Dear Pipsqueaks,
To be honest, I can't believe it's already time to write a reflection post for the year. 2014 felt like a very blur 365 days with no major happenings, but when I start to dive into the months, then flashbacks come to me...
Jan - Flew back to TPE to visit the family for CNY; always good to to see them during these holidays even though we don't do anything special. It's just good to hangout. Also gave my sister her ipad mini Christmas present. I'm not one for expensive presents, but I like giving something useful. See, normally I would be the one entertaining my sister either going out shopping together or trying a new restaurant together. We did everything together, and now that I'm not around, I can only provide her with some form of entertainment...except she uses that to play games and watch movie previews *faint* Oh wells, as long as she's happy with it.
Feb - Sochi 2014 where I alone in Malaysia watched & cheered on the Canadian Ice Hockey Men's and Women's Teams for double Gold. Of course, this only reminded me even more of Vancouver 2010 where we all gathered in Downtown to watch the Finals together as a city/country. The feeling still gives me the shivers...just proud to be Canadian!
Mar - EB Meeting in Birmingham; where I had the WORST experience at any of our tournaments with that obnoxious English photographer who thinks he owns All England. I will ALWAYS remember him, and trust me, he will never want to cross paths with me - he'll regret it. Not to mention a trip to New Delhi just to put some things on paper for this year's Gala Dinner. Let's just say, it was a challenge that we took on and completed satisfactorily. On a positive note, we went to spent a quite birthday celebration in Bali :)
Apr - Hitched a trip to Alor Setar for World Junior Championships just to relax and visit the next generation of badminton stars. Now come to think of it, it was a chance missed to educate these youths for what's to come in their futures in this sport. Too late though, maybe next year. But, it was a worthwhile trip to make that connection for this year's Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.
May - Thomas and Uber Cups in New Delhi; Not that I had much to do with the tournament itself, but ended up on TV shot next to a bunch of Councils. Luckily, I didn't do anything I'd regret, ex. picking my nose or had regrettable lion hair. Gala Dinner was at least a pass in my books despite short preparation times and last minute changes. 6.5/10
Jun - Celebrated my 3rd anniversary at BWF; sure felt like a lifetime since I came in, but what an adventure it has been and I look forward to the challenges moving forward! Made a short 3-day trip to Dubai for photo shoot with a few players; definitely was a new experience that felt more like a "Star Manager", making sure they get enough rest, have enough time to attend to the different media request, and not be overwhelmed by the tasks. Certainly a lesson learned while having fun! Probably one of the best ad hoc projects I've taken up so far :)
Jul - One of the longest trips this year going to UK with JQ and then Vancouver with Apes; had a great time just enjoying what's in front of me and not having to think too much about anything else. It was also great to catch up with a few old friends back in Vancouver - though, it does feel like another life time when all that happened. Luckily, we're still in touch thanks to IM's and Social Media!
Aug - Birthday celebration for me! I've always enjoyed celebrating birthdays because it just means that much to me. I love receiving "Happy Birthday" messages even if it was because of a Facebook reminder. Why? Because it means they bothered to send me a blessing. I'm happy with that! Then, there was World Championships in Copenhagen...great "fun" with the host organisers and a colleague of mine, and just absolute Octopus-mode on the run - yes, my boss refers to me as the Octopus because I multitask and help out everywhere. It's a good thing I suppose, even though I'm not fond of being called an Octopus...
Sep - Short trip to Singapore with JQ as a belated Bday celebration; was nice just to get out of Kuala Lumpur and all the routine for a bit. It was definitely a different view of Singapore this time around with someone else than when I last visited alone 3 years ago. It's hard to say which one I enjoyed more, but I appreciate being able to turn around and share the/a moment with someone.
Oct - A rushed month with last minute travel to Dubai before my holiday in TPE (which didn't actually take place in TPE, so more travel!). This was a great achievement and confidence-booster knowing that I could convince CHN to allow Chen Long to participate in the promo shoot. Though, it could have just been my good friend XB in CHN that got sick of me bugging him, so he helped push it through somehow...never know! But, it happened. So I'm happy. Holiday trip with the family to a beautiful place in China. Even though it rained 80% of the time, we made the trip worthwhile with family moments to remember, all in our cute waterproof gear! Next time, we shall be more prepared!
Nov - The mother of all trips: Lima. Literally 35hrs of transit just to get to the other side of the world. Luckily, the meeting went smoothly and Macchu Picchu was just perfect. The food was delicious and hospitality was top-notch. My impression of Peru is 9/10 - that earthquake which almost cancelled our waterfront dinner with the threat of tsunami...good thing I paid attention in earthquake drills! Straight up against a corner in my hotel room until the place stops shaking...then run for your life! Still can't believe someone was waiting for the elevator while I jet down the stairs...
