Bye, Rika!

Bon voyage! Hope you're having fun catching up with family, friends, food!!!! Do keep in touch, yeah?

(Just realised we took the pic in front of the Parents Association sign! D'oh! For those of you who were wondering about the relevance, City Church meets at West House School. Met Rika at City Church rather than some Parents Association - thought I'd nip this first in case it fuels rumours!)

Lion Dance

Lion dance during our meal at Chung Ying Garden on CNY Eve:

Oops

The eagle eyed amongst you would have noticed that I didn't include the Seville photos on my links last week. I have now...! Have also added more pics of our meal at Chef's Table at Angela Hartnett's. Check out the links on the left.

Memoirs of a Geisha

Another book turned movie bestseller. Movie or book? Another debate rages....

It was my intention to finish reading Arthur Golden's epic tale of the mysterious geisha world before watching the movie. With the last few book-turned-movie bestsellers (eg LOTR, Chronicles of Narnia, The Firm), I'm ashamed to say I watched the movie which then inspired me to read the books rather than the other way around. (I found the Harry Potter sagas rather unmotivating, which didn't inspire me to read the books).

Memoirs of a Geisha the book was very engaging. I felt the emotions of Chiyo/Nitta Sayuri as she struggled with trust after Mr Tanaka's betrayal, was taught to suppress her feelings as they have to be hidden behind her white 'mask' since geishas "don't have a choice", and how she didn't have a say in her life which was dictated by Mother and bidding wars even over her mizuage. These didn't come across as well in the movie. There were sparks of brilliance in Zhang Zi Yi's, Gong Li's and Michelle Yeoh's performances as Sayuri, Hatsumomo and Mameha respectively. However, the script had been condensed far too much - understandably as the movie would have dragged on a lot more. Rather than focusing on specific key topics, I felt that the movie contained snippets of the book's highlights, jumping from one event to the next without much explanation. The scenery in the movie was breath-taking - made me want to visit Japan all the more. It was interesting to note that most of the movie was shot in California, however. I'm sure I wouldn't be disappointed when I visit Japan, though.

Excluding various bits that were cut out of the book (some of which I thought were very important, like her danna), the movie stayed quite close to the book. Obviously artistic licence was used several times, though the point of it remains to be seen. For example, substitution of Nobu-san with Chairman Ken when it came to sending Sayuri away in the war, and Colonel Derricks instead of Sato Noritaka whom Iwamura Electric was trying to impress.

Whilst reading the book, I couldn't help comparing it with Mineko Iwasaki's "Geisha of Gion". I must admit that I hold Mineko Iwasaki's memoirs in higher regard. After all, she was the most successful geisha of her time and the book was her autobiography. There was a lot more explanation into the world of geisha - it wasn't simply a matter of looking pretty and acting demure. The determination she had (since approx five years old when she knew she would become the okiya's atotori), the perseverance in her profession (never once taking a day off until she was ill with some sort of kidney infection, I believe) and the business mind behind running an okiya. There was richness in the traditions that you could sense as you read the autobiography, which Memoirs of a Geisha the book and movie didn't give it the attention it deserves. Memoirs of a Geisha focused more on the fictional account of a geisha's lifelong search for love. I felt that it didn't set out to discover more behind the intentionally-hidden facade of a geisha's world.

I wanted to like the movie a lot more than I actually did - because of how much I enjoyed the book and even more because "Geisha of Gion" really intrigued me. I expected to rave about the movie a lot more. I am slightly disappointed in the movie's plotlines however I guess tradeoffs had to be made in condensing a 428-page novel into a 2hr movie. The scenic sets did make up for it though.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!! May the Bow-Wow Year bring you prosperity, good health and success!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Kung Hei Fatt Choy!

San Lin Fai Lok!






(Scenes from London's Chinatown)

Proposal Done!

First proposal presentation done! Phew! Was quite fun actually, though I may feel differently if I didn't have two Partners there to answer the difficult questions.

Even if we don't win this, it was an excellent learning opportunity to be involved in a proposal. Fingers crossed anyway.....

New/old photos

Found my discs with some 'old' photos (ie pre 2004!) and uploaded them here. They are taken during family holidays in Malaysia (Pulau Redang) and Spain (Seville, Barcelona, Madrid). See links on the left side of this page.

