November Madness

The ORB Family

We are well into November and for us that means it is getting close to the end of another year in Singapore. It has been a very interesting year that has gone far too quickly. Yesterday Ruth and I went down to MOM and renewed our Employment Passes. This is a process that takes time. First you go to a machine and get a ccue number, then you go up an escalator and into a big room with lots of seats and wait. There are counters on 3 sides of the room and digital displays around the room that flash cue-numbers. Eventually your number flashes on one and you go to the counter indicated. A brief discussion takes place the person behind the counter takes your papers, passport and old green card and tells you to come back in the afternoon. On returning you get a second cue-number This time with an H. This cue comes up very quickly, I think it is because this is the one where they take your money. It is very impressive how many people they deal with and the efficiency of getting through the system. The outcome is we can now come and go from Singapore for the next two years as workers.


Ruth and Sharifah at lunch.
It has been a very social month with lots of events taking place, many revolving around dinner in nice restaurants. We had the MASC Dinner, where everyone from the company has a meal at a very nice Hotel. There are spot prizes drawn and some lucky people get to go home with some really good gifts. This year there was even a laptop computer. We had to be content with a voucher for a local supermarket. Still 20 dollars to spend on food is always helpful. A most enjoyable evening.

EA, AD and DAD from ORB, MASC


Last week ORB celebrated their end of year with a lunch at Shangri-La yet another very nice Hotel. We had run a very successful raffle this year so lunch was paid for out of the raffle funds. There was even a small sum that went into each persons pockets. The food was a superb and we enjoyed a range of dishes from a multi cultural buffet. Another part that added to the atmosphere was the Raffle supplied everyone with a Christmas hat to help set the mood for the occasion. Everyone seemed to have a good time.


We look forward to our final week coming up next week and a Joint Staff Meeting. This is yet another meal out and a chance to say goodbye to all the people leaving MASC. There is going to be a few changes this year. Life will go on and there will be lots to of adventures to keep it interesting in 2009.



Ruth and I are very excited because after work on November 30 we fly out for London. This trip has taken all year to eventuate. We will be in Ireland for Christmas and it will be our first Christmas away from home. It will be a little hard not having our boys around on Christmas day but that will only make the next time we are together so much better. We are not too sure how we are going to get on with a whole month of winter in the UK. We have packed our poly props though.


I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.




This will probably be my last posting for a while so:

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Salutations!

May 2009 be full of Adventure and Prosperity!