fuchsia fragments

This past week, I've been reviewing quotes! I've been asked questions... and and and I'm going to get my own accounts instead of feeling like a 'consultant'. WOOHOOO!!! Albeit, the reason behind this is because there has been a resignation. But it's not for another 6 weeks so there will be (hypothetically) plenty of time for a handover.

Got my first taste of late nightlife in Tokyo. We had a few drinks with some colleagues and then a colleague and I went on to another bar for one more drink. And it really was one more drink! Tried to get the boss to come along but not this time. Anyway, we were hanging around Roppongi and there were not-so-welcome touts on every corner on the streets in Roppongi. So not cool and I would personally never venture to that part of town in the evening on my own. Anyways, we went to a Brazilian bar which did all these different types of Capirinhas - all looked really good! It wasn't all that busy for a Wednesday night so we had a bar table to ourselves and had a good chat. Good thing I remember things cause it will help me with working with the team later on!

Thursday's language class was a bit boring this week. All the students were different except one girl which was strange to me. Maybe a lot of people rotate days... I think I'll just keep going on Thursday evenings until work commitments get in the way.

It is sale time in a lot of the shops! I got a massive haul at H&M on Saturday evening... wasn't a lot of items but the majority were less than half price. I need to build my wardrobe here so it was a GREAT start! Think I should also plan my weekends so I see more. I was in Ueno today (absolutely hated it) and then Ginza (much more refined). I didn't realise until reading up on it that Ueno is one of the most run-down areas of Central Tokyo and I could feel it. It was just crowded and dirty and not exactly pleasant. A bit like China or HK maybe?

I also started using my smoothie machine. It's so awesome!!! Except now my fridge feels overstocked cause of all the fresh fruit and veg I have in there for my week's supply of juice. I have a tiny tiny fridge... and also I made pasta so I have midweek meals. Speaking of housework, I have designated Sunday evening to be ironing night. I HATE IRONING. And the dryer makes your clothes extra wrinkly. NOT COOL. It would be wise to buy clothes that don't require ironing...

It's Remembrance Day back home. And apparently here, there is something called National Pocky Day. Say what?

Halfway here and halfway home and I can safely that time has flown. Learning to take the small wins and to take every win for what it is because the culture here is so different. I'm not experiencing a culture shock and so many people said I would but I have embraced this with both eyes open and without judgement. Perhaps it is the forewarning that I received that I am not surprised.

Things are slow here. And vastly different. It's a genuine surprise when I run into the odd one or two familiar faces from home.

My mommy came to visit this week after visiting HK. We did a day trip and lots of shopping (window shopping). She agrees that everything is a lot more expensive that the previous times we'd been here. Prices have risen sharply (their consumption tax has gone up 3%) and our dollar's buying power is weaker. That makes things significantly more expensive. The two things that we consider affordable in Australia: Meat and Fruit/Veg are ridiculously overpriced here. We paid almost 600 Yen the other night for 5 chicken wings and for the same price in Australia, we could get 3 whole kg! Similarly, fruit is sold by the piece here and you are probably looking at 400 or 500 yen for an apple or a pear (they are noticeably ginormous though).

We also had to buy another suitcase (LOL). We always seem to be doing this with the exception of Hawaii earlier this year where my sister and I were totally prepared. Suitcase inside a suitcase plus a Country Road bag each for the win. To be fair, there are a few that are old and we should look at throwing out. And digressing, I would love to own my own suitcase collection - we just have a few that are either just too small or just too big. Each to their own but I want my own hand carry and suitcase (needless to say, preferably a brand-y one...).

Then onto my handbag search. I'm going to do it. I even asked my aunt before my mum left HK if it was cheaper to get there and it's not. It is cheaper in Japan by about A$400...  yeah! Now to get paid so I can buy. Huge month of spending and whilst I am excited that December (and Christmas and New Years is coming), I am really not looking forward to getting back to my Sydney office. One crisis at a time... the more I observe, the more that I feel I'm a minority in Gen Y. What has happened to taking accountability and responsibility? And pride in one's work. And here's a good one: how about using your own brain instead of always asking someone else?!

I've had the worst allergies these couple of days and whilst I keep reiterating that I am not sick, everyone sort of tip toes around it and asks if I'm okay. My eyes are watery and my nose is red and dripping like a tab. It's actually quite irritating but it is so sweet that everyone cares.

One of the AEs from Brisbane came down on a day off and took me to lunch yesterday. I felt a bit guilty considering we haven't had the best relationship with a lot of the Qld people. But it was excellent to catch up over lunch and talk about things without eyes and ears around the office. Not to mention the gossip!

We certainly not spoilt for choice are North Sydney. There's probably 3 or 4 really nice places to go if you wanted to splurge a little for lunch. So I picked the Treehouse. Thank goodness I booked cause it was absolutely packed. They do some good dishes coupled with an adequate wine and drink menu and the service is very decent so it turned out to be a good meal. Too bad I had to rush (by rush I mean that I couldn't stay longer than  2 hours) back to the office for a meeting and an urgent approval.

