies and mistakes, I will take note that experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted, brick walls are there to let us show our dedication, don’t be so defensive, do not point fault at others, I will tell the truth, be earnest, I will apologize when I screw up, to focus on others, not myself, to get a feedback loop and to really listen to it, don't complain, I will just need to work harder and be prepared that "luck" is where preparation meets opportunity. And the most important thing of all is that GOD – you are the Center of it all. I want to count my blessings today. Thank You for everything. I couldn’t ask for more. GOD, please continue to be the Center of my life.

Jesus at the center of it all
Jesus at the center of it all
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it's always been You Jesus
Jesus

Jesus at the center of it all
Jesus at the center of it all
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it's always been You Jesus
Jesus

Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do
Jesus You're the center, everything revolves around You
Jesus You, at the center of it all
The center of it all

Jesus be the center of my life
Jesus be the center of my life
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it's always been You Jesus
Jesus

Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do
Jesus You're the center, everything revolves around You
Jesus You
Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do
Jesus You're the center, everything revolves around You
Jesus You

From my heart to the Heavens
Jesus be the center
It's all about You
Yes it's all about You

So Jesus be the center of Your church
Jesus be the center of Your church
And every knee will bow
And every tongue shall confess You Jesus, Jesus
Say His name, Jesus, Jesus...

From my heart to the Heavens
Jesus be the center
It's all about You
Yes it's all about You

Booze, Balls & Bands

After reading the shocking news of Mini Shorts – I’m just very grateful for this entire life package that the Almighty has given me :) It’s taken me some time, but I’ve come to realize that an ordinary, happy & fulfilling life is something to be thankful for. When I was in my 20s, I shunned ordinary. I wish a lot during that time. I wanted my life to be bigger, brighter and better than it was. I longed for an exciting life, not a dull or, worse, ordinary one. Better job, better salary, better assignments, better holidays, better parties, better car, better clothes, better shoes, better everything. And I chased them all. I manage to catch some too. My priorities have changed because of age and perspective. If ever a person needs a reality check on what really matters in life – it’s growing older. I realize just how fragile life is, not only my own, but also the people that I love. The older you get, the more aware you are that life can change in a split second, and you start valuing what you have and what is really precious to you. And at my age, such news will find me and with increasing frequency too. I am going to life my life to the fullest after this :)

For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his happiness or unhappiness on major events like a great job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Pairs, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness – Andy Rooney (an American TV & Radio presenter)

LIFE…is full of surprises at the moment…

I am an avid follower cum reader of the minishorts.net blog. The writer is actually Miss Claire Khoo. She is an active blogger, I enjoyed her amusing, thought-provoking writings and inspirational findings on her daily life and just about on everything that happens in our society. I saw an ambitious, single, corporate woman (she prides herself as someone who is very opinionated and hence decisive) trying to find her way in this life, saw her fell in love with the man of her life; Eric and the birth of her 2 boys – Paul & Mark. Since her marriage and the arrival of her children, she have scale down on her blogging activities; perhaps to have an ordinary, quiet and unassuming virtual citizen life. Occasionally, she will post some pictures of her family. Recently, she have changed her blogging address to clairekhoo.com – I thought it was a routine re-branding exercise (due to her change in status) but I was absolutely stunned when I read further. In August this year, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It was an OMG moment for me. She was only 33 years old. The kids are young, I am sure that there are many things that she have yet to achieved, her future is so bright…it seems not fair. Nonetheless, she is a fighter, a victor and I believe that she will indeed survive.

Thank You GOD, Praise To The LORD, Bless You GOD – that I am OK. Hence, I feel determined towards making a small contribution towards the breast cancer research, a cure, prevention, support and promotion. Because these young women out there surely deserves better, a second chance to lead a much more fulfilling life with their families & friends. I also really adore the worldwide PINK marketing campaign towards Breast Cancer. The movement is so uniting, beautiful and touching. It may not be real. I may not be affected by it, thus I’m not moved to give. However, the challenge is to make it real, with knowledge. Make it personal, by giving.

