did you ever stop wondering? — thoughts on software and consumer technology among other things
It’s really hard when familial matters crop up and you can’t respond the way you’d like because you’re so far away and you’re at a point in your job where you’re still trying to build your reputation. Thus, you can’t afford to take sudden leaves yet. I don’t think I was ever prepared for the things that are happening back home. It just seems to be happening so fast.
How I wish I could be there for my mother during these trying times. But, as always I have to look at the bigger picture.
Here in Singapore (at least in agencies) when you go on Sick Leave, you’re on MC. It comes from the abbreviation of medical certificate, which you have to present after your sick leave. And since I finally got my medical card, I can “go MC” without going through the hassle of paying then filing for reimbursement for a medical certificate. On a side note, two of our teammates are on MC, and we have a deadline for next week. This is going to be real fun.
Just did my first remittance at iRemit today. The process was considerably fast since there was practically no queue. The transaction was done after lunch which can be the reason why it hasn’t been credited to my account yet. I’ll check again tomorrow.
My paternal grandmother passed away early this morning. She’s been bedridden for the past couple of years already so it didn’t really come as unexpected. And my grandfather passed away last year (with a weak heart caused by chemotherapy) so it was just a matter of time before she would follow. I received the news around 3am. Her body is being cremated right now.
I’m sure she’s in a better place now. What really saddens me is I can’t be there for my father and my family.
Jf, my friend and housemate brought me to Pepper Lunch for (guess what?) lunch. I didn’t know what the whole concept of the foodstore was so I assumed that everything they served just had pepper on it. And so I was wondering a bit why all the pictures on their menu and store had raw meat and veggies.
I’ve been here for three weeks already, two of which I’ve been working. So far, it’s been fun and enjoyable here. But there will always be moments that you start missing home. My mother called me the other day thanking me for the flowers I sent, asking me if I’m good, if I have everything I need. And thoughts just came racing into my head.
Last Friday was fun, saw most of my workmates strut their wares on the dance floor. Also, it was a chance to get to know them a bit more since it was the perfect setup for having conversation (even with the loud music). Hopefully I can talk more with them during the coming weeks, even about non-work stuff.
Yesterday was the first time I did the laundry by myself, here in SG. I did it in three batches — the darks, the lights and the whites. I’m gonna have to be doing laundry every week until I can afford to expand my wardrobe. I just brought a handful for my first month since I didn’t want to carry a lot of baggage.
