two crystal whiskey jars

 

I am aware that I am surrounded by people who feel that they could do the job better, strong people with powerful characters, but for better or worse, the crown has landed on my head.

This is the story of me...hahaha...

Underestimating Ourselves

This is the story of me...who always want to hide behind the scene...scared and reluctant...never had the confidence...

The young man became his team's captain. The professional sports squad was now led by a mild-mannered kid who barely needed to shave. His first press conference was underwhelming. He kept deferring to the coach and to his teammates and mumbled clichés about just trying to do his job. The team performed poorly that season. And by the end of it the young captain had been traded. He didn't grasp that he'd been entrusted with the authority to lead, or maybe he never believed he could.

Due to his failures, Saul was small in his own eyes, which is funny thing to say about a guy who's described as being tall. He was literally head and shoulders above the rest. And yet that wasn't how he saw himself. In fact, his actions in the chapter show him trying to win the approval of the people. He hadn't fully grasped that God - not people, had chosen him and given him a mission. 

Navigating Life's Rapids

Life has its share of whitewater rapids doesn't it? One moment, it's smooth sailing. Then, in a flash, we're paddling like mad to avoid suddenly swirling whirlpools. Those tense moments make us keenly aware of our need for a skilled guide, a trusted voice to help us navigate turbulent times.

God promises to be that voice - I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. 

God promises - I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. A reminder that His guidance flows from His love.

The Lord's unfailing love surrounds the one who trust Him. And as we trust Him, we can rest in His promise to guide us through life's rockiest passages. 

Father, thank You for Your promise to be my Guide. Help me to seek You and listen to You as You direct the course of my life. 

Renewed Strength

This is simply mind-blowing. I know that the Bible is relevant even in this modern times, in terms of spiritual food but didn't know that it's so relevant to this extent...

Scripture gives 2 strategies for beating burnout.

In Isaiah 40, the weary soul is renewed when it hopes in the Lord. I needed to rest in God, trusting Him to work, rather than pushing on in my own dwindling strength. And Psalm 103 says God renews us by satisfying our desires with good things. While this includes forgiveness and redemption, provisions of joy and play come from Him too. 

When I reworked my schedule to include more prayer, rest and hobbies like photography, I began to feel healthy again.

Burnout begins with weariness. Let's stop it from going further. We serve others best when our lives include both worship and rest.

Loving God, I want to rise in strength  like the eagle today.  

I trust You to work in my exhausting situation, and receive Your soul-filling gifts with gladness.  

Costly Joy

Joy drives change; not guilt or duty.

Jesus isn't one segment of our lives; His claims on us are total. 

The man In Seat 2D

To do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. It's tempting to become arrogant and put our hope in the riches of the world.

Whether we find ourselves with plenty or in want, we all can experience the richness of living generously by being willing to share what we have with others. When we do, we will take hold of the life that is truly life. 

Is God There?

I will wait for the Lord...I will put my trust in Him.

There are times when we might feel as if God isn't with us in our troubles. That's when we depend on what we can see of His works in our lives, in the past and present. They're the visible reminder of an invisible God - a God who is always with us and will answer in His own time and way. 

Prayer Eggs

Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and will not delay.

God replies that Habakkuk is to wait for the Appointed Time.

Dear God, help me to trust You to work while I'm waiting. 

Treasure The Moments

God oversees the course of events and He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Life may be unpredictable and sometimes filled with painful separations, but we can take heart that everything takes place under God's gaze. We can enjoy life and treasure the moments - the good and the bad - for our loving God is with us.  

Thank You, loving Father, for watching over all seasons of my life. 

Help me to trust in You and enjoy the life You've given me. 

Castell Coch

Before, I went off for my year end annual leave...I ask The Mayor; when the new structure will be out...The Mayor admitted that it have been delayed but will be out in January...I think The Mayor's ideal structure cannot be sign off...then, I ask The Mayor, will the Trade Planning Office will still be in existence...The Mayor casually jawab - there are some changes but I will be in the structure...hmm...nampak gaya sure tak jadi...so meaning that all of us have to report to Miss Chew...issh...tak nak...anyway, after Anis case...I also cannot trust The Mayor anymore...I will do what is right...if they want to discharge me...fine, go ahead. I think a change in everything will do me good anyway...provide a breath of fresh air... 

