i am kristy

On sat. the church had organised this race... well actually THE AMAZING (G)RACE and we had to run around HK and take various transportation to different sites where we had to do challenges and tasks before we ge the next clue to go to the next place. It was a bit of laugh and we had these bright pink capes we had to wear and take pictures around HK!! Soo it was quite funny!! One challenge was to get a DNA sample from a Starbucks worker... some asked for hair, others got them to chew gum and spit it out, a guy in my team asked the lady to eat some of his ice cream off his spoon!!! And she did it! Crazy... then it was back to church for a party party, with candy-floss and a bouncy-castle!! And that wasn't just for the kids, we ate soooo much candy floss it really was sickening...

and then last nite a couple of girls and I went to the infamous Grand Hyatt dessert buffet... honestly, it was sooo beautiful walking around the counters and looking at the rows and tiers of all the desserts and sweets and cakes and slices and cheeses and waffles and fruit and tartlets and mousse and everything else sickly sweet you can imagine.

And they had a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!! Seriously, it was pouring out rich, thick chocolate the whole nite and there were sticks of fruit, marshmallows and various things for you to hold under the continous flow to be coated in yummy chocolate!! Remember this is a buffet... which means you can have as much as you want!

I think we were there for about 3hrs, continuous grazing, and we had a seaview which made it even more beautiful!!

It was a great way to end the week and a very much needed pick me up. Remind me to take you there when you visit!

I'm not trying to get my way
in the world's way.
I'm trying to get your way,
your Word's way.
I'm staying on your trail;
I'm putting one foot
In front of the other.
I'm not giving up.

Low: didn't get the hotel job

High: have an interview next week with LV

no no I'm not expecting... well I am but in a different way.

I have to wait for the GM to hear back about the offer he made the marketing director and then wants to arrange a meeting between us, because I'd be working under him (marketing director)... ahh, the waiting is prolonged

Yeah got to speak to Carmi this morning!! Funny cuz I was still waking up, it's great talking to friends in the morning, kinda reminds me of when we "lived" with each other in Chile for 5 weeks or so! haha she won't mind me saying this, but one time in Chile, we were still asleep in the morning, and I hear this fart! A few minutes later, Carmi goes, oh did I just fart? I thought it was in my dream!! haha we just cracked up and had to get up. hehe

Since I've had lots of time on my hands, I've read a few books in the past week...
The five people you meet in heaven - Mitch Albom. Made me cry... mehh, he's a good writer. Loved his other one, Tuesdays with Morrie (my 50c book from the 24/hr booksale!)
I married you - Walter Trobisch. It's an oldie (1971) but it actually was good! Good perspective on relationships and entering a marriage (not like I'm anywhere near there yet!)
21 most important minutes of a leaders life - John C. Maxwell (current) A study guide to the 21 irrefutable laws

Other things I'm doing to occupy my time...
9pm EVERY nite, I watch this chinese series, called My Family. It's about a husband & wife, their 3 sons and the grandfather (dad's side). It's actually really good, and some of the guys are kinda cute, haha... the annoying thing is that I always end up reading the chinese subtitles, instead of listening to them. But I'm getting addicted, don't think it's quite like GG though

I'm also reading/going through my chinese Bible... NT. It takes me soooo long cuz I have to use the dictionary to look up characters and meanings. mehh... but I know I really need to perservere with it

...and that's about it, what a sad life!

So let's look behind door no. 2... second interview of the week:

A US bank, top 5 apparently. I'm arrive at 4:30pm and am left waiting for 30mins (haha, God's got a sense of humour) before the guy comes out. I had originally applied for a marketing assistant position within the bank, but the agency reckoned I didn't have enough experience and referred me to this one - the position is within the non-residential Indian dept. basically working under the relationship manager, doing the grunt work like following up meetings and deals, making sure documentation and paperwork is ready and filed etc, meeting deadlines, dealing clients over the phone, answering questions, liaisoning with London, KL and Singapore offices and so on. Fast-paced, stressful, heavy work load.

He pretty much offered me the job straight away, because they need someone urgently. So when I said I was waiting for an offer from le Meridien, he said that hotels don't pay well (he worked in one for 3 yrs), and did I really want the job etc. He also said that a degree doesn't count for anything, it's experience. I was outta there in 10mins...

mehh...

I feel really pressured to give him an answer now, so hopefully I'll hear back from the other job soon!!