Lyrics for You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)

You are holy (You are holy)
You are mighty (You are mighty)
You are worthy (You are worthy)
Worthy of praise (worthy of praise)
I will follow (I will follow)
I will listen (I will listen)
I will love you (I will love you)
All of my days (All of my days)

I will sing to (You are Lord of Lords)
And worship (You are King of Kings)
The King who (You are mighty God)
is worthy (Lord of Everything)
I will love and (You're Emanuel)
adore Him (You're the Great I Am)
And I will bow (You're the Prince of Peace)
down before Him (Who is the Lamb)
and I will sing to (You're the living God)
and worship (You're my saving Grace)
the King who (You will rein forever)
is worthy (You're the Ancient of days)
And I will love and (You are Alpha, Omega,)
adore him (Beginning, and End)
And I will bow down (You're my savior, Messiah)
before Him (Redeemer and Friend)
You’re my prince of peace
And I will live my life for You

You are holy (You are holy)
You are mighty (You are mighty)
You are worthy (You are worthy)
Worthy of praise (worthy of praise)
I will follow (I will follow)
I will listen (I will listen)
I will love you (I will love you)
All of my days (All of my days)

I will sing to (You are Lord of Lords)
And worship (You are King of Kings)
The King who (You are mighty God)
is worthy (Lord of Everything)
I will love and (You're Emanuel)
adore Him (You're the Great I Am)
And I will bow (You're the Prince of Peace)
down before Him (Who is the Lamb)
and I will sing to (You're the living God)
and worship (You're my saving Grace)
the King who (You will rein forever)
is worthy (You're the Ancient of days)
And I will love and (You are Alpha, Omega,)
adore him (Beginning, and End)
And I will bow down (You're my savior, Messiah)
before Him (Redeemer and Friend)
You’re my prince of peace
And I will live my life for You
You’re my prince of peace
And I will live my life for You

(Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton)
©1994 Imboden Music (Admin. by Music Services) Martha Jo Publishing (Admin. by Music Services) 

Quiet one...

It was a quiet one for my 26th. Many commented that I should do something to celebrate but I really just wanted a quiet weekend after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year. I have not had a nice quiet weekend since end Nov so this was a treat to myself!

We had a nice meal at Zinc and we were then going to watch Memoirs of a Geisha. Alas, everyone else in the city seemed to have the same idea about watching Memoirs of a Geisha. It was sold out, so we decided to come home and work on our blogs instead! Adventurous, huh? :)

left: Bri with posh fish and chips!

centre: Bri surprised me with a mini bday cake

right: Drinks at Zinc

Angela Hartnett at the Connaught

This was meant to be our celebratory meal at the end of the project. As it turns out, the project will go on until Sept 2007 at least. Anyway, the Centre of Expertise (CoE) team (and honorary guests!) had the privilege of going to Angela Hartnett's restaurant at the Connaught. And not just going to the restaurant, but getting a tour of the kitchen too and also had a go at making desserts!

Yup - They do spoil you at the Chef's Table. Arrived to champagne then venturing downstairs to check out 'behind the scenes', ie the three kitchens downstairs. We were led to the Chef's table, which is situated in the heart of the kitchen (between the main course and desserts kitchens), and in front of us were three flat screens showing us the activities in each kitchen. There was a total of eight courses or so (we lost count after awhile!). With each course, our waiter enlightened us with how it was cooked, even bringing out the sift at one point to show us how the celeriac cream was made! Lots of intricate detail and thought goes into each dish and careful preparation.

A totally different culinary experience - one of the best so far!

In the dessert kitchen pitching in to make desserts (and I don't mean only by eating!). More photos here....

Get Rich or Die Tryin

After dinner on Tuesday, I was wandering through Leicester Square. As I turned round the corner, there was a big crowd gathering around Empire Cinemas. Turned out that it was the premiere of 50 Cent's movie "Get Rich or Die Tryin". Since I had some time before heading off to RML, I stayed round to see if I can spot celebrities.

Ok, I'm probably going to show my age now but I hardly recognised those who were walking up the red carpet. I saw Jodie Marsh, someone from Sugababes and Michelle from Big Brother. If you're thinking 'Who?', yes - that was my first thought too. I didn't even recognised the faces to these people whose names I recognised. It was thanks to the screaming teenagers next to me that I managed to decipher some of their names!

Manager? Leader? Are they the same?

"No one is indispensable".
"A great Manager is one you can easily replace."

Harsh statements? I thought so when I first heard them, but then after some thought, realised how true they are. In the current business environment we are in, a sustainable business model is one that ensures efficiency and continuity. What would happen to the business if the only person who knows how everything operates meets tragic fate? Or uses this knowledge for 'business-ransom' purposes - more money, title, benefits, etc?

During the selection process for Development Programme, I was asked the difference was between being a good Manager and a good Leader. That stumped me as I always thought they were one and the same thing. Aren't they? Wouldn't they be the prerequisites of generally good leadership? As I continued on the Development Programme and now the Accelerated Leadership Programme, I realise more and more that there is a distinction. Even in every day work, I come across superb Managers but noticed they may not necessarily show the tendencies to be great Leaders. On the other hand, I also see people with fantastic leadership competencies yet their management skills are probably not the best either due to personalities or experience. I have had the privilege of working with some who are fantastic managers and visionary leaders, and eagerly seek more of these opportunities. As such opinions and experiences arise, I start seeing the distinction more and more....

