I remember back then, I dreamt. I started nevertheless to work on it.
It has taken me about 3 years.
One of it is about to come true and I can't wait.
Do you still remember when you were a kid and you just cant wait to get your hands on whatever you were promised? Yes. That excitement.
Difference now is, I promised myself and it is finally coming through. Just about time.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Journey Begins...
The plan will continue... without a doubt. Although management sucks big time... I am moving on with it.
*****
They have never ceased to surprise me time and time again... I anticipated it. It was real and likened to a slap on my face. Nope, it did not dampen my spirits. I was only disappointed by the fact that it came at the very last minute.
*****
It's 12.35am now... This will probably be my last post before I embark on my journey later... until I am back home OR until I can find a terminal to post anything. I feel bad for Aszman... but I guess he is stronger than this.
*****
It will be an LP journey again... just like how Cambodia, Pakistan and India was. It will be exciting... I can't wait.
*****
I was at Luna Caprese tonight... reminded me of something. Sweet...
*****
Arrivadeci...
*****
They have never ceased to surprise me time and time again... I anticipated it. It was real and likened to a slap on my face. Nope, it did not dampen my spirits. I was only disappointed by the fact that it came at the very last minute.
*****
It's 12.35am now... This will probably be my last post before I embark on my journey later... until I am back home OR until I can find a terminal to post anything. I feel bad for Aszman... but I guess he is stronger than this.
*****
It will be an LP journey again... just like how Cambodia, Pakistan and India was. It will be exciting... I can't wait.
*****
I was at Luna Caprese tonight... reminded me of something. Sweet...
*****
Arrivadeci...
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Unethical Professionalism
For days and months, plans were made.
Today, on the eve, all these are history. I bear no more love... I am getting frustrated time and time again whether it directly relates to me or not... I hold only sympathy for the victim, and grudges for the entire structure.
You can kiss my ass from now.
Today, on the eve, all these are history. I bear no more love... I am getting frustrated time and time again whether it directly relates to me or not... I hold only sympathy for the victim, and grudges for the entire structure.
You can kiss my ass from now.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Relieved...?
Well, it was not the spectacle I was hoping for on Monday... there was no fireworks flying around... I was lucky though because someone else in other domains screwed their part up and my errors were partially covered up... so, I didnt get screwed that much. Pheeeww...
My days of handover... it could end up being permanent now instead of temporarily... I dont know, I just get this ill feeling that I might quit altogether... imagine... during these handover period... my DPM has failed to live up to expectations, CW is still squabbling with CEG... out of 220 promised sites for the June rollout, we have only put 50 on air and it is already the 19th June 2007 today. We have 300 in July and 400 in August. Can we live up to expectations?
Customers have tolerated us more than they could... I have tolerated my team more than I should... and I just cant tolerate anymore. Even at this point, I should be concentrating more on solving minor issues but I end up inundated with more major issues than ever. It really zaps me up... customers are constantly calling me even though I have sent out notices that I am leaving. Why? because they want me to finish up the thing before I leave... I said, my deputy is there... their reasoning for it is because, they know everything will be so screwed up after I go.
Ok Ok... the whole project wont collapse even after I go but I bet my life on it there will be more problems than ever. Those people that keep coming to me will need to fend for themselves. I have supported them more than ever during my previous 11 weeks... I am tired and worn out. I just need a break... some time to myself.
I can only do that much with a pair of eyes, ears, and hands.
There's always a limit to one's soul. I have reached mine..... unfortunately.
My days of handover... it could end up being permanent now instead of temporarily... I dont know, I just get this ill feeling that I might quit altogether... imagine... during these handover period... my DPM has failed to live up to expectations, CW is still squabbling with CEG... out of 220 promised sites for the June rollout, we have only put 50 on air and it is already the 19th June 2007 today. We have 300 in July and 400 in August. Can we live up to expectations?
Customers have tolerated us more than they could... I have tolerated my team more than I should... and I just cant tolerate anymore. Even at this point, I should be concentrating more on solving minor issues but I end up inundated with more major issues than ever. It really zaps me up... customers are constantly calling me even though I have sent out notices that I am leaving. Why? because they want me to finish up the thing before I leave... I said, my deputy is there... their reasoning for it is because, they know everything will be so screwed up after I go.