Prosecco Pong

Email from The Mayor on the upcoming 2021 CNY Presentation Deck:

...can you please put into a deck? I'm looking for Miss Chew for MY and an another Singapore Counterpart for SG with J___ helping for both...

...So, it's very obvious isn't it...Miss Chew belong to Malaysia, will head all operations in Malaysia, so where do I fit in...

Brinsworth House in Twickenham

I WatsApp Marcus, wanted to inform Marcus that Anis is leaving...but rupa-rupanya, Marcus have already been informed; by Mr. Horton's Secretary...ehh...how come geh...how come the both of them had that conversation opportunity? Hmm...  

Simply Ask

In our lives, sometimes we struggle with a problem because we won't ask God - will You help? Should I go? Will You lead? He doesn't require complicated questions from us to help. Before they call, I will answer. God promised His people. So today, simply ask Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, when life feels complicated and difficult, thank You for Your promise to hear even my simple prayers.  

Beat Again

March On, My Soul.

Be Strong - because the Lord had Promised Victory.

Master Physician, thank You for being with me in every trial and battle. Because of Your promised presence, I will direct my soul to act bravely. 

Lord Lieutenant of Greater London

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

Some needed motivation and encouragement.

WatsApp Conversation with SW:

Your presentation is good 👍

Clear and structure

But I see it’s good portfolio for you lar

Good exposure

 

Diamond Frame Earrings

 

Sigh...I don't know who will take over Anis job...dah lah, I also cannot cope with my own daily work.

Miss Chew did threw in a name, but with Miss Chew...she can always change her mind, it's not written in black & white anyway.

Nonetheless, I should have faith because God have given a name, a thought into Miss Chew's mind, so praying that it will sticks. God already gave me 2 confirmation; the first one was via WatsApp, the second is when Miss Chew; ask why Anis didn't invite the person in for the Teams meeting...even Anis also get the same impression as I am...

Pantoland

Anis decided not to continue her contract when it ends, end of this month. Anis is also frustrated when Miss Chew keep on interfering with the work.

What is interesting is this - The Mayor told me that Anis will be confirm...but Miss Chew told me that The Mayor have no intention to confirm Anis in the first place. So, who is telling the truth now? And what is more interesting is this...Miss Chew have the budget to hire...apparently The Mayor have given Miss Chew a list of job roles that the department requires...sigh...Miss Chew will take this opportunity to take me out for sure...   

Royal Berkshire Hospital

I am aware that I am surrounded by people who feel that they could do a better job, strong people with powerful characters, but for better or for worse, the crown has landed on my head - The Crown.

I think The Mayor expect me to lead from the front, not shying away from behind the scene...I just do not have the motivation nor the courage. Thus, I thank God that there is Christopher..I guess I should play the role instead of Christopher doing it...aligning the end to end of the entire Trade Plan process across the 3 different countries; Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia. Because I didn't step into the role well or embrace it immediately...thus Christopher was handed the tasks, which I am ok with it...I need to learn, I can't fill up those big shoes...I need a guide...right now, is how do I position myself that I can be of assistance...hahaha...  

London Palladium

There was this Marketing Townhall with some international agencies in attendance, the participants are from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & Cambodia...Miss Chew ask me whether I got attend or not...I said tak ada...but knowing Miss Chew, probably want to make me jealous or curious because I know that Miss Chew have a habit of checking through the participant's list...

Then, the Singapore Counterpart, as per her claim lah...accidentally ter-dial me into the group...so that is how I found out...again, entahlah, is it doing on purpose again...because I found out; Furball, Miss Chew and 2 Singapore Counterpart are in attendance, and I didn't get any invite from The Mayor...no doubt that this is an agency's townhall.