Then the evening, it was Sarah's birthday! Ah... what an interesting event it was! I really made an effort to be on time to this one as I feel bad that every catch up we have, I am chronically late (work...). Anyways, my darling work hubby gave me a lift to the restaurant (oh bless him, he's really sweet when he wants to be) and so I arrived right on time! And.... I was the first person there. Um, awks. At one stage I actually thought I was in the wrong restaurant and freaking out. But all good!

Then the other people started to arrive (I didn't know very many of them and those that I did know, they were really more acquaintances than anything else) so it was a bit of small talk and boring stuff like that. Also, the crowd last night was probably mid-30s as a lot of the invitees were her BF's friends. Some had kids, one of the ladies was pregnant. A few of them were real estate agents so lots of house and property talk. And I picked up three new potential customers... yeah!

So needless to say, my cake was amaze... but that's not what I learnt from last night.

It was really refreshing to see that adults with lives probably very different to mine act just like how my friends and I act today. Even with kids and other responsibilities (they were all school friends), they manage to giggle like girls, gossip and just rehash memories like we do now. It was kind of ... soothing for me to see. I've always wondered what I'd be like in 10 years...

Anyways, I got a pick up last night as was so tired so my sister and Alberto came along. Thanks guys! Saved me a shitload in cab fare! Slept the night away and woke up to a blocked nose. urgh yuck.

Had a cake pick up (they are always late!!!) - need to post about that. And did some grocery shopping - westfield is a bit of a shithouse at the moment but the renos look promising.

Baked some bread. It turned out okay actually but I'm always so dejected that its not super high and round but more 'freeform'. Tasted delish but just looked... homely. Am I expecting too much of myself?

Off to steamboat (the fancy word for hot pot) and the movies now.

And it looks like a few of my friends are going to reconcile.

This is turning out to be a fabulous weekend.

#fulfilled

I actually can't remember the date. All I know it that one day this week, I am 2 years strong - or stupid? I can very confidently say that this week has been the toughest and longest week so far. A minimum of 12 hours each day and being absolutely fried by the end of each day. Only to repeat it again. Not get any fresh air and feel... shattered, mentally drained and unable to sleep. But not defeated, I will never feel as defeated as I was in the last few months of my last job.

I'm so grateful that I have my Kitchenaid & Oven. No matter how tired, it relieves some stress.

But what I was really thinking about today was email. Email etiquette and Email tone. Many years ago, probably in my first full time job, I was taught that there was no tone in email. So untrue. Just like every other communication style, sentences, choice of words, punctuation and structure can be interpreted.

Probably just overtired me speaking and overthinking things. Everything you see is only the tip of the iceberg right?

Not a good week. Knew it was trouble before Monday even began.

I haven't slept in two days (just rolled around all night, both nights). I haven't even had a chance to have a real lunch - eating at our desks. I feel like nothing I do gives me closure. And everyone is snappy. Ouch.

In the rare moments that I had a few minutes to collect my thoughts, I came across a job ad where there were some really good key words used. So I wrote them down to include in my resume. It makes me wonder if I should look for a new job. It's just on the cusp of 2 years. I have no doubt that this German company of mine will be the longest serving (to date) on my resume but I always keep one eye open. But the metaphorical foot is not out the door yet.

I decided to forgo the afternoon coffee for a chai. Have had two cups of camomile tea and I am planning to go to bed just after this. Before 10 PM today and here's hoping that I will get some rest. And maybe, just maybe, a little downtime.

The days are literally getting shorter and I feel like I am pushing and pulling and trying to squeeze every last second of the day and juggle things to make it all fit.

Like today, I probably spent 2 hours at my desk tops. Meetings back to back. People pulling me sideways. I had 20 minutes for dinner and it was cake baking time after coming home late. And now I want to wash my hair, shower, catch up on GoT, blog, check emails and attend to the huge pile of paperwork on my desk. But I also want to be in bed by 10:30. Impossible. 

I was supposed to get a reprieve until June. That is the structure of a deal support role ... not to be on call and doing everything, every day of every month. And my weekends, let's not mention those.

Birthday, baby shower, dinner, catch up, bake, repeat. And repeat again. And throw in baking lessons, a wedding, les mis, vivid... yup. No time. Take it off sleep. Or take it off sleep?!

I love my new boss. She is totes awesome. Story for another time. Ahhhh... eyes and ears everywhere. Remember that.

The old-fashioned, left-handed, softly spoken kind. I'm not artist / decorator so it was a rather un-scintillating conversation. I mean, yeah, I like it when buildings are restored and look beautiful but I'd rather it structurally sound first. Especially if you're going to take a good chunk of my hard earned cash.

On another note, my new boss is back and we're right back into it. I need to think of my development goals and plan. At least I got my mentor down packed. Someone to raise me up. Ah... can't wait. I'm got the best seat in the house for the massive face palm that I hope will happen but at the same time I'm going to get as much experience and knowledge I can starting from now until the end of the year. I want that promotion - sooner rather than later.

