Wednesday, June 14, 2006

An evening in Manama

June 14th 2006
Budaiya

Had to go to Manama, in the evening to get my abaya and had to listen to Taqi's ramblings all the way to town too.
Went round looking for abayas and saw some nice ones which I shall come back at a later date to get them. For dinner I went to a vegetarian restaurant; ordered some idli with sambar and masala tea. by the time i got home I was feeling hungry again and luckily there are fruits for supper. Some bananas, cherries and grapefruits which I got earlier.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Javen's birthday

June 13th 2006
Budaiya

It is Javen's sixth birthday today.His wish list came true when his mom bought him his favourite toy, the transformer and he was so happy.Boys these days are so smart.
Went to Luigi at Cypres garden for dinner. I had two pieces of cannolini stuffed with chicken, mushrooms,tomatoes and a lovely sauce with lots of cheese. Goes well with the ceasar salads, broccoli soup and the garlic bread. Wonderful dinner and good company.

Earlier in the day, I went to the souq to collect my abaya. It was such a hot day and I couldnt resist a glass of avocado juice to quench my thirst. A cool rocket salads for lunch, besides the usual chicken soya sauce.

Back in the office I was typing a note when accidently I hit a key and everything was gone. I had to retype the whole thing all over again. Always happen when you are rushing. Imagine the desperate feeling...!
Had my vacation leave signed and approved and ticket confirmed...!!!
I am so excited at the thought of going for my 3 weeks vacation.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

My comfort food ... !


June 11th 2006
Budaiya

Everyone has their own version of comfort food... one that soothes our nerves... calm us down...and make life worth living...!!!
My favourite is tea. I have one every morning. And another as and when I need one...!
I take my tea with milk and a little sugar. Has to be with fresh milk/cream or evaporated milk.
I like the other variety as well, like the ginger tea, the masala tea and the ever popular "teh tarek" ( I really missed teh tarek...!!!)
The sidekicks to my favourite tea would be hot currypuff/samosas, chocolate cakes ( another of my favourite - has to be moist chocolate cake...!)

Frustrations ...

June 11th 2006
Budaiya

FRUSTRATIONS ...
Its a no wonder people in mid level management get so stressed out. They had it both ways. If their subordinates did not perform well, they have to answer for it.
And when there is a reprimand to be carried out, they have the honourable task to carry it out. This is the most unpopular position.
What do I do to someone who is listening without hearing, who refused to remember and follow instructions ? At the end of the day, you have to remind them of every item supposedly to be done ?
A lot of precious time is wasted and when you have to redesign and amend and amend and amend. Another set back is their ability to understand instructions, and when you asked them if they understand, they nod as if it means a yes, but still in the end... they do the wrong thing.
Are they being defiant?
But they forgot, even if they want be defiant, it shows in their performance record.
Why cant they make more effort to excell in their work, it is all for their own good.
Show the top management of your capabilities and that you take great pride in your work.
As for me... I am having this big lump in my throat.
Where did I go wrong...?
How do I motivate someone who is so stagnant and refused to move ?
Dangle a carrot ? You can guide the horse to a watering hole once or twice, but you cant force him to drink.
So I am back to square one.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Dinner


June 9th 2006
Budaiya

Yesterday was hectic and hot. The temperature here has been in the forties since past weeks and it will go to fifties soon. And its so humid. Met some clients who came stopped over from Frankfurt on their way home to KL. We had dinner at No 1 house last night. He prepared steamboat and and it was a really good choice. The guests enjoyed themselves playing "masak masak". The seafoods were fresh and the steamed hamour was superb.Desserts were fresh fruits... plums,mangoes,persimmons, watermelons...lychees...and sweetdumplings...!!
Everyone were saying that steamboat is a healthy way of eating, which is true in a way. But it seems that we tend to overeat, so its the quantity now...We didnt realised that we ate so much of the seafoods, salads, noodles and fruits.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

One of those days ...

June 7th 2006
Budaiya

Woke up late this morning since we had to work late last night. Wish I could just laze a bit more in bed, but when I thought the guys would be in the office and waiting, I had to summon all my lazy bones and get up.As usual, another dateline to meet, amendments and having to deal with a certain "attitude' has been a challenge.So I asked myself, was I not clear in giving instruction or they could not understand me but refused to ask.Every time I asked..."do you understand.." they would nod their heads... but in the end they gave me the wrong things..again and again. And I have to answer to no 1, no 2 and no 3.I am at my wits ends. How I wish they would be more responsive, and understand instructions, take more initiatives, make more effort, be more creative, and listen and remember all that I have told them.
So today, the presentation went well. She has always been very supportive, she always introduce me as her kampong mate to everyone here.We happened to come from the same state in Malaysia. She is proud of her roots and I am proud of her.Rushed back to the office after the meeting , to finalise all the details for my colleague to go to Morocco. Good luck !
Suddenly I have a craving for burgers tonite. So I ordered mushroom swiss and of course it tasted so good when you are hungry.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

My new room ...

June 4th 2006
Manama

Another busy day ... with datelines to meet and the room renovation in progress. I hope by tomorrow they could finish all the work and I could start cleaning up and lay the new carpet.
Grey cut pile crapet... what a boring colour, but thats thats left. And its free.
Then I would slowly transfer my stuff.I am not really excited about the new room, but I like the idea of having my own bathroom and having a small pantry on the balcony.
I am going to miss my present room with all its memories. I hate this kind of feeling, getting attached to something I mean. And in time to come I hope to make it as cosy. Rather its time I have some changes in my life.