Unfortunate names and translations

My hubby sent me this pic today:

and it got me thinking - about the unfortunate names or even unfortunate translations you come across.

My job back in 2001 was to project manage an Asian Pacific payroll implementation.  I saw many unfortunate translations but one in particular always will give me a giggle.

In Korea, most people actually initialise their names - like Kyung-Sup would be called KS for example then followed by the surname.  One such colleague of mine who was the I.T representative in South Korea - name was 'S.H'.

Whenever he used to come aboard our weekly teleconfererences or just call you he would announce himself as 'S.H., I.T'.  You would hear muffled giggles from around the globe.  He had no idea.  Then when I visited I think my second trip, I let him in on the 'secret'.  He had embarrassed giggles and took it rather well, and even thanked me... from then on he was 'S.H, Information Technology' which by that time, those who expected the 'I.T' giggled even louder, realising he knew.

He was such a nice man. 

I also went to school with a Poppy Meadows, had an industrial arts teacher called Mr Plant and a home economics teacher called Mrs Cook...

What about you?

Laptop-Mouser-forefinger-typist with a docking station?

I find it funny that people who have a laptop still choose to use a mouse. And I know, that's most people, my hubby included.

And then there's the docking station people. Need to feel that they've got a PC. Don't get it. I had one where I worked when they first came out... didn't get it then either.

I suppose I am a serial nomad in my work. I don't really have a desk as such unless at a long term client and I usually just hot-desk it.

So I'm a pure laptop chick. In fact the left click button on my laptop is actually worn though to the white (it was black).

Whilst I'm at it, I'm a touch-typer too. I find it painful to watch people look at their fingers or use only their forefingers or stroke the keys like Liberace crossing hands etc... it's like being on an out-of-control roller coaster ----- please let me off!

What about you? Laptop-Mouser-forefinger-typist with a docking station?

Manic Monday: Hug a developer today!

If you or your partner or anyone you know, is an IT programmer or works on IT projects (like my former life) they will LOVE this clip. Courtesy of Devshop. Here's to another Manic Monday!

Well there you go...

Says it all really. Finishing up the contract today all technical reviews are done... The world of e-recruitment will have to go on without me for now... actually I'll probably miss it. Steep learning curve but much more to learn, shame I won't get to complete that knowledge quite yet. Hopefully in the future.

Back on the job-hunt. boo-hiss.

Getting my head around what comes next...

With the job market being what it is, unreliable, contracting rates going down and nothing really in my area of expertise on offer due to the cost to companies I'm having to re-evaluate whether I work at all this coming financial year.

With 3 kids 5 and under, there are financial benefits to NOT working believe it or not. But it means there are sacrifices also. No more city-kindy - which the kids love and I worry about keeping up their stimulation levels - it's not even negotiable at one day a week as even with childcare benefits and rebate it wipes out most of our benefits.

So I also look at activities for the kids in this area

Playgroup - which we abandoned when we first moved into the area because of inadequate fencing and little babies, I think (hope) things have changed where that's concerned - so that's Thursday with an activity.

Dance classes - I think the girls would love this and I can't imagine it would cost the earth - I can look into it..

Swimming Lessons - these are expensive, I know this but it might be something I do with 1 of the girls a term. I'm sure my Nan would love to help out and have some time with the other two whilst I walk one of the girls down and back. Will need to look into cost.

Then there is my stimulation levels. Can't even factor me into this at the moment...

There are certainly advantages, at times when the girls are requiring discipline that I'm not with them 24/7 to reinforce it, and it's a challenge doing that reinforcement on the 3 days a week I am with them 24/7. If they were at home, there would be more consistency.

Another consideration is school starting this next year for Eloise and being able to drop her off and pick her up is something I thought I'd only be able to dream of doing. That could be a reality.

I just worry it will create stress, with less money, and less outlets... but at least we will on a known income, it's really about weighing up the lesser of evils.

Countdown

Alot to do this week and not a lot of time.

I've got 33 functional specifications assigned to me to write, and so far I have completed 21. I have until Thursday COB to finish all of them (3 working days). I probably shouldn't be blogging but it gives me encouragement to countdown... the most difficult ones are almost done (last of those will be done today) and then the last 11 are pretty straightforward (I hope).

Work imitating life....

Whilst on my job hunt in this past three months I’ve come across so many automated application responses and recently when I’ve been applying for roles that I’m over-qualified for, I’ve been getting those ‘You have not been successful in proceeding to the next stage of the recruitment process’ letters too. Ho-hum.

Now in my current short-term contract role I find myself writing functional specifications for a system to produce such letters. It’s depressing analysing all the different types of letters for ineligibility, rejection, withdrawal of application and then physically fleshing out how they will work/appear/worded - to be sent top people , just like me.

Oh well, I’m moving on to letters of offer and-the-like soon…. Hopefully in my real life soon too!

Dead successful?

Do you reckon those guys who play corpses in the umpteen crime drama shows on telly are just struggling actors who list that on their CV, and maybe have a string of appearances as dead guys. I mean all they do is get made up, stay still and well look...errr.... dead.... looks dead easy to me! How much does that pay?

Talking of pay in case of you are interested in earning some extra moulah....

