Tuesday, August 28, 2007

2 Interviews in 1 day

All Right, before I forget about the details.. I shld just write down what I've been through today.


10am: I reached Padini in Glenmarie after some loss of direction turning. Filled in the job application form and wait for Mandy to interview me. Quite a comfortable lobby with two lovely and helpful ladies to assist my visit. Mandy lead me to the guest room (3rd floor if I've not mistaken). She's very fun to talk to. The whole interview session was casual and we've chatted quite some time for about an hour chat. She briefed me about the job where I will have to go through six months in-the-field training in different outlets to learn about the product, display, customer service, etc (every single details a promoter would need to do). Reason being, marketing trainee has to know every details before I could handle it independently. After six months of training, I would work in the office where I've visited today, the comfortable office. For the first six months, I will have to work over time, shift and etc exactly like what a promoter would have to do. However, eventually if I passed the requirement and stuff I will not stationed in the outlets. Again, regularly store visit is essential to know the sales and condition of the outlets.

According to Mandy, she likes my personality, character and etc. But, due to the commitment I have to attending church on every Sunday she would have to talk to the manager if he would work something out. Because if I am exempted for the morning shift in Sunday, others might say otherwise. Thus, she will give me a reply.. hopefully by this week.

11.30pm: Left Padini and head towards Lot 10 for Esprit's interview.

12.30pm: Reached Times Square finally after all the jam. Walk over to Lot 10 Esprit outlet, there were many candidates like me fililng up the job application form. After submitting mine, the estimated time was 4.30pm for my turn. as I have not taken my lunch I went up to Delifrance thinking of giving myself a good treat since my legs were aching (I was wearing my new pair of heels.. both my legs are full of blister now). Got my food ordered- Chicken Delight set with Coffee. Just as I was about to start my meal, a foreigner came over due to the curiosity of what-Malaysian-would-eat. I introduced him my set and started chatting with him. He asked if he could join me since he is alone too. For the very first time I agreed on having meal with a stranger (w/o hesitation some more). Not that he is good looking and all, but since I got plenty of time I do not mind having someone to talk to (I was thinking maybe I could share Christ with him).

He told me he is a Tour Lead of a Turkey tourist team and stuff, quite a nice guy to talk to. In fact, he could be my uncle for his age (mayb that's the reason why im not scare of him). He asked me about my study, work, and a lots of questions about Malaysian. Whether am I feeling good being a Chinese in Malaysia, do we have freedom in talking, living and etc. So I share whatever I know with him- all about Malaysian. Slowly, our topic changed. He asked if I am a Christian after seeing the cross that im wearing. I was so happy because that's the most meaningful topic we could talk about. So I started sharing how God has blessed my family, myself and others to him. He was really amazed by all the stories that I've told him because, he has never been to a church before, according to him. He said his ex-wife was a Christian but he knows more Christianity than her because he has been traveling all around the world. So I told him I would love to invite him to my church if his next tour to Malaysia allows it (his team is leaving M'sia tml back to Turkey). He was so excited about it. Just as how excited I am being a Christian. About 2pm, he has to leave because he has to bring the team over to Butterfly Park. I gave him my email so that we could keep in touch and I could share more about Jesus to him. Before he left, I reminded him about his bill (sorry la because I could only pay for my own bill... I have not realyl earned my own cents yet k?). I told him I would love to give him a treat if I am already working and apologise to him about the rudeness of my action. He thank me for reminding him and together, he paid mine. What a blessing! The most amazing thing, before he left he said to me "Eva, God bless you". Amazing isn't it? Seeing non Christian being touched and mentioning God's name? That's about the whole meal! It's so meaningful to me! It's not about the bill that he has blessed me, but it's about the chance that God has given me to share of His goodness for the short time spend. Tar (is his name) told me, he is very happy to learn about Malaysian and Christianity over the conversation. Wow... amazing experience I have.


After he left, I left Delifrance in a short while. Not knowing where should I go and the every painful steps was killing me, I decided to go over to Sungai Wang Watson to get plastic to cure the pain as I cant' spend two hours walking in Lot 10 (that's not the place where i can spend on anything ok?)