Ok Ok... the whole project wont collapse even after I go but I bet my life on it there will be more problems than ever. Those people that keep coming to me will need to fend for themselves. I have supported them more than ever during my previous 11 weeks... I am tired and worn out. I just need a break... some time to myself.
I can only do that much with a pair of eyes, ears, and hands.
There's always a limit to one's soul. I have reached mine..... unfortunately.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday: All In A Week's Work
It's Sunday and... gone again...
Tomorrow will be the weekly project review meeting... you see, there's always a slight hesitation and fear of facing customers when time has lapsed and dateline has reached and you've got nothing to show or tell but WIP (Work In Progress). Hmmphh.. wonder how it'll be tomorrow... will let you know.
Today, I went for a haircut with Aszman and as I was sitting there facing myself in the mirror, I scrutinized at myself for a long hard 5 minutes... I reflected on my 2 second horror yesterday... something that I dont do very often because usually when I am sat on the chair, I will just close my eyes and rest and let the barber get on with his work. BUT not today... I have gotten old. I didnt freak out... but kept on pondering. As the barber went along cropping my unkempt hair... I looked down and saw hair strewn all over... there were more whites than blacks. I dont remember seeing that many the last time around. It was like watching horror unfold by itself and yet, you cant do anything about it... people call it, 'Quarter Life Crisis'... errrr... maybe to me, its a bit more. It wasnt just the color of the hair anymore...
I still remember back then in March 2002, I asked myself a question... what does it feel like being amongst the elites? I am one now... any difference? I still remember I hungered for the sort of moments I am in now... do I feel better now? The answer is no. I derive with this notion that as we grow older, we want to get younger but that's not going to happen... hence, enjoy the moment now because we'll never get back to what we've lost today... for today is all there is... and it'll never come back. 5 years have passed since... I am what I am today for the struggles that I had to endure then... March 2002, that was the first time my ex left me and how I was struggling to juggle between 4 odd jobs and a Master's Degree in tow... and I have told myself to be strong... one day, just one day, you'll be there...
I am here now. I should be thankful and not complain about my white hair OR the '2 second' horror flick...
Good night Sunday...
Tomorrow will be the weekly project review meeting... you see, there's always a slight hesitation and fear of facing customers when time has lapsed and dateline has reached and you've got nothing to show or tell but WIP (Work In Progress). Hmmphh.. wonder how it'll be tomorrow... will let you know.
Today, I went for a haircut with Aszman and as I was sitting there facing myself in the mirror, I scrutinized at myself for a long hard 5 minutes... I reflected on my 2 second horror yesterday... something that I dont do very often because usually when I am sat on the chair, I will just close my eyes and rest and let the barber get on with his work. BUT not today... I have gotten old. I didnt freak out... but kept on pondering. As the barber went along cropping my unkempt hair... I looked down and saw hair strewn all over... there were more whites than blacks. I dont remember seeing that many the last time around. It was like watching horror unfold by itself and yet, you cant do anything about it... people call it, 'Quarter Life Crisis'... errrr... maybe to me, its a bit more. It wasnt just the color of the hair anymore...
I still remember back then in March 2002, I asked myself a question... what does it feel like being amongst the elites? I am one now... any difference? I still remember I hungered for the sort of moments I am in now... do I feel better now? The answer is no. I derive with this notion that as we grow older, we want to get younger but that's not going to happen... hence, enjoy the moment now because we'll never get back to what we've lost today... for today is all there is... and it'll never come back. 5 years have passed since... I am what I am today for the struggles that I had to endure then... March 2002, that was the first time my ex left me and how I was struggling to juggle between 4 odd jobs and a Master's Degree in tow... and I have told myself to be strong... one day, just one day, you'll be there...
I am here now. I should be thankful and not complain about my white hair OR the '2 second' horror flick...