Maybe I should have told him results from my personality tests! ha

The Myers-Briggs one is actually really good... I got ENFJ which is Extraverted, iNuitive, Feelings and Judging

And found this site which describes that personality type - sounds kinda like me :)

http://www.typelogic.com/enfj.html

My interview was scheduled for 4:30pm, I arrived at 5pm! ahh... fortunately I had called up to say I might be late, as I have to catch the courtesey shuttle from town to the hotel (it's in Pok Fu Lam, which is quite far away).

First impression? wow!! It's a really flash hotel, I don't know how many stars it is, but it's up there. I walk in and approach the counter, and there's this really cute guy behind the counter, and I think hmm I wouldn't mind working here! hah, the general manager comes down, and he's so kewl. He doesn't care that I'm late, very laid back sort, very presentable, smart looking, maybe mid-late 30s, married, Danish so he has a little accent - I love accents! So we head upstairs to one of the restaurants and get a drink and start chatting. He's great, he's like an uncle, or one of you parents' friend you can just chat with.

After a few minutes, he goes - so I've read your cv, we've chatting for 5mins, tell me about yourself, your personality. Man did you know how hard that is?? Where do you start? So I just start rambling away. He asked me if I was shy, which I thought was funny, but I guess a revelant question in the hospitality industry. And asked other questions like what are my plans, future goals etc.

Basically the hotel is fairly new, only opened last April and he's been there since Oct and it needs lots of work re. positioning, obtaining market share and planning and so on. He has a sales&marketing background and is restructuring the marketing dept. My position would be as a marketing exec working with himself, his PA and a marketing director. Small team, a lot of work and challenges, definately exciting. He mentioned that after a year and half I'll be prob up in management level and can move into different areas from there. So it's pretty flexible. The best is that it's a global company, so opportunities to relocate is high. and he was like, you're 23, still young so after 6months you might want to move on and try something else!! Not many companies would say that to you!

Sooooo... I'll be hearing about this later this week, either wed or thurs. So will be continuing to pray and seek God if this is what He wants me to do. God please make it really really obvious!

ohhh here's the site : http://www.hongkong.lemeridien.com/

Hmm I love this song. I keep playing it really LOUD! So it's good my room's on the other side of the flat!

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even though you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right besides you dear

I love how God can speak to you through different mediums, even secular music. So it's been a great remidner knowing God's right with me.

Just read Abbey's blog and what a coincidence!! I have an interview on Monday 4:30pm with a hotel as well! Crazy aye... it's for the marketing dept. of Le Meridian. So you can mention my name when you pray for Abbey too. hehe

It's totally a God thing, because last week after my crappy day/s I had gone to a worship session, which moves in the spirit and after the pastor prayed for me. First it was about a job and he kept saying Monday, Monday... very odd, and went on about some other stuff, which was encouraging. And then this interview thing came up. Pretty awesome.

God is good - all the time...

And about fitting in and all that, I was called up on Friday by one of the chicks organising 180, asking if I want to be apart of their welcome team and come to their prayer meeting etc! Yeah, it's such a different feeling when people ask you, instead of you asking. So yeahyeah!

...and all the time - God is GOOD!

I will lift up my eyes to this hills-
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth,
and even forevermore.

A question that has hardly been heard over the past few weeks...

I thought I was doing ok... making friends, getting out there, looking for a job, settling back into HK, but yesterday was soo hard, I wanted to cry all day long, lots of little things kept happening making it worse and worse

I heard back about a job that I REALLY wanted and thought was perfect for me. Seriously, I actually thought this is God's job for me. but they're on 2nd interviews with another candidate, so most likely will be going with that. I really deflated me. I nearly cried reading that email. I guess I had worked it up in my mind so much that I was going to get it, that when I didn't I didn't know what to do...

Then my sister starts going about how that 7s ticket is hers and if she can't get it, she can't go and what's the point in coming back to hk and so on and so on... made me really angry. Basically I don't really care about the ticket, so she can have it, but just her whole attitude behind it. And this morning had to read all these emails about it, which in my current state didn't really make things better...

I then went to get some makeup and the lady at the counter was really nice and putting it on etc and when I said I didn't have money to buy it now, she got all snotty and said it was the last bottle and there were no other shops in HK... mehh

By this time I just wanted to go home, but I was going out for a birthday dinner... so went along and the whole nite I was feeling sooo out of place. Why am I here?? I hardly know these people, I'm surrounded by people speaking Cantonese and I can kinda understand what they're saying, but not really. I just didn't fit and even after we had gone out for drinks, same thing... why are you still here? Justs a tag along really, do they even care if you're here or not and so on...