3.30pm: I left Sungai Wang to head back Lot 10 after the 1 hour aimless walk. As I can only walk slowly like a model (lol... i so seldom walk so slow in my life) I reach Lot10 almost 4pm. a half an hour walk, can you imagine? However, it's still earlier than the appointment time. So again Eva lepak in the same area for dono how long... so boring wei to kill the time. Eventually I've decided to walk in Esprit and as the supervisor-look-alike guy when will my turn be. When he started asking me question, we started to chat... as if we have known each other for some time. Again, the idea of sharing came to me. God gave me another chance... to again share my testimonial with him, Kelvin, if i've not misspelled his name (after that I got to find out he is actually the manager in the outlet.... -_-" good that I did not say anything wrong).

Lol.. one thing I realise through my chatting with new people today, both have mentioned about me getting married and stuff. Kevin Onn was the first one keep mentioning about me getting a boyfriend, getting married and stuff and these two few fellas too, saying the kinda same issue. What's wrong with being single at my age?

Yes, I have finally graduated and it seems like Im 'officially' legal to get into another new relationship after the one year of being single. But, Hey! I am still enjoying being single. Getting into another new relationship is some sorts of phobia to me (don't ask me why.. and do not try to imagine the reasons on your own). Well, first of all, I am not that ready yet. Second, God has not sent the right person to me. Third, it seems that I still have so much to do (for God for myself for my family and etc) and time is so limited. Overall, getting into a relationship is not like simply walk in a restaurant and simply ordering a meal to munch. It means much more than that. It's about God giving me the right one who is strong and faithful to God, able to lead the relationship no matter what, God fearing guy, Do-er.. not Say-er kinda stuff. And, I want a Godly relationship (don't argue with me with ur statements and all.. this is Eva Sam's stand) because relationship is all about marriage. A marriage that is God honouring, holy and joyful... bla bla bla...


So, until He sent the right one... I am still happy with my own life. In fact, I've experienced better life after being single because I have come to learn to rely more on God instead of human.


all right all right... the main thing I wanna talk about actually was how real God has been with me today and the joy of me getting the chance of sharing His name.. but not so much of my mate requirement and stuff... so... if you feel offended you could always click the X mark on your right top windows *chuckles*


... what else should I write? I am lazy.. so here I rest my case.



Oohh... I forgot to write down what I 've experienced in the second interview. At4.45pm, finally I got to meet with Rachael (the HR manager). She was quite cool, did not ask me many questions. Only asked me to explain more about my part time dance show thingy and then she started to tell me about the job scope. I can either choose to go for Management Trainee or Sales Consultant. Management Trainee I need to undergo 12-16 months training, if I passed through all the test and stuff they will grant me 3 months probation then only could proceed to permanent staff. In contrast, Sales Consultant I will only have to go for three months product and company training then I will be only own as compared to Management Training where I have to learn every details of it. Then, she offered me to either decide on the spot or take some time to consider whether to take up the challenge or not (which means... she actually offered me the job on the spot).

I did not get her full meaning right away, that's why i asked her why didn't she ask me more about myself. She replied "I am very experience in the field because I am in charge of the whole Malaysia's recruitment. So I know who I should hire and who's qualified... and.. I know who you are!"


I was like..."huh?" (are you sure???) She said, "YES, I know who you are!.. You are bubbly, love talking to people... confidence.... (others i can't remember)... ". "So, do you wanna answer me right away, or you wanna think about it". I told her honestly I would love to work in the office in terms of marketing planning kinda career instead of just staying in an outlets for the rest of my life. Esprit is a good brand where I would love to work for it, however, sales is not quite my type and my line.. and I would love to plan Marketing Strategies (4P's- Product, Price, Place and Promotion) for a brand. Locking me in just an outlet would eventually kill me (of course I didn't tell this sentence to kill myself off in front of Rachael la). I told her I will have to think about it, because it incurs so much of commitment and all.


About 5 plus, I left San Francisco Coffee house (the interview was held there) and went back in to Esprit to thank Kelvin personally, whom has spend his time talking to me, asking me questions and telling me more about the job (and also allows me to share a little bit of Christianity with him). A fun guy to talk to. He too share with me his career path and how much he has went through in retail line like he was working in Nike before... have been working in Japan, Singapore and etc. So, I thank him for his kindness for talking to me. He offered me a discount rate next time if I go back to the shop for shopping... if he is there he would give me a good rate upon my purchase (so kind of him, right? Told ya he is nice). So, I thank him again for sure because I have never purchased any Esprit merchandise before due to my limited fund even though I would love to.

5.30pm... on my way back from KL... to home.


What a tiring day! I still can feel the pain on both my feet.. everywhere...