My point is this - I am not invited by The Mayor. I know that I didn't deliver what he ask me to do...writing minutes...running some reports...I just feel so sien...I am not surprise that I have denied myself that golden opportunity, I didn't steward it well...yes, it's my fault, maybe I didn't grasp that I can lead, Lord Alfonso hard sell me too much & create this unrealistic overall expectations.     

Life To The Full

In Him, we lack nothing and are refreshed. He leads down the right paths of His perfect will, so that even when we face dark times, we need not be afraid; for He is present to comfort us. He causes us to triumph in the face of adversity and overwhelms us with blessings. His goodness and love follow us every day, and we have the privilege of His presence forever. 

How To Rebuild

Ask God for guidance, analyze the problem and recognize His involvement. Then start rebuilding.

God, I need Your help. I can't fix these problems alone. Help me to understand the situation, and then to seek You help and guidance in resolving the challenges before me.  

Needing His Leading

In a time of great weariness and heartache, David looked beyond any human guide, seeking direction from the God he served.

We have a Shepperd who leads us beside quiet waters, refreshes our souls and guides us. 

Where do you need His leading today? Call on Him. He will never leave you. 

God Stuff

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 

A Winter Message

Finally, Mr. Horton's Secretary reveal it all...hahaha...rupa-rupanya; The Mayor ask Miss Chew to run a report...Miss Chew yang pass it to Mr. Horton's Secretary...see; the both of them are the best of friends...so, that is how Mr. Horton's Secretary come into close contact with The Mayor. But Mr. Horton's Secretary is also very selfish...that report did not cc me...instead, share other things pula...  

'Falconetti

Samuel shared again:

Everyday I get blaming from her, from am to pm or late pm...

Honestly I also don't know what I doing now...

When she question me what drag me from delaying all task and I also cant answer coz I really busy busy busy with no subject...huh

God, please keep these 3 little birds or penguins safe and sound...I know my time will come when Miss Chew will take the chance to whack me upside down...  

performing quiet acts of grace

 

Samuel shared this in our WatsApp chat group regarding Miss Chew:

She complaint me to everyone (and to my ears la) that im hard to manage and bad when WFH...

Hmm...ini Samuel nak simpati from us ke...so we can help Samuel? Currently Mr. Horton's Secretary pun tengah help Samuel to run report... 

Hahaha...

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

Even though, today I kena hentam teruk-teruk from Miss Chew, I felt that I have secured a victory...hahaha...

Miss Chew was upset that for CNY Book (1), there was a cut-off coupon...hello...Mr. Horton's Secretary email to you first, before we blast out to all of the Merchants...you sendiri yang tak baca...and tak tanya lepas baca...

Why do cut-off coupon? We suppose to monitor the current results first...hello, mana boleh tunggu lagi...briefing deck must send out early, all Merchant time line submission is this month or next month for the next year leaflet, if we do last minute; you pula will marah us...

Miss Chew said that I like a boss, plan only and Miss Chew take care of the execution part...hello, correct mah...I sit in the SEA Office, I plan, you take my plan and execute lah...but The Mayor is also at fault because the organization chart tak keluar-keluar lagi...

Miss Chew said; the rest of the team follow & work according to my plan...when Miss Chew said no, it's like Miss Chew become the bad person...hello...that is your problem, I can give a plan, can you? Plus, you always change your mind which I don't...if got; occasionally and I can give reasons...you pula ikut hati or mood...the rest can see me as the leader, they do not see you, they are more comfortable & convince of me...so, that is your problem...  

Never mind, I also know that I have an attitude problem...hahaha...I very good today leh...I let Miss Chew talk finish, volunteer to step in...ok, I see what I can improvise...   

Easy Does It

It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.

It is God who works in you. Easy does it. Let Him do the work of changing us.

God is at that process today. Sit at the feet of Jesus and take in what He has to say. Pray. Keep yourselves in God's love. Reminding yourself all day long that you are His. Rest in the assurance that He's gradually changing you.

The work is God's; the joy is ours. Easy does it. We shall get there some day. 

Do Whatever

Life will at times feel meaningless, but remember your Creator.