In my humble opinion, a great manager is one who can efficiently and effectively multi-task, delegate, organise, coach, counsel, demonstrate excellent hands-on work and provide and receive constructive feedback amongst other qualities. Sound like a long list? Well, I think these are more easily achievable than being a great Leader (not saying I've achieved them all!). To me, a great leader is one who can provide great vision that is ambitious yet achievable, revolutionary yet rewarding, impossible yet makes it possible through clear communication and motivation. A great leader is not necessarily the person sitting at the top of the hierarchy. A great leader is not afraid of taking the unpopular stance for benefit of all and does not shy away from making difficult decisions. Above all, a great leader is humble, one who sees potential leaders as peers not threats and respects others for their abilities not rank or title.

So the statements above - yes, they will make you unpopular. Yes, they will make you look arrogant. But they came from people I view to be great leaders and it was then that I realised that as a leader, you cannot shy away from making statements like these if they are true even if it may make you unpopular with some people until they come round to understanding(like me!).

The Ted is clean (well, cleaner...)

New Year, new dawn.... Spent good part of Saturday evening tidying up the house so now will have to make sure we keep the house clean and tidy!!!

Did quite a bit on Saturday... Met up with Krystalla for lunch at Cafe Lazeez. It was so cool to catch up after so many months! Even weirder, as we left, we discussed weekend plans and it turned out that we were both trying out Jamie Oliver's pork chop recipes. Mine turned out ok - see pic below. It's supposed to be Costolette di maiale con salvia but Sainsbury's Central didn't have sage and prosciutto so those were substituted with basil and chorizo. Ok, ok, so not really the same ingredients but hey, it didn't turn out that bad. So, I guess it should be Costolette di maiale con basilico. Anyway, hope yours turned out well, Krystalla! We'll have to swap recipes next time.... And here's a pic of Bri's Crepe Suzettes which were scrumptious too...

Salem Falls

Finished reading Jodi Picoult's Salem Falls this week. Ever since My Sister's Keeper, I have been a fan of Jodi Picoult, and her books so far have not disappointed me. The difficult theme behind each book has always been sensitively handled.

Whilst the scenario in Salem Falls of modern witch-hunt may seem rather extreme, I wondered if perhaps this isn't unusual in the real world? A web of lies starting from someone's desire to be noticed or determination for the blame to be shifted from oneself, being spun needlessly until it hurts others.

It is easy to read the book and think "this wouldn't happen in real life", but then read the papers and it's happening every day. Philip Bosson told officials that his daughter Kayleigh was a victim of the Boxing Day tsunami. After many hours of police time, it emerged that Kayleigh never existed. Why would you want to invent such a horrible lie? I'm sure it's bad enough if you have indeed lost a loved one in the disaster but if you haven't, why pretend you have? How insensitive can you be to parents who have lost children, those who were left widowed, children who are now orphans, because of the disaster? I'm sure those who have been affected by the tsunami would do just about anything to have their loved ones back, so why - why lie about losing someone?

Then I read about the recent GP poll by Norwich Union Healthcare showing 3 in 4 put forward food intolerance claims just to follow celebrity sufferers. Don't waste valuable GP's time lying about allergies as they can better use this time to treat real cases.

If you want to be noticed, do something worthwhile. Volunteer for a needy cause, run marathons for charity, aim to be the next straight A's student, the youngest-ever CEO - whatever that is legitimate. Don't lie and hurt others, be it spreading rumours, cheating or suing for the wrong reasons.

30,000 Mornings

I am not sure what to make of Hiag Akmakjian's 30,000 Mornings. As I was reading through most of the book, I could not tell what its aim was. It felt as if I was following Inge (the Finnish model-and-photographer) getting lost in her wanderings through New York and trying to understand what happened to Karen, her friend who vanished from New York without explanation. Parts of the book were strangely pulling though - you can't help but feel Inge's confusion.

Just a random aside - the book gave me what must be the longest name of a place. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobllllantysiliogogogoch. Try saying that quickly! :) It's a Welsh town on the island of Anglesey. The name translated into English means "Saint Mary's Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio of the red cave."

If you think that's bad, whilst finding out what Llanfair means, I found out that there's a village in Thailand called Krungthepmahanakornamornratanakosinmahintarayutthayamahadilokphop
nopparatrajathaniburiromudomrajaniwesmahasatharn
amornphimarnavatarnsathitsakkattiyavisanukamprasit Now, would that fit on a road sign?

I've booked my ticket to Hong Kong!!!

Yay!!! Confirmed my ticket to HK to visit B over Easter!!! We're also hoping to go to Tokyo from there, for a short trip. Need to sort out visas.... Can't wait!