Sleazy Dizzy

Work Tales - I was in a very big trouble this week :( Nonetheless, Thank You GOD, Praise To The LORD, Bless You GOD that the matter has already been settle.

What happen was – all of the stores are gradually setting up for the BTS event. They are displaying the stationeries standees from both of the local suppliers and the import items. Plus getting additional offer bins to prepare for the influx of the stationeries stocks. For GHSA (the store downstairs) was no exception either. As a matter of fact, GHSA have to do an even better job because its HQ is upstairs and it was also the sales champion for 2012. However, as we do not have a proper designated promotion area like the English or the French/Japanese – most of the time, the buyers have to compete for space. Before the trouble starts, Ursula has already commented that it was awful. So I went down to the store and feedback to Ursula on my next course of action. The A4 paper that was blocked up will be remove and park back to the home bay. The A4 paper space will be taken up with 2 offer bins and will be displaying exercise books/exam pads/exam sheets and book cover/book wrappers instead. Once the local flat price stocks are in, I will need additional 2 offer bins. If the store team cannot get the space for me – my contingency plan will be to convert the 2 children books tables to 2 offer bins as a temporary measure. That space will be able to open up an extra 2 offer bins which we can display the flat price stocks. Ursula said ok.

Then, mana tahu – the next day, during my lunch break, I went inside the store - my BTS standees already eat into Alice’s territory :( My face was so pucat. It is illegal and I know Alice will kill me. I instructed my Department Head to remove them off immediately but he told me that he was instructed by the Division Manager and the Area Manager. There is just no more space. Actually, it was Grocery who took up most of the space because they are over stock. Then after lunch, I retreat back to my room; contemplating how am I going to solve this problem. Alice will find me for sure. Her Christmas stocks are also flooding in. But the biggest headache of all is that it involves both Leonardo & Ursula. I don’t want to put the both of them in trouble. I certainly do not expect Leonardo to side me as well. Leonardo already abandoned me for good. Anything, Leonardo also doesn’t care, doesn’t bother and make don’t know. Now talk, also don’t want to talk. Anything communicates via email. Its that bad. Leonardo is the best friend of Alice & Celtic now. I also for sure don’t expect Ursula to back me up either. I don't know what to do. Shortly after, I can hear that Alice storm into Leonardo’s room. Alice husky voice could be heard. Loud & clear. Stating that this issue was not against the person but against the problem. Alice have checked with the Ops 1 coordinator and say that there was no instruction coming down from the Area Manager. So, who is actually giving the instruction then? Everyone is apparently pushing it aside and making me look like the culprit.

I quickly consulted Celtic. Celtic ask me to stay calm and pretend to make don’t know. Don’t bring the subject up to Leonardo & Ursula. Let the store solve the problem themselves. If Alice does comes in and scold me, just calmly say that you will check and get back to her. In the end, I didn’t say anything to Leonardo but I did prompt Ursula; just in case if the fire gets bigger & hotter. Ursula also mentions that she doesn’t know anything about it. According to Pietro, Alice was damned pissed off with me. Luckily Pietro was on my side and was helping me out by saying that – knowing my good self, confirm it’s not my work. Maybe it was Ursula who gave the instruction to the store people. Pietro cannot get along with Ursula and decides to cucuk Ursula :)

The next day, I met up with the Ops 1 coordinator twice. The first meeting, I didn’t bring up the subject. It was only during the second meeting that I mention about the matter. I try to get sympathy vote here :) I told the Ops 1 coordinator that I don’t know what to do, I ask the store team to remove the standees as soon as possible, I didn’t bring up the subject to both Leonardo & Ursula. I want to tell you but don’t know how. It works. The Ops 1 coordinator said that the matter has already been resolved. The store team will remove one of the diaper blocks and give back to the stationery team. Alice will have her block back and will display together with the Christmas Decos. This Ops 1 coordinator only communicates with Leonardo & Alice on the changes as Ursula is the number 1 enemy in this Ops 1 coordinator list.