Don't exhaust yourself trying to figure life out, but fear God and keep His commandments.

Without God as our center, life's pleasures and sorrows lead only to disillusionment.

God, today I place You anew at the center of my living, working, joys & disappointments, for without You nothing will satisfy or make sense. 

Good Measure

Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

We don't give to get things; we give because God delights in our generosity. Our love for others reflects His loving heart toward us.

Gracious Father, help me to give generously to others because You've been so generous to me. 

Why Me?

Job defied all odds. God said of him - there is no one on earth like him, he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. Yet Job was chosen to suffer a series of losses that defied all odds. Of all people on earth, Job has reason to beg for an answer. It's all there for us to read in chapter after chapter of his desperate struggle to understand - why me?

Job's story gives us a way of responding to the mystery of unexplained pain and evil. By describing the suffering and confusion of one of God's best examples of goodness and mercy, we gain an alternative to the inflexible rule of sowing and reaping.

The story of Job gives us reason to live by faith than sight.   

Take Your Tears To God

It's not wrong to lament the broken things in our world or in you life. God is always listening, and you can be sure that God will look down from heaven and see you.

Loving God, help us to remember that it's right to lament wrongness before we can begin to change it. 

Where Choices Lead

Commit your way to God, let Him redirect you from old patterns that lead to nowhere, and allow the Scriptures to be the river that nourishes the root system of your heart.

Dear Jesus, give me the grace to turn away from the things leading me down the wrong path. Make my life faithful and fruitful for Your honor. 

The Riot Club

In the WatsApp Chat Group - Samuel shared this:

She keep boom 💥 me in the watapps...

She keep mentioning Heidi Erin too Free...I think she is the one also verrrrry FREE

Suddenly come in n throw me a 💣

Yday she also suddenly question me “why your Christmas mailer end on 31/12?” “SG end on 25/12. Is meaningless if we continue...”

How come I got this kind of boss 😫😫😫

Again I ask her opinion and she started again say “you involve too much in event! I want u focus in TP”

On Monday she said Heidi Erin report to her ... then today bcoz of event I kena la lagi. 

🤕 🤒

I’m sick

So sick now

Boh lat liao

😓

I really feel helpless yo

Haiz

Jamaica Inn

 

In the re-group session, I mention that Miss Chew's birthday is coming up soon, somewhere in mid November...Samuel jawab balik...Samuel don't want to know...hahaha...

Samuel also updated us that Miss Chew still have outburst - THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD! - that Miss Chew still favors and kind to me just a little bit...I pray to God that this will extend to Samuel too..  

MacKimmie Fraser

Wah, ini Mr. Horton's Secretary diam-diam rupanya...Mr. Horton Secretary didn't share with me lor; that The Mayor ask Mr. Horton's Secretary to run report for The Mayor. How I found out was...as we are still working from home, Mr. Horton's Secretary, Samuel & I are suppose to re-group in the TEAMs Meeting. I enter late mah, the both of them log in first, Mr. Horton's Secretary ask Samuel a question...so I pun baru ter-dengar that The Mayor ask Mr. Horton's Secretary to run some transaction report for The Mayor. The Mayor also didn't cc me leh...previously Marcus & Lord Alfonso will keep me in the loop...celaka betul dia ni...maybe The Mayor also know I tak pandai run report, analyze them and write commentaries...hahaha...additionally, The Mayor ask me to run 2 reports for him...err...I pun tak buat lagi...maybe that is why The Mayor finds me hopeless & useless kut...sigh...but in another way also good lah...I also have so many work to do...sigh...  

Boredom Baking

 

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

Next up is from Marilyn...hahaha...

So steady in your presentation j___!

I hope MY made you proud lol

Luckily your EQ is high to tolerate the hooligan in commercial lol

Thanks God! 

Thimphu and Paro

THANK YOU, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

Because I got praise from SW lor...hahaha...whether it's genuine or not, I take it...hahaha...because I think I did prayed to God a few days before...I give people encouragement, I lift them up...but who does that for me...

