An Almost 9 Year Voyage With "K" Line Pte Ltd

I thought long and hard about this post really.  By now "K" Line Pte Ltd is the employer with whom I've worked the longest for - 8 years and 9 months to be exact.  I started back in March 2013 as a Senior Executive in the Information Systems Solutions department, 8 days after Lindsay's birth.  I started my career with "K" Line then very enthusiastically, it was my ticket back to Singapore which I had long hoped for.  I was very grateful to my hiring manager then who gave me the opportunity I had been hoping for in 3 years.  And not to mention her replacement who trusted me a lot to deliver some of the key projects in the company, he even convinced the CEO to retain me in "K" Line when I had turned down the offer to ONE.  I remain eternally grateful to both of them, truly.  

Old Plaque Back in AXA Tower

Juggling January

So here's my first post for 2022.  January started quite uneventfully.  The kids returned to school and our lives pretty much returned to our old routines.  Just before school and work started we went to a small ice cream cafe called Geometry at Brickworks Estate.  It was like, starting the year on a sweet tooth.  The missus was hooked on the Earl Grey Tie Guan Yin gelato, which I must admit is a very unique flavour with a very pleasant fragrance.   

Waffle With Earl Grey Tie Guan Yin & Pistachio Gelato - Galaxy Note 9

Doozy December

A doozy December it has been.  1 month into probation at work, a short and much welcomed break and the year is ending.  My 2nd Dan certificate arrived early this month, I still can't decide whether to laminate or frame it, along with my 1st Dan certificate.  I also decided to get just a K10 jacket, to replace the one I'm using now.  As I mentioned before, I loved my new KC10 so much I couldn't bear to wear it just yet, I'm keeping it for grading and perhaps other things, but I won't be wearing that for regular training.  By the way, Tan Sensei also taught me the Shitoryu kata Seienchin.  I had always wanted to learn this kata ever since I saw Antonio Diaz & Rika Usami's performance.  Now I just have to slowly learn and master it.  I have also developed an interest in Suparimpei and slowly learning it.  At the same time, I'm practicing my Nijushiho, Meikyo and Sochin again.  I haven't done them in such a long time, my movements are not as fluid as they used to be, and I plan to use one of them for my 3rd Dan grading.

2nd Dan Gear - Galaxy Note 9

Shangri-La Staycation 2021

In mid-December, we went on a 3 days 2 nights staycation at Shangri-La Orchard.  It was an amazing staycation that brought about a much welcome break for everyone.  The kids had been cooped up in the house for most of their holidays while the missus and I had been buried at work for quite sometime, especially for myself as I was heavily involved in my previous company's e-Claims systems launch.  

Waiting For Our Room at The Lobby - RX100 Mk3

Novel November

November is "the" month of a novel new beginning for me.  After 8 years and 9 months of working for "K" Line Pte Ltd, I finally left the company - which I should probably have done 3 years ago.  But through the graces of the forces that may be, I had remained with "K" Line and rode through the worst period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the time to disembark from this lengthy voyage has finally come this month.  And yes, I paid my dues already with the various projects I delivered during the pandemic.  As I left this month, I have just completed an e-claims project for the company too.  I left many good ex-colleagues and collaborators who have generously contributed to my development in "K" Line while at the same time I excitedly look forward to the new journey that I will be undertaking with the new company.  

Going Up From Starbucks Guoco Tower One Last Time - Galaxy Note 9

Offbeat October

It has been a very different October for me.  Possibly life changing too - I'll get to that later.  It has been a very interesting month and a lot transpired, I'm not sure how I should start.  How about with a nice cup of hazelnut latte from Baker & Cook Dempsey?

One of The Family's Favourite Bakeries - Galaxy Note 9