So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen and hello again

Zero posts in March are not an indication of an idle month. On the contrary, my classification of *busy* just ascended to yet a new level, at both work and at home. That was basically why my last blog entry was a good 2 months ago!

As what I do, after a long time away from posting, is to write about the things that concern the people around me. That is, yet another outgoing stream of friends / colleagues.

This year, Valentine's Day happened to fall on the same day as the Chinese New Year (also know as the Lunar New Year, for those who are not Chinese but who celebrate this event all the same). It was on the eve of the eventful weekend did I have to wish additionally a "goodbye" to my colleague in Finance, Ms Siew Hong. Typically, I only hear from my colleagues in Finance once a month (during monthly cut-off). For Siew Hong, she was in charge of annual asset checking, meaning by right I would only hear from her once a year. Of course, if I know someone in the company, their reputation surely preceeds them! :)

Anyway, for the few years that we have worked together in the company, I found that we have certainly learnt a lot about each other's work. I know as much about Finance as she knows about Manufacturing. I asked, but never got a definite indication as to where her future endeavors might be taking her....

A good part of the month passed, up until the end, where I found out (by sheer accident) that I would have to say goodbye to Blossom, the cheerful girl from HR. She had been around for barely a year, it seems to me, but all so soon, she decided that factory life wasn't her calling, so off she went to a happier carrier of choice!

It was during this time too, that I found out that my old time friend since the days of our initial line transfer from Penang to Melaka was also leaving the company. To Thiagoo, who I owe a special debt to, along with the rest of the original failure analysis team, who played a decisive role for the chemistry that developed between me and their engineer (who would later become my dear wife). I nearly missed chance to say goodbye, as he was in all of the sudden after a long leave to hand in his badge and other company assets. Fortunately, my old friend managed to call me up before he departed the company grounds. Anyway, Thiagoo would be taking time off to recover his health. As his residence was close to my wife's hometown, we plan to visit him one day soon.

On the way out, an engineer who specializes in analyzing failures - Benny Lee. Don't know him personally very well, as he was stationed in a location some 10 km from our plant, which we have some agreement to lease the usage of analytical equipment. Well, so I hear through my colleagues that he would be leaving the country (that's certainly a new one), so I hope he finds better prospects where he's going.

There is another one leaving, much to my surprise. Another old friend. Though I found out today, the news has already proved to spread faster than fire through a kerosene-soaked rag. For those in the same company, you know who I'm talking about. For those who don't you'll find out soon...! :)

With all these "farewell" posts, I end this one with a slight twist. There is a small occurrence of counter-flow to the typical outward stream of people, though. A somewhat small consolation was the fact that we welcome again the strong and capable Dr Gunalan to once again fill the shoes of IEHS Head of Department. Well, after what was effectively a long, long holiday, he's back! Now, if my old boss could just do the same...! (here's some wishful thinking)

Well, so much for friends at work. To those I've mentioned (therefore I won't forget), congratulations on finding a new course in life, and for the strength and courage to take a step forward!