As I've blogged, I covered yet another event last nite (Friday). This time though, the client didn't intend for me & boss to do any real work. As in, the other events that we have had to cover so far, the client expected us to take the necessary shots and speeches and interviews in between the dinner. So I was pleasantly surprised when the person told me just to enjoy the dinner, and that we were there as their invited guests, not to work. But of course, being occupational hazards, we still brought our camera & notebooks, scribbling notes and speeches of coz. Good thing we did, coz there were unexpected speeches made by guests, last min interviews that we simply should do in preparation for the next issue of the newsletter. Yeah, actually we expected that already, despite what she had said. But well, she was really apologetic. Haha..
It was a great evening actually. Remember I was saying these couple of days, weeks and months were nothing short of pure madness? And also that I was kinda surprised at my own abilities to handle everything, and the end result was more than satisfactory? Haha...yah, I'm indulging myself now...but hey, I deserve this! *wide grin*
Especially this particular client, one of the many clients I had been servicing since I joined this company. This organisation is a union under NTUC and co-operative (shan't name them). Basically they are a rather traditional cheena-sort of ppl, eg. likes red dislikes black that sort of thing. But the leader is a very forward-looking and adaptable person; and I must say the organisation is very successful one coz of his leadership and sharp biz acumen. I am in awe of the boss, who's this man in his 60s I think. Anyways, thought I'll just drop some little history.
Initially, I didn't really like servicing them, coz it seemed as though everyone in the company is either brash or rude or plain uneducated. Even the one whom I've been liaising with (the lady I mentioned just now). She was FOREVER trying to find my fault, pick at me. Seriously. Sort of like, I couldn't stand her, she didn't like me. Of coz I didn't show her. The thing is, I absolutely have no idea WHY. Anyways...one fine day, she just changed...for the better. She was nicer to me suddenly. I was of coz suspicious, but my boss kept saying she's a nice person...and that mabbe somehow I've won them over. Oh well...heck with that, so long as my job is easier. =) Indeed, things did get alot better, many many months down the road. I guess mabbe they just didn't really know me and don't remember much of me too. I guess I wouldn't be too chummy with someone I just got to know too. Heh..
The many times I have bent over backwards to help them complete things, I know they appreciate it. Now whenever I go over to their building, I certainly walk with alot more ease, passing by ppl and have them saying hi to me. That certainly feels good. In fact, I like going to big events where many of our different clients attend too, and have different ppl recognising me and saying hi...shaking hands with everyone...Yeah I know I'm egoistic...but really, that, to me, is an acknowledgement, an accomplishment, recognition...and certainly satisfaction.
Two weeks ago, we began to rush the production of the latest issue of the newsletter, in time for the D&D last nite. Two weeks for a magazine issue, with 36 page worth of stories, stories to write, people to interview and information to research and source for before writing begins. That means burnt nites, burnt weekends. And this time frame includes printing and delivery. Printing generally takes between 3-5 days, depending on quantity. This time, we went for a higher quantity print, coz the intention was to distribute the magazine during the dinner. Thankfully, the client allowed us to deliver 1/4 of the full quantity first. That really helped alot. Nonetheless, the timeline is still crap. I was really frustrated most of the time, stressed, upset, and what-have-you...On top of that, we had lotsa problems. For one thing, Isabel (my designer) was rushing other jobs and couldn't really start on the layout for this magazine. And thus far, the cover page proposals we showed were not satisfactory enuff for them. They were nice enuff not to outright "reject" what we gave them, but kept asking us to give them more proposals.Yah, I know there's no difference in that actually, but well still, at least that was kinda than saying "it's not gd enuff". Not to mention the countless hiccups we had to extinguish along the way. Oh, and by the time we conclude and send the magazine to print, it was Weds. Yah, and the dinner was on Fri. My printer had 2 days to print and deliver. She was really pressured, and she actually asked me if there could be any leeway. And I was really worried.