Well done. Loud and clear

I am actually very bored with the TPG meeting...every week, on every Tuesday, from zaman Lord Alfonso to The Mayor...prepare the deck also I feel bored, I actually prefer working group sessions because it move things forward.

Nonetheless, I want to thank God for guiding me, for guiding my trail of thoughts and my hands as I type & jot things down, for helping me to connect the dots, for helping me to improvise on things, for putting words into my mouth, for getting people to favor me...all of the glory, all salutations, all praises goes back to God. 

Punakha Dzong

Selagi The Mayor tak announce the new organization structure - semakin I am having an identity crisis...I also don't know whether I am in Marketing or in Commercial...whether my job scope now is in Trade Planning or in Retail Marketing...I feel lost...

 

Dechencholing Palace

 

This Samuel is also another copycat...hahaha...what happen was...Marcus's birthday falls on 31st October...so, as usual, for every year...I will put up a FaceBook post. So for this year, the hashtag was #alwaystheLadyChief...ini Samuel went and copy...#alwaysourchefladyj...yes Marcus likes to cook...but ini Samuel pakai tiru aja...hahaha...tak ada originality... 

Strutt and Parker

 

I think this is the SEA Role:

Responsible for the development and implementation of the Annual Customer and Trade plans

Drive and implement monthly Customer and Trade Plans with Commercial team, Ops team, Business MD/CEO and external suppliers to deliver sales and profit objectives through increased customer count and loyalty

Lead and execute monthly retail marketing campaigns to maximize category sales and market share

Collaborate with Commercial team and Ops team to drive the overall Customer and Trade Planning process

Lead the team to ensure timely and quality delivery of the agreed marketing calendar

Then, I think this is Miss Chew's future role: 

Work closely with Banner Marketing to implement a fully integrated Marketing strategy, including Own Brand activation

Partner with external strategic suppliers to roll out joint promotional activities

Work closely with external agencies (Creative, Media, Production) on campaign objectives. Ensure timely delivery of all marketing mix elements, in particular point of sales materials

Drive local store marketing to increase customer count for new and refurbished stores

Manage approvals for supplier in-store visuals and activations, ensuring brand guidelines are adhered

Organize supplier events

Work closely with inhouse Visual Merchandize team and Operations team and ensure effective store execution 

Ensure retail communications are in line with brand equity and new harmonized brand guidelines

Put system in place to improve work processes and achieve greater synergy and efficiency

Manage the retail marketing budget, track expenses to ensure budget objectives are met

Partnership with landlords and banks to drive customer count

Contribute to the building of a high performance team by growing the Marketing expertise of the team

Sharing of retail marketing best practices across SEA

But hor...oh no...the above all combine into 1 is the job description for Retail Marketing Lead...gulp...then what do I do then...aiyoyo...it was advertised in LinkedIn for our HBA neighbour...I will be replaced...I will be jobless...adoi...but here is the best part...God has a plan for me... 

Sunninghill Park

Gradually, I know Samuel beh song me already...sigh...because I am moving Anis's Business partnership portfolio gradually to Samuel's court...hahaha...ya mah...The Mayor already mention that Miss Chew will lead Malaysia, Samuel will be the right hand man...so, I must start shifting some job over to the fence mah...of course, I know Samuel don't like it...also mentioning that the structure announcement is not out yet...I think maybe Stephane is right...the announcement will not be able to come out anyway...I have to make it officialize myself...like last time how Miss Chew do lah...Lord Alfonso ask for a discussion; this Miss Chew also lantak Lord Alfonso and sendiri jalan, sort of taking Samuel over to the other side...so, I just do the same thing lah...some work I still follow-up leh ok...I know Samuel want to remain everything status quo... 

A Place in the Sun's

 

Thereafter, this Miss Chew can ask me when I am going to do the Tiering for Digital? For Upscale?