Whew…what an escape, what a relief. Looks like I have to PR even harder after this. But I do realize that a perception has already been built around Ursula. Whether Ursula did it or not, everyone thinks that it was Ursula’s doing. Maybe, during Mr. Jan Vet’s reign, Ursula has abuse and manipulates that privilege to the max. I also told Ursula. I don’t know whether you give the instruction or not, I give you the benefit of the doubt that you didn’t do it. I choose to believe Ursula.

Lady Maid Maid

Strange…this week – 3 times Ursula have mention to me that she is sort of like sien with her work, she is very envy of the French/Japanese HardLine/Appliance Director who have a bigger team than hers & only purely does Appliance alone. And Ursula wants to look for a new job. And I just brush her off by saying ‘yeah right’ and ‘pigs will fly in the sky’. I know what the problem is. Ursula’s crisis is that she is not being favored by The General. It is open secret that The General likes Leonardo & Marcus very much. Ursula and Barry are totally out from the picture. Previously, under Mr. Jan Vet – Ursula is the blue eye girl. Ursula manages to get away with everything. Not to say that Ursula has no substance – Ursula does have the essence (as a matter of fact; way better that Leonardo) – but Ursula no longer have the upper hand like she used to. When Ursula told me that The General commented that she is not a team player – I know that Ursula is already in deep shit. When you are in the corporate world, it is very important to have the bosses liking you and backing you up all the way. Ursula has also made many enemies with the store people. She is definitely not in a good place right now. So, now I not only have to PR with the Merchandise Team but I also have to PR with the Store Team as well. I don’t know how long Ursula will be in cold storage. From what I see, right now – Ursula needs to lay low, back off a little, not so high profile as before, leverage strong support from the suppliers, the store people, from her own team and keep on pushing for the sales. Let The General worried a little on why there is no more noise coming from Ursula’s camp. Ursula also told me that she also called up Mr. Jan Vet to complain and express her frustrations. At first, I was shocked by her honesty but then I slowly realized that her points were completely valid. Mr. Jan Vet was her mentor after all.

Loaf Potion

Ursula taught me the other day to build up my very own Purchase File. It actually contains my department item codes, item description, block status, vendor code, vendor name, outright/consignment status – then vlookup with the stocks on hand data together with every month data on every item code total quantities sold, total sales value and total GPRM. From there, I will be able to know what are my Top 100 items for every month and what to advertise in the leaflet. I have to give her the credit. Ursula is such a genius. She say that she will run the report for me; after I tease her that she always help out Christy. I say no, I will do it by myself. I told her on Friday evening that I will try to build the report by myself (because there are many files that needs to be vlookup) on Saturday. And guess what…Ursula also turn up on that Saturday morning too. At least, I have given her the impression that what I say, I will do. Its funny. The first time around, when Ursula mentions that she is coming in on a Saturday, which I didn't say anything, I also turn up for work. This second time around - I say that I will come in to build the report, Ursula did not mention anything but she did turn up :) However in the end, the sales report was able to be generated but not on the stock holding report. System error. But Ursula manages to get one of the MA to run them for me. I don’t care if Ursula is really the villain – I am here just to do my job.

an essayist

OMG – this Ursula is damn super-detailed to the max. PO; Ursula wants to check. Forms; also Ursula wants to go through line by line. Ursula just asks too many questions. Of course, it’s good that we know what we are doing…but it’s very tiring to answer each one of them in detail. Correct, if I do no wrong, why am I worried. Its only when I do something suspicious that I should be worried in giving my answers. It’s also that, I don’t want to show Ursula my weaknesses and inadequacies. I know Ursula is just testing me, trying to understand my reasoning for executing a particular task. However, I just don’t want to be seen to be leaning to a particular store, or to favor a particular supplier or covering up my previous old mistakes. This game of being cautions and mindful is also very tiring leh. I am not saying that it’s a bad thing that Ursula is holding me accountable. It is actually good so that I will be more responsible, put in more effort, being more thorough, more heart & soul…it’s just that I need to change my own mindset and the way of doing things.

Man vs Food

Am I the childish one here or is Ursula being childish herself? Twice in a week – Ursula ask me to say Thank You to her.