Model required for instructional DVD on Brazilian Waxing
We are seeking the services of a professional female model for an upcoming DVD production in Sydney.The DVD will be an instructional video of Brazilian waxing and will be sold commercially in Australia and overseas.The model will be required to be naked below the waist (clothed upper) as would be required for this type of treatment in a beauty salon. The footage used will only appear on this video in the context of a professional waxing treatment. Models will be required to speak briefly to introduce themselves (less than 30 seconds, no lines, just ad-lib). Screen-names are fine for the production if you'd prefer.The look and feel of the production is stylish and tasteful with a touch of glamour, designed to educate people on this popular style of waxing and for anyone wanting to know more about waxing in general, including women wanting to wax at home and for the first time.The shoot will be professionally run by Louder than Words, a Sydney based Production Company with numerous TVC and other commercial credits. (www.louderthanwords.com.au)A professional Australian licensed beautician is performing the waxing and has over 20 years experience in waxing and training within the beauty industry. Safety and hygiene are paramount requirements of the production.To register your interest, please include a recent Head-shot and a Swim ware photo for consideration (no nudity please). A brief CV, with career highlights would also be appreciated.Finalists will be forwarded to Louder than Words who will then contact you to discuss the role in detail.This is a great opportunity to expand your portfolio to an International market!Position closes Friday 27th Feb (or once the right person is found)
Prefer email responses, with photo attachments as outlined above, thanks.

I'd be a great candidate for waxing but I don't think anyone wants to see me naked below the waist (especially me!) let alone get paid for it... I giggle when I read 'The look and feel of the production is stylish and tasteful with a touch of glamour' mmmm sounds it!....

Clock on.. clock off

There's something about old clock towers I love. On my travels to and from work I pass two of my favourites.

This one at North Sydney Post office. My first ever 'real' job was as a trainee travel consultant at Milsons Point. I used to get off the bus from Manly at North Sydney and pick up the mail enroute to the office... I felt like I had *such* responsibility! I've spent a lot of my career since in North Sydney and Milsons Point and I never get sick of looking at it. This was this morning on my way to work - after leaving hubby to drop the kids off at Kindy - Time 7.25am

And then there's good ol' Sydney Town Hall clock. Some years ago I worked in the high-rise right behind it, Town Hall House and I was lucky enough to have my office at the corner directly overlooking the clock, it was like my desk clock for a couple of years. The architecture of Town Hall is beautiful, it's seen some history, that's for sure! This was catching Bus No.2 on the way home from the Queen Victoria Building (on left of picture) - Time 5.05pm.

Back to the trenches...

It felt good to be a productive money-earning member of society again today even though it meant I had to brush my hair and wear make-up! Working in an area I would exactly call my area of expertise, but it's good to learn, but it's a bit of baptism-by-fire. I have to write specifications like I know it inside-out... gotta love that steep learning curve! (I do actually!)

Anyhoo the other feel-good parts of the day:
-Sitting next to my friend and colleague who I enjoy working with immensely

-Trying new places to have lunch* This is Laksa from the Dixon Centre.. actually they gave me some coconut sago as an accompanyment and I must say I thought that was much better! I hate it when Seafood Laksa has 3 prawns in it and the rest is fish balls/calamari.
*not that I intend to eat out really, just a once off treat for now..

Didn't really enjoy the commute home, especially when my ipod ran out of charge about half-way home... and the woman next to me was sniffling constantly.. you know that sniff where you want to say 'blow your FREAKING nose would you!!??'.

So life's a treadmill of time-management again - pleased to report my undercover washing was dry when I got home and we're slowly catching up on the black hole of washing from these rainy days.

My days may be numbered

and I'm happy about it!

My days looking for work and playing house are I'm hoping over soon - I have a good lead on project contract of 6-8 weeks in a role that could possibly lead to other opportunities. I'm just waiting for that call like a teenager on Saturday night!

TGIF

Considering I'm not even working at the moment this seems a little silly to say it - but I love spending time as a family... the countdown to the Gold Coast Jaunt is on... this time next week I'll be in Sunny Queensland hopefully enjoying the pool and feeling in a real holiday spirit.

I'm feeling quite flat at the moment. The non-employed-status is starting to get to me a little if I'm honest. I'm bored at home! Money would be good! I mean, look, I've got a blog! I'm watching shows I would have normally shunned with disgust (aka why oh why am I into McLeod's daughters?!). I'm not sleeping well, argh. blah blah blah. feeling flu-ey yadda yadda yadda.

Positive attitude please! Chicken Caesar Salad for dinner should fix it (I hope).

Salad
1 Baby Cos Lettuce (or Cos, but Baby Cos is a little less bitter in my opinion)
1/2 BBQ chicken
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
1/2 cup croutons (I love toasted soda bread chopped up !)
3 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
4 rashers bacon grilled 'til crispy and chopped

Dressing:
1/2 cup mayo
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon worchestershire sauce
couple pinches salt & pepper.

Arrrgh

Why is it that I just can't catch a break with the job situation? I've never felt so ego-beaten in my lifetime! Just when I think I've found a job that couldn't be more me if it was actually me I learn it's actually based in Melbourne!!!

Give me strength and optimism to move past this!

Wouldn't it be nice if...

You could pay your way through life with hugs and high-fives? However that is not reality! On the job hunt and the market is pretty depressing to say the least - I'm looking and applying for roles that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole regularly for example roles with travel, full time roles, junior roles - you name it - anything to get the money through the door.

I'm optimistic that the right role will present itself soon, a lot of new projects start in the new year with target date of mid-year go live for end of financial year.