Date:
Friday, February 23, 2007
Time: 11:50:00 PM
My First Entry... End of my Barista Days.. *SobS*
Today, marked the end of my Spin journey. After 26 months of bitter sweet memories, I am finally calling it a day albeit with a heavy heart. The feelings inside me was the same like the day 2 ½ years ago, during my graduation night. It was filled with mixed feelings. It was the feeling of
'I can't wait to get myself out of Spin yet I know I will miss the place and people terribly.' That was exactly how I felt during my graduation night 2 ½ years ago.
26 months ago, on the 29th November 2004 (exactly on Ryan Giggs' Birthday), I started work at Spin. Then, I was posted to the branch at Amara Hotel to do my training. I felt so stupid during the Spin station training because I guessed I was stuck up after being in the line for so long and what I was learning was a like testing my intelligence. But still, like it or not, I paid full attention pretending that I was interested. Ha ha..
A week later, I proceeded to Espresso station training. Though, I had experience handling the machine, I was overwhelmed by the standard operation procedures. I was impressed and was eager to learn. But at that time, having been away from the Espresso station for only 3 months yet, I wasn't confident in doing any of the Espresso based beverages. It took me a few days to brace up to the challenge and subsequently, I managed to get rid of the phobia.
After 3 weeks, I was attached to Harbourfront. Initially, I did not like that idea. Though I lived nearby, I dislike that area because I find it a tad too boring and I have made good friends with the people at Amara. Initially, it was just a short attachment. Subsequently, it became my permanent store which I ultimately grown attached to.
From a 'ghost town', the Harbourfront area have developed into such a crowded place with more offices moving in and the opening of Vivo City. During my time at Harbourfront, I have made a lot of friends whom I can't bear to leave actually. My regular customers who have became my friends are my source of motivation to come to work and strive to a better Barista.
However, despite all the good times I've had at Harbourfront, deep within me, there is a voice which kept on saying, 'Its time for me to move on and make use of what I have studied...' I know, that decision which I've made was a painful one but still, in the long run I guessed I'll benefit for my own future. I have had postpone this decision for a long time. And now, finally I am taking a step forward to address the issue. Wow!
Friends have said I had wasted so much time at Spin. But rather, I felt it was something fulfilling. To me, life is a learning journey. We learn from our own mistakes and rectifying it along the way. From experience, we'll become stronger. In that 26 months, I have become more outspoken, more irritating, more exposed to different languages ( I've learn a bit of Danish, Japanese, brush up my Chinese, let my Malay rot, try to speaks less Singlish), made more friends and not to forget the bitter sweet memories.
So what exactly happened today...? My last day at work.. I couldn't sleep last night. Trying to think about the good old days.. the people I'll miss terribly, the fun at work and everything. I've even made a list for one of my customer so that he won't be lost when I am gone.
This morning, it was quite busy. For the first time, I felt so pressurized. It was like the good old days, the more drinks I do, the more orders will come in. But this time, my regulars were trying to have conversations with me and all.. kinda hard to focus. But luckily, I managed to refrained myself from crying. I tried very hard to control my tears. And, I thought there was only one person who could me tear up. Cos, to that particular person, I actually teared when I told him I was leaving. I managed to hold on my tears till 'Big Daddy' came by during lunch. And, yes, I cried BUT not uncontrollably.. Actually, I was lost for words.. when he and Dave (are you happy that you get to read my blog? He he) were saying how special I made their visit to Spin each time though majority of the time I was irritating them!
Below are some excerpt from my original blog (which will be closed pretty soon as I'll start blogging from here) :-
I've received a few surprises today. The first was, a table bouquet which was delivered to me! They were from my regulars from HRG, Greg, James and David! Haha.. It was just this morning, James was telling me start working. I shouldn't be skiving just because it was my last day. I've spent the whole week teasing him. He must be glad that I am gone! Haha.. But really, the flowers were a surprise! Aww... Gonna miss them loads!!!
Right after that, one of my newer regular customer, Sandra came in with her husband, David. She just got back from Africa. She won't come in till next Monday. But just for me, she actually made a special trip to see me and at the same time introduce me to her husband. It was already so sweet when she actually remembered that it was my last day today and made the effort to visit me. But, she surprised me further by getting me a hand crafted bracelet from Africa! Its made from bones and horns! Cool! I will definitely miss her especially the morning chats we always have! My morning is always fun when she comes by.
Soon, I received a bouquet of flowers from my cute Japanese customer who is also my “Fajar Road” friend! Her name is Ayuko. It had been fun knowing her.. teasing her and hearing her stories about her son, Ian. You guys should know how sweet the Japanese are.. Another angel bestowed to me to make my day.
Then, my Japanese customers from Renesas and Canon came by... They wished me all the best and hope to see me again.. It was nice knowing them. Senna-san, Eddie, Joe, Koji and Toshi from Canon. Tateishi, Abe, Honggo, Takagi from Renesas. Not to forget, Makoto from Timberland. Even, my customers from Maersk, specially had lunch just to see me. Thank you David and Marcos! You guys rawks! Also, special thanks to John White, Wayne, Shiv and Mike from BP who also specially had lunch so that they'll see me for the last time behind the counter!
Late in the afternoon, Hanna, one of my regular from BP came by. She gave me a card on behalf of Rama who's now based in Bangkok, words of thanks from Big Daddy, Rosemary, Craig and herself. I'll miss her and the gang! That's for sure!!!!!
Peter, my long-time regular from Kraft Foods, made a special trip to the office just to see me. Luckily, I informed him about my last day yesterday. The poor guy was on a vacation in Phuket with his family. Phuket.. that was how I got to know him. He was in Phuket during the Tsunami about 2 years back.. Luckily, he was alright. And, his family too. I was so happy because he made my farewell extra special.
Special mention to my 'svigerfar'.. he finally bought me another can drink. Purposely made him come down again to get me my drink! Hahaa.. Will disturb him again pretty soon.. That's for sure! Whahahaha...
Also, special thanks to my colleagues.. thanks for the watch! Haha.. I think I've said what I wanna say.. except to my BOSS, Danny (I am not sure if you are reading this or not..) :-
Danny, thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to start at Spin 26 months ago. We've been through a lot of craps and nonsense together but working with you have been the best moments behind the counter. I know there are times where there have been misunderstandings and times where I over-reacted.. I am sorry for those unpleasant moments and my apologies should I have disappoint you in anyway during the course of work. Thank you for your kind guidance and you have been the GREATEST Boss I've ever worked with. We'll still keep in touch, I hope.
Anyways, I guessed I have wrote quite a lengthy entry... But given that it was about reminiscing about what happened in the last 26 months, I believe its forgiven. Excuses! Ha ha..
So, to all my dearest customers, once again, I want to tell you all that it had been a great 26 months. Great knowing you people and to those whom I didn't get a chance to say my goodbye, I am sorry. I hope I'll see you people again one day. *Fingers crossed*
You guys have been great and have been my source of motivation! Thank you for all the lovely moments, kind thoughts and I hope to be back in this game again. One day.......... I'll be BACK!