Scene 001 – Ursula was on her way out from her office, heading for the Senawang store visit with both Gerrard & Shawn. Then, one of the Ordering Team MA passed a piece of paper for Ursula to sign. Coincidently, the document was regarding my department and I was right in front of her. Ursula asks me to say thank you before proceeding to sign off the document. In front of all the other MAs. Ursula treated me like a kid like that (how will the other MAs look at me from now on? it’s like Ursula had me under her thumb), I was caught by surprise and it didn’t leave me with any room to maneuver or to react.

Scene 002 – fortunately that this time around, it took place in my room. Ursula drop by just to tell me that The General approve the Christmas clearance list. Still…

a tale for the time being

This fuels my curiosity even further. Ursula said; better don’t start doing on the Range Review first. Reason being – there are a lot of things that needs to be follow-up. Who doesn't know that. What the…I don’t buy Ursula’s answers. I felt that she is indeed hiding something. Every Buyer in the division has already started on their range review project except for Baldwin’s furniture and myself. I think Pietro, Alice, Madeleine, Christy, Gerrard and Ramly almost completed theirs. Nonetheless, I also think that it’s a good idea that I am the last one to do it. I also rather kick off the project next year. Let me clear off my BTS, Christmas, CNY and all of the pending paperwork first. I can then start to manage the 2014 Contract Negotiation and the Range Review project hand in hand. Still, Ursula's reluctance or timing worries me a little.

Garang Pictures

Work Tales - Xmas Clearance – Ursula is such a genius! I have a lot of aging stocks in my department; majority of them are from the previous Christmas old stocks. These are the leftovers seasonal deco. Christmas merchandise is slightly more challenging as the time frame is short and the stocks (unlike stationery) cannot be sold all year long. I don’t know how (previously) Leonardo or Jonas cleans up these old lists; whether there was any special formula or special mechanics for it. But the way Ursula sells the whole clearance story to The General is using from the Age perspective point of view. For example, let’s go drastic on the markdowns for the stocks that were brought in since 2009, 2010 and 2011. It is not healthy to keep these stocks that are 4 years old. This point is already strong enough to convince anyone. Instead of stating how much stock value that we have on hand, how much stock value that is already under the flat price format, how much stock value that is not under the flat price format yet, how much investment to go further etc. Brilliant!

Pickapita

Gulp – I am in deep shit – Ursula also said that I think things and make things very complicated :( Just like what Leonardo have commented about me earlier on. Am I?!

underdogs, misfits & the art of battling giants

This week, I also have the opportunity to tease Ursula 3 times :) But after this, I cannot do it anymore. Or else, Ursula will be very kecil hati. And I will be in deep trouble for sure. Ursula have been telling me how she have been doing the ordering for the Top 100 sku for the Auto/DIY category – then I asked Ursula back, why she didn’t load in the stocks for the Stationery Department as well. Ursula went down to our Senawang store with Gerrard & Shawn to draw up the Appliance Department new layout – I asked again, why Ursula didn’t help me to draw up the new layout for the Stationery Category as well. Ursula mentions that she have been doing indent allocations and reports for Christy – I cheekily say that Ursula is not being very fair because she is doing it on behalf for Christy and not for me :) Nonetheless, I also jokingly told Ursula that I was only pulling her leg. I will do back my own job. I don’t want to be a repeat case study of Pietro or Christy. If I am so, then I am very screwed. I have to remember and take note of my status – I am an orphan and a step child. I have to be independent. I have to take care of my own territory. Ursula is not going to extend her protection over me, Ursula is not going to back me up…I’m on my own now.