Finally I get home about 2am alone in my room I start crying... missing people esp my girls, people I know who I am with, who I can talk to and not try to fit in all. I miss praying with them and having spiritual advice. The only advice I have had from these people is enjoy the free time you've got. Not even pray, God has a job for you etc.

And this morning my mum asked me how I was doing spiritually, and I just started crying at the table talking about everything... mehhh spiritually HK is a very hard place to live, everyone has different agendas, focuses. It's hard, but I know I'm suppose to be here. God help me!!!

... and it's the first day it's rained this much since I've been back...

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Woke up this morning and got ready for a meeting with another recruiter... when I arrived there and filled out some forms, a lady came to me and said that the meeting had been cancelled, because the person I was suppose to meet called in sick. They had called and left a message, but I didn't hear my phone, nor thought to check it! She was very apologetic and we've rescheduled till tomorrow... now what am I going to wear? I have one interview outfit!

YEAH I've managed to score a rugby 7s ticket!! It's on March 17th weekend, so that'll be fun, I haven't been in ages!! Hope I can find some friends to go with!

boo... just added haloscan for easier commenting, but now all my old comments are gone!!

Well the CNY has come and gone, and so has most of the sales... although I'm sure the new spring sale will be out soon! YEAH!

I'm so more settled and at peace about waiting for a job. I know God has it planned and it will find me in a sense and everybody I've met has been really helpful and offering advice or knows someone that they'll pass a contact on and so on. It's great. I have a few things I need to follow up this week, so will be praying the right doors open and so on

Well here are the highlights of the weekend:
1. Going hiking in Shek O - Dragon's Back. 7km, 2.5hrs, overcast
2. Playing touch American football on the beach, a first for me!! huht It just seemed so wrong throwing the ball infront instead of back!
3. Meeting another Kiwi chick who is from Wellington, worked in teh same office as my aunt and even went to the same church as her!! Small world
4. Sharing 3 desserts between 16 people (the restaurant only had 3 mangos!! I know)
5. Chatting to Abbey on MSN
6. Having a PCC coffee
7. Going to some friends' flat-warming (these are real flats!!) on the 23/F
8. Watching them play advanced level spoons
9. Worship this morning was just what I needed
10. Snapple Peach Iced Tea - need I say more

...and the weekend hasn't even finished yet!

Another very kewl thing is that people actually want to hang out with me!! Some have even said "we should hang out more" and people have asked for my number first (not randoms)!! Honestly it's sooo kewl, cuz it's hard being the outsider and trying to come into everyone else's groups - you don't want to feel desperate, clingy or anything. I guess it's that whole rejection thing again, putting yourself out there. And God knows what I'm like and has brought the right people into my life to include me, make me feel liked and so on. It's great for the ego! haha but seriously it's made it a lot easier.

I realise that God's placed me here for a reason, a season and a purpose... esp. being home with my parents! And I'm able to use my giftings and talents in various ways...

Music conducter: I chose what music to put on in the kitchen everyday
Performer: I dance and sing around the kitchen to whatever musics on
Story-teller: I re-tell stories of the old days in Dunedin with friends, flatties and life in general
News reporter: update them on what's happening on the street as I go by (mainly weather, traffic and crowds)
Kitchen hand: I tidy up the dishes after dinner (most days... don't take out the rubbish though)
Bread Maker: 4th attempt today... "my little balls of dough" (I actually sing that) getting better
Fashion consultant: I picked out new pyjamas for them the other day
Super model: I try on all my new clothes and show off my bargins after I've been shopping

... and I wonder what my parents did without me?! heehee

woohoo tomorrow I'm going hiking, yes you can go hiking in HK! It's a 7km trail, so it's pretty sweet. Although being a typical Hongkonger I don't have "appropriate" clothes, (I can't go hiking in heels and a handbag now - oops I've already done that! haa). So today's mission was spent looking for a cute new outfit, which I did get. Plus a new backpack!! Score

The kewlest thing I've realised (with a little help) is that I've been getting impatient and worried about the whole job situation, so much so that God gave me that interview. The reason it was terrible was because God was telling me "This job's not for you, I've got something else for you. Just be patient" okokok I get the point... I'm just waiting then - just keep waiting, just keep waiting, waiting, waiting, just keep waiting...

Stuff to do in my spare time... online quizzes. This one was sent to my by my sis, on what kind of career you want/be good at...