Good night Sunday...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Gallery Updates: Incredible India
Ahhh... finally got time to upload another set of pixies from India and it can be viewed at my gallery. More to come after this... I am working on it...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
What Makes Me Tired...
On a Saturday morning... I am feeling lethargic already. Err... Nope, I slept quite early yesterday... at about 12.30am... this morning to be exact, and I had an 8 hour sleep. What's wrong? Hmmphh... while I was washing up this morning, I looked myself into the mirror... I had a 2 second horror... I was awakened almost immediately, my eye bags were heavy and I had more white hair sprouting than ever before. I took a closer look. It wasnt me. What was staring back at me was the ghostly Raymond... not the one whom I have known before.
I walked out in trepidation... one step at a time, trying to slow my pace and sat on the sofa...
Before I knew it, it was 9am and I have sat there staring at the tv with the music on for a good 15 minutes.
I didnt want to go to work. Contemplated... but I went anyway. I wasnt exhausted nor tired physically... I was mentally drained. It was torture. If anyone had followed my blog, one would understand. I couldnt pull off anymore stunts today but I still had to. I was virtually dragging myself to work.. not because my mind was willing. It was the other way round... my body showed resilience and was dragging my mind to office because it has been so accustomed to going to office. My mind shouted out, no more! ... It fell on deaf ears.
11am. I was already bludgeoned left and right, up and down with non-stop issues, most of them were nonsense. Saturday... twas my Saturday. I am getting this responses.
..."I dont care on this issue anymore, you handle it!"...
..."You can sack me if you want, I dont care"...
..."You can kick me out of the project... I dont care!"...
OK. What if you get this responses? You see... in this project, everyone is facing mental stress, including yours truly. I am no different, but I have to keep everyone in place, I can't show it out. These people tell you all sorts of stories. You have to listen to their grievances all day long, 24/7... not that I dont have my own problems, but you still have to stick it out and listen, that's what a manager does... or a friend... at least... and then, you have to coax them again and again, that's what a manager does, they sit, ponder and say OK... I will do it for you... and then you have to give them this big enthusiastic smile and show that you are relieved and pleased... and you thank them with all your heart... and they get the job done for you and then, no no... its not finished, you have to make them feel oh so great by telling them, you are my hero... without you, I dont know what I will do... but deep down inside, you know it is their responsibility. The only reason they gave up earlier was because he/ she was under stress. But what they dont realize is that, the project managers gets the most shit. This is what makes me the PM... and this is exactly why they are not the managers because:
1. They are not passionate
2. They care less about the interdependencies
3. They dont look far enough ahead to know the consequences
4. The road ahead of them is walk first, then talk.
5. They cant see what's ahead of them if they screw this one up
6. They think they are heroes when we plead with them
7. They always push responsibilities
8. They are afraid of taking in responsibilities
9. They hide behind a wall
10. They only deal with me, one person.
.... and what qualifies me as a PM:
1. I know 'Tai Chi' (A form of Chinese martial exercise)
2. I am passionate about the project
3. I listen
4. I defend and attack. I dont hide behind a wall
5. I take in responsibilities
6. I can see the road ahead and plan
7. I am the first to arrive and last to go
8. I see the consequences
9. I just want to do my job and make this a successful project, meaning, THICK SKIN.
10. I deal with 100's of people everyday...
Today is Saturday and it is 5.49pm [GMT + 0500 hrs][Pakistan Time]. I am having a throbbing headache. I am the last to go because everyone has left the premises. No one knows what's up, what's going on, yeay... its shopping time on Saturday for most people, .... for me, I will have my 2 packs of Indo Mie at home, open my laptop, and start planning again for next week and month, identify the sick asses who will most likely give me a throbbing headache again and try to find a solution to it. I cant wait to get out of this 'screwed' OR 'fire fighting' project even if it's only for 3 weeks or so. I seriously cant wait....
Chao...
I walked out in trepidation... one step at a time, trying to slow my pace and sat on the sofa...
Before I knew it, it was 9am and I have sat there staring at the tv with the music on for a good 15 minutes.
