The One That Got Away

Dear Pipsqueaks,

This one is going back to university days! Okay, so here's what happened. A friend of mine sent a link around in a group chat, and as usual I watched it. To my surprise, it was a clip of someone from the past. Someone that fit 'The One That Got Away'.

Rewind back to 2009 - through a close friend of mine, I met him. Tall, baby face and had a big smile. Loved playing video games and riding motorbike. Actually, I came to know him because of his motorbike injury. That same close friend had wanted to pay him a visit and asked if I wanted to go together, so I said okay. We went by his house for a quick chat and to be honest until this day I have no idea what happened. I just fell right in.

I still remember trying to rush this birthday present for him - a scrapbook page full of his motorbike photos and of his friends with lots of stickers and text. I can't recall where I placed the photo I took of it, but trust me, it was one of the finest handcrafted page I've made. Definitely TLC. Around 11:30pm the night before, I gave him a quick text to make sure he wasn't asleep, drove to his place (from Burnaby to VanWest was probably a good 20mins without traffic), surprised him with the frame and left.

Belated 6th Anniversary

Dear Pipsqueaks,

I know, I know it's been closer to two months since my 6th anniversary at this office. I had thought about what I wanted to write, but so many things have happened since that sometimes it's easier just to move on. Move on from what, you ask? Lots of downs. Actually, more downs than ups these last couple of years but that's also why I've chosen just to keep going and not look back.

So many times, I've felt my heels were at the edge of the cliff with unknown space behind me, and sometimes absolute depression. But if you know me well enough, I won't let myself stay there for long. I've found my way out of that quick sand and am now quite content. Suppose I've figured out the right attitude to have when facing work? Whatever it is, it's working so I'm going to keep at it.

Around The Corner

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Thank Goodness It's Friday! Sure feels like lots had happened since I last updated, so I'm not quite sure what I'd shared and what I haven't, but will share what I can remember.

Firstly, a close friend of mine had gone into surgery early this week and now is recovering well. That's always good to hear, and an even bigger motivation to keep myself in good health. Yes, I've been doing a lot more running but I'm not sure if my right knee and left ankle can handle this weight (haha, ironic that I need them to lose this weight first in order to lighten the load!) But so far so good! The only worry is that for the 3/4 of August, I'll be on the move. So not sure how to keep this level up, but will find a way! As they say, "Where there is a will, there is a way!"

About turning 30 - I'm not quite sure what to think of it, and perhaps it's not that big of a deal as I thought it would be. Actually, I don't feel any different than when I celebrated my 25th. But I suppose it should be important - in that I officially am OLD. I won't be able to play the cute card as innocently as I used to, haha. Just kidding, I'd still try my hand anyway: there will be takers!

SOPs

Dear Pipsqueaks,

I know I've written something back in 2012 about 'Lead by Example', and I suppose this is somewhat similar to that theme, but more so setting an example to be followed. Why is it so important to decide on the way forward and stick with it? Well, that's what will make or break the future of any operation.

SOPs = Standard Operating Procedure

Companies have SOPs. Schools have SOPs. Sports teams have SOPs. Even families have SOPs. Why do we have them? It's so we don't spend the same amount of time if not more dwelling on the same question every single time it comes up. It's just not worth all that time to have the same discussion about the same topic over and over. If the topic were a person, then it would have been an overkill for every talk were a stab. Honestly, it doesn't need to be that complicated.

Best time to set an SOP = when the issue first arises.