Ok, fast forward to Fri. Boss & myself reached the hotel - Ritz Carlton no less! and I could finally smile when I saw a copy of the newsletter on every seat. It was really whew...and of coz, I could hardly wait to browse through it. As far as we could see, it had turned out the way we wanted it to. Yayy! And call it a nice coincidence. The image on the cover of the magazine - It so happened that the ballroom, while the dinner was waiting to start, was bathed in spotlights designed in such a way that they cast lights around, just like how the magazine's cover was! As if we had planned it, as if the cover was designed in line with the deco of the ballroom. What's more, one of the major articles in the magazine had a layout that was similar to the backdrop on the stage. Haha...Great stuff.
And in that same night, my boss praised me...I mean, she's one who is generous with praise and encouragement. But this is one of the few times when I feel I'm really glad she said it, coz I deserved it. To me, it was recognition and appreciation for my efforts. When I first started on this newsletter which normally ranges from 32-36pages, she did the bulk of the stories, and I did the odd ones here and there. Over time, she gradually let me handle more of the stories. This issue, I scored a first - the first time I handled all of the stories...almost. Yah, she did a half page introduction. But still, I'm proud of myself. And boss said it too! Plus, "See, you can do it!" Heh...She knows how I generally don't have super a lot of confidence. I have actually already been handling other smaller projects without my boss in the picture, but this time, this being one of our major clients, it just feels different.
The client came to thank us too, for rushing the issue. She knew how little time we had; in fact, how insufficient time was actually. Rushing the article, rushing the artwork, rushing the printing. She kept gushing her appreciation, and even went beyond that. She actually told my boss how big a help I had been and how things were able to run smoothly. On top of that, she had to tell my boss to really appreciate us (staff). Wahahaha...
Not to mention that I was the one who sourced the image on the cover. Not that it was a big deal. But it is a big deal to me, coz it demonstrates how I'm closer to knowing them, knowing what they like/want. Remember I was saying Isabel did a couple of proposals which they were not entirely pleased with? coz Isabel just didn't have any idea what sort of image they wanted. We had a theme to follow. I was getting desperate, and I just went through our library, and eventually shortlisted two images, one of which they approved! And they like it...it wasn't that sort of 'choice out of no choice'. And boss actually commented that that image was so much better than the other choices we presented. I'm not letting this get to my head of coz, but I'm just jubilant coz it probably means I'm yet again closer to what they are thinking.
Ritz Carlton...the place is great (we all know that). The food is beyond fantastic, I tell you. I wish I had taken photos of the food. Nah, of coz I couldn't do that...coz I'm sitting with other clients and guests. They would probably think I'm out of my mind. Ha. But really, the food is beyond description. For one thing, we get served for every dish. I mean, normally only the VIP tables get to be served individually, while the other tables get the dish plonked on their table and they gotta serve themselves. This time, we got the VIP treatment and everyone was served individually. Sigh. And every dish - not to mention how delectable - is a classic. Take for instance, their Sharks' Fin soup. It tasted more like a potent mix of herbal soup (in a gd way). It's Ginseng Shark Fin, in fact. And what goes into the soup, I can't describe coz I've got no idea what they are. But I can guarantee, it's not some cheap stuff. For one thing, the Sharks' Fin is not the typical one. Instead of strips of Fins, the Sharks' Fins were in slices. There's also scallops in the soup, plus some other herbs and staff. Woah...great stuff, I tell you. Much as I don't eat such things. Let's see...there's fish, chicken...can't remember liao...but all great stuff, really. Oh, the dessert is strawberry pudding with diced fruits, all authentic. I mean, it's not some fake strawberry or what. Real Strawberry to make the pudding! Heavenly! Entertainment's great too! Entertaining, yet not cheapo stuff. Except for the horrendous singing of the emcee at the very beginning. And he even attempted to rap. I mean, the opening was such a bang, a real climax with pyrotechnics and all. Until his singing after that. Gosh...He's a not-bad host actually. I just wish he hadn't blemised the nite with his singing.
Everything was just great. For a while, I actually thought this was why I didn't managed to get on that plane to Europe. I actually thought this was worth my not getting on the plane to Europe...
For a long while actually. Until after the dinner. I...did something really silly...or stupid. Something which was a moment's folly. Something which I'm not sure if I regret...but I know I will eventually. Something I wish I didn't do it. Something I'm pretty sure the Mighty One would be grieved and angry with me about.
Why did I do it?