I didnt want to go to work. Contemplated... but I went anyway. I wasnt exhausted nor tired physically... I was mentally drained. It was torture. If anyone had followed my blog, one would understand. I couldnt pull off anymore stunts today but I still had to. I was virtually dragging myself to work.. not because my mind was willing. It was the other way round... my body showed resilience and was dragging my mind to office because it has been so accustomed to going to office. My mind shouted out, no more! ... It fell on deaf ears.
11am. I was already bludgeoned left and right, up and down with non-stop issues, most of them were nonsense. Saturday... twas my Saturday. I am getting this responses.
..."I dont care on this issue anymore, you handle it!"...
..."You can sack me if you want, I dont care"...
..."You can kick me out of the project... I dont care!"...
OK. What if you get this responses? You see... in this project, everyone is facing mental stress, including yours truly. I am no different, but I have to keep everyone in place, I can't show it out. These people tell you all sorts of stories. You have to listen to their grievances all day long, 24/7... not that I dont have my own problems, but you still have to stick it out and listen, that's what a manager does... or a friend... at least... and then, you have to coax them again and again, that's what a manager does, they sit, ponder and say OK... I will do it for you... and then you have to give them this big enthusiastic smile and show that you are relieved and pleased... and you thank them with all your heart... and they get the job done for you and then, no no... its not finished, you have to make them feel oh so great by telling them, you are my hero... without you, I dont know what I will do... but deep down inside, you know it is their responsibility. The only reason they gave up earlier was because he/ she was under stress. But what they dont realize is that, the project managers gets the most shit. This is what makes me the PM... and this is exactly why they are not the managers because:
1. They are not passionate
2. They care less about the interdependencies
3. They dont look far enough ahead to know the consequences
4. The road ahead of them is walk first, then talk.
5. They cant see what's ahead of them if they screw this one up
6. They think they are heroes when we plead with them
7. They always push responsibilities
8. They are afraid of taking in responsibilities
9. They hide behind a wall
10. They only deal with me, one person.
.... and what qualifies me as a PM:
1. I know 'Tai Chi' (A form of Chinese martial exercise)
2. I am passionate about the project
3. I listen
4. I defend and attack. I dont hide behind a wall
5. I take in responsibilities
6. I can see the road ahead and plan
7. I am the first to arrive and last to go
8. I see the consequences
9. I just want to do my job and make this a successful project, meaning, THICK SKIN.
10. I deal with 100's of people everyday...
Today is Saturday and it is 5.49pm [GMT + 0500 hrs][Pakistan Time]. I am having a throbbing headache. I am the last to go because everyone has left the premises. No one knows what's up, what's going on, yeay... its shopping time on Saturday for most people, .... for me, I will have my 2 packs of Indo Mie at home, open my laptop, and start planning again for next week and month, identify the sick asses who will most likely give me a throbbing headache again and try to find a solution to it. I cant wait to get out of this 'screwed' OR 'fire fighting' project even if it's only for 3 weeks or so. I seriously cant wait....
Chao...
Malaysia... Home Sweet Home
You know, being a nomad all these while, no matter where I am, Malaysia is still home to where the heart is. It doesnt matter where I have been or for how long, Malaysia is still my number one home. If I had two more choices, here's mine:
1. Malaysia
2. Liverpool
3. Venice
I am an avid traveler. Having been in Liverpool and Europe for 7 long years, I came back. Now since I started working with the current company two years ago, I have been traveling around Asia Pacific; Indonesia, Cambodia, India, and now in Pakistan. Still, nothing can compare to Malaysia in all aspects.... and I seriously mean ALL ASPECTS.
Liverpool oh Liverpool... this will be my second home... anytime without hesitation! I have been there for almost 6-7 long years and nothing beats it... it might not be as big as other metropolitans but there is just something about it that no one can deny nor resist. It's the passion that burns within the city walls that makes everyone special. Believe me, its truly infectuous.