Now... to look for good deals HK-Tokyo, then UK-Msia for summer!

Proposals, Initiatives, etc

Got exciting news that I will be presenting at a proposal presentation for a priority account! Said yes and now, just have to make sure my mind thinks the same! Talk about a MAJOR step out of my comfort zone! Presentations aren't my kinda thing, let alone one to clients which involves winning more work! *Gulp* Fingers crossed, it'll be fine....! It is a great piece of work and the role carved out for me (should we win), ensures a steep learning curve and travel which is excellent!

Also said yes to a new initiative from the Firm around graduate recruitment and the link with Partner Firms. Again, it sounds like another great initiative to be involved in, and to be one of the first to drive this forward too! Better watch what I keep saying yes to, or it may backfire. All these great initiatives and not being able to spend time to do them well.

Just marked a Graduate Assessment exercise. Am I glad I don't have to do that anymore (the exercises, I mean... not marking them!)! Completing application forms, graduate interviews and assessment centres can be rather exhausting. Best not speak too soon about not having to do these, in case I mess up the proposal presentation and end up having to look for jobs elsewhere!

Charlie

This is Charlie, the doggie I'm sponsoring at Dogs Trust. You can visit him by clicking this link. Sounded as if he had a great Xmas!

Their tagline of "We never destroy a healthy dog" touched me, as I think animal shelters and pounds sometimes put dogs down after seven days or so (it may vary from shelter to shelter). These poor dogs are in shelters/pounds usually because of immature/irresponsible adults and are put down because of lack of space or budget, etc. Yes, there are economics of running a shelter involved but you cannot put down an animal just because of their owner decided that he/she has gotten too big or outgrown the cute puppy basket or can't afford to spend 15mins of the day walking them! People wouldn't even dream of giving up their children (usually! There are situations when these do happen, unfortunately), so why do these helpless animals suffer through no fault of their own?

Anyway, one can contribute anything from £1 a week and you get dogs like Charlie 'writing' to you to let you know of their progress. Sweet, eh? Unfortunately, I can't visit Charlie because he's still cautious around strangers but hopefully one day....!

Chocolate Fondue Fountain

Surely this is enough to tempt those of you who made New Year resolutions to eat healthily, stay away from chocolate or go on diets? Bri bought Donna and Idris a chocolate fondue fountain for Christmas and tried it out today. Lovely warm melting chocolate cascading, gently coating the strawberry, apple or marshmallow. And to get the mixture of melting chocolate and strawberry's juiciness or marshmallow's gooey-ness (if there's such a word?)..... Yum Yum Yum! And hey, there's the goodness of vitamin Cs in strawberries and apples also, right? (I'm just trying to soothe my guilty conscience now!)

Maybe this is a good way to tempt children who shun fruits? Hmmm......

Tube Strike - Grow Up!!!

So they are going to strike again. RMT union members are threatening to strike this Sunday due to unresolved issues around shorter working week deal and rosters.

Right.

So that's the solution then? Let's all regress to childhood. If things don't go our way, we throw our toys out of the pram and sulk. This is not a discussion about the dispute that RMT union members are on strike about, as I don't know enough details about it to justify saying whether that's the right stance or not. What I'm bemused about is the almost reflex-like response of calling for a strike if there's a chance that things won't go the way intended. By the way, this isn't an attack on RMT only - I see it the threats on news often whether it be employees at airline baggage handlers or car manufacturing plants, in UK, Paris, China, India, etc.

Grow up, people!!!! Going on strike doesn't solve the problem! Not in my opinion, anyway. Immaturity comes to mind almost immediately. What would happen if we took this approach with everything we did? Am I glad my parents didn't adopt this approach with me when I was little. The amount of times I have been mischievous and stubborn - did they go on 'strike'? No - they acted like mature adults and loving parents that they are and made sure two (or in this case, three) didn't play this immature game.

Act your age - not your shoe size!

Start of 2006

A nice quiet farewell to 2005 spent with two good friends and the new bundle of joy to the Pllana family. Lil Aurora was sooo adorable! Counted down to BBC's coverage showing fireworks in London. How cool to see the place I'm working at, at the centre of the countdown and firework display!

Not that much different in 2006 so far, but lots of exciting things to look forward to! It's going to be a significant year to friends getting married - Jen, Amanda, Manj, Fuz and Amit. I hope your preparations are going well and you are enjoying them! :) I will have to start my preparations in summer this year and am looking forward to all the help I'll be getting from family and friends.... (hint hint!)! :) And of course, not forgetting those experiencing parenthood for the first time (and enjoying it) or welcoming new additions to the family (Dan and Chee Chee)!

Will this be another superb year to remember? I'm sure it will be, and I hope it will be for all the right reasons and filled with good memories!