Recently I took up a job  that doesn't meet much of my expectations. It pays lower, doesn't give me the correct title that reflects my work, and there is a limit in terms of messaging that I can generate about the organisation - predominantly, I cannot say a lot of things or have to wait for other organisations to shout before I could do so. 
I took up it for two reasons: money (I need money to pay bills), and the boss seems ok (he still does so far, a far cry from my previous psychotic female boss).  However, the organisation seems very cliquish. As usual, females like to eat among themselves in a group (I don't know why and I hate that). But I decided to continue my loner activities. After all , I am new and I don't wish to say anything before knowing how the culture is like.  As for planning of activities and budgeting, it is really ridiculous that they claimed to have a lot of money but turned out the money is limited as well. However, I am pleased that money is limited because that means I can only do so much. 
However, something in me still feels that I deserve better , a higher pay, a better and accurate title,  and a good portfolio that allows me to travel (if I can get into an MNC). Recently, I saw a few job posts that fits this but I do not have the relevant experience.  I decided to still send it in although I think the chances of them contacting me is very slim. My long hiatus in employment record is bad , but I still hope to be able to travel and be in a global role. Hopefully, this year (supposedly a good year for me) will allow me to snag a good job with good boss, good pay and an international/ interesting portfolio. I still miss business and finance (not banking specifically). And I feel messaging for  business beat is way much closer to my heart compared to the rest. 

I think I should start writing my second book by working through each chapter on my blog directly under "My Books" (plural since I never wanted to stop at only one). High time to get cracking and start thinking of the new settings. 

I don't understand why my URL  is always linked to this blogspot owner. I shan't link it to my blog but this is ultra irritating. www.thesecretwriter.com has a much cleaner URL address. Why does it always force link to this blogspot???

I admit - I am getting lazy. While job hunting for these past two months (or rather waiting for the offer letter preparation), I have all the time  in the world to do a lot of things that I set out to do, but I wasn't that motivated. Procrastination and laziness won. As I reflected back, I spent a week sending out emails to various charity organisations for volunteer work to do (and UNsurprisingly,  charities in Singapore are really picky about their volunteers' level of time commitment - never fails to  irritate me).  

One week  was spent battling an unexpected bout of stomach flu. I am wondering whether it was the flies in a newly opened Peranakan restaurant or the dirty public swimming pool I went  that was the main cause. Anyway, I wasn't able to eat for three to four days and had to spend another $57 out of my own pocket to see a doctor. 

Another week was spent sending portfolios to other magazines and websites for part-time/freelance writing jobs. Finally one responded and I felt comfortable working with them. Another responded too, but I feel that writing about celebrities' plastic surgery (without their acknowledgement nor  approval) is pretty dangerous and not worth it. Obviously, whoever came up with this site may face potential legal actions  if the site gains online traction. I would not want to be part of that. 

While waiting for  responses from freelance jobs, volunteer organisations and the letter preparation, I became lazy and decided to watch chinese dramas  and japanese animes for a week!!! This was the first time I became so utterly indulgent in such sedentary activities. To make matters worse, my phone was down (thank god once again I already had a job offer on hand)  and I could not jog nor engage in exercise without my phone. 

I kinda regretted not spending the time  on thinking of a new story line for my second book after undergone a dramatic episode in a startup with the most ridiculous bosses (I thought I had, but there is always someone who can outwin I guess), using some time to read up on wacom and inkscape to start creating some illustrations (but the motivation is not there... sigh... I really need to invest more time). And spend time revising my japanese!!!! 

I ushered in 2015 with procrastination and laziness, and I  have been losing the battle for the first month of the new year. I must overcome this. 

Ok another challenge that I have created for myself to overcome  is my first camping trip!!! The hiking meetup group that I joined  has finally organised a camping trip at Sisters' Island. No matter what event I have on that weekend, I am determined to put this as priority. The challenge comes from pitching the tent.  But I am super glad that after waiting for a year, my wish is finally coming true!!!!! Praise the God (it is generic here)!

Photo credit:  haberkorn