Busy but fulfilling week

This week has been the most packed so far. At least since I started work. There was something on everyday after work and this week in work had the most deadlines I've seen so far. And I managed to settle all except two, both of which were out of my hands as they required action to be taken by others.

Monday - Went for Abeng commissioning after work.

Tuesday - Meeting in church; I guess I'm no longer a catechist but a youth council member?

Wednesday - Attended Abeng CG and must say that I've enjoyed it. Learnt quite a bit from the perspective of others, esp those of other nationalities. I think one of the girls also shared something which I will have to face one day too. Then rushed down to meet Shaun Mat, AGT & Gloria for dinner at the new Raffles City basement. Felt a bit awed, with a pilot & doctor (both have their own cars) and a NYGH sch teacher. All pocketing pay packets beyond mine too. Was nice catching up and felt kinda guilty cos the guys made me realise that I've missed every single outing they've had in the past 2/3 yrs? I promised to "do lunch" or something with them soon. I will keep this promise.

Thursday - Arts commissioning @ Holy Cross. Quite nice to see it held at mass in a church. And really glad for some of them stepping forward. Hope arts will continue to grow and reach out to more ppl in campus. Another thing worth mentioning was the student RA (research asst) training I conducted. We used the conference room and I presented sitting down. For the first time, I felt I did a good job and that I was able to address the students' questions rather professionally. I think the setting played a huge role.

Friday - Exco commissioning. Man, I feel old la. My exco was like the 55th and they were commissioning the 58th. Anyway, felt quite solemn; thought it was supposed to be a celebration thingy. Anyway, felt good to have kes, ian, chunky, HD, draggie sitting together for mass. Went to Holland V for dinner after that and had dessert at Gelare. Was good catching up and stuff. We should do this more often, and with Ina & Julia too!

Saturday - I couldn't wake up till noon! And I had to be at Nanyang Poly by 1pm! So I rushed and as usual I lost my patience with me dad who does things slowly. On a side-point, I think he's getting really old and I want to love him and be more patient. But for me, patience is more a struggle than something that comes naturally. Anyway, I haven't told anyone about this, except Alan. Today I went to receive an Academic Excellence Award given by SINDA for top Indian students. To be honest, I felt undeserving of the award, not because of my academic results but because I couldn't really speak any Indian language. Maybe in that sense I didn't feel Indian enough to receive such an honour from SINDA. Anyway, I went with an open mind and met some really nice ppl there. Once I was separated from me dad, I was ushered to my seat and immediately greeted and shook hands with the only guy seated there. *In a sense I think I've grown in this aspect. My work has made me more social and ept at networking* I felt comfortable talking to this guy, and when another came along, I also greeted him and brought him into the conversation so he wouldn't be left out. All in all, it was good. There was another person who impressed me - "mini-stir" for M@npower, dr NG E.H. He came across as a very nice guy who's not presumptuous or pretentious. I kinda liked him in fact. When I collected my prize on stage, he actually asked me what I was doing now and it was definitely longer than the normal "congratulations" that guests-of-honour say. In fact, he did this for many of the award recipients. After the ceremony, he stayed around to mingle and talk to some of us as well. I guess I didn't create a fantastic impression cos he asked me the same question 3 times - "So what are you doing now?" *Man, I gotta work on my first impressions* Anyway, he mingled for much longer than I know most "mini-stirs" do and my dad and I left before he did.
Had dinner with mum & sis later in the evening and sent chicken wings and a painting to someone, so felt good to bring some cheer to others.

Anyway, on a side-note, work is getting better cos I'm being more open. I guess we all have to "start at the bottom of the food chain" (quoted from dr NG E.H. today). He's right. One day I'll be somebody. Today I'll learn to be fine with being a nobody. But nobody had a good week. And sometimes, that's good enough.