That is always the motto to live by. But especially this week.

Work hard. Very hard. Play even harder.

Been a tough week in the office: in before 8, out after 6. Auditors, Year end, Year end, Year end. A lot of work to be done within the 5 days of closing. It was tough, stressful and tensions were increasing by the minute.

We got there. But we did miss the deadline for postings. Which meant we had to go all the way up top to request permission. And the repercussions? The blame game.

SSC manager speaks to LCA. LCA speaks to local controller. Local controller speaks to local finance. Local finance say there isn't enough support for CoE. And so the story goes. Round and round. So much for Team One, One voice... everyone at the end of the day is there for themself.

But we were fortunate enough to have Ivo from Singapore who is also my ICM colleague in the regional team visit us. He's crashing at my other colleagues and we took him out Thursday and tonight. Two amazing nights. Never knew how pretty Sydney was until you walk around with non-locals.

Thursday: Kiwi, European (he's from Prague but works in SIN) and me. Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay, King St Wharf. Got to see some of the Sydney Festival, Cargo Bar, fries, happy hour, a koala at the wildlife world and Meat and Wine Co. Amazing company and such a beautiful carefree night. Wish we had more of those... random too. We let Ivo pick the place. But it was after we said 'we're going to xx. Ivo, where do you want to go?' ;)

Friday: Kiwi, Mr Prague, Serbian, Turkey and me. Chinatown, Baxter's Inn, Zeta Bar and O Bar. Awesome awesome night. Even though I met 2 of those people on the night! I wasn't drunk, probably not even tipsy but the drinks were amazing (Apple & whiskey... and sunshine punch. More please). The conversations were stimulating. It's "Left-ten-ant" not "loo-ten-ant"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The view at O Bar was amazing. We kept trying to see if we could see SAP! Glad i took them there! Late night/morning for shizzle but so worth it. I haven't had one in so long and was so overdue. Thanks to my sister and Albert for coming to pick me up. Additional bonus.

Friday Funny #1: *Amanda in reference to our two boys tonight*

"OMG, you two are like neighbours [one from Czech, one from Germany]. You can totally speak European to each other!!!"

Friday Funny #2: *@ O Bar to the waiter*

Amanda: "Do you guys [in ref to the bar] spin like every hour or so like really quickly?"
Waiter: "Yeah we sure do, we spin all day. In fact, we're spinning now"
Amanda: *squeals in excitement* *everyone else is embarrassed*

I think we're finishing off with the Grounds tomorrow. But will be a rush for me. Cake to make, supplies to pick up and then gonna drop Ivo off at the airport on my way home. CNY dinner and more cake making.

2014 is starting to ramp up! Bring it...!