Humble

Today, I discovered yet again, the humbling power of a stumble.

As I stepped off an unstable boat onto a makeshift pier stairway, I lost my balance on the slippery clay and fell flat on my back. Fortunately, I was not hurt, and did not get into any serious trouble.

But, it was a close shave. I could have fallen overboard into the mangrove swamp. I could have landed on a rusty nail protruding from the wooden stairs. I could have dropped my bag into the water - passport and mobile phones included.

I was lucky enough to have been able to just stand up, assess the damage (amounting to a brown clay streak across the back of my trousers and a slightly damaged shoe) and walk off slightly dazed. To my credit, I did not lose my composure and completed the field trip in relatively good spirits.

I will be more careful next time. And, I will also remember that sometimes, stuff just happens.

Why?

Again, why am I going to this McKinsey interview?

Test

cricket. I am a Test cricket kind of person, am I not?

Here's to the 2000th.

About patience, about class, about discipline, about rigour, about endurance, and about second chances.

Korea

Happily drowning in work in my hotel room, I look out the window for a brief moment, and I realise - I am in Korea.

Seoul Tower in a little bit.

3.0

That is what she has decided to call the milestone's passing.

More than anything, I'd like to thank God, Providence, the Laws of the Universe or what not, for bringing me to this point in great company, fine fettle, good health and bright spirits.

Life has been good and keeps getting better. So much has been experienced, and yet there is so much to look forward to. Built around a core of happiness, contentment and a peace of the mind.

Flight

As I wait for my flight to Incheon, I ask myself: How many times have I been on a plane?

'81-'96: less than 10 times
'97-'03: 5 times a year
'04-'05: 12 times a year
'06-'10: 20 times a year
And, just this year, if it all happens as I now know, 60 times.

That's a total of ~230 flights before the year is out. Half a lifetime back, I would have laughed at the suggestion.

Sample

6-7 Complete presentation (Powerpoint start to a day, would you believe it?)
9-12 Play host to senior ministerial delegation and roll out red carpet. Or rather, orange boat. Personalized engraved Pewter and laminated group photograph - nice touch.
12-2 Attend networking lunch with industry partners in the Tower Club, Raffles Place. Only points of note: seriously impressive view of Singapore and spotting of airhead.
3-4 Lay out ideas to squeeze out a bit more in negotiations with aforementioned delegation.
5-6 Have difficult discussion with customer whose market capitalisation is ~100 times that of employer.

A bit of a change.