But at the same time, I see so many fish floating around, not knowing what to do with themselves. Honestly, grow a backbone and get pro-active. It is so true when they say that your future and development is in your own hands. Sure, connections would help immensely. But they don't grow on a tree. Respect is earnt. Connections are built on networking. You can't just "leverage" off mine. I'm happy to share but it won't be as helpful as going out there, promoting yourself and taking charge. Not sure how many times I've said it - it's getting old fast (at least I think so); especially when said people then whinge to me that they can't find a new job, or didn't get that promotion or payrise etc etc. Or when I give you a piece of advice and you don't heed it. umm... take it from someone who has literally been there, done that.

Went for my morning run this AM with the two rascals. And first thing they do? Chuck a dump down at the park. I was cleaning up after them and a council worker was tending to the grass. Said good morning, so lovely to see someone so friendly around - made my morning. The people on the train however... different story. So selfish. Don't move up or down and just crowd the access points. It's a team effort guys to get the trains efficient and run on time. You standing and not moving does not help!

Tried out my first vegan cake on the weekend. Fed it to the piggys at work - they liked it! Yes! So I am going with this recipe. Happy days. Vegan ingredients (e.g. chocolate) - unhappy wallet...

I've got so much to say that I can't put it into words and so, I've been staring at this blank page for the last few minutes.

I don't know why I waste so much time thinking of others. Others who are so not worth my time but my mind is reeling. Just blatantly stupid people who want to reap the rewards of high profile roles without actually doing the work. And admitting to it too. And so... how do you plan on getting there?

I can't believe I sat through an hour with her. One on one. To discuss the new role. Or more like her trying to dictate to me. Nice try. I know how to read between the lines. And take everything with a pinch of salt.

How can you day you are 5/5 comfortable with doing something yet you have zero interest in doing it? What an oxymoron is there ever was one. Honestly where does she think so gets off?

I can't wait till my new boss is back from leave. We are going to have to iron a lot of things out.

I also missed our coffee window with my work hubby. And I really needed it today too. Need his consoling. :( And to tell me I'm being stupid. At least I can turn to my finance buddies.

Not sure how it happened but the other 2 ladies in my team managed to both have a week off this past week. And boy, was I hammered or was I hammered? Working late, taking work home and for a quiet period, working on the weekend... a lot. :-(

It helps to have the day broken up or extended. Such as a super quick Tuesday wine with Sarah. Just to check up on her and make sure she's doing ok. A lot's been going on in her life these past two months and thought some baked goods wouldn't go awry.

Then we had a little celebration for Donna's whopping (I kid) 27th birthday. Belly bao,.. amazing A-MAZING fried chicken and yummy cocktails. I personally did not taste any alcohol. We were discussing engagement rings... funny right? I even managed to fit in an overdue grocery shop after this event.

Attended a funeral on Friday. Always the emotional one... think I cry more with age? I haven't been to very many of these (and one who hope that you don't at this age) but it was a lady who was pretty much my mum's mom-away-from-home. But some of the stuff that happened during and after the service.... you'd think you only see it happen in movies / soapies / tv. Still trying to figure out why.

I was always pretty drained by Friday afternoon but there was so much more work to do. And baking... not sure what happened. The last couple of days have been a bit of a blur.

If I wasn't on my laptop I was in the kitchen and I think last night, was up until about 1 a.m. reviewing quotes. Reminds me of uni days and cramming. Haha! But I get paid for it now...

Dropped off a cake to Randwick.. literally around the corner from UNSW. Ahh nostalgia. I also wished I lived in the area. Needs RICH HUBBY AND HIGH PAYING JOB!!! Finally have a little time to ... unwind. That sounds so good.

The temperature dropped to single digits this morning somewhere in Sydney I am sure. And my body just could not cope with it today and even though I was dressed in a pretty woolly cardigan (very appropriate for Autumn), I was feeling cold all day - even the two times when we walked in the sun to get coffee. I'm glad I didn't catch a cold.

It was so cold that at one stage, people were touching my hands just to see if I was lying and my work hubby said to me 'wow, you do have cold hands... but a warm heart'. Ngaw. Even if it is an old wives' tale, it was very sweet. Needed someone to say something nice after this long week. And not to overthink things.

We're doing it very tough this first quarter. You can tell cause we had drunk 6 bottles of wine between about 12 people in about an hour. Usually we only pop open 2 or 3 bottles on Friday afternoons. Even I enjoyed a glass of pinot - sweet and smooth. I'm not a usual red drinker but I guess being cold and the only other option being Chardonnay (no thank you) makes you reassess.

Helped Carmen this evening with her culinary dishes for tomorrow - tiramisu and scones. She's hosting about 2 small groups of people who will be featured in their Wedding Video. She needs to come and watch me prep for High Tea! Will blow her mind... ;)

I'm looking forward to a sleep in. Then check work email. Perhaps make hot cross buns. I promised everyone donuts for dessert and want to fit in Easter cupcakes somewhere. Yep, another unplanned but busy weekend!