Sigh...I can only answer that I only have 1 pair of hand, these request can be park in the parking lot first...I only apply the current Tiering process for the Leaflet Cover Page & Bottom Panel, Supplier Self-Funded Panel Ads and the Press Ad Bottom panel...hahaha...then, ter-tiba this Miss Chew commented that this Samuel is overloaded with work wor...I want to roll my eyes already...whose fault is it? So many re-works is from whom? Cis betul this Miss Chew... 

peach bikini

Miss Chew still don't want to give up...sigh...still want to throw over the Leaflet pagination into my court...finally I say - TP will provide numbers visibility for your decision making process...hahaha...

Keswick, Cumbria

The Mayor also updated me that my Singaporean counterpart will be taking 2 months sabbatical leave wor; for marriage & health reasons. Effective on 1st December. Thereafter, the Singaporean counterpart will move to Banner Marketing; but originally was supposed to be SEA office; same grouping as me...how come leh...did she manage to negotiate her way out? 

Bound Core

 

Hahaha...whenever, The Mayor WatsApp me - my standard reply is Apa Mau?

Then, today over the phone, The Mayor tells me that he feels like he hutang me money like that...

So, I also tak bagi face, I told him...as long as the organization chart is not out yet, my plate is very full...and you know that Miss Chew is not easy to manage...hahaha...I terus jalan with him...

The Mayor acknowledge my first issue and he sigh on the second...hahaha...

Mr. Horton's Secretary commented that I speak too casually to a boss...I also honest with Mr. Horton's Secretary...ini kerja, I tak boleh tahan already...sigh...I have nothing to lose...God's Promise is with me...my Victory is won...it is already mine...I will flourish, I will prosper, I will thrive...the question is where...  

BoundFitness

 

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD! AMEN!

Later in the afternoon - The Mayor's email came in, must work with the Singapore & Malaysia Marketing Head for the upcoming weekly forecasts for both G13 & Upscale Banners...ok, kerja sudah masuk...I hope this Miss Chew will diam after this...even though I have a feeling that Miss Chew will find the opportunity to kenakan me balik in everything...

I believe my new role is to Plan, Align & Drive processes...while Miss Chew have to drive the plan; chasing lines, checking compliances, producing etc...but I foresee, difficult times are ahead because the both of us are not align...I really want to work with her, God - please make us workable...a dynamic duo...sigh...

St Katharine Docks

This Alice...not enough advertised pages for next year Chinese New Year leaflet...so, she went to minta tolong at Miss Chew...this Miss Chew pula...throw it over to my court...what the...I am already doing the Leaflet Cover Page allocation, plus the Bottom Panel...Chinese New Year Press Ad also...not to mention the ad hoc allocation...so, I also baling back to Miss Chew - sorry, I am not going to look into the revision, my plate is full, I am park under the South East Asia office now...so Miss Chew said that the organization chart is not out yet...correct, but the work is gradually coming in...The Mayor is asking IT Department to grant Mr. Horton's Secretary & myself access for Singapore & Indonesia system...plus if the Drinks category can buy page for this year, why cannot for next year...and I don't hold the P&L of the department...if really want to look into the pages revision, can - then do it together, why I must go at it alone...Miss Chew is just so pandai to throw the ball over...so, must I catch it then...Miss Chew sure will balas dendam at me one...Miss Chew will revenge back...pening oh pening...

Go-Between Prayer

When we realize we're no match to handle life on our own, when we don't know what to say to God, the Spirit intercedes for God's people. What the Spirit says is a mystery, but we're assured that it always fits with God's will for our lives.

The next time you pray for God's guidance, provision and protection in someone else's life, let that act of kindness remind you that your spiritual needs are also being lifted to God who knows your name and cares about your problems.

Jesus, I thank You that temptation has no power to separate me from You. Please give me victory through the power of Your resurrection from the dead.  

Strength For The Journey

All at once an angel touched him and said, Get up and eat.

When the journey is too much for us, we might need to rest and enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. For when we are exhausted or hungry, we can easily succumb to disappointment or fear. But when God meets our physical needs through His resources, as much as possible in this fallen world, we can take the next step in serving Him.

Thank You for our limitations, which remind us that You're God and we're not.