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for a memorable night. may 25, 2005

Out of Reach

You've made the decision.
Some things are behind you now.
Some things are out of bounds.
Even when it seems they are not.

Look at me in the eye.
They are beyond you now.
Don't even think of reaching out.
Lie to yourself if you have to.

Now, say it over, and over, and over, and over.
Say it as you inhale.
Say it as you exhale.
And say it in between.

End of Trimester Recap

Here's what I've learnt so far. There's a good boss, and there's a bad boss. And in the spirit of not looking at things in black and white, the difference between them is not very clear sometimes. Or perhaps, should not be made clear.

Happy employees are not neccessarily productive employees. It takes an extensive compensation plan, valid job design, clear career planning, competency-based training scheme, fair job evaluation mechanism, and rewarding retirement plan to make a happy employee a productive one. For good measure, throw in a company T-shirt or coffee mug. The relationship between happiness and satisfaction is yet to be established. However, motivation is highly important. Apparently, human motivation is a pyramid with 'physical need' written at the bottom and 'self-actualization' at the top.

Human resource policies should take into consideration issues like balancing work and life, which means that work should not interfere with personal life. Or was it the other way around? Either way, office romance is a big no-no. Furthermore, the company should not discriminate its employees on the basis of age, religion and belief system, sex--including sexual orientation, nationality, race, language, attractiveness, mental health, and body odor. Unless. Oh, I like this bit. Unless specifically needed to do the job.

Leaders are made, not born. Although, technically, they should be born first and then made. There are a vast range of activities aimed to create leaders. The majority of them require external consultant. Good leaders should be able to inspire his men, and women. In this sense, Hitler is a good leader. Deluded, but good nonetheless. I wonder if it's the moustache. Upon closer examination, the mile-long list of criteria for being a good leader is frighteningly close to the job description of a god.

All that, and the fact that internet connection and the printer start to conspire against you about two hours before the deadline of your assignment. Now if you'd excuse me, I'm going to enjoy my summer holiday..

Recounting Today

It's pretty late now. SBS has had enough for the day. It leaves a still image of the globe on the screen and the alluring voice of some lady singing something melancholic in French. At the bottom, a running text proclaims that her CD is available in appointed stores or by phone order. A sip of red liquid, the produce of an unheard-of cellar, helps me to recount the tiny pieces that intertwine to form the 24-hour period more aptly known as a day.

Amor, amor, amor. The goddess of love teased and flirted. Promises of heavenly pleasures brought down to earth at my disposal. It's within reach, she winked. But there will be hell to pay.

Fighting off virtual demon with virtual bow and arrows in an equally virtual realm. Blood spilt, cities ransacked, glory gained, time killed. But to what end?

An angel is growing her fifth teeth. Cooing and laughing over the phone. But she cried when I called her name. O Angel, it's criminal that I spend more time being lonely than being with you. And your mother.

The northern wind dropped by and gave hints of impending disaster. Homecoming won't be as smooth as I would expect. Oh, the politics of interconnecting two family trees.

Oh well, it's one of those days.