Ursula then start to tell me about her new department (mobile prepaid) and Auto/DIY – I directly shoot at her back – 'you don’t want me is it? Ask me to go here, ask me to go there'. Ursula said that it will be a new challenge for me. I shoot back that the Stationery Portfolio is already a big challenge in itself. Ursula just smiled. Something is fishy here. Something is not quite right somehow. I try not to think about it, but I'm sure somewhere along the line, it thinks about me :)

Every day, I am working late. And I still haven't and can’t complete my every day’s to do task list. IT IS KILLING ME ALREADY. Imagine, Ursula is already in the office when I come in the morning and the last to leave. She is such a workaholic. Her mobile phone is actually link to the company’s email. She replied emails day & night. Who knows, she even worked from 5am to 12am on a daily basis and she is a mother of two girls yah! Sometimes I wonder if I want to continue down this super-duper-career woman path; that may takes me to where my boss or previous boss is now, some day. About 60% of the time I consciously tell myself no. Another 20% of the time, I am undecided and I linger between maybe, and maybe not. And another 10% of the time I really enjoy this because it makes me feel very very young (not that I'm very very old, but you know). The remaining 10% is where I seriously WANT to take that path, because it looks like it will bring lots of excitement and fun fun challenges into my life and I can actually leave a vicious mark wherever I go, whenever I leave. Or something to that effect. I like being vicious. Grrrr…it makes me feel young :)

red wine, mistakes, mythology

Guardian Pharmacy – Walkathon 2013: Pause…Walk For A Cause. 8KM.
I rope in Stephanie to participate with me in this walkathon that was held in i-City :) Stephanie did a great job. Stephanie is big in size and hardly does any exercises besides doing the housework and her favorite past time which is washing her brand new Toyota Vios car. We walk together, she didn’t request to be stop to take a rest but only complain that why the road is so long :) In the end, we did a great job and finish the walk. My only complaint was that the event started off late. So, it was very hot and burning walking under the sun. Even though, it was a morning sun. I know that I could do better but I didn’t want to walk too fast, as I have to be by Stephanie’s size to encourage her and to pace her. We also bump into James as well and also a few of our other G13 colleagues – Iswandi, Miss Chia (MasterFile Department) and Miss Chong (Finance Consignment).
I still enjoy running though. There’s something about running…that makes me feel alive. I am energized by it.

refuses to be tied down by Rules & Kitsches

My Nokia handphone touch screen breakdowns on me :( I was so miserable for the past 2 weeks. It got me really agitated and spoils my mood. I have a difficult time in assessing my applications. So, finally – I have decided to joined the iphone family :) I am still learning on how to use this hi-tech devise. I bought myself a iphone 5S that cost me RM1,999. I love my mobile phone to be red in color. Unfortunately, there is no red color, only pink is available – so I bought the yellow color instead. Small Ham aka Baby Sis called it the Yellow Banana. Well, I may be late to the party but I have arrived for sure :)

PickNik

Every day, I sure kena perli or get caught by Ursula - ‘you seem not to know much ya’ / ‘the one that can use short cut, you don’t use. the one that cannot use short cut, you use’ / ‘don’t use the cross-dock percentage as a part of the business negotiation tool, ignore it’ / ‘you don’t put your heart & soul in running reports’ / ‘you have the figures on hand but you don’t use the figures to grow your business’ / ‘you don’t use the figures to tell a story line in your leaflet proposal’ / 'you have to understand what people want' etc etc. If it was Leonardo who tells me this – it will be a motivational downer for me. Ursula; on the other hand…I don’t know whether it was the choice of words, the tone or the body language – but somehow it just motivates me to stand up, to take the responsibility and to get better. Seriously, I got to bring it home, make it happen, make the most out of it. I hope that everyone (both of the suppliers & the store team) are behind me in this. BTS 2013, Christmas 2013 and CNY 2014. I know that I am still not clicking with Ursula on a lot of matters and I am not quite firing as well. I am actually shooting blanks at the moment. I just have to keep believing. It is not easy reading right now. 

celebrating the Little Women

Cheh…this Ursula cakap besar only. IK Paper – Ursula said that she will call the supplier and ask for a lower cost price for the December 2013 Back To School Promotion. Mana tahu, she didn’t. Either, she didn’t have the time to do it as she was very busy lately or she wants me to do it. So, I follow-up by myself; manage to secure the RM6.90 cost. It’s the best that I can do. Nonetheless, I sense that something is amiss. Ursula did mention that there will be a second re-structuring happening in the year end. I don’t know whether this second time around, where the Stationery Portfolio will head to? Where will The General park the Stationery Department? Is it because of this that Ursula is putting on the brakes? Is she reluctant to move the portfolio and myself forward? Usually, Ursula is moving very fast, however with the Stationery Category, Ursula seem to restrict her mobility. Does she know something that I don’t know? I sense that Ursula is hesitating, withdrawing, backing away in fact…she is not putting her heart and soul into it. Sigh…

7th Grade Civil Servant

Liverpool 4 – 0 Fulham :)
The acid test is not even here yet. They have yet to battle Chelsea , Manchester City, Everton, Tottenham and Cardiff.