Dec - All of a sudden, I've been drawn into the position of a "Liaison" at the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals. I suppose I'm quite good at making sure the right people get the right messages? I also felt quite appreciated when the host requested for my assistance with Finals' Day presentations - yes, I may have been the easy way out of that problem to find someone suitable, but maybe I was the most suitable for that task? Anyway, I'll just take it as a transition into my new position. Yes, I got a promotion :) Oh, and Team 'OMG' won the Staff Day Treasure Hunt in Melaka :)
That just about summed up my year, and rightly, it was a very fruitful one. A lot of ups and downs at work, where even my determination and patience at times were cut thin. However, that's how we grow - through tough times. I believe that is how we become a better version of ourselves, and that we should always strive to be better.
Reflecting on the resolution for 2014 - "eccentric" - I believe I've tried to accomplish that...? Let's review the definition of it first:
adjective
1. (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange.
synonyms: unconventional, uncommon, abnormal, irregular, aberrant,anomalous, odd, queer, strange, peculiar, weird, bizarre,outlandish, freakish, extraordinary; idiosyncratic, quirky, nonconformist, outré; informal way out, offbeat,freaky, oddball, wacky, kooky
It seems that most people have a negative view of this word, which isn't entirely fair. This word can be positive. For example, I made an effort to fight back whenever someone says, "That's just how things have been done." I've never fallen for that and I never will, and it's all thanks to this year's resolution. To think outside of the normal box, or to tread an alternative path, or to do something entirely new. There's a reason why certain things remain in a state that could be bettered but isn't - because people don't bother to do more, to do different, to improve. All those take an extra effort, and most likely won't be easy. But, come on. If it were easy, then someone would have done it by now. But because it isn't easy, that's all the more reason to take up the challenge. I, for one, like to see change. At least it means to move out of the current state. Where it goes next is another thing - at least it's a step somewhere. I'd say I did good to live up to "eccentric"...I hope.
For 2015, I would like to choose another theme...but I haven't really gotten it right yet. That will call for another post - will have to think about it while we count down up at Genting!
Just want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and be safe.
The best is yet to come :)
To be honest, I can't believe it's already time to write a reflection post for the year. 2014 felt like a very blur 365 days with no major happenings, but when I start to dive into the months, then flashbacks come to me...
Jan - Flew back to TPE to visit the family for CNY; always good to to see them during these holidays even though we don't do anything special. It's just good to hangout. Also gave my sister her ipad mini Christmas present. I'm not one for expensive presents, but I like giving something useful. See, normally I would be the one entertaining my sister either going out shopping together or trying a new restaurant together. We did everything together, and now that I'm not around, I can only provide her with some form of entertainment...except she uses that to play games and watch movie previews *faint* Oh wells, as long as she's happy with it.
Feb - Sochi 2014 where I alone in Malaysia watched & cheered on the Canadian Ice Hockey Men's and Women's Teams for double Gold. Of course, this only reminded me even more of Vancouver 2010 where we all gathered in Downtown to watch the Finals together as a city/country. The feeling still gives me the shivers...just proud to be Canadian!
Mar - EB Meeting in Birmingham; where I had the WORST experience at any of our tournaments with that obnoxious English photographer who thinks he owns All England. I will ALWAYS remember him, and trust me, he will never want to cross paths with me - he'll regret it. Not to mention a trip to New Delhi just to put some things on paper for this year's Gala Dinner. Let's just say, it was a challenge that we took on and completed satisfactorily. On a positive note, we went to spent a quite birthday celebration in Bali :)
Apr - Hitched a trip to Alor Setar for World Junior Championships just to relax and visit the next generation of badminton stars. Now come to think of it, it was a chance missed to educate these youths for what's to come in their futures in this sport. Too late though, maybe next year. But, it was a worthwhile trip to make that connection for this year's Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.
May - Thomas and Uber Cups in New Delhi; Not that I had much to do with the tournament itself, but ended up on TV shot next to a bunch of Councils. Luckily, I didn't do anything I'd regret, ex. picking my nose or had regrettable lion hair. Gala Dinner was at least a pass in my books despite short preparation times and last minute changes. 6.5/10
Jun - Celebrated my 3rd anniversary at BWF; sure felt like a lifetime since I came in, but what an adventure it has been and I look forward to the challenges moving forward! Made a short 3-day trip to Dubai for photo shoot with a few players; definitely was a new experience that felt more like a "Star Manager", making sure they get enough rest, have enough time to attend to the different media request, and not be overwhelmed by the tasks. Certainly a lesson learned while having fun! Probably one of the best ad hoc projects I've taken up so far :)
Jul - One of the longest trips this year going to UK with JQ and then Vancouver with Apes; had a great time just enjoying what's in front of me and not having to think too much about anything else. It was also great to catch up with a few old friends back in Vancouver - though, it does feel like another life time when all that happened. Luckily, we're still in touch thanks to IM's and Social Media!