Sleepy... I wanna rest di... how would my life be once I really start working? If Padini hire me, the training period would be crazy too... I will need lots of prayer to go through it before my energy and stamina dries up.


ok, I will continue writing next time. Ciao

Sunday, August 26, 2007

It's been some time I have not been really writing anything in my own blog.


Exam was over since 20th Aug but I did not gain back the momentum to write.


Yeah, I know honestly it's time for me to.. at least write something to keep it updated.


By God's grace I have completed all my papers with quite an honourable result of my coursework marks in the subjects (Don't ask me my exam result... it will only be out in Sept...). However, that does not guarantee my final result of all. So, I can only leave it to God and see what will it be.


God two interviews to go on Tue. Fashion companies that I quite like. A little bit nervous, a little excited, a little bit scare of rejection, a little bit...

Base on my stand of not asking allowance from my parents from Sept onwards, I need a job or at least some shows to sustain my living (ie, pump petrol, dining expenses and miscellaneous). Sitting at home unoccupied make me feel sick, I want to eliminate all the lazy disease before it gets hold of me.

Room is still untidy, papers, notes, books are still all around in my room. The statement of organising and cleaning up my room did not come to fulfilment yet. I feel even more lazy to do all these once exam is over. I think if I would to re-arrange my room that might take me more than four days to do so cos my room is full of .... STUFFS....

I have to admit that Im totally bad in keeping things organised, do not ask me why... I hope someone could tell me that. I can be organised in certain things.. but not keeping all the stuff nicely in my room. Some times I tend to think the only way for me to re-arrange and deco my room would be the time when I am able to purchase my own furniture.. and mayb repaint my room. ahhaha... now I really wonder will I once I am financially stable. I tend to make quite some empty promises to myself, 'I can only get this done.. when I am.......' However, it never really seems to work.


Whatever it is.. hahah... the conclusion- Laziness.


Nothing else can explain but only the word laziness. Sigh...


All right, I have to think of a way to fix myself...


Ciao

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Take my Son

Eva:
Another meaningful story I got from my mail today that worth taking some time reading. Since I can't write inspiring story as such, I shld put it up and let everyone get to experience and enjoy it. It is so meaningful where I am always being reminded how blessed I have been ever since the day I take His Son. My life has never been the same again. I am not perfect, yet. But, with His daily teaching in my life, I know I will be better and better and better every tomorrow. Until I meet Him... God is good, trust me!



-------------------------------------------STORY STARTS-------------------------------------


A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.


When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift." The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son, the auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"

There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"

But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son.

"I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."

10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"

A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."

What about the paintings?"

I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the
entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!"

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?"

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH IN HIM, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, A LOVE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING


----------------------------------------------------------END------------------------------------------------------------

God Bless!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Integrity Rewarded

Eva:
A story that Emphasise on how Honesty is rewarded and how important it is no matter what we are doing and where we are heading to, in our studies, exams, work place... and etc. BE honest to others, you are honouring your God, the Father in Heaven and also, to yourself. ^^ Enjoy the story!




A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed

I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and
the one I choose will be the next CEO".

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by--still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful--in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!" All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive!
His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said?

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.

When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
If you plant hard work, you will reap success
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest
So be careful what you plant for it will determine what you will reap later.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

He who forgives

Another story to ponder...



Remember the duck


There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sa lly, let's wash the dishes" But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."

Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.

He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and Isaw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)...whatever it is...You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has
seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.

He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.


Source: Unknown


He has a plan...for all of us

Meaningful story I got from my church bulletin... let's enjoy it!


WRONG FUNERAL
C
onsumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend -- my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense; I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life.

When mother's illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. "What now, Lord?" I asked sitting in church. My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband's shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone.

My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone. I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the
church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. "I'm late," he explained, though no explanation was necessary. After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, "Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of 'Margaret?'" "Because that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary. No one called her 'Mary,'" I whispered. I wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway? "No, that isn't correct," he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, "Her name is Mary, Mary Peters." "That isn't who this is." "Isn't this the Lutheran church?" "No, the Lutheran church is across the street." "Oh." "I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir."

T
he solemnest of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing; too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing. At the final "Amen," we darted out a door and into the parking lot. "I do believe we'll be the talk of the town," he smiled. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee.

That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor. This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time. In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. This past June we elebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, "Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven." "A day without the presence of God is a wasteful day."


Amen, He always has a plan ahead of us.. for us!