Bottomline is, I miss Malaysia... and soon, I will be back home again to grace the land for another 2 weeks or so before I make a return back here or somewhere else. You know what's the best thing I have learned in all my travellings? .... I have learned to appreciate how truly gifted Malaysia is... and I am very positive, if everyone has this opportunity, there will be less bickerings and shouting about back home I see in papers everyday. I speak to my colleagues who are also in their respective outposts occasionally on MSN, and all have the same sentiments. It's mutual. I saw a VMY 2007 advert on Pakistan tv recently..... I smiled, because Malaysia, is truly ASIA. It is true.
1. Malaysia
2. Liverpool
3. Venice
I am an avid traveler. Having been in Liverpool and Europe for 7 long years, I came back. Now since I started working with the current company two years ago, I have been traveling around Asia Pacific; Indonesia, Cambodia, India, and now in Pakistan. Still, nothing can compare to Malaysia in all aspects.... and I seriously mean ALL ASPECTS.
Liverpool oh Liverpool... this will be my second home... anytime without hesitation! I have been there for almost 6-7 long years and nothing beats it... it might not be as big as other metropolitans but there is just something about it that no one can deny nor resist. It's the passion that burns within the city walls that makes everyone special. Believe me, its truly infectuous.
Bottomline is, I miss Malaysia... and soon, I will be back home again to grace the land for another 2 weeks or so before I make a return back here or somewhere else. You know what's the best thing I have learned in all my travellings? .... I have learned to appreciate how truly gifted Malaysia is... and I am very positive, if everyone has this opportunity, there will be less bickerings and shouting about back home I see in papers everyday. I speak to my colleagues who are also in their respective outposts occasionally on MSN, and all have the same sentiments. It's mutual. I saw a VMY 2007 advert on Pakistan tv recently..... I smiled, because Malaysia, is truly ASIA. It is true.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Finally...
I managed to squeeze in a few smiles today. It was a good laugh over the emails and phone. Thank you.
Enough is Enough...
UFONE project... is completely screwed! People here that I work with dont understand the severity of consequences and most dont want to know, most dont even want to acknowledge that their actions could screw others up, whilst some are selfish ignorant bastards who thinks they have had enough to screw their heads for one day...
BUT most also dont know that, the Project Manager suffers from all these.
Most dont know, that he, the PM, is answerable for all their screw ups.
Most dont know, that he, plans for everything in unison to be followed and if one person or department misses that sequence, it screws up the entire flow.
Most still think that it is ok.
And yet, most think that they are under loads of stress and pressure when they do not even meet customers and get their asses skewered and grilled on the BBQ pit.
Yet, they are not appreciative of all this planning and think that they are the only people in this universe with the most work to do.
These people, makes up 85%. 5% remains anonymous and doesnt want to get involved in anything, trying to hide in one corner, whilst 10% are those really hard at work, the ones I call, PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS. Kudos to you all... Don Zhao, Rex, Leo, Simon Xu, Abit Butt... if I only had a 10 x duplicate of all these people in my team, it would have finished by September.
Unfortunately, the rest can kiss my ass and wallow in cow dung!! Good night.
BUT most also dont know that, the Project Manager suffers from all these.
Most dont know, that he, the PM, is answerable for all their screw ups.
Most dont know, that he, plans for everything in unison to be followed and if one person or department misses that sequence, it screws up the entire flow.
Most still think that it is ok.
And yet, most think that they are under loads of stress and pressure when they do not even meet customers and get their asses skewered and grilled on the BBQ pit.
Yet, they are not appreciative of all this planning and think that they are the only people in this universe with the most work to do.
These people, makes up 85%. 5% remains anonymous and doesnt want to get involved in anything, trying to hide in one corner, whilst 10% are those really hard at work, the ones I call, PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS. Kudos to you all... Don Zhao, Rex, Leo, Simon Xu, Abit Butt... if I only had a 10 x duplicate of all these people in my team, it would have finished by September.
Unfortunately, the rest can kiss my ass and wallow in cow dung!! Good night.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I Miss...
Sitted in my room... it's 10.15pm now. Lite FM is playing... yes, I have finally found the website that gives you 24/7 radio stations online... used to do that when I was in the UK... it keeps me warm. Listening to Lite FM reminds me of my morning drive to work and back from KL. Oh how I miss it... the traffic is so much more bearable coming to think of it. I am counting the days. I can still remember the days when you get up to the quizzes of Simon and Caroline. I just miss Ipoh and KL so much! Home is always sweet home no matter where I travel!