Aug - Birthday celebration for me! I've always enjoyed celebrating birthdays because it just means that much to me. I love receiving "Happy Birthday" messages even if it was because of a Facebook reminder. Why? Because it means they bothered to send me a blessing. I'm happy with that! Then, there was World Championships in Copenhagen...great "fun" with the host organisers and a colleague of mine, and just absolute Octopus-mode on the run - yes, my boss refers to me as the Octopus because I multitask and help out everywhere. It's a good thing I suppose, even though I'm not fond of being called an Octopus...
Sep - Short trip to Singapore with JQ as a belated Bday celebration; was nice just to get out of Kuala Lumpur and all the routine for a bit. It was definitely a different view of Singapore this time around with someone else than when I last visited alone 3 years ago. It's hard to say which one I enjoyed more, but I appreciate being able to turn around and share the/a moment with someone.
Oct - A rushed month with last minute travel to Dubai before my holiday in TPE (which didn't actually take place in TPE, so more travel!). This was a great achievement and confidence-booster knowing that I could convince CHN to allow Chen Long to participate in the promo shoot. Though, it could have just been my good friend XB in CHN that got sick of me bugging him, so he helped push it through somehow...never know! But, it happened. So I'm happy. Holiday trip with the family to a beautiful place in China. Even though it rained 80% of the time, we made the trip worthwhile with family moments to remember, all in our cute waterproof gear! Next time, we shall be more prepared!
Nov - The mother of all trips: Lima. Literally 35hrs of transit just to get to the other side of the world. Luckily, the meeting went smoothly and Macchu Picchu was just perfect. The food was delicious and hospitality was top-notch. My impression of Peru is 9/10 - that earthquake which almost cancelled our waterfront dinner with the threat of tsunami...good thing I paid attention in earthquake drills! Straight up against a corner in my hotel room until the place stops shaking...then run for your life! Still can't believe someone was waiting for the elevator while I jet down the stairs...
Dec - All of a sudden, I've been drawn into the position of a "Liaison" at the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals. I suppose I'm quite good at making sure the right people get the right messages? I also felt quite appreciated when the host requested for my assistance with Finals' Day presentations - yes, I may have been the easy way out of that problem to find someone suitable, but maybe I was the most suitable for that task? Anyway, I'll just take it as a transition into my new position. Yes, I got a promotion :) Oh, and Team 'OMG' won the Staff Day Treasure Hunt in Melaka :)
That just about summed up my year, and rightly, it was a very fruitful one. A lot of ups and downs at work, where even my determination and patience at times were cut thin. However, that's how we grow - through tough times. I believe that is how we become a better version of ourselves, and that we should always strive to be better.
Reflecting on the resolution for 2014 - "eccentric" - I believe I've tried to accomplish that...? Let's review the definition of it first:
adjective
1. (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange.
synonyms: unconventional, uncommon, abnormal, irregular, aberrant,anomalous, odd, queer, strange, peculiar, weird, bizarre,outlandish, freakish, extraordinary; idiosyncratic, quirky, nonconformist, outré; informal way out, offbeat,freaky, oddball, wacky, kooky
It seems that most people have a negative view of this word, which isn't entirely fair. This word can be positive. For example, I made an effort to fight back whenever someone says, "That's just how things have been done." I've never fallen for that and I never will, and it's all thanks to this year's resolution. To think outside of the normal box, or to tread an alternative path, or to do something entirely new. There's a reason why certain things remain in a state that could be bettered but isn't - because people don't bother to do more, to do different, to improve. All those take an extra effort, and most likely won't be easy. But, come on. If it were easy, then someone would have done it by now. But because it isn't easy, that's all the more reason to take up the challenge. I, for one, like to see change. At least it means to move out of the current state. Where it goes next is another thing - at least it's a step somewhere. I'd say I did good to live up to "eccentric"...I hope.
For 2015, I would like to choose another theme...but I haven't really gotten it right yet. That will call for another post - will have to think about it while we count down up at Genting!
Just want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and be safe.
The best is yet to come :)