Tag Archives: Work

Noodles and Business

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I’ve been too busy lately… So I’m writing a quick update while having the leftover Thai Green Curry that I made earlier this week combined with Japanese buckwheat noodles that I prepared five minutes ago. It’s yummie I tell you, extremely spicy because I added too much paste and unfortunately too hot temperature-wise *wink* I feel it’s okay to compliment your own culinary creations especially when it’s this good!

A had a great meeting with the manager of the City Auditorium, a really nice woman who might invite me in a few months to participate in a pitch to obtain an assignment. A new logo, stationery and website needs to be designed which is something not to be taken lightly. It might be one of the largest assignments I have taken so far and I must admit I’m slightly nervous about this, although it would be a great addition to the folio!

I’ve been completely honest about it: graphic design won’t be a problem but web design requires another level of technique that I can’t do on my own so I’m looking for a trusted partner. I called a colleague/friend of my brother and asked him to help me. I’ve had email contact with him before because of previous business matters, but we’d never spoken on the phone. It was weird because we ended up talking for five hours!

Perhaps it clicked because he’s half Indonesian, a quarter Chinese and another quarter Dutch. It just felt like I’ve known him for years and it was great to talk about business and other topics as well. He mailed off a CD that I hopefully will receive today, it contains a course that I’m eager to start! I’ve been feeling a tad overwhelmed this week which makes me realise certain things that I need to improve about/for myself.

I went to the hospital on Tuesday and the woman I had to see that day, pointed out something similar and related. She told me to express myself by writing more often, so I’ve installed another blog to keep a private diary. I have to learn to rechannel my energy and use it for my own benefit first and then that of close friends with integrity and who genuinely appreciate it: me. It’s about time I cut that Gordian knot fercrissakes!

So that’s what I’ve been doing lately: give no time to those who only seem to know you when they need something from you. Instead I’ve used more energy on those close to me… Yesterday I went to a thrift shop to look for some things I need for my business plan and came home with a gorgeous old serving dish instead (only € 1,50). Plus a sheer long sleeve top: a late birthday gift from my neighbour who gave me a ride to the shop.

I still have a cold and have been sneezing a lot so I’m gonna take things slow! I have to prepare an email as well but it’s something I need to think about: I was asked what kind of courses I’d like to offer, when I’d be available, what I’d need software-wise etc. But there’s so much I’d love to teach… So I have to give it thought before I write that reply. It will be great to teach again though but first things first: getting better *wink*

/* End of update, have a great weekend! */

© Zesty Gal
– Thai Green Curry with chicken and courgette (zucchini) and Japanese buckwheat noodles

Left Turn

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One hour before I had to leave for an interview this afternoon I had a conversation with a Mensendieck therapist* about my doubts…

*Mensendieck is a paramedical system of correct body mechanics, correct muscle function, and correct posture based on sound fundamental research developed by Dr. Bess Mensendieck and has widespread use in Europe, specifically Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands.

She told me to just be honest and to tell them what my reasons were for having those doubts. I was nervous not because of the interview but because I would have to go there with mixed feelings while I should be overenthusiastic, convincing and showing my total commitment and a drive to attain the goal: getting this job.

I had the interview, I was honest and I told them about my doubts halfway through. I can’t fool these people: they’re psychiatrists… professionals… They have the ability to x-ray your thoughts and your soul and make you say things that you think were safely put away in the back of your head, unreachable and hidden to others… NOT.

What was supposed to be a quick and short interview became a fifty minutes one and near the end I said to them that it might be best if they would offer someone else this opportunity instead of me. No, I didn’t lose my mind… Something weird happened during the interview while they were carefully analysing my reactions and words.

At some point they offered me a better position, which included a creative job and a higher education than the one I had the interview for. I could use my creativity with the job they had on offer while the original one didn’t involve creativity at all -which I knew- but it didn’t matter until the moment they mentioned another position and asked me what I’d prefer…

I left with this odd feeling… not sure what to feel. I have to call Mr. L. (the main interviewer) next week and make an appointment with him to discuss the possibilities, it will take about an hour. I would be working three days a week and study for a bachelor degree on the fourth day for four years. They will pay for my study/books while I’d work for their organisation…

So I guess I did what was right, I listened to my gut feeling and was honest with them… a win-win situation. I have till September to commit to my design work and use the available network to get assignments in while I’ve something good to look forward to. I think it all is going to work out just fine as long as I trust that gut feeling. Today is proof of that!

When I left they shook my hand and thanked me for my honesty. I think that was the best compliment I had in a while…