Today, I gave the weekly review meeting with hordes of supposingly customer VIPs a miss since I thought, hey, let your deputy handle things... you'll be going back soon... but it turn out to be quite wrong. The project director was asking for my presence... nope, my plan did not work then. I really wonder what they will do when I return to Malaysia... you see, point is, I am sure they will handle it just fine... all they need was just some reassurance.... but point is also, what if I wasn't there!? I guess it comes with the role...
Aaahh... 'In The Still Of The Night' by Boyz II Men is playing now... reminds me of the acapella days when 4 of my best buddies including myself performing before crowds during gatherings... Mark (who is a Doctor now), Ryan (Marketing), Sri Hari (Auto Engineer), and yours truly. Those were the days... singing and dancing the night away without worries. Now... ?
Being in Huawei... for those times when I was in Malaysia and not posted... those were the great times. You truly mesmerize me... needn't I say more.
I am actually sick and tired thinking of bed time actually,... why? Let me tell you why... because by my bedside... there are two mobiles, one diary and one notepad. My sms-es comes in every 30 minutes after 11pm. Sometimes I get the occasional calls from site at ghostly hours... it really freaks me out at times. I cant switch my phone off... what if it was an emergency? what if my engineers need help and I was sleeping? I know those who do it... however, on the other hand, I just cant wait to feel what is it like not getting calls for a full day... now now... that would be strange aint it??
Bottomline is, I truly miss you.
Today, I gave the weekly review meeting with hordes of supposingly customer VIPs a miss since I thought, hey, let your deputy handle things... you'll be going back soon... but it turn out to be quite wrong. The project director was asking for my presence... nope, my plan did not work then. I really wonder what they will do when I return to Malaysia... you see, point is, I am sure they will handle it just fine... all they need was just some reassurance.... but point is also, what if I wasn't there!? I guess it comes with the role...
Aaahh... 'In The Still Of The Night' by Boyz II Men is playing now... reminds me of the acapella days when 4 of my best buddies including myself performing before crowds during gatherings... Mark (who is a Doctor now), Ryan (Marketing), Sri Hari (Auto Engineer), and yours truly. Those were the days... singing and dancing the night away without worries. Now... ?
Being in Huawei... for those times when I was in Malaysia and not posted... those were the great times. You truly mesmerize me... needn't I say more.
I am actually sick and tired thinking of bed time actually,... why? Let me tell you why... because by my bedside... there are two mobiles, one diary and one notepad. My sms-es comes in every 30 minutes after 11pm. Sometimes I get the occasional calls from site at ghostly hours... it really freaks me out at times. I cant switch my phone off... what if it was an emergency? what if my engineers need help and I was sleeping? I know those who do it... however, on the other hand, I just cant wait to feel what is it like not getting calls for a full day... now now... that would be strange aint it??
Bottomline is, I truly miss you.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Crazy
For the first time ever in Pakistan for 3 weeks in a row, I am just glad that Sunday is here again. I used to dread Sundays because it makes no difference in Islamabad... most shops closes!
But these Sundays, I am just glad its here after surviving through 6 frantic days/ week. Hppy Sunday to myself! .....
But these Sundays, I am just glad its here after surviving through 6 frantic days/ week. Hppy Sunday to myself! .....
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Crazy Week: Welcome to Pakistan
Its been an absolutely crazy week… last week that is. Let me guide you to the world of projects in Pakistan.
Tuesday 29th May 2007: 630am. Got up, went to Peshawar site. 2 ½ hours away. No problem. Reached site at 12pm because car tyre punctured halfway through. Site inspection at 40°C, a bit of issues and problems but given go ahead only at 7pm. No lunch coz was busy handling customers and their requests.
830pm. Thought can rest a bit and go home. Again, drill bit got stuck with boulders… all civil issues. Tension mounts. I had to deliver first pile. Cleared the bit and gravel, and it was all systems ‘go’ again.