Joker Soaker

Liverpool 0 – 2 Arsenal :(
Ok, now we actually know how good we are and where we stand. Yes, the Reds have been scoring goals lately; but, they are against the bottom league club…but when it comes to the actual contenders – we squandered and failed to deliver. Again.

all systems go for Classic

Work Tales - the other day, Ursula asked me (all of a sudden) whether I want to swap portfolio with Christy. ???? Huh, what a surprise right? Ursula commented that Christy is too dependent on her, rely on her too much and at the end of the day, Christy knows that she can fall back on Ursula. Ursula felt that this is a repeat of Pietro’s case. And I know, Ursula is also indirectly hinting at me that I have to rely on my own capabilities and draw from my own internal strength. I have to do all of the work. And I take note of that. I will not be getting any additional help from Ursula at all. I will have to be very hands-on. Ursula’s justification was, by putting Christy into my portfolio, Christy has to start to be independent all over again. Bullshit. I don't buy her answers. I think Ursula is trying to kill off Christy. If Christy cannot be independent within her own job scope, how and why can Christy be independent in her new work tasks. Or - maybe, just maybe that Urusla wants to upgrade Christy and downgrade me?! Celtic’s justification is that – by putting me in the Auto/DIY portfolio – Ursula can control me. Ursula knows the department too well. She always say that I kelentong and pusing around. So, now with this Auto/DIY portfolio, I can’t do that anymore :) Meanwhile, on Christy’s side – as Ursula is still new, she also have to learn the nature of the business all over again as well. Thus, by putting Christy over there, Ursula will be able to control everything in her hands all over again. Sigh…I am just very curious. Ursula is such a control freak. This is what she wants. Why complain about it? And if what she told me is right about Christy - I can only say that it is Ursula's own doing in the first place. I asked Ursula back on why she did not communicate her expectations to Christy. Ursula went silent. Oopsie...

Ursula still didn’t give up. Asked me again for the second time; saying that the offer is still open. I have another interpretation to it right now. Might be…there is a possibility that the Stationery Department will be removed again in the future. Thus, if I hold on to the Auto/DIY category, I will be safe and will still be park under Ursula’s charge. However, by then, Christy would not be under Ursula’s responsibilities anymore but somebody’s else. Wanting to get rid of Christy? Sigh…

MERKURY

Celtic is such a bitch. Whatever correspondence that I have with Ursula, I shared them with Celtic. Mana tahu, this Celtic went and shared it with Marcus and I know; with 100% confirmation that this Marcus will share them (everything) with Leonardo. Celtic is using these information to ensure Celtic's own survival and to gain extra brownie points from Marcus & Leonardo. They will look upon Celtic as an external informant. But stupid me for telling & thrusting Celtic. I did so because I needed a second opinion on what is happening. Celtic is a more polished & seasoned office politician than me. Now, I have to depend on myself. I am also in serious trouble. I will play the game – assuming that everyone knows about it. That I am the traitor. Sigh…

VIP 212

Merdeka! Ursula was away for a week – to Canton Fair with Gerrard.

Oopsie – I have shared too many private & confidential thoughts with Ursula lately – crossing fingers, hope that she won’t betray me and shared them with Gerrard. Because by then, Gerrard would have share it with Alice and Alice would have inform Leonardo. Arrgh…thrust is such a powerful word.

Ltitude

Work Tales – Ursula - Indecent Obsession – let’s make the lines clear – and strictly professional!

Pluck & Luck

OK. THE PROBLEM IS ME, IS WITHIN ME :)