My results:
People with yellow Interests like job responsibilities that include organizing and systematizing, and professions that are detail-oriented, predictable, and objective. People with yellow Interests enjoy activities that include: ordering, numbering, scheduling, systematizing, preserving, maintaining, measuring, specifying details, and archiving, which often lead to work in research, banking, accounting, systems analysis, tax law, finance, government work, and engineering.

People with red styles prefer to perform their job responsibilities in a manner that is action-oriented and practical. They prefer to work where things happen quickly and results are seen immediately. People with red styles tend to be straightforward, assertive, logical, personable, authoritative, friendly, direct, and resourceful, and usually thrive in a self-structured, high-pressured, hierarchical, production-oriented, competitive environment. You will want to choose a work environment or career path in which your style is welcomed and produces results.

hmm don't know if I agree with it all... tax law?! Accounting? hmm what colour styles are you?!

http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/quiz/career_quiz1.asp

And apparently I'm meloncholy phalgmatic... I actually did 2 different temperament tests, and got the same.

So they were reliable, but how valid are they?!

ok so I've been doing some work at my dad's friend's office... and I'm soooo bored! Last week was ok, cuz I actually had stuff to do, but this week there isn't much. basically I'm just here, because my dad said to be here. Show face.

and it's Chinese New year this week so it's even quieter!! Wed-Sat are holidays. It's really pretty around town with all the decorations and things, lots of red!! Jared you really should have stayed a few more weeks! there's a parade and fireworks on the harbour.

yeah I've started running again.. heh, the first time out I could only run like 5mins before I gave up! Today went for about 15mins... so I'm slowly getting there. The whole motivation of this was that there's a 10km run at the end of the month, which I thought I could do. But I can't because registrations have been maxed (14,000 - 10km, 8,000 - half marathon and 6,000 for full marathon!) crazy, and the run is like at 6am on a sunday morning! Nevertheless, I'm going to stick with running. There's some action asia challenges coming up, but don't know if I could do something like that. More off road, terrain, mountain/track etc...

I've been thinking of going into China and learning Chinese, or teaching english and using my chinese. That way I'd be more marketable when I come back. hmm... but a good thing here is using my cantonese, lei ho ma and saying hi to all the little old ladies on the street! hehe I guess whether I go or not it's up to God. I just need to be patient...

speaking of which, I'm heading off for an interview now. got an extra pair of shoes, so I'll be alright!

The interview...

First of all I didn't know if I was in the right place or not, there was a different name on the door. And no one would let me in, and I couldn't find the doorbell thing. Once in, I had to poke (seriously I did) my head around a corner, and then all these people look up from their desk at me, I'm like hi, I'm looking for so-and-so and they say he's around the corner. So head that way, still not knowing where I'm going, or who I'm suppose to look for. It's an open plan office, smallish and no one distinguishable. A lady follows me around and pokes her head into a room to let the guy know I'm here. He's in a meeting, so he says wait a while. 10mins later, he comes out and gets me in the room. No handshake, or hi nice to meet you. Didn't even introduce himself. very blaaze about everything. He doesn't have my cv, although he did briefly look at it. Asks me some questions, and takes some notes, doodles on the pad (I can actually see him doing this). Less than 15mins later I'm out the door, no handshake or anything and I had to open the door (you have to push a button to unlock it)!

Basically they identify your skill sets and see if they match the company and where you can fit in. For me, he said more marketing and dealing with international clients, which actually would be kewl. They work with Adidas, Body Shop, Beach Culture, Kodak and so on.

Don't think I want to work for a place like that. They are a small company, which is expanding, but doesn't have business systems or structures in place, and they don't seem to care. Shaking someones hand is a sign of respect and acknowlegdement and I just felt so stink after... I had to go get some chocolate!

Anyways... it's in God's hands now.

…will you get a shampoo and blow dry for HK$19 (NZ$3.45)
…will you see a monk with a cellphone
…will someone pick up their phone during a movie and have a conversation
…will that same someone do it again!!
…will you be able to catch a double-decker tram for HK$2
…will you have to share a table with other people in a restaurant
…will you see Hello Kitty and LV face/surgical masks
…will people buy underwear on the side of the road
…will you see shop signs saying “Sale Final Day” for two-weeks
…will people be bundled up in huge jackets when it’s 16c
…will 10 people ask you to make a suit while you walk down the block
…will you be taken out for coffee, 2 lunches and dinner/movie/coffee in one week! (I’m so blessed)