Wednesday 30th May 2007: 3am. I couldn’t believe it. We finished our first concrete pile and there was an air of satisfaction.
630am. Got home, bathed, and slept. A 24 hour rotation on site. Damn…
930am. Got up after 3 hours of sleep, GOD… I was late for meeting. Rushed back to office.
1030am. Meeting with customers started.
Thursday 31st May 2007: 230am. Nope. You didn’t see it wrongly. YES. 16 hour meeting on the table until the following day. By this time, I was too tired to even have anything to eat. Bollocks! Life is miserable after all. I don’t know how I managed to scrape through this horrendous period of time… it was pure mental torture. When you are deprived of a good sleep and customers are on at you asking you questions, it was purely and truly the worst nightmare of my life.
Therefore, from Tuesday morning till Thursday morning, I only had a good 5 hour sleep in 48 hours.
Today , Monday 4th June 2007. Went for an early meeting at 10am and finished at 1230pm. Then another meeting beckoned from 3pm till about 5pm. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I tried staying a bit longer till 7pm. Two phones. 1 phone with 2 batteries (both batteries went dead after non stop calls and sms-es), the other halfway through. On average, I get about 80-100 emails a day (in the circa of 60Mb), 100-200 sms-es on projects alone (meaning, 5 sms-es every 10 minutes or so), uncountable phone calls,… I think I have had it at this point. It’s crazy.
At this point at 10pm, I am still getting calls from team members urging me to bail them out of the meeting which is on going from 3pm just now. I am not hiding. I think they deserve it for not doing their work. I have been bailing them out for many many times. Cant do it anymore. guys… fend for yourselves… you chicken shit!
Another 18 more days to go…. Cant wait to get the fuck out of this country! as they always say time and time again... Welcome to Pakistan!... for fuck's sake!....
Tuesday 29th May 2007: 630am. Got up, went to Peshawar site. 2 ½ hours away. No problem. Reached site at 12pm because car tyre punctured halfway through. Site inspection at 40°C, a bit of issues and problems but given go ahead only at 7pm. No lunch coz was busy handling customers and their requests.
830pm. Thought can rest a bit and go home. Again, drill bit got stuck with boulders… all civil issues. Tension mounts. I had to deliver first pile. Cleared the bit and gravel, and it was all systems ‘go’ again.
Wednesday 30th May 2007: 3am. I couldn’t believe it. We finished our first concrete pile and there was an air of satisfaction.
630am. Got home, bathed, and slept. A 24 hour rotation on site. Damn…
930am. Got up after 3 hours of sleep, GOD… I was late for meeting. Rushed back to office.
1030am. Meeting with customers started.
Thursday 31st May 2007: 230am. Nope. You didn’t see it wrongly. YES. 16 hour meeting on the table until the following day. By this time, I was too tired to even have anything to eat. Bollocks! Life is miserable after all. I don’t know how I managed to scrape through this horrendous period of time… it was pure mental torture. When you are deprived of a good sleep and customers are on at you asking you questions, it was purely and truly the worst nightmare of my life.
Therefore, from Tuesday morning till Thursday morning, I only had a good 5 hour sleep in 48 hours.
Today , Monday 4th June 2007. Went for an early meeting at 10am and finished at 1230pm. Then another meeting beckoned from 3pm till about 5pm. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I tried staying a bit longer till 7pm. Two phones. 1 phone with 2 batteries (both batteries went dead after non stop calls and sms-es), the other halfway through. On average, I get about 80-100 emails a day (in the circa of 60Mb), 100-200 sms-es on projects alone (meaning, 5 sms-es every 10 minutes or so), uncountable phone calls,… I think I have had it at this point. It’s crazy.
At this point at 10pm, I am still getting calls from team members urging me to bail them out of the meeting which is on going from 3pm just now. I am not hiding. I think they deserve it for not doing their work. I have been bailing them out for many many times. Cant do it anymore. guys… fend for yourselves… you chicken shit!
Another 18 more days to go…. Cant wait to get the fuck out of this country! as they always say time and time again... Welcome to Pakistan!... for fuck's sake!....