Change of views

In the last class of 2007 Sunday School, I asked each of my students to list out 3 things that they want to achieve in 2008 and I asked them to share one item with the other classmates.

A male student told me that he wants to 過活潑的日子. I think this "wish" is really meaningful! Another female student told me that she wants to get to the top 25% of her class. I myself also listed out 3 things that I want to achieve in year 2008.

Item 1 was: 在工作上有突破

Then earlier this year, I really got the chance to get a promotion in grade. Thanks God! The last time I got a promotion was already in 2000... (despite I changed job in 2005). I was already so delighted. (although the pay rise % was just the same as last year)

After becoming an AVP, I felt that more responsibilities will come to me. Also, I feel more respected. Moreover, many Singapore colleagues shot me emails saying congratulations. They were so kind to me.

Near the end of January, I got a flu. I felt so tired and had to take one day off. However, after two to three weeks, I felt so weak again. This time, the symptoms were: 勁多胃氣,勁肚瀉,氣虛,好攰,不能入睡等. I finally went to see a doctor and he said this is some kind of virus. Not sure if this is 諾沃克病毒 or the previous flu got into my stomach? But this is really a new illness for me... And I could not understand where did I get the virus...

Originally, I gained 2-3 pounds during Chinese New Year but then lost about 6 pounds due to this illness!!

After that terrible illness, my husband went to Beijing to work on the Olympic project. And my work was getting more busy.

Suddenly, two things happened. 1) my team-mate finally got a post in another team and he will be leaving this team, 2) my company suddenly had an incident. And I was suddenly promoted to take over my team-mate as well as to join the incident follow-up committee. These created extra workload and stress to me. But I suddenly realized that the previous illness can be like the Chinese saying 「天將降大任於斯人也必先勞其筋骨餓其體膚」.

Right after taking up the new role, I had to go to Singapore to join a 2-day MT meeting. I was quite stressed before going, as I will meet >20 team-mates in one shot. Also, I have talked to all these people in the previous 2.5 years, but have never met them. So, I was quite nervous!! And I have not been to Singapore for over 20 years (the last time was when I was a kid). But luckily, the colleagues were quite warm and nice to me. And going along with them was not that difficult! Also, during the MT, I finally found some peers that are working on similar stuff as me and we can share the experience.

In fact, this year, I also took up more responsibilities in Church. I was elected the 主日學部長. And I have two 副部長 helping me. They are two big men in their 40's! So, I am also stressed to work with them as they have more life experience than me.

I realized that I need to learn a few new things:
1. Learn to be a new manager
2. Learn how to interview and get the right candidate
3. Learn to lead by following Bible's way
4. Learn to deal with Office Politics in a Christian way
5. Time management
6. Delegation
7. Social skills
8. Further improve English conversational and listening skills
9. Learn to drink but not get drunk
10. Learn to be punctual

May I get the strength and power from God!